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ROLL CALL

                                                                              
A quorum was present.

Orders of the Day

There were no Orders of the Day.

Public Presentations 

Jerry Grace, Interested Citizen, shared his Special Olympics basketball medal with the PAC and expressed concern that the April 5, 2006 VTA Board of Directors Meeting ended at a late hour.

Committee Staff Report

Jim Lawson, State and Regional Government Affairs Manager and Staff Liaison noted that three Addendum items had been added to the PAC Agenda.  Agenda Item # 4.X.  Receive a briefing on the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Organizational and Financial Assessment Consulting Services as requested by Chairperson Cindy Chavez at the January 5, 2006 Board of Directors Meeting, Agenda Item 8.X. Receive and discuss the presentation on Coyote Valley Specific Plan by City of San Jose staff, and Agenda Item 8.X.X. Receive a verbal report from Chairperson Cindy Chavez.

Mr. Lawson informed the Committee that the upcoming Project Advisory Committee meeting is slated for Thursday, April 27, 2006 at City Council Chambers, Milpitas City Hall, 455 East Calaveras Boulevard, Milpitas and the Silicon Valley Rapid Transit Corridor (SVRTC) is the focus of the meeting.

Mr. Lawson noted the March 27, 2006 passing of long time California State Legislator Senator Al Alquist and announced that at the next Regular Board Meeting on May 4^th, a resolution in his honor will be presented to his wife.

Mr. Lawson announced that VTA has been chosen as the recipient of the Silicon Valley NAACP Annual Freedom and Friendship Circle of Friends Award.  The award was presented to VTA and accepted by Board of Directors Chairperson Cindy Chavez at the Freedom and Friendship Circle of Friends Banquet.  The award is given to organizations that have shown superior commitment to the community and advocate for people’s rights.

Mr. Lawson reported on March 30, 2006 the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) hosted an event celebrating the completion of the 1996 Measure B Program.    Board Member Forrest Williams spoke on behalf of VTA informing the celebrants that over the past six years VTA has successfully delivered over $900 million in Rail Program Improvements on time and over $25 million under approved budgets.  Mr. Lawson noted that design is near completion on Caltrain Improvements at, California Avenue in Palo Alto, and San Martin will develop a plan to start construction this year.  Mr. Lawson indicated that VTA managed over $500 million in Highway Improvements that have been completed or nearing completion.  VTA actively sought additional grant funds to supplement the 1996 Measure B sales tax revenue and to date has helped secure over $170 million in federal, state and local grants for the Highway Program, and over $228 million in federal, stare and local funding for the Rail Program.  Carl Guardino, Chief Executive Officer, of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) expressed his appreciation for the outstanding cooperation between the County and VTA in the deliverance of the projects.  Additional speakers included Michael Burns, Jack Collins, Randy Iwasaki of Caltrans, County Supervisor Pete McHugh, Mayor Ron Gonzales, Jeff Davis of the County and Leslee Guardino of the campaign staff. 

Mr. Lawson noted VTA is making good progress on the 87 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane improvements in Downtown San Jose and the Coleman/880 Interchange projects. 

Mr. Lawson informed the PAC of the upcoming VTA Board and Committee Tour of VTA Transit Facilities and Construction Projects.  The invitations have been sent to the PAC Members.  He reminded the Committee the tour dates are Friday, April 14, 2006 and Friday, April 28, 2006.

Mr. Lawson noted the Senior Free Fare Promotion that ran from January to March 2006 has just ended and during the first month of the promotion approximately 195,000 free boardings were given to seniors and individuals with disabilities.   In February the number increased to 224,000 free boardings.  When final results of the promotion are calculated an evaluation of the program will be provided to the PAC. 

Mr. Lawson reported on March 23^rd the Capitol Corridor train service welcomed its ten-millionth rider.  Kirk Swenson of Davis, California received that honor and was met at the Emeryville station by Capitol Corridor Vice Chairperson Forrest Williams.  Also on hand for the ceremony were Capitol Corridor General Manager Gene Skorpowski, Amtrak Superintendent Dave Shelton, and Emeryville Vice Mayor Dick Cassis.  VTA is a partner on the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Board providing commuter rail service between the Sierra Foothills and San Jose.

The Agenda was taken out of order.

