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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-11-2012 MTC Minutes FINALApproved March 14, 2012 MTC regular meeting. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CITY LIBRARY COMMUNITY ROOM WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012 Approved Minutes CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Elizabeth Thyne called the meeting to order at 2:50 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Elizabeth Thyne, Susan Rains, Art Apruzzese, Louise Justice, Jonathan Ellis, Jean Long, Stanley Yucikas and Todd Katz Absent: Jody Frey Staff: John Webster ANNOUNCEMENTS There were no announcements at this time. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jan Marx, SLO Mayor, thanked the MTC for their time and service. She discussed the Downtown Transit Center’s problems with issues such as excessive loitering, alcohol, smoking, and fighting occurring within the shelter. She felt the improper behavior of a few abusers was deterring from public use of the shelter and/or the transit system. Mark Keenan, First Transit representative, discussed the DTC issues and also similar problems at the Prado Road shelter. He shared a strong concern for passengers and drivers and cited many instances when the police have been called. Ms. Thyne noted there was a loitering issue at the Scolari’s shelter bus stop as well. Mr. Webster noted that a staff meeting was set for January 18th to discuss possible solutions to address on the issues of improper behavior and that SLO PD representatives would be attending. He reported that the DTA downtown/parking structure patrol will now include a sweep of the DTC, but acknowledged enforcement of the ordinance rules was lacking, due to insufficient funding available for patrolling. Approved March 14, 2012 MTC regular meeting. Mr. Yucikas felt that there were a myriad of policies in place to address these problems and enforcement was the key. He also suggested that the proposed Consolidated Transit Center might mitigate some of the obvious issues. Mr. Webster suggested ways of finding some additional funds to increase specific DTC patrols such as seeking STA discretionary from SLOCOG for operations funding. Mr. Yucikas moved to put said discussion item on the next agenda for further review and input. Mr. Apruzzese seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Fred Munroe discussed the senior and/or disabled associations that were interested in volunteering and learning more about transit to increase ridership of those populations. He presented some promotional material samples. A. CONSENT ITEMS A-1. Approval of November 9, 2011 Regular Meeting Mr. Katz moved to approve the November 9, 2011 meeting minutes as submitted. Mr. Apruzzese seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. B. DISCUSSION ITEMS There were no discussion items. C. ACTION ITEMS C-1. SLO Transit FY 2011-12 Program of Projects (POP) Mr. Webster discussed the annual projects ranking tentatively set to go before Council on February 21, 2012. He noted that since the 1990 census, the City of San Luis Obispo has been classified as an Urbanized Zone Area by the federal government and is eligible to receive Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants for transit operating and capital assistance. He noted that the apportionment estimate for the SLO UZA for this fiscal year is approximately $1,719,382 and discussed the category breakdowns, various projects and outlining the process to move towards approval of the draft POP and its funding. He also noted that the final POP might have to be revised depending on the final FTA Approved March 14, 2012 MTC regular meeting. apportionment and that some discretionary projects might have to be deferred or reduced in scope. Mr. Katz moved to recommend that Council approve the draft POP as submitted. Mr. Yucikas seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. C-2. SLO Transit O/M Agreement with First Transit Mr. Webster reported that a tentative agreement had been reached for a 1- year option in FY 2012-13 with First Transit Inc. for the operations and maintenance contract for SLO Transit and represented a 4.22% over FY 2011-12. He noted that there were three option years left on the contract before it has to go out to bid again. He also discussed the possibility of contracting out the operations and maintenance of SLO Transit to SLORTA and that they have a new Executive Director arriving later this month. Mr. Apruzzese moved to recommend that Council approve the draft agreement as submitted. Mr. Katz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. D. INFORMATION ITEMS D-1. Transit Manager’s Report D-2. Operating-Performance Reports Mr. Webster presented highlight discussion on the reports as presented. He reported that system ridership was continuing to increase and that we are on track to exceed the record set in FY 2010-11 of 1,045,000 riders and that the next milestone of 1.1 million passengers certainly seemed within reach. MEMBER COMMENTS Ms. Justice had questions regarding the SLO Parking fund and the proposed Palm/Nipomo parking structure and if it would have any impact on transit funding. Mr. Webster noted that both the parking and transit were “Enterprise” funds but transit only receives funding for the Downtown Access Pass (DAP) from the parking fund and would not be affected by this project. Mr. Yucikas felt the traffic at Los Osos Valley Road and Madonna Road had become very heavy and was concerned that the increase was being monitored. Mr. Webster Approved March 14, 2012 MTC regular meeting. suggested that Mr. Yucikas contact Jake Hudson in the PW traffic division to better discuss and comment regarding the Circulation planning. Mr. Yucikas mentioned that new paint scheme that replaced the art bus style on one of the 2001 models looked very good. Mr. Webster noted that since two side panels on the bus had been damaged in an accident it seemed like a good time to consider rebranding to the new paint scheme instead of trying to match the art bus paint style. He also noted that the two remaining art bus models may also be upgraded to the new paint scheme when funding becomes available. Mr. Apruzzese asked about the status of the marketing meetings with Cal Poly students in February and Mr. Webster stated that he would send out an email on the dates and times for the ad hoc committee meetings. There was some discussion regarding quorum issues if all members attended the Cal Poly meeting and Mr. Webster noted it might be easier just to post as a public meeting but would confer with the city legal staff on the best approach. The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. to the regular meeting March 14, 2012 at 2:45 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary