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4:00 - REGULAR MEETING

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1.   Call to Order

Chairman Vaughns called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m.

2.   Roll Call

     Present:  

  • Shirley Breyer Black
  • Wil Din
  • Michael Kasolas
  • James McCray, Jr.
  • Peter Mezey
  • Cleopatra Vaughns

3.    Announcement of prohibition of sound producing devices during the meeting.

Chairman Vaughns announced that the ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at the meeting.   She advised that any person responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices may be removed from the meeting.

4.   Approval of Minutes

On motion to approve the minutes of the June 1, 2004 Regular Meeting: unanimously approved.

5.   Communications

6.   Introduction of New or Unfinished Business by Board Members

-Report on the Policy for Installation of Speed Humps

Executive Director Burns stated that the Board had requested a report on the policy regarding installation of speed humps.   Bond Yee, Acting Deputy Director, DPT, briefly summarized the process and policy.   Chairman Vaughns noted that a written memorandum was included in the packet received by the Board last week.

Director Kasolas asked for status reports on the bike plan and the traffic-calming plan for the July 20 meeting.


7. Director's Report

    -Taxi Commission

    -Sunshine Labor Agreements

     -Ongoing Activities

Executive Director Burns is taking the formal action required by Prop. E to sunshine labor agreements, including public disclosure of the contents of tentative agreements and a cost analysis, for at least 30 days prior to adoption by the MTA Board.   The MTA reached agreement with SEIU Local 790 and TWU 250-A (7410/9132) through mediation.   TWU Local 200 and IBEW Local 6 agreements were the result of arbitration awards.   Copies of the agreements and cost analysis are available at 401 Van Ness and are also on the website.   The MTA board will be asked to vote on these agreements at their July 20 meeting.   The Board of Supervisors will approve the citywide contracts.

On Monday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. MUNI and the Friends of the Cable Car Museum will hold the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Rebuilding of the Cable Car System.   The event will be at the Cable Car Barn.   The Preliminary Competition for the 42nd Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest also takes place on the 21st .   The World Champion Cable Car Bell Ringer Competition will be held on Thursday, July 8th, at Noon in Union Square.

The Geary Transit Improvement Project went to the Department of Parking & Traffic Hearing on Friday, June 4th.   Approximately 20 people spoke at the hearing.   The most controversial issue was the removal of bus stops.   Nine people spoke in opposition, and nine spoke in favor of removing the bus stops and in support of the project overall. Other speakers raised concerns about loss of parking due to the right and left turn pockets as well as the addition of tow-away hours and new truck loading zones. Several speakers urged DPT to ensure rigorous enforcement of the yellow zones to prevent double parking.

The Hearing Officer approved the package of projects.   This item will be before the MTA Board for approval in July.   The people who attended the hearing will be notified as soon as that date is set.

On Tuesday, June 7th , the Biotech Convention was being held at Moscone Center.

Street Closures on Howard Street and demonstrations by protestors impacted Muni service. Delays began around 7:00 a.m., due to protestors sitting in intersections of 3rd & 4th at Howard Street, and ended at approximately 12:45 p.m.   During the evening, all routes on Market St were rerouted and PCO's were deployed to redirect traffic.

In October 2003, the MTA and the Board of Supervisors approved an increase in the contracting authority to allow the Paratransit Broker to meet increased demand for paratransit services.   The Board of Supervisors approved contracting authority through FY04, but requested that we return to them to seek the remainder of the contracting authority for FY05.   This request for the release of reserves is about to be heard by the Board of Supervisors. We expect this to be routine, especially in light of our ability to stay on budget within the paratransit portion of our budget.   The Board of Supervisors will consider the Transit Advertising Contract next week.   A Board of Supervisors committee also considered a proposal to change the Transit Impact Development Fee.   This legislation requires an additional hearing prior to adoption by the full Board of Supervisors.   There is considerable support for the fee.  

Jose Cisneros, Deputy General Manager, Capital Planning, reviewed the Mayor's proposal to move the powers and duties of the Taxi Commission to the MTA Board of Directors.    Chairman Vaughns stated that she looks forward to this acquisition with great anticipation.

8. Citizen's Advisory Council Report

Daniel Murphy, Chairman, CAC presented the CAC's recommendations.  

