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SamTrans > General Information > Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee Meetings > Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - January 9, 2002

Committees and Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - January 9, 2002

SAMTRANS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
2nd FL. AUDITORIUM
1250 SAN CARLOS AVENUE, SAN CARLOS, CALIFORNIA

Planning and Development

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

(Accessibility, Senior Services, and Community Issues)

Committee Members Present: Mary Janney, John Barbour, Al Teglia

Other Board Members Present: Michael Guingona, Shirley Harris, Jerry Hill, Arthur Lloyd, Michael Nevin, Stephen Schmidt

Staff Present: Michael Scanlon, David Miller, Joan Cassman, Stan Arend, George Cameron, Cheryl Cavitt, John Ficarra, Steve Frew, Jim Gallagher, Howard Goode, Chuck Harvey, Rita Haskin, Aurora Jose, Martha Martinez, Ian McAvoy, Bill Welch

Pledge of Allegiance

Chair Harris led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

All Committee members present, Director Janney called the meeting to order at 2:06 p.m.

Approval of Community Relations Committee Minutes of December 12, 2001

The Committee (Teglia/Schmidt) recommended Board approval of the minutes.

[MOTION]

December PCC and PCC Advocacy Reports

Bill Welch, Manager of Accessible Transit Services, presented the reports in the packet. He noted Redi-Wheels has a full year of zero denials of customer requests. Ridership continues to rise. This time, it is 12 percent higher than last year. B. Welch described the special features and amenities of the new mini-vans and larger vehicles that replaced old vehicles. He also mentioned an appreciation party put together by the PCC to honor Redi-Wheels drivers and acknowledged Marianne Mannia for her efforts and leadership.

Marianne Mannia, PCC Chair, stated Consumer Corps reports for the fourth quarter are very positive. The only concern is on-time performance, which is 81 percent. The benchmark is 95 percent. The PCC is looking forward to the implementation of the taxi service. She reported PCC activities have been very successful with the exception of the Paratransit Escort Program. They have only two volunteers. They are trying to recruit more. The PCC website is now available. An Ad Hoc Committee composed of consumers who are computer literate was set up to help create and monitor on-going activities. To help bridge understanding and promote greater empathy, the quarterly newsletter will highlight events that took place in December, such as the drivers’ appreciation party and the Christmas Sing-a-Long, held by a group of carolers organized by Rich McGann of MV Transportation at the Adult Day Health and Day Care Centers.

Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Liaison Report

Julie Hartsell, reported on the January 2^nd CAC meeting. She stated Kym Valente and Mary Lou Ciranni were voted Chair and Vice Chair respectively for 2002. Among the items taken up were:

The CAC, instead of having SamTrans staff set up the agenda, will start taking that responsibility.
A sub-committee was formed to look into the possibility of holding a retreat with other CACs in the Bay Area.
CAC members have a lot of concerns about the Brown Act specifically on how it relates to Ad Hoc and standing Committees.
The CAC members did not receive their SamTrans IDs this month; however, bus operators performed their duties in a very polite and professional manner. Staff has solved the problem.
Upon J. Hartsell’s proposal to CAC Chair Valente, another CAC member will be appointed liaison to the SamTrans Board.

SamTrans Performance Report

Chuck Harvey, Deputy Director for Bus Operations, reported on the performance of fixed route buses. He noted with the economic slow down, average weekday ridership and adult token usage are experiencing a decrease. They are expected to come back up after the holidays. Missed schedules have been dropping. A large class of operators graduating on January 18 should allow missed schedules to drop to nearly zero. SamTrans on-time performance dipped between August and September. This is attributed to the opening of classes that created more runs to cover and new drivers who are still learning to run their schedules. After graduating the last batch of operators, on-time performance will move back up again.

Harvey discussed the route changes to be implemented on January 20 pursuant to the Bus Improvement Plan. He highlighted the coming seven-day, 24-hour bus service from San Francisco to Menlo Park and Palo Alto, serving East Palo Alto.

