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SamTrans > General Information > Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee Meetings > Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - October 31, 2002

Committees and Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - October 31, 2002

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

Board of Directors
Community Relations
Finance
Legislative
Planning and Development Committee

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
(Accessibility, Senior Services, and Community Issues)

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

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

Staff Present: Michael Scanlon, David Miller, Joan Cassman, George Cameron, April Chan, Monica Colondres, Roger Contreras, Brian Fitzpatrick, Jim Gallagher, Howard Goode, Chuck Harvey, Rita Haskin, Aurora Jose, Martha Martinez, Ian McAvoy, Ed Stewart, Bill Welch

Pledge of Allegiance
Board Chairman Hill called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

Approval of Minutes of Community Relations Committee Meeting of October 9, 2002.
The Committee (Lloyd/Harris) recommended Board approval of the minutes.

Approval of 18-Month Frequent Rider Pass Pilot Program for Adults
Rita Haskin, Chief Communications Officer, reported the program would reward passengers who purchase 11 consecutive months of passes with free pass for the 12th month. This would also convert the cash paying passengers into pass purchasing passengers.

The Committee (Lloyd/Harris) recommended Board approval of the program.

PCC, Advocacy and ATAC Reports
Bill Welch, Manager, Accessible Transit Services, referred to the PCC minutes in the packet. He acknowledged the tremendous work of the various committees of the PCC in helping staff reduce the number of no-shows and late cancellations to be able to meet the challenges of on-time performance and service efficiency and be able to meet the continuing increase in demand while maintaining the current level of resources.

Discussions are carried on regarding Ride Negotiations to make customers more responsible and flexible in making reservations. Customers are very cooperative and there is great progress in this effort.

Dale Edwards, Chair of the PCC --

Cited Directors Al Teglia and Mike Nevin former mayors and congratulated Director Guingona, for his reelection and maintaining his seat as current mayor of Daly City.
He commended Chuck Harvey, Chief Operating Officer for speaking to PCC members and guests and providing the Redi-Wheels Performance Report.
The PCC recognizes the financial difficulties SamTrans is currently facing due to the tough economic times, that as a result, there had been cutbacks in some of the fixed route service. Redi-Wheels, however, did not get any service cutback. In an effort to help Redi-Wheels, the PCC is working very closely with Mr. Welch on the Ride Negotiations Program.
The PCC will hold an appreciation party on December 11, 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the SamTrans Headquarters as a way of saying "Thank You" to the drivers and all the MV Transportation staff. The PCC also thanks SamTrans for contributing matching fund for the party.
Two drivers, Colman Lee and Dan Marcelo, will each receive an award and gift certificates from MV Transportation. Redi-Wheels consumers selected them for their outstanding performance.

Citizens Advisory Committee Liaison Report - Dick Poe reported:

The CAC is extraordinarily pleased with staff's swift response on the 12-month pass, which idea came from the CAC.
The Committee discussed the Measure A reauthorization and expressed their willingness and eagerness to assist the Board in this effort in a fashion the Board deems appropriate.
The Committee has three vacant positions. Recruitment of new members is ongoing.
The Committee realized the wisdom of the Districts decisions and commended its performance during the budgetary crisis.
Invited the Board members to the holiday dinner to be held on December 4.

Presentation on Caltrain Performance Report
Chuck Harvey, Chief Operating Officer, reported -

Delays typically happen during the weekend because of ongoing construction work on the tracks. Since there is no weekend service at this time, on-time performance continues to be very good, tracking over 96 percent.
Ridership continues to show some decline. However, he noted that some losses are attributable to the reduction of train service from 80 to 76. This was done to balance the budget for fiscal year 2002.
On the safety side, there was another fatality, the fifth for the year, which is an improvement compared to previous years.
Ticket sales from ticket vending machines (TVM) continue to climb. The conductors on the train are selling less than four percent of the revenue. TVM ticket sales is over $1 million per month. This is the result of the implementation of the $1 off-board discount and the $3 surcharge for tickets bought on the train.
In-house meetings and meetings with partner agencies, including Amtrak are gong on regarding the "Proof of Payment Program". This is being coordinated with the Caltrain fare study. The goal is to have a full proof of payment in place by fall of 2003. Tickets will not be sold anymore on the trains. Conductors will be free to do other duties.
Baby Bullet Revenue service started for the Giants' play-off game. The consist is now running in normal revenue service.
Some cutbacks were made on the shuttle routes to balance the budget. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was negotiated with San Francisco to continue most of the morning schedules. There is limited afternoon service because riders use other alternatives going home.
Bus service for the CTX project average about 25 to 30 percent of ridership. Baseball service ended on a sour note. Director Lloyd inquired how many replacement buses are used. Mr. Harvey answered it depends on the time of the day and the schedule. Buses are put on standby for anticipated load. On a given schedule there will be an average of between two and four buses that are making the run.
Mr. Harvey cited the very good cooperation of VTA and MV Transportation for the baseball service.
If BART opens as scheduled, the RRX stop will be added at Millbrae to coordinate and enable passengers to make the transfer. Mr. Harvey discussed coordination of Caltrain service with BART. Staff is working on changes on Caltrain schedules and is working with Amtrak to implement the new schedule.

