technical advisory committee
AGENDA ITEM 7A BOARD MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 21, 2017
SOLANO COUNTY TRANSIT DRAFT Board Minutes for Meeting of October 19, 2017 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sampayan called the regular meeting of the SolTrans Board to order at 5:30 p.m. A quorum was confirmed by the Clerk of the Board, Suzanne Fredriksen. There was no Statement of Conflict declared at this time. MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Bob Sampayan, Mayor Tom Campbell, Councilmember Jess Malgapo, Councilmember Elizabeth Patterson, Mayor Jim Spering, Supervisor, County of Solano
City of Vallejo, Chairperson City of Benicia, Vice Chairperson City of Vallejo City of Benicia MTC Representative
Pete Sanchez, Mayor
Ex-Officio – STA Representative
In Alphabetical Order by Last Name: Michael Abegg SolTrans Planning & Operations Manager Kristina Botsford SolTrans Finance & Administration Manager Patricia Carr SolTrans General Services Manager Bernadette Curry SolTrans Legal Counsel Suzanne Fredriksen SolTrans Board Clerk Bisi Ibrahim SolTrans Program Analyst I Angela Jackson SolTrans Program Analyst I Beth Kranda SolTrans Executive Director Mandi Renshaw SolTrans Program Analyst II Dennis Ybarra SolTrans Program Analyst II
In Alphabetical Order by Last Name: Richard Burnett SolTrans Public Advisory Committee Cathy Campos National Express Transit Cliff Chism National Express Transit George Gong Christopher Jones National Express Transit Karen Pressler Roldolfo Sosa National Express Transit Brandon Thomson Solano Transportation Authority
Kyler Thompson Eric Torres Tiffany Turner
National Express Transit
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA On a motion by Director Patterson and a second by Director Spering, the SolTrans JPA Board unanimously approved the Agenda. (5 Ayes) 4. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT None presented. 5. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT Beth Kranda provided an update regarding SolTrans’ emergency preparedness, the agency’s upcoming comprehensive operational analysis, the Fall California Transit Association (CTA) conference, and the Finance and Benefits Subcommittee. Chair Sampayan appointed Director Patterson and himself to serve on the ad hoc Finance and Benefits Subcommittee. 6. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS 6A. Recognition of Annual Employee Award Winners Chairperson Sampayan presented proclamations to the following 2017 employee award winners: Cliff Chism, Bus Operator of the Year; Rodolfo Sosa, Maintenance Employee of the Year; Cathaline Campos, Employee of the Year; Angela Jackson, Professional of the Year; and Patricia Carr, Professional of the Year. CONSENT CALENDAR On a motion by Director Patterson and a second by Director Malgapo, the SolTrans JPA Board unanimously approved Consent Calendar Items 7A through 7C. (5 Ayes) 7A. Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2017 Recommendation: Approve the meeting minutes of September 21, 2017. 7B. Authorize the Executive Director to Award and Execute a Contract with Marin IT for IT Services in an Amount not to Exceed $300,000 Recommendation: Authorize the Executive Director to award and execute a contract with Marin IT for IT services to be provided over the next three years in an amount not to exceed $300,000, subject to legal counsel approval as to form. 7C. Extend and Authorize Public Outreach on Proposed SolanoExpress Phase 1 Route 78 Changes Recommendation: 1) Authorize Staff to extend the public outreach on the proposed service changes to Route 78 to December 21, 2017. 2) Provide feedback to Staff on the public outreach plan as outlined in the staff report. REGULAR CALENDAR
