Minutes - September 5, 2002

MEMBER ABSENT: Michael Guingona (Chair)

STAFF PRESENT: Michael Scanlon, David Miller, Joan Cassman, Roger Contreras, Howard Goode, Chuck Harvey, Aurora Jose, Darell Maxey, Ian McAvoy, Jim McKim

In the absence of Chair Guingona, Vice Chair Church presided over and called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m. He led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

CONSENT CALENDAR

The Board, by roll call, unanimously approved the following items under the Consent Calendar:

1. Minutes of July 11, 2002 meeting with the following corrections:

   - On page 2 of 4, the third bullet at the bottom of the page, the name Jim Mullins should be changed to Gene Mullins. Also, Mr. Mullins is not an Assemblyman-elect as described on the minutes but still a candidate.

2. Adoption of Financial Statements, June and July 2002
3. Resolution No. 2002-13: Calculation and Adoption of Appropriations Limit for FY 2003
4. Resolution No. 2002-14: Authorizing Executive Director or His Designee to Accept All Deeds and Grants Conveying Any Interest in or Easement upon Real Property to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority and to Consent to their Recordation

PUBLIC COMMENT

Pat Dixon, CAC, was pleased that now, it takes her only seven minutes to go to Hillsdale from Marine Parkway, using the auxiliary lane. Also, she requested planting trees instead of having vines on the soundwalls because vines do not clear the air.

CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT

Ken Coleman, CAC Chair, gave the following reports:

• The Committee had taken steps to help promote Measure A.
• He recommended that the hiring for the vacant CAC position be advertised.
• The Committee endorsed items 10.A. and 11.B. on the agenda that pertain to the grade separation preliminary engineering studies and the Transportation System Management program funding request.
• The Committee would like to work more closely with TA senior staff and directly with TA members to support them.
• The Committee also would like to have another joint CAC meeting by the end of the year so that members of all the CACs can work together.
• Consideration of Appointment of Alternate CAC Member: Mr. Coleman noted this alternate will be a member in-waiting and the purpose is to insure that the Committee will have a quorum and help the Committee achieve continuity.

Director Gordon, after being clarified that there is nothing in the rules that precludes the appointment of an alternate, moved that the proposal be approved.

Director Lee commented he does not see the need to appoint another person to sit as an alternate to a 15-member committee. Mr. Coleman explained that the Committee, at times cannot carry a motion. Even if majority of the members were present, the Committee could not accomplish business because the rules require majority of the entire committee for a motion to pass and not just a majority of the quorum.

Attorney Miller advised this is a policy issue. The CAC is a committee that is bringing recommendations to the Board on behalf of a group. The Board can establish the rules as to whether CAC policy recommendations may be brought forward based on the vote of majority of the committee or the majority of the quorum.

Considering the foregoing views, Director Gordon withdrew his motion. He added if the majority of the CAC cannot support something and cannot pass it, that motion has failed.

Director Ruskin remarked there are that many people on the Committee in order to get a fair representation from a broad spectrum of the community. Lowering the threshold for having a decision made would be hearing from a limited spectrum of the interest groups. He suggested the CAC keep track of attendance. If someone has poor attendance, then he or she should be replaced.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

Appointment of a Member to the Peninsula Gateway Corridor Study Policy Advisory Committee: Howard Goode, Chief Development Officer, stated this is a follow up of Rich Napier’s request to appoint a representative to the committee that is conducting a study on additional highway access from the south to the Dumbarton Bridge.

Rich Napier, Executive Director of C/CAG, stated the Policy Committee would meet four to six times over the next 18 months. A Technical Advisory Committee would be working on the details. There will be some public hearings and that will be voluntary on the part of the members.

Director Ruskin volunteered to serve on the Policy Committee. Director Panza moved for the appointment of Director Ruskin. The motion was seconded by Director Galligan. The Board unanimously approved the appointment.

SAMTRANS LIAISON REPORT

Chair Guingona being absent, Executive Director Scanlon referred to the written report in the packet. There were no questions from the Board.

JOINT POWERS BOARD REPORT

Mr. Scanlon made the following reports pertaining to the Joint Powers Board meeting that took place in the morning in San Francisco.

• The Board adopted the Annual Investment Policy authorizing investment of monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund.
• Awarded a three-year contract to Lenat & Partners for creative advertising and graphic services on an as-needed basis.
• Authorized the Executive Director or his designee to grant easements for the relocation of utilities for capital projects.
• A monthly report was received from the JPB Citizens Advisory Committee
• Received a report on litigation threatening the Federal funding for projects. Same report will be provided to this Board later.
• Heard monthly report on Caltrain ridership, which remains down. In July, it was down 14.4% on an average weekday. July was the month when the 10% fare increase was instituted. Also 4^th of July holiday fell on a Thursday prompting many individuals and businesses to observe a 4-day weekend. Shuttle ridership also was off 18.7 percent. A number of companies took off a certain week in July and some companies took two weeks. On-time performance was extremely good at 97.5 percent. Mr. Scanlon, however, pointed out that this figure did not include weekend statistics, since weekend service was suspended for the north CTX project on July 6.
• The Board was updated on the CTX construction contract showing the progress of the tie replacement program.
• There was a report on how staff is monitoring the effect of the schedule changes that were implemented on August 26.
• Staff gave an update on the gallery car overhaul program, which will be completed by the end of September.
• Monthly Caltrain Safety Report was distributed. It features a number of noteworthy accomplishments such as prevention of suicide and some other statistics.
• Fuel prices went up a couple of weeks ago due to the tension in the Middle East. It is hoped that this won’t last long.

Director Panza inquired about a newspaper release regarding buses that are being provided for the weekend baseball game fans not getting as much utilization as expected and that cutting back on some of the buses is being considered. Mr. Scanlon responded the buses are not getting the ridership that was planned for. The buses are carrying about 500 people to the baseball games. Provision of bus bridge was done because the Citizens Advisory Committee urged staff to do so. The newspaper headline is not correct because buses are run as they fill up.

Director Lee asked about on-time performance, weekdays vs. weekends. Mr. Scanlon responded that fewer trains run on weekends and on-time performance is more impacted due to single tracking and the number of riders.

REPORT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

1. Pending Air Quality Litigation Affecting 2003 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Ian McAvoy, Deputy Chief of Development, reported the Environmental Protection’s (EPA’s) approval of the Ozone Attainment Plan has been blocked. Until that Plan is approved, the District will not receive funds for transportation projects, because the TIP will not be adopted by the MTC. Getting Federal funds for transportation projects will be delayed. The current situation precludes MTC from adopting the 2003 TIP. The MTC is trying to resolve this issue by developing an interim TIP that does not include projects that have impacts on air quality. Mr. McAvoy noted if issues would be resolved very quickly, there will be no major impact on TA programs. However, if the issues drag, staff may have to come back to the Board to formulate strategies.

Director Panza asked about the expected impact of the lawsuit on the CTX north project. Mr. McAvoy responded this is a project that was approved and under construction. This will not be impacted by the ruling. However, as far as the CTX south is concerned, if the project expands, there may be some issues. Right now, MTC has authorized that all components which are in the Caltrain Capital Program will make it into the year 2003.

Director Panza further asked if the lawsuit would impact the design and engineering work on the Highway Route 92 Projects. Mr. McAvoy stated if Federal funds are involved, there could be an issue of specific funding.

Director Ruskin inquired which of the auxiliary lanes have been approved already but construction has not started. Mr. Goode answered the project from Ralston to Marsh is already going forward and will not be affected. Other projects still on design could be impacted if the lawsuit drags on.

Director Lee asked if the lawsuit comes to pass by January, if it would be a potential problem for 3^rd Avenue north. Mr. Goode answered in the positive.

Director Church inquired if there is any indication that the stay would be lifted. Attorney Miller responded staff is not actively involved but MTC is defending the case. Staff will continue to monitor the case.

