Board of Directors
Community Relations
Finance
Legislative

Committee Members Present: Michael D. Nevin (Committee Chair), Shirley Harris, Albert Teglia

Other Board Members Present: John Barbour, Michael Guingona, Jerry Hill, Mary Janney, Arthur Lloyd, Steve Schmidt

Staff Present: Michael Scanlon, David Miller, George Cameron, Monica Colondres, Roger Contreras, Jim Gallagher, Chuck Harvey, Rita Haskin, Aurora Jose, Gary Lambert, Raymond Lee, Ian McAvoy, Susan Stark, Ed Stewart

All Committee members were present. Director Nevin called the meeting to order at 2:04 p.m.

Marianne Mannia, Chair, Paratransit Coordinating Council stated the Consumer Corps Report for the quarter March, April and May shows no trip denials, availability of comment cards on vehicles was 95 percent, and there was a good level of telephone availability for customers. Ninety-nine percent of the ride times are completed under an hour, exceeding SamTrans target of 95 percent. On-time performance is shy the 90 percent target at 89 percent.

Ms. Mannia outlined the following as the PCC goals for the next two years: (1) expanding PCC’s focus to include seniors who are not ADA eligible but due to the aging process will no longer be able to drive or shouldn’t drive, and how to educate them to use the fixed routes; (2) maintain the efficiencies in the Redi-Wheels program and do on-going monitoring of the service; and (3) diversify PCC’s advocacy efforts.

Ms. Mannia announced the leadership of incoming PCC chair Dale Edwards starting in July. She made some personal remarks about her experience as a proactive member of the PCC and reflected on her twelve years of service for this cause. She thanked the Board, the General Manager, SamTrans staff and everyone for their kindness, patience and positive responses in improving the Redi-Wheels service. Ms. Mannia, upon question of Director Nevin, informed that the Senior Senator of San Mateo County for the California Senior Legislature has asked her to join their Steering Committee.

Director Nevin complimented Ms. Mannia for her works. Director Hill also thanked her for her efforts for the betterment of Paratransit.

• The Committee welcomed the newly appointed members, John Baker, Wayne Kingsford-Smith and Anthony Mills.
• Chuck Harvey gave a presentation on the proposed FY 2003 SamTrans service changes. CAC members expressed concerns about the CX, DX, 112, KX and 294. The Committee agreed not to make a resolution to the Board but send individual comments to the Board Secretary for communication to the Board.
• Subcommittee reports include a plan for a joint CAC retreat.
• The subcommittee also discussed how they might be able to support the Measure A reauthorization. One Committee member requested a presentation on Measure A.
• There was an update on the proposed seamless and inexpensive fare. Jesse Durazo was selected new Chair of this subcommittee. Mr. Durazo was also elected as the Committee’s parliamentarian.
• A new subcommittee was created to work on the revision of the CAC handbook to be taken to the Board later for approval.
• There were discussions on having the CAC member cards available in the buses.
• Staff gave an update on the fare card in Spanish and the Caltrain web site. Staff is also researching the possibility of having a yearly SamTrans pass.
• The CAC will not meet next month.

He reported Redi-Wheels ridership continues to grow at astounding double-digit rates for which he applauded MV Transportation for the work they are doing to accommodate all the customers. Trip denial continued to be at zero rates. On-time performance is almost 90 percent. Customer no-shows have leveled off, a sign of progress. At-fault no-shows also are at one percent. Mr. Harvey talked about wheelchair securement and outlined various efforts launched to insure the safety of Redi-Wheels patrons. He reported on the success of the recently launched taxi program. He cited an anecdotal evidence on how a taxi that was dispatched resulted in a saving of $7.50. This amount will become significant when it takes place over and over again.

Director Harris inquired if the Redi-Wheels sticker on the side of the cab is put on and off or if they were dedicated cabs. Bill Welch responded they are put on and off.

Adjourned: 2:29 p.m.

