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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 – absent with notification
  • James McCray, Jr. – absent at roll call
  • Peter Mezey
  • Cleopatra Vaughns

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

Chairman Vaughns stated that Director Kasolas had requested that the November 1, 2005 meeting minutes be tabled to the next meeting. Without objection, the minutes of the November 1, 2005 meeting were tabled to the meeting of January 17, 2006.

On motion to approve the minutes of the December 6, 2005 Regular meetings: unanimously approved (Kasolas, McCray-absent).

5. Communications

Chairman Vaughns requested a detailed briefing of the MTA’s transportation technology projects at a future meeting.

6. Introduction of New or Unfinished Business by Board Members

Director McCray arrived.

7. Executive Director’s Report

  • Special Recognition Award
  • FY05 Financial Report
  • FY06 1st Quarter Financial Report
  • FY06 1st Quarter EEO Report
  • Ongoing Activities

Acting Executive Director Sunshine stated that he was pleased to recognize two people who were retiring from the MTA. Mr. Sunshine introduced Fumiko Satoda who has been a hardworking, reliable, and extremely conscientious employee at DPT for more than 15 years. Ms. Satoda is diligent, dependable, and sets a high standard of performance for all civil servants.

Mr. Sunshine also introduced Arlene Eisen who helped put much of Muni’s safety program together and founded the integrated safety and loss prevention program. Ms. Eisen was instrumental in preparing for the CPUC audit and is the editor of the new rulebook for operators.

Chairman Vaughns expressed appreciation to Ms. Satoda and Ms. Eisen on behalf of the Board.

A.E.D. Sunshine stated that the EEO Report would be continued to the meeting of January 17th.

Deb Ward, acting Chief Financial Officer, presented the FY05 and FY06 First Quarter report.

Director McCray requested a trend analysis of parking meter and citation revenue.

On December 22nd, the MTA introduced a pilot program offering a pre-paid card for use in approximately 23,000 single-space electronic meters in San Francisco. Over the next few weeks, the MTA plans to extend sales to more than 25 locations throughout the city. The availability of pre-paid cards will greatly enhance customer convenience and encourage more business in our neighborhood commercial districts. The card will work at all meters except on Port of San Francisco property and at multi-space meters.

On Tuesday, January 17th, the Municipal Transportation Agency will begin Phase 1 of the Metro Improvement Project, which replaces the overhead-wire system that provides power for the Metro cars in the subway. Phase I will take approx. 1 year and includes the stations from Embarcadero to Church Street. The subway will close at 10:00 pm instead of 1:00 am Monday-Friday. Shuttle bus service will be provided. To inform the public, car cards are being installed as well as banners, posters, and signage at station agent booth for all downtown metro stations. A press release has also been distributed.

A.E.D. Sunshine stated that shortly before Christmas, the MTA received word of a diesel fuel release at the Woods division. City staff discovered that one of four diesel supply pumps was not working. The fuel center was immediately shut down, and the appropriate regulatory agencies were notified. Staff successfully managed to contain the leak and there has been no additional leak during the rainstorms that occurred after Christmas.

8. Citizen’s Advisory Council Report

No Report.

9. Public Comment

Irwin Lum, President, Local 250-A stated that he wanted to introduce himself as the new president of TWU, Local 250-A and to wish the Board a happy new year. Mr. Lum introduced other TWU officers. He reiterated TWU’s stand that MV is doing a good job.

Michael Kwok stated that he was supporting an extension of MV’s contract. MV is his personal favorite as a provider of services. He stated that he had no experience with the other bidders and that the other bidders had no experience providing lift van service that could be discerned. He urged the Board to investigate and to insure that the process is fair.

Ilene Mauser stated that as a paratransit passenger, she is having trouble with the idea of change. MV knows her and how to handle her situation under the best and worst conditions. MV has always been courteous and she is satisfied with their service. Ms. Mauser expressed hope that the Board would extend MV’s contract until there is further time to investigate all that MV has done.

Silas Telfor, Chairman, Passenger Advisory Council, stated that ATC should be reviewed for a conflict of interest. Riders have been lied to, deceived, and struck of their constitutional rights. He stated that he would like to have a choice of whom he should be able to trust with his life. He urged the Board to investigate and consider clients and riders before any action is taken.

Russell Green stated that the software system being used by MV doesn’t work but MV is doing the best job they can do. Make sure the contract goes to MV.

Norman Rolfe addressed the long-term structural deficit. Months ago, he stated that the MTA’s monthly garage rates are way below the rates of neighboring private garages. There is room to increase rates, still be competitive and be below private rates. He suggested that the MTA directly raise rates that don’t need Board of Supervisor approval and tell the Board of Supervisors that they are responsible for problems with service.

Elizabeth Boardman stated that she has been involved in paratransit for 16 years and recommended that the Board support the idea that there should be more than one lift-van provider in this town. MV will do a better job and will provide better service if there is more than one provider. She expressed support for more alternatives.

Patricia Lovelock stated that people are upset with MV Transportation. They have waited for their ride, called MV repeatedly but did not receive their ride. People are frightened to voice their complaints for fear of retribution. People want to use taxi service but Muni has put a freeze on taxi service because Muni seems concerned that people will get good taxi service and will want to use taxis more often.

