Sacramento Regional Transit District Board Meeting - November 18, 2024

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Board of Directors met on November 18, 2024, with a quorum of nine votes. Key actions included approval of a consent calendar, a landmark sale of surplus properties for 100% affordable housing, and appointments to the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA). The meeting also featured extensive public comment on service reliability, safety concerns, and the upcoming Flex service transition.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the consent calendar, which included items 2.8 (personal services contract for communications), 2.16 (light rail vehicle procurement amendments), 2.17 (Smart Ride to Flex transition), and 2.18 (SACATI GO labor contract ratification), among others.
• Public comments on consent items:
  • Helen O'Connell expressed concerns about accessibility issues with low-floor light rail vehicles, including audible ramp deployment signals and call strip placement, urging improvements in future procurements.
  • Coco Cocozella (Sacramento Transit Advocates and Writers) noted the absence of call strip changes in item 2.16 and called it a serious equity miss.
  • Michelle Baker, a frequent rider, expressed support for the new Flex service but noted the additional $1.25 fare may be burdensome for low-income users; she appreciated that students would not have to use it.
  • Helen O'Connell also urged equitable pay and benefits for SACATI GO drivers, stating that the previous contract was substandard and retention is difficult.
• The consent calendar was approved by voice vote, with no opposition noted.

Public Comments & Testimony (Items Not on Agenda)

Several members of the public addressed the board on non-agenda matters:

• Julia Coleman (Paratransit rider) criticized the recent contract with Paratransit Inc., arguing that in-sourcing had led to driver cannibalization and will leave paratransit riders vulnerable.
• Helen O'Connell reported 91 bus system cancellations on Friday, leaving wheelchair users stranded; she cited a personal experience of being passed by a bus and called for improved service frequency and dependability.
• Coco Cocozella recommended appointing a community advocate to the board to strengthen equity and community alignment.
• Michael Bevins suggested expanding Flex, creating neighborhood bus routes, and improving bike integration (bike buses, secure bike parking).
• Jeffrey Tardieu raised concerns about low-floor light rail vehicle safety, out-of-service connect card devices (over 20 counted), and urged board oversight rather than leaving issues to staff.
• Robert Copeland gave SacRT an "F" grade due to bus cancellations, calling the board a failure and urging more housing to boost ridership.
• LeTiana Lam Yun (resident of Mirasol Village) recounted a frightening incident on a bus where her son was left behind on October 29, and she was threatened by young riders after asking them to be quiet; the bus driver did not intervene. She called for better driver training and a community connection on the board. Director Jennings apologized on behalf of her office and offered to follow up.
• Violetta Paredes (World Relief) asked the board to consider refugee populations when planning routes, as they are among the most vulnerable and rely heavily on public transit.

Discussion Items

4.1 – Sale of Surplus Properties to Code Solution Inc.

• Staff presented a proposal to sell nine parcels (1.88 acres) in midtown Sacramento to Code Solution Inc. for $15.6 million (1.4 million above appraised value). The developer plans 304 units of 100% affordable housing, with ground-floor retail, in three phases. SacRT would lease back the main admin building at 1429 29th Street for up to 10 years at no cost (estimated value $2.5 million). The sale follows a state Surplus Lands Act process, with HCD oversight.
• Public comment: Robert Copeland asked when development would start; David Park (Code Solution) responded that construction would begin as soon as possible after close of escrow.
• Board members expressed strong support: Director Maple called it an exciting project meeting the need for affordable housing near transit; Chair Kennedy called it a monumental vote impacting SacRT's future.
• Key details: The sale requires FTA approval; non-refundable deposits of $310,000 (12-month close) and $465,000 (extension to 21 months) demonstrate buyer commitment. Caltrans recently issued a directive restricting electric bus charging under its airspace, accelerating the need for a south area bus maintenance facility.
• Vote: Motion and second; approved by voice vote (all in favor).

4.2 – Appointments to Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority

• The board appointed Director Schaefer as a member and Director Brewer as an alternate to the CCJPA. Director Kaplan noted he has served as an alternate for eight years and attended only one meeting. Director Brewer expressed willingness to serve.
• Vote: Both appointments passed by voice vote.

8.1 – General Manager’s Report

• General Manager Henry delivered a comprehensive report covering:
  • Acknowledged recent bus cancellations (91 on Friday) and announced that 50 new bus drivers will be added in less than two months as Smart Ride transitions to Flex, which is expected to relieve cancellations. He noted that other California transit agencies are also struggling with driver absenteeism.
  • The Smart Ride to Flex transition launches January 2, 2025; he thanked the community for feedback and noted that the pilot has been refined.
  • Ratification of a three-year collective bargaining agreement with ATU 256 for SACATI GO, resulting in a total compensation increase of 60% over four years, well above industry average (25%).
  • Celebration of the FTA low-no grant award (BEMF2) – the third largest in the nation – enabling up to 70 hydrogen fuel cell buses and a hydrogen production station; total secured funding over $94 million, with $200 million projected.
  • Award of $29 million (fully funded) from the state TRCP grant, plus $25 million contingency, totaling $54 million for light rail modernization, including 50 new light rail vehicles and station conversions.
  • $450,000 extreme heat community resilience grant for up to 28 bus shelters.
  • Attended the Making Connections conference; SacRT was one of few agencies that did not cut bus service during COVID.
  • Partnering with the City of Elk Grove for a high-frequency transit feasibility study (light rail or BRT) along the corridor from Cosumnes River College to Calvine Road; public survey open until November 30.
  • Testing begins on the Gold Line for 15-minute service to Folsom; service to historic Folsom expected by December 6.
• Public comments on GM report:
  • Helen O'Connell raised concerns about the Flex vehicles having a rear-entry lift, which she considers unsafe for wheelchair users, requiring them to enter from the street. She noted the MAC board previously opposed rear-entry vehicles.
  • Jeffrey Tardieu echoed the safety concern and asked why former Jive vehicles are not being used; he also urged the board to review hydrogen fuel cell issues raised at SACOG.
  • Robert Copeland hoped new drivers will eliminate cancellations and asked about grant information availability; he expressed preference for improving current system over light rail expansion.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved (voice vote, all in favor).
• Item 4.1 approved: Enter into purchase and sale agreement with Code Solution Inc. for surplus properties ($15.6 million, 304 affordable units), with delegation authority for grant deeds and lease.
• Item 4.2 approved: Director Schaefer appointed as CCJPA member, Director Brewer as alternate.
• The board received the General Manager’s report and noted public comments; no formal action taken.
• Director Kaplan requested staff to look into extending Route 11 to Metro Air Park/Sacramento International Airport and to consider bus rapid transit planning for that corridor.
• The next steps include staff reconvening the real estate subcommittee for guidance on the south area bus maintenance facility and updates on the property sale.