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4:00 - CLOSED SESSION 1. Call to Order Chairman Vaughns called the closed session to order at 4:03 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
Also present:
3. Discussion and vote pursuant to Administrative Code Section 67.11(a) as to whether to conduct a closed session and invoke the attorney-client privilege. On motion to invoke the attorney-client privilege: unanimously approved (Din-absent). 4. Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9, and Administrative Code Section 67.8 (a) (3) the Municipal Transportation Agency Board will meet in closed session to discuss attorn‑ey-client matters in the following case: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Anticipated Litigation: ___ X ___ As defendant __ X ___ As plaintiff ADJOURN - The closed session was adjourned at 4:18 p.m. REGULAR MEETING ORDER OF BUSINESS 1. Call to Order Chairman Vaughns called the meeting to order at 4:29 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
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. 4. Approval of Minutes On motion to approve the minutes of the January 4, 2005 Regular Meeting: unanimously approved. 5. Communications (5.1) Announcement of Closed Session. Chairman Vaughns announced that the Board met in closed session to discuss anticipated litigation with the City Attorney. No action was taken. (5.2) Motion to disclose or not disclose the information discussed in closed session. On motion to not disclose the information discussed: unanimously approved. The Board Secretary announced that Item 14, awarding a contract for MR-1210, Muni Metro Subway Overhead Reconstruction, was removed from the agenda at the request of staff. The Board Secretary also announced that an overflow room had been established for the meeting. 6. Introduction of New or Unfinished Business by Board Members (6.1) Election of MTA Board Chairman and Vice Chairman pursuant to MTA Rules of Order On motion to elect Cleopatra Vaughns as Chairman and Mike Kasolas as Vice Chairman: unanimously approved. Chairman Vaughns requested a status report on the interim tow contract with AutoReturn. Exec. Director Burns stated that staff hopes to conclude negotiations and have the necessary approvals in place by the time the interim agreement is terminated. The interim agreement is currently set to expire in late March but staff is working to extend the interim contract to the end of April. This extension is necessary to allow for the approval process. Chairman Vaughns acknowledged Director Din for representing the Board at the Systemwide Operator of Month and stated that the Board's participation was important. 7. Executive Director's Report -Special Recognition Award -Annual Paratransit Report -Ongoing Activities Executive Director Burns stated that he was pleased to present this month's Special Recognition Award to Winona Kuhn, a DPT Parking Control Officer. Ms. Kuhn started with DPT in March 2000 and has been on the Midnight Street Sweeping Enforcement Team for 2 years. Between January 2003 and March 2004, the team recovered 502 stolen vehicles, of which, Winona recovered 240. Performing this difficult task was not without some degree of risk as PCO's are not armed and stolen vehicles are often found in higher crime parts of the city. Ms. Kuhn is the first PCO to be acknowledged by the California Highway Patrol. Chairman Vaughns acknowledged and commended Ms. Kuhn on behalf of the Board of Directors. The Muni token inventory has been depleted due to patron stockpiling against the expectation of a fare increase. As has been done in the past, staff will replace the tokens with a coupon booklet as an interim solution. There will be an expiration date of June 30, 2005 clearly printed on each ticket to discourage vendors and patrons from stockpiling. There has been much talk about people not paying to get on the bus. In the Metro, Proof of Payment officers are in place to verify that patrons have paid, however, that system doesn't currently exist on buses. In an effort to enforce the no rear door loading policy, the MTA had instituted a pilot program using transitional work employees on the 14-Mission line. This project has been well received by the public and transit operators. The plan is to monitor and refine the program over the next 60 to 90 days before migrating to other lines. The MTA will report the progress of this program to the Board. Last week, approximately 150 senior managers from Muni and DPT attended a two-day, off-site "Advance". The main topics addressed were the Reorganization Plan and the concept of "One MTA". They also began work on a MTA Mission, Vision & Values statement. Presentations were made on the budget and the Third Street project as well as the accident reduction initiative and the upcoming CPUC audit. An "after action" report is being