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2:00 ‑ REGULAR MEETING

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. Call to Order

Chairman Vaughns called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Present:

  • Shirley Breyer Black
  • Wil Din
  • Michael Kasolas
  • James McCray, Jr. – absent at Roll Call
  • Peter Mezey
  • Cleopatra Vaughns

Chairman Vaughns introduced Deputy City Attorney Robin Reitzes who was attending the meeting in the absence of Deputy City Attorney Julia Friedlander.

3. Announcement of prohibition of sound producing devices during the meeting.

Chairman Vaughns announced that the ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at the meeting. She advised that any person responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices might be removed from the meeting. She also advised that cell phones that are set on “vibrate” cause microphone interference and requested that they be placed in the “off” position.

4. Approval of Minutes

Vice Chairman Kasolas stated that Chairman Vaughns had requested that Ruby Tourk’s e-mail be read into the record and requested that the minutes be amended to include the entire text.

On motion to approve the minutes as amended of the April 18, 2006 Regular Meeting: unanimously approved (McCray-absent).

5. Communications

Board Secretary Boomer stated that Items 10.1 and 10.2 (c) had been removed from the agenda at the request of staff.

6. Introduction of New or Unfinished Business by Board Members

None.

7. Executive Director’s Report

  • Special Recognition Award
  • Quarterly Financial Report
  • Octavia Blvd. project
  • Bicycles on LRVs demonstration project
  • Ongoing Activities

Executive Director/CEO Ford stated that each month he will present three employees to the Board for Special Recognition. One employee will be from DPT, one will be from Muni and the third will be from one of the MTA’s administrative divisions. Mr. Ford recognized Dennis Virgil from Muni Maintenance, Gloria Mitchell, from DPT’s Enforcement Division and Judy Yee from the City Attorney’s Claims Division. Debbie Denison presented the certificate to Dennis Virgil. Mr. Virgil introduced his wife and thanked the Board for the recognition. Bond Yee presented the certificate to Gloria Mitchell. Ms. Mitchell expressed appreciation for the award and gratitude to her co-workers and managers. Matthew Rothschild presented the certificate to Ms. Yee. Chairman Vaughns expressed appreciation to Mr. Virgil, Ms. Mitchell and Ms Yee on behalf of the Board. Director Black expressed appreciation to Ms. Mitchell on behalf of SEIU Local 790.

E.D. Ford stated that the MTA will be presenting its FY07 budget to the Board of Supervisors Finance Committee on May 3. The second hearing will be on May 31st.

The Rail Rodeo took place on Saturday April 29, 2006, at the Green Light Rail Center. The first place winner in the Operator category was Jason Lao. Second place was awarded to Marty Echeverria and third place went to Chi K. Hau. The first place maintainer team was Vasily Tsurkan, Fernando Leal and Ricardo Miles. The second place team was Saturnino Dominguez, Dani Geronimo and Bien Vega. The third place team was San Gee, Henry Sholtz and Joe Gaucci. The first and second place Operators and the First place Maintainer team will compete in the APTA International Rail Rodeo, to be held in New York City on June 10th.

Deb Ward, acting Chief Financial Officer, presented the 2nd Quarter Financial Report.

Vice Chairman Kasolas requested that the fiscal year-end financial report be provided as soon as it was ready.

Bond Yee presented the Octavia Boulevard Six-month Report.

Director McCray arrived.

Bill Lieberman presented the Bicycles on LRV’s pilot program and announced that Bike to Work Day would be held on May 18, 2006. He also stated that the MTA was presented with a Gold Level award by the League of American Bicyclists.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Edward Evans, Chairman, Muni Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC), stated that MAAC had voted unanimously against the Bicycles on LRV’s pilot project. MAAC is concerned about the safety of seniors and people with disabilities and sudden stops that could turn a bike into a missile. Mr. Evans invited Mr. Ford to attend one of their meetings.

Barry Taranto expressed support for the Bikes on LRV’s project. He stated that Mr. Yee failed to mention that people are also choosing to drive on 19th Ave. rather than on Octavia Blvd. Mr. Taranto expressed opposition to removing tow-away zones and requested a right-turn from Market onto the Hwy. 101 on-ramp.

Rafael Cabrera, TWU Local 250-A, stated that 250-A members had operational and safety concerns regarding the Bikes on LRV pilot project. He stated that TWU wasn’t part of the design process.