He also gave an update on the Caltrain CTX construction project to start in May. It would result in a full shut-down of Caltrain service on weekends. Buses will be put in operation to provide and replace the service of the shutdown train. There will be PacBell Baseball service. Express buses will run from San Jose to Palo Alto, Hillsdale and San Francisco. He said this is a major track and signal improvement project to get ready for the Baby Bullet or Caltrain Express. General Manager/CEO Michael Scanlon advised this will be paid for by Caltrain project funds.

Director Schmidt asked what the term "express buses" covers. C. Harvey responded service would start at Diridon in San Jose, go to the freeway, go to Palo Alto Caltrain station and other stations. There will be no transfer.

Multimodal Ridership Report -November 2001

Harvey reported there is loss of ridership on all modes. It was 6 percent for November. Ridership loss from BART and BART shuttles are a little bit higher. Paratransit continues to be very strong. Shuttle buses that are not being used as a result of lay-offs, are being reallocated to new opportunities where businesses are coming up.

Adjourned: 2:34 p.m.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Committee Members Present: Michael Guingona, Jerry Hill, Mary Janney

Other Board Members Present: John Barbour, Shirley Harris, Arthur Lloyd, Michael Nevin, Stephen Schmidt, Al Teglia

All members present, Director Guingona called the meeting to order at 2:34 p.m.

Approval of Minutes of Finance Committee Meeting of December 12, 2001

The Committee (Janney/Lloyd) recommended Board approval of the minutes.

[MOTION]

Approval of Statement of Revenues and Expenses for November 2001

Stan Arend, Accounting Director, reported two months ago, the budget was adjusted for projected reductions in sales tax and investment income. Since that time both revenues and expenses have been on target. He noted items in the report that have some adjustments.

Director Guingona pointed to the Interest Income that was under budget by 57 percent due to close monitoring to minimize overnight balance and asked if it is the policy of the District to decrease that number to minimize overnight balance. S. Arend answered it is good to decrease that number to have more money in higher interest-earning investments.

The Committee (Hill/Janney) recommended Board approval of the statement.

[MOTION]

Authorizing Execution of a Three-Year Agreement with the County of San Mateo Sheriff’s Office for Law Enforcement and the Public Safety and Communications Services for Related Communication Service at a Cost Not to Exceed $2,452,880

Steve Frew, Chief of Protective Services, introduced Sheriff Don Horsley, Capt. Larry Schumaker, and Sergeant Dave Triolo, from the Sheriff’s Department of San Mateo County. He stated the proposed service would significantly enhance law enforcement in San Mateo County for the bus system. The concept is to have dedicated police officers coordinate with and prepare packages for the District Attorney as needed. District cost for the recommended service is $125,000 for the remainder of the fiscal year. The portion of the cost pertaining to the JPB will be assumed by the JPB.

Director Guingona inquired how often and how many deputies will be deployed on buses. S. Frew answered there will be six deputies policing the buses and the rail system. Their availability will depend on the calls for service that comes through the Emergency Center. Per schedule that is being worked out, the Caltrain deputies will complement Amtrak force in the rail system and they will all be available to answer calls on the buses.

Director Schmidt asked how implementation would be done and how the public would see what the District is doing. S. Frew advised, the vehicles that would be used would be the sheriff’s vehicles. A marking would be made to identify them as service for Caltrain or SamTrans. These officers would be seen on the buses and the train. Mr. Scanlon added there would also be some instances when these officers would be under cover.

Director Nevin commented in light of the September 11^th event, it is important to renew the passengers’ trust and feeling of security on the transit industry.

Director Schmidt asked about the $2 million cost of the program and if in the coming years the Board would have to make some choices on what service to provide. Mr. Scanlon replied $2 million is the aggregate cost for the two agencies for three years. He expressed his strong feeling about this particular service and added this is a service both agencies cannot afford not to have. Security is a top concern of everybody and this item will always be in future budgets.

The Committee (Nevin/Teglia) recommended Board approval of the proposed action.

