Minutes - July 11, 2002

MEMBER ABSENT: Rich Gordon

STAFF PRESENT: Michael Scanlon, David Miller, Joan Cassman, Roger Contreras,     Rita Haskin, Howard Goode, Chuck Harvey, Aurora Jose, Jim McKim

Chair Guingona called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.

CONSENT CALENDAR

The Board unanimously approved the following items under the Consent Calendar.

1. Minutes of June 6, 2002 with the following correction:

   • On page 3 of 5, to the sentence at the top of the page, the word "some" should be inserted. The sentence should read: "Because some people from the coastside are farm workers …"
2. Adoption of Financial Statements, May 2002

PUBLIC COMMENT: None at this time.

CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT

Ken Colmen stated a candidate will be proposed to replace Jim Bigelow. He reported on the modifications being made on the CAC sub-committees’ structure, to more clearly reflect some of the issues that the CAC is working on. The chairs are:

• Rail sub-committee - Larry Shaine
• Non-motorized Transportation - Adrienne Leigh
• Land - Morton Frank
• Dumbarton Rail - Randy Hees
• Legislative - Tom Dickerman
• Measure A Reauthorization - Doris Maez (with staff member Jane Lockwood)
• Highway 92 and 35 - Pat Dixon

He also advised that the Committee will take to the Board for consideration the choosing of an alternate member. He noted a lot of concerns on the Woodside road widening. He also commented the strategic plan was a very good summary.

Director Church suggested that the matter of appointing an alternate member be agendized next meeting.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

• Resolution No. 2002-12: Resolution of Appreciation for Jim Bigelow

  The Board, by roll call, unanimously passed the resolution. Chair Guingona recognized Mr. Bigelow for his dedication and advocacy of projects under the Measure A Expenditure Plan and the development of the Dumbarton rail corridor. He presented the resolution to Mr. Bigelow. Mr. Bigelow thanked the Board for appointing him on the CAC and expressed pleasure and satisfaction working on various issues.

• Chair Guingona reported on the Highway 92 improvements. A meeting is scheduled between Director Rich Gordon, representatives of Caltrans and himself to discuss issues. He will be reporting to the Board on the progress of the discussions.
• Chair Guingona referred to the written liaison report in the packet pertaining to the SamTrans Board meeting of June 12, 2002.
• Regarding the SamTrans Board meeting that was held yesterday (July 10), Executive Director Michael Scanlon made the following reports:
  • After considering public comments, the Board unanimously approved the proposed BART/SFO Extension Parking Program.
  • Marianne Mannia, outgoing chair of the Paratransit Coordinating Council, was honored for her efforts to help improve Redi-Wheels service for persons with disabilities.
  • SamTrans received an award from the American Public Transportation Association as a runner-up in the Gold Award for the transit property with the best overall safety record.

  • The Finance Committee approved the following:

    1. Filing of an emergency management grant application in the amount of $50,000 for holding emergency drills in connection with terrorism or any type of emergency.

    2. Contracting with the County of San Mateo for a $60,000 grant for the operation of a shuttle bus at East Palo Alto.
    3. Using the competitive negotiation process to procure up to sixty 40-foot heavy-duty transit coaches.
    4. Salary Ordinance
    5. Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1574.

JOINT POWERS BOARD REPORT

Mr. Scanlon gave the following reports regarding the JPB Board meeting of July 11:

• The Board passed the proposed JPB Capital Budget for 2003 that includes sufficient funds to continue Caltrain electrification. Staff came up with a creative solution to underwrite the project for approximately two more years.

• New members Sepi Richardson and Brian Wilfley were appointed to the Citizens Advisory Committee. Incumbents Bruce Balshone, Paul Bendix and Mike Rodriguez were reappointed for another term.
• The ceremonial kick-off of the CTX project was attended by California Governor Gray Davis and Senator Jackie Speier, the current Mayor and Assemblyman-elect Jim Mullins and current Mayor and MTC member Sue Lempert. He said this is the symbolic start of the largest construction project and modernization program ever undertaken on the system. He commended Mike Nevin for his skill and spontaneity as master of ceremonies of the event.
• Sam Shank, outgoing CAC member, outlined a number of suggestions to improve Caltrain service. The Board and staff were impressed with his insights.
• Caltrain ridership is off 8 percent. Revenue year-to-date is off 5 percent. On-time performance continues to be very good at 95.4 percent year-to-date. Shuttle ridership is off 13 percent. Year-to-date it is off 9 percent.
• The JPB Board meeting ended with a cake in celebration of Caltrain’s 10th anniversary.
• On the Amtrak situation, a lot of people are working behind the scenes to insure that Caltrain service is affected as little as possible.
• Amtrak made a video presentation focusing on customer service. This film is being used in the training of all Amtrak employees.

