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A quorum was present

Orders of the Day

There were no Orders of the Day.

Public Presentation 

There were no Public Presentations.

Committee Staff Report 

Carolyn Gonot, Chief Development Officer, reported:   1) The VTA Scenario Expenditure Plan was deferred at the November 3, 2005 VTA Board of Directors Meeting and will be     on the agenda for the Board of Directors Meeting scheduled for December 1, 2005. Ms. Gonot advised that if additional scenario information is received it will be forwarded to the PAC concurrently with the Board of Directors’; and, 2) Within the Peninsula cities a grant has been appropriated recognizing El Camino Real as a main grand boulevard from the Peninsula into Santa Clara County.  VTA will partner with Sam Trans and Caltrans to host a kick-off brainstorming session “Main Street for El Camino Real Boulevard” Meeting.  VTA will partner with Russell Hancock from the Bay Area Council and Mike Scanlon from Sam Trans to host the meeting. Meeting invitations were extended to local Congressmen, State Representatives, Sam Trans, VTA, Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and Caltrans representatives.

On order of Chairperson Kishimoto, there being no objection, the Committee Staff Report was received.

Chairperson’s Report

Chairperson Kishimoto reported PAC Members and the VTA Board of Directors were invited to the North County City Group Caltrain Study Session held at the Palo Alto Arts Center on October 27, 2005.  Among the attendees were Steve King, VTA Ex-Officio Board Member John McLemore, and VTA Board Chairperson Joe Pirzynski.  Chuck Harvey representing Caltrain provided the data regarding constraints and future plans for Caltrain.  Ms. Gonot noted the powerpoint presentation used athe that study session would be
e-mailed to PAC Members.  Chairperson Kishimoto suggested PAC utilize this type of study session/workshop for future complex projects.

Ms. Gonot introduced and welcomed the new VTA Board Secretary Maria Marinos. 

City Grouping Report

Chairperson Kishimoto reported the North County City Grouping met
October 14, 2005, and noted the questions raised by the Committee concerning Valley Transportation Plan (VTP 2030) were addressed in the VTA Board of Directors Packet.

Member Pinheiro advised PAC the Milpitas, Gilroy, Morgan Hill (MGM) Group met and referenced a letter sent to VTA Board Chairperson Joe Pirzynski on behalf of the cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill.  The letter conveyed the proposed Expenditure Plan for the Measure A Program and the Proposed Quarter Cent Sales Tax Scenario does not adequately meet the needs of the South County.

Member Pinheiro additionally referenced a letter sent to VTA Board Member Livengood representing Milpitas from the Cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy.  Member Pinheiro noted the letter represents the majority decision from the MGM Group and seeks the support of Board Member Livengood to represent that decision to the VTA Board of Directors.  Ms. Gonot noted that the letter would be e-mailed to PAC.

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

7.Minutes of September 8, 2005

M/S/C (Ojakian/Glickman) to approve the Minutes of September 8, 2005.

Minutes of October 13, 2005

M/S/C (Ojakian/Glickman) to approve the Minutes of October 13, 2005.

Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report

July–September 2005

M/S/C (Ojakian/Glickman) to receive and file the Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report July–September 2005.

REGULAR

Appoint a Nominating Committee for Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for 2006

Chairperson Kishimoto appointed Dolly Sandoval, Norman Kline and Greg Sellers as the Nominating Committee for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2006.

M/S/C (Glickman/Ojakian) to appoint Members Sandoval, Kline, and Sellers as the Nominating Committee for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2006.

2006 Federal Legislative Program

Chairperson Kishimoto referenced a letter sent from the City of Palo Alto to John Ristow, VTA Deputy Director Programming and Highway Administration, regarding the allocation of Federal earmarks for the City of Palo Alto.   Ms. Gonot noted VTA provides assistance in obtaining Federal earmarks to cities in Santa Clara County

Kurt Evans, Government Affairs Manager, provided the Committee a brief overview of the proposed 2006 Federal Legislative Program for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation

Authority.   Mr. Evans stated the Federal Legislative Program is adopted annually and provides the framework and guidance for VTA Federal advocacy efforts in
Washington, D.C. Flexibility is built into the program to allow VTA to pursue administrative opportunities and unanticipated legislation.   Mr. Evans reported that the proposed 2006 Federal Legislative Program is being presented to the VTA Advisory Committees for comments and feedback.  The program will then be forwarded to the Administration and Finance Committee in December 2005 and to the Board of Directors for final adoption in January 2006.

