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CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) was called to order at 4:32 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                              Members Present
Stephen C. Blaylock, Chairperson        Margaret Okuzumi
Don Burnett                                          Sally Probst
Chris Elias                                            Connie Rogers 
Ellen Fletcher                                       Martin Schulter, Vice Chairperson 
Ray Hashimoto                                     Laura Stuchinsky
Irene Hsu                                              Noel Tebo
Roberta Hughan                                   Diane Tripousis

Members Absent
Luis Mendez
Gaye Morando
Patricia Sausedo

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

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

There were no public presentations.

Minutes of April 13, 2005

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, the Committee of the Whole deferred approval of Minutes of April 13, 2005, pending arrival of a quorum. 

Committee Staff Report

Member Tebo arrived at the meeting at 4:33 p.m., and a quorum was declared.

Bernice Alaniz, Marketing and Public Affairs Deputy Director, noted the marketing events for the summer:   Summer Youth Bus Pass in May 2005, Community Bus Launching at Los Gatos on July 4, 2005, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Enhanced Bus Launching on July 5, 2005, and grand opening of the Vasona Light Rail on                August 12, 2005. 

Member Okuzumi expressed concern that the $75 amount for the Summer Youth Bus Pass Program maybe a little expensive.   Ms. Alaniz commented that staff conducted studies and a survey to determine the best price.  The pass would cost 50 percent less than the normal youth pass and the $75 will be valid for three months.   In addition, the pass holders have a number of discounts at participating locations.

Member Stuchinsky took her seat at 4:36 p.m.

Chairperson Blaylock inquired about the possibility of converting the Youth Pass into something similar to the Eco Pass Program.   Ms. Alaniz responded that there have been inquiries from schools but at this point, only the Summer Youth Bus Pass Program will be launched.

The agenda was taken out of order.

Minutes of April 13, 2005

Member Hsu took her seat at 4:37 p.m.           

Member Rogers requested on Page 1 of 8, Agenda Item #1., Roll Call, Members Absent, “Patricia Hughan” be replaced with “Roberta Hughan.”

M/S/C (Probst/Tripousis) to approve the Minutes of April 13, 2005 as amended.

Chairperson’s Report

Chairperson Blaylock thanked the Committee for the quorum at the April 2005 meeting.   Chairperson Blaylock referred to Member Okuzumi’s e-mail and inquired about the possibility of adding an item in the agenda aside from announcements, work plan, and chairperson’s report where Committee Members can bring up items of concern that could potentially be discussed at future meetings.

Member Hashimoto took his seat at 4:40 p.m.

Stephen Flynn, Senior Management Analyst, stated that staff could look into a more defined item such as issues or items of Committee concern.   Mr. Flynn cautioned that the Committee cannot have an extended discussion about the topic at that point and it should be agendized for a future meeting.

Member Tripousis expressed concern that CAC Meetings have recently been bumping right up to 6:00 p.m.   She noted that the Committee’s business should be completed first before embarking on policy discussions and matters that the Committee might not actually have input.

Member Probst expressed concurrence to Member Tripousis’ statements.

Mr. Flynn stated that staff is considering categorizing agendas as consent and regular.   Consent Agenda items will include recurring reports that the Committee regularly receives.  These items could be pulled onto the Regular Agenda if the Committee or a Member of the Committee would like to have full discussion on the item.

Upon query of Member Tebo, Mr. Flynn explained that the Committee bylaws allow the Committee to motion, second, and vote on a topic they want to discuss at future meetings.   The items may not be discussed immediately in the next meeting due to staffing issues and timing.

Chairperson Blaylock suggested that the Committee discuss at its next meeting the possibility of putting an item in the agenda that will allow the Committee to put a topic in future agendas.

Member Okuzumi clarified that she did not see a place in the Agenda where Members could bring items of concern to VTA staff and these items are more informational and may not necessarily need action.

Member Rogers noted that one way to address the issue is to get the consensus of the Committee on which topics are important and should be discussed.

Member Tripousis referred to Member Okuzumi’s comments and noted that it is inappropriate to bring up items of concern under announcements.   She noted that the Committee could look at changing the item “Announcements” in the agenda into a form that would allow Members to bring forward topics or concerns that they want to be observant on and not necessarily take action on. 