Director Nevin stated there may be a few weeks of delay in the BART opening. He asked what staff would be doing during those weeks to make the opening as smooth as possible. Mr. Harvey responded staff plans to have an extra capacity available on the site to react to load conditions at Millbrae. Staff will work with Amtrak on this.

Multimodal Ridership Report
Mr. Harvey referred to the written report. He stated overall, SamTrans ridership is down about 4.9 percent. Paratransit ridership continues to be extremely strong. Shuttles tend to be weak in certain areas, indicative of what is going on with employment centers. Overall, he foresees ridership getting better.

Adjourned: 2:27 p.m.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

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

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

All members were present. Director Janney called the meeting to order at 2:27 p.m.

Approval of Finance Committee Minutes of October 9, 2002
The Committee (Lloyd/Harris) recommended Board approval of the minutes.

Acceptance of Statement of Revenues and Expenses for September 2002
Roger Contreras, Chief Financial Officer, reported sales taxes were reduced by $2 million. He made a brief presentation to better illustrate what was done to address that major decrease. He noted no change on passenger fares and TDA funds. The increase on "Other" column reflects the MTC operating grant that was received. The reduction of $2 million was made due to the continuing effects of the sluggish economy. After reflecting increases in interest income and other revenue items, the net effect on the revenues is an overall decrease of $1.1 million. On the expense side, there are virtually no changes because it is too early in the fiscal year to develop any meaningful trend. Mr. Contreras pointed to a slight change in ADA programs for insurance purposes and a slight change on capital programs, to reflect a transfer of $100,000. This is because staff was able to lease copiers instead of buying them. He further noted that the remaining shortfall of $1.1 million in the reduction of sales taxes was addressed by decreasing debt service and money set aside for paratransit due to a lower consumer price index, thus, the revised budget was on target. He, however, foresees that sales taxes may further deteriorate and this may be determined after the holiday season.

Director Barbour, comparing the fiscal year budgets, commented that they show significant changes. He asked if staff is not being optimistic. Mr. Contreras responded the chart shows the needed subsidy to operate the bus system. The best estimate is the amount that was received in previous years. This is the reason why he made the observation that the District will know more about the sales taxes once actual amounts are received, and that will be sometime in January.

The Committee (Harris/Barbour) recommended Board acceptance of the report.

Quarterly Investment Report and Fixed Income
Bill Osher of Harris Bretall Sullivan and Smith reported on the uncertainty of the market that is driven by fear, brought about by current issues such as corporate accounting and the situation with Iraq. Stock prices plummeted and interest rates are at their lowest levels. As these problems are resolved, equity markets will improve, businesses will start to hire, people will spend again and the economy will improve. As a consequence, interest rates will rise. Sales tax revenues will move up a little bit. He, however, expects interest rates to stay low for a while. In anticipation of this and in order to preserve capital, District portfolio has been moved away from a lot of sensitivity to changing interest rates. Risks have been eliminated. No portion of the District portfolio is in trouble.

The Committee (Teglia/Harris) recommended Board acceptance of the report.

Approval of the Conflict of Interest Code
Monica Colondres, Human Resources Director, reported that every two years, staff reviews and updates the Code and files it with the County Board of Supervisors.

The Committee (Nevin/Lloyd) recommended Board approval of the Code as amended.

Authorization to File a Grant Application with the FTA
April Chan, Manager, Capital Programs and Grants, reported the projects that will be included in this application are listed in the staff report. There are five projects, all of which are included in the Fiscal Year 2003 Capital Budget. The Board has previously approved those projects. Matching funds are also included in the Capital Budget.

The Committee (Lloyd/Harris) recommended Board approval of the resolution.

Award of Contract to Orbital Sciences Corporation for the Purchase of Automatic Passenger Counters and Installation of Components for the Advanced Communication System (ACS) at a Cost Not to Exceed $319,149

Approval of Purchase of Three Aerotech Buses from El Dorado Bus Sales Through State of California Contract for Coastside Routes 15 and 17 at a Total Price of $240,316

Approval of Purchase of Up to Six 40-Foot, High-Floor, Suburban Transit Buses from Gillig Corporation Through the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority's Competitively Negotiated Contract for an Estimated Total Amount of $1,996,102

There being no questions on the three contract items outlined above, the Committee (Teglia/Lloyd) recommended Board approval of the resolution.

Adjourned: 2:44 p.m.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

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

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

All members were present. Director Lloyd called the meeting to order at 2:44 p.m.

