| Citizens Advisory Committee - December 6, 2006 |
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AGENDA CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEEMeeting Notice Date: 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 6, 2006 6:00 1. Committee Meeting Call to Order 6:05 2. Adoption of Minutes of the October 25, 2006 Meeting - ACTION * (attachment) 6:07 3. Chair's Report – INFORMATION 6:10 Planning 4. Approve a Motion of Support for Approval of the Final Report on the Van Ness BRT Feasibility Study – ACTION* (attachment) (Report Section 1) (Report Section 2) (Report Section 3) (Report Section 4) (Report Section 5) The Authority, in coordination with MTA, has completed the Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study, including conceptual design and evaluation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) alternatives . Through a technical and community analysis process, the study developed and evaluated a set of BRT alternatives for Van Ness Avenue . The Feasibility Study drew upon citywide BRT goals established by an interagency project team, and upon an intensive assessment of existing conditions and transportation needs on Van Ness, to develop and evaluate a 2010 No-Project scenario as well as four BRT alternatives: a curb-lane BRT design and three center-lane BRT designs. Evaluations are based on a three-step travel demand modeling process, analysis of the engineering designs of each alternative, and design charrettes focused on key station platforms. Based on the analysis, several BRT design configurations provide significant transit performance benefits with limited cost, traffic, and construction impacts. The Study Report documents the results of the needs analysis, alternative designs, and findings from the alternatives evaluation, and recommends next steps and a funding and implementation plan. The study recommends that several BRT alternatives be carried forward to the Environmental Analysis and Preliminary Engineering phase of work, to begin immediately and conclude in early 2008. We are seeking a motion of support for approval of the Final Report of the Van Ness BRT Feasibility Study. 6:45 Programming 5. Adopt a Motion of Support for the Appropriation of $1,950,000 in Prop K funds for the Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit Environmental Analysis and Preliminary Engineering Project, Subject to the Attached Fiscal Year Cash Flow Distribution Schedule and the Amendment of the Relevant 5-Year Prioritization Program – ACTION* (attachment) The Authority, in coordination with the Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA), has completed the Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study, including conceptual design and evaluation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) alternatives. The study recommends that several BRT alternatives be carried forward to the Environmental Analysis and Preliminary Engineering phase of work, to begin immediately and conclude in early 2008. Following approval of the Feasibility Study's Final Report, to be considered as a separate agenda item at the December 6 Citizens Advisory Committee meeting, the Authority, in close cooperation with the MTA, would like to initiate the Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for implementation of BRT on Van Ness, intended to clear the project environmentally under state and federal rules respectively, and to comply with the Alternatives Analysis requirements under Federal Transit Administration rules. We have already agreed with MTA management to put in place a memorandum of agreement for this purpose, and we will complete that agreement in the next few weeks. Final design and construction will be the responsibility of the MTA and would be coordinated with other planned improvements, such as the PUC's replacement of street lighting, the resurfacing of Van Ness Ave. , and the upgrade of traffic signals, with the goal of opening the Van Ness BRT project to service in 2010. The proposed appropriation would keep this significant Prop K project moving forward, helping to satisfy the Prop K mandate for a network of BRT routes, and would position the Van Ness BRT project to compete very well for Federal Small Starts funds. We are seeking a motion of support for the appropriation of $1,950,000 in Prop K funds for the Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit Environmental Analysis and Preliminary Engineering Project, subject to the attached Fiscal Year Cash Flow Distribution Schedule and the amendment of the relevant 5-Year Prioritization Program. 