| Citizens Advisory Committee - June 23, 2010 |
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEEMeeting Notice Date: 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 23, 2010 Location: 100 Van Ness Avenue, 26th Floor Members: Jul Lynn Parsons (Chair), Peter Tannen (Vice Chair), Conrad Wu, Glenn Davis, Chris Jones, Brian Larkin, Fran Martin, Jacqualine Sachs, Robert Switzer, Wendy Tran, and Rosie West
6:00 1. Committee Meeting Call to Order 6:05 2. Adoption of
Minutes of the May 26, 2010 Meeting and the June 9, 2010 Special Meeting- ACTION* May 26 June 9 6:07 3. Chair's Report - INFORMATION 6:10 Consent Calendar 5. Citizens Advisory Committee Appointment - INFORMATION The Plans and Programs Committee will consider recommending appointment of two members to the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) at its July 20 meeting. These vacancies resulted from the term expiration of Brian Larkin and resignation of Jul Lynn Parsons, which will take effect following the June 23 CAC meeting. Neither staff nor CAC members make recommendations regarding CAC appointments. CAC applications can be obtained at the Authority's website (www.sfcta.org) or by calling 415.522.4800. This is an information item. 6. Adopt a Motion of Support for Approval of the
Revised Investment Policy and Debt Policy - ACTION* attachment It is Authority direction to review the Investment Policy and Debt Policy on an annual basis to ensure compliance with current statutes and Authority objectives. For Fiscal Year 2010/11 and upon the advice of the Authority's financial advisors, we are recommending approval of minor changes to the Investment Policy and the Debt Policy to conform to applicable law and to allow for increased flexibility. We are seeking a motion of support for approval of the revised Investment Policy and Debt Policy. 7. Information on Jobs Created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Local Streets and Roads, Transportation Enhancements, and Presidio Parkway Projects in San Francisco - INFORMATION* attachment At its February 24, 2010 meeting, the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) requested periodic updates on the number of jobs created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds programmed by the Authority. The attached table shows the number of jobs created or retained by the ARRA-funded local streets and roads and Transportation Enhancements projects in San Francisco as of the June progress reports we received from project sponsors. It also shows job creation information for the Presidio Parkway (Doyle Drive Replacement) project, which has not changed since our March report to the CAC, since no additional contracts have been awarded. This is an information item. End of Consent Calendar 6:15 Capital Projects 8. Adopt a Motion of Support for the Allocation of $6,703,610 in Prop K Funds, with Conditions, to the Municipal Transportation Agency for Central Subway Right of Way Acquisition Phase 1, Subject to the Attached Fiscal Year Cash Flow Distribution Schedule - ACTION* attachment The right-of-way (ROW) phase of the Municipal Transportation Authority's (MTA's) Central Subway project has a total cost of $34.8 million, which the MTA has divided into two phases for funding purposes. Phase 1, the subject of this request, will cost $10.3 million and consists of acquiring two parcels that are necessary for the Central Subway project: 933-949 Stockton Street in Chinatown and 266-286 Fourth Street at Folsom Street in the Yerba Buena Neighborhood South of Market Street. Acquisition of these properties is needed to accommodate two new metro stations for the Central Subway located in Chinatown and at the Moscone Center. The MTA's current Prop K request for $6,703,610 would be combined with $3,626,390 in state Prop 1B Public Transportation Modernization, Improvement, and Service Enhancement Account funds to fully fund ROW Phase 1. The Central Subway project schedule requires that the ROW Phase 1 acquisition money be available in an escrow account by the end of July 2010 so that negotiations can be completed to acquire the two properties. The MTA is currently in discussions with the owners to negotiate the purchases of the properties and it anticipates that the acquisition of the two parcels of land may be completed by March 2011. However, if in either or both cases the MTA and the owner are not able to agree to the purchase, the MTA has started the eminent domain process in parallel to avoid delays to the project. Our recommendation includes three special conditions, most notably, as with previous ROW purchases funded with Prop K, the MTA would be required to execute a quitclaim deed in favor of the Authority for the portion of the cost of each property acquired with Prop K funds. Should the Central Subway project be cancelled, proportional ownership of the properties will be conveyed to the Authority. We are seeking a motion of support for the allocation of $6,703,610 in Prop K funds, with conditions, to the MTA for Central Subway ROW Acquisition Phase 1, subject to the attached Fiscal Year Cash Flow Distribution Schedule. 