Request for Proposals – VTA Organization & Financial Assessment

In response to Chairperson Chavez’s call for an organizational and financial assessment of VTA Mr. Lawson provided a brief overview of the Request for Proposal (RFP) to pursue an analysis of VTA’s staffing levels, business practices, and methods of internal and external communication.  Mr. Lawson noted the RFP would provide VTA the opportunity to identify cost savings with projected goals to maximize the ability of VTA to provide service. The firm of Robert Kuo Consulting LLC is assisting VTA in the development of the scope of work for this study.

Robert Kuo, Principal of Robert Kuo Consulting, LLC gave a brief overview of the scope of work for this study.  Components of the study will pursue an analysis of VTA’s business practices including staffing levels and methods of reporting, additionally reviewing industry best practices for applicability to VTA.  Mr. Kuo reported that the study affords the opportunity to identify cost savings and the best utilization of resources as well as maintaining the goal of maximizing service to the community. 

Mr. Kuo reported he met with VTA Executive Committee and the three bargaining units at VTA.  Those bargaining units consist of: 1) Service Employees International Union (SEIU); 2) Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265 and; 3) Transportation Authority Engineers and Architects (TAEA).  This input has been incorporated into RFP scope of work.

Mr. Kuo indicated that the RFP scope of work would likely require the selection of a team of consultants to provide a comprehensive approach.   Mr. Kuo stated that as draft documents are created they will be reviewed by the Advisory Committees, and community stakeholders before the final report is presented to the VTA Board of Directors. 

Mr. Kuo explained the RFP is divided into four parts: 1) Organizational Review and Assessment; 2) Division-by-Division Review and Assessment; 3) Financial Information and Financial Polices; and 4) Program Specific Reviews.   Mr. Kuo further explained that a panel comprised of stakeholders and VTA Executive Staff will evaluate the responses to the RFP and establish a list of finalists based on pre-established criteria.  An aggressive procurement schedule has been established to allow interested firms the opportunity to study the RFP and subsequently submit a comprehensive proposal.

Alternate Member McLeod referred to the Organizational Review and Assessment and queried if the recommendations would center on the present organization.   Mr. Kuo replied that VTA’s current goals and objectives will be evaluated.  Alternate Member McLeod queried who is setting the selection criteria for the consultants.  Mr. Tom Smith, VTA Procurement Manager, responded, saying that the standard evaluation criteria that includes:  1) Understanding the Project Requirements equals 40 points; 2) Evaluation of the qualifications of the firm equals 20 points; 3) Staffing and project organization equals 20 points; 4) Board direction of local firm preference equals 10 points; and 5) Cost and price 10 points. 

Member Macias asked if there was a specific amount budgeted for the process.  Roger Contreras, VTA Chief Financial Officer, answered in the affirmative with Mr. Lawson adding it is a substantial amount that will likely be determined when the proposers come back with cost proposals.   Mr. Lawson noted the new General Manager and Board of Directors are very interested in seeing a thorough, independent audit process focusing on the entire organization.  Member Macias questioned if the study would be done in a sequential manner.  Mr. Kuo indicated the study would not be sequential. 

Member Kishimoto asked if VTA will be compared to similar transit agencies and audits.  Mr. Kuo answered that some benchmarking will be involved.

Member Brodsky expressed concern that the study will reflect data relating to outdated transportation goals and applications of service that are inappropriate to Santa Clara Valley.   Member Brodsky explained he would like study data to reflect opinions of the riders and what they suggest is needed to provide the services outside the scope of the existing stated goals and network design. 

Member Pinheiro expressed concern the range of cost of the study was not outlined. 
Mr. Contreras pointed out that the budgeted line item labeled unexpected expenditures is the appropriate line item for the proposed study, and the actual cost of the study has not been determined.   Mr. Contreras granted that there is approximately $1.4 million available on the unexpected expenditures line item at this time. 

Member Kline queried if the study would also assess the organizational structure of the VTA Board of Directors.  Mr. Kuo answered that the objective of the study is evaluate the entire organization and to that end includes the Board of Directors and its committees.

Chairperson Glickman indicated he suggests that a component of the study reflects concerns that have been previously raised regarding VTA’s operational structure and efficiency.  Chairperson Glickman agreed with the aggressive schedule and, stated he is hopeful the study addresses issues that have previously been reviewed.

Chairperson’s Report

Chairperson Glickman provided a brief overview of the PAC Chairperson’s Report that he presented at the April 6, 2006 VTA Board of Directors Regular Meeting. Chairperson Glickman indicated the Board of Directors seemed pleased with the direction of the PAC.