Mr. Evans reviewed the seven sections of the program:   1) Federal Transportation Appropriations embodies a general policy, which ensures the that the annual appropriation remain consistent with the guaranteed spending level, program structure of SAFETEA-LU and the project earmarks that VTA may seek funding for utilizing discretionary programs for highways and transit; 2) Public Transit Security advocates supporting new federal appropriations funding enhancing safety and nationwide security

for public transit systems; 3) New Starts Program Implementation involves partnering with the New Starts Working Group forming a coalition of transit operators advocating that the New Starts program is consistent with SAFETEA-LU and the intent of Congress;

4) High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes will focus on the applications related to HOT Lanes; 5) Railroad Access involves issues related to the Altamont Commuter Express
(ACE) Railroad and Caltrain; 6) Amtrak investment support and restructuring, and;
7) High Speed Rail, which supports the enactment of legislation creating innovative financing for High Speed Rail projects.

Member Glickman noted that the media has expressed concern with the Federal Earmark Program.  Mr. Evans responded that VTA retains judicious practice with earmarks.  VTA utilizes earmarks for projects reflected in all relevant planning documents such as;
Valley Transportation Plan 2030 (VTP 2030), and the Short Range Transit Plan (STP).  For example earmarks provide funds for Preliminary Engineering for the Silicon Valley Rapid Transit Corridor-BART (SVRTC) Extension and the purchase of paratransit vehicles.  VTA has strategically prescribed from the Bus Discretionary Program a Letter of No Prejudice (LONP) to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the purchase of the 3 hydrogen fuel cell buses for the Zero Emission Bus Program and the purchase of 40 articulated buses to increase capacity on the Rapid Line 522 and Line 22.

Chairperson Kishimoto referenced a letter from the City of Palo Alto concerning earmarks for the Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Center.   Mr. Evans noted that Palo Alto is not an eligible grant recipient with the program and Palo Alto must lobby for the appropriation.   VTA will then serve as the grant recipient.  Chairperson Kishimoto referenced the Caltrain grade crossing.  Mr. Evans noted the Caltrain grade crossing project is not eligible for any discretionary program and funding.

On order of Chairperson Kishimoto, there being no objection, the Committee reviewed the proposed 2006 Federal Legislative Program for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).

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

Fiscal Year 2005 Preliminary Annual Transit Operations Performance Report

Sam Lau, Deputy Director of Operations, summarized the Fiscal Year 2005 Preliminary Annual Transit Operations Performance Report; noting the report will be finalized with the completion of VTA’s annual audit. Mr. Lau reported that ridership declined in 2005, but with the improvement of the economy an upward trend is expected.   In comparison, bus ridership has increased 1.2 percent from July 2004-2005. 

Light rail ridership continues to demonstrate an increase of 23.9 percent in total boardings for 2005 and overall system ridership of rail and bus decreased by 3.4 percent.  FY 2006 will commence without fare increases or decrease in services. 

Three ridership checks have been conducted on the Vasona Light Rail Extension, and the statistics indicate the average weekday boardings at 1,400 per day, and solely at the Vasona Station segment the boarding activity is 2,300-2,400 per day indicating ridership trend increases. 

Los Gatos Community Bus ridership has increased 11 percent.   Member Glickman suggested PAC review the driver boarding logs for the Los Gatos Community Bus with that data compiled by runs.

Member Brodsky requested explanation of Debt Service for Operating Revenue Expenditures referred to on Page 7.  Member Brodsky noted with a 20 percent reduction of jobs base the forecast indicates 33 percent downturn in the forecast.  Member Brodsky requested clarification of the ridership counting method for light rail and bus.

Chairperson Kishimoto requested clarification data substantiating the 40 percent increase in ridership for the Highway 17 Express Bus. 

On order of Chairperson Kishimoto, there being no objection, the Committee reviewed the Fiscal Year 2005 Preliminary Annual Transit Operations Performance Report.

Work Program for Comprehensive Operations Analysis and Supporting Ridership and Service Development Initiatives

Kevin Connolly, Transportation Planning Manager, reported the Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) processes data collection such as the On-Board Survey, Customer Preference Survey, operational service data, and pilot services evaluation.   Data is analyzed in market segmentation studies, service design guidelines, and expansion policies.   The data collection and analysis will merge forming the COA.  The COA will generate in marketing strategies, transit corridor expansion plans, Line 522 conceptual engineering, a service operating plan, and passenger facility improvements.  The COA objective increases ridership, increases the transit mode split, improving farebox recovery, travel time, and operational efficiency.  The Customer Preference Survey targets non-riders and provides information to increase transit ridership.  The products of the initiatives will include Marketing Strategy Reports, Transit Corridor Expansion Policy and Plans, Passenger Facility Needs Report, and a Service Operating Plan. 

