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CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Chairperson Blaylock in Conference Room B-104, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), 3331 North First Street, San Jose, California.

ROLL CALL

Members Present          
Stephen C. Blaylock
Ellen Fletcher
Ray Hashimoto
Mas Minami
Gaye Morando
Connie Rogers
Laura Stuchinsky
Diane Tripousis
Elizabeth Zimmermann

Members Absent
Chris Elias
Patricia Sausedo
Martin Schulter
Sarah Zimmerman

A quorum was not present and a Committee of the Whole was declared.

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

There were no public presentations.

Minutes of October 8, 2003

The Committee of the Whole deferred approval of the October 8, 2003 minutes, pending the arrival of a quorum.

Member Stuchinsky took her seat at 4:40 p.m.

Summary Minutes of November 12, 2003

The Committee of the Whole deferred the Summary Minutes of November 12, 2003.

Member Hashimoto took his seat at 4:41 p.m.

Committee Staff Report

Carolyn Gonot, Chief Development Officer, provided an update on the Countywide Transportation Plan, Valley Transportation Plan 2030 (VTP 2030), and the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).   Ms. Gonot noted that the Board has a series of workshops that will focus on developing project lists for all program areas, project prioritization, and expenditure plan.  She stated that the next Board Workshop meeting will be on Friday, February 27, 2004, 8:30 a.m. at the Hyatt.

Ms. Gonot briefly discussed the process for the VTP 2030.   A draft staff recommendation will be presented to the Board in March 2004.  A series of public outreach meetings about the Countywide Transportation Plan and RTP will also happen in March.  Staff will incorporate the public and Boards comments and submit the VTP 2030 document to the Board for adoption in April 2004.  Submission of the document to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) will be in May 2004.

Chairpersons Report

Chairperson Blaylock welcomed the Committee Members to the New Year and stated that he looks forward to working with them. 

The agenda was taken out of order.

BUSINESS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS/ GENERAL MANAGER

Preliminary Tasman East/Capitol Bus/Rail Service Integration Plan

Mike Aro, Service and Operations Planning Deputy Director, distributed a handout relating to the Preliminary Tasman East/Capitol Bus/Rail Service Integration Plan.  Mr. Aro noted that the Tasman East/Capitol Extension Light Rail line will open later this year.  The line has two segments: the Tasman East and Capitol Extension.  The Tasman East Segment is a five-mile extension from Baypointe to Hostetter.  Some of the station will be aerial because the parts that cross Montague Expressway and two freight railroads are elevated.   The stations on this segment are Greatmall, Montague, Cropley, and Hostetter.  The Capitol Extension on the other hand is about three miles long and continues the line from Hostetter to south of Alum Rock. The four stations on this segment are Berreyesa, Penitencia Creek, McKee, and Alum Rock. 

Mr. Aro stated that VTA currently has three light rail lines:  Guadalupe (San Teresa to Baypointe), Tasman West (Mountain View Almaden), and the Almaden (Almaden Ohlone Chenoweyth).  He noted that it was originally envisioned to connect Tasman West to Tasman East (Mountain View to Alum Rock).  However, as staff closely studied the connection, it is more cost efficient to operate Guadalupe to Tasman East/Capitol Extension.  In the proposal, Tasman West will terminate at Baypointe instead of I-880.  In effect, the Baypointe Station will be the main connecting point for all three lines.

Mr. Aro discussed the rationale for the proposed operating plan. He stated that there is commonality between the Guadalupe and Tasman East/Capitol Extension lines.  Both lines have a lot of multiple trips such as school trips, downtown trips, and employment trips.  He compared the Tasman West line where most trips are employment trips.  Another reason is the frequency of the service in the line.  Tasman West operates every 15 minute on weekday peak hours and 30 minutes at mid-day and weekends.  The Guadalupe line on the other hand, operates every 15 minutes every day. 

Mr. Aro stated that the proposal is to run the Tasman East/Capitol Extension line every 15 minutes without upgrades at the Tasman West Line.  He noted staff did not propose to change the frequency of Tasman West because it will need an additional $1.6 million to upgrade.  However, he stressed that the plan has built in flexibility and changes could be made if the job market increases the demand significantly.  The proposed plan also allows transfers between the lines.  The Tasman West line will have an eight-minute layover so passengers can have a four-minute transfer opportunity.  