Bert Hill, SF Bicycle Advisory Committee, stated that there are a lot of people who want to put their bikes on LRV’s. Allowing bikes on LRV’s would help people traverse the city. He stated that folding bikes are the same size as wheelchairs and other large packages that are allowed on vehicles.

David Pilpel expressed support for the bicycle pilot project and stated that it was appropriate to look at the issues identified by staff. Mr. Pilpel suggested that, in addition to the K-line, that bicycles be allowed on LRV’s after 10 p.m. and before five or six a.m., and on a space available basis.

8. Citizen’s Advisory Council Report

No report.

9. Public Comment

Todd Carper stated that the parking meter debit card had minimal security at best and it would be easy to generate a card that never runs out of money. He stated that, at no charge and if requested, he would be happy to review the security of the parking meter debit card.

David Pilpel thanked Chairman Vaughns for her good efforts over the years. Mr. Pilpel expressed concern with the distinction between bus and rail service delivery in the recent reorganization. Mr. Pilpel expressed support for the reorganization plan overall and hopes that the MTA would be open to changing the organizational structure if service delivery didn’t improve. There needs to be a balance between overtime and new hires. Mr. Pilpel asked if the TEP project was still on schedule and stated that he hasn’t heard back regarding his questions about the L-Taravel and the Rodriguez case.

Barry Taranto stated that cable cars on Powell Street back up traffic on Pine Street. He suggested that maybe the cable car stop should be before or after the intersection. He stated that former Mayor Brown had stated that taxis were an extension of Muni but some MTA staff members think that taxis should be treated like cars. Staff should be informed that taxis are part of the public transportation system.

Norman Rolfe stated that there are more people on board a cable car than there are people in the cars on Pine St. and urged the Board to disregard the previous speaker’s comment or any other complaints about cable cars on Powell St. or any other street.

Jim Gillespie, SF Taxicab Association, stated that they haven’t heard anything about the demise of the paratransit debit card contract. The S.F. Taxi Association and the cab drivers association are looking forward to a renewed program. He stated that they are ready to file a lawsuit. They are anxious to participate in new program.

In response to Mr. Gillespie, Exec. Director Ford stated that former Mayor Brown had agreed to serve as a mediator to work on paratransit debit card situation. He stated that because a new RFP would take many months, it is in the best interest of the customers to make one last effort to work the current situation out.

Bruce Oka requested assistance from the MTA Board with a persistent problem that is a danger to wheelchair users on sidewalks. There are a number of adults who ride bikes on sidewalks even though it isn’t allowed. He expressed hope that nobody gets hurt.

THE FOLLOWING MATTERS BEFORE THE MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY OR PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD ARE RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION AS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION, AND CITY ATTORNEY WHERE APPLICABLE. EXPLANATORY DOCUMENTS FOR ALL CONSENT AND REGULAR CALENDAR ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT 1 SOUTH VAN NESS AVE. 7th FLOOR.

CONSENT CALENDAR

10. All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Calendar, are considered to be routine by the Municipal Transportation Agency Board or Parking Authority Board, and will be acted upon by a single vote of the Board. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Board or the public so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered as a separate item.

(10.1) Acting as the Parking Authority, requesting the Controller to allot funds and to draw warrants against such funds available or will be available in payment of the following claims against the Parking Authority:

A. Ramsey Properties, Unlitigated Claim #0602008 filed on 2/17/06 for $8,300

This item was removed from the agenda at the request of staff

(10.2) Approving the following traffic modifications:

A. RESCIND - TOW-AWAY, NO PARKING AND ESTABLISH - METERED MOTORCYCLE PARKING - Jessie Street, south side, from 4th Street to 54 feet westerly (approximately 14 metered motorcycle stalls)

B. ESTABLISH – SPEED HUMP – Portola Frontage Road, between Fowler Avenue and Laguna Honda Boulevard.

C. ESTABLISH - UNMETERED MOTORCYCLE PARKING - Clayton Street, west side, from Carl Street to 10 feet northerly. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, and resolution.)

Item 10.2 (c) was removed from the agenda at the request of staff.

RESOLUTION 06-050

(10.3) Approving a bid call for “New Traffic Signals Project 57” to solicit bids from contractors qualified to install new traffic signals at five intersections throughout the City. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and financial plan.)

