Sacramento Regional Transit District Board Meeting - December 8, 2016

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) Board met on December 8, 2016, to discuss advertising policy, a new juvenile fare evasion ordinance, a general manager's report on ridership and operations, and to receive public comments on security contracting and other matters.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1 through 8 were approved unanimously, except Item 5 (advertising policy) was pulled for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Security Contract (Item 5 and general): Multiple speakers urged RT to include social responsibility criteria in the upcoming Request for Proposals for private security, to prioritize local companies, and to consider bringing security in-house. Speakers (Adeeb Alziman, Brigitte Yentch, Fran Eldridge, David Mandel) cited concerns about multinational firm G4S's human rights record, including fines for falsifying psychological tests and abuses in youth prisons. David Mandel argued that public policy permits consideration of a contractor's integrity and compliance with public policy under federal law.
• Alcohol Advertising (Item 5): Jeff Tardiguia and Barbara Stanton expressed concerns about insufficient public input and the message alcohol advertising sends to youth. Barbara Stanton reported that in a quick survey, 9 out of 10 riders opposed the idea. David Mandel also raised First Amendment concerns about restricting public service announcements.
• Juvenile Fare Evasion (Item 10): Barbara Stanton questioned enforcement if juveniles ignore the citation. Jeff Tardiguia noted that the legislative change driving this ordinance had not been well communicated to the public.
• Other Comments: Mike Bernbaum reported on the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority meeting. Thomas Quinn questioned the closure of St. Rose of Lima station and suggested event tickets for Kings games. Jeff Tardiguia emphasized forming an ad hoc committee for a future transportation tax.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – Advertising Policy (Alcohol Advertising): Staff (Deborah Salinas, Henry) and Lamar representative Amy Manim presented the policy change to allow alcohol advertising on RT vehicles and facilities, citing revenue potential and noting many other transit agencies (e.g., San Francisco, Denver, Portland) already do so. Revenue estimates were not provided, but Denver reported 15% of ad revenue from alcohol. Board members expressed mixed views: Directors Natoli, Morgan, and Cerna opposed, citing mixed messages on health and wellness, concerns about subliminal messaging, and the inconsistency with RT’s other health-related ads. Director Hansen supported the change as a responsible way to raise revenue given RT's financial challenges. Director Harris wanted a clearer financial analysis and objected to hard liquor ads but was open to beer/wine. Director McGlashon supported allowing ads for bars/restaurants but not pure alcohol products. The Board decided to refer the matter to a subcommittee (Directors Natoli, Harris, Hansen) to refine the policy and bring back options.
• Item 9 – General Manager’s Report: General Manager Henry Li provided updates:
  • Government affairs: Statewide Democrats retained two-thirds majority; hopes for state transportation funding; highlighted successful transit measures in other regions (e.g., LA Metro's Measure M, a half-cent sales tax raising $12 billion over 40 years).
  • Rider line activities: GM Li reported riding bus Route 30, noting buses were full between 3-7 p.m., and emphasized the need for more frequency and reduced travel times.
  • Measure B update: Despite failure, over two dozen groups approached RT to form an ad hoc coalition for a future ballot measure. RT faces $100-$150 million in aging infrastructure needs within two years.
  • Recognition of Light Rail Department: GM Li introduced the management team (Mike Coleman, Freddy Daringer – recently retired, Lola Espinoza, Rodrigo Hunt, Sharon Hurley) for exceptional service during Golden 1 Center events. The department saved $650,000 year-to-date while implementing new initiatives.
  • Ridership update: Staff reported that for Golden 1 Center events, an average of 10% of attendees rode RT (3-5% higher than EIR predictions). System-wide ridership was 2.1 million in October, 2.6% below target, with light rail down 9.9% from last October (attributed to fare inspection and deflection) and bus ridership up 1.4% from goal. Park and ride usage up 2.8%.
  • Station Link pilot: A program offering $5 discounts on rides to/from six light rail stations via Uber, Lyft, and Yellow Cab. Uber trips to selected stations tripled since launch.
  • Engineering projects: Completed Summers River College pedestrian bridge (322 ft, $1.9 million); completed requested improvements in Citrus Heights (painting, benches, info panels); explored sound wall graffiti abatement (cost $15/foot) and potential partnership with county for alternative sentencing work crews.
• Item 10 – Juvenile Fare Evasion Administrative Penalty: Norm Leong presented a proposed ordinance to establish a $35 administrative fine for juveniles found without fare, effective January 1, 2017, due to a state law decriminalizing juvenile fare evasion. RT averages five citations per week. The goal is compliance, not revenue; RT will work with parents and juveniles. The Board requested exploring a community service alternative for those unable to pay. The first reading was waived unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved (items 1-8), with Item 5 removed.
• Item 5 (Alcohol Advertising Policy): Referred to a subcommittee of Directors Natoli, Harris, and Hansen to refine the policy and return with recommendations.
• Item 10 (Juvenile Fare Evasion Ordinance): Motion to waive first reading passed unanimously (motion by Director Hume, second by Director Harris). Ordinance will come back for final approval with possible community service alternative.
• Closed Session: Board recessed to closed session for real estate negotiation regarding property at 8000 Detroit Boulevard.