Committee Members Present: Mary Janney (Committee Chair), Michael Guingona, Shirley Harris

Other Board Members Present: John Barbour, Jerry Hill, Arthur Lloyd, Michael Nevin, Steve Schmidt, Al Teglia

Staff Present: Michael Scanlon, David Miller, George Cameron, Monica Colondres, Roger Contreras, Jim Gallagher, Chuck Harvey, Rita Haskin, Aurora Jose, Gary Lambert, Raymond Lee, Ian McAvoy, Susan Stark, Ed Stewart

All members of the Committee were present. Committee Chair Mary Janney called the meeting to order at 2:29 p.m.

Adjourned: 2:38 p.m.

Committee Members Present: Arthur Lloyd (Committee Chair), Michael D. Nevin, Stephen Schmidt

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

Staff Present: Michael Scanlon, David Miller, George Cameron, Monica Colondres, Roger Contreras, Jim Gallagher, Chuck Harvey, Rita Haskin, Aurora Jose, Gary Lambert, Raymond Lee, Ian McAvoy, Susan Stark, Ed Stewart

All Committee members were present. Director Art Lloyd called the meeting to order at 2:38 p.m.

• The FY 2003 State Budget is short by $24 billion and State Transit Assistance is proposed to go down to $73 million. Mr. Shaw met with Senator Sher and asked him to provide some relief to the District. The Assembly added $5 million to the STA program. It is currently in the budget bill, but could be at risk for a veto by the Governor.
• Mr. Shaw and staff have been following the proposal introduced by Senator Perata that would increase bridge tolls by another $1 specifically for transit investment, including Dumbarton rail service, Baby Bullet, and increased bus service in San Mateo County and other counties in the Bay Area.
• This Board previously took an oppose position on Senate Bill 1491, that would restructure the MTC/transit agency relationship. That Bill moved out of the Senate. Mr. Shaw will work with Assembly members to inform them of our opposition to the bill and seek their support.
• Senate Bill 1856, a $9 million bond measure for High Speed Rail, made it out of the Senate. Mr. Shaw feels that given the budget problem, the bill will ultimately die and not move out of the Assembly.

Ed Stewart, Legislative Analyst, presented the following bills for the Board’s consideration:

• AB 2189 (Koretz): Transit Contractor Employees -This Bill would require contractors who contract with public agencies to retain the employees of the previous contractor performing the same type of service for a 60-day transition period and in most instances, would require public contractors to offer permanent employment to those employees after the transition period expires. Mr. Stewart mentioned the Bill would impede the District’s ability to attain reasonably priced contracts and make contractors less likely to bid on RFPs knowing that their flexibility will be reduced. In addition, it would create a substantial burden in terms of how the District would develop bid packages and solicit bids on procurement. He recommended an oppose position on this bill.
• AB 2048 (Salinas): Transit Vehicle Video Recordings - This pertains to vehicle recordings on board public transit vehicles. SamTrans is in the process of installing security cameras on the buses, trains, and rail cars to enhance passenger security. Under the current State law, agencies that maintain these recordings are required to store those recordings for a full year, which is onerous for an agency like SamTrans that has multiple vehicles. AB 2048 allows transit operators to obtain an exemption from that storage requirement except in cases where preservation of video recordings would be necessary to support either an investigation, a court proceeding or regarding an unfortunate incident on any of the vehicles. Mr. Stewart recommended Board support of AB 2048.
• AB 2582 (Chu): Paratransit Vehicle Use of HOV Lanes – This bill would allow paratransit vehicles (Redi-Wheels for the District), to use HOV lanes on freeways regardless of the occupancy requirement. Presently, paratransit vehicles can use the carpool lanes when they are full. Staff would like to acquire that ability when they are heading back to the base or heading to pick up someone after they drop off other passengers. It would increase overall efficiency of paratransit by saving time and by allowing vehicles to avoid freeway congestion. Mr. Stewart recommended Board support of this bill.

Director Lloyd inquired if AB 2189 is similar to the 13C regulation that Caltrain has. Mr. Stewart responded 13C is a Federal requirement. AB 2189 would create a 13C process at the State level.

