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ORDER OF BUSINESS 1. Call to Order Chairman McCray called the meeting to order at 2:02 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 February 19, 2008 Regular Meeting: unanimously approved. 5. Communications Board Secretary Boomer stated that Item 10.6 regarding the emergency work in the Twin Peaks Tunnel had been removed from the Consent Calendar and will be considered separately. 6. Introduction of New or Unfinished Business by Board Members Vice Chairman Nolan requested information regarding the use of hybrid buses in the South East sector of San Francisco. Chairman McCray announced that Enid Lim, the SFMTA’s inaugural Vice Chairman, passed away. She served on the SFMTA Board from inception until 2003. Vice Chairman Nolan reviewed the memo regarding the establishment of a Policy and Governance Committee. Chairman McCray directed that the item be calendared for discussion at the March 18 meeting. (6.1) Election of SFMTA Board Chairman and Vice Chairman pursuant to SFMTA Rules of Order On motion to elect James McCray as Chairman: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan, and Oka On motion to elect Tom Nolan as Vice Chairman: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan, and Oka 7. Executive Director’s Report (For discussion only)
Executive Director/CEO Ford presented Special Recognition Awards to Jessie Katz, Executive Assistant, Transportation Planning and Development; Jay Lu, Public Information Officer, External Affairs; York Kwan, Rail Training Manager, Muni Service Delivery; and Muwafaq Sheikh, Transit Operator, Muni Service Delivery. Executive Director/CEO Ford announced that due to the current state budget crisis, the Governor approved mid-year budget cuts which redirected transportation funds to the state general fund. This sets a bad precedent for state transit funding. The FY09 budget is positive for transportation but the challenge will be to keep the funds in budget. Executive Director/CEO Ford announced that the “March Madness” competition. There are 16 teams competing and the winner will be presented to the Board at a future meeting. The Annual Rail Rodeo will take place at the Green Light Rail Facility on March 15, 2008. There will be eight operators and four maintainer teams competing. The winners will compete in the International Rail Rodeo competition on May 31, 2008. Executive Director Ford reported that there has been an increase in operator assaults and broken windows, particularly in the evenings, on the 54 and 44 lines. Operators report that young teens and adults are throwing objects. The Police Department, Muni Service Delivery and Security & Enforcement are taking action to resolve this matter. Due to damage from the January storm, repairs have been scheduled for the J-line overhead system. Work performed on the outbound side at Dolores Park last weekend went smoothly. Work on the inbound side will take place this weekend. J-Line service will be provided by shuttle buses. The Pay by Cell pilot program was scheduled to end on Feb 29 but has been extended on a month to month basis. This extension will allow the SFMTA to do more evaluation on the impact of the pilot program on revenue, compliance and enforcement. Deputy Chief Tony Parra discussed white zone enforcement in the downtown area. Director Heinicke requested that staff look into whether PCO’s could check to see if limousines were picking up taxi fares. Ken McDonald, Chief Operating Officer reported that at 1:15pm, an outbound J-Church vehicle was struck by a private vehicle. The driver of the vehicle has been transported to the hospital and is in the critical division. The SFMTA is providing shuttle service while the SFPD investigates the incident. There are no reported injuries at this time. PUBLIC COMMENT: Irwin Lum, President, TWU-250A welcomed new board members. He stated that they are working with Chief Operating Officer Ken McDonald and staff to improve safety on the 54 and 44 lines. Francisco DaCosta stated that over 25% of San Francisco’s youth live in the Bayview Hunter’s Point neighborhoods. If we don’t focus on youth and give them the ability to go to school and return home safely, we are doing a disservice. He encouraged Mr. Ford to visit schools and ask children first hand if Muni gives them the right type of safety. Parents will be less stressed. Norman Rolfe stated that we’re getting short changed by the state government. He suggested reinstating the vehicle license fee which would bring about four billion a year. This would go a long way toward restoration of funds for public transit and would fix the hole in the budget. Poor people don’t own cars and if they do, their car is worth next to nothing. People who own luxury cars would bear these costs. 8. Citizen’s Advisory Council Report No report. 9. Public Comment Peter Ehrlich welcomed Bruce Oka to the Board and stated that Director Oka is very deserving. He stated that he has known Director Oka since the early 1980’s when Muni first had accessible buses. He will be a credit to the Board. Andy Thornley, SF Bicycle Coalition, stated that the City Charter obliges the SFMTA to establish and maintain a network of continuous bike routes throughout the city. Route 30 has a dangerous condition at the Masonic and Fell intersection. The SFMTA should create a separate left turn lane from Fell onto Masonic. The Mayor and the Board of Supervisors have asked that the SFMTA bring it up. We need this dedicated turn phase to make it safe for pedestrians and cyclists. CEQA provides for an emergency exemption for taking action when there is impending danger. Mr. Thornley urged the Board to tell staff to take action and to schedule a hearing at their soonest opportunity. Susan King stated that the Bicycle Advisory Committee discussed the Masonic and Fell Street intersection and had been presented a petition by people who made compelling arguments for fixing the intersection. Cars headed west on Fell make a left-turn across a bike path. This is a dangerous situation for users of this path including seniors, mothers with baby strollers, walkers and joggers. We need to install a dedicated signal. Rachel Kraai, Fix Masonic Community Group, stated that they presented a petition with over 500 signatures requesting improvements to the area and