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SamTrans > General Information > Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee Meetings > Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - January 8, 2003
Committees and Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - January 8, 2003
SAMTRANS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
2nd FL. AUDITORIUM
1250 SAN CARLOS AVENUE, SAN CARLOS, CALIFORNIA
Board
of Directors
Community
Relations
Finance
Legislative
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, Jim Hartnett, Jerry Hill, Mary Janney, Arthur
Lloyd
Staff Present: Michael Scanlon, David Miller, George Cameron, Roger
Contreras, Jim Gallagher, Howard Goode, Chuck Harvey, Aurora Jose, Martha
Martinez, Ian McAvoy, Bill Welch
Pledge of
Allegiance
Board Chairman Hill led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
All Committee members were present. Director Nevin called the meeting to order
at 2:07 p.m.
Approval of Minutes of Community Relations Committee meeting
of December 11, 2002
The Committee (Janney/Lloyd) unanimously recommended Board approval of the
minutes.
Appointment of Citizens Advisory Committee Members
The Committee (Harris/Teglia) unanimously recommended Board approval of the
appointment of Ken Feldstein, representing Community Members, Kim Nobles,
representing Bus Riders, and Alvin Schwarsbach, representing Multimodal Riders.
PCC, Advocacy and ATAC Reports
Dale Edwards, Chair, Paratransit Coordinating Council, reported:
- Per the Consumer Corps Report, Redi-Wheels performance remains good for
the past quarters. There was no service denial. During the year, the
percentage of callers placed on hold went up due to increased number of calls
for negotiated and standby rides.
- Aware of the increasing service demand and declining revenues, SamTrans
staff and a subcommittee of the PCC are reviewing the Redi-Wheels eligibility
process, in parallel with the MTC regional study. Proposed changes to the
process will be reported to this Board in a future meeting.
- The holiday caroling, with the performances by John Murphy, Bill Welch
and MV staff was very delightful and festive. It was a great public
relations activity for SamTrans, MV Transportation and the PCC.
Bill Welch, Manager of Accessible Transit Services acknowledged Dale Edwards'
participation in the caroling event by singing and playing the piano. Further,
he recognized staff for their efforts in increasing the number of tickets for
the Coastside Opportunity Center under the Fare Assistance Program, allowing
low-income passengers to ride Redi-Wheels at reduced cost. He reported that
the taxi demonstration project is doing well. The contract with Peninsula
Yellow Cab in South City will be extended. Two more vendors will be added to
get full county coverage on taxis.
Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Report
Richard Poe welcomed Ken Feldstein, Kim Nobles and Alvin Schwarzbach, newly
appointed members of the CAC. In order to encourage commitment among future
appointees, the CAC recommends adding to the application forms, a question
regarding whether potential applicants have ever attended either a board or CAC
meeting prior to their interview. It should be emphasized in the application
that all the CAC members are cordially invited to attend.
Presentation on SamTrans Performance
Chuck Harvey, Chief Operating Officer, reported:
- Average weekday ridership for fixed route service is flattening out but
not as quickly as desired. Token usage remains very strong. Missed schedules
represent a very small percentage of the total schedules.
- On-time performance went down primarily because schedules were checked
more closely on El Camino service. Staff is working on a number of ways to
improve on-time performance on El Camino Real.
- The advanced communication system coming online will be useful by telling
where the buses are. Equipment is being installed to identify the District's
low points in operation. Mr. Harvey added that buses will soon have the
ability to make automatic announcements for all stops. Tests have already
been completed. Announcements are now being recorded. These will start
operating in March. In the meantime, staff is testing the automatic passenger
counting and data collection equipment.
- On the bus repower project, Mr. Harvey informed that out of 137 buses,
112 have been completed. This job is being done in-house. Work on the
remaining 25 buses will continue until the end of the year. Mr. Harvey also
reported on the training simulator and presented a computer graphic display
and photographs showing how it works. Substantial savings will be realized by
using this equipment in the training of operators.
- Mr. Harvey mentioned that in connection with the 2004 budget, each time
the budget process starts, routes are checked for coverage and efficiency and
if there is a need, adjustments will be made. In this regard, the usual legal
process of public information will be observed.
