The Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District met on Friday, January 19, 1996, at the Santa Cruz City Hall Council Chambers, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, California.

Chairperson Rios called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.

SECTION I: OPEN SESSION

1. ROLL CALL:

2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING CLOSED SESSION

None.

SECTION II: CLOSED SESSION

Chairperson Rios adjourned the meeting into Closed Session at 8:10a. m. and reconvened into Open Session at 8:30a.m.

SECTION I: OPEN SESSION

3. SWEARING IN CEREMONIES FOR CELIA SCOTT

Celia Scott was administered the Oath of Office by District Counsel Margaret Gallagher and was seated as a Director for the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District Board of Directors.

4. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

CAM LeBLANC, MASTF Chair, stated that MASTF met yesterday and made several recommendations to the Board of Directors:

• That accessible features information be maintained in Headways;

• Direct staff to negotiate with the UTU in upcoming contract negotiations to include metro users on the Service Review Committee; and

• Add additional trips to Route 8-Emeline (it was suggested by MASTF that trips run every 30 minutes)

Ms. LeBlanc indicated that a California Disability Rights meeting is scheduled for January 20 at the Louden Nelson Center and that Assemblyman Bruce McPherson will be speaking. She urged members of the Board and staff to attend.

5. LABOR ORGANIZATION COMMUNICATIONS

None.

6. ALTERATIONS TO THE AGENDA

CONSENT AGENDA

Add to Item #7-2: Policy/Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of 1-12-96

Add to Item #7-3: Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes of 1-16-96

Add to Item #7-5 Passenger Lift Report for December, 1995

(Replace report with new report)

Add to Item #7-6: Deny the Application to File a Late Claim and Refer to District Counsel

(Claim of C.Nelson)

REGULAR AGENDA

Add to Item #9: Consolidation Project--Public Review Comments

7. CONSENT AGENDA

Director Graves moved that the Board of Directors approve the Consent Agenda including items 7-1 through 7-13:

7-1 Approve Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting of 12-15-95;

7-2 Accept and File Minutes of Policy/Finance Committee Meeting of 1-2-96;

7-3 Accept and File Minutes of Personnel Committee Meeting of 1-16-96;

7-4 Approve Preliminary Approved Claims;

7-5 Accept Passenger Lift Report for December, 1995;

7-6 Deny Claims of:V.Everlove; F.Guzman; K.Netto; and L.Running Deer. Deny the Application to File a Late Claim and Refer to District Counsel the claim of C.Nelson;

7-7 Accept and File Minutes of MASTF Committee Meeting of 12-14-95;

7-8 DELETED;

7-9 Accept Monthly Budget Status Report for November, 1995 and Approval of Budget Transfers;

7-10 Accept Highway 17 Express Bus Service Status Report;

7-11 Accept ADA Paratransit Program Status Report;

7-12 Approve One Year Lease with Storti’s Pizzeria;

7-13 Adopt Resolution Authorizing Reduction in Change Fund.

Director Keeley seconded and the motion passed unanimously with Director Beattie absent.

REGULAR AGENDA:

8. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR FOR 1996

Director Beautz stated that at the Personnel Committee meeting, the Committee nominated Director Rotkin to serve as Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Director Graves to serve as Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Directors for 1996.

Director Beautz thanked Chairperson Rios for his service as Chairperson in 1995.

ACTION: Motion: Director Beautz Seconded: Director Keeley

Elect Director Rotkin to serve as Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Ron Graves to serve as Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Directors for 1996.

The motion passed unanimously with Director Beattie absent.

9. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE CONSOLIDATION

PROJECT

(Public Hearing Scheduled for 9:00a.m.)

This item was delayed until 9:00a.m.

10. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF FTA PROGRAM OF PROJECTS AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF FTA OPERATING AND CAPITAL GRANT APPLICATION

(Public Hearing Scheduled for 9:00a.m.)

This item was delayed until 9:00a.m.