Chairperson Glickman related that earlier this day he made a presentation to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) soliciting their feedback on the City Transportation Presentations concept.  Chairperson Glickman summarized some of the input from the TAC including; 1) Are the presentations mandatory; and, 2) How are the designees from the cities or town selected.

Chairperson Glickman suggested PAC Members will have the opportunity to comment on the presentations and consequently the PAC will make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the presentations. He stressed the goal of the City Transportation Presentations is to provide the Board of Directors a pre and post understanding of individual city transportation concerns and needs, ultimately incorporating those recommendations into the Board’s decision making process.      

Chairperson Glickman noted that at the Board Meeting Member Kerr had explained the Town of Los Altos Hills was unable to find a replacement for his seat on PAC and wished to defer the appointment at the present time.   Board member Kerr also inquired about the potential appointment to PAC of a non-council member.  Chairperson Glickman noted that this type of appointment would require a change to the PAC Bylaws. 

Chairperson Glickman noted that until the Town of Los Altos Hills sends a representative to the PAC that town would be indicated as absent on the attendance sheet.   Member Moylan queried if the meeting attendance clause in the PAC Bylaws refers to a calendar year or any twelve - month period. 

City Grouping Report.

Member Pinheiro reported that the South County City Grouping was pleased that the Project Advisory Committee meeting was held on Monday April 3, 2006 at Gilroy City Hall, Gilroy California.   Member Pinheiro expressed concern that an early afternoon meeting is inconvenient for city staff to attend and requested more advance notice of future meetings. 

Mr. Lawson thanked Member Pinheiro and the City of Gilroy for their hospitality in hosting the Project Advisory Committee Meeting. 

Member Kline reported at the West Valley Cities Grouping Member Brodsky presented an informative presentation on Caltrain Metro West. 

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

CONSENT

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

Minutes of March 9, 2006

Programmed Projects Quarterly Monitoring report for January to March 2006

On Order of Chairperson Glickman, there being no objection the Committee reviewed the Programmed Projects Quarterly Monitoring Report for January to March 2006.

REGULAR

Minutes of March 9, 2006

Member Brodsky drew the Committee’s attention to Page 10 of the Minutes and queried why the request to agendize the county sales tax measure was not on the April 13, 2006 PAC Agenda.   Member Kline reported that he originated the item and then decided to withdraw it because it is currently being undergoing extensive review by the Cities Association, and that he wishes to agendize the item at a future date.

M/S/C (Brodsky/Kishimoto) to approve the minutes of March 9, 2006.

Presentation on Coyote Valley Specific Plan

City of San Jose Staff, Hans Larsen, City Deputy Director of Transportation Planning and Projects, provided a brief overview and powerpoint presentation on the Coyote Valley Specific Plan.   Mr. Larsen noted this presentation was received by the VTA Board of Directors at their Regular Meeting April 6, 2006 and the Board suggested the presentation would be informative to the PAC.   

Mr. Larsen provided a brief overview of the planned growth areas in San Jose implementing key strategies to include: 1) VTA Best Practices; 2) Transit Oriented Development; 3) Downtown Revitalization; 4) Economic Vitality; 4) Infill Housing; 5) Strong Neighborhoods; 6) Affordable housing; 7) Mixed Use; 8) Reverse Commute; and 9) Urban Growth Boundary. 

Mr. Larsen noted in the planned growth areas of Downtown San Jose, North San Jose, the Airport Area, Transit Corridors, Berryessa BART Station, Evergreen, Edenvale and the Coyote Valley assumes the 2030 growth projections of 355,000 residents and the addition of 240,000 jobs.

The San Jose City Council Vision plan includes within the Coyote Valley the North and Central area of the valley for land planning, and South Coyote only for infrastructure financing.  The plan for North and Mid Coyote would provide for urban, pedestrian, transit-oriented community with mixed uses including the extension of light rail and the addition of a Caltrain Station. The City Council vision maximized the land usage with approximately 25 thousand residences with a minimum of 50 thousand new jobs and North and Mid Coyote would contain a rich system of trails, parks, and recreational areas.