9. Adopt a Motion of Support for Adoption of a Baseline Budget, Schedule, and Funding Plan for Phase 1 of the Transbay Transit Center Project - ACTION* attachment In November 2007, the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA) Board adopted its initial Baseline Budget for Phase 1 of the Transbay Transit Center Program in the amount of $1,189,000,000. The budget included: right-of-way acquisition; construction of a temporary terminal; demolition of the existing Transbay Terminal and bus ramps; construction of the above-grade bus facilities portion of the new Transit Center and the foundations and other improvements to prepare for future construction of the below-grade train station; construction of bus ramps and bus storage; and design and engineering of the above-listed facilities. The new Phase 1 Baseline Budget is $1,589,000,000 and it includes all of the items in the original budget as well as an additional $400,000,000, for the construction of the below-grade train box, which was previously part of Phase 2. The additional $400,000,000 will be funded from a recently secured American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant. Once adopted, the revised Baseline Budget for Phase 1 will be the benchmark against which cost performance will be measured. Incorporating the train box construction into Phase 1 will extend the schedule for construction from five years to approximately seven years. Bus operations will move to the Temporary Terminal on August 7, 2010, demolition of the existing terminal will commence shortly thereafter in August 2010, and bus operations in the new building will start in August 2017. Although Phase 1 has a full funding plan, both Authority and TJPA see some risks in it. Namely, the real estate values used are from 2007, and due to the current market conditions it is unlikely, or at best uncertain, that the $429 million expected from land sales will be fully realized. Another area of risk relates to the $21 million in state Regional Improvement Program (RTIP or RIP) funds that the Authority has committed to the project, but has been unable to program due to the impact of the state budget crisis on RTIP funds. Given the ongoing economic crisis, it is unlikely that additional RTIP funds will be available in the timeframe needed by the project. TJPA continues to diligently seek alternative funding in the event that funds do not materialize as planned. We are seeking a motion of support for adoption of a Baseline Budget, schedule, and funding plan for Phase 1 of the Transbay Transit Center Project. 6:35 Policy & Programming 10. Adopt a Motion of Support for the
Allocation of $3,480,803 in Prop K Funds, with Conditions, to the Municipal
Transportation Agency for Six Requests, Subject to the Attached Fiscal Year
Cash Flow Distribution Schedules - ACTION* attachment enclosure Due to a crowded June Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) agenda, we have grouped six Prop K allocation requests from the Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) into a single memo. The MTA has requested a total of $3,480,803 in Prop K funds, which would leverage $13,376,987 in other funding. The MTA has proposed to use the requested funds for its automatic fare collection program, signal and pavement marking improvements on light rail corridors, and four pedestrian circulation and safety improvement projects. Attachment 1 summarizes the applications for Prop K allocations, including the project phases for which funding is requested and the proposed leveraging of non-Prop K funds compared to Expenditure Plan assumptions. Attachment 2 provides a brief description of each project. Attachment 3 provides a summary of our staff recommendation, highlighting issues of potential interest to the CAC, such as recommended deliverables and special conditions. We are seeking a motion of support for the allocation of $3,480,803 in Prop K funds, with conditions, to the MTA for six requests, subject to the attached Fiscal Year Cash Flow Distribution Schedules. 11. Adopt a Motion of Support for the Third Amendment of San Francisco's 2008 Lifeline Transportation Program (LTP) Project Priorities to Include $1,691,391 for the Municipal Transportation Agency's Bus Service Restoration Project - ACTION* attachment The Metropolitan Transportation Commission's (MTC's) Lifeline Transportation Program (LTP) funds projects that improve mobility for low income residents. In November 2008, the Authority Board approved Resolution 09-24, identifying nine projects to receive a total of $9.68 million in 2008 LTP funds. Since its initial adoption, the Authority has revised the LTP project priorities twice through the adoption of Resolution 10-11 in July 2009 and Resolution 10-50 in March 2010, as shown in Attachment 1. In April 2010, the MTC notified the Authority that $1,691,391 in new Fiscal Year 2010/11 State Transit Assistance (STA) funds were available for programming to San Francisco LTP projects. Given the relatively small amount of funds available and its desire to expedite project delivery, MTC stipulated that only transit operators (those eligible