WCCTAC
West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee
Minutes
The regular meeting of the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order at 7:34 a.m. by Vice Chair Brown in the City Council Chambers of the City of San Pablo, 13831 San Pablo Avenue (at Church Lane), San Pablo, California.
1. Call to Order and Self-Introductions
PRESENT: Acting Chair Sharon Brown (San Pablo), Tom Butt (Richmond), Janet Abelson (El Cerrito), *Jerrold Parsons, (WestCAT), Ed Balico (Hercules), *Maria Alegria (Pinole), Maria Viramontes (Richmond), Bob Franklin (BART), Irma Anderson (Richmond), *John Gioia (Contra Costa County)
ABSENT: Mindell Penn (Richmond), Joe Wallace (AC Transit)
STAFF: Lisa Hammon, WCCTAC Managing Director
Linda Young, WCCTAC Transportation Project Specialist
John Rudolph, WCCTAC Management Assistant
Nancy Cuneo, WCCTAC Administrative Analyst
Hisham Noeimi, CCTA Staff
* Not present for Roll Call
2. Public Comment
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On motion by Janet Abelson, seconded by Irma Anderson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Consent Calendar.
3. Minutes, Sign-In Sheet, and Summary from the 3-25-05 Meeting
The Board approved the minutes, sign-in sheet and meeting summary from the March 2005 meeting.
4. Staff Reports
The Board accepted the Employee Staff Reports from the Managing Director, the Management Assistant and the Transportation Project Specialist for April 2005.
The Board approved the TAC’s TCC recommendations and will notify CCTA.
6. TAC Recommendation Regarding the West County Internship Program
The Board approved the TAC recommendation to fund one intern in an amount not to exceed $400.
7. “Mitigating Traffic Congestion: The Role of Demand-Side Strategies,” Contra Costa SchoolPool Program
The Board received the information.
8. Future Agenda Items
ü Form-Based Codes Workshop
ACTION ITEMS:
9. Proposed Casinos in West County – Regional Transportation Impacts
The Managing Director reported a meeting was held on April 7th to discuss the traffic, transportation and transit impacts of the three proposed casinos. Supervisor Gioia and Uilkema hosed the meeting. County staff and WCCTAC staff will prepare a scope, cost estimates, schedule and timeline for a traffic study or studies that will look at the incremental impacts of adding casinos in West County. On April 8th a meeting regarding traffic impacts was held at CCTA. The Managing Director stated CCTA staff would work together with WCCTAC and County staff with the preparation of the required information/data. This information will be presented at the May 19th meeting, 10:30 a.m. at the Hilltop Mall Conference Room.
Jerrold Parsons present at 7: 35 a.m.
The Managing Director stated the WCCTAC member agencies have indicated a willingness to work together on the impacts of the proposed Casino San Pablo expansion. She asked the Board for direction on the member agencies’ participation in a larger cooperative study that may review up to 3 casino sites in West County, and direction from the Board on working with the tribes and the BIA on potential traffic impacts. The Managing Director stated Sharon Brown had sent a memo noting that it is appropriate and prudent to fund a study creating baseline traffic data for intersections impacted by the Casino San Pablo; however, the other two proposed casinos have little chance of being accepted into the Trust of the BIA. Ms. Brown recommends postponing the studies on Point Molate and North Richmond.
John Gioia present at 7:36 a.m.
John Gioia stated an EIS conducted by Abrams & Associates contains many under-estimated impacts. This is the time for agencies to provide comments to the BIA, which then release their own EIS in the next few months. Mr. Gioia felt it makes sense to continue to look at traffic impacts.
Ed Balico suggested there is already baseline data available from CCTA, which could be used to reduce costs of the 3 proposed traffic studies. Mr. Balico requested copies of the existing EIS, as did Deidre Heitman, BART.
The Managing Director stated the issue of who pays the cost of the three proposed traffic studies is up for discussion. She suggested the cost may be anywhere from between $250,000 to $500,000. The Managing Director added there might be other agencies, both public and private, that may be interested in participating in the traffic studies. There will be more discussion on costs at the May 19th meeting.
On motion by Maria Viramontes, seconded by John Gioia and carried unanimously, the Board directed staff to move forward with the cost estimates of the traffic studies and explore funding of the studies at a later date.
Tom Butt suggested rather than a full-blown study, that staff look at a variety of options that would cost less. He suggested a consultant could review the assumptions and methods for any “fatal flaws.” The Managing Director stated all options will be explored, and she will bring the information back to the Board.
John Gioia stated the timing of the study is important because the BIA and State may rely on the EIS report for mitigations in surrounding communities, and if so, the traffic studies would be the only form of true information. Mr. Gioia stated he has reviewed the North Richmond EIS, and it clearly underestimates impacts in many areas. The County is conducting a study on Health and Social Service Impacts that are also underestimated in the North Richmond EIS.
Maria Alegria present at 7:47 a.m.
10. West County’s Strategic Plan Projects – Strategy for Upcoming Discussions at CCTA
The Managing Director stated the Strategic Plan Amendments would be discussed at the CCTA Administration and Projects Committee on May 5th at 8:30 a.m., and again at the CCTA Board meeting May 18th at 6:00 p.m. Discussions of the substitutions for the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station Parking Structure will only occur after an Expenditure Plan Amendment has bee approved. This discussion will take place at CCTA’s Administration and Projects Committee meeting on May 5th at 8:30 a.m. and at the CCTA Board meeting on May 18th at 6:00 p.m.
The Managing Director reported a meeting was held with the West County representatives to CCTA and staff to ensure the process was understood and how to move forward. She stated Bob McCleary suggested it would be helpful to present letters from all the affected agencies, particularly those switching the funding. The Managing Director stated she is working with Hercules and Richmond on letters to the Authority supporting the amendment. She added that staff will be evaluating the financial plan presented for the Richmond Transit Village Parking Structure and the Hercules Transit Center parking project to ensure all information is current.
Maria Viramontes agreed that all the CCTA representatives and staff would need to be fully prepared for the May 5th meeting. She also stated the funding plans for the transit centers needs to be guaranteed so there are no outstanding questions as this amendment moves to the CCTA Board for approval. She also asked what CCTA’s issue with the Hercules Transit Center addressed. The Managing Director stated CCTA stated the parking at Hercules does not fit the language of Measure C because there is no BART station in Hercules. However, the Managing Director suggested the parking in Hercules would be for riders using express buses to the Del Norte BART Station. She added that although small amendments have been made in the past, substitutions would need to reflect the desire of the voters.
Maria Alegria suggested a presentation on the Hercules Transit Center should be provided at the June CCTA meeting to clear up any confusion. She also stated there is a need for all West County cities to adopt a resolution of support for the amendment. This is a regional issue and needs regional support. The Managing Director will prepare a resolution of support for the agencies and cities.
Ed Balico stated the City of Hercules has been working with BART for 5 years to locate a parking facility. The Hercules Transit Center has been designed to be a transit hub. The express bus service to San Francisco will begin at the Transit Center, and will also deliver riders to the BART station. Deidre Heitman stated she would be more than willing to attend the CCTA meeting to provide technical support. She added a letter supporting the amendment was going before the BART Board for approval.
Ed Balico further stated that AC Transit had begun a study in Hercules without permission or agreement with the City. The City of Hercules’ preference would be to have WestCAT provide the service rather than AC Transit. Irma Anderson stated the Hercules Transit Center would be a transit hub whether AC Transit or WestCAT serves it. Jerrold Parsons stated there is a great need for parking at Hercules whether there is bus service or not.
Janet Abelson was uncertain of BART’s support for a service on their property to bypass the BART station. Bob Franklin stated the general managers of BART and AC Transit have been discussing the ramifications of running an express bus service from the Hercules Transit Center and bypassing BART.
On motion by Maria Viramontes, seconded by Irma Anderson and carried unanimously, the Board approved a draft resolution of support for the Strategic Plan Amendment and Expenditure Plan to be sent to all the West County cities.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
11. Richmond Parkway Transit Center Report
Jon Twichell, AC Transit’s Capital Projects Implementation Manager, reviewed the Richmond Parkway Transit Center Planning and Conceptual Design Study. At this point, a planning group comprised of AC Transit, WCCTAC, WestCAT, Caltrans, Richmond and Pinole has been working together to make preliminary improvements to the site. The Working Group will take over management of the parking lot, and will install bus shelters and provide security at the location. There will be a fee to park, which will pay for maintenance costs. Mr. Twichell stated the Final Report was very well prepared and provides analysis on a variety of issues including current and future demand and capacity.
Janet Abelson expressed concern that the pedestrian access is very unsafe and the sidewalks are dangerous. She did not find any of the pedestrian issues addressed in the Final Report. Mr. Twichell stated the pedestrian issue would be addressed in the EIR process. Maria Alegria requested the City of Pinole be provided with a presentation on the site in order to participate in the design of the facility.