Chairperson Kishimoto queried on behalf of the City of Palo Alto, and asked if Caltrain, Dumbarton Bus or the Highway 17 Express Bus and their connections are included in the analysis.      Mr. Connolly responded that Caltrain conducted a market segmentation study in 2003, that data will be incorporated in the COA.  Caltrain, he noted, is utilizing VTA’s survey instrument for their On-Board Survey. 

Member Swegles inquired if the new housing in the City of Sunnyvale will be considered in the COA.   Mr. Connolly advised that a significant COA component focuses on customer growth and market data will estimate market attitudes and the needs of like neighborhoods.  Member Swegles stressed that transit oriented development is an integral component of the downtown Sunnyvale area.  Member Sandoval added that in the City of Cupertino specifically the Vallco Mall are, a development of 300-600 homes is planned.  Member Sandoval stressed the importance of future transit needs of those residents be considered in the COA study.   Member Sandoval stated the COA could be an informative proactive tool in developing the East Valley concept. 

Member Glickman inquired how rider concerns would be addressed with the On-Board Survey and requested PAC have the opportunity to review and comment on the survey.     Member Kline remarked that a Market Segmentation Plan involving a 45-minute phone call survey might not effectively contribute constructive data due to language diversity and socio-economic status. 

Member Brodsky inquired if the phone survey would be a random sampling of the community.   Mr. Conolly responded that the phone survey would consist of random countywide selections of residents.   Member Brodsky suggested additional informative questions adding: 1) What time frame does the rider intend to discontinue using public transit and 2) Reflection of the rider’s preference to a more convenient transit then is presently available would also be informative data.

On order of Chairperson Kishimoto, there being no objection, the Committee reviewed the Work Program for Comprehensive Operations Analysis and Supporting Ridership and Service Development Initiatives.

Ms. Gonot, Staff Liaison, noted the exchange of order with Agenda Items #14, Agenda
Item # 15, Agenda Item # 16, and Agenda item #17 in the Policy Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Packet.

Ms. Gonot noted Agenda Item #14., Caltrain Measure A Priorities Study , Agenda Item # 15., Review and 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, Agenda Item # 16., Review and 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, and Agenda Item # 17., Fiscal year 2006-2015 Short Range Transit Plan.

The Agenda was taken out of order.

Fiscal Year 2006-2015 Short Range Transit Plan

On order of Chairperson Kishimoto, there being no objection, the Committee deferred the   Fiscal Year 2006-2015 Short Range Transit Plan.

Caltrain Measure A Priorities Study

Mr. Connolly presented a brief overview on the Caltrain Measure A Priorities Study and stated the  study will occur between the dates of December 2005 and January 2006.
Mr. Connolly noted the projected study goals will address developing a greater understanding of Caltrain service in terms of operations and customer needs, identifying capital improvement projects, improving service, and to develop a priority list of capital needs for the present, mid-term, and long-term.

Steven Fisher, Senior Transportation Planner, noted that a vital component of the study establishes the future service needs for Caltrain.   The study will include electrification information, service frequency issues, capital project data, and ridership projections.    VTA will partner with the Joint Powers Board (JPB) assessing the Caltrain rail system needs. Mr. Fisher advised that subsequently staff would establish concurrently with the PAC criteria to prioritize the capital needs, which will then go to the VTA Board of Directors for review and recommendations.  

Mr. Fisher advised the PAC of two alternative approaches to receive policy input into the study.   The first option entails forming a subcommittee of PAC Members who meet on a regular basis to provide policy advice and maintain oversight in the execution of the study.  The second option reactivates the Caltrain Policy Advisory Board (PAB).  The PAB would consist of an elected representative from the following: Palo Alto,
Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy,
County of Santa Clara, VTA, and Joint Powers Board Member.  Staff added the second option is redundant as both committees (PAC & PAB) would function in a parallel capacity. 

A Technical Working Group (TWG) would support the PAB from the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).   The TWG would study and review deliverables and provide recommendations to the policy makers.  Staff added the second option is redundant as both committees (PAC & PAB) would function in a parallel capacity.

M/S/C (Ojakian/Glickman ) to appoint a subcommittee of PAC Members from any jurisdiction to meet on a regular basis to provide policy advice and oversight in the execution of the Caltrain study.

Ms. Gonot advised that the subcommittee would make recommendations to the PAC for discussion and those recommendations would be forwarded to the Board of Directors.

Member Kline suggested the subcommittee members should represent a set of diverse jurisdictions that are interested in the project.   Member Glickman noted the subcommittee should consist of PAC Members whose cities are along the Caltrain corridor.  Member Sandoval added that any jurisdiction should be allowed to serve on the subcommittee.