• TEA 21, the Federal Transportation Bill is scheduled to expire in 2003.
• Last month, the House passed HR 3694 (Highway Funding Restoration Act). This Bill sets funding level for next year’s transportation program at $27.7 billion. This will preserve the baseline level that was prescribed in TEA 21 as reauthorization discussions start next year.
• Congress has been debating on anti-terrorism spending bill. The House has passed the measure and the Senate is scheduled to take up the supplemental appropriations over the next two weeks. Afterwards Congress will take up FY 2003 appropriations.
• Approved by the House Subcommittee on Railroads are HR 4545, which authorizes $2 billion funding for Amtrak for next fiscal year, and HR 2950, the Rail Infrastructure Development Act, authorizing up to $24 billion in tax exempt and tax credit bonds for the development of high speed rail corridors. This bill could provide a source of federal funds to implement a high-speed rail system in California.

Adjourned: 2:52 p.m.

Board Members Present: Jerry Hill (Chair), Michael Guingona (Vice Chair), John Barbour, Shirley Harris, Mary Janney, Arthur Lloyd, Michael Nevin, Steve Schmidt, Al Teglia

Staff Present: Michael Scanlon, David Miller, George Cameron, Monica Colondres, Roger Contreras, Jim Gallagher, Chuck Harvey, Rita Haskin, Aurora Jose, Gary Lambert, Raymond Lee, Ian McAvoy, Susan Stark, Ed Stewart

All Board members were present. Chair Hill called the meeting to order at 2:52 p.m.

1. Adoption of Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting of June 12, 2002
2. Approval of Statement of Revenues & Expenses Report, April 2002

PUBLIC COMMENT: None at this time.

REPORT OF THE CHAIR: None at this time.

1. Thanked Marianne Mannia sincerely for her dedication and efforts to paratransit and congratulated Dale Edwards, the incoming Chair of the PCC for this new assignment.
2. Announced Martha Martinez’s giving birth to a healthy daughter, Alma.
3. Recognized Robert Meyer, Jr. for his Twenty Years of Safe Driving. The certificate was presented by Chair Hill and Vice Chair Guingona.
4. Announced at the Dad’s Count meeting held on May 23, SamTrans was awarded a trophy and was a recipient of certificates of recognition from Senators and Congressmen for the District’s contributions to fathers and families and the work environment. The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors gave similar special recognition to SamTrans.

Mr. Harvey discussed the standards set by the District in modifying the schedules and/or eliminating routes insuring that farebox recovery is within the State-required ratio or 24.3 percent. Individual service was examined according to performance and cost effectiveness. Mr. Harvey spoke in detail about each of the inefficient routes and identified the proposed changes.

As far as some routes, Mr. Harvey made some suggestions to the Board. For Route 17 on the coast, he noted Saturday ridership has doubled. In view of this, he suggested maintaining the Saturday and eliminating Sunday service.

Mr. Harvey discussed the process that was adopted to inform the public of the specific schedules that will be affected. He recommended that after the public testimony today, the Board adopt the environmental finding per Addendum 2 in the packet and approve the proposed service changes for fiscal year 2003.

The Board Secretary, Aurora Jose, reviewed the steps taken to inform the public of the issues involved. She reported on the public meetings held and the correspondence received in regard to the proposed service changes.

Public Comment:

