WCCTAC
West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee
Minutes
The regular meeting of the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by 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: Sharon Brown, Chair (San Pablo), Maria Viramontes, Vice Chair (Richmond), Janet Abelson (El Cerrito), Jerrold Parsons, (WestCAT), John Gioia (Contra Costa County), Ed Balico (Hercules), Bob Franklin (BART), *Maria Alegria (Pinole), Joe Wallace (AC Transit), John Marquez (Richmond Alternate), Tom Butt (Richmond)
ABSENT: Irma Anderson (Richmond)
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 Roll Call
2. Public Comment
None.
On motion by Janet Abelson, seconded by Jerrold Parsons, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Consent Calendar.
3. Minutes, Sign-In Sheet, and Meeting Summary from the January 27, 2006 Meeting
The Board approved the minutes, sign-in sheet, and meeting summary from the January 2006 meeting.
4. Staff Reports
The Board approved the Staff reports from the Managing Director, Management Assistant, and Transportation Project Specialist for February.
5. Mid-Year Budget Report
The Board accepted the mid-year Operations budget as presented by Staff.
6. Claim #4 – Subregional Transportation Mitigation Fee Program Highway 4 West Project
The Board approved Claim #4 – Subregional Transportation Mitigation Fee Program Highway 4 West Project in the amount of $370,502.50 for the Highway 4 West Project.
7. 511 Contra Costa – West County Projects for FY 06-07
The Board received the information on the 511 Contra Costa - West County Projects for FY 06-07.
8. Items Over $10,000
The Board received the information on the Invoice for MACK5 for October 2005; funded by Richmond Redevelopment Agency funds.
9. Items for Next Agenda
· Richmond Transit Village Survey and Focus Group Results.
· Update on the bus shelter program in West County.
· Information on the Flex Car/City Car Share/Zip Car Programs.
10. Date for Transit Summit (“Go I-80”)
The Managing Director stated the “Go I-80” Transit Summit has been scheduled for Thursday, May 11th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at Maple Hall in San Pablo. The draft agenda and other information will be presented at the March meeting. Janet Abelson stated she would be out of town at that time. John Gioia stated the Management Board meets at 7:00 pm the same day at the same location. Chair Brown suggested the Management Board could schedule a lighter meeting agenda and begin at 7:30 pm.
11. Update on the Subregional Transportation Mitigation Fee (STMP) Program
The Managing Director and General Counsel reported not all jurisdictions/agencies have submitted comments and need additional time to review the Cooperative Agreement, Sample Ordinance, and Nexus/STMP Report and provide comments. Because of this request, the Board Resolution to circulate the documents for final approval will be on the March 31st agenda. General Counsel urged all members to request their City’s staff and counsel to submit comments as quickly as possible.
Staff and Legal Counsel suggested the Board convene an “ad-hoc working group” to discuss issues, review comments and provide input to staff. Recommendations from the ad-hoc working group would be submitted to the full Board at the March meeting for action.
Chair Brown, Ed Balico and John Gioia volunteered to serve as the ad-hoc group.
On motion by Janet Abelson, seconded by Ed Balico and carried unanimously, the Board approved the formation of an ad-hoc group to discuss issues, review comments and provide input to staff on the Update to the STMP Program.
Tom Butt requested staff and counsel inform the members if their cities/counsel have not responded to the request for input. Staff will provide that information, as well as cities/counsel that offer no comments on the STMP.
12. Taxi Safety In West County
The Managing Director stated the attached Staff Report outlines the recent history of taxi safety issues in West County and WCCTAC staff involvement in the issue. Taxi safety was requested to be on the agenda by Member Alegria, as well as the Richmond Police and County Sheriff. The Managing Director thanked John Rudolph for obtaining and compiling the information on taxi safety.
Following a meeting on February 17th with members of the County Sheriff’s Department, the Managing Director and John Rudolph recommended forming a partnership between WCCTAC, the Sheriff’s Department, other local law enforcement departments and public/private agencies to work toward improved taxi driver and taxi passenger safety in West County and throughout Contra Costa County. The Managing Director stated it is logical that WCCTAC would participate as a regional committee, and WCCTAC Board members/staff and agency staff can be active in developing solutions to the problems of taxi safety.
The Managing Director recommended WCCTACC take the following actions:
1) work with the Sheriff’s office to develop and finalize a work plan to address the issue of taxi safety in West County;
2) the Sheriff will be discussing this issue with the Police Chiefs in the near future and will receive/provide feedback to WCCTAC;
3) expand the study to ensure it is comprehensive and contains data usable to proceed to the next steps.
