WCCTAC

               West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee

 

                                                                       Minutes

                                                  January 27, 2006

 

The regular meeting of the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order at 7:35 a.m. by Vice Chair Viramontes 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:     Maria Viramontes, Vice Chair (Richmond), Janet Abelson (El Cerrito), Jerrold Parsons, (WestCAT), John Gioia (Contra Costa County), Leonard McNeil (Hercules), *Ed Balico (Hercules), *Bob Franklin (BART), Maria Alegria (Pinole)

 

ABSENT:      Irma Anderson (Richmond), Joe Wallace (AC Transit), Sharon Brown (San Pablo)

 

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

                             Bryan Otake, WCCTAC General Counsel

 

* Not present for Self Introductions

 

2.  Public Comment

None.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

 

On motion by Janet Abelson, seconded by Maria Alegria, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Consent Calendar.

 

3.    Minutes, Sign-In Sheet, and Meeting Summary from the December 2, 2005 Meeting

 

The Board approved the December 2005 minutes.

 

 

4.    Staff Reports

 

The Board accepted the Employee Staff Reports.

 

5.    Follow-Up to “Walk and Roll” West County and the “Street Smarts” Theater Ad Regarding Teen Alcohol Abuse Prevention

 

The Board approved the staff recommendation that any further follow up be coordinated through the Contra Costa Health Services staff.

 

6.    Date for Transit Summit (“Go I-80”)

 

The Board received notice Staff is planning the next Transit Summit (“Go I-80”) to be held on Thursday, May 4th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Maple Hall, City of San Pablo. 

 

Maria Alegria noted this is the scheduled date of the Mayor’s Conference.  Staff will reconsider the date for the Transit Summit and notify the Board.

 

7.     Revised Funding Allocation and Project Descriptions for FY 05-06 TDM Projects

 

The Board approved the allocation of additional funds as outlined in the attached Memorandum.

 

8.     West County Bicycle and Pedestrian Project Spreadsheet

 

The Board received the information.

 

9.     Funding Agreement between the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and WCCTAC for the Bicycle Cage Parking Facilities, Racks, and Lockers Project ($147,500) – Regional TFCA Funds

 

The Board authorized the Chair to sign the Agreement, which has been approved as to form by WCCTAC’s General Counsel.

 

10.    Amendment #1 to the Professional Consulting Services Agreement with MACK 5 for Project Management Services Related to the Richmond Transit Village Station Building Project

 

The Board authorized the Chair to sign the Amendment, which has been approved as to form by WCCTAC’s General Counsel.

 

11.     Consultant Services Agreement Amendment between WCCTAC and VBN Architects for Continued Services Related to the Station Construction at the Richmond Transit Village Project

 

The Board authorized the Chair to sign the Agreement, which has been approved as to form by WCCTAC’s General Counsel.

 

12.  Items for Next Agenda (Follow-Up from the December Board Meeting)

 

 

REGULAR CALENDAR

13.    Election of the Following Officers and Representatives: (a) WCCTAC Chair; (b) WCCTAC Vice Chair; (c) CCTA Representative (even-year term); and (d) CCTA Alternate

 

a.      WCCTAC Chair

 

On motion by Maria Viramontes, seconded by John Gioia and carried unanimously, Sharon Brown was elected as Chair.

 

b.     WCCTAC Vice Chair

 

On motion by Janet Abelson, seconded by Maria Alegria and carried unanimously, Maria Viramontes was elected as Vice Chair.

 

c.      CCTA Representative

 

On motion by John Gioia, seconded by Leonard McNeil and carried unanimously, Janet Abelson was elected as the CCTA “even-year” Representative.

 

d.     CCTA Alternate

 

On motion by John Gioia, seconded by Leonard McNeil and carried unanimously, Ed Balico was elected as the CCTA Alternate.

 

Bob Franklin present at 7:40 a.m.

14.    Update on the Subregional Transportation Mitigation Fee (STMP) Program 

 

Lisa Hammon, Managing Director, reviewed the steps staff has taken in regard to the STMP.  The “working draft” Cooperative Agreement and Sample Ordinance have been reviewed by WCCTAC’s General Counsel and TAC, and initial comments have been incorporated.  Board comments will be included in the document prior to distribution of the documents to the cities/County for review.

