Sacramento Regional Transit Board Meeting - December 18, 2017

The Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) Board met on December 18, 2017, to address a wide range of items including consent calendar approvals, public comments, financial reports, a new student fare discount initiative, and the election of officers. The meeting was notable for the board's approval of a pilot program to reduce student semi-monthly pass prices, a route optimization study contract, and the adoption of a reduced meeting schedule for 2018.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 1-6, 8-13, and 15-17 unanimously (motion carried with 100 votes).
• Item 7: Approved first amendment to the agreement with the City of Citrus Heights for bus service (motion carried with 100 votes). Public speaker Rick Hodgkins advocated for restoring a bus route from Lewis and Orlando to Sunrise Light Rail Station, noting the loss of the 91 route and the half-service of the 21 and 1 routes.
• Item 14: Approved the 2018 meeting calendar, with a reduction to one meeting per month in most quarters. Motion carried with 86 votes (Directors Hume and Budge opposed). The reduction was contentious, with public comment from Sarah Kerber (SAC True) opposing the change due to long agendas and reduced public input. Director Linda Budge expressed concerns about the calendar during route optimization, while Director Hansen supported the reduction as a way to use time more wisely, adding that special meetings could be called if needed.
• Item 18: Approved resolution amending delegation of authority to sell the 65th Street property to Symphony Development (motion carried with 100 votes). Public speaker Jeff T criticized the lack of public input and outdated traffic mitigation; Director Harris supported the sale as beneficial, while Director Natoli expressed dissatisfaction with the broker's failure to disclose a letter of intent from the developer, calling it a 'big deal.'

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rick Hodgkins (public member) provided detailed information on the ADA definition of service animals, emphasizing their roles for various disabilities, and also reported a car towed from the 12th & I Street Light Rail Station tracks.
• Jeff T (public member) opposed the move to one meeting per month, citing missed opportunities for public input on RT operations, the 65th Street property sale, and other issues.
• Sarah Kerber (SAC True) opposed the reduced meeting schedule, noting 28-item agendas, impact on public participation, and increased delegation of authority to staff.
• Brian Ebert (President, Southland Park Neighborhood Association) expressed strong support for the Del Rio Trail (rail-to-trail project), citing community and elected official support, and asked RT to transfer the property to the city.
• Chuck Hughes (Del Rio Trail subcommittee chairman) also urged RT to support the trail, noting its connectivity and potential for commuting and errands.
• Mike Barnbaum (Ride Downtown 916) provided updates on the Reimagine Watt I-80 open house, and suggested RT partner with businesses for event service costs, as well as reference to a summer youth pass in Placer County.
• Rick Hodgkins (on multiple items) supported the Citrus Heights bus agreement, advocated for route optimization, and praised the Connect Card while suggesting improvements.

Discussion Items

• General Manager's Report (Item 19): GM Henry Li reported on a cyber-attack on RT's IT system on November 18, 2017; system restored within three days, no financial data compromised. He also announced a micro-transit pilot project with TransLoc, launching next month in Citrus Heights. The report included financial updates (October results: operating surplus of $800k, year-to-date $1.6M), service animal policy update to return in 2018, and improvements at the 16th Street Station (with $70k from business owners). Presentations were given by Neil Nance (facilities), Lieutenant Hines (security), and Rob Hoslett (safety).
• Financial Audit (Item 20): Received and filed the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY2016-17, with a clean unqualified audit opinion, no findings. Operating numbers: fare revenues ~$30.5M, operating assistance $131.6M, operating expenses ~$159.9M, surplus ~$2.2M, operating reserve now ~$5.3M (target $20M).
• Student Pass Fare Reduction (Item 21): Approved a six-month pilot to reduce the semi-monthly student pass from $27.50 to $10. Staff estimated 265,000 new boardings per year at a cost of $200k annually ($100k for six months). Extended motion with direction: implement a summer youth pass, make Connect Card/mobile app the default fare media, allow no-photo cards for students, and report back in three months. Motion carried with 100 votes.
• Route Optimization Study (Item 23): Awarded contract to Jarrett Walker and Associates for a route optimization study, with delegation for optional work and a capital budget amendment. The study is fully funded by a $400,000 Caltrans planning grant. Motion carried at 100 votes.
• Del Rio Trail (Item 24): Information item on the city's request to acquire RT property along the old Walnut Grove branch for a bike trail. Public comments supported the trail; Directors Shanier, Hansen, and Harris offered direction to work with the city to transfer or lease the property at no cost, considering the $35k annual maintenance and liability.
• Election of Officers (Item 25): Director Patrick Kennedy elected Chair, Director Steve Hansen elected Vice Chair for 2018. Both elections carried with 100 votes.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent calendar items including Citrus Heights bus agreement and amended 2018 meeting calendar (86 votes in favor).
• Approved sale of 65th Street property with noted broker concerns.
• Approved pilot student fare reduction with additional directives; motion carried unanimously.
• Awarded route optimization study to Jarrett Walker and Associates.
• Directed staff to work with the city toward the Del Rio Trail, considering transfer/lease.
• Elected Patrick Kennedy (Chair) and Steve Hansen (Vice Chair) for 2018.
• Celebrated clean audit and improved financial reserves.