to the Fell/Masonic intersection in particular. People are scared to use that intersection. It’s one of the top five intersections for collisions. This is an emergency situation. Ms. Kraai urged the SFMTA to make improvements and to add this matter as an agenda item at the next meeting. Mariana Parreiras stated that they would like to get traffic calming measures implemented along Masonic. She invited the Board to see the heavy use of the park and to observe the dangerous condition at this intersection. The San Francisco Police Department has said that the city has one of highest pedestrian injury rates in the country. We can’t walk more if it isn’t safe. Please take up the issue of pedestrian safety as a whole and start with the Masonic/Fell intersection. Mark Christiansen, Founder, Fix Masonic, stated that there are several intersections on Masonic Ave. that are “pain points”. This intersection is dangerous and during rush hour there are many close calls. Caitlin Kelly Henry, Safety Network, called on the Board to take action on the dangerous condition at Masonic and Fell. Ms. Henry has spoken with many neighbors who have concerns about safety. They request installation of a phased timing. Ms. Henry stated that the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors have unanimously called for action. Barry Taranto congratulated enforcement staff for wanting to be more diligent regarding white zones and suggest a warning period to alert people that white zones would be enforced. Mr. Taranto stated that the SFMTA/Taxi merger is a “folding” that needed public input. Revenues from the taxi industry are to be used to fund the taxi division. Stakeholders should have more of a say as to how the folding will take place. Mr. Taranto expressed concern that the person who would be replacing Adrienne Frazier have the experience and work history to do the job. THE FOLLOWING MATTERS BEFORE THE SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY BOARD 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 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) Approving the following traffic modifications:
Items 10.1 A and I were severed at the request of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT on Item 10.1A: Peter Ehrlich stated that the intersection at Embarcadero and Powell was a notoriously high accident intersection for F-line cars. He expressed concern regarding how this change would improve matters. (Following Mr. Yee’s report, Mr. Ehrlich rescinded his objection to the action being taken.) Bond Yee, Director, Parking and Traffic reviewed the plan. On motion to approve Item 10.1A: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan, and Oka PUBLIC COMMENT on Item 10.1I: Ken Piper requested that Board delete the establishment of “No Parking Anytime” on Faxon and Southwood. Mr. Piper stated that cars will go faster if you establish “No Parking” in the area. This item should be coordinated with the two traffic calming plans for the area. Mr. Piper expressed concern that this will result in more traffic and the area will be less safe. Bond Yee, Director, Parking and Traffic reviewed the plan and recommended that the establishment of “No Parking Anytime” on Faxon and Southwood Drive be removed. On motion to sever the establishment of “No Parking Anytime” on Faxon and Southwood Drive from Item 10.1 I and table the item: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan, and Oka On the motion to approve 10.1 I (Establishment of “No Parking Anytime” on Faxon and Southwood Drive tabled): ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan, and Oka RESOLUTION 08-040 (10.2) Approving the following traffic modifications: A. RESCIND – NO LEFT TURNS, 11 AM TO 7 PM, EVERYDAY – 25th Avenue, northbound, at Geary Boulevard (as part of proposal to reduce the number of lanes on 25th Avenue from 4 to 3 lanes) (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (Bond Yee) Items 10.2 A was severed at the request of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT: Barry Taranto stated that this is a big change and there hasn’t been enough mitigation during times of heavy traffic. He stated that the SFMTA needs to eliminate parking during peak periods to allow cars to make right turns and expressed concern that this plan hasn’t been fleshed out enough. Staff needs to look at signal timing and peak period usage. Beth Lewis, President, 25th Avenue Neighborhood Association, stated that the neighborhood had been working on this for three years. This area is unsafe and there have been many accidents in the area. The Board has previously approved the re-striping project. There is wide community support for the left turn on Geary. Andy Thornley expressed appreciation for a project that will make 25th Avenue safer. This helps the 29 line to run faster and safer. Bond Yee, Director, Parking and Traffic presented the staff report. On motion to approve Item 10.2: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan, and Oka RESOLUTION 08-041 (10.3) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to execute Master Service Agreements for elevator and escalator maintenance with Otis Elevator Company in an amount not to exceed $1,870,000 for a term of five years; with Schindler Elevator Corporation in an amount not to exceed $2,167,611 for a term of five years; and with KONE in an amount not to exceed $625,000 for a term of five years. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and agreements.) (Ken McDonald) RESOLUTION 08-042 (10.4) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to approve the award of Department of Public Works Contract No. 1387J: Contract 58 New Traffic Signals, to Phoenix Electric for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,283,849. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and financial plan.) (Bond Yee) RESOLUTION 08-043 (10.5) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to execute an Agreement to accept $130,000 from the State of California for conversion of the traffic signals at Silver Avenue/San Bruno Avenue and Silver Avenue/Bayshore intersections to City standards and to assume the obligation to operate, control and maintain the traffic signal systems. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and agreement.) (Bond Yee) RESOLUTION 08-044 (10.6) Approving the plan for the emergency work in the Twin Peaks Tunnel, including Contract Modification No. 6 to Contract No. MR-1210, Muni Metro System Subway Overhead Reconstruction Project, with Shimmick Construction Company in the amount of $1,649,589, with an extension of the Contract term of 76 calendar days. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and agreement.) (Carter Rohan) Item 10.6 was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of the Board. Carter Rohan, Senior Director, Transportation and Planning Development presented the staff report. On motion to approve Item 10.6: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan, and Oka RESOLUTION 08-045 On motion to approve the Consent Calendar (Items 10.1 A and I, 10.2 and 10.6 severed): ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan, and Oka The Board took a short recess. REGULAR CALENDAR 11. Presentation and discussion of the Transit Effectiveness Project’s draft proposals regarding Muni service and route changes. (Explanatory documents include a staff report.) (Julie Kirschbaum) Julie Kirschbaum, Manager, Transit Effectiveness Project, presented the staff report. Vice Chairman Nolan requested that the Board be informed about the input received from the community. Chairman McCray expressed appreciation on behalf of the Board for the hard work that went into the project and requested the schedule of community meetings as well as the list of individuals, organizations and community groups who would be invited to attend the meetings. Director Heinicke suggested that staff consider targeted information for the neighborhoods that will be affected by route changes and discontinuances. Director Black stated that she could be helpful with the school district and the Board of Education. PUBLIC COMMENT: Rafael Cabrera, TWU, Local 250-A, stated that they are pleased to hear that the TEP is moving. TWU members suffered in 2005 due to service cuts. He expressed appreciation to the SFMTA’s outreach efforts and added that internal outreach is the most important. David Kingston expressed support for the TEP. He stated that it’s a struggle to live in San Francisco and he can’t afford a car. For young people, having a bus stop within a third of a mile of our start and end points is okay. Mr. Kingston stated that he supports the plan including route closures. Irwin Lum, President, TWU, Local 250-A, thanked the SFMTA for this study and expressed appreciation for looking at how to get passengers from Point A to Point B in a quick and safe manner. Mr. Lum suggested that a line by line analysis of the changes would be useful to educate operators about the changes. Staff needs to be conscious about extending transit lines. Enforcement needs to be beefed up with increased fines and towing of vehicles who double park downtown. David Rogers stated that the TEP is like playing chess on three or four levels. It is a complicated plan, with one change affecting two or three other things. Mr. Rogers suggested that the 47-line stop right at Fourth and Townsend so people can see where the Caltrain station is. 12. Presentation and discussion regarding the SFMTA’s FY09 and FY10 operating budgets. (No explanatory documents.) (Sonali Bose) Sonali Bose, Chief Financial Officer, presented the staff report. PUBLIC COMMENT: Dave Snyder, SPUR, stated that cutting service to make service reliable is not acceptable. The SFMTA needs to increase resources. Mr. Snyder suggested that for the FY10 budget, the board recommend service cuts so the public can appreciate what the agency has to face to resolve a deficit of that size. Razzu Engen stated that he was disappointed not to have the Blue Ribbon Committee report. We need more money to attract new riders as well as serve current needs. Mr. Engen encouraged the Board to prioritize new and innovative ways to raise money and suggested consideration of a range of solutions to get as much money as possible. Mr. Engen suggested increasing the fee for Residential Parking Permits and expanding the program city-wide. Andy Thornley, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, stated that the Board could choose to reduce service to meet revenues and have a crummy system or pursue aspirations which would result in a great Muni for a great city. Mr. Thornley expressed hope that the Board would support the second option. He suggested adding one percent to the hotel tax to encourage visitors to ride Muni. He stated that driving a car into San Francisco is worth something and the monies received could be put back into projects such as widening sidewalks and adding bike lanes. The Board should support the reinstatement of the vehicle registration fee. Bruce Bernhardt encouraged the Board to take the high road. The “glass half empty” approach would be to reduce service to match resources. You already have one of the most crowded systems in the country. The “glass half full approach” would look at items such as parking taxes and parking impact fees. While these are not big ticket items, they would eventually add up to become a useful tool. 13. 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 5:41 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: Also Present:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Existing Litigation: A. Humberto Dominguez vs. CCSF, Superior Ct. #422963 filed on 7/31/2003 for $21,000,000 RESOLUTION 08-046 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, Nolan and Oka NAYES – McCray 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:
Employee Organizations:
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 6:13 p.m. 14. Announcement of Closed Session. Chairman McCray announced that the SFMTA Board of Directors met in closed session to discuss Humberto Dominguez vs. CCSF with the City Attorney. The Board of Directors voted six to one to settle the case with Chairman McCray opposed. The Board of Directors also held a conference with their labor negotiator. No action was taken. 15. Motion to disclose or not disclose the information discussed in closed session. On motion to not disclose the information discussed: unanimously approved. ADJOURN - The closed session was adjourned at 6:14 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 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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