Upon approval of the Cooperative Agreement and adoption of the Ordinance by the cities/County, staff and the TAC will initiate the process of drafting a Strategic Plan for the program (approximately March 2006).

 

Legal Counsel stated each city/County should have their legal counsel review the document to ensure it meets local conditions and to include the need to fund the projects immediately.  Some ordinances have a 60-day waiting period for adoption. 

 

Janet Abelson requested language be included on Central Avenue Ramps to improve the flow of traffic in addition to fixing the ramps.  She also requested clarifying information on the advance funding mechanism.  Ms. Hammon stated cities could get the initial costs financed.  At this time, developer fee advances are being considered for the projects without having to delay them for five years.  The local jurisdictions would be reimbursed.   Legal Counsel added that borrowing costs would also have to be repaid.

 

Ed Balico suggested CCTA fill the gap in funding.   Ms. Hammon stated Section F would need to be expanded.  Staff will discuss where this section most appropriately fits, in the Agreement or the Strategic Plan.

 

Maria Viramontes stated there must be a policy statement on limits to interest rates included in the document.  Counsel stated there will be costs and issues that need to be worked out, but not necessarily included in the document.

 

Maria Viramontes expressed concern that there may come a time when CCTA will not be able to advance fees due to cash flow problems.  She stated part of the policy needs to address future cash flow constraints without tapping into automatic funding to cities.

 

On motion by John Gioia, seconded by Maria Alegria and carried unanimously, the Board approved the distribution of the Cooperative Agreement and Ordinance to the cities/County for comments (including legal review by the cities/County).  Request comments be returned to WCCTAC no later than February 15th for inclusion in the February 24th Board packet. 

 

 

15.    Verbal Report on Contra Costa Transportation Authority Staffing Recommendations

 

Ms. Hammon reported in anticipation of Measure J, CCTA will hire an engineer, a planner and a manager for programs.  Other positions will be considered once Measure J is in place. 

 

Janet Abelson supported the hiring the new employees, notably the program manager, as this will enable CCTA staff to perform their functions.

 

16.  WCCTAC Mission Statement

 

Continued to February.

 

17.   Briefing on State Bond Proposals and the FY 2006-2007 Governor’s Budget  Proposal

 

Michael Bernick, Consultant, stated the Governor’s proposed 2006-07 Budget is perhaps the best opportunity he has seen in 30 years for transportation projects.  Both the Governor and the legislature are looking to unexpected revenues for transportation projects.  Mr. Bernick stated there are three bond measures currently in the legislature.   SB 1165 would provide funding for the Governor’s Strategic Growth Plan for California’s infrastructure, $107 billion of which constitutes the transportation portion.  The proposal also includes a proposed constitutional amendment permanently deleting the provisions for suspension of Prop 42.  SB 1024 would authorize a one-time sale of government-owned bonds, which includes STIP funds.  Mr. Bernick cautioned that SB 1024 does not have specific projects identified.  SB 1024 is supported by Senator Perata.

 

Mr. Bernick recommended that he, the Board and staff continue to closely track the proposed bills.  He also recommended members of WCCTAC plan to visit Sacramento with a list of priority projects for SB 1024 in the event that specific projects will be placed in the bill.  He stated there are many projects that have been identified, but not funded.  He suggested these projects should get the priority for funding. 

 

John Gioia stated the proposals are changing quickly.  Even if the bill is passed without specific projects, he questioned how the categories would be structured.  At this point, there are different views on which projects will receive the funding.  Lisa Hammon stated there are projects that have gone through TCRP and STIP and have been sitting on the list for funding.

 

Janet Abelson supported a trip to Sacramento.  Maria Viramontes suggested having more discussion with BART prior to the trip to Sacramento. 

 

Maria Alegria stated she is very concerned with the Governor’s top-down proposal.  The final authority on the funding of projects would be given to the CTC, not the regional bodies.  She also expressed concern with the bonding capacity because nothing else may be bonded for another 30 years.  Ms. Alegria stated action needs to be taken as this is being considered for the June ballot.

 

On motion by Maria Alegria, seconded by Janet Abelson and carried unanimously, the WCCTAC Board named a delegation to travel to Sacramento and outline principles of WCCTAC’s bottom line for projects to be funded. 

