Sacramento Regional Transit District Board Meeting - June 15, 2017

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) board convened on June 15, 2017, to address a consent calendar, public comments on various issues, and several major discussion items, including the allocation of Proposition 1A funds for the downtown riverfront streetcar project and the adoption of the FY2018 budget. The meeting featured extensive public testimony and board deliberation, with key decisions on streetcar funding, route optimization, and the operating budget.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1-19 (with exceptions): The consent calendar was approved with a motion by Director Budge, seconded by Director Hanson, carrying at 95 votes. Items 7, 11, and 12 were pulled for separate discussion.
• Item 7: Resolution approving interagency and cost reimbursement agreement for the downtown riverfront streetcar project. Approved on consent after a question from Jeffrey Tardigia about contingency; staff confirmed it covers reimbursements for design/construction work.
• Item 11: Delegation of authority to general manager to execute work order for engineering support to relocate traction power substations A1 and A055 (estimated $4-5 million). Approved after discussion about SMUD's role and funding sources.
• Item 12: Resolution delegating authority to release RFP and award contract for Phase 1 of route optimization study ($200,000 budget). Approved after public comments and staff assurances on outreach.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeffrey Tardigia: Thanked drivers for shuttle service during planned disruptions but criticized RT's communication, accessibility, and planning. Opposed streetcar, urged better paratransit funding, and warned it could harm Measure U and B.
• Mike Barnbaum (Ride Downtown 916): Announced Connect Card soft launch (2,056 participants) and upcoming Capitol Corridor meetings. Supported streetcar and improvements to Route 51.
• Sarah Kerber (Sacramento Transit Writers Union): Presented photos of a dangerous bus stop at 47th Avenue and 47th Street (stop 2682 on Route 68), requesting an audit of unsafe stops and better accessibility in route optimization.
• Daryl Steinberg (Mayor of Sacramento): Urged approval of $25 million in Prop 1A funds for the streetcar project, citing an 8-to-1 federal match and commitment to work with RT on the Sacramento Valley Station loop and storage track.
• Dan Allison: Opposed using Prop 1A funds for streetcar, arguing it should go to the Sacramento Valley Station Loop for better connectivity to intercity rail.
• Craig Powell (Ion Sacramento): Argued streetcar is not an economic driver, would face operating deficits, and that the Measure S election may be illegal; urged using funds for other RT needs.
• Russell Rawlings: Opposed streetcar funding, favoring investment in existing system (aging light rail vehicles, elevators).
• Gregory Thompson: Warned streetcar would worsen transit service and that moving the blue line onto H Street would cause traffic conflicts.
• Stephen Barassa: Supported core system investment over streetcar, advocated for low-floor rail cars and autonomous shuttles.
• Dennis Newfeld: Proposed tabling item 22 until conditions (Measure S outcome, county commitment, federal and state funds) are met.
• Glenn DeMarsh (350 Sacramento): Favored option B (using funds for other needs), citing community priorities for bus service and maintenance.
• Delphina Cathcart (STAR): Stressed Prop 1A should enhance rail connectivity, not fund a pedestrian accelerator.
• Sarah Foster: Criticized high fares and paratransit rate increases; questioned streetcar ridership.
• Sam Stefanke (Congresswoman Matsui’s office): Supported streetcar, noting $50 million federal commitment and Congresswoman’s leadership.
• Eric Crane (Downtown Sacramento Partnership): Supported streetcar as critical infrastructure for mobility and economic development.
• Helen O'Connell and others: Expressed concerns about using outside consultants for route optimization and urged internal staff leadership.

Discussion Items

• Item 22 – Proposition 1A Funding for Streetcar: A central debate lasting over an hour. Staff (Neil Nance) presented two options: A) approve $25 million for the streetcar with city commitments; B) direct funds to other projects. Director Shneir moved option A; Director Hume offered a substitute motion to condition RT’s commitment on receiving federal small starts grant and state cap-and-trade funds. After legal clarification, the substitute motion was adopted. The board heard from a dozen speakers, largely opposed. Supporters cited economic development and leverage (8-to-1 match). Opponents cited operating cost risks, unmet system needs, and lack of direct connectivity to high-speed rail.
• Item 23 – FY2018 Operating and Capital Budgets: David Goldman presented a budget $1 million below prior year, with $295 million capital budget including $900k for Watt/I-80 elevator replacement and $3.8M seed money for light rail vehicle replacement. Public comments appreciated the evening meeting and line-item details. The board approved the budget without opposition.
• General Manager’s Report (Item 20): Henry Lee reported on transit means business luncheon, new security enhancements (PA system, paid fare zones, transit agents), and Watt/I-80 station elevator replacement timeline. Director Shneir praised labor relations and the transit agent program.
• Item 25 – San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority Report: Director Natoli reported on the May 26 meeting, highlighting a correction on SB 477 (not about voter thresholds) and a morning express service project to get a train to Sacramento before 8 a.m.

Key Outcomes

• Item 22 (Streetcar Funding): Approved as amended, 95 votes in favor. The $25 million in Prop 1A funds will be allocated to the streetcar project, contingent on execution of the federal Small Starts grant agreement. The city committed to work with RT on the Sacramento Valley Station loop, storage track, and future dedicated transit funding.
• Item 23 (FY2018 Budget): Approved, 95 votes. The operating budget is over $1 million below FY2017 with no fare increase. The capital budget includes new projects and carries forward prior commitments.
• Consent Calendar and Pulled Items: All approved, with individual votes for items 7, 11, and 12.
• Paratransit Report: Board member Natoli requested quarterly updates from Paratransit, Inc. to be placed on regular RT agendas.