Sal Yakubu, Principal Planner, City of San Jose Planning Department, noted a financing plan would be created for the capital improvements, and must meet feasibility requirements for private development.  Mr. Yakubu stated that 20 percent of all units would be “deed restricted, below market rate units.”  Mr. Larsen stated the facilitation for permanent acquisition of fee title or conservation easements in Coyote Valley must be acquired and indicated several consulting groups are involved in the Coyote Valley Specific Plan.  Forty - one Task Force meetings have been held for public outreach and participation with 9 community workshops, 24 Technical Advisory Committee meetings, stakeholders and focus group meetings, public hearings and information on the website.

Mr. Larsen reported that the environmental footprint notes fixed elements that include: 1) Coyote Creek Corridor; 2) Fisher Creek; 3) Laguna Seca; 4) Keesling’s Shade Tree; 5) IBM Wetland; 6) Hillock; 7) Hills (15 percent limit); 8) Oak Savannah; 9) Tulare Hill; 10) Streams; 11) hamlet of Coyote; and 12) Archaeological Site.   The environmental infrastructure designates a multi-functional approach for flood protection, water quality, and habitat restoration. 

Mr. Yakubu noted that the elements of successful neighborhoods include: 1) Distinct Identity; 2) Diversity of uses; 3) Identifiable Community Center; 4) Compact and Diverse; 5) Connections and Linkages; 6) Mix of Land Uses; 7) Parking; 8) Attractive and High Quality Place; 9) Evolution Over Time; and 10) “Growing it Right.”

Mr. Yakubu defined the next steps process which includes continuous collaboration with agencies; completion of the Specific Plan, zoning code, financing plan, fiscal study and environmental document: and continuous involvement with the task force, stakeholders and community. 

Mr. Larsen indicated that the proposed transit system for Coyote Valley would be privately operated.   Member Pinheiro queried about mitigation issues involved with the project and asked why the transit system would be privately owned.   Mr. Larsen answered that the proposed transit system would be a privately owned trolley system to best serve the community. 

Member Brodsky noted that the greatest generator of jobs is the small industrial type businesses and it is very difficult to locate small start-up type businesses in a new community.   Member Brodsky queried if express package delivery companies had been contacted to facilitate the moving of packages in the area and asked if religious structures had been planned for implementation in the community plan. 

Member Kishimoto thanked the City of San Jose for the presentation and questioned the reasoning to not expand growth near the existing transportation corridors.   Member Kishimoto expressed concern that the population growth could not be accommodated along the existing grid corridors without disturbing agricultural land. 

PAC Chairperson Glickman introduced Cindy Chavez, VTA Board of Directors Chairperson.   VTA Board of Directors Chairperson Cindy Chavez noted that 70 percent of the 27,000 building permits acquired for housing in the City of San Jose for the last 7 years is constructed near transportation corridors and are rooted in the “Smart Growth Principles.” 

Member Kline inquired if VTA buses will be deployed in the community and expressed interest in the financing and operating plans for a privately owned transit system for the Coyote Valley.   Mr. Larson noted that the transportation service within the community will be provided by an “in valley transit system” and noted that special parcel taxes will finance the transit system. 

Member Wang noted the data in the presentation should state 25 thousand households with a population of 60 thousand residents and expressed that transportation needs for that population size would not be met with the proposed transit plan.   Mr. Larsen thanked Member Wang for recognizing the error.

Member Macias inquired about annexation and density issues relating to the Coyote Valley Specific Plan.

Chairperson Glickman thanked the City of San Jose for the Coyote Valley Specific Plan presentation.

On Order of Chairperson Glickman, there being no objection the Committee received the Presentation on the Coyote Valley Specific Plan. 

Report from Chairperson Cindy Chavez

VTA Board of Directors Chairperson Cindy Chavez thanked the PAC for the invitation to visit and invited members to attend upcoming City Council Meetings to become more familiar with the Coyote Valley Specific Plan. 

Chairperson Chavez acknowledged the PAC for their suggestions working to strive toward a better functioning VTA, PAC, and Board of Directors.   Chairperson Chavez noted in accordance with VTA General Manager Michael Burns, the shared goal is to engage the advisory committees to a greater degree and to allow the advisory committees greater degree of input to create their agendas.  Chairperson Chavez implored the PAC to re-engage the TAC Committee members.  Chairperson Chavez noted that upcoming TAC meeting will be held in the City of San Jose, City Hall Rotunda on Thursday, June 8, 2006.

Chairperson Chavez stated the meeting goal will be to obtain feedback and better communication from the TAC. 

