WCCTAC
West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee
Minutes
May
25, 2007
The regular meeting of the
West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order at 7:30
A.M. on Friday, May 25, 2007 by Chair Sharon Brown in the City Council Chambers
of the City of San Pablo, 13831 San Pablo Avenue, San Pablo, California, 94806.
1. CALL TO ORDER/SELF
INTRODUCTIONS
PRESENT: Sharon Brown, Chair
(San Pablo), Maria Viramontes, Vice-Chair (Richmond), Janet Abelson (El
Cerrito), Maria Alegria (Pinole)*, Ed Balico (Hercules), Tom Butt (Richmond),
Bob Franklin (BART), John Gioia (Contra Costa County), Gayle McLaughlin
(Richmond)*,Jerrold Parsons (WestCAT), Joe Wallace (AC Transit)
STAFF: Lisa Hammon, WCCTAC Managing Director
John Rudolph, WCCTAC Management Assistant
Jeremy Hughes, WCCTAC Administrative Clerk
Bryan Otake, WCCTAC General Counsel
Bradley Ward, WCCTAC Treasurer
Hisham Noeimi, CCTA Staff*
*Arrived after Roll Call
Lisa Hammon introduced
John Sighamony of Contra Costa County who will be attending West County
meetings in place of John Greitzer.
Chair Brown pulled Item 7
from the agenda.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Harpreet Sandhu of the Richmond
City Council addressed the Board regarding county monies allocated for the
installation of cameras and shields in West County taxis. He noted that these
measures have not yet been implemented due to the City of Richmond taxi ordinance
which he said was not up to par.
He continued by stating
that taxis are currently operating under temporary permits; measures to enact
permanent permits are being taken which will enable the installation of the
shields and cameras. He asked that the City of
Mr. Sandhu drew attention
to Janet Abelson's previously voiced concerns regarding accessible cabs in
In closing he noted that
currently, the City of Richmond only provides Paratransit between the hours of
7am and 5 pm; given the lack of a handicap-accessible cabs there is no means of
transportation for people with disabilities outside of the noted times.
Joe Wallace expressed
concern about Yellow Cabs' unwillingness to service areas in
Ms. Hammon responded by
stating, as part of the
Ms. Abelson stated that
North Richmond is beneath the jurisdiction of the county however this area will
be covered by the City of Richmond for Measure C purposes.
On motion by Joe Wallace,
seconded by Janet Abelson and carried unanimously the WCCTAC Board voted to
adopt the consent calendar as follows:
3. Approved minutes, Sign-In Sheet, and
Meeting Summary from the April
24, 2007 Meeting.
4. Approved
Staff Reports.
5. Approved
Transportation Grant/Funding Opportunities.
6. Approved
FY 07-08 WCCTAC Budget Update.
7. Approved
Update on the West County Taxi Program.
Item 8: Board Member
Comments/Announcements
Jerrold Parsons voiced his
concerns about the alignment of Highway 4, Interstate 80 and the City of
Hercules' plans regarding the upcoming intermodal facilities. He expressed hope
that the WCCTAC Board would be included in the process.
Ed Balico remarked that
the City of
Item 9: Legal Counsel
Comments
Bryan Otake stated that
the recent incident that caused the MacArthur Maze Meltdown has initiated a
bill, entitled Assembly Bill 1612, which will restrict and/or more tightly
regulate commercial, motor vehicle license issuances for hazardous materials.
This will address both the skills of the drivers transporting these kinds of
materials as well as the companies by whom these persons are employed.
Mr. Otake continued by
offering as an informational item, the current governor’s proposed budget which
will heavily impact transportation via a 1.1 or 1.3 billion dollar transfer of
monies which are currently being used for local transit and transportation agencies.
Ms. Hammon directed the
Board's attention to a memo from Rebecca Long of the Metropolitan
Transportation Committee Partnership TAC, which details the dollar amounts that
will affect regional transportation agencies as a result of the governor's
proposed budget.
Item 10: WCCTAC Meetings
- Summer and Fall 2007
Chair Brown noted that the
July and August meetings will be combined.
Janet Abelson noted the
June 29 is one of the League of California Cities policy committee meeting
dates and inquired as to whether or not the meeting scheduled for that date
could be changed.
Chair Brown noted that
there are alternates who could attend the proposed meeting.
Ms. Abelson expressed hope
that the date could be changed so that it would not impact the regular Board
meeting attendees.
Ms. Hammon noted that
there are five Fridays in June. She proposed changing the date to June 22nd if
that date presented no conflicts.
With no noted conflicts,
Chair Brown announced that the date of the June WCCTAC Board meeting will be
changed from June 29 to June 22nd.
