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Home My WebLink About11-13-2024 MTC Agenda Packet Mass Transportation Committee AGENDA Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 2:30 p.m. Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo The Mass Transportation Committee holds in-person meetings. Zoom participation will not be supported. Attendees of City Council or Advisory Body meetings are eligible to receive one hour of complimentary parking; restrictions apply, visit Parking for Public Meetings for more details. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: Public Comment prior to the meeting (must be received 3 hours in advance of the meeting): Mail - Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Address letters to the City Clerk's Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, 93401. Email - Submit Public Comments via email to advisorybodies@slocity.org. In the body of your email, please include the date of the meeting and the item number (if applicable). Emails will not be read aloud during the meeting. Voicemail - Call (805) 781-7164 and leave a voicemail. Please state and spell your name, the agenda item number you are calling about, and leave your comment. Verbal comments must be limited to 3 minutes. Voicemails will not be played during the meeting. *All correspondence will be archived and distributed to members, however, submissions received after the deadline ma not be processed until the following day. Public Comment during the meeting: Meetings are held in-person. To provide public comment during the meeting, you must be present at the meeting location. Electronic Visual Aid Presentation. To conform with the City's Network Access and Use Policy, Chapter 1.3.8 of the Council Policies & Procedures Manual, members of the public who desire to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentation must provide display-ready material to the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Contact the City Clerk's Office at cityclerk@slocity.org or (805) 781-7114. Pages 1.CALL TO ORDER Chair Figueroa will call the Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee to order. 2.PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting. 3.CONSENT Matters appearing on the Consent Calendar are expected to be non- controversial and will be acted upon at one time. A member of the public may request the Mass Transportation Committee pull an item for discussion. The public may comment on any and all items on the Consent Agenda within the three-minute time limit. 3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 11, 2024, and OCTOBER 16, 2024 MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES 5 Recommendation: To approve the Mass Transportation Committee Minutes of September 11, 2024, and October 16, 2024. (Attachments A and B) 4.PRESENTATION 11 Principal Budget Analyst Riley Kuhn will provide information on the following: Review of the City's Financial Planning process.• Discussion of Advisory Body input in the goal setting process. (Attachment C) • 5.COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 5.a SLO TRANSIT UPDATE 21 Mobility Services Business Manager Alex Fuchs will provide updates on the following: SLOCOG's Ride Fare Free Pilot Program which focuses on reducing emissions by encouraging use of public transportation after approving grant funding towards a Region-wide Fare Subsidy Pilot Program. (Attachment D) • Downtown Access Pass Program and the associated marketing events promoting the relaunch. • Route 6 Express re-activation.• Holiday Trolley Service.• 6.ADJOURNMENT The next Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee meeting is scheduled for January 8th, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. LISTENING ASSISTIVE DEVICES are available -- see the Clerk The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request to the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7410. Service Complaints: Complaints regarding bus service or routes are to be directed to the customer service line at (805) 594-8090. Reports of complaints/commendations are available to the public upon request. Agenda related writings or documents provided to the Mass Transportation Committee are available for public inspection on the City’s website: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/agendas-and- minutes. Meeting recordings may be found on the City’s website: https://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=60984 ATTACHMENT A 1 Mass Transportation Committee Minutes September 11, 2024, 2:30 p.m. Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo Mass Transportation Committee Members Present: Member Matthew Duffy (Disability Rep), Member Hans Hershberger (Business Rep), Member Audrey Lariz (Alternate), Vacant (Student Rep), Vice Chair Marlene Cramer (Cal Poly Rep), Chair David Figueroa (At-Large Rep) MTC Members Absent Member Trevor Freeman (Technical Rep), Member Robin Kisinger (Senior Rep) City Staff Present: Mobility Services Business Manager Alexander Fuchs, Transit Coordinator Jesse Stanley _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Mass Transportation Committee was called to order on September 11, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Figueroa. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- 3. CONSENT 3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - JULY 10, 2024 MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES Chair Figueroa requested a grammatical change to the public comment section of the July 10, 2024 MTC meeting minutes. Motion By Member Hershberger Second By Member Duffy To approve the Mass Transportation Committee Minutes of July 10, 2024. (Attachment 1) Page 5 of 27 ATTACHMENT A 2 Ayes (5): Member Duffy, Member Hershberger, Member Lariz, Vice Chair Cramer, and Chair Figueroa (one vacant seat) Absent (2): Member Freeman, Member Kisinger CARRIED (5 to 0) 4. PRESENTATION 4.a OBSERVANCE OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11 The MTC held a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives 23 years ago and those who have passed from long-term health effects as a consequence of the attacks. 5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 5.a RIDESHARE WEEK Mobility Services Business Manager Alex Fuchs provided an update on SLO Transit’s participation in SLOCOG’s Rideshare Week taking place October 7-11 where riders can ride the bus at no cost to them. Public Comment: None. --End of Public Comment-- 5.b SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN UPDATE Mobility Services Business Manager Alex Fuchs provided updates on the following:  Review of comments and direction provided by Council from the July 16, 2024, study session.  Amendment to the Agreement adding additional service alternative analysis. (Attachment 4)  3rd Joint MTC/RTAC Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Meeting location is to be determined. Public Comment: None. --End of Public Comment-- Page 6 of 27 ATTACHMENT A 3 5.c SLO TRANSIT UPDATE The Mobility Services Business Manager provided updates on the following: 1. Youth Ride Free Ridership Data 2. Academic Service (Fall) begins September 16, 2024 o Route 6 Express resumes service (Attachment 5) 3. Upcoming Marketing and Promotional Events o 9/26 – Electric Vehicle Showcase hosted by SLO Climate Coalition (Attachment 6) o 10/7-11 – Rideshare Week o 10/14 – (Tentative) Relaunch of Downtown Access Pass Program o 11/12 – (Tentative) Promotion of Downtown Holiday Trolley Public Comment: None. --End of Public Comment-- 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 3:27 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee is scheduled for November 13, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. There will be a Special Meeting for the 3rd Joint MTC/RTAC Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The time and location are to be determined. _________________________ APPROVED BY MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: XX/XX/2024 Page 7 of 27 Page 8 of 27 ATTACHMENT B 1 Mass Transportation Committee Minutes October 16, 2024, 2:00 p.m. SLO Regional Transit Authority, 253 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo MTC Members Present: Member Matthew Duffy (Disability Rep), Member Hans Hershberger (Business Rep) (Arrived at 2:25), Member Emily McBride (ASI Rep) (Arrived at 2:25), Member Robin Kisinger (Senior Rep) (Left at 3:30), Member Audrey Lariz (Alternate) (Arrived at 2:06), Vice Chair Marlene Cramer (Cal Poly Rep), Chair David Figueroa (At-Large Rep) MTC Members Absent: Member Trevor Freeman (Technical Rep) City Staff Present: Mobility Services Business Manager Alex Fuchs, Transit Coordinator Jesse Stanley _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER A Special Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Mass Transportation Committee was called to order on October 16, 2024 at 2:03 p.m. at the SLO Regional Transit Authority conference room, 253 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, by Chair Figueroa. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- 3. PRESENTATION 3.a JOINT SLO TRANSIT/RTA SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN (SRTP) UPDATE. LSC Transportation Consultants presented a progress update on the SRTP including a review of financial projections, capital improvement plans, and service alternatives added since the last joint meeting. Page 9 of 27 ATTACHMENT B 2 Public Comment: Lucia Pohlman Eric Veium --End of Public Comment-- Action: No action taken on this item. 4. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 3:38 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee is scheduled for November 13, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. _________________________ APPROVED BY MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: XX/XX/2024 Page 10 of 27 Advisory Bodies 2025-27 Financial Plan Goal Setting Parameters 1 Attachment C Page 11 of 27 San Luis Obispo is committed to… Good Fiscal Management Public Engagement Quality Services Page 12 of 27 3 Policy Context Section 802. Annual Budget Section 803. Public Hearing on the Budget Financial Plan Objectives Two -Year Budget City Charter Adopted Budget Policies Second Year Budget Links resources to identified community needs and Council goals. Establishes program policies and goals. Reinforces the importance of long-range, strategic planning. Promotes more orderly spending patterns. Reduces time and resources allocated to budget preparation. Council will review progress during the first year and approve appropriations for the second fiscal year. City Manager shall send to the Council a careful estimate of the amounts required for business and proper conduct of all departments/offices. Council shall hold a public hearing on the proposed budget at which interested persons desiring to be heard shall be given such opportunity. Page 13 of 27 A look-back on 2023-25 Financial Plan Objectives Adopted Major City Goals: 4 Page 14 of 27 