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CALLED TO ORDER at 4:35 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Members Present: Cortese, Gonzales, Mossar, Valerio

Members Absent: La Poll, Yeager

A quorum was present.

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

James Wightman, Interested Citizen, addressed the Committee and discussed the Guadalupe Light Rail Platform Retrofitting Project.

Mr. Wightman suggested that light rail at the Great Mall open early.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

There were no Orders of the Day.

CONSENT AGENDA

REGULAR AGENDA

Discussed Service Reduction Plan Update.

Staff noted the proposed Transit Service Reduction Plan would be presented to the community in June 2003, forwarded to the Committees in July 2003 and forwarded to the full Board of Directors in August 2003. Staff noted the changes would be implemented in October 2003.

Ms. Rhodes queried about the proposed service reductions for Routes 13, 64, and 63.

Queried if staff could provide a breakdown showing when VTA customers aboard light rail and bus per hour per day. Noted in the future it would be helpful to have some type of scale/order of magnitude. Staff noted information would be provided in the report.

Discussed the recommendation to approve $14,105,000 and $14,387,000 for FY 2003-04 and FY 2004-05 to provide Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's (VTA's) share of Caltrain operating support; and further, approve in concept VTA's use of $1,486,000 Federal Section 5309 funds in lieu of the local match requirement for FY 2003-04 capital support.

Queried about how this budget was developed considering VTA's budgetary concerns. Discussed VTA's contribution to the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and queried as to how well VTA's interests are represented in terms of the development of the JPA budget.

Expressed concern regarding the following Key assumption included in the budget proposal: "Implementation of Caltrain Express (Baby Bullet) service, an increase of up to 10 one-way weekday trains in March of 2004", and noted it gives an impression that service is being added. Noted this raises the issue, for VTA's constituency, as to why we are contributing to the implementation of new Caltrain service when we are financially struggling.

Expressed concern regarding the Caltrain Express (Baby Bullet) and noted staff should be looking at level of service, frequency of trains and types of customers to be served.

Queried if Caltrain is economizing as much as VTA and San Francisco Muni.

Expressed concern about one-time funds being used for increased service.

Noted that Caltrain service is an inter-county partnership, rich with history. Recommended that future reports to the VTA Board of Directors include a historical overview of the relationship between and among all the parties involved in the JPA.

Recommended that staff prepare a letter from the VTA Board of Directors formally conveying a message that memorializes VTA's financial condition as indicated through the Ad Hoc Financial Stability Committee process.

Requested that staff forward the Committee's concerns to the Administration and Finance (A&F) Committee.

Ms. Rhodes expressed concern regarding the lack of accessibility at the BART Caltrain Millbrae Station. Also, noted VTA should reconsider bringing BART to San Jose due to its financial crisis.

Discussed the recommendation to authorize the General Manager to execute a Cooperative Service Agreement with the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission and the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency for continued VTA funding of Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) commuter rail service in the amount of $3,960,000 in Fiscal Year 2003-04 and $4,034,000 in Fiscal Year 2004-05.

Staff noted that the item has been forwarded to the TP&O and Congestion Management Program and Planning (CMPP) Committees as a discussion item and would be forwarded to the A&F Committee as an action item.

Referred to the boardings per County numbers and queried if the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission staff currently assembles the numbers, if VTA reviews the numbers, and what is included to protect all three parties involved.

Noted VTA should reserve the right to audit all financial reports.

Queried about future ACE shuttle funding.

Cautioned the new contractual relationship that would allow the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency (ACCMA) to have members on the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission.

Clarified that the item would be an action item at the A&F Committee Meeting.

Noted VTA is cost cutting and queried if ACE is cost cutting as well.

Cautioned that VTA remains in control of its funding for ACE.

Submitted without a recommendation, but a clear understanding that the TP&O Committee neither supported nor opposed the staff proposal. The Committee is, therefore, forwarding the item without prejudice to the Board of Directors to adopt Phase III of the Paratransit Service Business Practices Improvement Plan, which includes modifications to the minimum account balance policy, implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defined service area and hours, a modified door-to-door/curb-to-curb program, and premium service pricing.

Queried about the ECO Pass Program proposal and queried if VTA has attempted to poll or survey existing large ECO Pass customers to determine whether or not VTA would lose a number of employers due to the proposed increase in the ECO Pass Program, due to lack of service and the financial impact to VTA. Noted the need to understand the elasticity of the Eco Pass Program.

Referred to the chart entitled Attachment C - Fare Modification Proposal for Existing Categories and Optional Door-to-Door & Service Area Surcharges, and queried to what extent could people mix and match fares at a level beyond the proposed surcharges listed on the chart.

