Sacramento Regional Transit Board Meeting - June 12, 2018

The Sacramento Regional Transit Board met on June 12, 2018, with Chair Pro Tem Director Shanir presiding due to the absence of the chair and vice chair. The board addressed a consent calendar, heard public testimony on various topics, reviewed the FY2019 budget, and discussed governance documents for the Riverfront Streetcar Project. Key actions included unanimous approval of the consent calendar and adoption of the FY2019 operating and capital budgets.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1 through 13 (minus item 10, which was pulled for separate discussion) were approved unanimously. Speakers addressed items 5, 8, and 10 before the vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Schwegel (U.S. High Speed Rail advocate) expressed strong support for light rail as part of a statewide integrated network, citing personal savings from transit use and urging the board to pursue a 10- to 20-fold increase in funding, referencing King County's transit expansion as a model.
• Mike Bernbaum reported on Proposition 69 (80.8% yes statewide) and Regional Measure 3 (55% approval in nine Bay Area counties), noting that Sacramento would benefit from improved Capitol Corridor service. He suggested that six counties should collaborate on future transportation revenue measures rather than acting alone.
• Sarah Kerber (Sacramento Transit Writers Union) expressed disappointment that Mayor Steinberg's recent speech on inclusive economic growth did not mention public transit. She urged board members to advocate for transit funding in every policy discussion, saying "no more transit last planning and transit last funding."
• Felix Wert (Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3) reported that the state had retained jurisdiction over their unionization petition for RT management and confidential employees. He criticized RT for spending on outside legal services to challenge the petition and alleged that RT's labor relations staff were conducting one-on-one "interrogation meetings" with employees.
• Jane McCauley asked for a definitive answer on the Evergreen surplus property sale, noting conflicting information about whether the City of Sacramento's bid for a homeless shelter was active. She opposed a shelter at the site due to proximity to a daycare and elementary school, and also raised concerns about blight at the Lumberjack property sold to CSW.
• Flor Grisell presented a petition with over 300 signatures opposing the sale of the Evergreen property to the City of Sacramento for a homeless shelter, arguing that state law requires surplus land to be used for affordable housing. She stated that affordable housing and retail would be a better use and would increase ridership.
• Arthur Ketterling asked about a missing bus sign at a stop in Citrus Heights and inquired about the schedule for the new Folsom service hours and the Smart Ride program.
• Crystal McGee Lee (ATU Local 256) spoke on item 5, questioning the $516,000 expenditure on a "crime series" contract for the Security Operations Center. She expressed concern that RT faces financial challenges while spending on outside services, and warned that upcoming contract negotiations would be difficult due to adversarial labor relations.
• Jeff Tardiguier (on item 8) criticized elevator maintenance and response times, citing an incident where a blind person was stuck in an elevator for 1.5 hours. He also commented on the budget, asking for more detailed breakdowns with total numbers rather than just percentages.
• Pam Floor (Mobility Advisory Council chair) reported that an ad hoc committee on service animals had taken a unified, common-sense approach focused on educating riders.
• Russell Rawlings (Resources for Independent Living, SAC True member) thanked staff for the budget presentation and for engaging with the public at SAC True meetings.

Discussion Items

• General Manager's Report (Item 14): Henry Lee reported that the City of Sacramento's interest in the Evergreen property is on hold after an email request to pause; no decision has been brought to the board. He announced a new five-year contract with the Natomas Transportation Management Association (TMA) for eight new vehicles, and an invitation to celebrate the extension of Gold Line service to Folsom on June 14. Additional updates included an employee appreciation event (first since 2014), completion of the Rancho Cordova bus stop, and City Council approval of a new Naira system operations agreement, saving money after 33 years.
• Public Comments on GM Report: Jeff Tardiguier again raised concerns about electronic bulletin boards, Connect card reliability, and the need for better board communication. Mike Barnbaum promoted events at Golden 1 Center and encouraged use of the new Folsom service hours.
• Fiscal Year 2019 Operating and Capital Budgets (Item 15): Brent Burdicker presented the $169 million operating budget (2.6% increase in base budget, 4.7% with service expansions) and $528 million capital budget. He noted four fiscal challenges: SB1 funding repeal risk, a $3.5 million annual debt service payment coming due in FY2020, higher-than-expected claims, and a low operating reserve. After public comment, the board voted unanimously to close the public hearing and accept the budget.
• Riverfront Streetcar Project Governance (Item 16): Mark Lonergan provided an informational update on draft agreements (JPA, subrecipient, design/construction, and operations/maintenance). The board discussed risks related to cost overruns, liability, and long-term funding for operations. Director Natoli requested clarity on governance protections for the district. The item will return for action in July or August after the FTA risk assessment (scheduled June 20-21).
• Reports from Directors (Items 17-18): Directors reported on paratransit and San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority meetings. Mike Barnbaum highlighted the JPA's July 27 meeting in Sacramento and TIRCP grants for new stations and I-5 corridor service.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (items 1-13, minus item 10). Item 10 (service animal ordinance) was separately approved unanimously.
• FY2019 Budget: The public hearing was closed, and the budget was adopted unanimously.
• Riverfront Streetcar: No action taken; further discussion and approval expected at a future meeting after the FTA risk assessment.
• General Manager's Report: Accepted; no vote required.
• Closed Session: The board entered closed session; no report was issued.