• Lloyd Anderson, Redwood City, spoke about routes 295K and 251. He said with the proposed changes, he cannot go to church and to the grocery stores to do his purchases.
• Lorna McElfresh, South San Francisco, a senior, stated in Rotary Plaza, mostly, people are seniors. They rely on the bus.
• Ken Feldstein, Foster City, commented negative changes can brutally affect people’s lifestyle, especially those who are transit-dependent. He proposed not cutting the last KX trip. Regarding the elimination of the FX route, he suggested putting articulated buses. He suggested a totally coordinated fare and schedule plan for BART and Caltrain.Heidi Hagler, Belmont, remarked she has two children that attend Central School and take Route 64 everyday. The school population cannot use other forms of mass transit. She raised the safety issue for children and the value of taking public transit in their behavioral development.
• Pam Hitchcock, Redwood City, spoke about the combined TX, PX and RX. She referred to a petition signed by 70 people pointing out that the proposed changes are devastating. She urged SamTrans to provide 2 RX runs in the morning and two runs in the afternoon, with one route extending to Page Mill Road in Palo Alto. She emphasized this transportation is a daily necessity for working residents in their commute.
• Mary Ghent, Redwood City, noted RX saves time. Caltrain is not an option. It is devastating for people to lose an express run. She reiterated keeping at least two express buses. She also urged the Board not to forget the customers from Palo Alto and Menlo Park.
• Marianna Tubman, Redwood City, said RX is a lifesaver for her because it makes her commute manageable. People from the southern end need that express service the most. She supported having two RX buses in the morning and two in the evening.
• Anthony Mills, SamTrans CAC member, requested reconsideration of the proposal to eliminate weekend route 17. He pointed out that Half Moon Bay has several housing developments. The bulk of ridership in this community is on the weekend. Route 94 cannot be used north of Highway 92 because all the developments are south of 92. Mr. Mills referred to his letter where he mentioned ridership shows a steady monthly increase.
• Jim Feller, Belmont, spoke about Route 64. He stated getting his daughter to school is okay but getting her home is an issue because he and his wife are working. He underscored that the total amount of riders is not the total picture. He added getting children used to riding the bus is a great way to get them riding the bus as adults.
• Sharan Gradek, Belmont, brought with her, children holding placards asking that Route 64 be maintained. She is a concerned parent and a daycare provider. She expressed concern with children’s safety and the adverse impact of the changes to her and other people’s business.Charise McHugh, Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau, noted Coastside has no alternative transportation except Route 17. She pointed out that most riders of this bus are teen-agers and women with children. They have had accidents at Highway 1 because women walk along the highway with their children. She encouraged the Board to keep both Saturday and Sunday services.Susan Alvaro, Coastside Collaborative, stressed the traffic problem on the Coast especially during weekend. Her concern also was safety for the residents and children from farm labor housing who walk Highway 1. She said senior residents cannot even walk. These people do not have any other alternative.
• Linda Drey, speaking for herself and Sandy Caron of Portola Valley, pointed out that although ridership of Routes 84 and 282 appears low, it is not always the same student who ride these buses. It serves a big number of students as shown on the petition sheet they have signed. Because they are students, they don’t drive and they have no other option. She offered to work with the District to make things better.Sybil Bolivar, San Mateo, requested the Board pay attention to weekend and late night services. People who do not drive don’t have other means to go to San Francisco. Also, eliminating the last two routes of FX does not give consideration to people who work swing shift. She hoped that consideration has been given for bus service during the 2-year weekend closing of Caltrain. Bus weekend service is needed.Pauline Gonzalez, Pacifica, stressed that waiting for a ride for a long period of time puts someone’s life at stake. She requested keeping the schedule the way it is.Reselinda Lebedels, Pacifica, stated SamTrans is better than any other transit system in the State. She stated staff should get people out of their cars.
• Nancy Kingman, Portola Valley, supported Routes 84 and 282. She agreed that ridership may be small some parts of the day but the routes to and from school are very important to schoolchildren. She offered to work with the school system to increase ridership and not to take away the service.
• Anne Campbell, Belmont Redwood Shores School District, spoke on behalf of children and parents of Central School who ride Route 64. She emphasized safety of children is an intangible factor that cannot be equated in dollars and cents. She pointed out the hilly terrain in Belmont with no sidewalks. She proposed joining forces with the Peninsula School Districts to do an aggressive campaign to try to get parents to use public transportation for their children. She urged preservation of Route 64.
• Kathy Fetter, Belmont, encouraged the Board to keep Route 64 as it is the only means for her child to get to and from school especially after school when she must go to day care because Ms. Fetter must work. Ridership may not be high but there is a huge need to keep this route.
• Cori McKenzie, Belmont, Principal of Central School, reiterated concern for the safety of students. Belmont is hilly, windy and beautiful but not accessible for young children. The bus service is really important to them. Central School is situated in a spot where traffic is a nightmare at departure time. Likewise, she offered to help promote ridership through letters to parents to make them aware of the availability of the service.