Jerrold Parsons expressed concern there is no access on I-80 coming from Pinole to the HOV lanes. Mr. Twichell stated this is a Caltrans issue. Ed Balico asked for a timeline and milestones for the improvements. He felt it is very important to be informed on these types of projects using large amounts of public funds. Noting that the financing of the project will dictate the schedule, Mr. Twichell will forward the timeline submitted.
Aleida Chavez stated WestCAT has been raising the issue of the importance of westbound HOV lanes at both of the regional transit centers, and Caltrans is aware of the need.
12. West County Safe Communities/Street Smarts Program Update
Nancy Baer, CCHS, provided an update on the Street Smarts Program. It is a traffic safety education campaign designed to remind West Contra Costa residents and visitors to travel safely as drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. The Street Smarts Campaign kicked off in April 2004 and is currently implementing campaign activities in community and school settings. Local activities consist of bus shelter advertisements, displays at festivals and other community events, newsletter inserts, cable TV ads, bumper stickers on city, county and school district vehicles, theatre ads and posters displayed in local businesses and schools.
Jerrold Parsons suggested Ms. Baer look at the efforts to slow traffic in Marin County. Local residents are placing “Slow Down For Children” signs in the middle of the streets. Maria Alegria suggested the Street Smarts Program attend Earth Day. Tom Butt suggested the red light cameras might be effective in slowing traffic. Ms. Baer will pay particular attention to venders offering this technology at the upcoming San Diego Conference. Mr. Butt requested she forward the information to West County cities. Maria Viramontes suggested working with new drivers as they receive their licenses from the DMV to provide a key chain with “Stopping is Part of Driving.”
Ms. Baer stated she is working to invite Dr. Dick Jackson, the Walkability guru, to an upcoming regional event.
13. Correspondence/Other Information:
Incoming:
TRANSPAC meeting summary – March 14, 2005
AC Transit letter to John Gioia re: AC Transit Line 74 – March 28, 2005
SWAT meeting summary – April 4, 2005
Outgoing:
Letter to Martin Engelmann re: T-Plus Planning Grants for West County -03.28.05
Letter to Rick Fernandez re: AC Transit Route 74 – 3.25.05
Letter to Margie Mejia re: Casino San Pablo – 04.08.05
Letter to Barry Cromartie re: Mailing list for project environmental notices – 04.07.05
Letter to Lisa Worrall re: Proposed Scotts Valley Band Casino Project in North Richmond, CA – 04.07.05
Newspaper/Internet Articles (all articles from West County Times unless stated otherwise):
“Richmond Bay Trail Report First Quarter 2005” TRAC, 04.05
“San Pablo Avenue –Roadway Rehabilitation Project” Caltrans, 04.05.05
“Mayor touts development momentum”, 03.25.05
“Bingo machines poised for end run in Bay Area”, 03.26.05
“Free parking has a price, book claims”, 03.28.05
“Bay Bridge has a partner in soaring construction costs”, 04.01.05
“Supervisors may raise casino odds”, 04.01.05
“Orinda’s opposition to casino going official”, 04.03.05
“Fed funding for BART to SJ unlikely”, 04.03.05
“Community Briefs: West County”, 04.04.05
“Bill would shift control over bridge project”, 04.04.05
“San Pablo Avenue to gain ADA upgrades”, 04.05.05
“Shedding some light on a bad deal” Editorial, 04.05.05
“Indian gambling debate comes to Capitol Hill” SF Chronicle, 04.05.05
“McCain blasts tribe over bill allowing San Pablo casino” SF Chronicle, 04.06.05
“Housing proposal cuts local influence” Times Sacramento, 04.06.05
“Democrats seek transport funding” Times Sacramento, 04.06.05
“Cities back growth; voters will choose” 04.06.05
“Contra Costa supervisors oppose urban gambling” SF Chronicle, 04.06.05
“Supervisors weigh in on casinos,” 04.06.05
“Senators reconsider tribal dues”, 04.06.05
“San Pablo bolsters its police force”, 04.06.05
“Bill linking transit, housing moves on”, 04.07.05
“Costly casino study in the cards”, 04.08.05
“Public invited to outreach effort to stop casino”, 04.08.05
“Proportional expansion of urban limit line sought”, 04.11.05
“The pothole tax” Los Angeles Times, 04.07.05
“All pain, no gain” Sacramento Bee, 04.11.05
“CTF 2005 Tranny Awards” California Transportation Foundation, 04.05