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CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) was called to order at 4:35 p.m. by Chairperson Blaylock in Conference Room B-104, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), 3331 North First Street, San Jose, California. 

Members Present                                Members Present
Stephen C. Blaylock, Chairperson          Gaye Morando
Don Burnett                                            Margaret Okuzumi 
Chris Elias Connie Rogers                     Sally Probst
Ellen Fletcher                                         Connie Rogers
Ray Hashimoto                                       Martin Schulter, Vice Chairperson
Irene Hsu                                                Laura Stuchinsky
Luiz Mendez                                           Noel Tebo
     
Members Absent                                Members Absent 
Roberta Hughan                                    Diane Tripousis
Patricia Sausedo

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

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

 Member Elias commended VTA for putting the late Rosa Park’s picture in the VTA website.  Member Elias suggested using other methods such as buses and light rail to effectively inform the general public about Rosa Parks and her contribution to today’s society.

Committee Staff Report

There was no Committee Staff report.

Chairperson’s Report

Chairperson Blaylock apologized for his absence last month and thanked Vice Chairperson Schulter for facilitating the meeting last October 2005.  Chairperson Blaylock congratulated Member Fletcher for the recognition she received at last month’s CAC meeting. 

Chairperson Blaylock informed the Committee about VTA RIDE Taskforce and distributed copies of the RIDE Taskforce’s November 2, 2005 agenda.  The previous two meetings of RIDE Taskforce included discussions on fare revenue, fare structure, VTA Public Perception Survey, and ECO Pass.  The next scheduled meeting is on December 14, 2005, 4:00 p.m., at VTA Auditorium. 

Chairperson Blaylock requested more information about the RIDE Taskforce at next month’s CAC meeting.  He suggested that VTA communicates to general public that we have other subcommittees that are working collaboratively to address issues.

Chairperson Blaylock expressed appreciation to Michael T. Burns and Board Chairperson Joe Pirzynski for their participation at the October 2005 CAC Meeting.  He noted that he looks forward to working more closely with VTA’s new management.  He expressed appreciation that the Committee’s concerns and input are considered. 

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

CONSENT AGENDA

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, Agenda Item #7.,  Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report July through September 2005, was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Agenda.

Member Mendez referred to Agenda Item #6., FY 2005 Preliminary Annual Transit Operations Performance Report, and noted that drivers should have more sensitivity to the community’s diversity and added that bus operators should exercise more patience to customers who do not speak English.  He expressed concern that a negative attitude about non-English speaking customers can have far ranging implications.

Upon inquiry of Chairperson Blaylock, John Ristow, Programming and Project Development Deputy Director, responded that staff will be conducting several customer surveys and outreach activities as part of the Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA).

Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Quarterly Attendance Report

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Quarterly Attendance Report was received and filed.

FY 2005 Preliminary Annual Transit Operations Performance Report

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

Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report July through September 2005

(Removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Agenda.)

Receive and file the Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report July through September 2005.

REGULAR AGENDA

Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report July through September 2005

Member Fletcher referred to Page 10 of 14 of City/County Responses to Comments Quarterly Report, 47 Notre Dame Residential Project, and expressed concern on the lack of bicycle parking space.  Member Fletcher inquired about what actions could be taken by VTA to address this issue.

Samantha Swan, Environmental Planner, responded that staff could contact the city and provide comments on projects.  She noted that staff has contacted the city and urged them to follow VTA’s bicycle and pedestrian guidelines.  However, she noted that cities have their own regulations for parking spaces.

Member Fletcher expressed concern that this project encourages more automobiles on the road.

Member Elias suggested that a letter from the Board level be sent to the City of San Jose to address the issue of lack of bicycle parking spaces for the abovementioned project.  He noted that a Board of Directors generated letter may possibly send a stronger message. 

Mr. Ristow stated that in the past, staff crafted a method of commenting on projects and it was effective for the Board of Directors.  However, having extra feedback was difficult for city staff.  Mr. Ristow added that the possibility of using this method could be further discussed.

Member Hashimoto explained the process involved in construction or development projects such as the one in Notre Dame.  As contractors/developers file an application to the city, the city has the obligation to give a response within 30 days.  As a result, there is difficulty in providing comments and/or responses between the city and various agencies.  Member Hashimoto noted that an effective way to address issues such as this is to have a provision in the city’s code.  He further explained that if the requirements were codified, the contractors/builders would have to adhere to the guidelines.  With regards to parking issues, Member Hashimoto noted that the decision is not in the city staff level but instead in the City Council level.

