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4:00 - REGULAR MEETING ORDER OF BUSINESS 1. Call to Order Chairman Vaughns called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
Absent: James McCray, Jr. 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 September 7, 2004 Regular Meeting: unanimously approved (McCray-absent). 5. Communications Board Secretary Boomer announced that Item 13 had been continued to the next meeting at the request of Chairman Vaughns. She also announced that the October 5 meeting of the Board was cancelled. The next meeting will be October 19. 6. Introduction of New or Unfinished Business by Board Members Board Secretary Boomer reported that staff had provided a revised Longevity Report and DPT Employee Survey to the Board as requested. 7. Director's Report -Ongoing Activities Executive Director Burns announced that on Monday, September 13th , the Powell-Mason cable car line was shut down between Washington & Powell and Bay & Taylor due to the reconstruction of the turntable at Bay & Taylor. Full cable car service will resume on the Powell-Mason line on October 30th . During construction, buses will be substituted for the cable cars. Service on the Powell-Hyde and California Street cable car lines will not be affected. Chairman Vaughns requested information regarding how Muni provides notice to the public when lines are shut down. Mr. Burns stated that signage is posted in advance at all stops. Buses are provided in lieu of cable cars. On Friday, September 24, the MTA will hold its Third Annual Retiree Luncheon. It will be held at the Stern Grove Clubhouse from 12:00pm - 2:00pm. All Board members are invited. On Friday, September 10, 2004, Muni and DPT employees participated in the American Heart Association Annual Walk, raising money and awareness of this serious health problem. Mr. James Waterfield, Cable Car operator, coordinated participation this year and has led the fundraising effort for many years. His commitment to increasing awareness about this health problem is most appreciated. The MTC Award Ceremony will be held on September 22. This ceremony recognizes people or organizations who have made extraordinary contributions in public transportation. Annette Williams, Manager of Muni's Accessible Services Program and former Chairman, H. Welton Flynn, are being recognized. At the next Board meeting, staff will give a detailed presentation on the New Central Subway project, including preliminary engineering and legislative initiatives. Muni had been using a 5-year-old cost estimate that was based on general assumptions. Muni now has its first real cost estimate of the project. The old estimate was $764 million. The new cost is $994 million. The increase is due to inflation; an increase in steel and concrete costs; more detailed engineering work; real estate acquisitions; and ventilation shafts. Staff has worked hard to insure that the local funding share put into Phase I will be able to be used as a dollar match for Phase II federal money. DPT staff will be presenting the Bicycle Plan policy document, which demonstrates the MTA's commitment to continue to work on bicycle initiatives. In addition to the bike plan, there are several traffic modifications on the consent calendar that support expansion of the bike network throughout the city. Director Din asked about issues that arose from Chinatown garages, in particular from the Portsmouth Square garage during the bike race. He heard that the traffic diversions funneled traffic to Kearny Street that resulted in a huge backup. He would like a report on the issue. Robert Hertan, Director of Security gave an overview of the MTA Security Program including emergency preparedness and security programs. In 2002, the FTA conducted a threat assessment of the MTA, which identified critical areas that needed to be addressed: including equipment, materials and supplies. The FTA stated that the MTA is the leading agency in the nation in terms of basic and advanced security awareness training with over 80% of all employees having received training. Chairman Vaughns thanked Mr. Hertan for the report. 8. Citizen's Advisory Council Report No report was made. 9. Public Comment John Friedlander stated that the signal lights are adequate in San Francisco except at the Gough and Geary and Spruce and California intersections. If people could get a bit more time to cross at those intersections, it would be doing a lot for pedestrian safety. Barry Taranto appreciates hearing the security presentation and hearing the Chairman's concern about operators. He also appreciate that PCO's are keeping the cabstands clear. There is a problem at the Marriott Hotel with cabstands where cabs are forced to double-park and are being ticketed. PCO's should ticket vehicles blocking the cabstand. The cabstand at 24th and Church has disappeared. The Hilton Hotel cabstand is constantly used to provide alternative parking, which is a problem for cabs. He reminded the Board that double parking on Castro Chestnut, Polk, Union and Haight Streets make it difficult to move cars through. Those areas need to be enforced. David Pilpel would like to have an update on the TWU 250-A protest. He hopes his comments about the service standards report and budget didn't get lost in the Geary Improvements discussion. The Board should look at the budget for next year soon and regularly and should initiate the process now for longer-term issues. There is nothing wrong with putting solutions or suggestions on the table now. If the Agency has to take any drastic action, it should start the process earlier. Chairman Vaughns closed public comment. She reminded all present that as was stated during the August meeting, the budget process will begin in October. Exec. Director Burns stated that the service reductions approved as part of the budget were to take effect on September 1. TWU has objected, claiming health and welfare issues. Staff will continue to work with the union in an attempt to resolve their issues. His preference is to reach an agreement through cooperative discussion and negotiation rather than through the formal appeal process. 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:
