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CALLED TO ORDER at 1:07 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Members Present: Byrnes staff aide representing                             Cindy Chavez (Ex-Officio Board Liaison), Gallo, Grant, Heatley (Ex-Officio), Hernandez, Lasich, Marcillet, Morrow, Rhodes, Slack, Stahl

Members Absent: Eljas, Gouveia, Jensen, Julian, Michels

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

INTRODUCTION OF AUDIENCE MEMBERS

The Committee of the Whole received introductions from the audience including:
Jim Middleton, VTA Risk Management; Edna Pampy, VTA Accessible Services;
Cathy Hendrix, VTA Operations; David Ledwitz, VTA Accessible Services; Jim Lawson, VTA Government Affairs; Roger Contreras, VTA Chief Financial Officer;
Terry Applegate, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center; Kimberly Koenig, VTA Treasury and Financial Planning; Susan Stark, VTA Controller; Jim Unites, VTA Operations, Maryjane Naughten, Interested Citizen, Sheri Fisher, VTA Accessible Services; Nicolette Cockerill, VTA Risk Management; Cindy Stewart, County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Services; Sheri Burns, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center; Annamaria Swardenski, Volunteer Center of Silicon Valley, Inc.; Miguel Grey, County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Services; Jack J. Collins, Chief Construction Officer.

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

Ms. Naughten commented that she was previously a CTA Member and was suspended twice due to absences related to medical reasons.  Ms. Naughten noted that she recently submitted an application for re-appointment to CTA for membership.

Committee Staff Report:   Heard a report relating to the Mobility Device Securement Policy Recommendation presented to CTA and Transit Planning and Operations (TP&O) Committee in January 2006.  Staff noted that due to concerns regarding implementation; an update on the Mobility Device Securement Policy will be provided to CTA and TP&O Committee in February 2006, then forwarded to the March 2, 2006 Board of Directors for consideration.  Staff commented that the goal is to map out subject and topics for the next six months regarding the CTA Workplan. 

Staff announced the reappointments of the following CTA Members for a two-year term: Linda Gallo, Katie Heatley (Ex-Officio), Laura Michels, Emma Eljas,
Sandra Gouveia, Martin Lasich, and Barbara Stahl approved at the January 5, 2006 Board of Directors Regular Meeting. 

Staff noted the advertising and noticing of the following three public outreach meetings regarding the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Process: February 1, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at the Board of Supervisor’s Chambers, County Government Center; February 3, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at City Council Chambers, Gilroy City Hall, and February 6, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at City Council Chambers, Mountain View City Hall. 

Staff noted the addition of a mailing to 250 community service agencies and to 4000 individuals eligible for recertification; the public outreach meeting information is available on VTA website as well as on bus and light rail system as part of Take One pamphlet. 

Staff acknowledged that David Julian and Aaron Morrow were paid special recognition by being presented with a congressional award at the January 5, 2006 Board of Directors Meeting.

The Committee of the Whole requested feedback regarding driver training in the event of an emergency and driver training to unsecure passenger and evacuate them off the bus.  Staff responded that drivers are trained to evacuate all passengers in the event of an emergency and noted that a kit with strap cutters is provided to all drivers as part of the Mobility Device Securement Policy.               

The Committee of the Whole queried about the strap cutters and asked what is being done to ensure that all the kits include the strap cutters.  Staff responded that the equipment should be installed in all the buses and drivers are required to have the strap cutters in their kits as part of the Mobility Device Securement Policy.  The plan is to have the Policy implemented by 2007 to address issues regarding education, training, and time for customers to get use to the Policy.

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

The Committee of the Whole heard a report relating to the Recommended VTA Scenario.  Staff noted direction from VTA Board of Directors to receive comments from VTA Advisory Committees regarding the Expenditure Plan being devised to support the VTA Scenario with new projections.  Staff commented on the VTA Scenario with new projections, highlighting:  completion of all 2000 Measure A Projects, positive ending balance of $537 million, maintains VTA reserves at 15 percent, advances BART to December 2016, advances light rail to Eastridge by 2012, advances light rail to Nieman by 2017, advances light rail to Los Gatos by 2012, accommodates Single Car Light Rail on Santa Clara/Alum Rock by 2021, if the mode is selected as preferred alternative, restores prior 10 percent funding cut for Caltrain, completes Caltrain Electrification by 2018, provides for Caltrain Service Improvements, provides for 8.4 miles of Caltrain double tracking in the South County by 2010, completes Dumbarton Rail by 2011, provides for Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) upgrades between 2014 and 2025, completes the Airport People Mover (APM) by 2018, initiates Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects on Line 22, Monterey Road, and Stevens Creek by 2011, includes a new
$718 million Local Streets and Roads, County Roads, and Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Improvements Program, includes a new $130 million BRT project in Sunnyvale/Cupertino, includes increases in VTA service to 24 percent, includes a new Senior/Disabled Programs, and allocates $2.7 billion in BART operating subsidy to 2038. 

Staff continued that the Expenditure Plan was presented to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on January 10, 2006, and will be presented to VTA Advisory Committees and VTA Standing Committees in January 2006, and a tentative Board of Directors Workshop Meeting on January 27, 2006.  Staff noted that the Expenditure Plan will be forwarded to the February 2, 2006 VTA Board of Directors Regular Meeting for consideration and discussion regarding a ballot measure initiative will occur after the VTA Board of Directors adopt the Expenditure Plan.

The Committee of the Whole queried about the Dumbarton Rail Project.  Staff responded that the Dumbarton Rail Project improves the Dumbarton Bridge Corridor, which will transport customers from Union City across into Palo Alto and eventually into San Jose.

