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ORDER OF BUSINESS 1. Call to Order Chairman Nolan called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
Absent:
3. Announcement of prohibition of sound producing devices during the meeting. Chairman Nolan 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 February 7, 2012 Regular Meeting: unanimously approved (Heinicke, Lee, Ramos – absent). 5. Communications Chairman Nolan asked that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Hannah Friedlander. 6. Introduction of New or Unfinished Business by Board Members None. 7. Director’s Report (For discussion only)
Director Ramos arrived. Director Reiskin also discussed the Bay Bridge closure over the past weekend. PUBLIC COMMENT: Roland Wong discussed accessible fare gates for the Central Subway project. 8. Citizens’ Advisory Council Report 9. Public Comment David Sale, Transit Safety Alliance, discussed driver behavior. Anonymous discussed the process for resolving parking tickets and requested an appointment with Director Reiskin. Crucial information is withheld until after the time to protest has passed. The protest procedures are cumbersome and most protests are denied. There is no accountability. Jane Martin, POWER, expressed hope that the Board could act soon on the “Free Muni for Youth” proposal. POWER has been working with Supervisor Campos’s office to secure funding. It would be good if the MTA Board could conditionally approve “Free Muni” pending approval of funds by MTC. Manuela Esteva, POWER, expressed support for “Free Muni for Youth”. It has become more and more difficult for families to provide passes for their children and it’s sad to see families who have to walk a long distance because they can’t afford the fare. Beatriz Herrera, POWER, stated that this is a growing movement for “Free Muni for Youth”. There are a lot of students from different schools participating. She encouraged the Board to schedule a hearing. Anali Podilla, POWER, expressed support for “Free Muni for Youth.” It’s difficult for families to find the money to buy a fast pass. Mark Gruberg expressed concern about implementation of a permanent medallion program. After the Taxi Advisory Council finished discussion, staff put forth a proposal that is a radical departure from what has gone before. It would award one-third of the permits to certain cab companies in exchange for a lease fee. This would have a devastating effect on taxi drivers. By awarding them to cab companies, the decision about which companies will thrive or die will be determined. Barry Pearl discussed an experience he had dealing with commuter credit cards and Wage Works. The company had no clue how to deal with his situation. Neither 311 nor Clipper Card had any idea about how to help him. B. Estela, POWER, expressed support for “Free Muni for Youth.” The kids need one less worry so they can focus on their schooling. Often youth have to risk getting on the back of the bus without a fare. There are many low income families who are trying to survive in San Francisco. She asked the Board to vote in support of the program as soon as possible. Mario Yedidia, Youth Commission, expressed appreciation to the Board for meeting with youth to discuss providing Muni for free. This will bridge a class divide in San Francisco. He asked the Board to schedule a vote ideally for March 20. Much of the funding depends on outside agencies. Herbert Weiner stated that he’s having difficulty on the 1 CA line. Twice last week the bus had to turn back before it reached its’ terminal. When asked, he wasn’t provided an explanation as to why the buses were being turned back and why they were bunched up. The destination and arrival signs are inaccurate. Luis Barahona, Jamestown Community Center, expressed hope that there can be a vote on March 20th so “Free Muni for Youth” can move forward. They have been meeting with a coalition of people to figure out an education campaign. Rider safety, responsibility and creating life-long Muni riders are the three main issues. There will be an increase in youth who use Muni to get to school because of cuts to the school bus program. David Pilpel discussed the operating structural deficit. He is not sure if the $30 million in expenditure reductions have been achieved but if so, it would be good to tell that story. It is incongruous that over the last year, Muni has increased service on the F-line, 28, N-Express, N Judah to Caltrain and the 14 Mission extension. This furthers the deficit. The SFMTA needs to reconcile the story if it is going to ask for more revenue. Barry Taranto stated that Valentine’s Day was not a love affair for the taxi industry. Attendance was horrible at the taxi town hall meetings. People need to know about the town hall meetings. He wondered why the taxi division was still part of Finance and Information Technology and stated that the website stinks in terms of taxi information. Hansu Kim, DeSoto, stated that there are serious concerns that still need to be addressed. The key problems in the industry are that there aren’t enough taxis and existing taxis aren’t picking up neighborhood or paratransit calls. There are an all-time high number of drivers who don’t have a license. Individuals who act as brokers have taken over the industry and exploit drivers. Angelina Yu, Adopt-An-Alleyway, discussed commute patterns of students. Youth are passionate about “Free Muni for Youth”. It’s needed. Behind each Valentine, there is a story. She asked that the Board make the vote happen soon so students can use it this year. Bob Allen stated that the advocacy campaign for Free Muni has been one of the best he’s ever seen. The advocates have found the funding. Unless it goes forward with a vote soon, the momentum is at risk. This is a broad based movement that will support the agency in the future with its future revenue needs. This campaign delivers concrete benefits for youth and is an opportunity to change how people feel about Muni. Tariq Mehmood stated that the situation is getting worse. Last time taxi drivers protested, the drivers came to the town hall meetings. The SFMTA doesn’t want to implement those proposals. The protests are coming at the next meeting and in the future and they are big. Drivers are being called names by the director of the division. They don’t want corporate medallions or electronic waybills. Chairman Nolan requested information about driver training, what the SFMTA can do to enhance pedestrian safety and accessible fare gates in the Central Subway. 