Director Hartnett inquired why this automatic announcement system is being put
in place only now, where it is driven, what other features are in the system,
and what are the practical applications for the system. Mr. Harvey stated there
had been several attempts in the past to install this equipment. There were too
many technological complications and the system was very unreliable. The
automatic announcement is driven from the dispatch computer system but there
are on-board controls that allow the operator to do some things. Staff has to
conduct schedule checks in the field in order to determine how reliable the
system is.
Multimodal Ridership Report
Mr. Harvey reported:
- SamTrans ridership is soft, an effect of the poor economy. Good and
strong marketing efforts are implemented to promote ridership. One example
of this is the agreement signed with the Community Colleges for a school pass
program.
Director Nevin asked if this school pass system is similar to the Caltrain
Pass Program established with Stanford University. Mr. Scanlon answered it is
similar and this is a pilot program. He stated college students who normally
buy tickets at adult rates can buy tickets at the same rate as high school
tickets. The college will subsidize it by an additional $10.
- Redi-Wheels ridership continues to increase. This is the only mode
adding ridership. Zero denials have been maintained. The District is
spending more money to do it. Staff is trying to do everything they can to
control costs. Messrs. Welch and Edwards are working very closely on
screening procedures.
Adjourned: 2:30 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, Jim Hartnett, Jerry Hill, Arthur Lloyd, Michael Nevin, Albert
Teglia
Staff Present: Michael Scanlon, David Miller, George Cameron, Roger
Contreras, Jim Gallagher, Howard Goode, Chuck Harvey, Aurora Jose, Martha
Martinez, Ian McAvoy, Bill Welch
Committee members were present. Director Janney called the meeting to order
at 2:30 p.m.
Approval of Finance Committee Minutes of December 11, 2002
The Committee (Teglia/Hill) recommended Board approval of the minutes.
Acceptance of Statement of Revenues and Expenses for
November 2002
Roger Contreras, Chief Financial Officer, reported operating revenues are on
target. No major revisions were made from last month. Information on sales tax
during the holiday season will be received by the middle of February, after
which, a more concrete report could be made in March. Expenditures are lower
by about $1 million compared to the year-to-date budget. The principal
components are $265,000 on wages and benefits, $143,000 in clinical services,
and $181,000 in bus parts and materials. ADA is over budget by $246,000.
Finance and Operations are working together to determine the appropriate
action.
Adjourned: 2:37 p.m.
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Committee Members Present:
Arthur Lloyd (Committee Chair), Michael Nevin
Other Board Members Present:
John Barbour, Michael Guingona, Shirley Harris, Jim Hartnett, Jerry Hill, Mary
Janney, Albert Teglia
Staff Present: Michael Scanlon, David Miller, George Cameron, Roger
Contreras, Jim Gallagher, Howard Goode, Chuck Harvey, Aurora Jose, Martha
Martinez, Ian McAvoy, Bill Welch
All members were present. Director Lloyd called the meeting to order at
2:37 p.m.
Approval of Minutes of Legislative Committee Meeting of
December 11, 2002
The Committee (Hartnett/Barbour) recommended Board approval of the minutes.
Verbal Report on State Legislative Affairs
Ian McAvoy, Deputy Chief of Development, reported that the Governor's big
mission is to create jobs. One major issue is how to deal with the projected
$35 billion deficit. He invited everyone to listen to the Governor's State of
the State presentation. The proposed budget will be released on Friday. Mr.
McAvoy stated the Governor is looking specifically at how to cut programs. He
is considering a reduction of $1.8 billion in transportation programs, from
both the State Highway Account and the Traffic Congestion Relief Program, which
includes the Baby Bullet and other projects. Staff will be watching the
developments very closely to avoid any operating cuts. Mr. McAvoy noted the
California Transportation Commission meeting to be held on January 17 in
Sacramento, where the budget will be reviewed and potential solutions to
problems will be formulated. Prior to that, the regions of the State, which
includes the MTC, will have a special meeting on January 15 to look
specifically at how the regions can present their concerns as one unit. Staff's
main concern is to protect the money allocated to projects under contract.
