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2:00 ‑ REGULAR MEETING ORDER OF BUSINESS 1. Call to Order Chairman McCray called the meeting to order at 2:08 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
Absent: Peter Mezey – with notification 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 February 20, 2007 Regular Meeting: unanimously approved (Mezey-absent). 5. Communications Board Secretary Boomer stated that the Chairman requested that Item 11, the Central Subway discussion would be heard after the Executive Director’s Report. In addition, Closed Session Items 3 and 6 were continued to the next meeting at the request of staff. 6. Introduction of New or Unfinished Business by Board Members Chairman McCray welcomed Director Beach to the Board. Director Nolan stated that the MTA has limited discretionary funds and requested that, as part of the FY09 budget discussions, staff review with the Board the fixed costs in the MTA’s budget. Chairman McCray requested that the election of Vice Chairman be scheduled for the next meeting when all board members would be in attendance. Board Secretary Boomer stated that the election would be scheduled for the April 3 meeting. 7. Executive Director’s Report (For discussion only) -Special Recognition Award -Ongoing Activities Exec. Director Ford welcomed Director Beach to the MTA. Exec. Director Ford presented Special Recognition Awards to Dan Provence, Planner, Traffic Calming; Lillian Kent, DPT Adult School Crossing Guard; Eli Calimquim, Electronic Maintenance Technician, Metro Division; and Felton Peterson, Operator, Presidio Division. Chairman McCray expressed appreciation on behalf of the Board. The MTA is holding their own “March Madness” competition to promote teamwork and communication. Eighteen teams of employees are presenting their divisions’ work projects and the competition will culminate on April 5. The winning team will be presented to the Board. Recently, the Transit Effectiveness Project team hosted two events for youth and families in partnership with the Youth Commission, the Department of Children, Youth and Families, and the Mayor’s Policy Council on Children, Youth and Families. These events were part of an on-going effort to maximize TEP outreach. Mr. Ford presented two MTA television commercials. The first commercial introduces the partnership between Muni and DPT. The second commercial unveils the new T-Third line. PUBLIC COMMENT: Nathan Grief commended Mr. Calimquim for his work on the Boeing cars. Item 11 was considered following the Executive Director’s Report. 8. Citizen’s Advisory Council Report No report. 9. Public Comment Carolyn Devine, Aging & Adult Services, stated that the Commission applauded the new T-Third line but is concerned that eliminating the 15-Third will impact the elderly. Eliminating the 15-line will expose the frail elderly to longer transit times. Exec. Director Ford stated that the MTA is sensitive to the concerns and is examining options to mitigate the impact on seniors. THE FOLLOWING MATTERS BEFORE THE MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY BOARD OR PARKING AUTHORITY COMMISSION ARE RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION AS STATED BY THE MTA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO, PARKING AUTHORITY DIRECTOR, 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 or Parking Authority Commission, and will be acted upon by a single vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Board/Commission 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: A. Evelyn Bravos v. CCSF, Superior Ct. #440214 filed on 4/7/05 for $3,750 B. Loretta Culver v. CCSF, Unlitigated Claim #FY066064 filed on 12/1/06 for $7,000 C. City Rent-A-Car/Linda King v. CCSF, Unlitigated Claim #FY0732757 filed on 12/27/06 for $13,137.35 D. Seth Bernstein v. CCSF, Unlitigated Claim #0700499 filed on 8/29/06 for $16,400 E. S.F. Food Bank v. CCSF, Superior Ct. #448838 filed on 1/24/06 for $17,475.28 RESOLUTION 07-027 (10.2) Approving the following traffic modifications: A. RESCIND - PART-TIME BUS ZONE S- Battery Street, west side, from Sacramento Street to 76-feet northerly and Battery Street, west side, from Pine Street to 75-feet southerly. B. ESTABLISH - PART-TIME BUS ZONES, 5 AM TO 11 AM, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY - Battery Street, west side, from Pine Street to 75-feet southerly and Battery Street, west side, from Sacramento Street to 76-feet northerly. C. ESTABLISH - ONE-WAY STREET (NORTHBOUND) - Craut Street, between Silver Avenue and Trumbull Street. D. ESTABLISH - MUNI POLE STOP - Silver Avenue, westbound, at Lisbon Street. E. RESCIND - MUNI POLE STOP - Silver Avenue, westbound, at Craut Street. F. ESTABLISH - NO PARKING ANYTIME - Eucalyptus Drive, south side, from the Junipero Serra Boulevard Service Road to 33 feet westerly. G. ESTABLISH - TOW-AWAY, NO PARKING ANYTIME - Vicente Street, south side, from Portola Drive to 49 feet westerly. H. ESTABLISH – SPEED CUSHION – Lippard Avenue, between Bosworth Street and Joost Avenue. (Bond Yee) (Explanatory documents include a staff report, and resolution.) Item 10.2 H was severed from the Consent Calendar at the request of a member of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT: Leslie Sanford expressed concern that the speed humps won’t reduce traffic noise or speed and suggested that signs be installed that would prohibit heavy trucks from traveling on Lippard. Bond Yee, Director, DPT, stated that the proposed speed humps were requested by the neighborhood. These streets are considered to be alleys because they are less than 15 feet wide and can’t accommodate heavy vehicles. Director Din requested that staff report back six months after implementation. RESOLUTION 07-028 On motion to approve Item 10.2h: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Din, McCray, Nolan and Shahum ABSENT - Mezey (10.3) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to accept and expend $4,000,000 in funding from 2006 Regional Transportation Improvement Program Augmentation funds for the Third Street Light Rail Project – Phase II, Central Subway Project. (Sonali Bose) (Explanatory documents include a staff report, attachment and resolution.) Item 10.3 was severed at the request of a member of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT: Howard Strassner stated that it’s strange to have a discussion on issues associated with the Central Subway and then ask for more money. RESOLUTION 07-029 On motion to approve the Item 10.3: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Din, McCray, Nolan and Shahum ABSENT - Mezey (10.4) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to accept and expend $478,000 in funding from 2006 Regional Transportation Improvement funds for the TLC Inner Sunset Traffic Calming and Transit Enhancements Project. (Sonali Bose) (Explanatory documents include a staff report, attachment and resolution.) Director Shahum recused herself from Item 10.4 due to a conflict of interest. RESOLUTION 07-030 On motion to approve Item 10.4: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Din, McCray, and Nolan RECUSED - Shahum ABSENT - Mezey (10.5) Authorizing the award of Contract No. MR-1208, Muni Operator Restroom Project Phase III to Chiang CM Construction to provide restroom facilities for MUNI personnel in an amount not to exceed $518,912.00. (Carter Rohan) (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and financial plan.) RESOLUTION 07-031 (10.6) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to execute a professional services contract with Motorola in an amount not to exceed $370,945 for installation, integration, testing and warranty support of radio equipment that will enhance the radio coverage for Security and Enforcement Division personnel. (Antonio Parra) (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and contract.) RESOLUTION 07-032 (10.7) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to execute Contract Modification No. 7 to Contract No. MR-1141, Third Street Light Rail Project: King Street to 22nd Street, with Mitchell Engineering/Obayashi Corp., with an increase of $653,354 for a new contract value of $23,444,135.51 with no extension of time to the contract. (Carter Rohan) (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, contract modification and financial plan.) RESOLUTION 07-033 (10.8) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to execute Contract Modification No. 39 to Contract No. MR-1142, Third Street Light Rail Project: 22nd Street to Jerrold Avenue, with Mitchell Engineering/Obayashi Corp., to increase the contract value by $257,271 for a new contract value of $47,432,183 with no extension of time to the contract. (Carter Rohan) (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, contract modification and financial plan.) RESOLUTION 07-034 (10.9) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to execute Contract Modification No. 8 to Contract No. MR-1182R1, Muni Metro East Light Rail Vehicle Maintenance and Operations Facility Project, with Stacy and Witbeck to replace subcontractor Bay Area Security Service with Adams Security for no change in contract value or duration. (Carter Rohan) (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, contract modification and financial plan.) RESOLUTION 07-035 (10.10) Accepting Contract No. MR-1167R – MUNI Metro Extension – Platform Canopy and Communication System with Stacy & Witbeck/Ramirez; approving the execution of Contract Modification No. 4, and a final contract amount of $8,761,488; and authorizing release of final payment in the amount of $63,077.65. (Carter Rohan) (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, contract modification and financial plan.) RESOLUTION 07-036 (10.11) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to issue a Request for Proposals for Contract CS-139, Professional Engineering Services for Radio System Replacement Project, select the highest ranking proposer and negotiate a contract for an amount not to exceed $3,500,000 and for a contract term not to exceed 5 years. (Carter Rohan) (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, and financial plan.) RESOLUTION 07-037 On motion to approve the Consent Calendar (Item 10.2h, 10.3 and 10.4 severed): ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Din, McCray, Nolan and Shahum ABSENT - Mezey REGULAR CALENDAR MTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 11. Presentation and discussion of Central Subway Alternatives Report. (Carter Rohan) (Explanatory documents include a report.) Chairman McCray requested that Item 11 be heard prior to Item 8. Tom Matoff, Director of Transportation Planning, LTK Engineers, presented a report entitled “Review of Central Subway Alternatives”. John Funghi, Project Manager, Central Subway, discussed how the MTA incorporated Mr. Matoff’s recommendations into the design of the Central Subway and other issues associated with the recommendations. PUBLIC COMMENT: Joseph McInerny stated that he was never in favor of this project. This project will spend $1.4 billion dollars for a subway station in Chinatown to replace the loss of the Embarcadero Freeway. Instead, the most expeditious and economical alternative would be to reroute the E-line off the Embarcadero and up Broadway. The entire concept of the Central Subway is economically infeasible. Art Michel, SPUR, stated that SPUR had reservations about the present configuration. This expensive subway only serves one end of Chinatown and not North Beach or Fisherman’s Wharf. This plan doesn’t address the needs of the 30-Stockton or 45-Union riders. Mr. Michel presented three suggestions: extending the subway to stop in North Beach, coming to surface on Columbus and extending the line to Van