Upon query of Member Stuchinsky, Mr. Aro replied that there is a lot of activity from the east side because of the Greatmall and schools.  The employment data in the past showed that there is the same number of people coming from the east and west side. 

Mr. Aro discussed the bus route changes and showed the Committee tables that show the description of changes and frequency of the bus service.  He noted that the changes are done to integrate the bus and light rail.  The bus routes on the west side of the light rail system will have very minor changes.  On the east side, there will be several changes to provide more shuttles from the foothills that will feed light rail.  Some of the routes coming in to the light rail line will be terminated and new shuttle routes will be introduced to circulate around the foothills to come to the light rail service. 

Mr. Aro noted that there will be three major transit centers along the light rail line which will also be the focal points for the bus and rail integration plan.  The biggest is the Greatmall Transit Center followed by the Penitencia Creek and the Alum Rock Transit Centers. 

Mr. Aro discussed the timeline for the adoption of the Integration Plan.  The Advisory Committees and the public will review the plan in February 2004.  Staff will incorporate the Advisory Committees and the publics comments then come back to the Standing and Advisory Committees in March 2004.  The Board is scheduled to approve the Integration Plan in April 2004.

Member Rogers inquired about the travel time in the new line.   Mr. Aro responded that the time travel from Alum Rock to Downtown will be about 22 minutes and east side to Downtown will be a little over 30 minutes. 

Member Stuchinsky inquired how the new line will impact ridership and VTAs finances.  Mr. Aro responded that preliminary projections were prepared but noted that those projections were made when the economy was better.  He noted that it takes time for the new service to mature.  However, he noted VTAs optimism that the new line will be a good service because it runs on the residential areas, schools, Greatmall, and employment areas. 

Upon query of Member Stuchinsky, Mr. Aro responded that there will be pre-revenue service beginning May 24.   For five weeks, the entire configuration will run but no passengers will be allowed from I-880 and beyond.  At this time, the operators will be trained how to run the line, systems will be checked, and residents will be familiarized with light rail running in the middle of the street.  Target official opening date is on June 30, 2004.   He noted that VTA wants the line to be operating by the July 4 weekend.

Chairperson Blaylock inquired about the re-alignment.  Mr. Aro stated that re-aligning the trains is a simple switch of tracks at the Baypointe Station.  He reiterated that the Integration Plan has built in flexibility so modification of service could be made when necessary.

Ms. Gonot introduced Matthew O. Tucker, Chief of Operations. 

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objections, the Tasman East/Capitol Bus/Rail Service Integration Plan was received.

Fare Modification Update

David Sausjord, Revenue Services Manager, provided a brief background and stated that the Fare Modification stemmed from the Boards adoption the two-year budget and a fare change effective August 2003.  The key aspect of the two-year budget was the assumption of fare increases for this year and the next fiscal year (FY 2004-05) that starts July 2004. 

Mr. Sausjord noted that the Board also adopted a Fare Policy in December 2003.  The Fare Policy formalized the Boards commitment to improve farebox recovery to the 20 to 25 percent range, called for an annual review of fares during the budget process until the farebox ratio goal is achieved, established a process for fare changes that will be effective in January of the following year, and set-up the structural relationship among the elements of the fare structure.  

Mr. Sausjord explained that the Fare policy affected the FY 2005 budget because the FY 2005 was budgeted with an assumption of fare increase in July.  He also noted that with the Fare Policy, the fares are built as multiples of the adult cash fares.  The express fares are twice the adult cash fare, the senior fares are 40 to 45 percent, and youth fares are 80 to 90 percent of the adult fares.  Mr. Sausjord noted that part of the policy is to have fares in increments of $0.25 with the exception of the senior fares.  Mr. Sausjord added that the Budget Amendment adopted by the Board last month reflected a decrease in fare revenues for FY 2005 because the fare increases will not happen until January.   He noted that staff will initiate the process for public review on the proposed fare increases.

Mr. Sausjord referred to Attachments C (Proposed Fares per Fare Policy) and explained that it shows the fixed routes fares, ratio, and multipliers.  He noted that the adult fares will increase from $1.50 to $1.75 and the other categories were computed based on that amount.  He also referred to Attachment D (ADA Paratransit Fares).    He noted that it was established years ago to multiply the adult cash fares twice to determine the cost for one-way ADA Paratransit Fares.  All the other Paratransit Fares are multiples of the one-way Paratransit Fare. 