Recommended that staff create an option for providing door-to-door escort service at just one end of the trip as opposed to both, depending on customer needs. Recommended that it be considered and noted would like to discuss the issue further at the Board of Directors Meeting.

Expressed concern regarding the clarity of the information regarding Yellow Cab Company contained in the Board Memorandum.

Aaron Morrow, CTA Member and Disability Advisory Commission for the City of San Jose, addressed the Committee and noted his support for VTA staff and stakeholders for coming up with an alternative to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb-to-curb service. He noted from a personal view, that he does not have a problem with raising the fares, either on paratransit or charging a surcharge, if the service stays where it is. Mr. Morrow noted that VTA currently offers a premium service, and it is one of the best services he has seen. He noted that VTA is facing harsh budget times and recommended that VTA continue to look at every option.

Maryjane Naughten, CTA Member, addressed the Committee and expressed concern regarding the proposed curb-to-curb service. She noted that the service would be a hardship for many people, the disabled as well as the elderly and persons with Alzheimer´s. Ms. Naughten expressed concern for persons on a fixed income due to the proposed escorting charge for door-to-door service and the proposed fare increases.

Ms. Rhodes noted that she has not heard anyone ask VTA to prove that they are going to save $400,000 to $700,000 by going from door-to-door to curb-to-curb. She expressed concern of the time that would be lost when going to the curb-to-curb service if the driver cannot find the customer or the customer cannot find the driver. Ms. Rhodes expressed concern regarding the impact to the elderly and disabled and noted that VTA is a public service organization and should focus on improving fixed route service, bus stops and safety.

Requested that the item be submitted without a recommendation, but a clear understanding that the TP&O Committee neither supported nor opposed the staff proposal. The Committee is, therefore, forwarding the item without prejudice to the Board of Directors.

Ms. Rhodes expressed concern that she did not get the TP&O Agenda until yesterday and did not receive a full TP&O packet. She expressed concern regarding the amount of time it takes to retrieve items from VTA´s website.

Discussed the recommendation to: 1) Adopt a finding that a fare increase is necessary to meet operating expenses and to fund capital projects necessary to maintain service within the existing service area, while maintaining minimum required financial reserves; 2) Invoke a Statutory Exemption under CEQA, P.R.C. §21080(b)(8) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15273(a) (Rates, Tolls, Fares and Charges) for the purpose of modifying and increasing fares; and 3) Adopt a resolution establishing new rates and fares for VTA bus, light rail, and paratransit services effective August 1, 2003.

Referred to the ECO Pass Program and requested that staff conduct a sample polling of the not just the large companies, but also the private and public sector organizations to determine the financial impact to VTA if companies were to drop the Program due to the proposed fare increase for the Program. Noted the need to understand the elasticity of the ECO Pass Program.

Referred to the businesses in the City of Sunnyvale and noted their concerns regarding the potential increase in the ECO Pass Program.

Also, noted the concerns of Stanford University due to the proposed increase in the Eco Pass Program.

Clarified that the item is for Committee discussion only and would be an action item at the A&F Committee.

Staff directed attention to Attachment C - FY 04 Fare Alternatives, Revised Staff Recommendation and provided an overview. Member Gonzales left the meeting at 6:08 p.m.

Directed attention to the general public comment cards, optional information section, and expressed concern that VTA whites out the information before it is presented to the Committee Members. Expressed concern that it is very difficult to recognize the constituents´ residency. Stated has been informed by VTA staff in the past that copies of the public comment cards which includes all of the information provided by the constituent, could be requested and noted this request has been done in writing and by phone.

Ms. Rhodes referred to the proposed increase in the ECO Pass Program and expressed concern regarding the impact to individuals who do not live in large facilities or do not work due to a disability. Suggested that VTA´s marketing money be used to help underwrite student costs.

Discussed a resolution approving the FY 2003-04 and FY 2004-05 Recommended Biennial Budget.

Recommended that staff address the criticisms and rumors about top-heavy management, overpaid staff and contracting services out.

Approved submitting a recommendation to the Board of Directors to authorize the General Manager to execute a contract in the amount of $3,536,000 with Vitton Construction, the lowest responsible bidder, for the North Division Construction Completion Project.

Staff directed attention to the revised Board Memorandum reflecting Vitton Construction as the lowest responsible bidder and contract amount.

Staff noted the recommendation is contingent upon Vitton Construction meeting the 15 percent Small Business Enterprise (SBE) goal.

Staff noted the Board Memorandum would be modified showing the commitment on the SBE participation.