8. ACTION ITEMS 8A. Mare Island Service Termination Public Comments: None presented. Board Comments: Concurrence was expressed with Staff’s recommendation with the understanding that Staff will continue to explore alternative ways to serve Mare Island in the future. Recommendation: 1) In accordance with SolTrans’ Public Involvement Policy and Title VI Program, allow Route 9 Mare Island service demonstration to terminate effective November 18, 2017; 2) Direct Staff to include non-fixed route services, including Mare Island, Benicia Dial-aRide, and the Local Taxi Scrip Program in the work scope for the upcoming comprehensive Operational Analysis project. On a motion by Director Spering and a second by Director Malgapo, the SolTrans JPA Board unanimously approved the recommendation. (5 Ayes) NON-ACTION/ INFORMATIONAL 9. DISCUSSION ITEMS 9A. System Performance Report Dennis Ybarra provided a presentation of SolTrans’ year-to-date fixed route ridership as compared with fiscal year 2016-17, local and express routes average weekday ridership, fixed route ridership by route for September, and monthly demand response ridership for the last twelve months. He also provided an update regarding recent findings related to nationwide declines in public transit ridership. Public Comments: None presented. Board Comments: Members of the SolTrans Board expressed the following comments and concerns: Staff was encouraged to obtain input from the whole organization, including SolTrans and National Express staff, when conducting the comprehensive operational analysis (COA). It was noted that agencies that are experiencing increased ridership promote service that is comfortable and enjoyable to ride, including WiFi and other amenities. Staff was encouraged to delve deeper into understanding potential barriers which prevent people from using the system and to find solutions to address such barriers. Staff was also encouraged to explore free gift offerings to encourage ridership. Concern was expressed regarding a schedule that was out of date which was posted on one of the bus shelters. It was suggested that Staff examine the efficiency of a South Hampton stop versus the 13th Street stop in Benicia on Route 78.
Staff provided the following points of clarification: The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the COA will be released in December 2017, with the work beginning in January 2018 and primarily focusing on the market and service quality issues. Recommendation: Informational. 9B. Farebox Revenue and Expenses for 3 Months Ended September 30, 2017 Kristina Botsford provided an update on farebox revenue and expenses for the first three months of the fiscal year, noting that expenses are on track and under budget by $137,608, the transit services contract appears to be over budget, and farebox revenue is under budget by $21,002 due to a decline in ridership. Public Comments: None presented. Board Member Comments: It was suggested that performance measurements be established to help the agency stay on track towards increasing ridership. Recommendation: Informational. 10. NON- DISCUSSION ITEMS 10A. Construction Projects Update Recommendation: Informational. 10B. October 2017 Legislative and Policy Report Recommendation: Informational. 11. STAFF BRIEFINGS Bus Stop Assessments Patricia Carr provided an update on bus stop assessments, including objectives, a checklist of assessment items, pictures of initial assessments, and next steps. Members of the SolTrans Board expressed the following comments and concerns: Staff was commended for their efforts to improve the customer experience. It was suggested that Staff include bike stations at key bus stops to encourage the integration between different modes of transit. It was requested that Staff bring back a list of major and minor investments related to bus stop improvements for the Board’s review and prioritization. Staff was encouraged to coordinate with art organizations in Benicia and Vallejo to explore a beautification campaign in order to celebrate new bus stops in conjunction with art competitions and art box paintings.
It was suggested that the Board allocate a small budget to allow Staff to design a bus stop. Concern was expressed regarding the lack of shelter at key bus stops, particularly those that service high ridership, the elderly, and disenfranchised. Staff was encouraged to explore the SeeClickFix program via the Public Works Department in Vallejo.