9.   Public Comment

Glenda Lavigne is concerned about Directors who are supposed to ride the bus.   Maybe the Board wouldn't get so much "negative" if Board members did ride.   They should fill out a form similar to the police.   Employees don't know Board members except for the Chairman and the new director who came to the divisions.   You have to develop trust and see firsthand what's happening to employees.  

Barry Taranto reported that he had a good conversation with a transit inspector.   Not all of the colleagues of this inspector understand the needs of taxi drivers.   There is $282,000 in the budget for Consumer Assurance.   Do you want staff to inspect taxi meters?   It's not right to give the job that the MTA Board should be doing to a deputy director.   Since taxicab drivers are working at 4:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. is a better time to hold meetings.   The DPT hearing officer should have sent back the Geary and O'Farrell traffic modifications for a compromise, as some issues weren't resolved.   That hearing will be contentious and long.   These modifications will allow for a taxi stand next to the Mitchell Brothers Theater.

Joseph Cowan discussed the Muni photo department.   Last week a layoff notice was given to the sole staff member in that department.    This was a last minute decision and was made in haste.   This department includes a historic photo collection dating back to the 1880's, with over 12,000 old photographs and 45,000 contemporary photos.   Neglecting this collection would be a loss to the city.   Either take steps to preserve it or insure that it goes to a proper conservator.  

David Tornheim, Central City Progressives, agrees with the previous speaker.   Money should be invested in service rather than capital projects.   He agrees that the MTA Board should ride regularly.   The CAC report didn't reflect public opposition to service cuts.   Supervisor Sandoval has a charter amendment to set annual salary of Director of Transportation to not exceed $250,000.   The Supervisors should approve the contract between Director and the MTA Board and the MTA budget.   The Controller should administer a quality review study.

Patricia Vaughey, PADS, Cow Hollow and Marina Merchants, stated that Bond Yee coming in as the head of DPT is good because there will be someone in charge who has actually worked in department.   Neighbors had no input about the speed humps in Jordan Park.   Marina neighbors are on a fixed income and don't have the money for traffic calming projects.   She has seen bike rack notices that were put up 150 feet away from where they were going to be installed.   She has seen changes made without any neighborhood notification.   There has got to be an improvement in outreach to the public.

Herbert Weiner is concerned that the proposed cutbacks will fall short of the objectives of Prop E.   The motto of Muni will be "once you've missed one bus, you've missed them all".    What redress will there be when things go bad?   The Board will be overwhelmed.   He has experienced a bus rear door slamming on him four times, which he has reported several times but has received no response.   This proposal is based on the contempt of the public and hatred of drivers.  

James Bryant, SEIU 790, talked about an "ecological society" of Muni.   In 1993, Muni lost their sense of guidance and public confidence.   The Board is laying off more employees than Frank Jordan did.   You were tasked with fixing Muni but you can't write off 40 clerks and think that operations are going to get done, letters typed, or proper procedures followed.   San Francisco is a Transit-First city.   This is about to be lost.   Men and women, clerks and mechanics are a vital part of the Railway.   Take a serious look at what's going on.   Muni won't be able to function without these people.  

THE FOLLOWING MATTERS BEFORE THE MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY BOARD ARE RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION AS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION, AND CITY ATTORNEY WHERE APPLICABLE.   EXPLANATORY DOCUMENTS FOR ALL CONSENT AND REGULAR CALENDAR ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT 401 VAN NESS AVE. #334.

CONSENT CALENDAR

10.   All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Calendar, are considered to be routine by the Municipal Transportation Agency Board, and will be acted upon by a single vote of the Board.   There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Board or the public so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered as a separate item.

(10.1) Requesting the Controller to allot funds and to draw warrants against such funds available or will be available in payment of the following claims against the MTA:

  1. Martha Zavaleta, Superior Ct. #401951, filed on 12/3/01 for $4,500
  2. Nader Marvi, Unlitigated Claim #0402732, filed on 3/18/04 for $5,577.57
  3. Carmen Perez De Martin, Superior Ct. #428485, filed on 2/2/04 for $7,000
  4. Ronnie Putman, Unlitigated Claim #0402216, filed on 2/6/04 for $7,000
  5. David Dunnell, Unlitigated Claim #0402217, filed on 2/6/04 for $8,000
  6. Allstate Ins., Superior Ct. #CGC03422128, filed on 7/7/03 for $15,000
  7. Gregory Bento, Superior Ct. #04429533, filed on 9/16/03 for $15,000
  8. Lumbermen's Mutual, Superior Ct. #420985, filed on 6/2/03 for $16,500
  9. Summer Latouf, Superior Ct. #400025, filed on 8/30/02 for $39,000
  10. Tecla Mendoza, Superior Ct. #428485, filed on 2/2/04 for $40,000