On order of Chairperson Kishimoto, there being no objection, the Committee reviewed the Caltrain Measure A Priorities Study.

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

John Sighamony, Transportation Planner, gave an overview on 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. 
Mr. Sighamony reported the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) 2003 survey addressed that over the next 25 years the cost of maintaining and replacing the existing street system exceeds the revenue expectations allocated for that purpose. 

Mr. Sighamony noted that this is the third cycle of STP and added $16 million is available to program for preventive maintenance, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of eligible roads.    To gain eligibility status for funding the agency must use an approved and current pavement management system (PMS) such as MTC.  An additional requirement for Funding Status is a minimum of 11.47 percent non-federal match.  This cycle is due for Federal Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009.  Mr. Sighamony indicated that VTA has a short time frame to forward projects to MTC and VTA looks forward to MTC accepting the projects in January 2006.  He stated that VTA would program 15 percent to the County expressway system for the present time with a caveat that VTA would continue discussions on a new CMP Principal Arterial List.

Mr. Sighamony noted that the $16 million was appropriated into two divisions-Need Based Targets and Regionally Significant Roadways.   Approximately 15 percent of the funds would be designated to Regionally Significant Roadways throughout the County.   The program would be competitive and open to all roadways on the Congestion Management Planning (CMP) Principal arterial list.  Member Pinheiro queried what South County expressways have been identified in the program.  Mr. Sighamony noted that the selection process of specific County expressways would be determined in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Subcommittee and those expressways and roads have not yet been specified. 

Need Based Targets are comprised of MTC’s total projected cost of reconstruction and maintenance of County roads and local streets countywide over the next 25 years.   Regionally Significant Roadways portion is approximately 15 percent of the $16 million. 

Mr. Sighamony noted these are competitive dollars and open to all roadways included in the CMP Principal Arterial list, which includes expressways and major arterials.

Member Sandoval queried as to the method the Need Based Target percentages were calculated.   Mr. Sighamony replied each county agency has a Pavement Management System approved by MTC.  The system incorporates a PCI Pavement Condition Index providing cost data on the life of roadways.

M/S/C (Ojakian/Glickman ) 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.

2006 State Transportation Improvement Program

Amin Surani, Senior Transportation Planner,   reported VTA’s responsibility, as the Congestion Management Agency (CMA) for Santa Clara County to program and prioritize State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds allocated for transportation projects in Santa Clara County.  The STIP is updated every two years, adjusting the prior estimates, and adding two new years of estimates.  In this third cycle no monies are available for new projects. Mr. Surnai noted since VTA does not have any money to program, it has been requested to defer $33 million worth of projects to the last two years of the STIP, which will be approximately 2010 and 2011. Additionally, projects programmed in the 2004 STIP would have to be deferred until the last two years of STIP with the exception of the I-680 HOV Sunol Grade.

M/S/C (Sandoval/Swegles) 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).

Sunnyvale Citywide Deficiency Plan Approval

Chris Augestein, Transportation Planning Manager, gave a brief overview of the Sunnyvale Citywide Deficiency Plan.   VTA and the City of Sunnyvale have cooperatively authored the Deficiency Plan in conformance with VTA’s Deficiency Plan Guidelines.  The plan allows for roadways, bicycles, pedestrians, and transit.  The Annual Monitoring and Conformance Report monitors the deficiency plan, outlining procedures for preparing and approval criteria for deficiency plans.

The City of Sunnyvale must first adopt the plan prior to VTA approval.   Subsequent to adoption, a 60-day approval period ensues, the plan is accepted or rejected in its entirety. 

Chairperson Kishimoto noted a typographical error on Page 2 in reference to the development fees, the text should correctly state, “development fees ranging from about $1,100 to $9,600 per thousand square feet.” 

Member Swegles pointed out he would like to defer the City of Sunnyvale Citywide Deficiency Plan Approval to go back to staff for further discussion with Sunnyvale staff.

Member Sandoval suggested that the City of Sunnyvale Citywide Deficiency Plan Approval be tabled and removed from the PAC Agenda.   She recommended that the City of Sunnyvale Citywide Deficiency Plan move forward in the process and not return to the PAC once discussions are satisfactorily completed.

M/S/C (Ojakian/Swegles) to table and remove from the PAC Agenda the recommendation to the Board of Directors to approve the City of Sunnyvale Citywide Deficiency Plan Approval.

OTHER

Committee Work Plan

On order of Chairperson Kishimoto, there being no objection, the Committee Work Plan was reviewed.

Announcements

There were no Announcements.

ADJOURNMENT

On order of Chairperson Kishimoto, there being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 6:02 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, 

Jacqueline F. Golzio, Board Assistant

VTA Board of Directors