[RESOLUTION]

Award of Contract to Parking Company of America Management, LLC for Providing Contracted Shuttle Bus Service for a Three-Year Term at an Estimated Cost of $200,000 with Two Additional One-Year Option Terms

Harvey reported this would consolidate several individual shuttle bus contracts. This consolidation would provide the District a leverage in volume and significantly save money. At the same time the District will get good quality of service.

The Committee (Hill/Nevin) recommended Board approval of the award.

[RESOLUTION]

Rejection of Protest from Dulin Advertising and Award of Contract to Advance Recruitment Solutions for Recruitment Advertising Service for a Two-Year Term at a Not to Exceed Price of $300,000 Per Year Plus an Annual Percentage Increase to Reflect Changes to the Consumer Price Index with Three Additional One-Year Option Terms

Cheryl Cavitt, Director of Contracts and Procurement, referred to the revised staff report that was distributed. She noted revision was made to include information on a protest received from Dulin Advertising, Inc. Staff carefully considered the protest but found no valid ground to support it both procedurally or substantively.

The Committee (Nevin/Janney) recommended Board approval of the rejection of the protest from Dulin Advertising and the award of the contract to Advance Recruitment Solutions.

[RESOLUTION]

Adjourned: 2:47 p.m.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Committee Members Present: Arthur Lloyd, Michael Nevin, Stephen Schmidt

Other Board Members Present: John Barbour, Michael Guingona, Shirley Harris, Jerry Hill, Mary Janney, Al Teglia

Director Lloyd called the meeting to order at 2:47 p.m.

Approval of Minutes of Legislative Committee Meeting of December 12, 2001

The Committee (Teglia/Janney) recommended Board approval of the minutes.

[MOTION]

Adoption of 2002-2003 Legislative Program

Josh Shaw of Shaw & Yoder reported the legislative session for 2002 began on Monday, January 7. The Governor delivered his State of the State address. The proposed 2002-2003 State Budget will be presented tomorrow. In his State of the State address, the Governor talked about the faltering economy, terrorism and security costs. The legislature is discussing the budget deficit and the energy crisis. The Governor did not talk about new policy initiatives, or brand new investments except for schools. He talked about cut backs in all levels of the government. For 2002, revenue is expected to drop and the Governor is expected to cut existing programs. Cash flow could be suspended to save money in the current year. In the Assembly, the speaker is to be elected. That could mean changes in committee chairs and rosters. Also, this is an election year. Assembly people and 20 senate seats will be up for election or reelection. New initiatives are not expected. He advised this is an opportunity for the District to look at the future and plan on what may be achievable this year.

Ian McAvoy, Director, Capital, Grants and Legislation, reported staff will continue pursuing Federal earmarks and try to improve and be influential in advocating for improved Federal legislation for public transportation. Staff will be in Sacramento and Washington, DC and try to achieve the District’s legislative goals and objectives.

Director Lloyd announced that he and some other Board members would attend the APTA Legislative Conference in March. He urged the rest of the Board members to attend the conference.

State Legislative Program - Position on Proposition 42

I. McAvoy stated support of Proposition 42 is a way of making sure that money remains available for public transportation from the State in the future. Most importantly, it provides money explicitly for SamTrans under the FTA account and the STIP. The only caveat is that the TCRP program is proposed to be partially funded if the proposition passes. New money will not become available until about 2008. However, in the meantime, this is a good opportunity to work and provide information to all the people on the benefits of Proposition 42.

The Committee (Schmidt/Harris) recommended Board support of the bill.

[MOTION]

Verbal Update on Federal Legislation

I. McAvoy reported Congress did not agree on the economic stimulus package. However, Congress will reconvene end of this month and that will be the first thing they will take up. He expects tighter legislation on the reauthorization of TEA 21 and control in directing the money to some specific projects.

Director Barbour asked what the District could do to support the proposition beyond just a resolution. Attorney David Miller responded, fundamentally, Board members could only provide information showing how the agency is dependent upon this source of revenue and what the impacts would be if the proposition does not pass. Because the Board members are using public money and company time, they cannot actively advocate and campaign. However, as pointed out by Director Schmidt, the Board members, in their capacity as individuals are free to express their views and to advocate.

