Sacramento Regional Transit District Board Meeting - April 26, 2021

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Board of Directors met virtually on Monday, April 26, 2021, at 5:33 p.m. The meeting included approval of a consent calendar, public comments on transit services, a resolution to temporarily retain retiring Clerk Cindy Brooks, updates from the General Manager on the Ride Free RT program and Morrison Creek station construction, and director reports. The board voted unanimously (9-1-0) on all items, with 91 votes constituting a quorum.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2.2: Approved a cost-sharing agreement for operation of Smart Ride service within Sacramento County Service Area Number 10, Benefit Zone Number 3. The item was approved unanimously on a motion by Director Budge, seconded by Director Hume, with a 9-1-0 vote (Director Howell not present).

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Consent Calendar Item 2.2: Mike Barnbaum expressed no concerns with financial terms but raised operational questions about the expanded Gerber zone (whether it would include light rail stations, hours of service). He moved to direct staff to provide the Internal Service Efficiency Review Committee analysis for the short-range transit plan, aiming for weekday service hours of 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekend/holiday service from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Laura Ham (staff) responded that the Gerber zone will continue to serve CRC Light Rail Station and hours remain 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. pending available funding.
• On Matters Not on the Agenda: Mike Barnbaum reported on meetings of YCTD (YOLO GO Comprehensive Operational Analysis), Capitol Corridor Board (22 weekday/18 weekend trains, service to San Jose restored, bus service transfer to El Dorado Transit), and the San Joaquin JPA (virtual board meeting May 21). Donald Childs proposed extending Route 75 to Zinfandel Drive to connect residents to Capitol Village and a second light rail station, and expanding the Smart Ride zone to include the Sacramento SportsPlex in Rancho Cordova to improve transit access for low-income student athletes and sports tourism. Laura Ham provided a response in board packages.

Discussion Items

• New Business – Item 7.1: Resolution Approving Temporary Appointment of Future Retired Annuitant Cindy Brooks. Shelly Valentin (staff) presented the resolution, noting Cindy Brooks served SacRT for over 30 years (23 as Clerk to the Board). The resolution allows her to return under a personal services contract immediately after retirement (June 1, 2021) to ensure a smooth transition. Due to PEPRA rules, the board must determine the position is critically needed. Public comments from Mike Barnbaum and Barbara Stanton (Ridership for the Masses) urged approval, praising Brooks. Director Kennedy humorously asked if Brooks wrote the comments. The motion by Director Cerna, seconded by Director Budge, passed unanimously with 9 votes (Director Howell absent).
• General Manager's Report (Item 8.1) – Henry Li:
  • Acknowledged Cindy Brooks' retirement and thanked board for approval.
  • Reported on SacRT's bus network redesign (SACaFORD): outreach team had 17,000 face-to-face interactions; project to be honored by American Planning Association in July.
  • Free rides to/from vaccine appointments continued; information translated into six languages.
  • Budget process described as smooth.
  • Ride Free RT Program: First transit agency in the nation to allow students and youth to ride free system-wide any time. Ridership increased 127% in first five months. University of Texas study confirmed gains in ridership and school attendance. Program will expand in July with annexation agreement with City of Arden. Digital toolkit in eight languages provided. GM committed to making program permanent and exploring fare-free for low-income individuals.
  • Morrison Creek Light Rail Station: Construction active; station will be pedestrian-only, serving Delta Shores development (over 900 acres, 5,200 residential units, 1.3 million sq ft retail). Completion expected end of June; opening September 2021 as walk-on station. Working to close Blue Line Phase 2 extension and planning Phase 3 to Elk Grove.
  • Future Board Meetings: Sherry (staff) reported that due to space limitations, city and county chambers are unavailable during meeting times. Staff exploring other facilities and best practices for expanding public participation if virtual meetings end.
• Director Reports & Questions:
  • Director Katie asked about workforce diversity and salary trend analysis. GM Li noted 70% of staff are minority; executive team is 74% female and over 50% minority. He committed to sharing more details and noted compliance with federal/state requirements. Director Katie emphasized the value of intentional leadership development.
  • Director Cerna thanked GM Li for joining a site visit to discuss using underutilized RT parking lots for homeless triage centers along Roseville Road, noting progress with city council member Liloe.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (9-1-0) including the Smart Ride cost-sharing agreement.
• Item 7.1 (Cindy Brooks Temporary Appointment): Approved unanimously (9-1-0), authorizing immediate personal services contract after retirement.
• Directives: Staff to consider public comments on Smart Ride expansion and Route 75 extension in future planning; GM to provide workforce diversity analysis to board.