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

Altamont Commuter Express, Fiscal Year (FY) 2005-06 and FY 2006-07 Budget Allocations

Frank Sharpless, Government Affairs Manager, provided a brief background and noted that average daily ridership of the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) commuter rail service in March 2005 is 2,390.   Based on the Cooperative Services Agreement that VTA, Alameda County Congestion Management Agency, and the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) entered into a June 2003, VTA’s share of funding will be based on the FY 2003 contribution escalated annually by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the bay area.  The amounts of $3.6 million (FY 2006-07) and $3.705 million (FY 2006-07) represent the actual train service contribution and total cost of shuttles operated within Santa Clara County. 

Upon inquiry of Member Rogers, Mr. Sharpless stated that the percentage of share is based on where ACE riders get on and get off all day.   Mr. Sharpless noted that about 85 to 90 percent of the riders get off at the Santa Clara County stations.  In effect, VTA’s share of the operating subsidy is approximately 40 to 45 percent.

Member Stuchinsky inquired about the drop of ridership.   Mr. Sharpless noted the drop of ridership and farebox revenue can be attributed to Union Pacific Rail Road’s (UPRR) problems as ACE operates on UPRR’s tracks.  ACE and UPRR are trying hard to address these issues.

M/S/C (Okuzumi/Burnett) to review and recommend that the VTA Board of Directors approve VTA funding of Altamont Commuter Express commuter rail service in the amount of $3.6 million in FY 2005-05 and $3.705 million in FY 2006-07.

Caltrain FY 2005-06 and FY 2006-07 Operating and Capital Budget Allocations

Mr. Sharpless reported that Caltrain’s budget is still in progress.  The operating cost subsidy is based on morning peak hour boardings in each county.  Currently, San Mateo’s share is 43.98 percent, Santa Clara’s share is 40.62 percent, and San Francisco’s share is 15.40 percent.  The capital budget for projects between San Francisco and San Jose is shared on an equal one-third basis by each of the three member agencies.  The capital budget for any project beyond South San Jose is a 100 percent capital cost for VTA.

Mr. Sharpless noted that Caltrain presented their draft budget with three operating scenarios on their May 5, 2005 meeting.  Each of the scenarios is driven by major change of the Caltrain service and fares approved on April 22, 2005.  Service changes are effective on August 1, 2005, and the fare increases are effective on July 1, 2005. 

With revenue and expense projections and service and fare changes, the draft budget identifies a $2 million deficit.  The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB) staff identified three alternatives to eliminate the deficit for the JPB to consider.   Option A does not increase Member Agency contributions but implements additional service reductions or other actions to reduce shortfall.  Option B is a three percent increase from the FY 2005 contributions, which will reduce the shortfall to $1 million.  Option C means acquiring sufficient contribution from the member agencies to offset the $2 million shortfall (approximately 5.6 percent increase).   VTA representatives to the JPB support Option B and this budget assumption is reflected in VTA’s recommended budget.

Mr. Sharpless reported that in VTA’s draft budget, the previous estimate for Caltrain capital budget local match for FY 2005-06 is $2.66 million.  Caltrain has now shown that they need $2.22 million for the capital local match.  This leaves $440,000 that could be placed into the operating budget if all member agencies decide to use the local funds to meet the $2 million shortfall.  

Mr. Sharpless noted that even if the JPB chooses Option C where member agencies completely fund the operating shortfall, VTA will have enough money in its budget to cover the Caltrain cost share.   Mr. Sharpless stated that since the VTA Board Directors will approve a biennial budget, staff inflated the Option C VTA share by three percent to come up with an estimate for FY 2006-07. 

Member Okuzumi stated that the Committee should advocate for the 5.6 percent increase because VTA has enough money to cover that increase.   She noted that this will avoid any more service cuts. 

Member Stuchinksy expressed concern that all member agencies should provide their equal shares.

M/S/C (Probst/Stuchinsky) with a vote of 13 ayes, 1 no, and 0 abstentions to review and recommend that the VTA Board of Directors approve $14,819,000 for FY 2005-06 and $15,263,000 for FY 2006-07 to provide VTA’s share of Caltrain operating support; and $2.66 million for FY 2005-06 and $2.18 million for FY 2006-07 as VTA’s share of the local matching funds required for Caltrain’s Capital Budgets for these two years.  Member Okuzumi opposed.

Recommended Biennial Budget for Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007

Jim McCutchen, Budget Administration Manager, requested the Members to refer to the Recommended Budget handout. 

