Sacramento Regional Transit Board of Directors Meeting - March 15, 2018

The Sacramento Regional Transit Board of Directors met on March 15, 2018, with Chair Kennedy presiding. A quorum of 96 votes was established. The meeting included extensive public comments, approval of consent items, and the General Manager's report.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robert Copeland complained about bus driver training, potential wrecks, and bus stop bench design, and criticized the two-minute speaking limit.
• Nick Bryant reported safety issues on light rail (panhandling, smoking), malfunctioning fare equipment on buses and light rail, and graffiti at bus stops on Walerga and Ocorn.
• Mike Birnbaum presented a report on Placer County agencies offering a $10 summer youth bus pass valid June-August, as part of a comparison requested by the board.
• Jeffrey Tardiya discussed route optimization, website accessibility, canceled meetings, and the issue of Route 51 bypassing disabled passengers.
• Sarah Kerber (Sacramento Transit Writers Union) highlighted overcrowding on Bus Route 51, noting wheelchair users are frequently passed by full buses. She requested immediate examination for higher weekend service.
• Helen O'Connell described being passed by two consecutive 51 buses on three Saturdays, waiting up to 1.5 hours. She suggested adding an extra bus between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM.
• General Manager Henry Li responded that staff would identify the issue and possibly use paratransit in that timeframe before route optimization.
• Russell Rollins confirmed similar experiences with Route 51 and also noted a deteriorating bus stop at 34th and Broadway.
• Stacy Winton (SAC True) requested a public-friendly platform to track pilot studies.
• Brenda Anderson read from the Brown Act, criticized the board for lack of apology and engagement, and urged more accountability.
• Ailey Scott (paratransit operator, ATU Local 256) asked why RT has not brought paratransit operations in-house.

Consent Calendar

Items 1, 3, 4, and 5 were approved as a block on consent after public comments were heard on items 3, 4, and 5.

• Item 3: Conditionally awarding a contract for construction management services for the downtown riverfront streetcar project and conditionally delegating authority to the CEO/General Manager. Brenda Anderson opposed delegation of authority, expressing concern about past abuse. Staff explained the need to expedite the schedule; the JPA would approve later. Board member Natoli questioned the pressure on RT to act. GM Li noted funding comes from the two cities. Motion carried.
• Item 4: Resolution approving the Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Plan for 2018-2021. Sarah Kerber noted RT's history of underrepresentation of women and cited a 2003 consent decree. She urged improvement in hiring and promotion. Motion carried.
• Item 5: Fifth amendment to personal services contract with Robin Haswell for project management and coordination assistance. Sarah Kerber and Brenda Anderson criticized the extended temporary contract, arguing it should be a permanent position. Brenda Anderson noted she was told last year there would be no further amendments. Staff explained the contract allows flexibility. Motion carried.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 deliberations: Director Natoli asked why RT must act urgently to keep the streetcar project on schedule when it is not solely RT's project. Staff and GM Li responded that it helps partners and funding is not from RT. The item was moved to consent.
• General Manager's Report: Henry Li reported on the Capital Region Executive Leadership Mission in Washington DC, lobbying for infrastructure funding. He announced a partnership with B Street Theatre providing free class passes for students, the grand opening of Mills Station Arts and Culture Center in Rancho Cordova, new art-wrapped light rail trains, and installation of a new train washing rack costing $1 million. He also reported that RT is one of three final bidders to operate Yolo County Transit bus service under a $10 million, seven-year contract.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved consent items 1, 3, 4, and 5 (96 votes).
• Board directed staff to examine Route 51 overcrowding and report back.
• GM Li committed to provide an update on Smart Ride performance at the next meeting.
• No other formal votes taken.