RESOLUTION 04-084

(10.2) Approving the following traffic modifications:

  1. ESTABLISH - METERED MOTORCYCLE PARKING   - 12th Street, east side, from 119 feet to 140 feet south of Kissling Street (between the driveways of the parking garage).
  2. ESTABLISH - PERPENDICULAR (90-DEGREE ANGLE) PARKING (legislates existing conditions) - Broadway, both sides, from Taylor Street to 250 feet westerly Broadway, south side, from Taylor Street to Himmelman Place Green Street, north side, From Taylor Street to Mason Street, Jones Street, east side, from Vallejo Street to Filbert Street.
  3. RESCIND - NO PARKING ANYTIME - Oak Street, north side, from Masonic Avenue to 200 feet westerly.
  4. ESTABLISH - TOW-AWAY NO STOPPING, 3 PM TO 7 PM, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY - Oak Street, north side, from Masonic Avenue to 300 feet westerly.
  5. RESCIND - TOW-AWAY NO STOPPING, 7 AM TO 9 AM, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY - Oak Street, north side, from Ashbury Street to 100 feet easterly.
  6. ESTABLISH - ANGLE (45-DEGREE) PARKING -25th Avenue, east side, from Noriega Street to 90 feet northerly, 25th Avenue, east side, from Noriega Street 72 feet southerly
  7. ESTABLISH - ANGLE (60-DEGREE) PARKING - Noriega Street, south side, between 24th and 25th Avenues (replacing 45-degree parking)
  8. ESTABLISH - TOW-AWAY, NO STOPPING ANYTIME - Lyon Street, west side, from 16 feet south of Chestnut Street to 16 feet north of Chestnut Street (100-foot zone)
  9. RESCIND - NO PARKING 9 AM - 5 PM, EXCEPT SUNDAYS, ESTABLISH, NO PARKING 8 AM - 4 PM, EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS -   Staples Street, north side, between Phelan and Hazelwood Avenues.
  10. ESTABLISH - RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING AREA "W" (2-HOUR TIME LIMIT, 8 AM - 6 PM, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY) - Florida Street, both sides, between 22nd and 23rd Streets, 23rd Street, both sides, between Bryant and Florida Streets
  11. RESCIND - NO PARKING, 7 AM - 6 PM - Rolph Street, south side, from Mission Street to 100 feet easterly
  12. ESTABLISH - RIGHT TURN ONLY AFTER CANDLESTICK PARK EVENTS - Hawes, Ingalls and Jennings Sts, southbound, onto westbound Ingerson Ave.
  13. ESTABLISH - NO LEFT TURNS AFTER CANDLESTICK PARK EVENTS - Griffith, Hawes, Redondo, Ingalls and Jennings Streets, northbound, onto westbound Ingerson Ave.
  14. INSTALL - TRAFFIC SIGNALS - Avalon Avenue, Theresa and Mission Streets, Bryant Street at Boardman Place (Hall of Justice), California and Octavia Streets, California and Stockton Streets, Great Highway and John F. Kennedy Drive, Skyline Boulevard and Lake Merced Boulevard/Herbst Road (North).
  15. ESTABLISH - TOW-AWAY, NO STOPPING FROM 7 AM - 9 AM, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, ESTABLISH - TOW-AWAY LANE MUST TURN RIGHT - Irving Street, south side, from 19th Avenue to 64 feet westerly
  16. ESTABLISH- RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING AREA "S" (2-HOUR TIME LIMIT, 8 AM - 9 PM, MONDAY THORUGH FRIDAY - Hill Street, both sides, between Noe and Sanchez Streets

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Patricia Vaughey asked that item 10.2 H be severed.   She wanted to put the Board on formal notice that neighbors don't want this traffic change to proceed.   The neighbors previously requested an extension of time to present alternatives but they have been denied the right of due process.   She wants to go on formal record that all 26 immediate neighbors oppose this gate.  

Barry Taranto spoke about items 10.2 L and M, stating that at a recent public hearing it was agreed that taxis would be exempt from Items L and M.   The legislation should state that taxis are exempt.