prepared and will be provided to the Board upon completion. The second Rolling Gallery exhibit, "Through the Eyes of the 22," has been installed on Muni vehicles. It consists of photography from inside and around the 22-Fillmore line. An exhibition of the work can be viewed in the basement floor gallery at City Hall through March 26th. Students donated all of the artwork Annette Williams, Manager, Accessible Services presented the Annual Paratransit Report. A recent survey showed a 91% satisfaction rating among riders. Ms. Williams reviewed the 2005 work plan. 8. Citizen's Advisory Council Report Dan Murphy, Chairman, CAC, announced that the CAC was pleased to have a new secretary to assist them. The CAC is opposed to the proposal to allow alternative fuel vehicles to park for free and urged the Board to oppose the legislation. They are currently meeting with staff on the budget. The CAC is in favor of raising parking rates and suggests that the parking tax could be raised to address future deficits. The CAC is in favor of keeping the fast pass on BART. 9. Public Comment Francisco Da Costa commented that staff needs to pay attention to the Housing Element and Transportation Element of San Francisco's Master Plan. If the experts paid attention to the city's population and to seniors and the disabled, a lot of the actions that will be carried out, wouldn't be. He felt that an independent CPA should review the MTA's figures. Bob Planthold stated that he has observed safety problems that top managers and the Board are insensitive or oblivious to. These safety problems are regular and frequent such as blind people being left on the platform and escalators that don't have the front leading edge painted with a contrasting color. He stated that the Board wasn't doing their job and is not believed because of what the public sees on the system. Ellen Murray, Muni Operator, stated that she was glad to see the tremendous turnout of the public over the fare hike. There is already a secret cutback in service that has not been announced because missing runs were being held in by the highest directive of management. Equipment was being held back as well. The public and operators have a common need to oppose fare hikes and hold management accountable. Andrew Sullivan stated that Rescue Muni was concerned about fare evasion and strongly encouraged the MTA to implement Proof of Payment with rear door boarding. Rescue Muni is also concerned about missed runs and unplanned service cuts. It is important to find alternative sources of revenue to close this budget gap and for future budgets. Howard Strassner noted that many years ago, Larry Martin stated that TWU-250 wasn't interested in working with management unlike what other unions were doing at the time. He noted that workers know where the little holes are and where small savings could be made to help balance the budget. He noted that all alternative revenue sources require a two-third's vote but there would always be people in opposition to those measures. Roger Bazeley talked about the Pedestrian Master Plan and Task Force. The Senior Action Network has concerns about the safety of pedestrians. He thinks that pedestrian safety issues have fallen by the wayside. Barry Taranto described an experience he had with a transit inspector who was parked in a cabstand at Haight and Masonic. She refused to move her vehicle and used "choice words" when he called the police. He reported the incident to the Passenger Service Report department. Muni vehicles should stay out of their taxi stands or they should give taxi cab drivers a chance to move their vehicle prior to being ticketed when cabs are parked in bus zones. He suggested that the MTA look at transfers rather than raising fares. David Pilpel wondered if it were proper to issue coupon books that had an expiration date. He added that he had recently noticed a smell of urine on rubber tire and rail vehicles. 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: A. Sharon Buchanan, Superior Ct. #417501 filed on 2/19/03 for $2,000 B. Getu Tilahun, Superior Ct. #429834 filed on 3/23/04 for $3,000 C. Hang Wong, Superior Ct. #03420847 filed on 5/28/03 for $3,000 D. Edna & Fred Villanueva, Superior Ct. #02412082 filed on 8/30/02 for $3,500 E. CSAA, Superior Ct. #429453 filed on 3/9/04 for $3,600 F. Allstate (Y. Wong), Unlitigated Claim #0501171 filed on $10/6/04 for $5,575.44 G. Rose Dickson, Unlitigated Claim #0500887 filed on 6/21/04 for $5,600 H. Xem Ngo, Unlitigated Claim #0500177 filed on 7/16/04 for $6,000 I. Aida Parades, Superior Ct. #192163 filed on 9/21/01 for $6,000 (DPT) J. Firemans Fund/Ernest Thayer, Unlitigated Claim #0501263 filed on 10/15/04 for $7,629.91 K. Pedro Henriquez, Unlitigated Claim 0501007, filed on 9/21/04 for $10,000 L. Foued Chouadra, Unlitigated Claim #0501190 filed on 10/7/04 for $10,117.86 M. Elsa Vides, Superior Ct. #425153 filed on 10/6/03 for $14,000 N. Eileen McGovern, Superior Ct. #CGC04432096 filed on 6/9/04 for $16,000 O. Erica Chang & Thomas Yeh, Superior Ct. #03424874 filed on 9/29/03 for $27,500 P. Daniel Maginnis, Superior Ct. #421585 filed on 6/19/03 for $31,000 RESOLUTION 05-009 (10.2) Approving the following traffic modifications:
AA. ESTABLISH - BICYCLE LANES - Fulton Street, westbound, between Baker and Webster Streets (new bike lane); Fulton Street, eastbound, from Baker to Webster Streets (to make an existing lane permanent); Fulton Street, both sides, between Octavia and Webster Streets (to make existing lane permanent); Oakdale Avenue, eastbound and westbound, between Bayshore Boulevard and Selby Street BB. ESTABLISH - BUS ZONES - Oakdale, north side, from Loomis Street to 100 feet easterly (100 foot zone replacing far side pole stop); Oakdale Avenue, south side, from Barneveld Avenue to 100 feet westerly (100-foot zone). CC. ESTABLISH - LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT - Oakdale Avenue, eastbound, approaching Selby Street. DD. ESTABLISH - TOW-AWAY, NO PARKING ANYTIME - Oakdale Avenue, north side, from Selby Street to 175 feet easterly; Oakdale Avenue, south side, from Patterson Street to 100 feet east of Loomis Street. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, and resolution.) (DPT) RESOLUTION 05-010 (10.3) Requesting the Board of Supervisors to concur with the Controller's certification dated November 19, 2004, that it is more economical for the Municipal Transportation Agency to contract for facility security services than to provide the same services with City and County employees for fiscal year 2005-2006. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and certification.) (MUNI) This item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of a member of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT: David Pilpel asked if consideration had been given to having a combined Muni/DPT security contract. He suggested that the scope of services be scrutinized for the possibility of savings without compromising safety. RESOLUTION 05-011 On motion to approve Item 10.3: ADOPTED: AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns (10.4) Authorizing the Director to issue a Request For Proposals to solicit proposals from qualified firms to manage and operate the Municipal Railway's Employee Assistance, Peer Assistance, and Trauma Response Programs for a contract amount not to exceed $675,000 and for a term of 3 years with a one-year extension option. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and RFP.) (MUNI) The Board Secretary indicated that the date errors in the staff report had been corrected. RESOLUTION 05-012 (10.5) Authorizing the Director to issue a Notice of Invitation to Bid/RFP for a contract to manage the San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center Parking System to be awarded to the highest ranked proposer. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and RFP.) (PA) This item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of a member of the public. RESOLUTION 05-013 (10.6) Authorizing the Director to issue a Notice of Invitation to Bid/RFP for a contract to manage the Mission Bartlett Garage to be awarded to the highest ranked proposer. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and RFP.) (DPT) This item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of a member of the public. RESOLUTION 05-014 (10.7) Authorizing the Director to issue a Notice of Invitation to Bid for a contract to manage the Polk-Bush Garage to be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and RFP.) (PA) This item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of a member of the public. RESOLUTION 05-015 (10.8) Authorizing the Director to issue a Notice of Invitation to Bid for a contract to manage the 1660 Mission Street Garage to be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and RFP.) (DPT) This item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of a member of the public. RESOLUTION 05-016 (10.9) Authorizing the Director to issue a Notice of Invitation to Bid for a contract to manage the Lombard Street Garage to be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and RFP.) (PA) This item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of a member of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mark Gleason, Teamsters, Local 655, addressed Items 10.5-10.9 by stating that his union represents workers at most of the garages. He expressed the Teamsters commitment to continue to work with staff to make improvements at all garages. With respect to Items 10.7, 10.8 and 10.9, he commented that the Teamsters were interested in enhanced qualifications for operators and specifically requested that the successful operator would be required to currently be managing a facility with double the amount of space. Director McCray asked if staff concurred with Mr. Gleason's comment and if there would be technical assistance available for smaller vendors to be able to participate. He expressed concern that this requirement would impact smaller operators and would limit participation. Exec. Director Burns noted that these contracts had expired and staff was under pressure to get the RFP's moving. He requested approval to issue to RFP's and promised to meet with the Teamsters to see if staff could address their concerns. Director Din requested that the net parking income incentive tables be reviewed prior to the release of the RFP's. Exec. Director Burns stated that those tables would be reviewed. He will report back to the Board on both Mr. Gleason and Director Din's comments. RESOLUTION 05-017 On motion to approve Items 10.5 to 10.9: ADOPTED: AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns (10.10) Approving an Invitation to Bid for janitorial services for twenty-one metered parking facilities and five Department of Parking and Traffic operational facilities. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and RFP.) (DPT) PUBLIC COMMENT David Pilpel inquired if the Prop J calendar item associated with the RFP had been presented to the Board. Exec. Director Burns stated that the current Prop. J certification was still in effect. The next FY certification would be based on the contract awarded as the result of the issuance of this RFP. RESOLUTION 05-018 On motion to approve Item 10.10: ADOPTED: AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns (10.11) Authorizing the Director to issue a Request for Proposals for Contract CS-141, As-Needed Specialized Services, to receive proposals, to select a Consultant to provide technical and professional services on an as-needed basis, and to negotiate a contract with the selected Consultant for a term of up to three years and an amount not to exceed $1,000,000. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, and resolution.) (MUNI) PUBLIC COMMENT: David Pilpel expressed concern that the scope of services was vague. He noted that in the past, it had been more expensive to use consultants and suggested that the scope be narrowed to limit it to skills not available within other city departments. RESOLUTION 05-019 On motion to approve Item 10.11: ADOPTED: AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns (10.12) Authorizing the Director to accept and expend $266,666 of Low Income Flexible Transportation Program capital assistance to maintain service levels on the #108 Line between San Francisco and Treasure Island. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, and resolution.) (MUNI) RESOLUTION 05-020 (10.13) Accepting Contract No. MR-1179 Woods Facility Re-Roofing, approving the final contract amount of $1,181,937, and approving the closeout of the contract with Pioneer Roofing Organization. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and financial plan.) (MUNI) RESOLUTION 05-021 On motion to approve the Consent Calendar (Items 10.3, 10.5-10.11 severed): ADOPTED: AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns REGULAR CALENDAR MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY 11. Presentation of FY2006 MTA budget and revenue and expenditure options. (Explanatory documents include a staff report.) 12. Public hearing on proposed changes to parking rates in city-owned garages and proposed parking fees, fines and meter rates. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) At the direction of Chairman Vaughns, the Board Secretary called Items 11 and 12 together. Director Kasolas asked to be excused from the meeting. Exec. Director Burns stated that the MTA was required to have a balanced budget by March 1. Through the use of one-time resources, staff had been able to delay the difficult financial reality that the MTA currently faces, however the agency had depleted all reserves in dealing with the FY04 and FY05 deficit. Due to salary, health care and retirement costs increases, the failure of tax measures, as well as a significant increase in the cost of fuel, the deficit stands at $57.3 million. Over the past two years the agency eliminated over 200 positions and saved $80 million in expenditure reductions. Mr. Burns hopes for better news from the Controller when the mid-year report is released. Mr. Burns noted that there has been a lot of talk about making sure that people who own cars participate in resolving this crisis. He fully supports that but doesn't want to lose sight of the fact that $150 million of the MTA's budget comes through vehicle use. Cars are the single largest contributor to the budget. He reminded the Board that no single action will solve the problem and it will take some combination of actions to resolve it. Staff continues to look at