The Committee of the Whole referenced the Senior and Disabled Program and queried about the types of projects included in the program.  Staff responded that the Senior and Disabled Program is undefined but the intent is to set aside funding to provide additional services for the senior and disabled community.  Staff noted that VTA has a separate capital budget to provide funding for shelter improvements on an annual basis.

The Committee of the Whole stressed the importance of increasing service for the senior and disabled community.  The Committee of the Whole asked if staff will work collaboratively with CTA to explore ideas and suggestions for the program.  Staff responded, the intent is to gather ideas and suggestions for the Senior Disabled Program from the CTA.

The Committee of the Whole expressed support for the Senior Disabled Program and queried about the additional funds required to hire employees to operate the system. Staff responded that VTA’s fare box recovery does not pay for all the service provided.  VTA receives funding from an existing ½ cent sales tax, ½ cent disbursements from the State Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds, and, combined with VTA’s fare box recovery, is how VTA provides service in the community. 

The Committee of the Whole queried about the break down for the proposed bicycle and pavement programs.  Staff responded that current year dollars the amount for the Pavement Management is about $10 million, $3.3 million a year for Local Streets and County Roads, and $1.3 million for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program.

Ms. Applegate expressed opposition to the 2000 Measure A sales tax and noted that nearly 80 percent of the revenues will go to the BART Project, which will negatively impact operations of the existing system service.  Ms. Applegate stressed the importance for the senior and disabled community to start to identify specific projects to be included in the Senior Disabled Program.  Ms. Applegate noted the importance to allocate a certain portion of funding for specific senior and disabled projects.

The Committee of the Whole queried about the sales tax revenues forecast and the $2 million undefined for the Senior Disabled Program.  The Committee of the Whole expressed concern regarding the possibility of an economic downturn in the economy and the effect it may have on the $2 million allocated for the Senior Disabled Program.  Staff responded that VTA is taking a reasonably conservative to moderate approach regarding the growth of the annual sales tax projections based on information obtained from the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy (CCSCE).  Staff continued that the $2 million allocated for the Senior Disabled Program is undefined only because staff has not had time to determine what CTA and VTA would like to do with the Senior Disabled Program. 

Staff noted that the plan anticipates an annual update that will be presented to the VTA Board of Directors for approval.  The annual updates provide an opportunity for VTA Board of Directors and the public to provide comments regarding projects that are important to them.  Staff stressed the importance of annual updates as an important concept, which was very successful with the 1996 Measure B Program.  Some of the 1996 Measure B Program projects were deferred but eventually moved forward and delivered.  Staff continued that BART is a very important regional project and provides increased transit service, which is not included in VTA’s 24 percent increase in bus, light rail, and paratransit service. 

Staff stressed the importance to remember that the voters of Santa Clara County approved the 2000 Measure A Program, which included BART and requires VTA to built BART. 

The Committee of the Whole expressed support and noted the importance of the Senior Disabled Program category outlined in the measure.  The Committee of the Whole stressed the importance and urged VTA Board of Directors to not lose sight of the importance of the funding set aside for the Senior Disabled Program in light of other projects.

The Committee of the Whole expressed concern regarding the passage of the new ½ cent sales tax and cautioned VTA that the passage of the new ½ cent sales tax is not a “slam dunk.”

The Agenda was taken out of order.

The Committee of the Whole received a PowerPoint Presentation on the Emergency Response Information, highlighting:

• Are You Ready to Survive a Major Disaster?;
• Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) coordination between levels, agencies, disciplines, and jurisdictions;
• Incident Command system (ICS);
• National Incident Management System (NIMS);
• Santa Clara County Emergency Managers Association (EMA), which fosters professional growth and group support to government, business and industry, academia, schools and volunteer organizations engaged in disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response and recovery programs;
• Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services (OES) responsible for coordinating organized planning efforts with County departments, local cities and special districts to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters;
• Note on Mass Evacuations, Volunteer Center, which connects volunteers with a wide range of community needs;
• Collaborating Agencies Disaster Relief Effort (CADRE);
• CADRE Preparedness;
• CADRE Operational Response;
• CADRE Incident Command System Chart;
• Vulnerable Populations (VPOP) Project;
• VPOP Project Grant Deliverables;
• Vulnerable Pops 2006 Workplan;
• Vulnerable Pops 05 Plan;
• Invitation to have representatives of VTA CTA be part of CADRE efforts;
• Preparedness Continuum;
• Are You Ready to Survive a Major Disaster?;
• What we can do to save our lives: Take Responsibility;
• Disaster Supplies;
• Other Special Needs Items to Consider;
• Owners of Service Animals;
• Summary and Reminders; and
• Get Involved.

The Committee of the Whole stressed the importance of providing information to the public regarding what to do and how to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

The Committee of the Whole asked what was being done for the senior and disabled community regarding emergencies as it relates to transportation.               

The Committee of the Whole asked if there was a plan in place regarding transportation vehicles in the event of an emergency.               

The Committee of the Whole stressed the importance of utilizing the knowledge and experience of OUTREACH Paratransit Services broker regarding other services that they provide.  The Committee of the Whole requested a response back to CTA regarding how Santa Clara County is working with OUTREACH Paratransit Services broker regarding utilizing other services besides paratransit services.

The Committee of the Whole requested that specific contact information from the individuals who presented the Emergency Response Information to CTA be included in the meeting record.

The Committee of the Whole requestedvolunteers from CTA to serve as the
Local Review Committee (LRC) to evaluate and rank Fiscal Year 2007 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Program project applications.

The Committee of the Whole appointed Chairperson Morrow and Member Julian to serve as the LRC.

OTHER

The Committee of the Whole deferred the CTA Transit System Ridership Report.

The Committee of the Whole deferred the Legislative Updates.

Chairperson’s Report

There was no Chairperson’s Report.

Announcements

There were no Announcements.

ADJOURNED at 2:52 p.m.