11. CONSIDER CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF SCOTTS VALLEY TRANSIT CENTER AND PARK-AND-RIDE FACILITY AND AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH PROPERTY ACQUISITION PHASE

Summary:

Staff reported that on January 3, 1996, a meeting was held before the Scotts Valley City Council to discuss the proposed Scotts Valley park and ride lot project. At that meeting, the Council unanimously voted to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the District.

Ed van der Zande provided a detailed presentation of the project.

Discussion:

DIRECTOR BEIERS noted that the drawing of what the facility is expected to look like when completed is nice and she liked the landscaping. She hopes that there will not be any minimizing of the trees, etc. in the final design of the project.

ED VAN DER ZANDE stated that staff’s emphasis on the design of the facility is landscaping and reducing noise.

CHAIRPERSON ROTKIN asked about the possibility of using the park and ride lot during the summer weekends to run a beach shuttle.

DIRECTOR CAVALLARO noted that the District has a joint use agreement with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to purchase the property. The agreement provides that the District has use of the parking lot Monday through Friday, and the Church has use of the lot on the weekends.

DIRECTOR SCOTT stated that the proposed project is a great improvement compared to what is currently on the site. She hopes that the Board will have input about the types of trees that will be planted on the site.

DIRECTOR BEIERS asked if staff has considered imposing a parking fee. She noted that Caltrain charges $.50 per day.

SCOTT GALLOWAY stated that if the Board wants to consider a parking fee, appropriate design features should be accommodated into the specification for the Request for Proposals for architectural services.

DIRECTOR CAVALLARO noted that only 10% of the people who utilize the Highway 17 service live in Scotts Valley. He feels that this service brings in people from other areas to Scotts Valley to shop, dine, etc. Director Cavallaro stated that this service is a real plus to Scotts Valley and that eventually the people who have been against the project will come to see the benefit.

ACTION: Motion: Director Keeley Seconded: Director Beautz

Approve the preliminary site layout and conceptual plan as presented, and authorize staff to begin property negotiations with the Church of Latter Day Saints, the prospective owners of the site, for approximately 2.5 acres to be used as the Scotts Valley Transit Center/Park and Ride Facility.

In addition, that staff: 1) include in the architectural RFP features to be placed in the lot to facilitate the collection of parking fees; 2) investigate acoustical engineering on the site; and 3) staff consider as part of the landscaping aspects native plants and drought tolerant species.

The motion passed unanimously with Director Beattie absent.

9. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE CONSOLIDATION PROJECT

(Public Hearing 9:00a.m.)

Summary:

Staff reported that a draft environmental impact study has been completed on the proposed site for the District’s Consolidation project. The report finds that the proposed consolidation project located on a site behind Swift Street, will not have a significant effect on the environment with the implementation of 15 mitigation measures.

Staff reported that a public meeting was held on January 10 in order to receive public input on the project. At that meeting, it was suggested that the District explore alternative routing of the buses entering and exiting the site. Staff analyzed the three suggestions made and determined the following:

TRAVEL ACROSS RAILROAD TRACKS: Is not feasible and should not be considered.

ENTER/EXIT USING DELAWARE STREET: This would cost an estimated $850,000 in additional property acquisition.

Staff indicated that the best option would be to exit the property on the North/East corner next to the railroad tracks. Staff recommended that this not be adopted as a mitigation measure at this time to further analyze this option. Staff recommended that the Board of Directors adopt a Negative Declaration for the consolidation project.

Discussion:

DIRECTOR SCOTT asked staff if secondary access to the site and is required by the City of Santa Cruz.

ED VAN DER ZANDE stated that it is not required by the City, but is desirable. He noted that there should be emergency access to and from the site utilizing the neighboring property of Vitex Corporation.

DIRECTOR SCOTT referred to page 7-3 of the Study where testing of buses is discussed. She noted that the study states that testing of the buses is “generally done in remote locations away from residential development.” Director Scott had concern about the words “generally done”.

ED VAN DER ZANDE stated that he will change the word “generally” to “always”.

The Board and staff went through a series of questions and answers about the project.