Member Tripousis took her seat at 5:05 p.m and a quorum was declared.

Mr. Sausjord stated that VTA projects to have two percent background recovery demand for services because of the economic and employment recovery.  He added that VTA also anticipates additional 500,000 boardings per year from the opening of the light rail extension in the east side.  However, he noted that VTA is aware that the increased fares might negatively impact the ridership.  He explained that it is a normal trend but typically, the riders come back over a period of time. 

Vice Chairperson Fletcher left her seat at 5:07 p.m., the quorum was lost, and a Committee of the Whole was declared.

Mr. Sausjord discussed the schedule for the Fare Modification. The Advisory Committees will discuss it in February 2004 and the public will have the opportunity to discuss it in the community meetings in March 2004.   Staff will come back to the Advisory and Standing Committees in April 2004 for formal comments.  The Standing Committees will discuss it again in May 2004 and the Board is scheduled to adopt it in June 2005.  The fare increase will be effective in January 2005.

Upon query of Member Stuchinsky, Mr. Sausjord explained that there would be no substantial increase in cost in operating the new light rail extension line.  Staff plans to operate almost exactly the same number of hours of light rail service next year as this year.  He noted that staff might take out some hours from Tasman West and operate the entire service with the same service level VTA is currently operating.

Chairperson Blaylock inquired about Eco Pass Program.  Mr. Sausjord affirmed that the $19.75 is the average cost for all the participants.  He added that there is no anticipated change in the Eco Pass in terms of fares for FY 2005.

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objections, the Fare Modification Update was reviewed. 

Programmed Projects Quarterly Monitoring Report for October December 2003

Amin Surani, Sr. Transportation Engineer, noted that among the projects listed in the report, only the Riveroaks project is having difficulty.  He explained that there is delay in the project because the Federal dollars granted to the project requires it to have an additional environmental process.  VTA staff is currently looking for ways to switch federal dollars to local dollars to avoid further delays. 

Mr. Surani stated that all the other projects are doing fine.  However, staff might recommend that some of the projects to be moved at a later date due to the States financial crisis.

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objections, the Programmed Projects Quarterly Monitoring Report for October December 2003 was received.

Proactive Congestion Management Program (CMP)  Reviewed and Approved Quarterly Status Report 

       Vice Chairperson Fletcher took her seat at 5:20 p.m. and a quorum was declared. 

Chairperson Blaylock inquired if the Developers could be included in the list.   Samantha Swan, Transportation Planner, replied that it could be included in the list if the Developers names are provided to VTA.  Member Hashimoto stated that he has some information regarding the Developers names especially in the City of San Jose and offered assistance to anyone who might need that information.

Upon query of Member Stuchinsky, Ms. Swan replied that projects are listed depending on when the city planners forward the referral or application to VTA.  She noted that VTA tries to be more involved with the project by establishing relationship with planners.  She added that she personally attends the City of San Joses project review meetings.

Vice Chairperson Fletcher referred to Page 1 of 9 (Glen Loma Ranch in Gilroy) and commented that the street network should have more cul-de-sacs.  Ms. Gonot stated that VTA is not very supportive of cul-de-sacs and dead-ends because it creates congestion in the main streets.  Member Rogers noted that the Glen Loma project will provide pedestrian paths. 

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objections, the Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status report was received and filed.

Minutes of October 8, 2003 

(M/S/C) Tripousis/Rogers to approve the minutes of October 8, 2003.

Citizens Advisory Committee Bylaws

Stephen Flynn, Senior Management Analyst, reported that a group of staff composed of himself, Carolyn Gonot, General Counsel, and Board Secretary's Office performed a comprehensive review of all the Advisory Committee Bylaws.

Mr. Flynn noted that aside from the goal of increasing the efficiency and attendance, the bylaws were reviewed to have consistency and close gaps among committees.  The changes in all the Advisory Committee Bylaws will be presented Board of Directors as a whole.

Mr. Flynn stated that the additional items included in the Bylaws are prohibition of any VTA staff from serving on any of the Advisory Committees and election of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson at the beginning of the calendar year instead at the beginning of the fiscal year.  The latter change is proposed to prevent duplicate work in updating the rosters by the Board Secretary's Office.