SamTrans has a vested interest in many transportation projects, specifically
the Baby Bullet and some local grade separations.
Verbal Report on Federal Legislative Affairs
Mr. McAvoy advised that the 108th Congress convened on Tuesday. Congresswoman
Nancy Pelosi released the Democratic leadership's economic stimulus program one
day before the President released his program. The main issue is that the
Democratic leadership program plans to pump $136 billion into the economy this
year. It would result in an immediate 26 weeks extension of unemployment
benefits. There are some personal tax benefits from the program. The other
major item is that the Democratic leadership is looking towards helping the
States deal with significant crises in fiscal programs. On Tuesday, the
President released his program. He focused on encouraging consumer spending to
boost the economy, tax issues that would help the unemployed in the form of tax
cut, encouraging job creation through investments in businesses and helping the
unemployed by extending unemployment benefits.
Staff has not seen a transportation budget for 2003. None of the committees of
Congress are going to meet this week on transportation issues. Movements are
expected next week. Staff expects to see an omnibus spending bill, which means
that all the bills will be brought together in one package to the Congress and
to the President for his signature. He further reported that Chairman Young of
the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee is supporting an increase
in Federal gas tax. He added there are ongoing discussions regarding Amtrak.
Director Lloyd advised that in his conversation with Rose Capone, Executive
Director of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, the House-approved
$752 million increment would mean Amtrak would shut down in June or July. The
Senate passed $1.2 billion for Amtrak under the Democratic leadership last year.
However, what has developed since then was that Senator McCain, who is
anti-Amtrak, has indicated that they will probably not go through with the $1.2
billion, which is necessary to operate the railroad through this fiscal year.
Director Lloyd contacted the offices of California Senators and they are
totally supportive of the $1.2 billion.
Adjourned: 2:37 p.m.
SAN
MATEO COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Members Present:
Michael Guingona (Chair), Mary Janney (Vice Chair), John Barbour, Shirley
Harris, Jim Hartnett, Jerry Hill, Arthur Lloyd, Michael Nevin, Albert Teglia
Staff Present: Michael Scanlon, David Miller, George Cameron, Roger
Contreras, Jim Gallagher, Howard Goode, Chuck Harvey, Aurora Jose, Martha
Martinez, Ian McAvoy, Bill Welch
All Board members were present. Chair Guingona called the meeting to order
at 2:50 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motions
The Board (Hartnett/Janney) unanimously approved the following items under the
Consent Calendar:
- Adoption of Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting of December 11, 2002.
- Acceptance of Statement of Revenues & Expenses, November 2002
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None at this time.
REPORT OF THE CHAIR
Motions
- Election of Officers for 2003
Chair Hill stated he was honored to have served as Chair of this Board for
the past year and become part of the SamTrans family. He expressed delight of
staff's class, professionalism and expertise. He thanked Mr. Scanlon for his
leadership and in steering the organization. Chair Hill paid tribute to the
District's accomplishments such as the coming of BART, increase in
Paratransit patronage and successes of the organization through hard work
despite the sales tax and revenue decreases.
Director Nevin expressed appreciation of Chair Hill's leadership as well as
his remarks about the organization. He commented that Chair Hill is one of
the elected members of this Board who truly serves to check on the government
and that he is a great colleague.
Director Nevin announced that the Selection Committee met to consider the
nomination of a new Chair. Director Guingona does a tremendous job in Daly
City, he is a great attorney who came from the Public Defender's Office and
now in private practice. Currently, Director Guingona is the Mayor of Daly
City. He stated the Committee is nominating Director Guingona as Chair of
this Board for 2003.
There being no other nominees, the nomination was closed. The Board
(Nevin/Harris) unanimously approved the nomination.
Chair Guingona spoke about his membership to this Board for a number of years.
He heralded the achievements of the leadership on this Board from Director
Nevin to Director Hill and hoped that he could exhibit their foresight and
skills to a certain degree. He looks forward to the pleasure of working with
everyone. He pledged that he will take the responsibility seriously and live
up to everyone's expectation.