CHAIRPERSON ROTKIN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING

RINA GALLAGHER, Fair Avenue Resident, stated that she has lived at her current residence since 1974. She stated that there is already traffic congestion on Mission Street and with the addition of a transit facility in the area, cars will be forced off Mission Street onto the back streets. Ms. Gallagher noted that there are several schools located off Mission Street and that increased traffic on the back and side streets will create a hazard. Ms. Gallagher raised concern regarding the increase in noise. She stated that a constant wind blows on the west side of town. It carries noise throughout the neighborhood. Ms. Gallagher is also concerned about the storm drains in the area and having particles of grease run through them to the ocean. She did not see this addressed in the study.

CHAIRPERSON ROTKIN CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING

CHAIRPERSON ROTKIN asked Stephanie Strelow, consultant for the Consolidation Project, to respond to concerns raised by Ms. Gallagher.

STEPHANIE STRELOW stated that this issue was addressed in the Study and that all local and state standards were met. In regard to the increase in noise and traffic, she stated that until Mission Street is improved, traffic will continue to divert to the back streets but that there will not be a significant impact of traffic due to the project. Ms. Strelow stated that there may be times when noise will be noticeable but that it will mostly impact those who live closest to the site.

DIRECTOR SCOTT stated that she just received additional information and materials about the project today and has not had enough time to review them. She asked that this item be delayed until next month in order to allow sufficient time to review all documents. Director Scott thanked Ms. Gallagher for her comments and noted that she also lives on the west side of town and that noise does carry throughout the area. Director Scott wants to be assured that there will be no significant impact in regard to increase in noise and that staff further analyze this and report back next month.

DIRECTOR KEELEY stated that it is unfortunate that the project may be delayed for one month due to a procedural problem. He would like to see the project move forward; however, he is supportive of the Directors who wish additional time to study the environmental documents.

DIRECTOR BEAUTZ supports Director Keeley’s comments and wants to see the project move forward next month.

DIRECTOR SCOTT requested that in the future, she would like to receive reports from staff in a more timely manner.

DIRECTOR BEIERS asked that staff provide more information regarding the storm run off at the next Policy/Finance Meeting.

ACTION: Motion: Director Keeley Seconded: Director Graves

Delay consideration of a Negative Declaration for the consolidation project until the February Board Meeting. Further, that staff provide at the next Policy/Finance and Board meetings additional analysis on increase in noise due to the project and more information in regard to storm water run off.

The motion passed unanimously with Director Beattie absent.

10. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF FTA PROGRAM OF PROJECTS AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF FTA OPERATING AND CAPITAL GRANT APPLICATION

(Public Hearing 9:00a.m.)

Summary:

Staff presented the District’s Program of Projects and recommended approval of the list of projects by the Board of Directors.

CHAIRPERSON ROTKIN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING

JEFF LeBLANC, of MASTF, urged that the Board of Directors complete the proposed renovations to Metro Center. He stated that the restrooms are generally unpleasant. Mr. LeBlanc hopes that this will become a priority to the District.

CHAIRPERSON ROTKIN CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING

ACTION: Motion: Director Keeley Seconded: Director Rios

a) Adopt the Program of Projects and Budget for Section 9/STP/CMAQ funds for the following projects:

1. Replacement of six buses

2. Purchase of five paratransit vans

3. Purchase of computer equipment

4. FY 1996 Operating Assistance

b) Authorize staff to request that AMBAG amend the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program to include the projects; and

c) Approve the Resolution authorizing submittal of a Federal Transit Administration grant application for Section 9/STP/CMAQ funds totaling $2,298,601 in federal funds.

The motion passed unanimously with Directors Beattie and Cavallaro absent.

12. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH SCOTTS VALLEY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF THE SCOTTS VALLEY TRANSIT CENTER/PARK AND RIDE FACILITY

Summary:

Staff reported that the Scotts Valley City Council has approved a Memorandum of Understanding for the Scotts Valley project and has committed $552,000 in redevelopment funds. Staff noted that the District’s maximum share is approximately 20.7% ($715,000), but that this may be scaled down depending on any possible additional funding received by the District.