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 San Francisco 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 of Directors 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: A. Gloria Johnson vs. CCSF, Superior Ct. #CGC11512445 filed on 7/13/11 for $10,000 B. Florence Hough vs. CCSF, Superior Ct. #CGC8476780 filed on 6/24/08 for $60,000 C. Lalla Elidriss vs. CCSF, Superior Ct. #CGC10503578 filed on 11/4/10 for $187,500 D. Mohammed Al-Naif vs. CCSF, Superior Ct. #10499666 filed on 5/10/10 for $210,210 RESOLUTION 12-021 (10.2) Authorizing the Director of Transportation to issue a Request for Proposals for Contract No. CPT 631: Rehabilitation of Neoplan Buses. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and Request for Proposals.) RESOLUTION 12-022 (10.3) Authorizing the Director of Transportation to issue a Request for Proposals for Workers’ Compensation Claims Administration Services, to jointly conduct proposal evaluation, contract negotiation and contract formation for an initial term of three-years with two-year contract extension option at the City’s sole discretion. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) RESOLUTION 12-023 (10.4) Amending Transportation Code, Division II Sections 302 and 303 to increase the penalty amount for obstructing traffic, double parking, and riding bicycles on sidewalks. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and amendment.) Item 10.4 was removed from the Consent Calendar by members of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT: Barry Taranto stated that he understands that the fines are being raised to match other fines but wondered about the enforcement. He questioned whether the violations are enough of a problem to warrant the increase. He inquired about the deployment numbers over the past few days. It’s useless to raise fines if there isn’t enforcement. RESOLUTION 12-024 On motion to approve Item 10.4: ADOPTED: AYES – Bridges, Brinkman, Nolan, Oka and Ramos ABSENT – Heinicke and Lee (10.5) Amending Section 1113 of Article 1100 of Division II of the Transportation Code to set standards for advertising and other displays on the interior and exterior of taxicabs, and requiring that the dispatch number for the vehicle be displayed on the exterior of the taxicab. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and amendment.) Item 10.5 was removed from the Consent Calendar by members of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT: Charles Rathbone, Luxor Cabs, discussed wrap ads and partial wrap ads. Full wrap ads are confusing. He asked that the item be modified to allow for cab doors to be wrapped. This is a small revenue issue but it allows cab companies to defray costs. Mark Gruberg, Green Cab, stated that Green is run on cooperative principles. He noted that one of the proposed amendments would require the phone number of the dispatch service to be placed on the side of the cab. He asked that the item be amended to allow Green Cab to have their phone number on the side of the cab. Barry Taranto expressed appreciation for the item. The lack of taxi companies in the audience speaks volumes. At first he wasn’t in favor of it because it is hard for a passenger to recognize a cab. The revenue impact is huge and it’s important to know how much as been collected. Tariq Mehmood stated that cab drivers objected to back seat terminals in the past and this opens the door to them. Time is being wasted on this rather than on serving the public. His cab is 40% empty. There are other serious issues such as dispatch that needs to be addressed first. On motion to amend Page 3, Item 8 to state: Telephone Number of Dispatch Service. A telephone number enabling the public to reach the dispatch service with which the vehicles is affiliated”: ADOPTED: AYES – Bridges, Brinkman, Nolan, Oka and Ramos ABSENT – Heinicke and Lee RESOLUTION 12-025 On motion to approve Item 10.5 as amended: ADOPTED: AYES – Bridges, Brinkman, Nolan, Oka and Ramos ABSENT – Heinicke and Lee On motion to approve the Consent Calendar (Item 10.5 severed): ADOPTED: AYES – Bridges, Brinkman, Nolan, Oka and Ramos ABSENT – Heinicke and Lee REGULAR CALENDAR 11. Presentation and Discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2013 and 2014 Capital and Operating Budgets. (Explanatory documents include a slide presentation.) Ed Reiskin, Director of Transportation, presented the item. David Pilpel requested additional information about some of the items presented and expressed opposition to charging for transfers or increasing the cash fare. Mark Gruberg noted that on March 6 the Board is scheduled to discuss taxi proposals and suggested that the discussion be moved to May. He suggested that all the ballot measures proposed be put on the ballot. 12. Discussion and vote pursuant to Administrative Code Section 67.10(d) as to whether to conduct a closed session. On motion to invoke the attorney-client privilege: unanimously approved (Heinicke, Lee – absent). RECESS REGULAR MEETING AND CONVENE CLOSED SESSION CLOSED SESSION 1. Call to Order Chairman Nolan called the closed session to order at 3:25 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
Absent:
Also present:
3. Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9 (b), and Administrative Code Section 67.10 (b) (2), the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors will meet in closed session to discuss attorney‑client matters in the following case(s): CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Anticipated Litigation: __X__ As defendant or __X__ As plaintiff ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE OPEN SESSION - The closed session was adjourned at 3:35 p.m. 13. Announcement of Closed Session. Chairman Nolan announced that the SFMTA Board of Directors met in closed session to discuss anticipated litigation with the City Attorney. The Board of Directors took no action in closed session. 14. Motion to disclose or not disclose the information discussed in closed session. On motion to not disclose the information discussed: unanimously approved (Heinicke, Lee – absent). ADJOURN - The meeting was adjourned at 3:35 p.m. in memory of Hannah Friedlander. 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 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; 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 220, SF, CA 94102-6027 or the web site: sfgov.org/ethics. |
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