This item was removed from the agenda at the request of a member of the public.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Barry Taranto stated that he didn’t know what Item 10.3 was about and requested information on which intersections would be changed and on the timeline.

RESOLUTION 06-051

(10.4) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to issue a Request for Proposal for Back Strengthening and Wellness Services, to evaluate and select the highest-ranking proposer and negotiate a contract with a term not to exceed three years. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and RFP.)

RESOLUTION 06-052

(10.5) Authorizes the Executive Director/CEO to execute all Master Agreements, Program Supplemental Agreements, Fund Exchange Agreements, Fund Transfer Agreements and any amendments thereto, between the City and County of San Francisco and the State of California, for state and federally funded transportation projects for the Department of Parking and Traffic.

(Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and agreement.)

PUBLIC COMMENT:

David Pilpel stated that he had no objection to the item but questioned why standing authority needed to be given. Mr. Pilpel suggested that the Board approve the current agreement but not grant standing authority for subsequent agreements.

Robin Reitzes, Deputy City Attorney, stated that past practice has been to delegate this authority. The only reason this is approval was being presented is because Caltrans had requested a resolution from the Board.

RESOLUTION 06-053

On motion to approve the Consent Calendar (Items 10.1, 10.2 (c), 10.3 and 10.5 severed):

ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns

On motion to approve Item 10.3:

ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns

On motion to approve Item 10.5:

ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns

REGULAR CALENDAR

11. Presentation of the MTA’s plans to achieve on-time performance system-wide and during off-peak service hours. (Explanatory documents include a staff report.)

Wilson Johnson, acting Director of Service Delivery, presented the staff report.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

David Pilpel stated that there is a basic design problem with LRV doors. The presentation was a good effort to look at real issues. There is no reason why an operator should leave a terminal early, unless they received instruction. If you eliminate leaving early, it will solve a big chunk of the problem.

12. Discussion and vote pursuant to Administrative Code Section 67.11(a) as to whether to conduct a closed session and invoke the attorney‑client privilege.

On motion to invoke the attorney-client privilege: unanimously approved.

Director Black recused herself from participating in the closed session due to a conflict of interest.

RECESS REGULAR MEETING AND CONVENE CLOSED SESSION

CLOSED SESSION

1. Call to Order

Chairman Vaughns called the closed session to order at 4:19 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Present:

  • Wil Din
  • Michael Kasolas
  • James McCray, Jr.
  • Peter Mezey
  • Cleopatra Vaughns

Absent: Shirley Breyer Black

Also present:

  • Nathaniel Ford, Director of Transportation
  • Roberta Boomer, Board Secretary
  • Robin Reitzes, Deputy City Attorney
  • Diana Buchbinder, Deputy Director, Human Resources

3. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a) and Administrative Code Section 67.8, the Municipal Transportation Agency Board shall meet in closed session for:

CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR

CCSF Representative: Diana Buchbinder and/or her designees

Employee Organizations:

SEIU Local 790; SEIU Local 535 & 790; Electrical Workers, Local 6; Automotive Machinists, 1414; TWU 250-A; Municipal Executives Association; IFPTE, Local 21; Laborers, Local 261; Laborers, Local 261; Stationary Engineers, Local 39; Teamsters, Local 853; Carpenters, Local 22; Painters, Local 4; Operating Engineers, Local 3; Sheetmetal, Local 104; Glaziers, Local 718; Teamsters, Local 856; Plumbers, Local 38 and Unrepresented.

To discuss:

_X_ Wages

_X__ Hours

_X__ Benefits

_X__ Working Conditions

_X__ Other

ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - The closed session was adjourned at 4:27 p.m.

Director Black rejoined the Board meeting.

13. Announcement of Closed Session.

Chairman Vaughns announced that the Board met in closed session for a conference with their labor negotiator. There was no action taken.

14. Motion to disclose or not disclose the information discussed in closed session.

On motion to not disclose the information discussed: unanimously approved (Black-recused).

ADJOURN - The meeting was adjourned at 4:28 p.m.


A tape of the meeting is on file in the office of the Secretary to the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors.

Roberta Boomer
Board Secretary

The Ethics Commission of the City and County of San Francisco has asked us to remind individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [S.F. Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code section 2.100 et seq.] to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 415-581-2300; fax: 415-581-2317; 30 Van Ness Ave., Suite 3900, SF, CA 94102-6027 or the web site: sfgov.org/ethics.

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