Mr. Flynn noted that as a result of the change in the timing of election for Chair and Vice Chairperson, the Committee must decide whether to let the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson serve for another six months (July to December) or make an interim appointment until the beginning of the calendar year.

Member Rogers complimented that the Bylaws were written very well. She expressed concern that Member Sausedo from the National Association of Industrial & Office Properties (NAIOP) rarely attends. She inquired about the plan of action to resolve that.

Mr. Flynn stated that the recommendation is to write a letter to Member Sausedo to inquire if she wants to appoint another member to the Committee or have the Committee and the Board choose another representative in business community in the related category.

Member Hashimoto stated that in his opinion, Member Sausedo is not active because there are no new developments in that category.

Member Tripousis directed attention to the "non-participation" of any VTA Staff on any of the Advisory Committees.  She noted that in the past, there was VTA Staff that served on the Committee as a Labor Representative. She inquired if there is any legal reason behind the prohibition.

Mr. Flynn responded that staff and the General Counsel agreed that there is a perceived conflict of interest.   Member Tripousis stated that having a VTA staff serve on the Committee should be something that should be considered in the future. 

Chairperson Blaylock requested clarification on the attendance provision in the Bylaws.  Mr. Flynn explained that the provision on attendance has been there in the past and was not enforced.  With regard to Member Sausedo, he proposed to inform NAIOP about the attendance issue through a letter.  They will have the option to appoint a new member to the Committee.  

Ms. Gonot suggested that once the Board adopts the Bylaws, a letter that references to §5.7 (Absences) will be sent to NAIOP.  If the record continues, the position will be replaced with a successor.  She added that attendance is critical because CAC is the Measure A Watchdog Committee.

Member Rogers noted that it is important to be tactful.   She suggested that a letter be sent to NAIOP after the adoption of the bylaws and inform them that attendance is required.  She added that the letter should also include alternatives for Member Sausedo to continue or appoint someone else.

Upon query of Chairperson Blaylock, Ms. Gonot explained that the absences would be tracked on any 12-month rolling period. Member Rogers requested a quarterly attendance report. 

Vice Chairperson Fletcher inquired if there is an allowance of excused absence for unusual circumstances.  Mr. Flynn responded that there is no provision in the bylaws that allows for excused absence.  However, he cited that in the past, some members from CAC were exempted because they were serving at the VTA Ad-Hoc Financial Stability Committee. 

As a response to Member Stuchinskys query, Mr. Flynn noted that the Board Secretarys Office is working on having the meeting packets online.  Member Stuchinsky suggested that the attendance report could be put in the packet. 

Chairperson Blaylock commented that the continuous term is (§3.2 Members Terms) is good.   He stated that the Government Section 54956.5 on Page 7 of 10 should be explained.   Member Tripousis suggested not to include the code to avoid duplicate work in the event that the legislature changes the Government Code. 

M/S/C (Tripousis/Stuchinsky) to approve the bylaws, as amended.

Vice Chairperson Fletcher inquired about the other Advisory Committees bylaws on majority vote.  Mr. Flynn stated that some of the Advisory Committees has no problem with the quorum so the provision on the voting has not changed and others have changed it.  He explained that in CAC, if there is a quorum, a majority of the quorum (five members) could pass the action item. 

Chairperson Blaylock inquired about the change of the election schedule of the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson.  Member Tripousis proposed to follow the newly adopted bylaws and extend the term of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson until the election in January.  Mr. Flynn noted that it is best for the Committee to wait until the Board has adopted the new Bylaws.

CAC Work Plan

Ms. Gonot noted that in the next meeting, the Committee would discuss the draft list of project priorities, program areas, and allocations. 

OTHER

Announcements

Vice Chairperson Fletcher related to the Committee her experience with Outreach.   She inquired if a list of key VTA Staff with e-mails and contact numbers could be provided.  Ms. Gonot suggested that the Committee Members to e-mail their concerns to board.secretary@vta.org.  

Vice Chairperson Fletcher congratulated Ms. Gonot for her promotion as the Chief Development Officer.

Ms. Gonot announced that there is a live VTP 2030 website.  She added that an online survey will soon be added to the website. She encouraged the Committee to test the website and provide comments.  She also announced that a website was also created for the Tasman East/Capitol Extension. This website has information on each of the stations. 

Adjournment

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine F. Baltao, Board Assistant
VTA Board of Directors

NOTE: M/S/C MEANS MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED AND, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.