6. Approve a Motion of Support for the Allocation of $132,000 in Prop K funds, with Conditions, to the Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) and Appropriation of $108,000 in Prop K Funds to the Authority for the Pedestrian Transportation Master Plan, Subject to the Attached Cash Flow Distribution Schedule – ACTION* (attachment) Through two separate actions, the Authority previous approved a total of $160,000 in Prop K funds for the first year of Prop K funding for development and environmental clearance of the Municipal Transportation Agency's (MTA's) Pedestrian Transportation Master Plan (PMP). The Board action included a commitment to allocate an additional $160,000 for year two of plan development. Over the past year, the MTA has worked with other city agencies to fully integrate the PMP into the newer and more comprehensive Better Streets Plan (BSP), which features the PMP and the Streetscape Master Plan (SMP) as its two primary components, and to transform the initial PMP community involvement effort into a larger effort that encompasses the entire BSP. The MTA indicates that the PMP is currently about 35% complete. The MTA has submitted a request for a total of $240,000 for the second year of the PMP development effort, which includes an $80,000 increase over the budget provided when the Authority Board approved the March 2006 allocation for the PMP ($615K vs. $535K). MTA attributes the increased costs primarily to the need to cover MTA staff efforts past and future related to integration of the PMP into the BSP; however, the MTA fully expects that the extra coordination will pay off in a higher quality, more comprehensive PMP, SMP, and BSP. Of $240,000 requested, the MTA has asked that $108,000 be appropriated to the Authority to cover MTA's Prop K contributions to two PMP-related technical contracts, which the Authority has procured on behalf of MTA and the City (i.e., PMP technical services and BSP community involvement services). We are seeking a motion of support for the allocation of $132,000 in Prop K funds, with conditions, to the MTA and appropriation of $108,000 in Prop K funds to the Authority for the Pedestrian Transportation Master Plan. 7. Approve a Motion of Support for the Appropriation of $12,000 in Prop K Funds for the Columbus Avenue Revitalization Master Plan (Plan), Subject to the Attached Cash Flow Distribution Schedule, for the Amendment of the Relevant 5-Year Prioritization Program, and to Authorize the Executive Director to Enter Into and Execute Grant Agreements with the California Department of Transportation to Prepare the Plan – ACTION* (attachment) In July 2006, the Authority acting as the fiscal agent for RENEW SF, a neighborhood organization located in the North Beach area of the City, was awarded a $144,000 Caltrans Community Based Transportation Planning grant for the Columbus Avenue Revitalization Master Plan (Plan). The Plan focuses on Columbus Avenue from the Transamerica Pyramid to Fisherman's Wharf, and is intended to support economic revitalization and pedestrian activity on Columbus Avenue , and build transportation planning capacity among neighborhood organizations. RENEW SF will be responsible for day-to-day project management and development of the Plan with the assistance of a technical consultant, the Authority, and the Department of Public Works (DPW). The Authority will administer the grant, procure the consultant, review and approve all deliverables, and lead the development of the funding and implementation plan. The $12,000 in requested Prop K funds, along with $12,000 in in-kind contributions from RENEW SF and $12,000 from DPW equally split between in-kind contributions and cash, will fully fund the Plan and provide the required local match. The Prop K funds would come from the Transportation/Land Use Coordination category, which provides matching funds for state and federal grants to support neighborhood transportation plans that identify and prioritize transportation capital improvements for implementation. We are seeking a motion of support for the appropriation of $12,000 in Prop K funds for the Columbus Avenue Revitalization Master Plan (Plan), subject to the attached cash flow distribution schedule, for the amendment of the relevant 5-Year Prioritization Program, and to authorize the Executive Director to enter into and execute grant agreements with the California Department of Transportation to prepare the Plan. 8. Adopt a Motion of Support for the Allocation of $65,000 in Prop K funds to the Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) for the Conceptual Engineering Phase of the Escalator Rehabilitation and Upgrade Project, Subject to the Attached Fiscal Year Cash Flow Distribution Schedule, and Amendment of the Relevant 5-Year Prioritization Programs – ACTION* (attachment) The MTA has requested $65,000 in Prop K funds to produce a conceptual engineering report (CER) for the upgrade of 5 of the MUNI Metro System's station escalators. In total, the MTA is responsible for 28 escalators across the 7 MUNI Metro Stations, and plans to upgrade approximately 5 escalators per year over the next 6 years. The Prop K funds requested would match $260,000 in Federal Section 5307 funds for a total cost of $325,000 for the CER phase of the project. The MTA has estimated the total cost to rehabilitate or replace the 5 escalators will be $7,165,000. This project will require an amendment to the 5-Year Prioritization Programs (5YPPs) for the Facilities and Guideways categories of Prop K; this project was inadvertently included in the 5YPP for Guideways, but should have been included in the Facilities category. We are seeking a motion of support for the allocation of $65,000 in Prop K funds to the MTA for the conceptual engineering phase of the Escalator Rehabilitation and Upgrade project, subject to the attached Fiscal Year Cash Flow Distribution Schedule, and amendment of the relevant 5YPPs. 9. Adopt a Motion of Support for the Appropriation of $100,000 in Prop K funds, with Conditions, for