Sacramento Regional Transit Board Meeting – May 10, 2017

Note: The transcript begins with the meeting being called to order on Monday, May 8, 2017. However, the provided metadata specifies May 10, 2017. This summary uses the given date per instructions.

The Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) Board met to discuss consent calendar items, receive public comments, hear the General Manager’s report, review the preliminary FY2018 budget, consider expanded naming rights criteria, approve paid-fare zones and an ordinance amendment, and hold an information discussion on the Downtown Riverfront Streetcar Project. The meeting included several public testimonies and board deliberations, with actions taken on most items.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–5 were approved in two blocks. Items 1, 4, and 5 were approved unanimously on a first motion. Items 2 (Title VI program update) and 3 (Sac State student/employee transit pass agreement) were each voted on separately after public comment, also passing unanimously. All votes were voice votes with no stated opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Russell Rawlings (SAC True member) invited the board to Saturday meetings of the Sacramento Transit Riders Union and encouraged public engagement. He later spoke on Item 2, criticizing the Title VI update for offering free transfers only to Connect Card/app users, calling it inequitable.
• Cheryl Busby highlighted an opportunity to partner with Sutter Health Foundation and Sierra Health Foundation on a “high-five” initiative that addresses social determinants of health, including public transportation.
• Jeffrey Tartagia raised multiple concerns: repeated elevator outages at the I-80 station, urging a shuttle service costing over $200,000 the prior year; a bus driver incident where a person with a disability was not allowed on a full bus; and communication breakdowns via email. He also commented favorably on new light rail layouts and service alerts (though noted Android users see only top of alerts).
• Sarah Kerber (SAC True) spoke on Item 2, supporting the Title VI update but reiterating that 90-minute transfers should be available for cash fares. She also spoke on Item 7, requesting more detailed budget documents and community budget training, comparing RT’s 26-page budget to other agencies’ 60–341-page budgets.
• Tammy Dreener (Organized Sacramento) expressed concern that paid-fare zones could restrict free speech and public surveys on RT property; she urged consistent training for transit agents.
• Coco Cocazella proposed a pilot enclosed paid-fare zone as a proof-of-concept for a future fare system.
• Helen O’Connell (MAC board, SAC True, DOG FIGHT) recommended using Prop 1A funds for bus service restoration or light rail to the airport instead of the streetcar.
• Russell Rawlings (also DOG FIGHT president) argued that moving light rail off K Street to H Street would worsen pedestrian access and create congestion; he preferred using Prop 1A funds for light rail to the airport and Thomas area.
• Stephen Barassa (Ion Sacramento) detailed concerns about the landowner vote (CFD) for the streetcar, calling it “gerrymandered” with the rail yards providing over half the votes while receiving no direct service. He also noted the federal full-funding grant agreement must be signed by September to capture FY17 money.
• Gregory Thompson (Ion Sacramento) warned that relocating the Blue Line to H Street would cause 15-minute delays during Golden 1 Center events due to auto traffic, and the streetcar would face the same blockage.
• Jim Cathcart argued that RT should not commit $25 million in Prop 1A funds to the streetcar because RT is cash-strapped, the city of Sacramento has contributed only $7 million while West Sacramento gave $35 million, and the 2015 landowner parcel tax failed. He said RT should prioritize its own capital needs like low-floor light rail vehicles.
• Delphine Cathcart echoed those points, citing RT’s high fares and need for state-of-good-repair investments.
• Dennis Newfound (Ion Sacramento treasurer) pointed out the funding gap—$200 million needed but only $175 million identified—and urged not committing Prop 1A funds until the federal government provides the remaining $50 million.

Discussion Items

• General Manager’s Report (Item 6): Henry Li reported that Governor Brown signed SB1 (transportation funding), that the federal FY2017 appropriation includes $50 million for the Downtown Riverfront Streetcar, and that RT’s strategic vision outreach has included 20+ presentations. Laura Hamm and Deborah Salinas presented survey results (over 2,000 responses). Top priorities from respondents: increased frequency/coverage (82% important/very important), free transfers (83%), light rail to airport (80%), and real-time information. Respondents were mostly employed full-time (70%), registered voters, and 73% reported increased congestion. Director Linda Budge asked about survey language accessibility; staff explained a phone translation service and planned Spanish rider survey.
• Item 7 – Preliminary FY2018 Budget Public Hearing: David Goldman presented the draft budget. After public comment (see above), the board voted unanimously to continue the public hearing to June 12, 2017.
• Item 8 – Naming Rights Criteria: Deborah Salinas proposed expanded criteria to allow naming of light rail lines and stations, with potential revenue estimates of up to $33 million for three lines over 25 years and $25,000–$35,000 per station annually. Board members expressed concerns about board approval authority, confusion if line names change, and the need for clear guidelines. Director Linda Budge moved to continue the item to the May 22, 2017 meeting with staff to refine criteria. Motion carried unanimously.
• Item 9 – Paid Fare Zones at All Light Rail Stations: Tim Spengler explained that paid-fare zones (pilot at six stations) help pre-check fares and reduce loitering. Motion to approve carried unanimously.
• Item 10 – Ordinance Amendment (Prohibited Acts): Tim Spengler requested waiving first reading of an ordinance that amends definitions, clarifies loitering rules, and strengthens proof-of-fare requirements. Motion carried unanimously.
• Item 11 – RT Participation in Streetcar Funding (Informational): Neil Nance and Brent Berniker provided background on the $200 million project (previously $150 million), funding sources, and a $25 million gap that could be filled with Prop 1A funds. Pros and cons were outlined. Several board members requested more detailed analysis of alternative Prop 1A uses, cost escalation, and the status of the joint powers authority. The item is scheduled for action at the June 12, 2017 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar items approved (unanimous votes).
• FY2018 budget public hearing continued to June 12, 2017 (unanimous).
• Naming rights criteria discussion continued to May 22, 2017 (unanimous).
• Paid fare zones at all light rail stations approved (unanimous).
• First reading of ordinance amending prohibited acts waived; ordinance approved (unanimous).
• Streetcar funding information received; further discussion and potential vote deferred to June 12, 2017.
• Board also acknowledged written reports from Paratransit Inc. and the Sacramento Placerville Joint Powers Authority meetings.