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ORDER OF BUSINESS 1. Call to Order Chairman McCray called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
3. Announcement of prohibition of sound producing devices during the meeting. Chairman McCray announced that the ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at the meeting. He 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. He 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 On motion to approve the minutes of the April 1, 2008 Regular Meeting: unanimously approved. 5. Communications None. 6. Introduction of New or Unfinished Business by Board Members Vice Chairman Nolan presented a report on the first meeting of the Policy and Governance Committee. Director Oka requested that the cost of the Lifeline pass be discussed at a future meeting. Chairman McCray requested that the item be scheduled for discussion at the Policy and Governance Committee and for the committee to report to the SFMTA Board. 7. Executive Director’s Report (For discussion only)
Executive Director/CEO Ford reported that a comprehensive service plan was implemented for the Olympic Torch event. There were service disruptions but we were back to full capacity by 6 pm. We worked with the Unified Command Center and established our own situation room to continuously monitor traffic along the route. Staff was placed at key locations and public announcements ran in three languages to keep customers informed of service and route changes. The Pedestrian Safety Summit was held on Tuesday, April 8 with over 100 participants. E.D. Ford expressed appreciation to Chairman McCray, Vice Chairman Nolan, and Director Oka for attending. The next step is to meet with advocates to formulate a game plan going forward. We will report back to the Board once that meeting is held. Executive Director/CEO Ford reported that Senate Bill 1419, authored by State Senator Leland Yee, establishes a double fine zone on 19th and Van Ness. The bill is going to the senate and assembly floors. The Governor has expressed his support. We will keep the Board apprised of the bill’s progress. Caltrans announced recipients for its “Cycle 7 Safe Routes to Schools” grants. Our application for Clarendon Alternative Elementary School was selected. The project calls for installation of countdown signals, crosswalks, and educational activities for students. The SFMTA is holding its first Transit Effectiveness Project Community meeting on April 19 at the West Portal Elementary School. 11 meetings are taking place throughout the City. The meetings provide an opportunity for customers and stakeholders to share their opinions about the TEP recommendations. On Thursday, April 24, the SFMTA will participate in “Bring Your Daughters & Sons to Work Day.” Staff will provide activities for employees’ children, including a visit to the SFgo facility and a ride on the F-line. Tony Parra, Director, Security & Enforcement, presented a report on Handheld Citation Issuance. Director Heinicke requested a report regarding the outcome of the plan to test taxicab locations at AT&T Park. PUBLIC COMMENT: Barry Taranto stated that it was encouraging to see staffing levels increased. It’s important to have a board packet available to review. Mr. Taranto stated that he would like to see the memo about taxicab parking at AT&T Park. Myrna Lim expressed surprise about the report by the Parking Control Officers (PCO). There seems to be consensus that the public should understand that no abuse will be tolerated. Why doesn’t government think that it should be serving the public? Why keep on taxing the public who cannot afford parking tickets and citations? The average working stiff can’t afford the imposition that this government forcefully imposes upon the people. This is not a government for the people. Stop wasting taxpayer time on meetings and summits and raises that are not deserved. James Bryant, SEIU 1021, stated that PCO have serious concerns about what will happen if fares are increased. PCO want to make sure that PCO safety is considered. An increase in fines may result in a negative impact and cause the SFMTA to lose revenues. The PCO need better safety and training. They are verbally abused every day. Mr. Bryant expressed hope that when the 21 new employees come on board, they are provided with equipment. Irwin Lum, President, TWU Local 250-A, expressed support for the safety of PCO when fares, fines, etc. are raised. There should be a “no tolerance” policy for PCO or any City employee. When people attack operators, we need to prosecute them fully. We need to protect employees and support them. Donald McGarrett, PCO, stated that the main goal is our safety. We object to fines being raised because it might raise our assault rate. We want the Board to think about our safety. Michael Spain stated that fines are a burden on citizens. The SFMTA looks at fines as revenue to fund other transportation services. You should look at fines with a more clear vision to match up to what the infraction is. I have personally witnessed the harassment of PCO by citizens. There is a problem with white zone violations by limousines. Limo drivers gang up on PCO. Ruach Graffis, United Taxicab Workers, stated she has memos from SFPD, DPT, Muni, and the Taxi detail that say that cab drivers have the right to pick up passengers in bus zones, white zones, yellow zones, etc. PCO should ask drivers to move before they ticket them. Taxi drivers are being ticketed for a legal activity. A driver got ticketed for helping a lady up her stairs. The 21 new PCO need to be trained about taxicab drivers. Chairman McCray requested that staff provide information regarding whether there is a correlation between fee and fine increases and violence. He also requested information regarding best practices in other cities. Exec. Director/CEO Ford stated that staff will investigate and will discuss what the SFMTA will do to bolster safety for PCO’s well in advance. 