the Congestion Pricing Feasibility Study, Subject to the Attached Fiscal Year Cash Flow Distribution Schedule, and a Commitment to Appropriate an Additional $30,000 in Fiscal Year 2007/08 – ACTION* (attachment) In January 2006, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded a $1.04 million grant to the Authority for the Congestion Pricing Feasibility Study, making San Francisco the first city in the nation to study congestion pricing and mobility in an urban area in the U.S. Our approach is to study roadway pricing in the larger context of congestion management includes the provision of competitive alternatives to driving, using the revenues generated through congestion charging to fund a package of mobility improvements that raise the level of service for alternatives to the private automobile, such as transit, cycling, walking and carpooling. This integrated approach has been used successfully in other cities to re-define the transportation choice-set for urban travelers in a way that improves a region's quality of life while maintaining a vibrant economy. During the course of the Congestion Pricing Feasibility Study, the results and recommendations of the Authority's On-Street Parking Management Study would be tracked, focusing on investigating the use of market-based pricing among other strategies to increase parking availability. If the Parking Management Study recommendations are accepted by the Authority Board, the Parking Management Study would be followed by the creation of a pilot parking management program that enables implementation of parking management strategies in one or two neighborhoods. FHWA's Value Pricing Program grant requires a 20% local match, in this case resulting in a local contribution of $260,000. We have identified funds in the Transportation Demand Management/Parking Management (TDM/PM) category of Prop K for half of the required match, and have secured the other $130,000 from the Bay Area Toll Authority. We are seeking a motion of support for the appropriation of $100,000 in Prop K fund, with conditions, for the Congestion Pricing Feasibility Study, subject to the attached Fiscal Year Cash Flow Distribution Schedule , and a commitment to appropriate an additional $30,000 in Fiscal Year 2007/08. 7:25 Finance and Administration 10. Adopt a Motion of Support for Approval of a Professional Services Contract with Parsons Brinckerhoff, for Model Development Services for the Feasibility Study of Congestion Pricing, in an Amount Not to Exceed $200,000 – ACTION* (attachment) Last spring, at the Board's direction, the Authority applied for a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Value Pricing Program to study congestion pricing. In January, the Federal Highway Administration awarded a $1 million grant to the Authority, making San Francisco the first city in the nation to study area-wide congestion pricing and mobility in an urban area. The Authority's travel forecasting tool (known as “SF-CHAMP”) currently predicts travel only for San Francisco residents, while the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) model is used for trips into and out of San Francisco . This design presents some problems for analyzing the choices and trade-offs that need to be addressed in this study, since the behavior of both residents and nonresidents need to be assessed in a similar manner. The Authority is therefore seeking to expand the existing SF-CHAMP model design to the entire nine-county Bay Area, eliminating the need to analyze results from two separate model systems, while also enhancing the sensitivity of the SF-CHAMP model components to new pricing schemes. On October 18, 2006, the Authority issued a request for proposals (RFP) for model development services in support of the Feasibility Study of Congestion Pricing. We received one proposal by the November 8 deadline. The Selection Panel has determined that the proposal is responsive to the Authority's needs. We are seeking a motion of support for approval of a professional services contract with Parsons Brinckerhoff, for model development services for the Feasibility Study of Congestion Pricing, in an amount not to exceed to $200,000. 11. Adopt a Motion of Support to Award a General Engineering and Design Professional Services Contract for the South Access to the Golden Gate Bridge: Doyle Drive Replacement Project to Arup/Parsons Brinckerhoff Joint Venture in an Initial Amount Not to Exceed $4,250,250 – ACTION* (attachment) The Authority is the lead agency for the preparation of a federal environmental impact statement and state environmental impact report (EIS/R) and preliminary engineering for the replacement of Doyle Drive , the south access to the Golden Gate Bridge . On September 25, 2006, through Resolution 07-17, the Authority Board adopted Alternative 5 ( Presidio Parkway ) with specified design options, as the Preferred Alternative to be identified within the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Report for the Doyle Drive Replacement Project. To maintain project momentum, take advantage of federal funding now available for design and favorably position the Doyle Drive Replacement Project for funding from the recently voter-approved infrastructure bond legislation, the California Department of Transportation and the