Chairperson Chavez expressed her endorsement of the City Transportation Presentations and mentioned the South County Circulation Study is an excellent agendized item for the PAC to review.  Chairperson Chavez invited the PAC to participate in the upcoming VTA Tours of Facilities and Projects.

Chairperson Chavez stressed she is striving to link the divide between the Board of Directors and the VTA Advisory Committees.  She challenged the PAC to contact her with any ideas to improve communication to help lessen that divide

Chairperson Glickman thanked Chairperson Chavez for her innovative initiative, “Full Information, Full Participation.”

Upon inquiry of Chairperson Chavez, Mr. Lawson reported that incremental Organizational and Financial Assessment RFP reports would be placed on the PAC Workplan.

Chairperson Glickman thanked Board Chairperson Chavez for visiting the PAC.

Jerry Grace thanked Chairperson Chavez for attending the PAC. 

Member Moylan commented that the Coyote Specific Plan with its thousands of jobs and its stated purpose will create a reverse commute.   With only one Caltrain Station this intensifies an existing and un-met need for intra-county Caltrain service. 

Member Moylan reported that there is a definitive need to provide Caltrain service to commuters from Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, and Palo Alto with more convenient time slots.   Member Moylan stressed the need for additional Caltrain service for commuters between Gilroy and Palo Alto with the inclusion of the reverse commute.

Chairperson Glickman inquired if VTA would be involved in the transit plan for Coyote Valley.  Mr. Larsen stated the City of San Jose is seeking a higher level of service than can be provided by VTA, and the service would be managed within the Coyote Valley.  Mr. Larsen noted the conceptual goal would locally manage the development of transit service within the community.  Chairperson Glickman noted the Los Gatos Community Bus Service provided by VTA is a definite asset to residents in his community.

Mr. Larsen thanked the City of San Jose for their Coyote Valley Specific Plan presentation.

FY 2007 Transportation Fund for Clean Air Program Manager Fund

Marcella Rensi, Manager, Programming and Grants, gave a brief overview of the FY 2007 Transportation Fund for Clean Air Program Manager (TFCA 40%) funds to projects.  Ms. Rensi noted the TFCA is generated by a $4.00 surcharge on all vehicle registration.  The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) is the administrator of the funds in the nine Bay Area counties.  The funds are available for allocation for arterial management, bicycle programs, alternative fuels, and trip-reduction projects that will reduce vehicle emissions.

BAAQMD returns 40 percent of the allocated funs to the specific county where they were collected for allocation.  The fund that receives the allocation is the program manager.  The fund is called the TFCA Program Manager Fund (TFCA 40%) Fund.  VTA’s role is the Program Manager for Santa Clara County.  Potential recipients apply directly to VTA for funding.  The VTA Board of Directors allocates these funds competitively to projects in Santa Clara County, subject to BAAQMD approval.

At the August 3, 2000 Regular Meeting, the VTA Board of Directors appropriated half of the annual TFCA 40 percent allocation to bicycle projects within the Countywide Bicycle Expenditure Plan (BEP) for a ten year period.  On December 9, 2004 the VTA Board of Directors extended the allocation commitment to the Bicycle Program to 2030.

Ms. Rensi noted that at the May 5, 2005 Board of Directors Regular meeting the Board approved the authorization of $3.3 million in BEP TFCA 40 percent funds for the three-year period of FY 2006 through 2008 to MTC’s Vehicle Buy Back Program. In exchange MTC has provided $3.3 million in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds to be programmed to BEP’s projects at the Board’s discretion.

Member Kishimoto requested VTA staff provide information on future expansion plans for the Community Bus Routes and VTA Shuttle Program. 

Member McLeod queried if the City of Santa Clara had requested funds for any projects.

Ms. Rensi indicated the City of Santa Clara had not submitted any projects. 

Jerry Grace addressed the Committee and expressed his concern for clean air.

Members Brodsky and Kline left the meting at 6:12 p.m. and the quorum was lost and a Committee of the Whole was declared.

On Order of Chairperson Glickman, there being no objection, the Committee of the Whole received   a report on the recommendation that the VTA Board of Directors approve the programming of FY2007 Transportation Fund for Clean Air Manager (TFCA 40%) funds for projects.

OTHER

Committee Work Plan

On Order of Chairperson Glickman, there being no objection, the Committee deferred the Committee Workplan.

Announcements

There were no announcements.

ADJOURNMENT

On order of Chairperson Glickman, there being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jacqueline F. Golzio, Board Assistant
VTA Board of Directors

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