RESOLUTION 04-137 (10.2) Approving the following traffic modifications:
(Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (DPT) Items 10.2 A, was severed at the request of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT: Lily Gee Hickman is opposed to Item 10.2 A, the Sussex Street red zone. She hosted a neighborhood meeting on this item but the neighbors reached no consensus. She doesn't agree with the current proposal and doesn't want to see the issue characterized as safety vs. convenience. The major safety concern is speeding vehicles. Her block requested 15 mph signs be posted years ago to discourage speeding but the signs haven't solved the problem. Recently a Muni bus was rerouted to Sussex and it got through without any delays. If a bus can get through, then other motorists can to. If implementation of the current proposal is approved, please mitigate the problem it will cause on street-cleaning days. Jess Taclas requested rejection of the proposal. He lives at the only property on the block without a garage. The 35-Eureka bus didn't have a problem getting through. Please continue the item to either shorten the red zone or look at other options to removing 3-4 parking spaces. Chairman Vaughns closed public comment. Jack Fleck, Deputy Chief Engineer stated that this area is a hilly part of Glen Park near Castro Street. The problem is that the narrow width of the turn is a significant issue for firemen because fire trucks are restricted from accessing an emergency. A 30-foot Muni bus was temporarily rerouted there but a regular sized bus or a fire truck couldn't get through in an emergency. Mike Kearny, Chief of Battalion 6, Glen Park, stated that they don't want to take away parking but need to be able to access problems in that area. A rig is difficult to maneuver and if cars are parked in that area, there is no way to get to an emergency. On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, Mezey and Vaughns ABSENT - McCray Items 10.2 D and E were severed at the request of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT: Barry Taranto is concerned about Item D and E. He stated that the police raised concerns that this was major thoroughfare for cars. Staff needs to do a six-month review of this, including before and after traffic counts. When Octavia Blvd. and the new Central Freeway off ramp open, even more cars will be dumped onto Fell St. Leah Shahum, SF Bicycle Coalition, stated that Fell Street was first proposed as a bike lane in 1998. It has been a pilot project and they have received incredible feedback from cyclists. This is already a bike route. They commend DPT for their work and support the action. Greg McPheeters echoed what Ms. Shahum said. This street is a high traffic route and the bike lanes are important. Andy Thornley thinks that this is crucial part of the bike network. He urges adoption of the item. Chairman Vaughns closed public comment. Jack Fleck confirmed that this has undergone a six-month trial period already at the request of ISCOTT. Staff did traffic counts when the freeway was still up. This bike lane hasn't diverted traffic and the project has been successful. On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, Mezey and Vaughns ABSENT - McCray RESOLUTION 04-138
(10.3) Authorizing the Director to accept a gift for radar speed display signs donated by California State Automobile Association , with a value estimated at $22,301, pending approval by the Board of Supervisors. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and agreement.) (DPT) RESOLUTION 04-139 (10.4) Authorizing the Director to accept and expend $3,976,400 in Section 115 capital assistance from the FTA for Muni's Radio System Replacement and Third Street Phase 1 construction projects. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (MUNI) RESOLUTION 04-140 On motion to approve the Consent Calendar (Items 10.2 A, D and E severed): ADOPTED: AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, Mezey and Vaughns ABSENT - McCray REGULAR CALENDAR DEPARTMENT OF PARKING AND TRAFFIC 11. Finding that the proposed San Francisco Bicycle Plan: Policy Framework is consistent with San Francisco's Transit First Policy and urging the Planning Department to conduct all necessary environmental review. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and plan.) PUBLIC COMMENT: Leah Shahum, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, stated that they fully support the policy document. Much work has been put into this plan over the last few years. This plan is required in order to compete for grant funds and it ties in other department work plans. This document sets measurable goals, sets priorities and outlines doable strategies to meet goals. This has been the most well publicized planning process in bike history with over 2500 suggestions received. This is the easy part. Please stay up to date on the network document because the next half will be harder as it lays out where the actual bike lanes will be. Greg McPheeters serves on the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition. They are strongly in support of the plan. Many of our members use bikes as their primary mode of transportation. It's exciting to see bike improvements in the city. We would like to see them continue. Andy Thornley, SF Bicycle Advisory Committee, stated that their committee had also conducted extensive hearings on the plan. This has been thoroughly vetted with extensive involvement from the public, other city agencies and advocacy