2. Verbal Report on the Dumbarton Rail Corridor

   Mr. Goode announced that Senator Perata has indicated an interest in introducing legislation that would increase tolls on all bridges in the Bay Area except the Golden Gate Bridge where they have already increased the toll to $5. This would raise bridge tolls to $3. The revenue from that would be directed to transit improvements in the Bay Area and the proposed ferry system. Staff has been working aggressively with Santa Clara and Alameda Counties, the Capitol Corridor Service and the Ace Service to put together a broad-based support in the South Bay to include Dumbarton project in this proposal for bridge tolls. It is anticipated that the Dumbarton Rail Corridor would be included as an identified project to be funded. It is staff’s understanding that the legislature will pass a bill, which would require a simple majority vote by the people in the Bay Area to authorize the increase in tolls.

Director Gordon pointed out that Dumbarton Rail as an alternative, scored very high on the Bay Crossing study.

--- At this point, Mr. Goode introduced Joe Hurley, the new employee who was hired to fill the position vacated by Edgar Ugarte. ---

FINANCE

Mr. Goode stated the actions before the Board have to do with providing funding to the JPB for project development on a series of grade separation projects, two in San Mateo, one in San Bruno, and one in South San Francisco. Staff is pursuing them in concert with improvements to the Caltrain line as well as multiple tracks. There is substantial amount of work to be done by the Joint Powers engineering staff in the development of these projects, so that funds are needed to support that engineering work. Darell Maxey, Chief Engineer for Caltrain, has been working very closely with the City of San Bruno on the development of alternatives.

Mr. Maxey outlined the overall process for preliminary engineering studies for the projects. He discussed in detail the development of different plans, project studies, and reports. He mentioned the need to get the involvement of the community and stakeholders for the selection of preferred alternative and the development of cost estimates and funding availability, final plans and specifications. He gave as an example what staff went through with the City of San Bruno. Mr. Maxey talked about issues, challenges and the justifications staff had to make. He stressed the importance of safety. He also presented the work done on Ralston Avenue in Belmont. He pointed out that a lot of these grade separation projects are going to involve slightly raising the railroad, slightly depressing the street, but they will be taken on a case-to-case basis. Mr. Maxey discussed the other projects that staff is proceeding with preliminary engineering studies, such as the platform situation of South San Francisco, grade separating Linden and Dollar avenues in South San Francisco, Mt. Diablo and Tilton Avenue bridges and the 25^th Avenue grade separation in San Mateo. He stressed the real benefits of grade separations. Finally, Mr. Maxey presented a chart showing the milestones thru the Preliminary Studies Report and the Environmental Report.

Director Panza asked other than San Bruno, if there has been much thought given to the other projects. Mr. Maxey responded at South San Francisco and Linden Avenue, staff had met with the City officials and staff. The City is doing the preliminary engineering studies and staff will go through a process similar to San Bruno. There had been several meetings already about the design of the grade separation project at 25^th Avenue. The other projects are a little bit lagging behind but they will all go through the same process.

Director Panza also asked if work is going to be done in Burlingame. Mr. Goode responded staff is meeting with the Burlingame City Council to discuss improvements at Burlingame and the Broadway stations as well as some highway projects.

Ken Ibarra, Vice Mayor of San Bruno, expressed appreciation for the Caltrain staff and the JPB for being very cooperative and helpful with both the private citizens and the city staff/representatives. They are looking for a lasting relationship with this organization. The City Council has endorsed the project. They are in favor of what the JPB and Caltrain are looking forward to as far as Alternative 5, the elevated version. San Bruno is actively organizing their community Citizens Advisory Committee.

Director Panza stated alternative 5 is basically a wall in the middle of San Bruno. He inquired if the community is not opposed to this alternative. Mr. Ibarra stated the general feeling is that the only way to secure safety for the vehicles and residents is to elevate the grade separations. Through the CAC, they will be suggesting tunnels and pedestrian access through the separated areas so that there will be circulation on each side of the tracks.