Adjourned: 3:01 p.m.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Committee Members Present: Stephen Schmidt, John Barbour, Michael Guingona

Other Board Members Present: Shirley Harris, Jerry Hill, Mary Janney, Arthur Lloyd, Michael Nevin, Al Teglia

Director Schmidt called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m.

Approval of Minutes of Planning and Development Committee Meeting of December 12, 2001

The Committee (Janney/Guingona) recommended Board approval of the minutes.

[MOTION]

C/CAG Countywide Deficiency Plan

Howard Goode, Chief Development Officer, stated the City and County Association of Governments (C/CAG), as congestion management agency for the county, is looking for funding sources to support the C/CAG Countywide Deficiency Plan. The District is working with C/CAG and is evaluating how the proposal levels with SamTrans current programs. Next month, staff will report on such overall evaluation.

Rich Napier, Executive Director of C/CAG, stated in the Congestion Management Plan, all the parties in the county are working together to not create a budget deficiency. He recalled how this program started and the monitoring that was conducted by C/CAG of the state and federal highway systems. It was determined that a number of areas in the county are suffering from traffic jams that exceeded the standards adopted by the C/CAG. This problem is getting more serious. The idea behind the plan is to try to find a solution to the problems. To do this, C/CAG needs the support of agencies in the county. C/CAG is trying to bring together different parties that could be very significant sources of revenue.

Walter Martone stated C/CAG, the Transportation Authority and some other agencies are doing numerous roadway and transit improvements that are basically capital improvements. C/CAG fills the gaps under the programs to help improve the existing methods and encourage the public to use public transit. He outlined and discussed the proposed programs that are designed to relieve the present congestion problem and slow down the pace of future congestion, all of which are in agreement with the Countywide Transportation Plan. He highlighted the mechanics of the projects, their importance and benefits to the public. The following are the proposed programs under the plan: (1) Expand the Countywide Employer-Based Shuttle Program; (2) Create a Network of Local Transportation Services; (3) Expand the Provision of Countywide Transportation Demand Management Programs; (4) Creation of a Countywide "Try Transit" Campaign; (5) Develop a Countywide Intelligent Transportation Study and Plan; (6) Develop a Countywide Ramp Metering Study and Plan for U.S. 101 Corridor; and (7) Expansion of the Transit-Oriented Development Program. He also discussed how support funds are being raised by C/CAG, the cost-sharing method, the public outreach, and the encouragement to employers to join and assist in the effort.

Mr. Napier hopes to bring this proposal to the C/CAG Board on February 14 for action. The title of the plan will be changed.

Director Schmidt asked how the program would relate to cities like Menlo Park and Redwood City that already have an existing shuttle bus program. Mr. Napier answered this would expand their programs as a result of matching funds available.

Adjourned: 3:17 p.m.

SAN MATEO COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Members Present: John Barbour, Michael Guingona, Shirley Harris, Jerry Hill, Mary Janney, Arthur Lloyd, Michael Nevin, Stephen Schmidt, Al Teglia

Chair Harris called the meeting to order at 3:17 p.m.

SWEARING-IN OF REAPPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, DIRECTORS MICHAEL D. NEVIN AND STEPHEN M. SCHMIDT

Directors Nevin and Schmidt were sworn-in by Board Secretary, Aurora Jose.

CONSENT CALENDAR

Motion

The Board (Barbour/Lloyd) unanimously approved the following items under the consent calendar:

Adoption of Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting of December 12, 2001
Approval of Statement of Revenues and Expenses, November 2001

PUBLIC COMMENT: None at this time.