John Moran, IAM Local 1414, stated that they have attempted to organize MV for the past few years and recently, they negotiated an agreement with MV. There is an extreme shortage of mechanics, which is bad for large transportation agencies. There is extensive technology in some of the new vehicles that somebody with a wrench and screwdriver won’t be able to fix. MV is the only provider that has provided training for employees.

Elizabeth Glisby stated that she doesn’t have a problem with choice. MV Transportation might have their problems but the main problem is with the dispatch system they have to use. She further stated that MV does a hell of a job and she knows she’ll get picked up. You’ll be making a big mistake if you don’t go with MV. They’re dedicated to what they do and they love their passengers.

Samelisha Duke stated that if you’re not a consistent MV Transportation rider, vans have been consistently late. If your ride doesn’t show up when MV says it will, the user will miss appointments. Medical will be billed for missed medical appointments. MV has gone through many changes and a new manager has been trying to pull things together but the dispatch system leaves much to be desired. Ms. Duke asked the Board to consider strongly having more than a single provider.

Terence Jones, R&D Transportation, stated that the problem with dispatch is occurring across the country and not just in San Francisco. The problem is the software program. Stop trying to change providers when a new provider will face the same problems. When the software system is correct, there will be several providers.

Nikki Freney, MV Transportation, stated that it’s important for the Board to take a concerted effort to look at how the dispatch system operates and invited the Board and staff to see what they have to deal with.

THE FOLLOWING MATTERS BEFORE THE MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY 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 401 VAN NESS AVE. #334.

CONSENT CALENDAR

10. All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Calendar, are considered to be routine by the Municipal Transportation Agency 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) 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 MTA:

  1. Alfonso Juarez, Superior Ct. #435899 filed on 11/22/04 for $2,000
  2. Mahalia Gilbert, Superior Ct. #426291 filed on 11/11/03 for $2,500
  3. Farmers Insurance, Unlitigated Claim #0600916 filed on 10/17/05 for $6,152.02
  4. Kam Hung Tang, Unlitigated Claim #0503769 filed on 5/26/05 for $9,000

RESOLUTION 06-001

(10.2) Authorizing the Director of Transportation to accept and expend a grant from the Transportation Security Administration to provide the Muni Security Division with three bomb detection canines, all associated training, hotel and travel expenses, veterinary care and feed for the three teams and $120,000 for fiscal year 2006 for program implementation expenditures. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.)

RESOLUTION 06-002

No public comment.

On motion to approve the Consent Calendar:

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

ABSENT - Kasolas

REGULAR CALENDAR

11. Authorizing the Director to execute the contract with Pacific Park Management, Inc. for the management of the Mission Bartlett Garage, for a term of six years commencing January 1, 2006, with extension options not to exceed four years, for a monthly management fee of $1,000 dollars, and with an annual incentive fee not to exceed $25,000 dollars per contract year. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and contract.)

Ron Szeto, acting Director, Parking Authority presented the staff report.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Luis Granados requested that the Board to hold off on the decision to award the contract. He was told before, during and after the process that MEDA would not get the contract. Staff started the RFP process again because MEDA didn’t receive the RFP. Pacific Park Management manages 11 garages, and has $60 million in gross revenues.

Rosabella Safont stated that the contract is a travesty and that she is ashamed of San Franciscans and entities that purport to have a fair process. The intent of the law is for disadvantaged business to compete fairly. This has not been a fair process. We took on the garage when it was full of prostitution, drug dealing and crime. We have vested interest in this community asset. The only reason MEDA lost is because we didn’t get the disadvantaged points. She doesn’t feel that the Board should vote on the contract today. The entire process has been irregular from the beginning to keep MEDA out of it.

Robert Stang expressed appreciation to the Board for their confidence in a process that was fair and non-biased. He stated that Pacific Park Management will retain all employees, will invest in those employees in training and career advancements and will participate in the community. Pacific Park Management has increased revenue by 100% at the 16th and Hoff garage in the past two years. They earned the contract fair and square. Mr. Stang urged the Board to ratify the contract.

Fred Naranjo stated that Pacific Park Management has participated in the community at their other garage locations. Pacific Park Management is a black-owned company. They are not a conglomerate but are just hard working people. MEDA has done an exceptional job but this is not an entitlement. The MTA has a responsibility to be competitive.

James Fields, Human Rights Commission stated that HRC is a neutral observer in the selection process and are present to assure that a fair and impartial process occurs. MEDA is not entitled to the bid-rating bonus under the Administrative Code. The process was fair.

On motion to approve:

ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Mezey and Vaughns

NAYES – Din and McCray

ABSENT – Kasolas

The motion failed.

12. Approving the 2nd Amendment to the Lease with One South Associates for the lease of approximately 5,866 square feet on the ground floor of One South Van Ness and approximately 38,288 square feet on the second floor and approving the expenditure of related moving and tenant improvement costs. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.)

No public comment.

RESOLUTION 06-003

On motion to approve:

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

ABSENT – Kasolas

ADJOURN - The meeting was adjourned at 4:06 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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