to directly receive STA funds) could apply for the funds and that it would make the funds available following Authority Board adoption of project priorities. On May 19, 2010, we released a call for projects to establish priorities for the $1,691,391 in available LTP funds. By the June 14, 2010 deadline we received one proposal from the Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) for $1,691,391 for the Bus Service Restoration Project, summarized in Attachment 2. This project would restore a portion of the bus service reductions the MTA made on May 8, 2010 to address its budget deficit. The MTA has proposed two alternate scopes of work, depending on whether or not it is able to secure sufficient non-LTP resources to restore service in September 2010 for its highest-priority routes. If non-LTP resources are secured, the MTA would use LTP funds to implement the Option A scope, which would restore service on six MUNI routes: 44 O'Shaughnessy, 19 Polk, 21 Hayes, 27 Bryant, 29 Sunset, and 54 Felton. If the MTA is unable to secure non-LTP funds to implement its broader service restoration project, it would use LTP funds for Option B, which would restore service frequency on the 8X/AX/BX Bayshore Express bus route during midday and peak periods and add some additional service on the 8X during the evening. Maps for Option A are shown in Attachment 3 and the map of Option B is shown in Attachment 4. Under either option, the MTA would restore the service as of September 4, 2010, with the LTP funds providing operating support for one year. The staff recommendation is to program the full $1,691,391 to restore MTA bus service as described in Attachment 5. We are seeking a motion of support for the third amendment of San Francisco's 2008 LTP project priorities to include $1,691,391 for the MTA's Bus Service Restoration Project.
12. Adopt a Motion of Support for the Approval of the San Francisco Safe Routes to School Education and Outreach Program for $500,000 in Cycle 1 Safe Routes to School Funds - ACTION* attachment In December 2009, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) adopted the framework for programming funds anticipated under the yet-to-be-developed six-year federal surface transportation act. The first funding cycle (Cycle 1) covers Fiscal Years 2009/10 - 2011/12 and includes several grant programs, one of which is MTC's new Safe Routes to School Program (SR2S). MTC designated $17 million in federal Congestion Management and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funds for Cycle 1 of the SR2S program. The intent of this program is to complement existing state and federal SR2S programs, furthering implementation of SR2S programs region-wide. MTC's program also has an overall goal of significantly reducing vehicle emissions stemming from school-related travel. Of the $17 million, $2 million will be available region-wide on a competitive basis and $15 million has been distributed among the nine Bay Area counties based on K-12 school enrollment. San Francisco's share is $1,079,000. We have been working with the San Francisco Safe Routes to School Coalition (Coalition) to develop a two-pronged approach (i.e. education and outreach and capital projects) to enhance the existing SR2S efforts in San Francisco and best achieve the objectives for SR2S set by MTC. For the education and outreach portion, which is the subject of this memorandum, we have collaborated with the Coalition to develop a program that will combine the Coalition's existing education and outreach activities (e.g., pedestrian and bicycle education in elementary schools, technical assistance in organizing Walk and Bike to School Days, and development and distribution of traffic safety outreach materials and walking/biking maps to parents) with a pilot program run by the Department of the Environment that is focused on providing students, parents and teachers school-site specific statistics on the environmental, economic and health impacts of emissions from idling motor vehicles at schools. The proposed scope of education and outreach work would be funded with $500,000 in SR2S funds and $65,000 local match from the Department of Public Health, leaving $579,000 for the Fiscal Year 2011/12 capital projects portion of the SRTS program. We are seeking a motion of support for the approval of the San Francisco Safe Routes to School Education and Outreach Program for $500,000 in Cycle 1 Safe Routes to School Funds. 