Approval of Minutes of Legislative Committee Meeting of October 9, 2002
The Committee (Janney/Harris) recommended Board approval of the minutes.

Verbal Report on State Legislative Affairs
Ed Stewart, Legislative Analyst, reported there were a number of local transportation measures in the ballot in the Bay Area and other counties in California. They did not fair too well. BART has a seismic bond on the ballot requiring a 2/3 vote. It received only 64 percent support. Solano County in the North Bay was attempting to impose a new half-cent sales tax measure that also required a 2/3 vote. They came close with a 60 percent yes vote. Fresno, Merced, Madera and Riverside County in Southern California also had half-cent sales tax measures on the ballot for approval; only Riverside County succeeded by obtaining a 69 percent yes vote. The measures that failed won a majority vote. This points to the need to revise the 2/3 voter threshold for sales tax measures in California, at least for transportation purposes.

Mr. Stewart also reported Gene Mullin was elected to the 19th Assembly District representing the northern part of the county, replacing Lou Papan who was termed out. In the southern part of the county, Joe Simitian was re-elected to the 21st Assembly District seat in southern San Mateo County, and Jackie Speier was easily re-elected to her Senate seat. Statewide, Assembly Democrats lost two seats in the Assembly and now hold a 48 to 32 majority. This is six votes short of the 2/3 vote needed to pass the budget, and that could have serious implications for budget negotiations next year in Sacramento. Proposition 51, which the Board opposed, was defeated 59 percent to 41 percent. It in fact lost in every county in the State.

Mr. Stewart noted on the Federal level, there will be a change of control in the Senate from Democrat to Republican. That will impact efforts to reauthorize the TEA-21 Transportation Act, as new chairmen will be appointed to the committees that have jurisdiction over transportation matters.

Adjourned: 2:47 p.m.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Committee Members Present: John Barbour (Committee Chair), Michael Guingona, Stephen Schmidt.

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

All Committee members were present. Committee Chair Barbour called the meeting to order at 2:47 p.m.

Approval of Minutes of Planning and Development Committee Meeting of October 9, 2002
The Committee (Teglia/Janney) recommended Board approval of the minutes

Authorization for the General Manager or His Designee to Execute Right of Way Certification
Brian Fitzpatrick, Real Estate Manager, reported the need for this item revolves on the fact that for the first time in its entire history, the SamTrans Real Estate Department has been authorized by the State of California, Department of Transportation to purchase right of way from a corporation of the State Highway.

The Committee (Lloyd/Harris) recommended Board approval of the resolution.

Adjourned: 2:49 p.m.

SAN MATEO COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

All members were present. Chair Hill called the meeting to order at 2:49 p.m.

CONSENT CALENDAR
The Board (Teglia/Guingona) unanimously approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Adoption of Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting of October 9, 2002
Acceptance of Statement of Revenues & Expenses Report, September 2002
Acceptance of Quarterly Investment Report and Fixed Income Market Review and Outlook

PUBLIC COMMENT
None at this time.

REPORT OF THE CHAIR
Resolutions

Resolution No. 2002-65: Resolution of Appreciation for Director Stephen Schmidt
Chair Hill announced that Director Schmidt, chose not run for reelection and therefore, he is retiring as SamTrans Board member. He recognized and thanked Director Schmidt for his dedication and commitment in promoting mass transit, his achievements and contributions as member of this Board and the Joint Powers Board, and in bringing forward the use of bicycles as another mode of transportation. The Board (Guingona/Teglia) unanimously approved the resolution.

Director Schmidt thanked the Board for the recognition. He cited how his advocacy and values towards making public transit affordable, accessible and convenient guided him in his decisions on this Board and in the City Council. His use of public transit helped him understand the challenges everyone - the patrons, workers, drivers and management - all face relative to the transit system. He acknowledged General Manager/CEO Michael Scanlon in truly energizing staff in implementing Board policies and in representing the interests of this county in dealing with other counties in the Bay Area.

Resolution No. 2002-66 - Memorial Tribute: Conrad E. Johnson
Chair Hill extended condolences on behalf of the District and the Amalgamated Transit Union to the family of Conrad E. Johnson, who was fatally shot while in the performance of his duties as Second Generation bus operator for Montgomery County Transit Services in Maryland. The Board (Nevin/Janney) unanimously approved the resolution.

Director Teglia, inquired, in the event of a similar tragedy, what the District has for the family of the deceased employee. Monica Colondres, Human Resources Director, informed that the surviving spouse becomes eligible for the pension. Mr. Scanlon stated this matter would be looked into further.

Motion
Approval of 2003 Board Meeting Calendar
Mr. Scanlon advised that the meeting scheduled for November 12 will be in conflict with the California Transit Association Annual Meeting. It will be held in Burlingame and the District will be the host. He suggested moving the date to November 5. The Board (Janney/Guingona) unanimously approved the calendar with the proposed change in date.