Member Burnett noted that he is delighted to see so many road rehabilitation projects.

Member Okuzumi left her seat at 5:30 p.m.

Upon inquiry of Chairperson Blaylock, Mr. McCutchen responded that the recommended budget will be presented to the other Advisory Committees and Standing Committees before final adoption on the June 2, 2005 VTA Board of Directors meeting.

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the Committee reviewed and commented on the Recommended Biennial Budget for FY 2006 and 2007.

Congestion Management Program Financial Audit, Fiscal Year 2004

Member Okuzumi took her seat at 5:32 p.m.

Mr. Flynn noted that the Joint Powers Agreement that governs the Congestion Management Program (CMP) requires an independent audit of the CMP financial statement.  For FY 2004 the Macias, Gini & Company LLP (MGC) conducted the audit.  MGC issued a non-qualified report, which means that in their opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the CMP.  It also identified the Fund Balance of approximately $1.6 million, which is shown on Pages 3 and 9 of the report.

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the Congestion Management Program Financial Audit for FY 2004 was received and filed.

Recommended FY 05-06 Congestion Management Program Work Program and Budget

Member Hashimoto left the meeting at 5:39 p.m.

Mr. Flynn referred to Page 2 of 4 of the memorandum and noted the projects that the CMP will address starting July 2005. This includes preparation of the 2005 Congestion Management Program, monitoring of CMP system and preparation of the 2005 Monitoring and Conformance Report, initiation of the I-880 Corridor and South County Circulation Studies, High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lane demonstration project, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Expenditure Plan development, comprehensive land use database development, and Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines update and revision of the Annual Monitoring and Conformance Requirements. 

Member Probst commented that the comprehensive land use database should be a continuous effort.

Member Elias referred to Page 10 of 19 of Attachment A – Recommended Work Program for FY 2005-06, C. Land Use/Transportation Investment Strategies, second paragraph, and noted that a typographical error that should state December 2004.  Member Elias noted that it may be helpful to include the goals and how the goals are measured. 

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the Committee reviewed and commented on the Recommended FY 05-06 Congestion Management Program Work Program and Budget.

FY 2005 Second Quarter Transit Operations Performance Report

Matthew O. Tucker, Chief Operations Officer, reported that all indicators point that VTA is trending in the proper direction.  Expenses have decreased, but the cost of service per hour has increased.  This is caused by the reduction of service from lay-offs of the previous year.  Mr. Tucker noted that the second half of the year would have a clearer picture of transit performance.  Mr. Tucker noted that overall ridership continues to go down but there is an increase in ridership for light rail. 

Upon inquiry of Member Tebo, Mr. Tucker responded that VTA’s farebox recovery ratio is at 13.1 percent.

             Member Okuzumi expressed concern on reduced ridership. 

Chairperosn Blaylock noted the discussion on this item and expressed desire to have Committee continue discussion at its next meeting.

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the FY 2005 Second Quarter Transit Operations Performance Report was received and filed.

Amendment to the Citizens Advisory Committee Bylaws Requested by the VTA Board of Directors

Member Fletcher expressed concern that if the voting rules are changed to the majority of the total members, there may not be enough votes to pass an item in the event that there is a split vote.  She noted that a way to address this issue is to allow CAC Members to have alternates. 

Member Probst commented that the Committee almost always had a unanimous vote and further commented that there is better attendance in the Committee now.

Mr. Flynn explained that the bylaws originally state that the affirmative votes should be majority of the total membership. This has been changed three or four years ago when there were many vacancies and there was an attendance problem.  Mr. Flynn expressed the Board’s sentiment that all Advisory Committee Members should be present at the meetings and that there should be representation of the full Committee.            

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the discussion regarding Amendment to the Citizens Advisory Committee Bylaws Requested by the VTA Board of Directors be continued at the next meeting.

FY 2006 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Project Priorities

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the FY 2006 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Project Priorities was deferred.

Comments Regarding VTA’s Draft Long-Term Transit Capital Investment Program

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the Comments Regarding VTA’s Draft Long-Term Transit Capital Investment Program were deferred.

Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report  January through March 2005

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report January through March 2005 was deferred.

CAC Work Plan

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the CAC Work Plan was deferred.

OTHER

There were no announcements.

Adjournment

On order of Vice chairperson Schulter, there being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 6:01 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.