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MTA BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2003
ROOM 400, CITY HALL
400 VAN NESS AVENUE
1 DR. CARLTON B. GOODLETT PLACE

4:00 - REGULAR MEETING

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. Call to Order

Chairman Flynn called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Present:

Shirley Breyer Black
Mike Casey
H. Welton Flynn
Michael Kasolas
Cleopatra Vaughns

Absent: Enid Lim
James McCray, Jr.

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

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

4. Approval of Minutes

On motion to approve the minutes of the February 18, 2003 Regular Meeting: unanimously approved (Casey, Lim, McCray-absent).

5. Communications

The board secretary announced that the closed session scheduled after the regular meeting was cancelled.

6. Introduction of New or Old Business by Board Members

None.

7. Director’s Report (For discussion only)

Special Recognition Award
Octavia Boulevard Project
Review of pedestrian and traffic improvements on Potrero
Ongoing Activities

The Director of Transportation, Michael Burns, noted that while Special Recognition Award is normally reserved for DPT and Muni employees, he was going outside the department to recognize Robert Bryan, Deputy City Attorney. Robert has been Muni’s attorney since 1998. His first big challenge was in crafting the contract to restore subway service following the historic failure of the system. His next challenge was in crafting and implementing Proposition E. He has always kept the best interests of the agency and the city and county at heart. Mr. Bryan has been appointed as the head of the City Attorney’s contracts division. Robert Bryan thanked everyone for the award and noted that his time with Muni, while challenging, has also been very fulfilling. Chairman Flynn expressed his appreciation on behalf of the board and wished him much success in the future.

Mr. Burns announced that construction at 4th and King streets continues as planned. Work is expected to be complete well within the deadline and by opening day of the ballpark.

Deputy Director Fred Hamdun reviewed the Octavia Boulevard construction project that will begin at the end of March. There are three projects involved; demolition of the Fell Street off-ramp; construction of Octavia Boulevard; and construction of two new freeway ramps at Market and Octavia. Bond Yee, Traffic Engineer reviewed details of the project including traffic and transit impacts. The next few years will be difficult due to increased traffic on city streets but many of the traffic mitigation measures that were put in place in 1996 are still in place.

Director Vaughns asked about the outreach that has been done and the impact of this construction on Muni service. Mr. Yee noted that staff has used a variety of methods to reach people, including workshops, personal service announcements and letters. Muni will be significantly impacted but with the use of measures such as hiring additional parking control officers and changing signal timing, the impact can be minimized. Mr. Hamdun will give periodic updates to the board on this project.

Mr. Hamdun also reviewed the pedestrian and traffic improvements, such as crossing guards, crosswalks, increasing the pedestrian countdown signals and improved signage, that have been or will soon be implemented on Potrero Avenue. These improvements will be implemented quickly. Mr. Hamdun expressed his condolences to the family on behalf of the department.

Director Vaughns suggested that staff look at other school sites to see if similar measures should be taken. Director Casey appreciates the correspondence about the process and appreciates that staff didn’t let bureaucracy stand in the way of getting these things done.

Mr. Hamdun also announced that 98% of all new meters have been installed.

8. Citizen’s Advisory Council Report

There was no report made.

9. Public Comment

Howard Strassner, Sierra Club, commented on rates set for adults fast passes. The increase will take more rides to justify the cost of the fast pass. If people use change, it will slow down the service, which may become a problem. Monthly parking permits is a good source of money for the city. He suggested that the board look at the history of rates at each garage and relative fees in the neighborhood.

Bill Sisk, President, 250-A, stated that he has sent a letter to Mr. Burns and would appreciate a response.

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 as are or will be available in payment of the following claims against the MTA:

A. Kathleen Bui, Unlitigated Claim #0300507, filed on 8/9/02 for $7,500
B. Travelers Co., Superior Ct. #CGC01402747, filed on 12/21/01 for $82,000 (City to receive)

RESOLUTION 03-045

(10.2) Approving the following traffic modifications:

A. Perpendicular (90-degree angle) parking - Establish Dorman Avenue, both sides, between Barneveld and Palou Avenues; and Palou Avenue, both sides, between Barneveld Avenue and Industrial Street.

