TRANSPAC Committee Meeting Summary Minutes
MEETING DATE: February 8, 2024
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carlyn Obringer (Vice Chair), Concord; Ken Carlson, Contra Costa County; Kevin Wilk; Walnut Creek;
Peter Cloven, Clayton
PLANNING COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Bob Pickett
STAFF PRESENT: Celestine Do; BART; Smadar Boardman, Walnut Creek; Kirsten Riker, 511 CC; Ryan McClain,
Pleasant Hill; Lauire Talbert, 511CC; John
Cunningham, Contra Costa County; Abhishek
Parikh, Concord; Stephanie Hu, CCTA; Pranjal Dixit
County Connection; Matt Todd, TRANSPAC; Tiffany
Gephart, TRANSPAC; Debi Lawrence, TRANSPAC
GUESTS/PRESENTERS: Tim Haile, CCTA; Debbie Toth, Choice in Aging, Scott Simmons;
MINUTES PREPARED BY: Tiffany Gephart
1. Convene Regular Meeting / Pledge of Allegiance / Self-Introductions Vice Chair Obringer called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
2. Public Comment
There were no comments from the public.
3. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes:
• Minutes of the December 14, 2023 TRANSPAC Board Meeting. b. CCTA Executive Director’s Report Regarding CCTA Actions/Discussion Items c. Items Approved by the CCTA for Circulation to the Regional Transportation Planning Committees and Related Items of Interest
d. RTPC Meeting Summary Letters
e. CCTA Meeting Updates and Countywide Information Links f. TRANSPAC Quarterly Financial Report. Action: Accept the quarterly financial report for the period ended December 31, 2023.
The TRANSPAC Board agreed to remove the December 14, 2023 minutes from consent due to a lack of a quorum of members who attended the meeting.
On a motion by Commissioner Cloven seconded by Commissioner Carlson to remove the minutes from consent for approval at the next regular meeting and to approve all other items on the consent agenda by unanimous vote of the members present (Wilk, Obringer, Cloven, Carlson).
End Consent Agenda
4. Travel Demand Management 2.0 And CCTA Transportation Fund For Clean Air Policy.
This item was moved forward.
Tim Haile, CCTA presented the Travel Demand Management (TDM) 2.0 policy. The presentation is available at transpac.us under the February 8, 2024 TRANSPAC Committee meeting additional information.
Mr. Haile provided background information on historical Measure J spending. Mr. Haile reviewed the historical role of Regional Transportation Planning Committees (RTPC’s) which was established by Measure C in 1988 to mitigate regional traffic impacts. Members of RTPC’s sit on the CCTA Committees as part of that participatory planning process. Mr. Haile outlined specific Measure J funding categories and related RTPC roles including the Growth Management Program (GMP). Mr. Haile commented that the transportation landscape is changing and noted population growth, a return to pre-pandemic congestion and limited funding for infrastructure expansion, additional regulations and the approaching transit fiscal cliff. Considering this landscape Mr. Haile noted that it will be important to understand where Measure J funding is going, what is the return on investment and utilizing performance-based decision making with an emphasis on accountability.
Mr. Haile noted the focus of transportation currently is system management and looking at software to manage the system more efficiently. Mr. Haile noted that CCTA 4.0 is related to evolving to address the future of transportation. Mr. Haile noted that CCTA is looking to better access and examine data and grasp what is happening in the transportation system.
Mr. Haile introduced the TDM 2.0 program. The purpose of TDM is to incentivize individuals to use alternate modes of transportation and is included under Program 17 of the Measure J Expenditure Plan. Mr. Hailed provided an overview of the current TDM program managed by 511 Contra Costa which is funded by Transportation for Clean Air (TFCA Funds) and Measure J Program 17 funds. Mr. Haile noted that CCTA partners with the RTPC’s to deliver and oversee the funds. Mr. Haile reviewed the TDM funding available under Measure J and TFCA and the existing programs. Mr. Haile noted under the new policy, funding will continue to be allocated
subregionally but CCTA staff will work alongside the RTPC’s to measure the cost effectiveness and return on investment of the programs. Mr. Haile noted that in the current climate, TDM is tied to capital projects and therefore more data is required to monitor mitigation efforts and report back to the state (in the case of the 680 Northbound express lanes project which has been evaluated and is anticipated to increase Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) with an added lane).
Mr. Haile discussed the need to modernize the current TDM programs and increase accessibility to the public with components such as improving technology, developing mobile apps and accessible enrollment forms for users of TDM programs. Mr. Haile noted that the goal of the new policy will be to maintain a commitment to geographic equity and work alongside RTPC’s to measure recommended projects and outcomes for cost-effectiveness. Mr. Haile outlined the programs and projects eligible for funding for the new program and noted that eligible projects are expanding.
Finally, Mr. Haile reviewed the next steps including the development of the TDM strategic plan.
The Board thanked Mr. Haile for his presentation.
Commissioner Obringer asked about the connection between key performance indicators and programs such as free bus pass programs that help students get to school. Commissioner Obringer asked if the school district would be responsible for those metrics and what would the key performance indicators be for a program like this. Mr. Haile noted that the intent is not to change or modify such programs but to secure better data such as where do the students get on and off the bus and working to get tools in place to better track this. Commissioner Obringer noted participants that may not have mobile phones and commented that there needs to be another way to capture that data. Mr. Haile acknowledged Commissioner Obringer’s concerns and further commented that 92% of Contra Costa residents have smart phones.
