Sacramento Regional Transit Board Meeting – August 18, 2017

The Sacramento Regional Transit Board met on August 18, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including public comments, approval of consent items, a general manager's report, a vote on the GM's employment contract amendment, an update on the route optimization study, and reports from joint powers authorities. Key decisions included approving a significant salary increase and bonus for General Manager Henry Lee, and moving forward with the route optimization study.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1 through 7 were approved unanimously (100 votes).
• Item 8, a resolution approving work order number six for streetcar vehicle procurement evaluation and Buy America pre-award audit, was pulled for public comment. After a speaker asked about the SACOG steering committee and engineering details, the item was approved with a motion by Director Harris, seconded by Director Hanson, carrying with 100 votes (no opposition).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Coco Cocazzella (individual, member of transit advocacy groups) urged the board to focus on citizen transportation needs over developer interests, calling for more bus routes and frequent service.
• Jeffrey Tardi Gia expressed disappointment with the board's decisions, stating they would set RT back years, and announced he would stop attending meetings. He also mentioned working with legislators on an appropriations transit bill.
• Stephen Barassa advocated for a local sales tax measure for transit, citing polling data showing 81% support for light rail and bus maintenance and security, 80% for operations, and 75% for extending light rail to the airport and Elk Grove. He suggested a transit-only measure.
• Mike Barnbaum provided an update on the Sacramento Kings 2017-2018 NBA schedule, noting only five of 43 home games start at 7:30 p.m., and five Sunday games with start times as early as 12:30 p.m., which eases transit service concerns.
• Robert Copeland urged RT to seek competitive SB1 grants for road fixes, better bus service, and frequency, and proposed reinstating a lifetime pass for seniors over 75 and a 90-minute transfer.
• Alex (hospitality worker) requested later night transit service, noting that buses stop running at 11 p.m., which is unusual for a city.
• Arthur asked about funding for new buses and light rail cars, noting the existing fleet dates to 1987, and offered to help advocate for funding.
• Russell Rawlings commended staff for an SB1 discussion event and urged consideration of lower fares and increased operational capacity.

General Manager's Report (Henry Lee)

• Employee recognitions: Maureen Wren (grants manager) and Stephanie Owen (transportation supervisor) received awards for 20+ years of service.
• FTA compliance: RT received official notice that its Equal Employment Opportunity program is in full compliance.
• Station improvements: At Watt/I-80 station, 14 new cameras and two public announcement systems installed, enabling 24/7 police surveillance.
• Customer service: Portable tents installed at the 13th and R Street customer service center for weather protection.
• Community outreach: Listening tours continued with groups like the Sierra Club, 350 Sacramento, and Fair Oaks Rotary Club (75 attendees).
• Free ride days: Upcoming promotions for back-to-school students and National Senior Citizens Day (August 21).
• Operator attendance: Absenteeism (sick hours) decreased 14% from Q1 to Q2 2017, resulting in zero missed bus trips due to operator attendance in recent months.
• Security update (Lieutenant Roger): A multi-agency proactive policing operation on August 9 yielded 73 citations, 11 arrests, 18 parole/probation searches, 12 vehicle stops, and 12 suspicious subject stops. The new PA system at 30 stations was used 146 times in 23 days, with high compliance (mostly warnings, few dispatches). Live cameras are now installed on 20 light rail vehicles, with project completion expected in 90–120 days. Preliminary talks with Rancho Cordova for a shared police officer.

Discussion: GM Employment Agreement Amendment (Item 10)

• Chair Andy Morin presented the amendment: retroactive salary increase from $216,000 to $248,500 effective July 1, 2017, and to $281,000 effective January 1, 2018, plus a 20% performance bonus for FY2016-17 ($43,200). Future raises tied to the MCEG employee group raise. RT will contribute $29,000 annually to a 401(a) defined contribution plan for Henry Lee.
• Public comments: Eight speakers supported the package, citing Henry Lee's leadership, improved finances, community engagement, and risk of losing him. One speaker (Jeffrey Tardi Gia) opposed, arguing the raise was excessive compared to riders' incomes and that performance criteria were missing. Several supporters included Mike Barnbaum (Ride Downtown 916), David Modisett (Breathe CA), Russell Rawlings, and David Taylor (representing eight business leaders).
• Board discussion: Director Hume supported, noting Henry Lee's performance saved millions, and the raise brings him to peer parity. Director Budge abstained due to one contract aspect she disagreed with.
• Vote: Roll call: 9 ayes (Hanson, Harris, Hume, Jennings, Kennedy, Miller, Natoli, Shanier, Chair Moran), 1 abstention (Budge), absent (Serna). Motion passed.

Route Optimization Study Update (Item 11)

• Laura Hamm and James Boyle presented the study scope: three phases (comprehensive review, route optimization, optional tasks). RFP released July 24, pre-proposal meeting August 8 with five firms interested. Target contract award October 2017, completion September 2018. Budget: ~$350,000 for consultant; $1–1.2 million capital costs for implementation.
• Customer satisfaction survey (May 2017): 1,200 face-to-face interviews at 17 locations. Results: 26% of riders are new within 12 months; 66% ride daily; 78% satisfied with route/schedule info; 70% satisfied with operator helpfulness; 61% with on-time performance; improvements noticed in safety, cleanliness, and fare inspection. Top service priorities: real-time arrival info, more frequent weekend and late-night bus service, improved reliability, expanded coverage.
• Public comment: Mike Barnbaum urged stronger engagement with SACOG (regional planning agency) through committees and the unmet transit needs process.
• Board comments: Director Hanson emphasized collaboration with cities and using data to align routes with current population and job centers, noting the current routes are largely unchanged for 20 years. She called this the most important initiative in years.

San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) Meeting Summary (Item 12)

• Director Hume reported the SJJPA formally approved shifting passenger rail to the Sacramento subdivision, enabling new stations in Elk Grove, City College, Midtown, North Sacramento, and eventually the airport and Marysville.
• Public comment: Mike Barnbaum highlighted support for a new 4:25 a.m. express train from Fresno to Sacramento, benefiting Central Valley communities with poor air service.

Sacramento Placerville Joint Powers Authority (Item 13)

• Written summary provided by Director Budge; no additional oral report.

Key Outcomes

• Consent items 1-7 approved unanimously. Item 8 approved after public comment.
• GM contract amendment approved (9 ayes, 1 abstention). Henry Lee received a retroactive raise, a future raise, a $43,200 bonus, and a defined contribution pension plan.
• Route optimization study to proceed with RFP process; board to receive monthly updates.
• SJJPA action supports expanded passenger rail service in the region.