longer term solutions, including a parking, vehicle or gas tax for 2006. Mr. Burns stated that quite a while ago, he requested an independent audit from the Controller. For the February 15 meeting, staff will bring a recommendation that may not address the entire deficit. Ultimately, staff is looking for a vote on the budget on February 28th to meet the March 1 deadline. Staff would like some direction from the Board regarding possible solutions. Stuart Sunshine, Deputy Executive Director, presented the FY06 budget. Chairman Vaughns thanked Mr. Sunshine for having been aggressive with solutions for the budget deficit and noted that people would be impacted. Chairman Vaughns expressed her confidence that. through a cooperative effort by the public, staff, the MTA Board and labor, a strategy for resolving this difficult situation would be found. Chairman Vaughns opened public comment by stating that the Board valued the input by the public. Due to the large number of people who wished to speak, Chairman Vaughns requested that speakers stayed on point and limited their comments to two minutes to allow everyone an opportunity to be heard. PUBLIC COMMENT: Bob Planthold, Chairman, Senior Action Network, stated that the Senior Action Network was opposed to a fare increase. He noted that eliminating transfers was tried in the 90's, however ridership declined. He suggested that management was negligent and should use the authority given by Prop. E to put measures on the ballot. Yue Hua Yu expressed concern about the proposed cuts because poor families can't make ends meet. She opposes service cuts. John Fitch can't afford to pay an increase. He rides a long way to go to school. Nancy Zepeda thinks that everyone should be heard. People who don't speak English still pay taxes. Herbert Weiner noted that revenues and ridership had declined and Prop. E standards hadn't been met. He wondered if raising fares and cutting service wasn't a violation of Prop. E. Incompetent managers should be sacked. Service is terrible. It took him an hour to get home a while back when it should have taken 25 minutes. Peter Lauterborn, SF Youth Commission, stated that youth under 16 who can't drive will be impacted by a fare increase. Students in college are finding it harder to cover their costs, let alone a fare increase. Ernestine Weiss stated that it was unfair to raise fares without an improvement in service. Residential Parking Permits should have been increased a long time ago. She suggested instituting an off-peak reduction in fares for seniors. Casey Mills, Coalition for Transit Justice, expressed concern for low-income people. He suggested that public transportation was a basic need and right. As matter of social and environmental justice, the MTA should seek recourse from those who are best able to pay. San Francisco should encourage the use of public transit. He expressed opposition to fare increases and service cuts. MTA should adopt a combination of fee and rate raising measures including garage rates, parking tax, and expanded enforcement. Norman Rolfe suggested that parking meter rates be increased. He urged elimination of the Off-Street Parking fund. All parking meter revenue should go to Muni. San Francisco should implement a vehicle license fee and should raise rates at city-owned garages to just below market rates. The MTA will lose ridership if they charge for transfers. Rodney Talmadge stated that the City should go after fare evaders. Fares should have stayed at .75 cents and should never have been raised to $1.00. The MTA should call on TWU operators to enforce the fare policy and make cheaters pay. The City may have to shut down to get workers to save money. Bao Yan Chen, Community Tenant Association, stated that they are deeply concerned about a fare increase. It will hurt poor people who rely on Muni for their daily lives. They already have difficulty paying high rents and many families face unemployment. Don't impose another fare increase but consider alternative ways to maintain bus service. They have collected 200 signatures in opposition to the fare increase. Bruce Allison suggested adding more parking meters in District 2 and 7 to raise funds. Jose Alfaro, SF Day Labor Program, stated that if the fares go up, he would have less time and means to be able to go to work and take his children to school. Inspectors are necessary to make sure everyone pays. Don't raise fares. Jose Echeverria, SF Day Labor Program, asked the Board to reconsider their actions against the community. A fee increase would be devastating. The community shouldn't have to pay for the MTA's errors. Larry Davis commented that more money for less service wasn't good. He added that Muni's buses are washed by G.A. recipients. Dan Krause, Rescue Muni, stated that it was critical that revenues be increased to the maximum level possible. The