Member Mendez stated that he is also a member of the City of San Jose’s Bicycle Group and added that he will forward CAC’s comments at their next meeting.

Member Fletcher requested that Member Mendez suggest to the San Jose Bicycle Group to urge the City Council to codify bicycle parking.

Upon inquiry of Member Elias, Mr. Ristow explained that the old process used to comment on project was similar to a “report card” so that Board Members could see how well staff respond to VTA’s comments.

Ms. Swan stated that in the  past, the “report card” has received negative feedback from city staff.  She expressed concern that utilizing the “report card” again may jeopardize the good relationship VTA staff had built with city staff. 

Chairperson Blaylock requested that the discussion about commenting on projects be continued at next month’s meeting as it is important to comment on projects and maintain the relationship with city staff.

Member Okuzumi noted that she is part of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Advisory Council and further noted that MTC is studying parking policies.  She inquired about the process and criteria involved in VTA’s review of projects.  She also  inquired about the leverage VTA has on projects they review.

Mr. Ristow explained that as part of the Congestion Management Program (CMP) guideline on land-use, a project that will generate more than 100 trips at peak hours would need to be reviewed by VTA.   Ms. Swan added that the cities, county, and agencies are required to forward all project applications to various agencies that may have a concern on the projects. 

Member Rogers stated that it may be helpful for the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC)  to discuss these issues as they are the politicians and they make the political decisions.  

Chairperson Blaylock referred to the Costco Project in the City of San Jose, page 7 of 11, and suggested incorporating a bike path, which Costco could help support.

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no object, the Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report July through September 2005 was received and filed.

Minutes of October 12, 2005

M/S/C (Probst/Burnett) to approve the Minutes of October 12, 2005.

2006 Federal Legislative Program

Kurt Evans, Government Affairs Manager, noted that the Federal Legislative Program is adopted annually to provide direction in the legislative and policy activities in Washington D.C.  Mr. Evans reviewed the seven sections of the program:  1.) Federal Transportation Appropriations contains the general policy principle, which would ensure that annual appropriation is consistent with the guaranteed spending level, program structure of SAFETEA-LU and project earmarks that VTA would seek funding for through the various discretionary programs available in the federal level; 2.) Public Transit Security deals with discussion of creating a program that will appropriate monies to public transit operators for security needs; 3.) New Starts Program Implementation involves partnership with New Starts Working Group on advocacy efforts to ensure that the implementation of the New Starts Program is consistent with SAFETEA-LU and intent of Congress;  4.) High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes will focus on the implementation issues related to HOT Lanes; 5.) Railroad Access involves issues relevant to Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) and Caltrain; 6.) Amtrak investment support, and; 7.) High Speed Rail, which deals with providing support to the enactment of a legislation that will create innovative financing tools for developing corridors for High Speed Rail.

Member Probst informed the Committee that AMTRAK’s General Manager was recently terminated.  She expressed concern on the proposed AMTRAK funding cuts and inquired about VTA or Caltrain’s leverage to Congress.  

Mr. Evans stated that VTA would partner with other interested organizations such as the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to support AMTRAK and ensure full consideration of the impacts associated with the proposed AMTRAK structural changes.   

Member Probst stressed that AMTRAK is an important issue to be involved in and that VTA should support AMTRAK.

Member Okuzumi requested clarification on HOT Lanes, Item C, Page 3 of the memorandum.

Mr. Evans responded that there is a concern on converting High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to HOT Lanes as it may impact the formula allocation of funds. The legislative program is geared towards ensuring that HOT Lanes, when implemented, will be counted as fixed guideway miles in the National Transit Database so as not to negatively impact the formulas used in allocating funds under the Urbanized Area Formula (UZA) Formula and Fixed Guideway Modernization Programs.  

In response to Member Mendez’ request, Mr. Evans noted that he will add the pedestrian and bicycle facilities under the appropriations part of the legislative program. 

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the 2006 Federal Legislative Program for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) was reviewed and commented.

2006 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)

Mr. Ristow stated that it is VTA’s responsibility, as a Congestion Management Agency (CMA), to program STIP funds for transportation projects in Santa Clara County.  The STIP is updated every two years and because of the state financing and other factors, this is the third cycle where there is limited monies to add new projects.  Furthermore, projects already programmed in the 2004 STIP would have to be deferred until the last two years of STIP except for the I-680 HOV: Sunol Grade. 

Mr. Ristow further explained that the State has a structural deficit.   More than $5 billion was taken out of the transportation fund and there is no clarity as to when these monies will be put back in transportation.  Proposition 42 is a major funding element for transportation, however, if the governor declares a fiscal emergency, these monies will not go to the transportation fund.