REPORT OF THE CHAIR

Motion:

Election of Public Members of the Board - Director Hill, Chair of the Nominating Committee for the selection of Public Members of the Board, reported Directors Harris and Teglia requested for another term. The Committee consisting of Directors Lloyd, Janney and himself met and discussed the appointments. They unanimously voted to recommend to the full Board the reappointment of Directors Teglia and Harris. He highlighted Director Teglia’s and Harris’ service, past performance, and achievements as members of this Board, factors they considered vital in making their recommendation. He mentioned Director Harris having been recently voted on the American Public Transportation Transit Board Members Committee as the Executive Council Regional Representative for Region 6 with a term extending through September 2003. The Committee gave significant value to Director Teglia’s wealth of knowledge of the history of this organization and his participation through this Board in the negotiations with BART and the formulation of the contract agreements. The Committee felt it is critical that the Board has the knowledge that Director Teglia has and the history that he represents.

Director Schmidt did not dispute the qualifications of Directors Harris and Teglia. He expressed disappointment that the process did not include solicitation of applications from the public.

Attorney David Miller advised that the individuals who are eligible to vote on the appointments are the appointees of the county and the cities. Under the statute Directors Barbour, Teglia and Harris cannot vote.

The Board (Hill/Janney), Director Schmidt dissenting, approved the reappointment of Directors Harris and Teglia.

Swearing-In of Public Members - Directors Harris and Teglia were sworn-in by Board Secretary Aurora Jose.

Motion

Election of Chair and Vice Chair – The Board (Lloyd/Teglia) unanimously elected Director Hill as Chair and (Janney/Lloyd) Director Guingona as Vice Chair.

Chair Hill thanked Director Harris for her excellent job as Chair for 2001. He appointed the Chairs and members of the Board Committees, as follows:

Community Relations Committee -	Michael Nevin (Chair) Shirley Harris Al Teglia
Finance Committee -	Mary Janney (Chair) Michael Guingona Shirley Harris
Legislative Committee -	Arthur Lloyd (Chair) Michael Nevin Stephen Schmidt
Planning & Development Committee -	John Barbour (Chair) Michael Guingona Stephen Schmidt
Ad Hoc: BART Steering Committee -	Michael Nevin (Chair) Jerry Hill Mary Janney Al Teglia
Liaison to C/CAG -	Arthur Lloyd

Motion

Approval of Board Meeting Calendar for 2002 – The Board (Guingona/Schmidt) unanimously approved the calendar. The meeting in March will be on the 14^th instead of the 13^th.

REPORT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER

General Manager/CEO Michael Scanlon:

On behalf of staff, congratulated the Board members who have been reappointed to the SamTrans Board.

Resolution No. 2002-1: Introduced for adoption, a Resolution of Appreciation for Director Harris for her past service on the Board. The Board (Nevin/Janney) unanimously approved the resolution. Chair Hill presented the resolution to Director Harris.
Called on Roi Kingon, recipient of the Twenty-Year of Safe Driving Award. Chair Hill presented the certificate to Mr. Kingon.

Thanked the SamTrans team headed by Cindy Strong, that raised over $35,000 for the United Way.
Cited District employees for having passed the test given by the American Public Transit Exam Institute (APTREX). The International Transit Certification Review Board oversaw the tests.
Announced the retirement of John Ficarra, Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Ficarra will work on a part-time basis doing special consulting for the District. Messrs. Scanlon and Nevin expressed pride and admiration of the leadership of Mr. Ficarra as Chief of Operations that built the fine culture SamTrans is now famous for.
Underscored the major move of providing 24-hour bus service a day on El Camino Real between San Francisco and Palo Alto.
Expressed pride that the Human Resources Department was able to hire and train that many people for the past year.
Noted the luncheons held in recognition of employees who celebrated their 25 years of service in the District.
Encouraged the Board to take a look at the new Redi-Wheels vans that are displayed on the breezeway and see the upgraded features.
Acknowledged Roel Barrera, Bus Operator, for his honesty in returning to the owner a cashier’s check that he found in the bus. The check was in the amount of $10,000.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Motion

The Board (Janney/Nevin) unanimously approved the minutes of Community Relations Committee meeting of December 12, 2001.

