Regional Transit District Board Meeting - December 9, 2016

The Sacramento Regional Transit District Board met on December 9, 2016, in a public meeting that included a commendation for retiring General Manager Mike Wiley, general public comments, approval of a consent calendar, and a comprehensive presentation on system-wide improvements. The meeting also featured a budget update for July 2016 and recognition of employees and community partners. The board addressed items related to fare enforcement, station upgrades, and upcoming events at the Golden 1 Center.

Commendation for Michael R. Wiley

• The board unanimously approved Resolution Commending Michael R. Wiley (Item 14) after moving it to the beginning of the agenda. Board members praised Wiley's 38.5 years of service, including his leadership through light rail expansions, service restructurings, and financial challenges. A public speaker thanked Wiley for equitable service cuts during the recession. Wiley thanked the board and staff, emphasizing the billion rides provided over his tenure.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeffrey Tardigia: Raised concerns about missing bus shelter numbers, unshaded benches, and trash cans at specific shelters. Also questioned the location of the next board meeting in Elk Grove, requesting public transit instructions.
• Rick Hodgkins: Noted new apartment complex (Anton at Arcade) along bus route 80 and urged that bus service run as frequently and as long as light rail. Also supported low-floor light rail cars and a system-wide $5 parking fee at park-and-ride lots.
• Mike Barnbaum (Ride Downtown 916): Encouraged board attendance at the September 21 Capitol Corridor JPA board meeting, highlighting the Sacramento-to-Roseville third track project. He also suggested amendments for the Elk Grove meeting: start time at 6 p.m. and paratransit accommodations.
• Robert (last name not given): Criticized Mike Wiley's tenure, called for more bus service in downtown and North Natomas, and opposed a proposed trolley from West Sacramento.
• Carrie Sarnowski (Fight for 15): Opposed fare increases, stating that daily passes consume too much of a minimum-wage worker's income and perpetuate poverty. She urged better tax use to avoid fare hikes.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–12 were approved unanimously after public testimony on items 3, 5, 9, and 12. Key actions include:
  • Item 3: Contract for station modifications for UTDC vehicles (phase 2).
  • Item 4: Initial study for light rail low-floor station conversion.
  • Item 5: Parking enforcement agreement and $5 monthly parking fee at Cosumnes River College.
  • Item 7: Fifth amendment to personal services contract with Benjamin Lewis (transit police specialist).
  • Item 9: Moving the September 26 meeting to Elk Grove City Council Chambers, with a start time amended to 6 p.m. and a shuttle from Cosumnes River College light rail station.
  • Item 12: Approving up to 10 free ride days for special events.

Discussion Items

• General Manager's Report: Henry Lee updated on state transportation funding legislation (Senator Beall and Assemblymember Frazier's combined bill), cap-and-trade auction results, and a $30 million grant awarded for the downtown riverfront streetcar project. He also recognized employees Derek (station cleaning), Vincent Beatty (transit agent program), and Lenny Estrada (recruitment), and introduced new VP Neil Lance.
• System-wide Improvements Presentation: Led by Laura, with contributions from city police (Deputy Chief Ken Bernard, Captain Justin Eklund), parking manager Matt Eierman, and communications VP Debra Salinas. Topics included:
  • Transit agent program: 35 agents now deployed, fare evasion dropped from 15% to 5% in two months, 100% coverage of PM commute trains.
  • Navigator program: Partnered with Sacramento Steps Forward; made 1,200 contacts with homeless individuals, 68 enrolled in services, 12 veterans.
  • Station improvements: $6.7 million budget for 48 stations; phase 1 (downtown stations) nearly complete; phase 2 (key stations) includes LED upgrades and parking lot striping; phase 3 to address remaining stations.
  • New fare vending machines: 28 solar-powered machines from Parkeon, with audio component, to be deployed in September.
  • Train wraps: 11 oldest vehicles wrapped with colorful RT promotional designs; 36 total planned.
  • Golden 1 Center readiness: Partnership with city for wayfinding, security, and communication. SACOG provided $100,000 for station activation by Unseen Heroes.
  • Measure B educational outreach: Brochures and materials to be distributed in September.
• Budget Update (July 2016): Revenues exceeded expenses by $32,000. Fare revenue was $30,000 above budget. Ridership dipped compared to July 2015 due to three fewer weekdays, but on target with budget. Fare recovery ratio was 20% (target 19.7%, policy goal 23%).

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved Resolution Commending Michael R. Wiley (Item 14).
• Approved consent calendar with amendments: item 9 meeting start time changed to 6 p.m. and shuttle service provided.
• Directed staff to coordinate with the Kings to ensure transit information reaches season ticket holders.
• Appointed Director Hume as an alternate representative to the Capitol Corridor JPA board.
• Recessed to closed session for litigation, labor negotiation, and GM performance evaluation (no report out).