ACTION: Motion: Director Keeley Seconded: Director Beiers

Approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Scotts Valley for the development of the Scotts Valley Transit Center/Park and Ride facility.

The motion passed unanimously with Directors Beattie and Cavallaro absent.

13. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATION PROGRAM

Summary:

Staff presented the District’s Legislative Program for 1996 and recommended that the Board of Directors adopt the program. Staff noted that February 27, 1996 is Transit Lobby Day in Sacramento and urged Board Members to accompany staff to this effort.

Discussion:

DIRECTOR KEELEY thanked staff for the very clear and well formatted staff report.

ACTION: Motion: Director Keeley Seconded: Director Rios

Adopt the Legislative Program for 1996 as outlined in the January 19, 1996 staff report.

14. CONSIDER RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF SECTION 18 GRANT APPLICATION FOR FY95-96

Summary:

Staff recommended that the Board of Directors adopt a Resolution authorizing the filing of a Section 18 grant application. The District proposes to use the operating funds toward part of the operating costs of Routes 33, 38, 40, 41, 60, and 72.

ACTION: Motion: Director Keeley Seconded: Director Beautz

Adopt a Resolution authorizing the filling of a Section 18 grant application for Section 18 operating assistance in the amount of $22,612.

The motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote with Directors Beattie and Cavallaro absent.

15. CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORT ON INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR FY94-95

Summary:

Staff recommended that the Board of Directors accept the financial statements prepared by the firm Grant Thornton.

ACTION: Motion: Director Keeley Seconded: Director Beautz

Formally accept the audited financial statements and reports prepared by the firm of Grant Thornton for the year ending June 30, 1995.

The motion passed unanimously with Directors Beattie and Cavallaro absent.

16. CONSIDER PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE DISTRICT’S PROCUREMENT POLICY

Summary:

Staff presented various options for revisions to the District’s procurement policy. The options are as follows:

OPTION 1: Board involvement in all procurements exceeding $50,000.

OPTION 2: Board involvement in all procurements exceeding a threshold of somewhere between $10,000 and $50,000.

OPTION 3: Board involvement in specified procurement decisions which exceed established thresholds.

At the Policy/Finance meeting on January 12, the Committee recommended Option 3. The motion passed with Director Beiers voting no.

Discussion:

DIRECTOR BEIERS stated that she is now in support of the recommendation made at the Policy/Finance Meeting.

ACTION: Motion: Director Keeley Seconded: Director Rios

Approve Option #3, Board involvement in specified procurement decisions which exceed established thresholds, and direct staff to report back when and if legislation is formally approved with final amendments to the procurement policy.

The motion passed unanimously with Directors Beattie and Cavallaro absent.

17. CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO THE SCCRTC FOR 1996

Summary:

Staff reported that at the Policy/Finance Committee meeting, the Committee recommended that Directors Beiers, Cavallaro, and Rotkin be appointed to the SCCRTC and that an alternate be selected at the Board Meeting.

Director Scott volunteered to serve as an alternate for the SCCRTC for 1996.

ACTION: Motion: Director Keeley Seconded: Director Rios

Appoint Directors Beiers, Cavallaro, and Rotkin to serve as members on the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission for 1996, and that Director Celia Scott serve as an alternate.

The motion passed unanimously with Directors Beattie and Cavallaro absent.

18. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION FOR DIRECTOR SCOTT KENNEDY

Staff recommended that the Board of Directors adopt a resolution of appreciation for former Board Member Scott Kennedy.

ACTION: Motion: Director Graves Seconded: Director Keeley

Adopt a Resolution of Appreciation for Director Scott Kennedy.

The motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote with Directors Beattie and Cavallaro absent.

There being no further business, Chairperson Rotkin adjourned the meeting at 10:30a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

SANDI EVANS

Administrative Services Coordinator

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