Attorney David Miller stated the Board held a public hearing as required under applicable law, regulations and the District’s own public policy. The public was heard in writing and by testimony. Having satisfied all regal requirements, he advised it is appropriate to close the public hearing. In the packet is a resolution that has been prepared by staff. It has the environmental findings based from work done by staff and it has the proposed courses of action that the Board may choose to adopt.

The Board (Lloyd/Janney) unanimously voted to close the public hearing.

Mr. Harvey provided the following responses to the foregoing comments.

• The farebox recovery ratio of 24.3 percent is a systemwide average.
• To save money, peak service must be taken away because it is the most expensive service.
• The new route will still serve Rotarian Plaza. The senior center will be served.
• On fare coordination, there necessarily is going to be a discounted fare across the transit modes. The holder of a two-zone or greater Caltrain monthly pass is eligible for a local fare credit to ride any SamTrans bus.
• Running articulated buses in Foster City is being looked at.
• Running Route 251 into the shuttles’ coordinated areas is not workable, based on the efficiency of the route. This route must be cut to get the savings.Recognizing the uniqueness of the geography and the traffic, and recognizing the need of the children, Mr. Harvey is leaving the decision on Route 64 to the discretion of the Board. This is the fourth worst route.
• Diverting a second RX schedule is not possible under the current proposal. There is not enough capacity. This is the sixth worst route on the list.
• Routes 84 and 282 are the second and fifth worst in the scoring. (Director Lloyd advised staff to work with the Sequoia School District to have their bus do some local work.)
• On the DX, only one trip is being dropped in the p.m. direction coming out of the City. The Hispanic coverage will be maintained.
• Regarding Route 17, Mr. Harvey recommended keeping the Saturday and eliminating the Sunday services. He explained drivers are paid for by the hour, they have a minimum guaranteed pay, when work is spread out, the money sought to be saved is not saved and service will be poor.

Director Barbour inquired if a school district could enter into a contract with SamTrans to provide services as opposed to having their service in-house.

Attorney David Miller advised that SamTrans can enter into a contract to receive money in subsidy but the service would have to be operated as a regular route and not to replicate what will be a school service.

Director Nevin remarked in general, school budgets are extremely tight.

Director Barbour further questioned if staff is working on the coordination of fares. Mr. Scanlon responded staff is working hard on this. Translink will take the existing fare structure and automate it so that it will be very easy for the customers to use.

Director Teglia asked if Mr. Harvey could get back to some of the people who spoke today because some of them have legitimate concerns. Mr. Harvey stated he has responded to their specific questions. He explained Routes 64, 82 and 84 are the second, fourth and fifth worst routes in the system. Other school districts have asked for more service that would carry significant busloads of people. It would be very difficult to turn down any school if all of the ineffective services would be allowed to continue operation.

Director Schmidt asked why two RX routes in the morning and two in the evening won’t work. Mr. Harvey responded adding an RX route would mean additional peak bus and driver. The RX route is less efficient and costs more because it is farther away. There is a mileage cost and a time cost. This is a very high cost route because this is the longest route in the system. RX is the number sixth worst route.Director Schmidt also inquired if it is feasible to retain Route 251until the scheduled coordination with the Foster City shuttle is achieved. Mr. Harvey responded it will not be compatible with the financial proposal. Ridership is very low. He added mostly, riders of this bus are shoppers or those out to meet an appointment. Unlike a commuter, they have flexibility in their schedule.

Director Schmidt supported keeping Route 17. He also suggested retaining all the 45, 63, 64, 84, and 282 routes because the District has its responsibility to the County to provide bus service to transit dependent individuals. He moved that all the foregoing services be retained.

Director Hill called for a second to the motion. There being none, the motion died.

Director Nevin moved that the Board support staff’s recommendations including bringing back Route 17 on Saturday and any of the changes initially stated, i.e. operating PX south into the RX service area and surveying and establishing the routes scheduling for the NX.Attorney Miller recommended as part of that motion, the environmental finding by staff be incorporated in the resolution that is before this Board.

