Sacramento Regional Transit Board Meeting - November 14, 2017

Note: The transcript states the meeting was held on Monday, November 13, 2017, but the provided date is November 14, 2017. This summary uses the provided date as instructed.

The Sacramento Regional Transit Board meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 PM. A quorum of 100 votes was present. The board adjusted the agenda to move items 12 and 13 to the front, then approved the consent calendar (items 1–8) unanimously. The remainder of the meeting covered major property sales, public comments, and operational updates.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1 through 8 were approved unanimously with no discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Kelly (resident): Reported his guide dog was attacked on light rail by a pit bull on September 25, 2017. Urged better enforcement of service animal rules and retention of video evidence.
• Shannon Dylan (California Association of Guide Dog Users): Requested that operators ask the two ADA-allowed questions about service animals, that police be educated on penal codes protecting guide dogs, and that video be held longer than 3 days. Asked for a future board agenda item on service animal safety.
• Margie Donovan (guide dog handler of 36 years): Described near-attack on her dog and stated that operators sometimes claim union rules prohibit asking about service animals. Called for serious board action on fake service animals.
• Roger Oberholzer (Secretary, California Association of Guide Dog Users): Shared similar experiences, emphasized that fake service animals interfere with legitimate guide dogs, and urged extended video retention and better training.
• Mike Barnbaum (resident): Recommended no board meetings on May 28 (Memorial Day), September 10 (Rosh Hashanah), and October 8 (Columbus Day) in 2018, and suggested a meeting on November 26 (after Thanksgiving).
• Mrs. Sweat (resident): Complained about Connect Card inaccuracies and a transit guard's aggressive behavior; asked for system fixes and better training.
• Arthur Ketterling (paratransit user): Reported a paratransit driver leaving the vehicle door open, creating a safety hazard. Also noted Connect Card reading issues.
• Jeffrey Tardigia (regular rider): Criticized RT's lack of programs for I-80 station, Connect Card costs, and poor communication with other agencies. Urged better public input before decisions.

Discussion Items

• Item 12 – Ardenway Property Surplus & Sale: Staff presented the history of marketing the 2.8-acre parcel, including four offers. The recommended buyer was Community Housing Works (CHW), a nonprofit affordable housing developer, offering $1,114,000 (5% below appraisal). Public speakers: Elaine Jackson (opposed, citing lack of District 2 improvements and traffic issues), Jeremy Turner (asked for more time and opportunity to bid), David Platt (supported, noting future city council review). Board discussion focused on the surplus process, delegation of authority, and transparency. Director Harris moved to approve items A (declare surplus) and B (reaffirm GM authority), with a friendly amendment to report final terms at the GM's report. Motion passed unanimously (100 votes).
• Item 13 – Evergreen Street Property Continuance: Staff recommended continuing discussion to January 8, 2018. Public speakers: David Platt (asked to consider other bids), Jane McAuley (Woodlake neighbors, supported delay, opposed a triage shelter), Patty Taylor (opposed shelter, worried about safety), Elaine Jackson (presented 217 signatures opposing sale for a triage center), Karen Rudman (opposed, criticized city council members' dual roles), Bernice Krieger (urged transit-oriented development, opposed surplus declaration). Board members noted that land use decisions belong to the city. Motion to continue passed unanimously.
• Item 10 – 65th Street Property Sale: Staff presented the 2.23-acre parcel, proposed for student housing (Symphony Development) with relocation of bus shelters and restrooms. Two offers: Symphony ($2 million plus relocation costs) and Laguna 2 (rescinded). Public speakers: Helen O'Connell (concerned about accessibility for wheelchair users), Stacey Wentling (urged more community input and analysis, supported option B to revoke delegation). Director Harris moved option A (reaffirm delegation) with a report back, seconded, passed unanimously.
• Item 11 – Power Inn Park-and-Ride Lot Sale: Staff presented 12.75 acres (reduced to 7.5 after retaining parking). Three offers: Score Soccer Centers (ground lease, rejected), Lewis Homes (below market), John Sweet (student housing/mixed-use, $3.9 million). Board discussed the single access point and directed staff to attempt acquisition of a sliver of city-owned land for a second entrance. Motion to approve option A (reaffirm delegation) with that direction passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 12: Approved declaring Ardenway property surplus and reaffirming GM authority to negotiate sale with CHW, with a report back on final terms. (100-0)
• Item 13: Approved continuing discussion of Evergreen Street surplus to January 8, 2018. (100-0)
• Item 10: Approved reaffirming GM authority to finalize sale of 65th Street property to Symphony Development, with a report back. (100-0)
• Item 11: Approved reaffirming GM authority for Power Inn lot sale, with direction to try to acquire adjacent sliver for improved access. (100-0)
• General Manager's Report included employee recognitions, holiday bus promotion, Veterans Day ridership (1,400 free rides), and APTA conference takeaways.
• Security update: Lieutenant reported redeployment of transit agents to trains, cooperation with Rancho Cordova PD, and camera installations at Alkali Flats and Watt/I-80 stations.

Date Discrepancy: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on Monday, November 13, 2017, but the provided date for this summary is November 14, 2017. The summary reflects the required date.