groups. The level of cooperation is gratifying. The Network portion of the plan, which speaks to pavement and paint, will follow the policy document and will be tough. Please support this part of the plan. Linda Jofuku, Japantown Task Force, stated that the bike plan was presented to them. They want to make sure that all outreach or public relations efforts that affects their neighborhood or any other neighborhood is neighborhood based and community, culturally and linguistically relevant. They want to be on record as saying that Japantown is against a bike lane on Post St. Laura Thompson of Bay Trail has been involved on Technical Advisory Committee and is very much in support of the plan. They are thankful to have had the opportunity to work with DPT and urge support of the plan. Chairman Vaughns closed public comment. Chairman Vaughns stated that it is her understanding that it is the intent of DPT to involve San Francisco's communities at the appropriate time. The plan before the Board does not refer to specific neighborhood projects but rather to confirm that we are in compliance with the Transit First Policy and outlines goals, strategies and policies for the Bicycle Network. Exec. Director Burns added that the Bicycle Document is actually two separate documents. The policy guidelines, that the Board is being asked to adopt at this meeting, lays out the design guidelines. The second document is the Network Document that lays out specific project. The Network Document is not before the Board for adoption at this meeting. Oliver Gajda, Asst Manager, Bicycle Program, DPT and Jack Fleck, Asst. Traffic Engineer presented the Bicycle Plan Policy Document. Mr. Fleck stated that for each project in the Network Document, there is a full process, including outreach to the appropriate communities. Staff determines the traffic and transit impacts and safety issues, schedules public hearings, posts notices about the project and holds informal neighborhood meetings. They provide neighborhood specific materials and will provide translation services as requested. Director Kasolas requested that staff report back to the Board in December regarding the status of the 5-year plans. RESOLUTION 04-141 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, Mezey and Vaughns ABSENT - McCray MUNICIPAL RAILWAY 12. Authorizing the Director to enter into Contract CCO #03-874, As-needed Professional Transportation System Safety Consulting Services, with Booz, Allen, and Hamilton, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $667,000 dollars, for a term of up to two years. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, agreement and financial plan.) PUBLIC COMMENT: David Pilpel believes that Mr. Kirchanski received a disproportionate reduction in staff layoffs during the budget. Spending money on consultants and not retaining existing staff and training them is wrong. The Board should look at retaining and expanding the system safety group so they can respond to these audits. This looks like recurring work, performed by TRA in the past. Staff should look to Prop. F hiring to use former employees. Mr. Burns commented that this is a task-order contract. Currently there are no defined task orders. This item was initiated a year ago at which time the Board limited the contract to two years and $667,000. This contract will help Muni through the CPUC audit and will provide training to staff. Staff currently isn't knowledgeable enough to do the work but by providing training, they will be able to do the work in the future. RESOLUTION 04-142 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, Mezey and Vaughns ABSENT - McCray 13. Authorizing the Director to execute Amendment No. 2 to Contract CS-137, Brokerage Services for the Owner-Controlled Insurance Program for the Third Street Light Rail Transit Project, with Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services, for an amount not to exceed $400,919 for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,177,551, with no extension of the term of the contract. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, amendment and financial plan.) PUBLIC COMMENT: David Pilpel stated that the budget provided in the packet is the overall Third St. budget and doesn't speak to this contract. The budget for this contract should be reviewed when this item comes back
RECESS REGULAR MEETING AND CONVENE CLOSED SESSION CLOSED SESSION 1. Call to Order Chairman Vaughns called the closed session to order at 6:41 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
Absent: James McCray, Jr. 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 (McCray-absent). 4. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 and the Administrative Code Section 67.8 (a) (3), the Municipal Transportation Agency Board will meet in Closed Session to discuss and take action on attorney‑client matters in the following case: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Existing Litigation: (4.1) Joseph Williams, Superior Ct. #CGC03425680 filed on 10/23/04 for $275,000 RESOLUTION 04-143 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES - Black, Din, Kasolas, Mezey and Vaughns NAYES - Din ABSENT - McCray ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - The closed session was adjourned at 6:47 p.m. 14. Announcement of Closed Session. Chairman Vaughns announced the Board met in closed session to discuss Williams vs. CCSF with the city attorney. The Board voted to settle the case (Din-opposed and McCray-absent). 15. Motion to disclose or not disclose the information discussed in closed session. On motion to not disclose the information discussed: unanimously approved (McCray-absent). ADJOURN - The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 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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