Director Janney reminded staff to work with Sequoia Union High School District and find opportunities for those affected families, in accordance with Director Lloyd’s suggestion.Director Schmidt inquired how funding could be provided for the proposed changes mentioned in Director Nevin’s motion. Mr. Harvey responded the change in the RX service can be done within the financial proposal. The cost impact of $40,000 for Route 17 will be pulled into the budget proposal.

1. Resolution No. 2002-31: Approving FY 2003 Operating BudgetSusan Stark, Director of Finance and Budget, informed that the Transportation Authority granted a special allocation of $1.9 million for the SamTrans Paratransit ADA Programs. This amount has been incorporated in the proposed Fiscal Operating Budget that is now before the Board for consideration.
   
   The Board (Schmidt/Lloyd) unanimously approved the FY 2003 Operating Budget.
2. Resolution No. 2002-32: Approving FY 2003 Capital Budget
   There being no questions, the Board (Lloyd/Janney) unanimously approved the Capital Budget.

1. Resolution No. 2002-33: Authorization to File an Application with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for Allocation and Disbursement of Transportation Development Act Article 4.0 Funds in the Amount of $26,047,250, Article 4.5 Funds in the Amount of $1,362,920, and State Transit Assistance Funds in the Amount of $1,548,127, for Transportation Requirements of the San Mateo County Transit District During Fiscal years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 and for the Allocation and Disbursement of State Transit Assistance Funds for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 in the Amount of $1,150,000
2. Resolution No. 2002-34: Approval of Proposed DBE Overall Annual Goal for FY 2002-2003
3. Resolution No. 2002-35: Authorizing Awards of Purchase Orders to California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) Vendors for Purchase of Computer Equipment, Digital Reprographic Equipment, Hardware, Software and Computer Peripherals in an Amount Not to Exceed $670,000

1. Minutes of Finance Committee Meeting of May 8, 2002
2. Calling a Public Hearing to be Held on July10, 2002 on the BART/SFO Extension Parking Program

1. The Board (Lloyd/Teglia) unanimously approved the Minutes of Legislative Committee Meeting of May 8, 2002.
2. The Board (Lloyd/Harris) unanimously opposed AB 2189, Transit Contractor Employees; and supported AB 2048, Transit Vehicle Video Recordings, and AB 2582, Paratransit Vehicle Use of HOV Lanes.

1. Closed Session: Conference with Real Property Negotiators (SamTrans Real Estate staff and General Counsel) pursuant to Government Code Section 54946.8: Property Location: (South San Francisco, CA, BART Parcel D-3152-1 [former Southern Pacific San Bruno Branch Right-of-Way]); Parties: City of South San Francisco, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Contract.
2. Closed Session: Conference with Real Property Negotiators (SamTrans Real Estate Staff and General Counsel) pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8: Property Location: Former Millett and Greenwood Properties (El Camino Real, Colma, CA); Parties: Colma BART Apartment Associates, L.P.; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Ground Lease
3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 San Mateo County Transit District v. Congregation Emanuel (Honda of Serramonte claim) San Mateo County Superior Court Case No. 405813
4. Conference with Legal Counsel – Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 San Mateo County Transit District v. Vincent A. Muzzi San Mateo County Superior Court Case No. 406141 (Consolidated with Case No. 408557).

• Resolution No. 2002-36: Authorization of General Manager to Execute an Easement Agreement with the City of South San Francisco for the Transfer of Property Rights in the Vicinity of Chestnut Avenue, South San Francisco, CA
• Resolution No. 2002-37: approval of Second Amendment to 75-Year Ground Lease with Colma BART Apartment Associates L.P.

5. Closed Session: Conference with Legal Counsel –Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a): Williams v. SamTrans
   Attorney Miller advised this matter will be continued to the next Board meeting.
6. Closed Session: Conference with Labor Negotiator – Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6, Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1574
   Attorney Miller stated the Board also heard a report from Doug Burton, the District’s Chief Labor Negotiator. This matter will be placed on the agenda for the next Board meeting in anticipation of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement being completed successfully.

Adjourned: 4:20 p.m.