Commissioner Obringer further asked why the timeline for the rollout of the policy is accelerated. Mr. Haile noted that CCTA would like to implement the policy in conjunction with the new fiscal year.
Commissioner Obringer asked about the approach to evaluating the projects going forward and if there will be a ranking, etc. Mr. Haile noted that performance criteria needs to be developed.
Mr. Todd commented that CCTA presented on the TDM 2.0 program at the last TAC meeting and appreciated the revisions to the presentation since the last meeting. Mr. Todd called attention to the existing projects listed in the presentation run by 511CC on behalf of TRANSPAC and noted that the Committee will have an opportunity to provide input on a strategic approach going forward. Mr. Todd further noted that staff are in discussions with 511CC about setting up a schedule to receive reports throughout the year.
5. Measure J Line 20a Funds program – FY 2024/2025 and FY 2025/2026 Ms. Gephart provided an update on the Measure J Line 20a funds program and reviewed the applications received, outreach efforts and next steps. Detailed information is included in the staff report and related attachments for this item.
Ms. Gephart noted that a late application was received from Choice in Aging (CIA) and staff received a request for an extension and for consideration by the Board for acceptance of their late application. Ms. Gephart noted that a similar situation occurred two cycles ago and the Board decided to create a Tier-2 list and agreed to consider the late application after the ontime submissions were reviewed.
Commissioner Carlson asked if funding allocations have been adjusted in the past to fund all of the programs. Ms. Gephart noted that yes in the last cycle some programs received less funding than what was asked for.
Debbie Toth from Choice in Aging provided an overview of the CIA program and noted that she is short staffed and requested that the Board consider her application. Commissioner Obringer asked if there are sufficient staff to administer the program. Ms. Toth commented that CIA hired a driver and operations manager and could run the program.
John Cunningham commented that in addition to the important work of improving trip quality and reducing trip times for the participants of the program, the CIA program also saves costs substantially. The cost of providing this trip is a fraction of what is provided on LINK. In addition to saving Couty Connection money, it also preserves their capacity on the paratransit system.
Commissioner Wilk offered his support for considering CIA’s late application.
Commissioner Carlson motioned to accept the application and follow the previous precedent to place the CIA application in a Tier-2 status and review the on-time applications first.
Commissioner Wilk asked if the program has less of a chance to be awarded since it is Tier-2.
Mr. Todd confirmed Commissioner Wilk’s question. Mr. Wilk expressed concerns with this approach.
Commissioners Wilk and Cloven put forth an alternative motion to include the CIA application with the others. Commissioner Obringer expressed concern that in light of the precedent that has been established, what will the precedent be going forward if the Committee were to unconditionally accept the application. Commissioner Carlson reiterated his comments that the Board can consider how best to fund the programs including reducing funding as needed.
Commissioner Obringer put forth the original motion to follow the precedent and place CIA in a Tier-2 status.
On a motion by Commissioner Carlson seconded by Commissioner Obringer to conditionally accept late submittal of the Choice in Aging application for the Measure J Line 20a Funds program for FY 2024/2025-2025/2026. The Choice in Aging application will be placed in a Tier-2 status and will be evaluated proceeding the review of previously submitted applications. This action was approved by unanimous vote of the members present (Wilk, Obringer, Cloven, Carlson)
6. Accept the TRANSPAC Annual Financial Report as of June 30, 2023 and 2022 with Independent Auditor’s Report.
On a motion by Commissioner Cloven seconded by Commissioner Carlson to accept the annual financial report as of June 20, 2023 and 2022 with independent auditor’s report thereon by unanimous vote of the members present (Wilk, Obringer, Cloven, Carlson).
7. TRANSPAC FY 2023/2024 Workplan Progress Report.
Commissioner Obringer requested to add to the workplan a future presentation from Brookfield regarding the Naval Weapons Station (pending approval of the Terms Sheet).
8. Planning Commissioner Vacancies.
Bob Pickett commented that his term as Planning Commissioner will be ending and noted that he served for 22 years with the exception of a 3-year gap and that he has enjoyed his time on the committee. The Board thanked Bob for his service.
The Board agreed to outreach to their respective communities for potential candidates.
9. TRANSPAC CCTA Representative Reports.
Commissioner Wilk noted the following agenda topics from the Administration and Projects Committee meeting: review and approval to issue the Annual Urban Limit Line Letter (ULL) Policy Advisory Letter to Contra Costa jurisdictions, approval of the FY 2024-2025TFCA 40% Fund Expenditure Plan, One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) Cycle 3 Project was Contra Costa Countywide Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS): Bicycle /Pedestrian Safety Education and Encouragement Program, and a request for authorization to audit The City of Richmond's paratransit financial and service delivery.. Mr. Wilk commented that the aforementioned items were all approved.
10. Metropolitan Transportation Commission Report.
No comments from the Board.
11. TAC Oral Reports by Jurisdiction
No comments from the TAC.
12. Boardmember Comments
Commissioners Carlson and Obringer thanked the TRANSPAC staff for their outreach efforts for the Measure J Line 20a Funds program.
13. Managing Director’s Report
Mr. Todd noted that Gray Bowen Scott offices will be moving to 1320 Mount Diablo Blvd in Walnut Creek at the end of February. Mr. Todd also thanked Mr. Pickett for his service.
14. Adjourn / Next Meeting The meeting adjourned at 10.20 a.m. The next regular meeting will be held on March 14, 2024 at the City of Pleasant Hill Large Community Room – 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Remote teleconferencing information for members of the public will be included in the posted meeting materials.