Sacramento Regional Transit District Board Meeting - March 8, 2021

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Board of Directors held a virtual meeting on Monday, March 8, 2021, at 5:31 PM. The meeting covered consent calendar approvals, public comments, a workshop on the annexation of Elk Grove transit services, and the General Manager's report. The board unanimously approved the consent calendar and discussed key operational and financial updates.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2-1 through 2-3 were approved unanimously on a motion by Director Budge, seconded by Director Howell. The roll call vote was 11-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Addresses on Non-Agenda Items: Two written comments were read by the clerk.
  • Jeffrey Tartagia expressed disappointment in the level of public engagement and requested improvements in communication, including a calendar ledger, better webinar formats, and attention to low-floor light rail vehicles for seniors and disabled riders. He also urged the board to attend upcoming subcommittee meetings and to hold a workshop on the 5-10 year plan for vehicle replacement.
  • Mike Bernbaum provided updates on YOLO County Transportation District and San Joaquin JPA meetings, and noted upcoming SacRT service changes (April 4 and April 5, 2021). He also announced a focus on the 11-year anniversary of the board at the March 22 meeting.
• Public Comments on Elk Grove Annexation Workshop: Two additional comments were read after the presentation.
  • Mike Bernbaum submitted a series of questions about the annexation, including route numbering, branding, employee transition, weekend service, smart ride zones, and when the item would go before the city council.
  • Helen O'Connell expressed full support for the annexation, calling it a real step forward for regional transit.

Discussion Items

• Elk Grove Transit Service Annexation Workshop (Item 7.1):

  • Laura Hamm and Brent Berniger presented a progress update on annexation negotiations with the City of Elk Grove. Key benefits identified include stronger regional grant positioning for zero-emission vehicles, service expansion, and blue line extension; elimination of transfers between e-tran and SacRT GO paratransit; and continued quality service. Customer satisfaction ratings were high (3-5 out of 5) in a January 2020 survey.
  • Financial terms: Elk Grove transit funds, assets, and revenues would transfer to SacRT, which would assume liabilities and operating costs. SacRT would allocate a proportionate share of future transportation sales tax to Elk Grove and enter into an 8-year lease for the corporate yard at market value. A $98,000/year administrative fee would be paid to the city. The five-year projection shows break-even.
  • Service commitment: No changes to existing service for the first year; service levels maintained for four years. The city manager would approve minor changes; major changes would require a meet-and-confer process. The fare structure would be retained for at least six months, and a rider task force would be formed.
  • Board members discussed the remaining sticking point—language to ensure transit equity for Elk Grove within the larger district. Staff expressed confidence in reaching agreement soon. Directors from previously annexed cities (Folsom, Citrus Heights) reported positive experiences. The target date for final adoption is March 22, 2021.

• General Manager's Report (Item 8.1):

  • GM Henry Lee reported on several initiatives:
    • Free transit rides to COVID-19 vaccination sites in partnership with Sacramento County Public Health, eliminating barriers to access.
    • A second online rider survey launched to gauge readiness to return to transit; results to be posted.
    • ADA paratransit virtual open houses scheduled for March 11 (10 AM and 6 PM).
    • Moody's affirmed SacRT's A3 rating, citing strong governance, debt defense, and strategic focus on ridership.
    • The federal American Rescue Plan Act, passed March 6, includes $30 billion for public transit nationally; SacRT expects approximately $100 million.
    • Real estate updates: Sale of 8-acre Gold River property for $2.1 million to USA Properties (165 market-rate apartments); transfer of Dell Rail Trail to the city of Sacramento (4.8-mile pedestrian/bike trail); ongoing construction of student housing at 65th Street station; and approval of the 50-line SMART reuse project (108 single-family and 770 multifamily homes near the Watt/I-80 station).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (11-0).
• Elk Grove Annexation: No formal vote taken; staff will continue negotiations on equity language and return to the board on March 22, 2021, for final adoption. The city council will also consider the item.
• General Manager's Report: Received without formal action. Board members expressed support for the free vaccination ride program and requested additional outreach materials in multiple languages and social media promotion.
• Closed Session: Canceled.
• Meeting Adjourned: At approximately 6:30 PM.