Ms. Hammon stated that she
would send out an email reminder immediately following the meeting. She also
noted that the combined July and August meeting would take place on August
10th.
Item 11: Conversation
with MTC Contra Costa Representative Amy Worth
Chair Brown welcomed Ms.
Worth.
Ms. Amy Worth, Contra
Costa County representative for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission
(MTC), expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent Contra Costa
County. Ms. Worth stated that she would present highlights of what is currently
going on at MTC regarding West County and listen to the priorities and concerns
of the Board.
She began by addressing
the recent voter approved bonds beginning with the Transit Capital Portion of
the Corridor Mobility Bond. She noted that a couple of the issues regarding
that component are first, to provide distribution of funds throughout the
county. From this, two of the elements that impact West County are AC Transit's
receipt of a large portion of these funds in addition to insuring that small
operators like WestCAT, County Connection and Tri-Delta receive the funds that
they require.
Ms. Worth continued by
stating that the other issue is freight movement in West County; in particular
at the Port of Richmond and along the I-80 Corridor. She noted that one of the
primary goals of the committee is to reduce and/or mitigate the impact of
increased freight through residential communities. She noted that the key thing
for the Bay Area is to have a coordinated plan otherwise available monies might
be spent in other active port areas such as Long Beach.
The final component of the
bond involves partnerships between cities and counties that provide local
funding for transportation investments. She stated counties implementing these
so called “self-help” initiatives will receive priority when consideration is
given regarding matching funds. She noted that Measure J is particularly
helpful in this regard as local and countywide dollars are “queued up” for
projects.
Regarding the state budget
and the governor’s plan to divert transit dollars, she noted that the State
Senate Transit Committee voted against this proposal. She continued by stating
that the cause for the proposed diversion of funds stems from spill-over
dollars which arise from an increase in gas prices. Historically the monies
generated from this spill-over are routed to transit agencies; this results in
the diversion of approximately $130 million for Bay Area projects.
Ms. Worth continued by
noting that she will serve as the Vice Chair of the planning committee for the
long range plan, which in the next two years will be reauthorizing the Regional
Transportation Plan (RTP), in which transportation and land use will play a
significant role. She noted that
Ms. Worth concluded by
stating that she looks forward to working with the WCCTAC Board and extended an
invitation for members to contact her with any concerns.
Chair Brown asked when the
MTC trip to
Ms. Worth responded by
stating that no trip is currently scheduled.
Maria Alegria thanked Ms.
Worth for appearing before the WCCTAC Board and echoed the message that has
been sent to legislators regarding the need for the monies that have been
promised to transit agencies to aid in moving their projects along. She also expressed
gratitude for Senator Perata's stated belief that the issue of funds for the
cities of West Contra Costa Counties’ transit projects, is of high priority.
Ms. Worth noted the
benefits of Senator Perata's understanding of the enhanced need to follow
through on commitments brought about through voter approved projects.
Ms. Abelson commended Ms.
Worth on her being in attendance at the WCCTAC Board Meeting and hailed it as a
breakthrough in communication between the Board and an elected official. Regarding
freight and the Integrated Corridor Mobility Project, she asked if the item on
the WCCTAC agenda was the same Corridor Mobility Project to which Ms. Worth had
been referring.
Ms. Worth replied no, that
the project to which she had been referring is a separate set of dollars from
the bond allocated for freight.
Ms. Abelson stated that
she did not understand how in Measure J,
Ms. Worth responded by
stating that the funds to which she was referring have not yet been allocated
however; counties with a self-help initiative in place will receive priority when
consideration is given regarding to whom those funds will be allocated. The
other item is the freight piece which has not yet been defined but lends to the
need for a unified plan in
Ms. Abelson put forth to
Ms. Worth that with regard to the I-80 Integrated Corridor Mobility Project,
there is a gap in funding that directly affects those portions of the project
which would have most directly benefited
Vice-Chair Viramontes
asked if MTC and ABAG can extend the deadline as it is difficult to gain
consensus within a two month time frame.
Ms. Worth agreed and noted
that while the concept is not new, the manner in which it is being approached is,
in formalizing the discussions that have been held.
Ted Droettboom, ABAG/MTC, stated
that the deadline for council resolutions has been extended.
Regarding freight
movement, John Gioia stated that the Air District is looking at the regulation
of ports with intent to study a plan similar to what is happening in Long Beach
and L.A., e.g. a freight container fee bill. He noted that a component of this
involves looking at air emissions from freight trucks which function as the
primary emitters of particulate matter.
He continued by stating
that moving forward, when new technologies are implemented, ships will become
the primary emitters of particulate matter.
However, currently the air district is primarily concerned with
addressing the replacement of diesel trucks. He noted that the other issue is
reducing the impacts on local communities that increased rail traffic through
Mr. Gioia continued by
stating that one of the recurring issues that this body has tried to advocate
for is building mitigation costs into project costs, e.g. grade separations. In
closing he stated that ultimately if grade separations are going to be involved,
the project costs should be built-in rather than being derived from air
district monies otherwise there may not be enough for the cost of mitigation at
the local level.
Ms. Worth noted that these
are issues of high priority to her and reiterated the sentiment that the cost
of mitigation is in reality part of the cost of the project itself.
She continued by stating
with regard to diesel traffic, that there are a number of air quality bills
relative to the bond in
Gayle McLaughlin asked
about Long Beach's Green Port Policy and whether or not this had been
discussed.
Ms. Worth responded by
stating that the Green Port Policy was the result of a federal lawsuit and has
since then become a model for ports around the country. She noted that as state
bonds are gone through, the Green Port Model will be of high priority.
Lisa Hammon mentioned that
at the June Board Meeting, Carolyn Clevenger will hopefully be in attendance.
She is working at MTC on the trade corridors issue.
John Gioia noted that it
may be beneficial at a future meeting to have the air district give a
presentation which addresses the ports issue with regard to the impacts of
increased freight traffic.
Ms. Abelson asked if there
have been any studies that link childhood asthma to diesel traffic.
Mr. Gioia replied yes, that
the county health department as well as the air district, have conducted
studies detailing this matter. He noted that there is an aggressive movement to
reduce diesel emissions; such have even impacted land use planning with regard
to the proximity of housing developments to freight corridors. He noted that
West County would be part of discussions relative to this movement and the next
few years should see significant progress within this arena.
Item 12: Recommendation
Regarding WCCTAC Financial Advisor or Consultant/Funding for the Developer Fee
Projects
Bryan Otake provided a
synopsis of the premise for the STMP Program.
Mr. Otake noted that the
Board has been given the first rank recommendation of the subcommittee; the
proposal itself is a full package proposal for both financial consulting
services and, if the WCCTAC Board was to choose to implement some sort of bond
issuance, Piper Jaffray would provide underwriting services in addition to
financial consulting. The proposal presents itself on compensation on a
contingency fee basis. If there is no bond issuance or if an alternative funding
source is procured there will not be any financial impact on WCCTAC.
Mr. Otake continued by
stating that another option would be to engage a financial advisor-only
consulting firm which would not be on a contingency fee basis and therefore
would come out of WCCTAC's general fund. He directed the Board's attention to the
terms of compensation and the not-to-exceed levels for the fee at 0.7 percent of
par issuance.
Mr. Gioia thanked the subcommittee
for their work and asked regarding the 0.7 percent contingent status whether or
not the subcommittee had examined what other comparable fees are and/or what
was the range that was seen.
Mr. Otake noted that this
is a very unique first-of-its-kind issuance; if it is going to go through a
bond issuance process. For complex financing of this sort, rates of 1.0 to 1.15
percent have been viewed. If a bond issuance is to be enacted, it would be
relatively small at around $20-25 million which would consequently raise the
fees. He remarked that the 0.7 percent rate is quite competitive.
Mr. Gioia asked about the
listing of the share of the annual debt service and noted that it states, each
WCCTAC member will secure a share of the bond with gas tax revenues and lists
the five cities but does not list the County. He noted that this would need to
be recalculated.
Vice-Chair Viramontes
thanked the Subcommittee for their work and remarked that under normal
circumstances she would not be comfortable having the same company serve as the
entity to advise the Board on how to finance the developer fee program and then
provide financing for it; however, given that WCCTAC is such a small agency and
given that this is a one time effort, she is at ease with utilizing Piper Jaffray
for each component.
Mr. Otake reiterated that
the various options set forth in the proposal are for exemplary purposes only
and there will be full, due diligence for all the options.
Janet Abelson noted that
on page 6 within the proposal packet, there was a chart showing share of the
annual debt service showing Richmond at $900,000. She asked if this amount was
indicative of costs per-annum or in total.
Mr. Otake replied that
this amount would be on an annual basis.
Ms. Abelson requested
clarification regarding this amount and asked if it would be paid out if there
were not enough developer fees collected in a particular year to cover the debt
service. She continued in asking if there was not as much development occurring
within a particular year would this be an occasion during which funds would be
drawn from gas tax revenues.