Jack Fleck, Deputy Director, Traffic Engineering noted that regarding the Lyon Street gate (Item H), DPT staff held three public hearings.   Each one was contentious with new issues being raised at each hearing.   This is located at the corner of Lyon and Chestnut Streets adjacent to new development in the Presidio.   It consists of a new access gate for pedestrians and for emergency vehicles.     The Presidio Trust is also providing for a pedestrian ramp that is ADA accessible.   There is a 6,000-pound weight restriction on this street and there is currently a proposal to prohibit tour buses carrying more than 10 people from using this location as a drop off point.   There isn't a lack of parking during the day or evening.   Staff is in full compliance with the notice requirement and did review alternative designs with the neighbors and they recommend approval of this item.

As far as the taxi exemption for Items L and M, staff supports inclusion of the taxicab exemption in the resolution. Chairman Vaughns requested that the resolution be amended to include this exemption.

RESOLUTION 04-085

(10.3) Authorizing the Director to apply for, accept and expend $3,929,039 in TEA 21 Section 5309 capital assistance for Islais Creek Facility design and construction.   (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (MUNI)

RESOLUTION 04-086

(10.4) Authorizing the Director to apply for, accept, and expend $872,525 in Bicycle Transportation Account, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and Transportation Development Act grant funds to implement various projects and programs recommended in the San Francisco Bicycle Plan. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (DPT)

RESOLUTION 04-087

(10.5) Approving a bid call for DPW Contract No. 0777J: Potrero Avenue Traffic Signal Upgrade, to solicit bids from contractors qualified to upgrade existing traffic signals at the intersections of Potrero Avenue and Alameda Street, Mariposa Street and 15th through 25th Streets.   (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and financial plan.) (DPT)

Director Kasolas asked that 10.5 be severed from the Consent Calendar.   He asked for an explanation about this action as it relates to other traffic calming and bike lane projects.   Bond Yee, acting Deputy Director, DPT noted that this action is the permanent upgrade to temporary changes made after the 1989 earthquake.   It will put all wiring underground and the project is designed to be flexible so it can take bike lane installations and other potential improvements into account.   Director Kasolas would like staff to address this further when they update the Board on the Bike Plan.

RESOLUTION 04-088

(10.6) Approving a bid call for DPW Contract No. 0847J: Cesar Chavez Street Traffic Signal Upgrade, to solicit bids from contractors qualified to upgrade existing traffic signals at the intersections of Cesar Chavez Street and South Van Ness Avenue, Shotwell Street, Folsom Street, Harrison Street, and Bryant Street. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and financial plan.) (DPT)

RESOLUTION 04-089

(10.7) Approving the lease agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for approximately 310 feet of track at Third Street and Cargo Way for a term of 25 years, for $10 per year, and a one-time administrative fee of $500, for a total cost of $750, and requiring the City to maintain and repair the track and construct and maintain a railroad crossing signal system.   (Explanatory documents include a staff report, and resolution.) (MUNI)

RESOLUTION 04-090

(10.8) Approving McCarthy Building Companies' proposal to retain Butler Enterprises Group, in association with Rail Quality Services and R.W. Dotson Management Consulting, as the DBE Technical Assistance Firm for Contract No. MR-1182R, Muni Metro East Light Rail Vehicle Maintenance and Operations Facility Project, at no additional cost to Muni. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (MUNI)

RESOLUTION 04-091

On motion to approve the Consent Calendar (Items 10.2 H, L, M and 10.5 severed):

ADOPTED:   AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns

On motion to approve Item 10.2 H:

ADOPTED:   AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns

On motion to approve Item 10.2 L and M as amended:

ADOPTED:   AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns

On motion to approve Item 10.5:

ADOPTED:   AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns

REGULAR CALENDAR

 

11.   Approving $10,087,677 in revisions to the FY2005 operating budget, resulting in a total budget request of $486,033,332 for the Municipal Railway Department; $3,232,478 in revisions to the FY2005 operating and capital budget, resulting in a total budget request of $75,859,976 for the Department of Parking and Traffic; and re-certifying that the FY2005 budgets of the Municipal Railway Department and the Department of Parking and Traffic are adequate to make substantial progress towards meeting the goals, objectives, and performance standards. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.)