13. Adopt a Motion of Support for the Appropriation of $790,000 in Prop K Funds, With Conditions, for Planning, Conceptual Engineering and Environmental Studies for the Better Market Street Project, Subject to the Attached Fiscal Year Cash Flow Distribution Schedule - ACTION* attachment The planned re-paving of Market Street from Van Ness Avenue to Steuart Street in 2015 brings about a special opportunity to envision improvements to this landmark corridor and key urban thoroughfare. Hence, the City proposes to initiate a Better Market Street Project that will engage both public agencies and community-wide stakeholders, to identify and evaluate potential street re-designs that could be initiated through a first phase in 2015 and through subsequent phases over the long term. The Better Market Street Project is guided by the overarching goal of revitalizing the corridor from Octavia Boulevard to The Embarcadero, through a coordinated set of public space improvements and activities. These improvements are intended to encompass sustainable urban design and mobility enhancements that facilitate promenading and an enlivened sidewalk life; reliable and efficient transit service; and a comfortable and appealing bicycle facility along the street's entire length. The intent of the proposed 3-year study is to identify design alternatives for inclusion in the environmental review process, complete environmental studies, and advance design (at least 30%) to support implementation of recommendations in coordination with the planned street repaving project. The Better Market Street Project already has benefitted from, and will continue to involve, significant inter-agency coordination as well as strong outreach to the public to ensure adequate stakeholder involvement. The $790,000 in Prop K funds requested will leverage $200,000 in Safe Routes to Transit funds, $500,000 in General Funds which is expected to be proposed in the Mayor's budget for Fiscal Year 10/11, and other planned funding sources, including a $249,650 Caltrans Planning Grant. This would cover about $1.5 million of the estimated $3.45 million effort, and essentially carry the study through the first 18 months in order to complete the scoping and screening processes and initial study as part of the environmental review phase. In order to coordinate implementation with the planned re-paving project, the planning and environmental work must begin now. Thus, we are requesting appropriation at this time, while the project team actively seeks to secure the remaining funding, including preparing for an anticipated application for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Tiger (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) II planning funds. We are seeking a motion of support for the appropriation of $790,000 in Prop K funds, with conditions, for planning, conceptual engineering, and environmental studies for the Better Market Street Project, subject to the attached Fiscal Year Cash Flow Distribution Schedule. 14. Adopt a Motion of Support for
Approval of the Strategic Analysis Report on the Role of Shuttle Services in
Transportation in San Francisco
- ACTION* attachment enclosure The public transportation system in San Francisco has been increasingly complemented by the addition of various types of shuttle services. At the request of Commissioner Dufty, the Authority initiated this Strategic Analysis Report (SAR) on the Role of Shuttles in Spring 2009 to investigate the reasons for, and benefits and impacts of, the growth of shuttle activity in San Francisco. During the course of the study, we distilled two foci for analysis: the question of 1) how to respond to the rapid expansion of regional employer-based shuttle operations in San Francisco neighborhoods, and 2) whether downtown circulator shuttles should be consolidated, and if so, how? Authority staff gathered data for the study through literature and field research, and extensive outreach to various stakeholders, including providers, operators, users, public agencies, and the general public. The study findings confirmed that regional shuttles provide widespread and significant public benefits but that local conflicts and impacts do exist, including at MUNI stops, and should be managed. A voluntary "MUNI Partners" program is recommended, to lead the tracking, management and growth of the shuttle sector, and coordinate these activities with citywide Travel Demand Management initiatives. The program would include a dedicated shuttle coordinator at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) who would develop operating guidelines and regulations, and act as a point of contact for the public. The City would seek grant funds to create this innovative program and shuttle sponsors would pay user fees to support the administration of the program. In addition to more dedicated staffing of the sector, members would benefit from a range of potential incentives such as access to grant funds and/or public infrastructure. Downtown shuttle operations would also benefit from this program through improved coordination with, and technical assistance from, the MTA in improving the operational efficiency of existing employer-funded services. The SAR does not recommend the MTA invest in or operate the downtown shuttles, but does present several potential public/private partnership models for future consideration, if a case can be made for service expansion in this area and should the private operators desire a more "open" service. A subsequent SAR on Alternative Transit Service Delivery Options is addressing this question. We are seeking a motion of support for approval of the Strategic Analysis Report on the Role of Shuttle Services in Transportation in San Francisco. 