REPORT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER/CEO Mr. Scanlon -

Thanked the Board and the members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1574 for their support in having the memorial tribute to Conrad E. Johnson.
Thanked Director Schmidt for his kind words and wished him the best of luck.
Congratulated Director Lloyd for being the recipient of the Greta Ericson Award from the MTC, and the Champion of Rails Award from David Gunn, president of Amtrak for Director Lloyd's life's work in promoting rail travel.
Advised that one new articulated bus has arrived and more are coming to replace 55 older buses, primarily those operating along the main corridors (Routes 390 and 391 along El Camino Real). He mentioned the fine features of the buses like the big destination signs, lower emissions, smoother and comfortable ride. Aggressive marketing will be done to make people aware of these new buses that are put in service and get them back to the transit system.
Recognized Charles Petrocchi, who was presented the Twenty-Five Years of Safe Working Award.
Recognized Matt Sieger, winner of the People Who Care Award in the individual professional category. He handles the travel training of persons with disabilities. Mr. Sieger shared the honor with SamTrans staff and said it was a team effort.
Recognized also Paul Lee, Associate Bus Contracts Administrator and Lauren Leong, Bus Contract Inspector, nominees for the same award.
Noted that the District received one of the Bay Area's Best Work Places for Commuters Award. There were 82 employers recognized and SamTrans was the only transit agency that was named.
Thanked the Board members who joined the Silicon Valley Manufacturer's Group Annual Luncheon. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Business was good for the 49er Football game with an average of 5,200 riders per game, which is slightly over that of last year.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Resolution
The Board (Nevin/Guingona) unanimously approved the following:
Resolution No. 2002-67: Authorizing the Establishment of an 18-Month Frequent Rider Pass Pilot Program

Motion
The Board (Nevin/Guingona) unanimously approved the minutes of Community Relations Committee meeting of October 9, 2002.

Subjects Discussed
Director Nevin reported the Committee discussed the following:

PCC, Advocacy and ATAC Reports
Citizens Advisory Committee Liaison Report
Caltrain Performance Report
Multimodal Ridership Report, September 2002

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Resolutions
The Board (Janney/Lloyd) unanimously approved the following resolutions:

Resolution No. 2002-68: Authorizing the Use of a Competitive Negotiation Process and the Purchase of Up to Six 40-Foot, High-Floor, Suburban Transit Buses from Gillig Corporation Through the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority's Competitively Negotiated Contract for a Total Estimated Amount of $1,996,102
Resolution No. 2002-69: Authorizing the Filing of an Application with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, for Section 5307 Capital Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2003 in the Total Amount of $15,624,335 and the Execution of Grant Agreements Required to Receive the Grants
Resolution No. 2002-70: Authorizing Award of Contract to Orbital Sciences Corporation to Provide Equipment and Installation Services for Components of the Advanced Communication System to be Installed in the District's New NABI Articulated Buses at a Cost Not to Exceed $319,149
Resolution No. 2002-71: Authorizing the Purchase of Three El Dorado National Aerotech Buses Through the State of California at a Total Cost of $240,316
Resolution No. 2002-72: Adopting the Amended Conflict of Interest Code

Motion
The Board (Janney/Teglia) unanimously approved the minutes of Finance Committee meeting of October 9, 2002.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Motion
The Board (Lloyd/Guingona) unanimously approved the minutes of Legislative Committee meeting of October 9, 2002.

Subjects Discussed
Director Lloyd reported Ed Steward gave updates on the State and Federal legislative affairs.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Resolution
The Board (Barbour/Guingona) unanimously approved the following:
Resolution No. 2002-73: Authorizing the General Manager, or Designee to Execute Right of Way Certifications for Projects Requiring Right of Way Certification

Motion
The Board (Barbour/Guingona) unanimously approved the minutes of Planning and Development Committee meeting of October 9, 2002.

GENERAL COUNSEL PROPOSAL
Attorney David Miller stated on the agenda is a personnel item for closed session. He recommended that the Board take an action after the discussion.

THE BOARD ADJOURNED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:20 P.M. AND RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION AT 3:45 P.M.

Resolution No. 2002-74: Authorizing Third Amendment to the Employment Agreement with General Manager Michael J. Scanlon
Attorney Miller advised that the Board met in closed session as permitted by the Brown Act, to consider the performance evaluation of the Mr. Scanlon. He indicated that the Board unanimously recognized Mr. Scanlon's outstanding performance. Attorney Miller presented for approval, the resolution authorizing an amendment to the employment agreement that includes an extension of five years to the contract to run through October 31, 2009, with various adjustments in compensation provisions as set forth in the resolution.

The Board (Nevin/Lloyd) unanimously approved the resolution.

Adjourned: 3:50 p.m.