Ness; combining trolley coaches with LRV’s in the subway; or making it entirely for trolley coaches. Claudine Cheng, Renew SF, recognized the work that staff has done to reach out to the community. The Central Subway Project is vital to easing congestion and critical to the economic vitality of Chinatown. Move the project forward. Norman Rolfe, SF Tomorrow, stated that the report raises a lot of questions and doubts and urged the Board to urge the Mayor to set up a committee to study the project. The Central Subway will increase operating expenses and will result in reduced service in other areas. Don’t take further action on this project until you have examined all the alternatives. Gerald Cauthen stated that this is a once-in-a-century opportunity to get it right. The subway needs to serve both north and south neighborhoods. The subway should be used initially for buses and then converted to rail, if and when capacity requires it. Randy Rentschler, MTC, commented that MTC and the region have focused on several key strategic projects, of which the Central Subway is one. This is a top project for the whole region. MTC has allocated $100 million of Prop 1A-C bond monies to deliver this project. Peter Hartman, Member of Central Subway, CAC, stated that his SOMA neighbors have worked with staff proactively and in positive and cooperative way to resolve their issues. They support the project as proposed. This is an integrated transit link from north to the south and gives SOMA residents direct access to Chinatown, and later, to North Beach. Substantial changes could risk funding. Katherine Roberts said that the cost for 1.2 miles of track will be $1.4 billion and suggested that the money be put into improving surface traffic. The model of restricting traffic on Market St. could be well applied to Stockton. Gordon Chin commended staff for working to address the communities’ issues. This project is tremendously important not only to Chinatown but all the way along Third St. Further changes will jeopardize funding. The Chinatown community fully supports this project. Yan Ting Huang stated that Chinatown is the most densely populated and busiest neighborhood in the city. Buses are packed and difficult to get on to. This project is necessary. Ho Qing stated that there are a lot of people in Chinatown throughout the day who come to do their shopping. Sidewalks are congested with tourists. Chinatown needs a high class transportation system. Ms. Qing stated that she lives south of Market and this project will help her. She supports the project. Rosa stated that youth use buses to get to school and to events. It takes a long time to get around the city on buses and some students have a commute of 2 hours or more. The Central Subway project will benefit youth. Leon Chow stated that the Chinatown area has the densest Chinese population and many residents are mono-lingual immigrants who have no choice but to take public transit. Other major cities have acceptable transit systems. Get this project done now Jade Wu stated that walking is faster than taking the bus. Single-room occupancy families rely on public transit to get to school and to work. Central subway is good for Chinatown and it’s a good economic plan for the city. Guang Wu Chan, Ping Yuen Development, stated that it’s difficult to get on the bus because of overcrowding and expressed hope that the Central Subway will be built soon. Rev. Norman Fong stated that he has 15,000 signatures of people who are in support of the project. Residents are trying to have faith in the process. Ms. Pelosi supports the project. Rev. Fong expressed hope that we can stop arguing publicly and get it done. Harvey Louie, Chinatown TRIP, stated that TRIP has been involved in the project since the early 1990’s. It has got to get it done now. The project has the will of the people, the elected officials, and funding. This project will relieve congestion and produce cleaner air. Howard Strassner stated that no one has ever compared Bus Rapid Transit with the Central Subway. The subway will only save a few minutes of time at cost of $1.4 billion. BRT can improve service not only for the 30-Stockton but for the entire system. Stop kowtowing to cars. This project won’t attract new riders and should be reconsidered. Richard Mylnarik stated that the city is throwing all New Starts money, Transportation Authority money and Federal funds into providing improved service to Chinatown. The BART extension to the Airport was idiotic. When you look at project costs, you will come to the same conclusion. This is the worst example of pork. Tom Radulovich, Livable City stated that if BART had had this look, BART would have gotten a lot more things right. He expressed disappointment in staff’s rebuttal. This project is not connected to the rest of transit system or to the Bay Area and needs to be rethought strategically. Many cities have converted to low-floor vehicles for lucrative benefits. The Market St. subway was designed with hollow platforms in anticipation of low-floor. James Tracy expressed support for the 20-year struggle by Chinatown to get this project built. If it had been a Russian Hill, project, it would have been done 10 years ago. Bring housing and transit justice to the neighborhood. Move the project forward. Michael Kiesling stated that the report is one of most ethical reports ever. Mr. Matoff said what he thought and should be applauded. Chinatown needs wider sidewalks. The current width does not meet ADA requirements. Speeding up the bus on Stockton will do more than the Central Subway will. There are a lot of nuanced designs that could improve public transit. Queena Chen stated that she travels 90 minutes one-way to get from where she lives to work. This project will save her 30 minutes each way every day. Students will be helped by this project. Please approve the Central Subway project. Luis