Recommended that the item be placed on the June 5, 2003 Board of Directors Consent Agenda.

Approved submitting a recommendation to the Board of Directors to authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with NovaCare Outpatient Rehabilitation of California, Inc., for the operation of the Paratransit Eligibility Appeals Program. The term of the contract is for three years beginning July 1, 2003, with two one-year options, at a cost of $50,400 for the first year, $52,080 for the second year and $53,760 for the third year. Option years four and five are $55,642 and $57,590, respectively. Requested that staff provide copies of the RFPs to Ms. Barbara Rhodes prior to the June 5, 2003 Board of Directors Meeting.

Ms. Rhodes noted that she made a request to get a copy of the Request For Proposal and proposals by the companies for her review. Noted also requested a copy of the proposal pertaining to the Eligibility Certification Program. Referred to the Board Secretary's Office and noted that she needs access to information in order to give feedback. Requested that staff provide copies of the RFPs to Ms. Rhodes prior to the June 5, 2003 Board of Directors Meeting.

Mr. Morrow noted his support for NovaCare Outpatient Rehabilitation of California, Inc. Noted he has worked with NovaCare in the past and noted NovaCare was thorough from a customer service standpoint.

OTHER ITEMS

Received and filed the Draft 1996 Measure B Program Revenue and Expenditure Plan for FY 2004.

Staff noted that the Draft 1996 Measure B Program Revenue and Expenditure Plan for FY 2004 would be discussed at the June 6, 2003 Joint Workshop Meeting with the County Board of Supervisors and VTA Board of Directors.

Committee Staff Report:

• Considered staff recommendation to cancel June 19, 2003 Transit Planning & Operations Committee Meeting.

Chairperson's Report:

Thanked staff and the community for their participation in today's meeting.

Determined the Consent Agenda for June 5, 2003 Board Meeting.

CONSENT: Item #5. Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with Stacy & Witbeck, Inc. (SWI), the lowest responsible bidder, in an amount of $5,098,657, for construction of the Group 1 Vasona Light Rail Project Station Finishes contract contingent upon completion of federal Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) approval. This contract is 35 percent federally funded; Item #6. Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with Stacy & Witbeck, Inc. (SWI), the lowest responsible bidder, in an amount of $9,575,625, for construction of the Vasona Light Rail Project Group 2 Station Finishes and Park-and-Ride contract contingent upon completion of federal Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) approval. This contract is 60 percent federally funded; Item #7. Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in an amount of $1,791,519, for construction of the Capitol Park and Ride Lot and Parking Facilities Project; Item #8. Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with Sposeto Engineering, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in an amount of $727,947, for construction of the Vasona Light Rail Project Southwest Expressway Pedestrian Improvements. This contract is 88 percent federally funded; Item #9. Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract in the amount of $6,453,520 with Stacy & Witbeck/R.M. Harris Joint Venture, the lowest responsible bidder, for construction of the Vasona Light Rail Project Route 17 Underpass and Hamilton Avenue Overcrossing. This contract is 34 percent federally funded; Item #10. Approve the final designs for artist John Okulick's entry railings and safety fence art panels, artist Ries Niemi's sculptural seating elements and artist Adam Zawadzki's paving for the Tasman East Light Rail Project; Item #11. Authorize the General Manager to execute an Agreement between VTA and the City of San Jose authorizing VTA staff to perform collection, maintenance and repair services of approximately 800 Civic Litter Modules located throughout the City of San Jose for a one-year term, July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004, for a fixed sum of $189,993; Item #12. Authorize the General Manager to extend the current contract with Motorola Incorporated (Motorola) for maintenance and repair of radio communication equipment not covered under existing warranties for an additional two years, from May 2003 through April 2005, at an estimated cost of $75,000 for each year for a total estimated contract amount of $150,000; Item #26. Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract in the amount of $3,536,000 with Vitton Construction, the lowest responsible bidder, for the North Division Construction Completion Project; and, Item #27. Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with NovaCare Outpatient Rehabilitation of California, Inc., for the operation of the Paratransit Eligibility Appeals Program. The term of the contract is for three years beginning July 1, 2003, with two one-year options, at a cost of $50,400 for the first year, $52,080 for the second year and $53,760 for the third year. Option years four and five are $55,642 and $57,590, respectively.

REGULAR: Item #23. Adopt Phase III of the Paratransit Service Business Practices Improvement Plan, which includes modifications to the minimum account balance policy, implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defined service area and hours, a modified door-to-door/curb-to-curb program, and premium service pricing.

Announcements

There were no Announcements.