Director Panza further asked if the community understands that under this alternative, the station at the San Bruno Avenue ties into the purchase of the San Bruno Lumber. Mr. Ibarra stated the community understands that to have a grade separation, everyone must work together, and to have a station adjacent or as close as possible to the downtown access is probably not going to be feasible.

Larry Patterson, Public Works Director for the City of San Mateo stated the City is very anxious to move forward with the project. They have a process that is going on -- looking at a combination of transportation and land use improvement on the corridor. Both the TA and the JPB staff have been participating on their Technical Advisory Committee and there has been significant progress. There has been a very cooperative effort and the City is very pleased with the help they are receiving from the JPB and TA staff. The City Council endorsed a raised alignment that includes relocation of the Hillsdale station. He stated the City Council is endorsing staff’s recommendations and would like the process to move forward.

The Board, by roll call, unanimously approved the following resolution:

Resolution No. 2002-15: Approving an Allocation of $920,000 of Measure A Funds for Preliminary Engineering Studies for Four Grade Separation Projects at Linden Avenue, San Bruno Avenue, Poplar to Tilton Avenues and 25^th Avenue and an Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2003 Capital Budget in the Amount of $350,000

PROGRAM

1. Route 92 Improvement Projects from Highway 280 to Route 1 – Update on Status

   Mr. Goode reported that Chair Guingona, Executive Director Scanlon and himself met last week with the Mayor of Half Moon Bay to further explore the issues surrounding Route 92 improvements. He talked about the funding allotments for the Route 280 to Highway 1 project under the Measure A Expenditure Plan. He outlined the projects under the program that include the climbing lane between 280 and Highway 35; the Pilarcitos Creek to the city limits of Half Moon Bay which the Authority is taking the lead for; and one that is within the city limits of the City of Half Moon Bay, of which the City is taking the lead. As the Highway 92 project has gone forward, it has become complex, particularly the one that Caltrans is taking the lead on which is in the San Francisco Water District property. There has been more project development work than typically would be the case because of the environment that they are in. The original estimate was $80 million for this project. However, that dollar number is expected to go up. An update on this will be made to this Board in the near future. He stated Caltrans will be doing some additional environmental work on the climbing lane project. Mr. Sirous Deylamian, Caltrans Regional Project Manager, will present to the Board where the project is now and what they are planning to do. He urged the Board to ask questions if they have any concerns.

Mr. Deylamian reported the sponsors for this project are the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, San Mateo County Congestion Management and Caltrans. He stated the project purpose, identified the problems, discussed the design features, and the alignments that need to be done to make the bridge more desirable. They realize that there would be significant environmental impact to the water and the drainage channel to the reservoir, which they will address. They will also address some concerns of the San FranciscoWater District like a passage to their shop and access to the property. They have considered the impacts on biological resources and the habitat. They are providing bicycle lanes on both directions on Route 92, and bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian access at Routes 35 and 92. Regarding traffic control, message signs will be used. A task force will coordinate and monitor the traffic and control measures. Mr. Deylamian spoke about several additional tasks to be done. He advised that they have been discussing this project with stakeholders in order to reach a consensus. He identified work in progress, the investigation on hazardous materials, and the continuing negotiation with the US Fish and Wildlife. They held public hearings and they are preparing responses to comments. At this point, Caltrans is waiting for the latest cost from their financial unit. A report on this matter will be made to this Board within the next few months.

Director Panza asked how much redesign is taking place to address the concerns that have been raised. Mr. Deylamian responded they are looking at different alternatives at that intersection. Also, they are considering the signal lights alternative. As soon as they get the result, they will inform staff and the Board.

Mr. Goode added Caltrans is also examining traffic circle and the signal lights section as alternatives.

Director Panza inquired further if the analysis will be made public and if access for non-motorized travel will be provided. Mr. Deylamian responded they are meeting with equestrians, and bicyclists. There are detailed design issues that they have been discussing.

Pat Dixon referred to the 5-foot shoulder going up and 8 feet coming down. She said Adrienne Leigh made a comment that people are using it as a car lane. She also asked if it is possible to structure the downhill segment sufficiently narrow to discourage auto access but wide enough for equestrian purposes.