Mr. Ristow referred to Attachment A, 2006 Santa Clara County Regional Improvement Program (RIP) Adjustments, and clarified that the first two items (MTC & VTA Planning Programming and Monitoring) are STIP funds that will be acquired.  These funds will be used for planning, programming, and tracking efforts.

Member Rogers inquired about the possibility of asking the press/media to cover a  story on how transportation money is taken away by the State.  She noted that doing so will make people aware of the real issues that delay the projects.

M/S/C (Mendez/Hashimoto) to   recommend that the VTA Board of Directors approve the programming of Santa Clara County’s Regional Improvement Program share of the 2006 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). 

Proposed Process and Criteria for Programming Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funds to Local Streets and Roads Rehabilitation Projects in Federal Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009.

John Sighamony, Transportation Planner, stated that this is the third cycle of STP and added that there is about $16 million available to program for preventive maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of eligible roadways.   To be eligible for funding, the agency must use an approved and current pavement management system (PMS) such as MTC’s or equivalent to that of MTC.  Another requirement for funding is a minimum of 11.47 percent non-federal match.  The projects for this cycle is due for Federal Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009.

Mr. Sighamony noted that the $16 million was divided into two components:   Need Based Targets and Regionally Significant Roadways.  Need Based Targets are based on MTC’s total projected cost of maintaining and reconstructing local streets and county roads countywide over the next 25 years.  The percentage used this cycle is the same percentage used on the previous cycle.  Regionally Significant Roadways portion is15 percent of the $16 million.  This is competitive and open to all roadways included on the CMP Principal Arterial list that includes expressways and major arterials.

Member Probst left the meeting at 5:47 p.m.

Member Hashimoto left his seat at 5:47 p.m.

In response to Member Okuzumi’s inquiry, Mr. Ristow noted that maintenance of effort (MOE) was used in the past when there was an influx of money.  However, it will not be required for this program because it will be difficult to track the effectiveness of MOE, given the current financial situation. 

Member Hashimoto took his seat at 5:49 p.m.

M/S/C (Elias/Burnett) to recommend that the VTA Board of Directors approve the proposed process and criteria for programming Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds to local streets and roads rehabilitation projects in Federal Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009. 

Sunnyvale Citywide Deficiency Plan Approval

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the City of Sunnyvale Citywide Deficiency Plan approval was deferred.

Fiscal Year 2006-2015 Short Range Transit Plan

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the FY 2006-2015 Short Range Transit Plan was deferred.

Nominating Committee for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

Stephen Flynn, Senior Management Analyst, briefly discussed the process for electing the chairperson and vice chairperson for CAC.  He noted that the chairperson and vice chairperson are elected separately, serve a one-year term, and there are no term limits.     It involves a three-step process:  appointment of Nominating Committee in November, report out of Nominating Committee in December, and election in January.  Members Mendez, Okuzumi, and Tebo volunteered to be members of the Nominating Committee. 

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the Committee appointed a Nominating Committee for Chairperson/Vice Chairperson.

CAC Work Plan

Mr. Flynn stated that the December CAC meeting will involve discussion of modifying the Committee’s meeting time to address the additional duty of CAC as a Watchdog Committee for the 2000 Measure A Transit Sales Tax Program.

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

OTHER

Announcements

Upon inquiry of Member Fletcher, Mr. Ristow noted that the VTA Scenario (¼ cent Sales Tax) was deferred from the November 3, 2005 Board of Directors agenda due to some concerns that need to be resolved.   The scenario is scheduled to come back to the Board of Directors at their December 2005 meeting.

Mr. Ristow introduced the new Board Secretary, Maria Marinos.

Chaiperson Blaylock noted that Altrans is currently hiring for Transportation Management Coordinator. 

Member Burnett mentioned the bike/pedestrian bridge at River Oaks.   Mr. Ristow noted that the bridge is scheduled to open for the public in January 2005.

Member Okuzumi referred to the Attendance Report, and expressed concern about a member of CAC who does not attend the meetings.   Mr. Flynn stated that staff has done extensive efforts to contact the body that this member represents (National Association of   Industrial & Office Properties – NAIOP) but there are no responses from their end.  Staff intends to submit a recommendation to the Board of Directors in January 2005 to de-certify NAIOP and solicit other entities to serve in  CAC. 

ADJOURNMENT

On order of Chairperson Blaylock, there being no objection, the Meeting was adjourned at 6:01p.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.