Executive Director Burns stated that in February the Board requested that adjustments to the budget come back for approval by the Board.   Today's action requests approval of approximately $10 million in additional changes to the budget since the Board adopted it on February 27.   Two million dollars has been added to the operations budget and the remaining eight million dollars is for capital projects.   These capital projects have their own separate funding sources and are not funds that could be used for operating expenses.   Including these projects in the MTA's budget request will eliminate the need for a separate supplemental appropriation request to the Board of Supervisors.   DPT has seen an increase by three million dollars to their budget with some increases in revenue being offset but expenditures.   The item today is not requesting Board approval for layoffs or service adjustments.   When the Board adopted the budget in February, the action included approval of a financial target for labor and service adjustments.   Individuals have been notified of layoffs.   As result of a recent arbitration decision, the MTA is required to lay off additional personnel.   The action before the Board is approval of technical adjustments to the budget for items occurring after February 27 and through June 1.

Alicia Fletcher, Budget Director reviewed the changes in the budget.  

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Ellen Murray, Muni operator, stated that these changes include a large increase in capital spending and expenditures.   She is opposed to the expansion of the capital budget at the expense of the operating budget.   Cutbacks in services will have a profound effect on the operators and the public.   You don't reduce accidents by cutting service and by making it worse for drivers.   There needs to be more money to improve the health and safety for operators.

David Pilpel suggested that the resolution be amended to state that the Board should review changes to personnel counts.    Layoffs and reductions in force make sense in that they make the organization run more efficiently but it's tough to determine given the minimal level of narrative provided to the public.   Staff cutbacks are disproportionate for SEIU 790.   You need clerical people to run the organization.   FY06 will be worse because of the way staff proposes to resolve this year's deficit.    Staff should cut levels of service that don't violate service standards and where it won't impact loads.

Judy Triantos Argo is sitting in a position that is being eliminated.   She has been told that her position will be contracted out to lesser-qualified personnel.   Her classification requires technical knowledge of worker's compensation issues and employee rights.

Kathleen McCallum discussed layoffs. The Board should look at other possibilities such as consolidating work locations such as 875 Stevenson and 401 Van Ness.   She wondered how many people making over $75,000 are being laid off.   Secretaries and clerks are needed.   The board should explore and exhaust every avenue to prevent these layoffs.

Bruce Williams, Field representative for SEIU 790, spoke on behalf of all 790 workers about the failure of management to provide critical information about the layoff notices.   SEIU has received no seniority lists, no list of vacant classifications and no budget information.   The law requires this information to be provided in a timely manner.   He asks the Board to instruct management to meet this legal requirement.   If we don't receive the information by June 18, they have no choice but to go to court to seek an injunction.  

Mike Lonergan, Executive Board, Local 200, thinks it's important that if you're going down the wrong path, it's not too late to change.   These proposed cuts take Muni back in time seven years.   The budget for Transit Supervisors is smaller than what it was in 1998 if the layoffs go into effect.   The budget doesn't provide adequate money for supervision.  

Milagros Roberts works at the Muni Peer Assistance Program.   She has received a layoff notice for the second year in a row.   Other employees in her office are out in the field all day and she is the only one in the office who is available for employees who need help.   She is the lowest paid employee in that office.   It doesn't make sense to lay her off to save money.

David Tornheim agrees that resolution should be amended to not allow the Executive Director to make these technical adjustments.   Over 600 people made comment opposing the service cuts over the past few months, and there were a number of different meetings to discuss service adjustments with the public.   Now, Burns is trying to claim that the Board's authorization was made prior to this public input.   The public didn't know what was going on when the budget was voted on Feb 27th.   The Board should take the power to look at the budget and say that it is unacceptable.   The extra $10 million should be used for what the public cares about.   If the Board doesn't take separate action on the service cuts and layoffs, he'll have to go with the Sandoval legislation.

Carlos Colon coordinates charters and special events for Muni.   There's lots of money that can be earned.   We don't charge enough to charter a vehicle.   When he began working with Muni in 2001, he thought the price to charter a cable car or historic vehicle was low.   It's still the same price and Muni could make money by raising the fare.   Staff should look at other things that can be done to increase revenue.

Dave Winters is a multi-media production specialists and one of the people being laid off.   He understands the significant budget problems but sees areas where revenue can be earned. Nobody has taken him up on his suggestions.   For example, Muni and DPT should be merged.   There is large savings in going after workman's compensation fraud.   Muni seems to be hiring people such as a Deputy General Manager of Transportation for high salaries but laying off people who make less.   The historic photos are another gold mine if they are marketed.