B. Tow-away, No Parking Anytime - Rescind Blake Street, west side, from the terminus
north of Geary Boulevard to 30 feet southerly. (Explanatory documents include a staff
report and resolution.) (DPT)

RESOLUTION 03-046

(10.3) Approving Contract Modification No. 1 to Contract No. MR-1184, Potrero and Presidio Yards Feeder Upgrade, with Abbett Electric Corporation, to perform the rerouting work at 14th Street and South Van Ness Avenue, increasing the contract amount by $150,000, for a total amount not to exceed $1,037,000, and extending the time of completion from August 6, 2003 to September 5, 2003. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, contract modification and financial plan.) (MUNI)

RESOLUTION 03-047

(10.4) Authorizing the Director to advertise a Request for Proposals for a nationally recognized management or transportation consulting firm to conduct the Municipal Transportation Quality Review; evaluate proposers, and negotiate a contract with the selected proposer in an amount not to exceed $50,000 and for a term not to exceed one year. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, and proposal.) (MUNI)

Director Vaughns asked that the item be severed. She asked about the payment schedule. Director Burns noted that a lump sum payment would be made on completion of the contract.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Glenda LaVigne, TWU, Local 200, is concerned about the money for the project. She also has concerns about the basis for the audit and the short period of time to solicit bids and receive proposals. (Director Burns noted that the money is included in the budget, that bidders had one month to prepare and submit a bid and that Prop E requires an outside firm to audit Muni’s performance measures.)

RESOLUTION 03-048

On motion to approve Item 10.4:

ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Casey, Flynn, Kasolas, and Vaughns

ABSENT – Lim and McCray

(10.5) Approves the award of Department of Public Works Contract Specification No. 0439J, Van Ness Avenue Pedestrian Safety Improvements Phase 2, to Vanguard Construction, as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, in the amount of $592,760. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, and financial plan.) (DPT)

RESOLUTION 03-049

(10.6) Authorizing the Director to apply for, accept and expend $404,000 of fiscal year 2003-2004 TDA Article 3 funds from the MTC for various bicycle and pedestrian projects and programs. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, and lease.) (DPT)

RESOLUTION 03-050

(10.7) Approving the Amendment to the Cooperative Agreement (No. 4-1845-A1), West Approach Overhead Signs, to increase Caltrans’ obligation from $365,000 to $555,000. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, agreement and financial plan.) (DPT)

RESOLUTION 03-051

(10.8) Authorizing the award of Department of Public Works Contract No. 0742J, West Approach Overhead Signs, to Coral Corporation, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for a total contract amount of $388,000. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, and financial plan.) (DPT)

RESOLUTION 03-052

(10.9) Canceling the regularly scheduled MTA Board meeting on April 15, 2003. (Explanatory documents include a resolution.) (MTA)

RESOLUTION 03-053

No public comment.

On motion to approve the Consent Calendar (item 10.4 severed):

ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Casey, Flynn, Kasolas, and Vaughns

ABSENT – Lim and McCray

REGULAR CALENDAR

DEPARTMENT OF PARKING AND TRAFFIC

11. Adopting the Federal Highway Administration PedSafe Pedestrian Safety Concept Plan. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, and plan summary.)

Frank Markowitz, Program Manager, reviewed the Pedestrian Safety plan.

No public comment.

RESOLUTION 03-054

On motion to approve:

ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Casey, Flynn, Kasolas, and Vaughns

ABSENT – Lim and McCray

12. Authorizing the Director of Transportation or his or her designee to execute the Lease between the City and County of San Francisco and the Parking Authority of the City and County of San Francisco for the commercial property at 243-245 Third Street at the Moscone Center Garage. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, and lease.)

No public comment.

RESOLUTION 03-055

On motion to approve:

ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Casey, Flynn, Kasolas, and Vaughns

ABSENT – Lim and McCray

PARKING AUTHORITY

13. Authorizes the Director of the Parking Authority to execute the Lease between the Parking Authority of the City and County of San Francisco for the commercial property at 243-245 Third Street at the Moscone Center Garage. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and lease.)

No public comment.

RESOLUTION 03-056

On motion to approve:

ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Casey, Flynn, Kasolas, and Vaughns

ABSENT – Lim and McCray

ADJOURN - The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 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 [SF Admin. Code Sections 16.520 - 16.534] to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 1390 Market Street, Suite 801, San Francisco, CA 94102, telephone 415-554-9510, fax 415-554-8757 and web site: sfgov.org/ethics.