Sacramento Regional Transit Board Meeting - March 15, 2017

This meeting of the Sacramento Regional Transit District took place on March 15, 2017 (the cablecast date). The board addressed routine consent items, public comments, several major contracts, the Connect Card system, and received financial and ridership updates.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–18 were approved en bloc, with items 5, 6, 10, and 15 pulled for separate discussion and later approved after public comment and staff responses.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Barnbum applauded RT for successful service detours during crane removal at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, noting the detour route’s proximity to the proposed MLS stadium site. He urged frequent bus service to the area.
• Joe Gamble (Amalgamated Transit Union Local 256) expressed labor’s interest in being an active participant in the route optimization initiative.
• Jeffrey Tardigia criticized internal communication gaps, mentioned the loss of Route 13, and urged better rider engagement. He also noted issues with bus stop signage during detours.
• Maggie Coulter (Sacramento Human) expressed appreciation for Norm’s work on consent items.
• Helen (on item 5) urged that anyone hired for cleaning services receive a livable wage, including developmentally disabled workers.
• Brenda Anderson (on item 5) questioned the decision to rebid the cleaning contract with InAlliance and alleged financial contributions. Staff explained it was a fixed-term contract requiring periodic bidding.
• Brenda Anderson (on item 6) questioned repeated extensions and funding increases for Robin Haswell’s personal services contract. Staff tied it to specific capital projects.
• Barbara Stanton (Ridership for the Masses) argued that the mobile app’s 90-minute transfer policy creates a Title VI disparate impact on cash users. She suggested reinstating paper transfers for equal access.
• Jeffrey Tardigia (on item 10) raised that discontinuing the bus book may also be a Title VI issue by limiting physical access to schedules.
• Barbara Stanton (on item 15) asked whether alcohol advertising would be permitted under the new bus advertising contract. Deborah Salinas confirmed the same policy as light rail.
• Mike Barnbum (on San Joaquin JPA report) highlighted the draft business plan and vision for hourly San Joaquin service to Sacramento within 10-15 years.

Discussion Items

• General Manager’s Report: Mark reported on the annual federal lobbying trip in Washington, noting uncertain federal funding. He announced restoration of Folsom light rail service on March 8 after a three-month outage due to a gate mechanism that damaged signaling and crossing systems – the most disruptive event in 30 years. Brent Rennegar presented January financials: total revenues $13.3M, expenses $13.2M (positive variance). Fare revenue at $2.5M was the lowest since the July fare increase, but year-to-date fare revenue up 14%. Ridership down 11.8% in January due to fare inspection, fare increase, weather, missed trips, and mechanical issues. STA revenues expected to drop ~$770k, but LTF sales tax revenues may increase 2.5-5%, offsetting the loss. Farebox recovery at 20.5% (budget 20.6%) for the month, but 21.9% year-to-date (budget 21.1%).
• Items 20 & 21 – Systemwide Station Improvement Project Phases 2 & 3: Daryl Aben Sado presented two contracts awarded to JPB Designs: painting ($500k) for 19 stations and civil work ($340k) for 31 stations. Overall project budget $6.7M (under budget). Work includes painting columns, railings, shelters, concrete repairs, signage, lighting, and cleaning. Remaining funds may be used for additional lighting and cameras. Brenda Anderson asked about cameras and community outreach; staff said they survey stations.
• Item 22 – Regional Connect Card: KC Courtright presented two resolutions: (1) MOU for governance of the Connect Card system, with RT hosting the Regional Service Center (RSC) and paying 79% of first-year costs; (2) temporary daily best fare for Connect Card users – capping fares at $7 per day (equivalent to a day pass). Implementation intended to simplify boarding and reduce overcharges. Speakers: Mike Barnbum asked about corporate accounts; Jeffrey Tardigia reported overcharging issues and syncing problems; Dan Allison supported the daily best fare as a speed improvement. Staff responded that overcharges are refunded and daily best fare will mitigate future issues.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar items 1–18 approved; items 5, 6, 10, and 15 separately moved and passed unanimously (5-0 votes where recorded).
• Items 20 and 21 (station improvement contracts) approved unanimously (motion carried 5-0).
• Item 22 (Connect Card governance MOU and temporary daily best fare) approved unanimously (motion carried 5-0).
• Board received written reports from Paratransit (meetings Jan 17 and 26) and San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (meeting Jan 27).
• Director Hansen asked staff to address cleanliness at the 8th & K Street station.
• Board recessed to closed session for real estate negotiations (property at 2220 Simo Circle, Gold River).