15. Launch for the San Francisco Transportation Plan - INFORMATION* attachment As the Congestion Management Agency for San Francisco, the Authority is responsible for preparing a long-range transportation plan identifying goals, needs, and investment priorities for the City's transportation sector. The purpose of this plan is to establish local priorities, provide an input to the Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) and Regional Transportation Plan, and position San Francisco for new federal legislative opportunities. This summer, we launch the planning process for the San Francisco Transportation Plan (SFTP), an update to the 2004 Countywide Transportation Plan (CWTP). Throughout the two-year planning process, the Authority will conduct extensive outreach to agencies, stakeholders, and the public, and coordinate with closely related local and regional planning efforts: the City's Climate Action Plan and Capital Improvement Plan, and the regional SCS for meeting statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The outreach associated with the SFTP launch will document accomplishments since the 2004 CWTP, and seek input on the goals for this update: 1) strengthen the city's regional competitiveness; 2) create a more livable city; 3) ensure a healthy environment; and 4) provide and sustain world-class infrastructure. The SFTP will identify investment, policy, and institutional strategies for achieving these goals. We will seek input from a technical advisory committee and stakeholder advisory committee throughout development of the CWTP. We are seeking comments and input from the Committee. 16. Mobility, Access and Pricing Study: Draft Findings - INFORMATION* presentation attachment In 2007, the Authority initiated the Mobility, Access and Pricing Study (MAPS) to evaluate the feasibility of implementing congestion pricing in San Francisco. The Study is based on the analysis of a range of possible congestion pricing program options including an assessment of the potential benefits and impacts to our transportation system, economy, and environment. The Authority's Countywide Transportation Plan and the City's Climate Action Plan call for consideration of road pricing as part of a comprehensive strategy to manage travel demand, improve travel options, and meet our ambitious goals for sustainable growth. The broad set of scenarios considered in the MAPS effort includes geographic options for the priced area, potential pricing and discount policies, and a range of local and regional transportation improvements that would accompany a congestion pricing program. After a detailed evaluation of alternatives, the study confirms that there are technically feasible congestion pricing scenarios for San Francisco that would contribute to local, regional, and state goals for congestion management, economic growth and competitiveness, and reduced climate change impacts. Extensive study outreach has revealed that public opinion regarding the prospect of congestion pricing ranges widely, but there is generally willingness to continue to study the concept. Given the level of public skepticism that exists, the study recommends pursing the development of a pilot program within the next three years which would provide a test-bed for the effectiveness of proposed strategies, proof-of-concept of system technologies and institutional capacities, and ample opportunity to measure and monitor benefits and impacts in a real-world setting. The study team is poised to launch a fourth and final round of outreach events to share these key findings and gather feedback on the idea of a potential demonstration program. The next steps, should there be public and Board support for advancing the concept, would include system engineering and design for a pilot demonstration; legislative action to establish pricing authority and institutional arrangements; and environmental clearance. We are seeking comments and input from the Committee. 7:50 17. Public Comment 8:00 18. Adjournment
* Materials Attached Next Special Meeting: September 1, 2010Next Regular Meeting: September 29, 2010
CAC MEMBERS WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND SHOULD CONTACT ERIKA CHENG AT (415) 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. To obtain a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in the meeting, please contact Erika Cheng at 415.522.4800 or via email at at least two business days before the meeting. The nearest accessible BART station is Civic Center (Market/Grove/Hyde Streets). Accessible MUNI Metro lines are the F, 5, 21, 47, 49, 71, 71L, J, K, L, M, N, T (exit at Van Ness Station). MUNI bus lines also serving the area are the 6, 7, and 9 San Bruno. For more information about MUNI accessible services, call (415) 701-4485. If any materials related to an item on this agenda have been distributed to the Citizens Advisory Committee after distribution of the agenda packet, those materials are available for public inspection at the San Francisco County Transportation Authority at 100 Van Ness Avenue, Floor 26, San Francisco, CA 94102, during normal office hours.
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