Sacramento Transportation Authority and Abandoned Vehicle Service Authority Joint Meeting - July 2, 2024

Note: The meeting agenda and minutes were not available. The raw transcription indicates the meeting was called to order at 1:32 p.m. on June 13, 2024, but the instructions specify the meeting took place on 2024-07-02 09:20:52+00:00. This date discrepancy is noted.

The jointly held meeting of the Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA) and the Sacramento Abandoned Vehicle Service Authority was convened with a quorum present. The board addressed consent items, received reports, heard public testimony, and took actions on contracts, budgets, and policy direction, including a detailed presentation on regional pavement conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Items 3-8 were approved unanimously under the consent calendar. These included routine approvals such as minutes, financial reports, and program updates. A public comment was heard on Item 8 (see Public Comments).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 1 (Non-agenda comments): Councilmember David Kent from Isleton spoke about population and road mile formulas, urging the board to consider the needs of small, rural communities that supply larger urban areas. He congratulated Mayor Sandhu on being seated.
• Item 8 (Consent – Local Arterials): Dan Allison opposed adding the Truxel Bridge to the local arterials list, arguing it is not permitted under the current Sacramento Parkway Management Plan and should only be added later if approved by the county and state.
• Item 12 (Pavement Analysis): Three speakers commented:
  • Dan Allison urged shifting funding from new infrastructure to maintenance, stating that the $8.3 billion asset is actually a liability and that a sales tax measure should be preceded by demonstrated efforts.
  • Deborah Banks (Sacramento Area Bike Association) emphasized the danger of poor pavement for cyclists and urged prioritizing “fix it first,” especially in underserved communities like Sacramento County.
  • Jeremiah Rohr, a 70-year-old cyclist, described pavement cracks as a health hazard and noted that encouraging alternative transportation reduces road wear.

Discussion Items

• Executive Director’s Report (Item 2): Kevin Busey reported on SACOG’s approval of $7.4 million in Carbon Reduction Program awards, with Sacramento County receiving $4.34 million for projects including trails and EV charging. He highlighted that a regional funding round will keep all STIP funds within the county and create a new system preservation program for maintenance. He also noted a $150,000 interfund loan for the Freeway Service Patrol and participation in Bike Month.
• Freeway Service Patrol Zone 2 Bids (Item 9): Staff recommended rejecting all bids after a protest over a rebid allowed after initial bids. Board member Daniels expressed concern that a second chance to bid after seeing the low bid was unfair. The board voted to reject all bids and reissue.
• STA Final Budget FY24-25 (Item 10): The budget of $205.7 million was adopted after a hearing continued from May 9. Dustin Perinton presented the balanced plan, noting it is well below the appropriations limit of $365.5 million.
• LAO Presentation on Climate Policies (Item 11): Frank Jimenez from the Legislative Analyst's Office presented a report on how achieving state climate goals could reduce transportation funding. He projected declines in fuel tax revenue, especially affecting local streets and roads and the STIP program. Board members discussed the need to monitor the issue and develop long-term plans.
• Regional Pavement Analysis (Item 12): Margo from NCE presented findings from the 2023 regional pavement analysis. The regional PCI average is 53 (fair), with Elk Grove at 77 and Sacramento County at 41. Under current funding (~$80M/year), the average PCI is projected to drop to 21 in 30 years. To maintain the current condition would require $229M/year; to improve to 70 would require $344M/year. Several board members commented on the need for “fix it first,” equity in road conditions, and exploring cost-saving measures and potential new revenue streams. No formal vote was taken, but direction was given to staff to explore best management practices, collaboration, and additional funding advocacy.
• Nexus Study and Fee Update (Item 13): A resolution to adopt the 2024 Transportation Mitigation Fee Program Nexus Study, set updated fee rates effective January 1, 2025, and add smart growth arterials to the local arterial program. The presentation was waived, and the item was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Items 3-8: Approved unanimously.
• Freeway Service Patrol Zone 2 (Item 9): Motion to reject all bids passed (moved by Valenzuela, seconded by Rodriguez). Staff will reissue the request for bids with modified terms upfront.
• STA Final Budget FY24-25 (Item 10): Motion to close the hearing and adopt the budget and resolution passed (moved by Rodriguez, seconded by Maple).
• Pavement Analysis (Item 12): No formal vote. The board provided direction to staff to pursue cost-saving measures, inter-agency collaboration, and explore state and federal funding. Supervisor Desmond requested that future analysis include data broken down by environmental justice communities.
• Nexus Study (Item 13): Motion to approve the resolution passed (moved by Talamantes, seconded by Sing Allen). The new fee rates take effect January 1, 2025.