Board needs to strongly advocate for parking revenue increases and support a gas tax. Sacramento should be lobbied to reinstate a vehicle license fee. Andrew Sullivan, Rescue Muni, expressed concern about fare increases and service reductions and was pleased to see increases to parking fees and fines. He suggested raising fines by $10 rather than $5, and increasing meter rates by $1.00 rather than $.50. There should be a fee for overweight vehicles and staff should consider putting a parking tax on ballot that will increase the tax by $10. Rescue Muni opposes the proposal to charge for or eliminate transfers, charging extra for express service or doing away with the ability to use the fast pass on BART. Louis Frias noted that poor people live on a tight budget and can't afford a fare increase. James Collins commented that any fare increase or service reduction will rob transit riders. He thinks that "downtown" should pay for it. A rider strike will be implemented if necessary. Ellis McDonald stated that the MTA would get nothing if fares were raised. Bus drivers don't check transfers and many board through the back door for free. An increasing number of people are pissed off by being gouged. A Downtown Transit Assessment District would not put an unfair burden on riders. Richard Marquez stated that he wasn't convinced that a fare increase wasn't in conflict with Transit First Policy. He thought that it was time to consult a civil rights attorney to see if rider rights were being violated. He agreed with the Chronicle, which asked the Board to spread the pain. Downtown should pay what they owe and need to be taxed. Tom Wetzel spoke in opposition to fare increases and service reductions. A hike is an unjust progressive tax and a 50% fare hike in two years is absurd. The City Charter mandates management to pursue other revenues before seeking a fare hike. He supports all parking, and motor vehicle fee hikes. He suggested that the MTA pursue a gross receipts tax on office rentals. Susan Vaughan, SF Green Party, opposed raising revenues and cutting service. She supports increased meter rates downtown and along commercial corridors, expanding the hours of meter operation. She suggested that the Residential Parking Permit should be expanded and should include the cost of fast passes. The MTA should advocate for a vehicle registration surcharge. Bill Murphy commented that any increase in fares and decrease in service would create a hardship for him and others, including seniors, students, disabled, and the homeless. He thinks that the MTA should tax car use rather than transit use. He supports increases in the TIDF, fees for parking downtown, and fines for vehicles. Make big corporations pay their fare share. Aracely Lara thanked the Board for listening to the community. She hopes the Board will not allow fare increases because they hurt poor people. Guillermina Castellanos has lived in the Mission for 10 years and depends on public transportation for her health and for her job. The poorest and hardest workers can't afford a fare increase. She thinks that the increase would be very bad for the poor people. Gary Hock stated that Muni was riding on the "corporate greed express" and was taking the public for a ride. He pointed out that bus fares were increased in Sept. 2003 and since then, there had been no improvement in Muni's fleet, specifically on the 6, 14 and 49 lines. Aurora Grajeda is an SRO resident who commented that Muni should make the fare more affordable and the service more efficient. The 14-Mission bus is always fully loaded and riders get on the back. Muni should move people in the fastest way at the lowest possible price. Meredith Walters noted that people were upset with the proposal and were organizing against an "unfair fare increase". Supervisors Mirkarimi, Daly and Ammiano are opposed to the increase, as are many other neighborhood and community organizations. Most riders are seniors or low-income people and shouldn't have to bear this burden. Don't raise the fares. Emma Gerould stated that she is opposed to a fare increase. It should be clear by the number of people who came to the hearing that people can't afford another fare hike. The MTA should tax the rich and the corporations. A solution can be found, such as increasing garage and parking fees and fines. Marc Saloman stated that Prop E requires the Mayor, Board of Supervisors and the MTA to diligently seek to develop new sources of funding. The MTA has enabling legislation and other tools that the MTA could have been using for the past five years to prevent this from happening. He urged the MTA to avail itself of the opportunity of what Prop E allows. Tom Radulovich, Transportation for a Livable City, stated that TLC was disappointed that a disproportionate share of the budget had been balanced by Muni riders last year. The MTA has