Subjects Discussed

Director Janney reported the Committee discussed the PCC and PCC Advocacy Reports, the Citizens Advisory Committee Liaison Report, SamTrans Performance Report and Multimodal Ridership Report for November 2001.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Resolutions

The Board (Guingona/Janney) unanimously passed the following resolutions:

Resolution No. 2002-2: Authorizing Execution of an Agreement with the County of San Mateo for Law Enforcement Services and Related Communications Services

Resolution No. 2002-3: Authorizing Award of Contract to Parking Company of America Management, LLC, for Providing Contracted Shuttle Bus Service for a Three-Year Term and Authorizing the General Manager to Exercise Two, One-Year Option Terms

Resolution No. 2002-4: Authorizing Rejection of Protest from Dulin Advertising and Award of Contract to Advance Recruitment Solutions for Recruitment Advertising Services for Employment Vacancies

Motion

The Board (Guingona/Barbour) unanimously approved the minutes of Finance Committee meeting of December 12, 2001.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

Motions

The Board (Lloyd/Nevin) unanimously approved the minutes or Legislative Committee meeting of December 12, 2001.

The Board (Lloyd/Guingona) unanimously adopted the 2002/2003 Legislative Program and (Lloyd/Harris) unanimously supported Proposition 42, which will appear in the March ballot.

Subject Discussed

Director Lloyd reported Ian McAvoy gave an update on Federal legislation.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Motion

The Board (Schmidt/Guingona) unanimously approved the minutes of Planning and Development Committee of December 12, 2001.

Subject Discussed

Director Schmidt reported the Committee heard the presentation on the C/CAG Deficiency Plan. Staff noted interest in changing the title of the plan.

GENERAL COUNSEL PROPOSAL

Attorney David Miller stated one of the items listed under Closed Session is a property negotiation involving the Millet and Greenwood property. The other one is a pending litigation involving the BART Extension Tanforan Shopping Center case.

THE BOARD ADJOURNED INTO CLOSED SESSION at 3:37 P.M. AND RECONVENED AT 3:45 P.M.

Closed Session: Conference with real property negotiator concerning proposed amendment to ground lease pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 former Millet and Greenwood property located at the entrance to Colma BART station fronting on El Camino Real

Attorney Miller stated staff is proposing approval of amendment to the 75-year ground lease with Colma BART Apartment Associates L.P. thereby extending by four months the commencement of the project in consideration of the payment of $34,000.

Resolution - The Board (Teglia/Janney) by roll call unanimously approved the following resolution:

Resolution No. 2002-5: Approval of Amendment to 75-Year Ground Lease with Colma BART Apartment Associates L.P.

Closed Session: Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a): San Mateo County Transit District v. Tanforan Park Shopping Center LLC et al., San Mateo County Superior Court No. 407836 (consolidated with Case No. 413881)

Attorney David Miller stated staff is recommending three separate actions, namely:

to approve the settlement that has been arrived at with Target in the sum of $490,000.

Motion - The Board (Nevin/Janney) unanimously approved the settlement.

to authorize counsel, as also recommended by BART, to take all appropriate steps necessary with regard to the further disposition of this case, by making appropriate motions and if necessary, authorization to file an appeal.

Motion - The Board (Hill/Janney) unanimously approved the authorization.

to approve the Resolution authorizing the execution of a Quit Claim Deed with the City and County of San Francisco relative to the property acquired for the extension project involving the interests of Artichoke Joes and the City and County of San Francisco.

Resolution - The Board (Teglia/Harris) by roll call unanimously approved the following resolution:

Resolution No. 2002-6: Authorizing Execution of Quit Claim Deed to the City and County of San Francisco Relative to Property Acquired for the BART San Francisco Airport Extension Project.

REQUEST FROM THE BOARD

Director Teglia congratulated Director Hill for becoming the Chair of this Board and thanked Director Harris for her work during the past year. He also thanked the Board for reappointing him to the Board for another term.

Director Teglia announced the passing away or Virginia Centoni and cited her dedication to public service, her diligence and hard work as former PCC Chair, Vice Chair of the County Commission on Aging, and member of the Coastside Transportation Committee. Upon his request the Board adjourned in honor of her memory.

Adjourned: 4:00 p.m.