Mr. Otake replied yes and
wanted to reiterate that due diligence will be performed and that the current
proposal is one of many options that could be implemented.
Ms. Abelson expressed
reservations about committing to any arrangement without full disclosure
regarding the amount that the individual cities would be pledging.
Vice-Chair Viramontes
stated that the Board is not voting on the decision of how to do the bonds or
evaluating the details of each bond; all that is being voted upon is the firm
itself, with an outline of some of the various methods by which the bond
issuance might be approached; further action would be required including
presenting the final proposal to the member agencies.
Chair Brown stated that
all the prospective firms expressed great enthusiasm regarding the project due
to its innovative and unique nature.
Ed Balico thanked the Subcommittee
and remarked that the individual cities should also be aware that if they do
not like the deal they still own the financing mechanism to come up with the
money.
On motion by Maria
Viramontes, seconded by Jerrold Parsons and carried unanimously the WCCTAC
Board voted to approve appointment of Piper Jaffray as the WCCTAC Financial
Consultant/Funding for the Developer Fee Projects.
Item 13: Discussion on
the FOCUS Priority Development Areas (PDA’s)
Ms. Hammon requested that
the WCCTAC Board give special consideration to and discuss the San Pablo Avenue
Corridor Project as a potential Priority Development Area. She noted that BART
stations, 23rd Street and San Pablo Avenue, downtown Pinole, and the Hercules waterfront
and transit center areas would be identified as “nodes,” and remarked that
there are various ways in which this could be structured as an area where infill
development could be implemented.
She noted that there are
differing ideas about whether the jurisdictions or WCCTAC would submit the
necessary application. Ms. Hammon then introduced Ted Droettboom of ABAG/MTC who
provided an overview of the process in general.
Mr. Droettboom began by noting
that in essence ABAG/MTC are in the Priority Development Area business for the
long term. One of the things they have realized in looking at regional planning
in the Bay Area is that about every ten years, there should be a regional plan.
He remarked that ABAG/MTC are
trying to develop a process that is about continuous planning for the long
term. He noted that initial instrument for doing this is something called a
Priority Development Area (PDA) where local governments and the region agree
that they will begin concentrating mixed use and housing development over the
long term.
From the regional
standpoint, these are areas within existing urban communities, and near major
transit investments, that are accepting the need for more housing and are planning
for more housing. Over time ABAG/MTC hope to be able to direct more and more
regional incentives to those localities that have identified
PDA’s. He noted that initially,
ABAG/MTC are looking at state bond monies to achieve this.
He remarked that this is
an “iffy proposition” as “all balls are currently in the air” however there is
currently $850 million available statewide for infill incentives. Mr. Droettboom
noted that there is a greater amount of money available for local and regional
parks as a result of Prop 84 and there is hope that some of this money can be
set aside via these regional plans for priority development plans.
He stated that ABAG/MTC
are currently looking at the Regional Transportation Plan as a potential source
of infill development money. ABAG/MTC suspects that over time they will be able
to redirect the plan to some of these infill areas.
He continued, stating that
the initial round of PDA applications are due June 29. Council resolutions in
support are due in early September. He noted that he hoped to have the ABAG
organization adopt these PDA’s in October. He noted there will be competitive
programs for incentive programs or which members of the priority development
club are eligible.
He concluded by stating there
would also be a second round of PDA applications next year.
John Gioia asked if “fixed
transit” includes regular bus service, and what is meant by “near fixed
service?”
Mr. Droettboom replied
that ABAG/MTC have been deliberately vague as they recognize that one size does
not fit all. What they are looking for are areas where transit is looked upon
merely as an indifferent alternative; the best examples of which are BART and the
San Pablo Rapid Bus.
Mr. Gioia asked about bus
lines in a particular neighborhood that are a regular bus line.
Mr. Droettboom replied yes,
and noted that a PDA should be a minimum of 100 acres. They are encouraging
people to designate very large areas, as ABAG/MTC are not planning projects,
rather communities.
Ms. Abelson asked about
the San Pablo Avenue Corridor as a project, and whether or not WCCTAC could
apply.
He noted that WCCTAC could
apply as a JPA however the one requirement put upon group applications is that
every local government within that application submit a resolution respecting
that local governments have land use authority.
Ms. Abelson asked if an
application for San Pablo Avenue must consist of only nodes or could it consist
of the entire length of that stretch of road.
Mr. Droettboom encouraged
applicants to think as broadly as possible.
Ed Balico asked if there are
funds specifically allocated to particular regions.
Mr. Droettboom stated that
these details have not yet been worked out and all the “balls of incentive funding”
are currently in the air. He noted that incentive funding is very much a work
in progress.
Vice-Chair Viramontes
stated that individual cities should submit applications that relate to them as
long as overlapping areas don't defeat each other.
Mr. Droettboom stated that
individual jurisdictions should not be concerned with this issue.
John Gioia expressed that
he wanted to be very clear about who could apply. He asked, is it the entity
with land use jurisdiction; therefore if WCCTAC applies would a resolution be
needed for each city represented by the Board.
Mr. Droettboom stated yes,
but WCCTAC would be the master applicant.
Maria Alegria asked if Pinole
is interested in submitting an application should this come back to the Board
for action.
Lisa Hammon noted that it
will be brought before the Board at the June 22nd meeting.
Ms. Hammon noted that Richmond
has envisioned applying for consideration of the Waterfront Area in Richmond,
and the Macdonald Avenue/Transit Village, in addition to San Pablo Avenue.
She noted that all the
cities may have areas outside of San Pablo Avenue for which they would like to submit
applications. She encouraged the individual cities to submit applications for
these areas and noted that there may be some overlap but WCCTAC would never go
forward on an application that affects the local jurisdiction without complete
support from that jurisdiction.
Jerrold Parsons inquired
about whether or not the Hilltop Mall area would be included.
Ms. Hammon stated that
this would be included as a node within the Richmond Parkway Transit Center
Area.
Maria Alegria asked about
the economic development opportunities of creating jobs along the San Pablo Avenue
Corridor. She expressed her view of the importance of this.
Item 14: Presentation
on AC Transit Service Changes Effective June 3, 2007
Chair Brown asked that
John Rudolph's presentation be deferred until next month.
Ms. Hammon introduced
Robert DelRosario of AC Transit, who provided the Board with an overview of AC
Transit service changes that will take place on June 24th. He noted that the
changes were presented to the WCCTAC Board about a year ago and will be
implemented much in the manner that was previously presented.
He noted that the changes
are entitled ‘Phase One’ of the West County Service Plan. He noted that it has
been deemed ‘Phase One’ because it is cost neutral.
Mr. DelRosario noted that
currently, Line 76 will continue to travel to
This eliminates Line 76 to
He continued by noting
that Line 70 will now cover the segment from Contra Costa College to the Richmond
Parkway Transit Center, continuing on its regular route to Richmond BART.
Ms. Hammon asked what is
the headway on Line 70?
Mr. DelRosario stated that
Line 70 is now 30 minutes on weekdays, one hour on weekends with Line 71 at
thirty minute intervals on weekdays and one hour intervals on weekends. Line 76
will be at 30 minute intervals on weekdays as well as on the weekends. Line 74 will
be at 30 minute a frequency on weekends; Line 76 will also be at 30 minute
intervals.
Mr. DelRosario noted that
the segment on the Hilltop Green along Line 70 will be taken out with the L.A. being
brought in for a few trips in the morning and afternoon for direct routes to San
Francisco; it will also be open to local passengers.
He continued by noting changes
in Albany and Berkeley with Line 18 taking over the current Line 43 which will
terminate at San Pablo/Marin. As well, Line 18 will be kept and cut short at
San Pablo/Marin. Service to Costco and Point Isabel will be eliminated but
service will continue to be provided to the bulk mail facility.
He noted that route 79 will
stand as a continuation of Line 15 from downtown
In response to an inquiry
from Bob Franklin, Mr. DelRosario stated that before the Board approves any changes,
there are necessary public hearings held that address service changes to any
route of which more than 25 percent of service hours and/or miles are effected;
as well hearings are held to address services that will exist on new streets and/or
services that will be eliminated. He noted that notice is issued thirty days
prior to the actual hearing.
Bob Franklin noted that BART
and AC Transit are having their second joint meeting on June 7th.
Jerrold Parsons asked if
the extension of the 72R will be going to Hilltop.
Mr. DelRosario stated that
the 72R Rapid will go all the way to the Richmond Parkway Transit Center,
stopping at Hilltop Mall once Measure J funds are available.
Gayle McLaughlin noted
that there is a void in service in the flatlands of
Mr. DelRosario noted that
lines servicing del Norte to the El Cerrito Hills are part of the West County
plan; however, this requires additional funding.
Janet Abelson remarked
that there is almost no service in
Chair Brown noted that
Item 15 would be deferred to the June meeting.
With no further business
to come before the WCCTAC Board, Chair Brown adjourned the meeting at 9:15
A.M., until the next meeting to be held on June 22, 2007at 7:30 A.M. at the San
Pablo City Council Chambers, 13831 San Pablo Avenue, San Pablo, California, 94806.