the ability to put things directly before the voters. He noted that while the two tax measures failed in San Francisco, five neighborhood counties passed sales tax measures. Subsidizing parking and driving will result in clogged streets and increased harm to the environment. Prince Bush stated that he was sick of listening to people talk because those speakers didn't catch the bus. If buses were run like cable cars, there wouldn't be a problem because you pay to ride a cable car. People who board the back of the bus don't pay the fare. Susan King stated that she rides from the Haight Street to Visitation Valley every day and is struck by the lack of transportation services in the South East section of the city. People suffer from immense poverty. Raising fares and cutting already inadequate service will put further strain on those families at greatest risk. She urged the Board to investigate all other options before balancing the budget on the backs of the poor. She also suggested that when assessing fees on automobile drivers, poor car drivers shouldn't pay more than what they can afford. Diana Valentine suggested that while a .25-.50 cent raise might mean nothing to the Board, to people who just saw their GA bill slashed, it meant something. This budget is about trade-offs and is about being fiscally sound. It is not efficient to take the most from those who can least afford it. Drivers do a hard job and should be appreciated. Shirley Bierly stated that people who live on social security, students or the disabled couldn't afford a fare increase. She doesn't think that eliminating transfers is the best way to go. The MTA shouldn't raise fares but should get the money another way. Allison Lum stated that access to transportation is about race and class and is about transportation priorities. Pitting operators against riders doesn't fly. This proposal affects people of color and people who can't afford to pay an additional .25 cents. David Pilpel stated that Muni should cut service in targeted areas where there is more service than there is ridership. He stated that additional PCO's should be hired because there's not enough enforcement and they could cover their own salaries. He is opposed to eliminating transfers. Delaying materials & supplies is a risky proposition and isn't a good idea. David Tornheim stated that the Public needed to be involved. Central City Progressives recommendations were consistent with the Coalition's thoughts. The MTA should be honest with the people and tell them what's going on. The MTA should go after downtown, and tax overweight vehicles. The rule of thumb is to tax the behavior you don't want and subsidize the behavior that you do want. Joe Shipman stated that his neighbor thinks that a fare hike would mean spending more money on public transportation than if she bought and used a car. Old folks, people on a stuck salary, and downtrodden people can't afford a fare increase. He would like to see a full-blown rider strike. Jessica Copy, SF Youth Commission, stated that she wanted to speak on behalf of the youth in her neighborhood who can't afford a fare hike. She doesn't use Muni often because $50 for a fast pass is a lot of money. If you raise fares, students will have a harder time buying school supplies. Keep the youth in mind. Fran Taylor suggested that drivers should protest any fare increases. Muni riders allow car drivers to drive on the streets. If you want to clog the streets, then raise fares. What an increase would convey is that driving a car is more important than riding public transit. Sandra Boldridge noted that her salary goes for her basic needs. Consideration should be given to people who are disabled and can't afford a fare increase. It would hurt Muni if people didn't buy a fast pass and paid their fare in pennies, Rosalind Orcutt stated that she lives in an SRO hotel and rides the 49 and 27 lines. She is paying too much for public transportation as it is and hopes the MTA doesn't raise fares. Jacqueline Besser, President, SF Parking Association, expressed her thoughts about the proposal to increase the parking tax by 10%. Precedents have already been set in other cities that show that increasing the parking tax doesn't work and is a mistake. Additional taxes may cause regional residents to use other restaurants and shopping areas. Most people who use garages are residents who use their cars because public transportation isn't fast and efficient. Kitzia Estera is a high school student who rides Muni every day. Her mother can't afford a car. The decision to increase fares is racist and classist because most riders can't afford a car and are workers. Tom McDonald wondered about the efficiency of the Muni workforce and management and thinks that increasing fares is inconsistent with the Transit First Policy. Jose Duarte stated that he knows families