Emergency Operations Update Michael Abegg provided an update regarding SolTrans’ Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and cooperation with other organizations in the region. He provided an update regarding the recent emergency situation with the fires in Napa and Sonoma counties, noting that SolTrans stood ready to provide mutual aid but was not called upon to assist. Members of the SolTrans Board expressed the following comments and concerns: Staff was encouraged to assign an employee to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) either with the county or the city when it is activated. Staff was urged to complete the EOP as soon as possible, and to coordinate with the Vallejo Fire Chief. 12. BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENTS Director Malgapo provided an update from the Branding Subcommittee kick-off meeting earlier in the day, stating that Staff in conjunction with Page Design is looking to streamline the agency brand. He noted that no action was taken by the subcommittee at this initial meeting. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. The next regular meeting of the SolTrans Board is scheduled for Thursday, December 21, 2017, 4:00 p.m., in the Benicia Council Chamber, located at 250 East L Street, Benicia. Attested by:
Suzanne Fredriksen Clerk of the Board
10/20/2017 Date
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SOLANO COUNTY TRANSIT DRAFT Board Minutes for Meeting of October 19, 2017 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sampayan called the regular meeting of the SolTrans Board to order at 5:30 p.m. A quorum was confirmed by the Clerk of the Board, Suzanne Fredriksen. There was no Statement of Conflict declared at this time. MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Bob Sampayan, Mayor Tom Campbell, Councilmember Jess Malgapo, Councilmember Elizabeth Patterson, Mayor Jim Spering, Supervisor, County of Solano
City of Vallejo, Chairperson City of Benicia, Vice Chairperson City of Vallejo City of Benicia MTC Representative
Pete Sanchez, Mayor
Ex-Officio – STA Representative
In Alphabetical Order by Last Name: Michael Abegg SolTrans Planning & Operations Manager Kristina Botsford SolTrans Finance & Administration Manager Patricia Carr SolTrans General Services Manager Bernadette Curry SolTrans Legal Counsel Suzanne Fredriksen SolTrans Board Clerk Bisi Ibrahim SolTrans Program Analyst I Angela Jackson SolTrans Program Analyst I Beth Kranda SolTrans Executive Director Mandi Renshaw SolTrans Program Analyst II Dennis Ybarra SolTrans Program Analyst II
In Alphabetical Order by Last Name: Richard Burnett SolTrans Public Advisory Committee Cathy Campos National Express Transit Cliff Chism National Express Transit George Gong Christopher Jones National Express Transit Karen Pressler Roldolfo Sosa National Express Transit Brandon Thomson Solano Transportation Authority
Kyler Thompson Eric Torres Tiffany Turner
National Express Transit
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA On a motion by Director Patterson and a second by Director Spering, the SolTrans JPA Board unanimously approved the Agenda. (5 Ayes) 4. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT None presented. 5. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT Beth Kranda provided an update regarding SolTrans’ emergency preparedness, the agency’s upcoming comprehensive operational analysis, the Fall California Transit Association (CTA) conference, and the Finance and Benefits Subcommittee. Chair Sampayan appointed Director Patterson and himself to serve on the ad hoc Finance and Benefits Subcommittee. 6. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS 6A. Recognition of Annual Employee Award Winners Chairperson Sampayan presented proclamations to the following 2017 employee award winners: Cliff Chism, Bus Operator of the Year; Rodolfo Sosa, Maintenance Employee of the Year; Cathaline Campos, Employee of the Year; Angela Jackson, Professional of the Year; and Patricia Carr, Professional of the Year. CONSENT CALENDAR On a motion by Director Patterson and a second by Director Malgapo, the SolTrans JPA Board unanimously approved Consent Calendar Items 7A through 7C. (5 Ayes) 7A. Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2017 Recommendation: Approve the meeting minutes of September 21, 2017. 7B. Authorize the Executive Director to Award and Execute a Contract with Marin IT for IT Services in an Amount not to Exceed $300,000 Recommendation: Authorize the Executive Director to award and execute a contract with Marin IT for IT services to be provided over the next three years in an amount not to exceed $300,000, subject to legal counsel approval as to form. 7C. Extend and Authorize Public Outreach on Proposed SolanoExpress Phase 1 Route 78 Changes Recommendation: 1) Authorize Staff to extend the public outreach on the proposed service changes to Route 78 to December 21, 2017. 2) Provide feedback to Staff on the public outreach plan as outlined in the staff report. REGULAR CALENDAR
8. ACTION ITEMS 8A. Mare Island Service Termination Public Comments: None presented. Board Comments: Concurrence was expressed with Staff’s recommendation with the understanding that Staff will continue to explore alternative ways to serve Mare Island in the future. Recommendation: 1) In accordance with SolTrans’ Public Involvement Policy and Title VI Program, allow Route 9 Mare Island service demonstration to terminate effective November 18, 2017; 2) Direct Staff to include non-fixed route services, including Mare Island, Benicia Dial-aRide, and the Local Taxi Scrip Program in the work scope for the upcoming comprehensive Operational Analysis project. On a motion by Director Spering and a second by Director Malgapo, the SolTrans JPA Board unanimously approved the recommendation. (5 Ayes) NON-ACTION/ INFORMATIONAL 9. DISCUSSION ITEMS 9A. System Performance Report Dennis Ybarra provided a presentation of SolTrans’ year-to-date fixed route ridership as compared with fiscal year 2016-17, local and express routes average weekday ridership, fixed route ridership by route for September, and monthly demand response ridership for the last twelve months. He also provided an update regarding recent findings related to nationwide declines in public transit ridership. Public Comments: None presented. Board Comments: Members of the SolTrans Board expressed the following comments and concerns: Staff was encouraged to obtain input from the whole organization, including SolTrans and National Express staff, when conducting the comprehensive operational analysis (COA). It was noted that agencies that are experiencing increased ridership promote service that is comfortable and enjoyable to ride, including WiFi and other amenities. Staff was encouraged to delve deeper into understanding potential barriers which prevent people from using the system and to find solutions to address such barriers. Staff was also encouraged to explore free gift offerings to encourage ridership. Concern was expressed regarding a schedule that was out of date which was posted on one of the bus shelters. It was suggested that Staff examine the efficiency of a South Hampton stop versus the 13th Street stop in Benicia on Route 78.
Staff provided the following points of clarification: The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the COA will be released in December 2017, with the work beginning in January 2018 and primarily focusing on the market and service quality issues. Recommendation: Informational. 9B. Farebox Revenue and Expenses for 3 Months Ended September 30, 2017 Kristina Botsford provided an update on farebox revenue and expenses for the first three months of the fiscal year, noting that expenses are on track and under budget by $137,608, the transit services contract appears to be over budget, and farebox revenue is under budget by $21,002 due to a decline in ridership. Public Comments: None presented. Board Member Comments: It was suggested that performance measurements be established to help the agency stay on track towards increasing ridership. Recommendation: Informational. 10. NON- DISCUSSION ITEMS 10A. Construction Projects Update Recommendation: Informational. 10B. October 2017 Legislative and Policy Report Recommendation: Informational. 11. STAFF BRIEFINGS Bus Stop Assessments Patricia Carr provided an update on bus stop assessments, including objectives, a checklist of assessment items, pictures of initial assessments, and next steps. Members of the SolTrans Board expressed the following comments and concerns: Staff was commended for their efforts to improve the customer experience. It was suggested that Staff include bike stations at key bus stops to encourage the integration between different modes of transit. It was requested that Staff bring back a list of major and minor investments related to bus stop improvements for the Board’s review and prioritization. Staff was encouraged to coordinate with art organizations in Benicia and Vallejo to explore a beautification campaign in order to celebrate new bus stops in conjunction with art competitions and art box paintings.
It was suggested that the Board allocate a small budget to allow Staff to design a bus stop. Concern was expressed regarding the lack of shelter at key bus stops, particularly those that service high ridership, the elderly, and disenfranchised. Staff was encouraged to explore the SeeClickFix program via the Public Works Department in Vallejo.
Emergency Operations Update Michael Abegg provided an update regarding SolTrans’ Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and cooperation with other organizations in the region. He provided an update regarding the recent emergency situation with the fires in Napa and Sonoma counties, noting that SolTrans stood ready to provide mutual aid but was not called upon to assist. Members of the SolTrans Board expressed the following comments and concerns: Staff was encouraged to assign an employee to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) either with the county or the city when it is activated. Staff was urged to complete the EOP as soon as possible, and to coordinate with the Vallejo Fire Chief. 12. BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENTS Director Malgapo provided an update from the Branding Subcommittee kick-off meeting earlier in the day, stating that Staff in conjunction with Page Design is looking to streamline the agency brand. He noted that no action was taken by the subcommittee at this initial meeting. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. The next regular meeting of the SolTrans Board is scheduled for Thursday, December 21, 2017, 4:00 p.m., in the Benicia Council Chamber, located at 250 East L Street, Benicia. Attested by:
Suzanne Fredriksen Clerk of the Board
10/20/2017 Date
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