Director Lee requested a report on the Giant’s weekend games. Mr. Scanlon noted the past weekend, Caltrain carried about 25 percent of the typical load. July 4^th was a holiday, falling on a Thursday. People observed the holiday for three or four days. But for the coming games, Caltrain is ready to transport baseball fans on BBX buses. He also spoke about the Caltrain employees (ambassadors) at the stations informing passengers that no train is coming.

Director Ruskin complimented Mr. Scanlon for having ambassadors at the stations. He relayed first hand how the ambassadors aided a friend at the station.

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

• Alameda County Reauthorization Experience – Howard Goode, Chief Development Officer, recognized Jim Bigelow for his exceptional involvement, support and help in the Measure A program and his outspoken advocacy of the Dumbarton Project.

Mr. Goode presented material that was put together by Alameda County on its Measure B reauthorization. He invited the Board’s attention to the heading "… Public Participation Makes the Difference." He said it was there for a reason. In their vote, they got nearly 82 percent approval with the 2/3 requirement. Mr. Goode described the process that was adopted two years ago. He discussed the setting up of the Steering Committee and the Expenditure Plan Development Committee, their composition, the projects and how funds were allocated. They did not get the required vote on the first attempt. He said trying for the second time in 2000, Alameda expanded outreach to businesses and groups that opposed the 1998 plan. The plan included something for everyone. The result was a very high approval. Mr. Goode pointed out that doing grass roots programs paid off. Learning from that, he stressed: (a) the need for a range of funding programs; (b) the real decision makers need to be at the table; (c) there should be a broad coalition; (d) reach out farther; and (e) advertise proven track record. He cited some similarities and differences between San Mateo, Santa Clara and Alameda counties necessitating appropriate styles of fund raising during the campaign.

Director Lee asked if Alameda used the same consultant as Santa Clara. Mr. Goode answered they used different consultants.

To the question of Director Galligan on the period covered by the Expenditure Plan, Mr. Goode answered the original was for 15 years and the second one was stretched to 20.

Regarding separations, Mr. Goode referred to the Draft Executive Summary for the Strategic Plan Update that is in the packet. He hopes to highlight local issues in outreach to individual cities that will assist in formulating priorities for the Expenditure Plan. He encouraged the Board to read through the update and provide him with feedback. He added he had already started on this outreach by meeting with Chair Guingona and Director Galligan and other representatives of the cities and talked to them about the Measure. He updated them on the status of Measure A. He also advised the Board of the interests of city officials of San Bruno and San Mateo on the grade separation alternatives and the presentations staff will make on this project. All the signs indicate that they are interested in going forward with grade separation in San Bruno.

• Measure A Public Outreach Plan

  Mr. Scanlon reported an amount of $250,000 previously was approved by the Board for public outreach. Staff will go out for competitive proposals from public outreach firms. He outlined a number of modes utilized by staff in regularly disseminating information to the public. The Grand Jury suggests that staff do more to let the public know what the Transportation Authority has been doing. An insert in the San Mateo County Times that highlights the accomplishments of the Transportation Authority soon will be published. Mr. Scanlon requested the Board to provide staff with input regarding content for the outreach program.

  • Director Lee suggested developing a structured and coordinated program. He suggested getting Samceda as a partner.
  • Director Panza suggested getting the media to help promote the TA. It is essential that the Board go out in front of the general public as much as possible.
  • Director Ruskin stated a well-worked plan by experts in communication and outreach is critical. He indicated that he did not mean to exclude the grass roots.
  • Director Galligan pointed out that one huge selling point in Mr. Goode’s presentation was over the 20 years, the TA is going to raise $800 million and do $3.2 billion worth of work.
  • Pat Dixon, CAC, suggested if staff is going to the grass roots, they send credible representatives to the meetings. She volunteered to field different associations in Redwood Shores for a presentation by Mr. Goode.
  • Director Church commented this will be a combined effort with the communication experts. Community television is another avenue that can be pursued.

REPORT OF LEGAL COUNSEL: None at this time.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS TO AUTHORITY

Mr. Scanlon informed that staff will respond to the letter from the Grand Jury. Director Lee suggested attaching to the response a copy of the newspaper insert.

DATE AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING: Mr. Scanlon stated staff does not see a need for a meeting in August but submitted the matter to the pleasure of the Board. The Board unanimously agreed to cancel the meeting of August 1. The next meeting will be on September 5, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. at 1250 San Carlos Avenue, San Carlos, California.

Adjourned: 6:14 p.m.