Mr. Deylamian responded the reason they have 8-foot shoulder for the downhill is safety. There is only one lane going down and in case of an accident, they would like to have enough space to be able to take care of it. Other minor issues can be resolved.

Director Panza pointed out that they have heard comments that the environmental analysis of the different segments has been done independently. He stated statements like this would put the Board in scrutiny. Mr. Goode believed Caltrans is going to do some work on this. He does not think that this matter adversely impacts what they are doing and it is very appropriate from a Measure A point.

2. Transportation Systems Management (TSM) Program, FY 2003 Funding Requests

   Mr. Goode introduced Ms. Christine Maley Grubl, the new Executive Director of the Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance, which is the TSM agency for most of the county that the TA provides funding for.

Ms. Grubl indicated that the Alliance receives AB 434 funding from the TA and C/CAG. She presented the goals of the Alliance, some of which are increasing visibility within the county and increasing awareness of local employers, residents, commuters, and transit agencies. They receive feedback from the cities on what they want the agency to do. She outlined a number of programs that the Alliance would like to embark on such as increasing the number of shuttles managed by the Alliance for which they will provide subsidy; work with the School District and develop a school carpool program; encourage the use of bicycles by building more bike racks; increase outreach program to employers; increase employer participation in the emergency ride home program; boost the sale of try transit tickets that are received from transit agencies and many more.

The Board, by roll call, unanimously approved the following resolution:

Resolution No. 2002-16: Authorizing the Allocation of Transportation Authority Measure A Transportation Systems Management Funds to the City of Menlo Park for Continuation of the Willow Road and Marsh Road Employer Shuttles in the Amount of $52,400 and to the Peninsula Congestion Relief Alliance in the Amount of $362,000 for the Fiscal Year 2002-2003.

--- At this point, Director Church announced that Director Gordon and Executive Director Michael Scanlon had to leave to keep another engagement. --

CAPITAL PROJECTS STATUS REPORT

Mr. Goode presented the Quarterly Project Status Report that is in the packet. There were no questions from the Board.

Director Ruskin realized that he overlooked Item 3.D. under the Consent Calendar. He had intended to make some comments and wanted to ask staff some questions, however, the resolution passed without him having done so.

Attorney Miller advised that Director Ruskin can move for the rescission of the resolution, which would require the vote of the Board. After that, the Board could bring up the item for reconsideration.

Director Ruskin stated he will discuss his concerns with staff and if he thinks the issues are serious, he will express those issues next meeting.

CLOSED SESSION:

Attorney Miller stated the purpose of the closed session is to discuss a real estate negotiation as shown on the agenda.

THE BOARD ADJOURNED INTO CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENED AT 7:15 P.M.

Closed Session: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8, Real Estate Negotiations, Property Location, 2777 S. El Camino Real in San Mateo.

Attorney David Miller advised that the Board met in closed session to consider certain property for future grade separation project located at 2777 S. El Camino Real in San Mateo. Staff recommended approval of the purchase of said property and the expenditure in the total amount of $3,516,000 to cover the acquisition and up to $100,000 to cover closing costs, professional fees and other expenses.

The Board, by roll call, unanimously approved the following resolution:

Resolution No. 2002-17: Authorizing Purchase of Property Located at 2777 S. El Camino Real in San Mateo and Approving Appropriation of Funds in the Amount of $3,516,000 for the Acquisition

CORRESPONDENCE:

• Director Panza brought up the response to the Grand Jury that was circulated to the Board members for comment. Mr. Scanlon stated the draft was sent to the Board to get a feedback from them. Because the Board did not ask that the item be agendized, Director Church encouraged the Board to send their comments to Mr. Scanlon.
• Director Galligan directed staff to send to Ken Fisher a copy of the Half Moon Bay letter dated August 19, 2002, conveying the City Council’s opposition to the Highway 92/Highway 35 Grade Separation Project.

Adjourned: 7:20 p.m.