Zurinaga, Transportation Authority, stated that the TA has been a funding partner with the MTA. This project was approved by the citizens of San Francisco when they approved the half-cent sales tax. The TA fully supports the project and looks forward to its’ expeditious development. Charlie Walker stated there was no consideration for black people when the MTA built the T-Third. Black people are not going to be impacted by and don’t care about the Central Subway project. Stop the train on Third St. It’s too unsafe for our people. Bob Planthold stated that a four-minute, 940-foot distance transfer is a problem for people with disabilities. The actual walking time could be as much as five and a half minutes. Mr. Planthold suggested the inclusion of moving sidewalks to address the problem. He also noted that the project will have to include at least two elevators for every station to insure accessibility. 12. Presentation and discussion of second quarter Service Standards Report. (Ken McDonald) (Explanatory documents include a staff report.) Debbie Denison, IT Project Director, presented the staff report. No public comment. 13. Approving a Contingency Reserve Policy including the goal of building a 10% Contingency Reserve in the operating budget over the next ten years. (Sonali Bose) (Explanatory documents include a staff report, policy and resolution.) Director Nolan requested that the resolution and policy be amended so the Board would approve the expenditure of funds from the contingency reserve fund in advance of expenditure. No public comment. RESOLUTION 07-038 On motion to approve as amended: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Din, McCray, Nolan and Shahum ABSENT - Mezey 14. Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to accept and expend $2,748,000 in funding from the federal Surface Transportation Program and/or Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program for various pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic calming projects for the MTC Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. Sonali Bose) (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) No public comment. Director Shahum recused herself due to a conflict of interest. RESOLUTION 07-039 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Din, McCray, and Nolan RECUSED – Shahum ABSENT - Mezey PARKING AUTHORITY COMMISSION 15. Presentation and discussion of pricing policy and free parking policyfor Parking Authority managed parking facilities. (Ron Szeto) (Explanatory documents include a report.) Ron Szeto, acting Director, Parking Authority, presented the staff report. Director Din requested information regarding volume for each parking garage rate. Commissioner Shahum requested information regarding the costs associated with each recommendation. Director Din requested that staff provide a policy regarding special parking programs at garages and storage. President McCray requested that Mr. Szeto bring the policy recommendations back to the Parking Authority Commission in May. Miguel Bustos, Liaison to CCSF Boards and Commissions, Office of Mayor Newsom, expressed support for the recommendations and for comprehensive parking reforms and urged the MTA to consider providing free transit passes to CCSF Directors and Commissioners in lieu of free parking at the Civic Center Garage. No public comment. 16. 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 (Mezey-absent). RECESS REGULAR MEETING AND CONVENE CLOSED SESSION CLOSED SESSION 1. Call to Order Chairman McCray called the closed session to order at 6:50 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
Absent: Peter Mezey – with notification Also present:
3. Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9, and Administrative Code Section 67.8 (a) (3) the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors will meet in closed session to discuss attorney‑client matters in the following case: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Anticipated Litigation: __X___ As defendant _____ As plaintiff This item was continued to April 3, 2007. 4. Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9, and 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 Anticipated Litigation: __X___ As defendant or __X__ As plaintiff This item was continued to April 3, 2007. 5. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 and Administrative Code Sections 67.8 (a) (2) and 67.12 (b) (1), the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors/Parking Authority Commission will meet in closed session to discuss real estate negotiations: CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR Property: 1300 Fillmore Street, Assessor's Parcel #0732-032. Persons negotiating: Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr., Ron Szeto, Marcia Rosen Under negotiation: Both Price and Terms of Payment This item was continued to April 3, 2007. 6. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 and the Administrative Code Section 67.8 (a) (3), the Municipal Transportation Agency Board will meet in Closed Session to discuss attorney‑client matters in the following case: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Existing Litigation: (6.1) KGO Television v. MTA et. al., Superior Court #CPF07507028 filed on 2/13/07 ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE OPEN SESSION - The closed session was adjourned at 7:16 p.m. 17. Announcement of Closed Session. Chairman McCray announced that the Board met in closed session to discuss existing litigation. The other three items scheduled for consideration in closed session were continued to the next meeting. The Board took no action in closed session. 18. 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 7:17 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 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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