who don't send their children to school because they can't afford the bus fare. Raising fares isn't the best thing to do at this time. He urged the MTA to make a conscious decision to find the funds somewhere else. Francis DeGuerra talked about six-member families who live in a 10 x 10-foot room. It's difficult for them to live and buy food. These people were relying on the Board to consider them. They don't have any money to buy food and are already suffering. Charles Pitts wondered why riders were the ones to pay when there were financial problems. It's inappropriate to cut service and raise fares. The Agency should get better ideas. Chairman Vaughns closed public comment. Director Din requested a presentation on other options if a fare increase wasn't enacted. Deputy Exec. Director Sunshine stated that if the Board didn't wish to pursue a fare increase, they would have to approve deeper service cuts. Staff will present those options to the Board at the next meeting. Exec. Director Burns added that if the Board eliminated one of the options, the other options would have to be increased. If the Board took fares out of the mix, the Board would have to consider deeper service cuts and higher fees and fines. He noted that there is a direct relationship between raising those fees and the people using them. Burns added that while staff was pursuing longer-term measures it's not good policy to count on something passing at the ballot to solve the budget deficit. Chairman Vaughns noted that 70% of the budget was used to pay salaries and fringe benefits. Chairman Vaughns noted that, should there be service cuts, some people might have to walk a little further. The MTA budget is in serious trouble and the Board needs to deal seriously with it. Director Mezey stated that the problem that the MTA was facing this year and next is severe and it looks like it's going to get worse. The MTA faced a structural problem with rising health care costs, and increasing contributions to the retirement plan. Some of Mr. Sunshine's proposals won't solve the FY05/06 problem but the MTA had a duty to look to those measures as a means to solve future deficits. He suggested that the MTA increase environmental, gas and parking taxes and registration fees. Director Mezey stated that while he was personally moved by the appeals made by the speakers, the Board's obligation was to balance the budget and to do that; a fare increase will be required. He is in favor of a .25 increase but would like to see seniors, discount and youth fares exempted. Transfers could eliminated but it would be a mistake to charge for transfers, because it would cut into the fabric of the fare system. Fast pass use on BART falls into the same category as transfers. Chairman Vaughns requested an analysis on the depth of the service cuts that would be fair "across all neighborhoods". Director McCray asked staff to provide further explanation for how service was increased by 7.1% when there was a 4.1% decline in ridership. He also requested an analysis of what actions could or couldn't be done under Prop. E., what those actions would cost as well as any other issues associated with those actions. MUNICIPAL RAILWAY 13. Authorizing the Director to execute the Termination Agreement for Contract No. MR-1182R, Muni Metro East Light Rail Vehicle Maintenance and Operations Facility Project with McCarthy Building Companies; and accept assignments of McCarthy's existing agreements with Butler Enterprise Group, Railcar Quality Services, R.W. Dodson Management Consulting, Resun Leasing, Power Plus, National Construction Rental and Protection Services Industries subject to modification to assure compliance with City and FTA requirements. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and agreement.) At the direction of Chairman Vaughns, the Board Secretary called item 13 before items 11 and 12. PUBLIC COMMENT: David Pilpel inquired about the final costs incurred by the contract and requested an update on the project schedule. MTB stated that it was difficult to quantify the impact to the schedule. There would be some impact but this was a necessary action. RESOLUTION 05-022 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns 14. Authorizing the Director to award Contract No. MR-1210, Muni Metro Subway Overhead Reconstruction, to Shimmick Construction Co., including the option to furnish additional spare parts, for a total contract amount of $8,020,500; and, authorizing the Director to execute an amendment to furnish section insulators in the amount of $77,000. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and financial plan.) Item 14 was removed from the agenda at the request of staff. ADJOURN - The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 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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