2024-25 Budget Highlights Challenges Opportunities Damages from Winter 2023 storms necessitated costly repairs Early identification of looming costs to allow sufficient time to plan Cost escalation for labor and materials, internally and with contractors Strong history of sound financial management policies and practices Limited financial and staff resources to complete capital projects on schedule FEMA and CalOES reimbursement for storm expenditures to replenish reserves 5 Page 15 of 27 Overall Financial Forecast 6 All funds are in good financial standing based on current assumptions and recommendations Revenue growth is expected to moderate Expenditure growth needs to moderate as well Limited ability to fund net new programs Prior commitments are coming due and need to be budgeted for Investment in existing ongoing services, programs, and infrastructure take priority Page 16 of 27 7Considerations When Setting Goals Financial Plan Development Financial forecast Major City Goals Community input Commitment to fiscal sustainability Consideration of service levels Measure G-20 priorities Mandates Future needs City Charter Debt service obligations Fiscal and budget policies Advisory Bodies Strategic plans Local laws Macroeconomic conditions General Plan Core service requirements Page 17 of 27 Goal-Setting & the Budget Process The proposed Financial Plan Calendar will be presented to Council on 10/1/24 Page 18 of 27 QUESTIONS? 9 If you have any additional questions you can reach out to: Riley Kuhn - Principal Budget Analyst rtkuhn@slocity.org Emily Jackson - Finance Director ejackson@slocity.org Page 19 of 27 Page 20 of 27 Date Region Wide Reduced/ Fare Free Pilot Program Framework Presentation ATTACHMENT D Page 21 of 27 Background •The SLOCOG Board previously (April 6, 2022) approved the $300K set-aside of multiple cycles of LCTOP funding towards the Region-wide Fare Subsidy Pilot Program. •LCTOP = Operating and capital assistance for transit agencies to reduce GHG emissions and improve mobility, with a priority on serving disadvantaged communities. •Originally, pilot program was supposed to launch in FY26/27, however, program was added to the scope of the Five Cities Multimodal Transportation Network Enhancement Project (i.e. Pismo Congestion Relief) US 101 SB1 Solutions for TCIP grant request that was awarded funding. •Now implementation is in FY 25/26 Page 22 of 27 Goals of Program Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by increasing transit usage •The Region-wide Fare Subsidy Pilot Program seeks to reduce congestion on US 101 during peak travel periods and improve mobility and reduce household transportation costs for lower income populations Gather data to determine validity of continued fare free/reduced fares Page 23 of 27 Program Milestones Transit Operators Engaged: Initial Framework Presented October 2024 Uplift Grant Application Alternatives Developed MOUs executed November -December 2024 Uplift Grant Notification or Alternatives Finalized January 2025 Member Agencies Engaged: Spread Word About Program February 2025 SLOCOG Board Approval of Funding Distribution Agreements April 2025 Execution of Funding Distribution Agreements May -June 2025 Program Launch July 2025 Page 24 of 27 Funding Availability •Total = ~$1M from LCTOP •Passenger Fares in FY25/26 estimated revenues (from SRTP WP#5) •SLO Transit (not including CP) = $260,000 •RTA (not including MB) = $1,129,700 •Funding shortfall = ~$342,345 •Potential funding gap source –Uplift Grant Program •Ask up to $450k Page 25 of 27 Program Implementation Alternatives •Alternative 1: Fare Free with funding gap source •Alternative 2: All fares reduced (not free) system wide •Alternative 3A: Fare free for K-12 and all other discounted service (fares remain same for all routes) •Alternative 3B: Fare free for K-12 and all other discounted service (fares are discounted on other routes) •If grant is not secured, alternatives will be developed with operators Page 26 of 27 Next Steps •Prepare financial analysis on alternatives •MOUs for Uplift grant •Uplift Grant Application Page 27 of 27 Mass Transportation Committee November 13, 2024 Meeting Agenda slotransit.org 1.Call to Order 2.Public Comment for Items Not on the Agenda 3.Consent 3.a Consideration of Minutes - September 11, 2024, and October 16, 2024 4.Presentation Advisory Bodies 2025-27 Financial Plan Goal Setting 5.Comment and Discussion 5.a SLO Transit Update •SLOCOG’s Fare Free Pilot Program •Downtown Access Pass Program Update •Route 6 Express •Holiday Trolley Service Community Member Parking slotransit.org Effective July 8, 2024, any community member who attends a public City Council or City Advisory Body meeting including the Mass Transportation Committee meeting, can receive a complimentary parking validation ticket good for up to one hour of parking in the public parking garage at 919 Palm Street or 871 Marsh Street. NEW Meeting Agenda Packet Access and Meeting Video Recording The Mass Transportation Committee (MTC) webpage and calendar events have been updated to redirect people to the new location on the Public Meeting Agendas webpage Meetings will also be video recorded. Not live-streamed. Public Comment slotransit.org At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting. 3.a Consideration of Minutes slotransit.org Approval of minutes of the Mass Transportation Committee meeting on September 11 , 2024 (Regular Meeting) and on October 16, 2024 (Special Meeting). Consent 4. 