Authority agreed to proceed with selected design work in advance of completing the Final EIS/R. Accordingly, the Authority issued a Request for Statements of Qualifications on June 28, 2006; three consultant teams submitted proposals by the August 4, 2006 deadline. Based on the competitive process defined in the request for statements of qualifications, t he evaluation panel ranked URS Corporation (URS) first, with Parsons Transportation Group (PTG) and Arup/Parsons Brinckerhoff Joint Venture (Arup/PB) tied in second place. An apparent conflict of interest was brought to light during preliminary contract negotiations with URS, which ultimately resulted in URS withdrawing its proposal to provide these professional services. After conferring with the City Attorney, a new evaluation panel was convened to interview PTG and Arup/PB using the competitive process as defined in the request for statements of qualifications. The panel unanimously recommended the Arup/Parsons Brinckerhoff Joint Venture be awarded the General Engineering and Design Professional Services Contract for the Doyle Drive Replacement Project. We are seeking a motion of support to award a General Engineering and Design Professional Services Contract for the South Access to the Golden Gate Bridge: Doyle Drive Replacement Project to Arup/Parsons Brinckerhoff Joint Venture in an Initial Amount Not to Exceed $4,250,250. 12. Adopt a Motion of Support to Award a Three-Year Strategic Communications, Media and Community Relations Professional Services Contract, with Two Additional One-Year Extension Options, to Barbary Coast Consulting in an Initial Amount Not to Exceed $175,000 – ACTION* (attachment) The Authority is engaged in a number of significant project development and planning efforts, such as the Doyle Drive Replacement Project, the Congestion Pricing, Bi-County and Parking Management studies, and the Van Ness and Geary Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit Projects. The complexity, scope and interrelationships of these and other Authority initiatives requires that the Authority develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan integrating the agency's media relations, community involvement and outreach strategies across its three statutory functions, while providing targeted strategic outreach and communications strategies for specific Authority projects and programs. On October 17, 2006, the Authority issued a Request for Statements of Qualifications for strategic communications, median and community relations professional services. Two firms submitted responsive bids by the proposal deadline of November 8, 2006. The proposals were reviewed and both firms interviewed by a four-member selection panel, consisting of representatives from the Authority, the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. Based on the competitive process as outlined in the request for statement of qualifications, the panel recommended award of the strategic communications, media and community relations professional services contract to Barbary Coast Consulting. We are seeking a motion of support for the award of a three-year strategic communications, media and community relations professional services contract, with two additional one-year extension options, to Barbary Coast Consulting in an initial amount not to exceed $175,000. 13. Adopt a Motion of Support to Authorize the Executive Director to Execute all Master Agreements, Program Supplemental Agreements, Fund Exchange Agreements, Fund Transfer Agreements and Any Amendments Thereto Between the Authority and the California Department of Transportation for Receipt of Federal and State Funds – ACTION* (attachment) The Authority regularly receives federal and state transportation funds under ongoing grant programs as well as congressional earmarks. These grant funds are typically administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), which requires that various types of funding agreements be executed between the project sponsor and Caltrans before the project sponsor can claim (e.g. seek reimbursement) the grant funds. Caltrans also requires a Board resolution identifying the person or persons authorized to execute these funding agreements. Guidelines established by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Caltrans require that certain funding agreements be signed by the project sponsor and returned to Caltrans within 60 days. Caltrans may disencumber and/or de-obligate funds if the deadline is not met. At present, the Authority is in receipt of two Program Supplement Agreements totaling over $4 million that must be returned to Caltrans by December 22. We are recommending approval of a blanket authorizing resolution that will enable us to meet the deadlines required for execution of the current agreements, as well as future agreements for state and federal grant funds awarded to the Authority. We are seeking a motion of support to authorize the Executive Director to execute all Master Agreements, Program Supplemental Agreements, Fund Exchange Agreements, Fund Transfer Agreements and any amendments thereto between the Authority and the California Department of Transportation for receipt of Federal and State funds. 