8. Citizen’s Advisory Council Report Daniel Murphy, Chairman, CAC, presented the report. 9. Public Comment Charles Rathbone, Luxor Cab Company, stated that they are looking forward to working with the SFMTA. He expressed hope that they will be involved in planning the merger and suggested forming an advisory committee to assist. Jim Gillespie, San Francisco Taxi Association, stated that they are cautiously optimistic about the anticipated merger. Under Exec. Director Ford and Carter Rohan, the industry pulled together over the debit card project. At the last Taxi Commission meeting, a report was issued about the merger plan. It was the first time the industry had seen it and we are concerned that we are being brought in too close to the end. Mr. Gillespie expressed hope that we stay on a collaborative basis and that the SFMTA will reach out for input. Norm Rolfe stated that the CAC notices committee agendas as “meetings of the whole” and notices are sent to the mailing list so they don’t worry if they have a quorum. He urged the Board to add language to their committee agendas. Barry Taranto requested that the Board question PCO staffing levels. On the weekend and at night staffing levels so low, it’s hard to do any enforcement. The public can’t go to ISCOTT meetings regarding street closures and parking changes because the meetings aren’t publicized. Mr. Taranto stated that he will sever every item on the agenda if the public is taken out of the process. The SFMTA stuck the merger plans down our throat. It isn’t a merger, it’s a takeover. Staff has made plans without any public or stakeholder input. David Pilpel stated that there is no problem with ISCOTT. Regarding the TEP, the choice of a coverage model over a concentration model is a false choice. The SFMTA doesn’t have to eliminate the number of services recommended. Mr. Pilpel stated that he had previously provided his analysis of routes and level of service that could be reduced or adjusted without stranding anyone. It is important for the public to comment meaningfully on the TEP and to have information about capital projects and improvements being planned. There are staff and operational impacts regarding the plan to open Metro East. The Board needs to be briefed on it. Staff should explore joining PBX phone lines for several facilities in the area as it may save money. Dan Hinds, National & Veterans Cab Company, stated that they are looking forward to working with SFMTA. The SFMTA offers the best structure to incorporate taxis. Mr. Hinds stated that he was dismayed to see an initial plan brought forward without input from the industry. If you look at what we’ve accomplished such as incentives for clean air vehicles and the debit card project, key elements from the industry have participated. Mr. Hinds expressed hope that industry opinion will be sought. Carl MacMurdo stated that he didn’t know if it was a merger or hostile take-over. The SFMTA needs to create a committee comprised of sensible partners to discuss the merger. Nobody from the industry, public or Taxi Commission has been involved. Disparate industry groups came together over the paratransit debit card and we hope they will again. Tariq Mehmood, taxi driver, stated that as the Taxi Commission merges with the SFMTA, we need to take care of limousine drivers who are costing thousands of dollars. Medallions are worth millions of dollars and other cities sell their medallions. The SFMTA should appoint a committee to look into that. Only two out of the 34 cab companies take credit cards. There are many groups within the taxi industry who are positive about the merger and are looking forward to working with the SFMTA. Michael Spain stated that he didn’t have a problem with the information in the report but the history is factually inaccurate. The industry is about to begin using a swipe card which will solve big problems for people who pay with chits. The Taxi Commission budget that the CAC considered wasn’t correct. Last week the Taxi Commission lowered the budget. Ruach Graffis, United Taxicab Workers, stated that they were interested in moving into the SFMTA and expressed hope that they will be included as part of mass transit. Ms. Graffis stated that she had understood that the plan was only a draft. Money is taken from taxicabs, which needs to stay in the industry. The industry shouldn’t be seen as cash cow for the SFMTA. Ms. Graffis suggested that the City has the legal right to lease permits and charge a lease fee to permit holders. That fee could cover retirement and health care for working drivers. Chairman McCray stated that the legislation to merge the two entities had not yet been considered by the Board of Supervisors. Until the Board of Supervisors acts, the SFMTA would be listening as an interested party. THE FOLLOWING MATTERS BEFORE THE SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION AS STATED BY THE SFMTA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO OR CITY ATTORNEY WHERE APPLICABLE. EXPLANATORY DOCUMENTS FOR ALL 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 of Directors and will be acted upon by a single vote. 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) 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 SFMTA:
RESOLUTION 08-063A (10.2) Approving the following traffic modifications:
RESOLUTION 08-064 (10.3) Approving the issuance of a transit pass at no cost for use by registered transit professionals and other attendees of the 2008 American Public Transportation Association Annual Roadeo and Conference and 2008 Rail~Volution Conference. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (Roberta Boomer) RESOLUTION 08-065 No public comment. On motion to approve the Consent Calendar: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka REGULAR CALENDAR 11. Approving the SFMTA's Fiscal Year 2009 budget in the amount of $786,779,251 and Fiscal Year 2010 Budget in the amount of $820,372,960; certifying that the FY2009 and FY2010 Operating Budgets are adequate to make substantial progress towards meeting the FY2009 and FY2010 performance standards; approving increases to various fines, fees, fares, rates and charges including neighborhood parking permits, temporary street closure permits, color curb fees, special traffic permits, boot removal fee, citation fines, off-street and on-street parking prices tied to occupancy and monthly transit passes; approving the elimination of the weekly transit pass due to minimal utilization by the public; approving a policy to increase fines, fees, fares, rates and charges automatically on July 1st of each year, effective July 1, 2010, tied to the annual April Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the San Francisco Bay Area; approving the amount of $2,201,729 for FY2009 and $2,219,729 for FY2010 or any amounts approved by the Board of Supervisors for Taxi Regulation pending approval of the transfer of the Taxi Commission into the SFMTA by the Board of Supervisors; approving the request to waive fares on New Year's Eve 2008, between 8 PM on December 31, 2008 and 6 a.m. January 1, 2009 and on New Year's Eve 2009, between 8 PM on December 31, 2009 and 6 a.m. January 1, 2010; authorizing the Executive Director to continue the Class Pass program with all colleges and universities in San Francisco; authorizing the Executive Director to implement short-term experimental fares; authorizing the Executive Director to execute an agreement with the Bay Area Rapid Transit District to allow for the use of the Muni Fast Pass on BART in San Francisco; authorizing the Executive Director to execute an agreement with the Bay Area Rapid Transit District for the Municipal Railway to accept payment for the Municipal Railway providing connecting bus service to BART stations in San Francisco; authorizing the Executive Director execute an agreement with the Bay Area Rapid Transit District, the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority, the Dumbarton Bridge Service Consortium, the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority, the San Mateo County Transit District, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, the City of Union City, the Western Contra Costa Transit Authority, and the City of Benicia to continue the BART Plus Ticket Program from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2010; concurring with the Controller’s certification that parking citation processing and collection; janitorial services for metered parking lots and shop facilities; facility security services; paratransit services; parking meter collection and coin counting services; low-level platform maintenance services; and vehicle towing, storage and disposal services can be practically performed by private contractors at a lesser cost than to provide the same services with City employees; authorizing the Executive Director to make any necessary technical and clerical corrections to the approved budgets and to allocate additional revenues and/or City and County discretionary revenues in order to fund additional adjustments to the operating budget, provided that the Executive Director/CEO shall return to the SFMTA Board of Directors for approval of technical or clerical corrections that, in aggregate, exceed a five percent increase of the total SFMTA Budget except to the extent that such charges reflect failure of the Board of Supervisors to transfer to the SFMTA responsibility for taxi regulation as of July 1, 2008. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (Sonali Bose) Board Secretary Boomer stated that staff had provided language that would revise the third resolved clause that discusses tying increases to fines, fees, fares, rates and charges to the April Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the San Francisco Bay Area beginning on July 1, 2010. Director Heinicke moved that the Board amend the resolved clause to state “Resolved, That the SFMTA Board approves for FY10 and going forward, a policy of indexing rates, fares, fines, fees and charges and directing the SFMTA to prepare and present an “Index Implementation Plan” for approval by the SFMTA Board of Directors.” PUBLIC COMMENT on the proposed amendment: David Pilpel stated that he had no concern with the proposed amendment. On motion to amend the third resolved clause of the resolution to state: Resolved, That the SFMTA Board approves for Fiscal Year 2010 and going forward, a policy of indexing rates, fares, fines, fees and charges and directing the SFMTA to prepare and present an “Index Implementation Plan” for approval by the SFMTA Board of Directors. ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka Sonali Bose, Chief Financial Officer, presented the staff report. Director Heinicke requested that staff look at how the SFMTA could maximize advertising revenue and provide a report to the Board. Director Lee requested that staff separate revenues received from parking garages from other parking revenues in future reports. Exec. Director Ford stated that, following approval of the budget, staff would continue to look for ways to further enhance revenues, streamline costs and implement cost containment measures. The State of California’s budget may put additional pressure on the City and on the SFMTA. PUBLIC COMMENT on the FY09 and FY10 budgets: Barry Taranto stated that raising the basic parking fines will result in adverse affects in other areas. People will shop in other cities. Staff should hire more PCO’s, enforce evening and weekend violations, focus on violations that cost more, and charge more for things that block transit or take up street spaces or block the whole roadway. The Taxi Commission determined they didn’t need money for the city attorney and they adjusted the budget. The SFMTA may see a huge drop in parking fine income. If people don’t commit the offense, you may not get the money. David Pilpel stated that he supports the budget but has technical concerns. The choice to add more things to the budget resolution was a bad thing. Items such as indexing or the elimination of the weekly fare should have been separate actions. Mr. Pilpel says that Attachment B, referred to in the resolution, doesn’t include the change to monthly transit passes. Prop. E required certain findings before changes to fares could be made. There is no discussion in the calendar item about those criteria. In the past, notices were placed in vehicles about proposed changes to fares and when they would go into effect. The CEQA determination isn’t in the packet. Other policy changes may have environmental impacts. Mr. Pilpel suggested amending the resolution to reduce the percent of technical changes from five to one percent. Myrna Lim stated that if this budget was presented in the real world, people would be fired. There are no plans for service improvements and capital improvements and no plan to make anybody’s lives better. This is about big fat salary increases. There has been a 16% increase in salaries in three years. This budget is a sham. This hurts the average citizen. The SFMTA should be ashamed. Herbert Weiner stated that he is concerned about the proposal to raise the Muni Fast pass. Prop. E linked raising fares to quality of service. Mr. Weiner stated that the ultimate aim is to raise fares to $1.75 but the SFMTA couldn’t do it next year because it’s politically loaded so you’re increasing the Fast Pass. There should be public input about raising fares. This is a “Transit First Passenger Last” city. Bob Allen expressed support for increases in parking fares and fees. It’s time to institute a policy for parking pricing. Mr. Allen expressed concern about the $65 million deficit in FY10 and encouraged the SFMTA to push for the SFMTA’s fair share at MTC. The MTC is looking at the discretionary part of the Regional Transit Plan. The SFMTA should push for funding for the Lifeline Pass and for funding to offset the SFMTA/BART disabled pass. Otto Duffy expressed support for increasing the gas tax. He added that indexing is good but suggest indexing to a rate slower than the Consumer Price Index. You don’t want to encourage inflation. Razzu Engen, Tenderloin Housing Clinic, stated that he was glad to see no fare increases this year. He suggested that the SFMTA should not wait until this time next year to get other revenue generating ideas going. Mr. Engen expressed appreciation for Director Oka’s comments about the Lifeline pass. The pass should be allowed to be used on BART. It’s a lesser value pass that allows the same privileges as a Fast Pass. Travis Fox, Manager, presented the proposed changes to the FY09 Service Standards. PUBLIC COMMENT on the proposed FY09 Service Standards: David Pilpel stated that the budget presentation discussed a 97% increase in other revenue generated, so it seems that something more aggressive than 5% would be good. RESOLUTION 08-066 On motion to approve the resolution as amended: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka The board took a short recess. 12. Presentation and discussion regarding SFpark and SFMTA parking pilot programs. (Explanatory documents include a staff report.) (Sonali Bose) Sonali Bose, Chief Financial Officer, presented the staff report. PUBLIC COMMENT: Andy Thornley, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, stated that members are pleased to see this program move forward so quickly and complimented the excellent work by staff. These pilot programs will result in a great deal of information about parking and how it relates to public transit. Mr. Thornley advised that when parking meters poles are removed spaces for parking your bicycle are lost. Mr. Thornley urged support for the program. David Pilpel stated that the $1.6 million for overhead is an excessive amount for a project that is only supposed to last for a year and a half and wondered if some funds would be used for other things. Mr. Pilpel inquired about how the sensors would detect various car lengths and whether streets will need to be dug up in order to install the sensors. Shelley Johnson stated that bicycles are great. There should be some work done in parking areas. 13. Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to execute the Fifth Amendment with Serco Management Services for Meter Coin Collection, Counting and Management Services to expand the scope of services to include: installation of 150 multi-space parking meters and coin collection and counting services for the Port of San Francisco; the option to expand coin and currency counting; implement various enhancements to coin counting software and SmartCard programs and increase the contract by $7,000,000 for an amount not to exceed $58,000,000; endorsing the SFpark program and the related pilot projects; finding that it is in the public interest to award a sole source agreement with Serco Management Services for Administrative Services in Support of the SFpark Program and the related pilot projects for a term of two years to June 3, 2010, and for an amount not to exceed $23,000,000 and authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to execute the Agreement with Serco. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, contract and contract amendment.) (Sonali Bose) PUBLIC COMMENT: David Pilpel stated that this item involves two different contracts and it should have been two different items. Mr. Pilpel stated that he has no disagreement regarding the Fifth Amendment but the new agreement bothers him. He inquired about CEQA review and stated that coin counting services are done by SFMTA staff so this could be encroaching privatization. Mr. Pilpel also questioned whether Serco will be involved in drafting an RFP that they would likely bid on. That would create a possible ethical issue. RESOLUTION 08-067 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka 14. Approving the City of San Francisco Ellis-O’Farrell Parking Corporation Fiscal Year 2009 and FY2010 Operating Budget for the Ellis O’Farrell Garage. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and budgets.) (Sonali Bose) At the request of Chairman McCray, Board Secretary Boomer called items 14 – 18 together. Sonali Bose, Chief Financial Officer, presented the staff report. No public comment. RESOLUTION 08-068 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka 15. Approving the City of San Francisco Downtown Parking Corporation’s Fiscal Year 2009 and FY2010 Operating Budget for the Fifth and Mission Garage. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and budgets.) (Sonali Bose) No public comment. RESOLUTION 08-069 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka 16. Approving the City of San Francisco Portsmouth Plaza Parking Corporation’s Fiscal Year 2009 and FY2010 Operating Budgets for the Portsmouth Square Garage. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and budgets.) (Sonali Bose) No public comment. RESOLUTION 08-070 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka 17. Approving the Uptown Parking Corporation’s Fiscal Year 2009 and FY2010 Operating Budget for the Sutter-Stockton Garage. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and budgets.) (Sonali Bose) No public comment. RESOLUTION 08-071 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka 18. Approving the City of San Francisco Uptown Parking Corporation’s Fiscal Year 2009 and FY2010 Operating Budget for the Union Square Parking Garage. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and budgets.) (Sonali Bose) No public comment. RESOLUTION 08-072 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka 19. Discussion and vote pursuant to Administrative Code Section 67.10(d) as to whether to conduct a closed session and invoke the attorney‑client privilege. On motion to invoke the attorney-client privilege: unanimously approved. RECESS REGULAR MEETING AND CONVENE CLOSED SESSION CLOSED SESSION 1. Call to Order Chairman McCray called the closed session to order at 6:21 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
Also present:
3. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 and the Administrative Code Section 67.8 (a) (3), the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors will meet in Closed Session to discuss and take action on attorney‑client matters in the following case: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Existing Litigation:
RESOLUTION 08-073 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka 4. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a) and Administrative Code Section 67.8, the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors shall meet in closed session for: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR CCSF Representative: Vicki Rambo and/or her designees Employee Organizations: TWU, Local 250-A To discuss: _X_ Wages _X__ Hours _X__ Benefits _X__ Working Conditions _X__ Other ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE OPEN SESSION – The closed session was adjourned at 6:27 p.m. 20. Announcement of Closed Session. Chairman McCray announced that the SFMTA Board of Directors met in closed session to discuss Travelers vs. CCSF with the City Attorney. The Board of Directors voted unanimously to settle the case. The Board also met in closed session for a conference with their labor negotiator. No action was taken. 21. Motion to disclose or not disclose the information discussed in closed session. On motion to not disclose the information discussed: unanimously approved. ADJOURN – The meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m. A tape of the meeting is on file in the office of the Secretary to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors. Roberta Boomer |
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