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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-10-2014 MTC Minutes FINAL CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson James Thompson called the meeting to order at 1 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Elizabeth Thyne, James Thompson, Todd Katz, Sara Sanders, Randol White, Louise Justice, and Dominique Bonino Absent: Anthony Pinkerton Staff: Gamaliel Anguiano, Dee Lawson PUBLIC COMMENTS Daniel Indendi, Paso Robles taxi service owner, stated he would be discussing a proposal for a new 5-cab service expansion into San Luis Obispo and requesting approval from Council. MINUTES Approval of July 9, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes The minutes were amended to show that Louise Justice and Dee Lawson were present and to clarify the report of the nomination process that resulted in James Thompson being appointed chair. Elizabeth Thyne moved to approve the minutes as amended. Louise Justice seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. FINAL Minutes Mass Transit Committee Council Hearing Room, City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at 1 pm ACTION ITEMS Agenda Item # 1a: Adoption of 2014/15 MTC Meeting Schedule Dates Ms. Justice moved to accept the slate of dates as proposed. Mr. White seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Action Item # 1b: Proposed Fee Increase on Runabout Geoff Straw, RTA, made a presentation about the ADA Runabout service that supports fixed route service. He reported that para-transit Runabout demand has doubled in the last eight years and that costs were now comparable to fixed route service, with a $64/average cost per ride. He noted they were scaling back on public service and were focusing on serving the registered disabled. He wanted to encourage people to travel fixed route when possible and that RTA would coordinate with other region providers to support sound-trip travel, etc. Action Item # 1c: Encouraging Use of Fixed Route for Runabout Riders Fred Munroe noted that a lot of seniors/disabled do ride fixed route and would appreciate a “free” ride. Mr. Katz moved to endorse the proposed RTA plan as outlined, including a $10/limit, and encouraged Council to authorize free fares with RTA rebates for qualified riders. Ms. Thyne seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEMS Agenda Item # 2a: Committee Item - City Street Closures and the Effects on Transit-Dependent Ms. Thyne discussed the problem with road closures due to city-held events and the burden placed on elderly and disabled in the south end of town. She proposed having any organization that was holding an event that would close streets come to the MTC and make a case for approval, as she felt MTC should have input on shut-downs. Mr. Katz did not think it was within MTC’s purview to “approve” public event street closures. He suggested sponsors pay for taxi service and police could allow them through to service residents. Ms. Sanders suggested an MTC sub-committee be involved with the planning phase of proposed events. Ms. Lawson discussed the existing Special Events Committee that she was part of and that she does provide input/direction re transit-dependent. She said she was working with representatives to address street closures and plann ing. Mr. Katz suggested a review of other cities’ policies. Ms. Thyne moved to direct staff to come back to Committee with discussion on the topic of MTC participating in addressing event street closures and gathering data on comparable-sized cities’ handling of same. Ms. Justice seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Agenda Item # 2b: Various Issues Related to Driver Employment & Performance Ms. Justice expressed concern with apparent large turnover in transit drivers and felt the drivers had many extenuating circumstances and challenges. She suggested First Transit should review salaries and evaluations . Mr. Anguiano noted that operators are represented by unions and discussed service bidding with transit providers and the city recognition progress for outstanding employees. Al Rusco, First Transit, reported that the operating staff has been increased and turnover was not a particular issue. Mr. Anguiano discussed the issue of on site smoking and noted the ordinance banned smoking in public places and that contract employees are not allowed to smoke on duty. He reported that police officer Brent Inglehart sent a letter to staff, reminding them of the ordinance. There was general Committee discussion on the ordinance and its enforcement. Agenda Item # 3a: Staff Items - Transit Manager’s Report Mr. Anguiano discussed ridership trends, upcoming Free Rides Rideshare week and also showed the Committee a sample of the winning artwork for the cover of the transit map. Agenda Item # 3b: Proposed New Taxi Company: “A Ride Awaits” Mr. Anguiano discussed the Council’s purview to allow new taxi service and asked the MTC to review the submitted information for “A Ride Awaits” and provide feedback. Mr. Indendi elaborated on his proposal and service features. Mr. Katz noted the “poor” feedback comments for other taxi services in town that were included in the packet should be addressed by those companies at a future MTC meeting. Mr. Katz moved to invite other San Luis Obispo taxi compan ies to attend an MTC meeting and provide update on service levels/issues. Ms. Thyne seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Lawson stated that she was involved with handling taxi complaints. Mr. Anguiano discussed Uber service, which was unregulated, vs. taxi services and noted that his department was checking on the legal issues inherent with Uber in the city. Mr. Katz moved to inform Council that MTC had no issue with “A Ride Awaits” proposal moving forward to review. Ms. Justice seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Agenda Item # 3c: 2013/14 Triennial Audit Report Mr. Anguiano discussed the audit status and noted that there were no deficiencies cited in 18 general areas; he did note that there were five additional areas to be addressed:  Procurement  Planning/POP  Title VI Service Standards  Drug/Alcohol-Free Workplace Program  EEO Plans He discussed the details and background of the findings and the steps already taken to remedy all concerns. Agenda Item # 3d: SLO Transit 5307 Exchange for RTA CMAQ Mr. Anguiano led discussion on the item. He explained how the exchange in the type of money (CMAQ for 5307) will allow both agencies to proceed with the purchase of their identified vehicles. Agenda Item # 3e: Revisit of Policy on Large Items & Carts on Buses Mr. Anguiano led discussion on the item. The issue of passengers bringing on large items that occupy seats, disrupt the safe ingress & egress of the vehicle and potentially become projectiles in large stops was discussed. Mr. Katz mentioned he was worried this would affect passengers traveling with luggage and who had legitimate purposes of continuing travel on other systems Mr. Anguiano acknowledged this challenge but reiterated the importance of adopting a uniformed policy that promotes safe travel practices. Mr. Katz moved to recommend that whatever policies were adopted regarding large items on buses was consistent between SLO Transit and RTA. Ms. Justice seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. to the regular meeting of November 12, 2014 to be held at 1 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary APPROVED BY THE MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: 11/12/2014