14. Adopt a Motion of Support to Adopt the Draft Authority's Travel, Conference, Training and Business Expenses Policies, and Amend Section 3.2 of the Administrative Code – ACTION* (attachment) The San Francisco County Transportation Authority (Authority) Travel, Conference, Training and Business Expenses Policies were last reviewed and adopted on July 15, 1991, through Resolution 91-13. The Authority Administrative Code was last reviewed and revised on September 23, 2003 through Ordinance O04-1. AB1234 (Salinas-approved October 7, 2005) requires local agencies, such as the Authority, that provide reimbursement to its governing members for expenses and compensation for attending meetings and other duties for the agency, adopt a written policy concerning what occurrences qualify a governing member to receive reimbursement of expenses and imposes related requirements, including the filing of expense reports, which would be public records. AB 1234 also requires that all local agency officials whose term of office extends past January 1, 2007 receive training in ethics as specified by the statute. With assistance and guidance from general counsel, we are recommending several changes to the existing Travel, Conference, Training and Business Expenses Policies and the Authority Administrative Code to both clarify the current language and make the Policies and Code consistent with AB 1234. We are seeking a motion of support to adopt the Authority's Draft Travel, Conference, Training and Business Expenses Policies, and amend Section 3.2 of the Administrative Code 7:40 Other 15. Status Report on the Third Street Light Rail Project – INFORMATION* (attachment) This is a status report on the Third Street Light Rail Project. The focus of construction activities continues on Segment J and the Metro East Maintenance Facility ( MME ). As of September 30, 2006, the project had spent approximately 82% of the total approved budget, including soft costs, and overall construction was 80% complete. All line segment contracts are substantially complete, with the exception of Segment J (Station Finishes and Project-wide Systems), which is scheduled to complete on December 15, 2006. If only the line segments are considered and the MME is excluded, the degree of construction completion rises to 95%. The Municipal Transportation Agency's (MTA) operator signup was completed on October 17. It resulted in 70 new operators coming to rail. Training on the alignment commenced on November 20. MTA has completed the safety certification process and all critical systems acceptance testing and operations readiness exercises. MTA expects to issue a letter to the CPUC confirming T-Line operational readiness in early December. The availability of sufficient vehicles and mechanics to provide sustainable service for the new line continues to be one of the challenges MTA faces in preparation for revenue service. The MME is 43% complete. Underground utilities and building plumbing have been completed, and work continues on the roof system, curtain wall, siding, interior framing, and rough-ins. Rail yard work continues on special trackwork and Overhead Catenary System (OCS) poles. The Department of Public Works (DPW) and the contractor for the 4th Street Bridge continue working with the dispute resolution board. Limited weekend passenger service will commence on January 13, 2007, and full revenue service will start on April 7, 2007. Work on preliminary engineering for the Central Subway is now 35% complete. Efforts continue on tunnel and station design in parallel with the supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Enivornemental Impact Report (EIR/EIS) and community outreach. This is an information item 16. San Francisco Strategy for Proposition 1B State Transportation Infrastructure Bond Funding – INFORMATION* (attachment) On November 21, the Authority Board adopted a San Francisco Strategy for Proposition 1B State Transportation Infrastructure Bond Funding. This item went directly to the Finance Committee and Authority Board on November 21, to comply with a December 1 deadline established by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for receipt of nominating local resolutions and application materials for the $4.5 billion Corridor Mobility Improvement Account (CMIA), the largest single category in the bond measure. This very tight timeline was established in the bond legislation and triggered by voter approval of the $19.9 billion bond measure on November 7, 2006. At the December 6 CAC meeting we will brief the CAC on the adopted bond strategy and provide an update on the CMIA and other relevant aspects of Proposition 1B. The November Finance Committee memorandum is enclosed for reference. This is an information item. 7:50 17. Public Comment 8:00 18. Adjournment * Materials Attached Next Regular Meeting: January 24, 2007 CAC MEMBERS WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND SHOULD CONTACT POOJA JHUNJHUNWALA AT 522-4831 This meeting location is wheelchair accessible. In order to allow individuals with environmental illness or multiple-chemical sensitivity to attend the meeting, individuals are requested to refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products. All times shown are for information only. Items will be called at the discretion of the Chair. If you prefer receiving future agendas via email instead of regular mail, . |