Sylvia Alvarez Lynch stated that it's unconscionable to be hiring people while people are being laid off.   She has heard that the 1824's in Finance are getting a pay raise in the amount of $20,000.    Director Burns was generous in taking his increase.   Local 790 gave back 7.5% to allow him to do what was needed. The Board should look at what is being done with the money and at the top-heavy management structure created under Prop. E.   If you adopt the budget, we will challenge it before the Board of Supervisors and will ask Harvey Rose to audit the MTA.

Sarita Britt, Local 200, received a letter attached to her paycheck that discusses the recent arbitration award.   The language in the letter wasn't correct.   Savings due to attrition and staff layoffs totals $1,580,141.60.

Herbert Wiener retired last year as a city worker.   He thinks it's cuckoo to have dreams of light rail projects while at the same time, sacking workers and putting people through misery in the name of scientific progress.   Workers and passengers should come first.   Public officials who don't do their jobs should be "privatized".

Chairman Vaughns closed public comment.

Larry Williams, DGM, Human Resources stated that letters were provided to all unions requesting a meet and confer meeting regarding this item.   Staff has met with several unions but SEIU 790 said that they weren't ready to meet.    He doesn't agree with the representation that Muni is out of compliance with the law.   The Department of Human Resources is the source of the information that SEIU has requested.

In response to a question by Director McCray, Executive Director Burns noted that the technical adjustments to the budget that have occurred between February 27 and January 1 represents less than 1/2 of a percent of the total budget.   The budget has now been combined with the City's budget and the Board of Supervisors will be considering it over the next six weeks.   They are required to vote on the budget by August 1.   From a practical perspective, staff is unlikely to be able to come back to the MTA Board for additional approvals given the Board of Supervisors' timeframes.   As he has done every year, he will report on every change made to the budget to the Board.   The budget submitted includes the assumption that the Taxi Commission will be part of the MTA.

Chairman Vaughns stated that the information received states that no operator is being laid off as part of the FY2005 Budget.   Exec. Director Burns confirmed that the information is correct.

RESOLUTION 04-092

On motion to approve:

ADOPTED:   AYES - Din, Kasolas, Mezey and Vaughns

                                   NAYES - Black and McCray

12. Adopting MTA FY2005 milestones entitled "FY2005 Proposed Changes to the Service Standards and Milestones" for both Muni and DPT. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, milestones, amendment and resolution.)

Chairman Vaughns requested that the Board Secretary call items 12 and 13 together.

Executive Director Burns stated that the FY05 goals for both Muni and DPT are similar to FY04 goals.   The Board is being asked to adopt next year's goals and to modify the rules of the Agency for those goals where the Nelson/Nygaard Audit has recommended a change to the goal.    In essence, the MTA is adopting the Nelson/Nygaard recommendations that can be adopted without a vote of the people.   This item has been reviewed by the CAC and they have recommended adoption.

Fred Stephens, General Manager, Muni and Bond Yee, acting Deputy Director, DPT, reviewed the FY05 proposed Service Standards and Performance Measures.  

Director Din commented that goals need to be meaningful and achievable and management needs to be held accountable.  

Director Black stated that when the Board first received the marketing plan, it had some good ideas but she hasn't seen anything since then.   Did it increase ridership?   Executive Director Burns stated that ridership is directly linked to the economy.   During the time period reported, ridership declined.   The marketing plan may have impacted ridership so it didn't decline as much as ridership declined at other Bay Area properties.   Staff recently presented the "Rolling Galleries" and the "You See/We See" initiatives that were both part of the marketing plan.  

Director Mezey asked if a fully funded and working Next Bus technology would make a difference.   Exec. Director Burns commented that implementing Next Bus system-wide would make a big difference.   Staff is working with that company to get their system implemented.   It would have a positive impact on ridership and attract people to use the service on routes where there are longer headways.   The other big thing is the Translink technology, the universal fare card that will go into place in the next 2 years.   It has the potential to increase connectivity with other transit systems.  

Director McCray expressed a concern about needing new goals and structures if we're going to be carrying fewer passengers and with a significant workforce decline.   Management and workers, working together, need to figure out now where we're really going to be in FY05 and FY06 and then figure out how we're going to get there.

Chairman Vaughns commented that these milestones compliment and take into account our existing budget.     She suggested that staff start working on the FY06 budget in October.

Director Kasolas requested that any Nelson/Nygaard recommendation that wasn't being adopted be revisited in six months.