Director Nevin, on behalf of the Selection Committee, nominated Mary Janney
as Vice Chair of the Board. There being no other nominees, the nomination was
closed. The Board (Lloyd/Teglia) unanimously approved the nomination.
Vice Chair Janney stated she was honored and accepted the nomination.
- Resolution of Appreciation for Director Jerry Hill (Resolution No.
2003-1)
The Board (Hartnett/Lloyd) unanimously approved the resolution. It was
presented to Director Hill by Chair Guingona and Vice Chair Janney.
REPORT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER/CEO:
Michael J. Scanlon congratulated Chair Guingona and Vice Chair Janney on their
appointments and committed staff's full support. He also thanked outgoing Chair
Hill for his kind words as well as the Board members' confidence in staff. He
congratulated the new members of the Citizens Advisory Committee. He stated
staff will work hard to meet the challenges although it will be tough because
of the budget crisis. He reported --
- The opening of BART will be an opportunity for the District to reshape
and retime some of the Caltrain services. Some of the bus services will be
reworked to make sure they are responsive and market-driven.
- He expects ridership and revenue to recover. Staff is doing a number of
marketing strategies some of which are the direct mail campaign for the
public to try both Caltrain and the buses, and the annual pass program that
grants a 12th ticket free after buying 11. This program was recommended by
the CAC.
- The 49er ridership set the highest level in the past three years at 4,200
riders. The home game may carry as many as 8,000.
- Caltrain will provide regular service on Martin Luther King Day.
- Staff will be making a recommendation to the Transportation Authority
(TA) to approve a contract with Bay Relations, a Daly City firm, for the
purpose of doing public education on the accomplishments of Measure A and do
outreach to the community at large, to get their input on what they would
like to see in the reauthorization of the Measure.
- Next week, Samceda and P3 will have final negotiations with a firm that
will raise funds and advocate for the reauthorization of Measure A.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Motions
- The Board (Nevin/Lloyd) unanimously approved the minutes of Community
Relations Committee meeting of December 11, 2003.
- The Board (Nevin/Hill) unanimously approved the appointment of Kim Nobles,
Ken Feldstein and Alvin Schwarzbach to the CAC.
Subjects Discussed
Chair Nevin reported the Committee discussed the following:
- PCC, Advocacy and ATAC Reports
- Citizens Advisory Committee Liaison Report
- SamTrans Performance Report
- Multimodal Ridership Report, November 2002
FINANCE
COMMITTEE
Motion
The Board (Janney/Harris) unanimously approved the minutes of Finance Committee
meeting of December 11, 2002.
LEGISLATIVE
COMMITTEE
Motion
The Board (Lloyd/Barbour) unanimously approved the minutes of Legislative
Committee meeting of December 11, 2002.
Subjects Discussed
Director Lloyd reported that Mr. McAvoy gave full legislative reports on both
State and Federal affairs.
GENERAL
COUNSEL PROPOSAL
Attorney David Miller reported that the closed session item on the agenda is a
real estate matter involving a piece of property in the Town of Colma.
BOARD COMMENT
Before the Board goes into closed session, Director Hill reminded that Chair
Guingona was absent from the meeting last month because he was in the
Philippines receiving the "Pamana Award" from the Philippine President. Chair
Guingona stated out of 500 nominees, he was chosen to receive the award. The
event was held in Malacaņang, the Presidential Palace.
THE BOARD ADJOURNED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:00 P.M. AND RECONVENED IN OPEN
SESSION AT 3:15 P.M.
Attorney Miller reported the Board has met in closed session as permitted by
the Brown Act to discuss a matter of real estate negotiations. Staff is
recommending that the Board adopt the resolution authorizing the transfer of
certain property purchased for the BART Extension to the Town of Colma. All
parties that have interests in the property including BART understood that the
proceeds of the sale will be applied to the capital cost of the SFO project. He
submitted the resolution for the Board's consideration.
The Board (Teglia/Janney) unanimously approved Resolution No. 2003-2.
Adjourned: 3:20 p.m.
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