4) engage in community outreach with the taxi drivers to assess needs and issue.
5) develop a training course for taxi drivers.
6) present information on various types of safety equipment to drivers and law enforcement personnel; receive feedback on high priority equipment; develop and implement a pilot program for purchasing and installing equipment.
7) research grant opportunities to fund safety equipment, including safety shields, cameras, lighted taxi pick-up and drop-off points, etc.
8) develop a model taxi ordinance for West County and use as a template for other regions of the county and beyond; centralize taxi application and licensing.
9) address the issue of unlicensed taxis.
The Managing Director requested the WCCTAC Board approve funding of $10,000 for a Taxi Report and the initial funding for a public-private partnership to install safety shields or other safety devices as determined by law enforcement personnel and taxi drivers.
Harpreet Sandhu, Sikh Community, thanked Staff and the Board for addressing this subject. He stated safety is a huge concern for drivers and their families. Ninety-nine percent of incidents include theft, harassment and non-payment. Most recently a driver was killed. The Sikh Community is committed to being a partner in the funding of safety equipment, and they request WCCTAC’s role in the partnership.
John Marquez, Richmond, fully supported the Board’s participation in a public/private partnership. He stated he has talked with the Sikh Community on different occasions regarding taxi safety. He stated many drivers prefer the idea of cameras.
Maria Viramontes suggested the City of Richmond consider a script program for taxis in their upcoming mid-year budget review. She suggested this could be added to the next Richmond City Council agenda as an emergency item.
Ed Balico raised the issue of registered/unregistered taxi drivers. He was not in favor of assisting unregistered taxi drivers. He requested staff further review the shield versus the camera as the preferred option and how to finance the purchase/installation. He did support a financing partnership. The Managing Director stated the Sheriff will be addressing unlicensed taxis and will improve outreach to bring everyone into the program.
Maria Alegria asked who would be doing the oversight; who would be responsible; and would this be a program of Measure J funding as far as equipment replacement. The Managing Director stated oversight would be assumed by all partners in the partnership. There is some question of whether Measure J can be used in a private venture. Counsel stated that although there is a law against public funding to private individuals, there is a public purpose as taxis are a form of public transportation, and for many, the only form of transportation. He stated this would require further legal research. The Managing Director stated in Measure J there is Subregional Undesignated funding of $6 million for West County, which has not yet identified for spending.
Bob Franklin asked if there was a true need for $4,000 for a Taxi Report. The Managing Director stated when the packet was first prepared, staff had not yet seen the report. She would not expect it would cost $4,000 to finish the information gathering that needs to be completed, and she agreed that the more funding for the equipment the better.
John Gioia felt it was very important to be clear on who is responsible for each recommendation because of the many agencies working together. He suggested staff explore other partners’ willingness to fund. The Managing Director stated the Sheriff’s Department would act as lead on the taxi issue. Mark Dobbs, CCC Sheriff’s Office, stated the Sheriff is meeting with the Police Chief’s Association on this issue. John Gioia suggested identifying a protocol between drivers and dispatch. He suggested WCCTAC not duplicate efforts, but receive reports from the Police Chief’s Association, Sheriff’s Department and taxi drivers.
Joe Wallace stated he is unable to use a taxi from the Richmond BART station to his home in North Richmond. He stated much outreach needs to be done so residents of North Richmond are not penalized.
Janet Abelson stated she also is unable to use taxi service as she is excluded due to her power wheelchair. She questioned the use of public funds that don’t provide accessible transportation. Janet also doubted the effectiveness of a drivers shield when 4 riders would like to ride together. She did not feel this motion would solve the issues faced by her or Joe’s constituents. She would like to see the Taxi Study look at the bigger picture for access for all riders. The Managing Director stated staff and the partners will be looking at ADA issues and getting accessible taxis. Janet stated that requiring accessibility could solve many of the current problems, and being able to get a ride home is a safety issue for everyone.
Jerrold Parsons commented it is extremely difficult to get taxi service anywhere north from unincorporated San Pablo to Crockett. He had a personal experience of not being able to summon a taxi to take him home. Jerrold supported accessible taxi service if regional funds will be used for the program.
On motion by Tom Butt, seconded by John Gioia and carried unanimously, the Board approves the Staff’s request for funds from WCCTAC’s General Operating Budget for a Study and for the initiation of a pilot program to provide safety devices in the taxis via a public-private partnership and include not only facilitating, but monitoring the program; and include accessibility for all persons and all areas of West County.
Maria Viramontes stated she had no problem studying the issue of access; however, the transportation system has different methods for different populations. She stated there is a bus in Richmond she is unable to ride because it was designed to solve a transportation problem for seniors. She stated the access for all senior/disabled has not been solved and will not be solved in this taxi study. She suggested the Committee stay focused and solve the problem with taxis and whatever is learned through this process be continued.
Staff will submit a report on the Taxi Study at the March meeting.
13. WCCTAC Mission Statement
The Managing Director requested further input and direction from the Board. Jerrold Parsons felt a short, to-the-point mission statement that could be printed on stationary would be ideal. Janet Abelson offered suggestions to better reflect the goals of the WCCTAC. John Gioia suggested not too much time needs to be spent on this mission statement. He suggested it is the idea to communicate with the public what WCCTAC does. He suggested a short statement that the WCCTAC is facilitating transportation and bringing agencies together; makes recommendations on spending of sales tax money.
Chair Brown asked the General Counsel if there was a chance for a lawsuit should WCCTAC not meet their stated goals. Counsel stated that although one could never say the agency would be free of merit-less lawsuits, the goals are aspirations of the agency.
On motion by Janet Abelson, seconded by Joe Wallace and carried, to approve the Mission Statement as presented by Staff, with the change of “support” in Goal #3. Jerrold Parsons opposed the motion.
14. AB 1234 “Local Government Sunshine Bill” – Bryan Otake, WCCTAC General Counsel
Bryan Otake, General Counsel, provided a summary of AB 1234. He stated there are new reimbursement restrictions that require local agencies to adopt written policies that specifically list the types of occurrences that would qualify a member to receive reimbursements for expenses related to travel, meals, lodging and other actual and necessary expenses that arise during or part of the performance of official duties. The local agency may set a reimbursement rate, and if not, reimbursements must use the default rates set forth by the Federal IRS. The submission of expense reports and receipts from board members is required if an agency adopts a reimbursement policy, and such reports and expenses are subject to the Public Records Act. AB 1234 also requires a brief report or presentation at the next board meeting after the travel.
Local agency officials are now required to satisfy a 2-hour training. This 2-hour training is a one-time event regardless of how many agencies one official may be representing.
On motion by Maria Viramontes, seconded by John Gioia and carried unanimously, the Board adopted the Policy that all appointed officials complete their Government Sunshine through their main representative body, and that WCCTAC update the new reimbursement policy to make sure it complies with AB 1234 and create procedures that meet the new State law.
15. West County Auto Loan Program (“West County ALP”)
The Managing Director stated the West County ALP Pilot Program would provide a vehicle for low-income persons to access jobs, childcare, and/or educational opportunities where public transportation is not an option. Contra Costa County’s Employment and Human Services Department staff has been implementing this program for Calworks participants for several years, with much success and few loan defaults. The auto loan program was referenced in the Low Income Flexible Transportation (LIFT) grant that was secured by the Neighborhood House of North Richmond. Funding for the pilot program would come from a County grant and WCCTAC Operating Funds in the amount of $6,000 each (50% matching funds are required), which would fund approximately three loans. Training would be provided by County staff to the NHNR Transportation Center staff, which would implement the program.
Paul Branson, Transportation Manager for Contra Costa County, stated the money for this program is an MTC grant and there is currently excess funding in that grant. The goal is to expand the Calworks program to the working poor population that need a car to stabilize their employment and to keep them off the welfare system. Mr. Branson provided statistical information on the current program, noting that out of 41 2-year loans, 13 have been paid in full and only three have been defaulted. The autos are repossessed in this instance. Mr. Branson stated this program is making a huge difference in people’s lives and allowing them to move forward in terms of rebuilding credit and improve their quality of life. The County partners with a financial institution, which handles the specifics of the loan process including as members of the loan review panel, collecting payments and when necessary, repossessing the autos.
On motion by Maria Viramontes, seconded by Janet Abelson and carried unanimously, the Board supported the program.
Joe Wallace asked if the Family Service Center in North Richmond was involved in this program. Mr. Branson stated the County has received referrals from that Center.
Jerrold Parsons asked if the County was working with taxis to expand the service as well. Mr. Branson stated the County is working with taxi companies, but the department does not have funding in this program for taxi service.
Chair Brown requested a report on the Calworks program.