Chairman Vaughns acknowledged DPT for their stretch goals.    Director Din also commended DPT for their fantastic response times.

Director McCray asked about goals for the tow contract.   DPT Deputy Director Bond Yee stated that once their new contract is in place, staff will have goals to measure their effectiveness.  

PUBLIC COMMENT:

David Pilpel wonders if proper notice was given about changing the rules.   There are some technical changes that should be made to the resolution.   The Board should get a report back on the deferred recommendations.   He is concerned about not meeting Muni's July 1, 04 on-time performance goal of 85%.   He regrets that discussions about that goal weren't happening earlier.   These goals don't exist in a vacuum and the budget should reflect the goals.   Ridership data will be suspect for a few years because traffic checkers are being reduced.   The Board should ask for a report on marketing activities and on the photographer.

Glenda Lavigne, Local 200 asked that this item be continued to the next Board meeting.   Unions only met with management last Thursday.   It's unfair to have so many changes with so little notice.   Given these proposed layoffs, how will you meet these standards?  

David Tornheim, Central City Progressives, commented that Next Bus technology is interesting but he doesn't want to see a lot of money used for technology if service is going to be cut.   A goal should be added about response times for responding to complaints about parking on sidewalks.   Measuring whether a bus comes early or late doesn't matter, what matters is that a bus comes every 10 minutes.   Late at night, it matters that buses come regularly as opposed to how often they come.   We need more measurements about lines that are overcrowded.

Chairman Vaughns closed public comment.

Chairman Vaughns asked the Executive Director if there was any thing that the Board had heard, either significant or insignificant, that would affect passage of these two calendar items this evening.   Exec. Director Burns stated that Prop. E requires goals and performance standards to be in effect as of July 1.   The comment made by the union is valid, however, this item follows up on an audit that was presented and available to the public weeks ago.   He doesn't see a need to delay adoption and recommends that the Board proceed with the staff recommendation.   If something significant develops, the Board can revisit this item.

Chairman Vaughns requested that staff make every effort to involve employee unions and other pertinent groups in advance.   She also requested that the Board Secretary correct the clerical errors in the resolution that were mentioned during public comment.

RESOLUTION 04-093

On motion to approve:

ADOPTED:   AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns

13. Adopting the performance standards as shown in "Amendment No. 4 to Section 4" dated June 15, 2004, as rules of the Agency.   (Explanatory documents include a staff report, milestones, amendment and resolution.)

(Items 12 and 13 were called together.)

RESOLUTION 04-094

On motion to approve:

ADOPTED:   AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns

Chairman Vaughns thanked Robert Hertan for running interference earlier in the meeting.

RECESS REGULAR MEETING AND CONVENE CLOSED SESSION

CLOSED SESSION

1.   Call to Order

    

Chairman Vaughns called the closed session to order at 7:36 p.m.

2.   Roll Call

     Present:  

  • Shirley Breyer Black
  • Wil Din
  • Michael Kasolas
  • James McCray, Jr.
  • Peter Mezey
  • Cleopatra Vaughns

   Also present:

  • Michael T. Burns, Director of Transportation
  • Roberta Boomer, Board Secretary
  • Julia Friedlander, Deputy City Attorney
  • Larry Williams, Deputy General Manger, HR/LR/EEO
  • Fred Stephens, General Manager, Muni
  • Mike Hursh, Deputy General Manager, Maintenance
  • Wilson Johnson, Deputy General Manager, Operations

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.

4.   Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a) and Administrative Code Section 67.8, the Municipal Transportation Agency Board shall meet in closed session for:

CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR

CCSF Representative: Larry Williams and/or his designees

Employee Organizations:      

TWU, Local 250-A

                       

              To discuss:

              _ X _   Wages

            _ X __ Hours

              _ X __ Benefits

              _ X __ Working Conditions

              _ X __ Other     

ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - The closed session was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

14. Announcement of Closed Session.

Chairman Vaughns announced the Board met in closed session for a conference with their labor negotiator.   There was no action 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 meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

A tape of the meeting is on file in the office of the Secretary to the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors.

Roberta Boomer
Board Secretary

The Ethics Commission of the City and County of San Francisco has asked us to remind individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [S.F. Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code section 2.100 et seq.] to register and report lobbying activity.   For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 415-581-2300; fax: 415-581-2317; 30 Van Ness Ave., Suite 3900, SF, CA 94102-6027 or the web site: sfgov.org/ethics.

  

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