2025-27 Financial Plan Goal SettingPresentation •Provide Council with Framework for two-year plan and present an update on the City’s fiscal status and Major City Goal Work Program Setting the Stage & Strategic Scan •Review with Council the goal setting process, approve City’s budget and fiscal policies, discuss economic outlook, and review current and long-term capital plan Budget Foundation •Review and prioritize goals. Establish strategic priorities for the 25-27 Financial Plan Goal Setting Workshop •Council provides feedback and guidance to City Manager and staff on the draft budget allocations and Major City Goal work programs Strategic Budget Direction Dec. 10, 2024 Jan. 14, 2025 Feb. 08, 2025 Apr. 15, 2024 Public Engagement Advisory Bodies Public Comment Community Survey Community Forum Plan Adoption JUNE 2025! 4. 2025-27 Financial Plan Goal SettingPresentation slotransit.org Financial Context All funds are in good financial standing based on current assumptions and recommendations Revenue growth is expected to moderate Expenditure growth needs to moderate as well Prior commitments are coming due and need to be budgeted for Investment in existing ongoing services, programs, and infrastructure take priority Limited ability to fund net new programs 4. 2025-27 Financial Plan Goal SettingPresentation slotransit.org 2023-25 Financial Plan Objectives 4. 2025-27 Financial Plan Goal SettingPresentation slotransit.org Council Adopted 2023-25 Major City Goals •Climate Action, Open Space & Sustainable Transportation •Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) •Economic Resiliency, Cultural Vitality, and Fiscal Sustainability •Housing and Homelessness 4. 2025-27 Financial Plan Goal SettingPresentation slotransit.org Financial Plan Development Financial forecast Major City Goals Community input Commitment to fiscal sustainability Consideration of service levels Measure G-20 priorities Mandates Future needs City Charter Debt service obligations Fiscal and budget policies Advisory BodiesStrategic plans Local laws Macroeconomic conditions General Plan Core service requirements 5.a SLO Transit Update slotransit.org Comment and Discussion Region Wide Reduced / Fare Free Pilot Program Background •The SLOCOG Board previously (April 6, 2022) approved the $300K set-aside of multiple cycles of LCTOP* funding towards the Region-wide Fare Subsidy Pilot Program. *LCTOP = Operating and capital assistance for transit agencies to reduce GHG emissions and improve mobility, with a priority on serving disadvantaged communities. •Originally, the pilot program was supposed to launch in FY26/27, however, the program was added to the scope of the Five Cities Multimodal Transportation Network Enhancement Project (i.e. Pismo Congestion Relief) US 101 SB1 Solutions that was awarded funding. •Now implementation is in FY 25/26 5.a SLO Transit Update slotransit.org Comment and Discussion Region Wide Reduced / Fare Free Pilot Program Program Goals Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by increasing transit usage •The Region-wide Fare Subsidy Pilot Program seeks to reduce congestion on US 101 during peak travel periods and improve mobility and reduce household transportation costs for lower income populations Gather data to determine feasibility of continued fare free/reduced fares 5.a SLO Transit Update slotransit.org Comment and Discussion Region Wide Reduced / Fare Free Pilot Program Program Milestones Transit Operators Engaged: Initial Framework Presented October 2024 Uplift Grant Application Alternatives Developed MOUs executed Nov - Dec2024 Uplift Grant Notification or Alternatives Finalized January 2025 Member Agencies Engaged: Spread Word About Program February2025 SLOCOG Board Approval of Funding Distribution Agreements April2025 Execution of Funding Distribution Agreements May - June2025 Program Launch July2025 5.a SLO Transit Update slotransit.org Comment and Discussion Region Wide Reduced / Fare Free Pilot Program Program Implementation Alternatives •Alternative 1: Fare Free with funding gap source •Alternative 2: All fares reduced (not free) system wide •Alternative 3A: Fare free for K-12 and all other discounted service (fares remain same for all routes) •Alternative 3B: Fare free for K-12 and all other discounted service (fares are discounted on other routes) If grant is not secured, alternatives will be developed with operators 5.a SLO Transit Update slotransit.org Comment and Discussion Region Wide Reduced / Fare Free Pilot Program Next Steps •Prepare financial analysis on alternatives •MOUs for Uplift grant •Uplift Grant Application Comment and Discussion slotransit.org DAP Ridership Statistics July Aug Sept Oct 2024 380 412 372 462 % Diff. from prior month N/A 8.4%-10.8%24.2% 5.a SLO Transit Update Downtown Access Pass (DAP) Program Update 5.a SLO Transit Update Comment and Discussion slotransit.org 6 Express Re-activation Date Ridership September 19 172 September 26 407 October 3 504 October 10 304 October 17 295 October 24 289 October 31 361 Average 333 Comment and Discussion slotransit.org 5.a SLO Transit Update Holiday Trolley Service Holiday Trolley flyers will be distributed to hotels along the route. The City will post to Social Media as well as on SLO Transit’s webpage to promote the service. Next Regular Committee Meeting Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 2:30pmWednesday, January 8, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room located at 990 Palm Street slotransit.org Transit Innovation Study Recommendations