16. West County Project Priorities and Sacramento Legislative Delegation
The Managing Director stated she had spoken with Michael Bernick, who has reported there are currently 3 plans under consideration: the Governor, Senator Perata and Senator Nunn. All three plans have different amounts and none of the plans earmark projects. Mr. Bernick has advised a West County delegation go to Sacramento in March to present high-priority projects to legislators/staff. The Managing Director prepared a table of 22 projects for West County. She asked for input from the project sponsors in order to complete the table, input from the Board on the top priority projects, a potential date in mid-March for a Sacramento trip, and designation of a delegation to go on the trip.
Joe Wallace volunteered to be a part of the delegation.
Janet Abelson also expressed interest in being a part of the delegation. She suggested staff prepare written materials that can be handed out to the legislators so that West County representatives speak with the same voice.
Jerrold Parsons will participate in the delegation.
Maria Viramontes will participate in the delegation.
John Gioia suggested that since Don Perata represents much of West County, WCCTAC should communicate directly with him. Mr. Gioia discussed the issue of grade separations with Mr. Perata’s office, and this item was subsequently included as a project. Mr. Gioia felt WCCTAC’s effectiveness may be stronger through CCTA going to Sacramento with one voice and ensuring West County’s projects are on the list.
The Managing Director did not feel comfortable in having CCTA represent the interests of West County to legislators in Sacramento. Mr. Gioia agreed, however, he felt West County might be more effective in getting their projects listed through WCCTAC’s involvement on CCTA.
Ed Balico felt it is a good idea to work as a group. He stated CCTA seldom discusses projects in West County, and he urged his fellow members to be more vocal and lay the groundwork for a trip to Sacramento.
Joe Wallace stated he will be going to Washington and will network with other transit officials on behalf of WCCTAC.
Maria Viramontes stated CCTA is having a cash flow problem as it moves forward supporting projects that are focused outside of West County. She stated at a recent meeting when CCTA was asked to advance the past payments of the 18% owed to Richmond, she was personally insulted when the question of cash flow was raised. CCTA is committed to the 4th bore of the Caldecott, Highway 4 east, financing eBART and continuing Measure J projects as soon as the tax is available. Ms. Viramontes stated the only group to take care of West County regarding the bonds is West County. She stated there would be no support for any West County projects from Central County.
The Chair asked John Gioia to speak with Senator Perata and ask his advice on the best steps for WCCTAC to take. The Chair also agreed with Ms. Viramontes’ comments regarding CCTA.
Hisham Noeimi, CCTA Staff, stated CCTA realizes WCCTAC’s concerns, and as staff, he wants to work with West County to advance their projects. CCTA staff is currently in talks with the City of San Pablo and Richmond to advance their interchange improvement projects. If there are other ideas members may have on how CCTA may help move the projects forward, Hisham would like to hear the ideas.
The Managing Director stated Hisham has been very responsive in taking the lead on San Pablo Dam Road and the interchange projects. Hisham stated his goal is to have the projects ready to move forward when the bond comes through in 2009.
17. Correspondence/Other Information:
Incoming:
Growth Management Checklist from CCTA – January 31, 2006.
Capitol Corridor Principles on Stations and Train Service – February 7, 2006.
Email re: EIS for Scotts Valley Casino in North Richmond – February 9, 2006.
Capitol Corridor Email Newsletter – February 10, 2006.
Newspaper/Internet Articles (all articles from West County Times unless stated otherwise):
“Coalition Fights Waterfront Development;” 1.28.06.
“Don’t we Already Pay for These Projects?” 1.30.06.
“Fairgrounds or eBART? Debate Starts;” 2.4.06.
“City Council Scales Back Plaza Condo Project;” 2.4.06.
“Commuters Stick with Mass Transit;” 2.5.06.
“Plan Would Block Waterfront Building;” 2.6.06.
“Politician Revisits Transit Growth;” 2.7.06.
“New Gambling Challenge – Can Bingo Slots be Regulated?” Sacramento Bee; 2.8.06.
“Sights Set on Transit Village;” 2.9.06.
“Bridge Safety Charges Not Probed, Audit Says;” 2.10.06.
“City Looks Into Land Owned by Wal-Mart;” 2.11.06.
“Local Officials Attack Transit Plan;” 2.12.06.
“Infrastructure Visions Will be put to Political Test This Week;” Sacramento Bee; 2.14.06.
Conferences:
CA Redevelopment Association: Introduction to Redevelopment – April 5 to 6, Pleasanton.
Rail-Volution 2006 – November 4 to 8 – Chicago.
Handouts Available at the Meeting:
2005 Capitol Corridor Performance Report.
Hercules Transit Oriented Development Tour Materials.
18. Board Member Comments/Reports
None.
19. Other Business