 

Ed Balico stated the current Chair of Transportation is more concerned with Southern California than Northern California.  He also stated there are efforts underway to change the five year plan to a 10 or 20 year plan, which concerns him a great deal.   He agreed a very strong delegation is essential for WCCTAC.

 

This item will continue to February, when the Board will have discussion on projects. 

 

18.  Update on Development Plans in the Richmond Marina Area (Including the Richmond Ferry) and Update on the Richmond General Plan Update Process  – Richard Mitchell, Planning Director, City of Richmond

 

Mr. Mitchell presented information on the Richmond waterfront plans, including information and proposed locations for ferry service.  As requested at the December meeting, Mr. Mitchell briefed the Board on the Richmond General Plan Update process that is currently underway.  He reviewed aerial photos and distributed maps of the area under discussion.  Mr. Mitchell stated the proposed location for the ferry is adjacent to the Ford Building at the foot of Harbor Way South.  Access to this location from the surrounding area and the freeway is very good.  There are plans underway to provide better east/west access throughout the area surrounding the proposed terminal location.  Mr. Mitchell clarified the plans are looking at 2500 additional units of housing in the area, not 28,000 residents. 

 

Maria Alegria suggested there should be discussion regarding attracting businesses to the area and to look for opportunities with the ferry and BART for recreational development.

 

19.    Correspondence/Other Information: 

 

       Incoming:

       MTC Transactions for December 2005/January 2006.

       WTA Newsletter; Winter 2005.

       Summary of December 5, 2005 SWAT meeting; 12.8.05.

       Summary of December 8, 2005 TRANSPAC meeting; 12.20.05.

       TRAC Update; 12.20.05.

       Items approved by CCTA at the December 21, 2005 meeting; 12.22.05.

       Email update from Sara Hoffman on potential casino projects in West County; 1.9.06.

 

       Outgoing:

       Two letters of support for EBRPD Bay Trail sections in West County; 12.12.05 and 12.15.05.

       Letter of support for Reg. Bike/Ped grant; 1.5.06.

      

       Newspaper/Internet Articles (all articles from West County Times unless stated otherwise):

       “End Discrimination in Bus System Today;” 12.3.05.

       “A High Death Rate for Hispanic “Pedestrians in the South;” Atlanta (AP); 12.4.05.

       “Gioia Seeks Advisory Vote on Urban Casinos;” 12.6.05.

       “Viejas Tribe to Pay for Traffic Impacts of Casino Addition;” Union-Tribune; 12.8.05.

       “Legislators Pitch $10 Billion Bond;” 12.8.05.

       “Central Valley Sets Smog Fees on Builders;” SF Chronicle; 12.16.05.

       “BART to Replace Hundreds of Cars;” 12.30.05.

       “Cash Puts Richmond Trail on Right Track;” 12.31.05.

       “Transit Fares to Increase in Bay Area;” 12.31.05.

       “BART Riders Can Count on Freebies;” 1.3.06.

       “Pacheco Pass is Best Route for High-Speed Rail;” Mercury News; 1.5.06.

       “Schwarzenegger Unveils Bold $200 Billion Plan;” 1.6.06.

       “Governor Takes a Risk, But Will Others Get on Board?;” 1.6.06.

       “El Cerrito Sees Fruits of General Plan Ripen;” 1.9.06.

       “Point Molate Agreement Stands; 1.12.06.

       “How to Make Bay Area Bus Transit More Competitive With Driving;” SF Chronicle; 1.13.06.

       “El Cerrito Condo Project Could Spur Lawsuits;” 1.13.06.

       “Point Molate Meetings Irk Councilman;” 1.15.06.

       “Parking Fees Can Improve Stations, BART Says;” 1.16.06.

       “Two-Year Planning Initiative for Contra Costa Never Took Shape;” 1.17.06.

      

       Conferences:

       “Western Regional Rail Grade Crossing Safety Conference,” June 5 to 7 in Vancouver, WA.

    

20.  Board Member Comments/Reports

 

None.

 

21.  Other Business

 

With no further business to come before the WCCTAC, Vice Chair Viramontes adjourned the meeting at 9:30 a.m. to the next regularly-scheduled meeting of February 24, 2006, at 7:30 a.m. at the San Pablo city Council Chambers, 13831 San Pablo Avenue, San Pablo, California.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Lori D’Orazi

Stenocaptioner