1 TRANSPAC Committee Meeting Summary Minutes
MEETING DATE: June 13, 2024
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sue Noack (Chair), Pleasant Hill; Carlyn Obringer (Vice Chair) Concord; Mark Ross, Martinez; Loella
Haskew, Walnut Creek; Peter Cloven, Clayton
PLANNING COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Ryan McClain, Pleasant Hill; Laurie Talbert, Advanced Mobility Group; Pranjal Dixit, County
Connection; Abhishek Parikh, City of Concord; Rob
Jaques, BART; Matt Todd, TRANSPAC; Tiffany
Gephart, TRANSPAC; Irina Nalitkina, TRANSPAC
MINUTES PREPARED BY: Irina Nalitkina
CLOSED SESSION
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54957 Title: Managing Director
Conference with Labor Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 Agency Designated Representative: Sue Noack, Chair
Unrepresented Employee: Managing Director
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
2. REPORT ON ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
There were no actions taken during the closed session.
3. Convene Regular Meeting / Pledge of Allegiance / Self-Introductions Chair Noack called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
4. Public Comment
There were no comments from the public.
5. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes:
• Minutes of the May 9, 2024, TRANSPAC Board Meeting.
2 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.
On a motion by Commissioner Obringer, seconded by Commissioner Haskew to approve the consent agenda by unanimous vote of the members present (Noack, Obringer, Ross, Haskew, Cloven)
End Consent Agenda
6. TRANSPAC WORK PLAN AND BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025.
Matt Todd stated that the TRANSPAC Joint Exercise of Power Agreement specifies that TRANSPAC shall adopt a budget that includes operational expenses and the proportional amount each agency will be required to pay to fund TRANSPAC. Mr. Todd noted that the GBS contract with TRANSPAC underwent a formal procurement process in 2016. Since then, it has been renewed annually as a time and materials contract, currently extending through June 30, 2024. The draft contract proposes an extension to June 30, 2025, with a budget of $312,000 for the next year.
Commissioner Noack suggested that the Concord Naval Weapons Station be listed as a regular agenda item for Commissioner Obringer to update monthly, similar to CCTA updates. She emphasized the importance of coordination with CCTA regarding TFCA funding, suggesting more discussion among members about potential enhancements for their communities. She asked for comments from others.
Commissioner Obringer sought clarity on the work plan item related to regional housing targets.
She expressed concern about the practice of tying transportation funding to housing projects.
She questioned whether the work plan item implied passive acceptance of this policy and asked for further explanation. Mr. Todd explained that the agenda item was a carryover from the previous year, intended to address TRANSPAC's role in supporting local agencies through the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process. Commissioner Noack clarified that the item was meant to address transportation support for housing developments during the RHNA process. She suggested rewording the agenda item to better reflect its intent and mentioned upcoming issues related to transportation and housing, such as the regional housing measure on the November ballot and the Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).
Commissioner Haskew highlighted the need to consider the impact of increased population on transportation demand, particularly in areas like Concord. She stressed the importance of addressing transportation challenges linked to housing developments. Commissioner Cloven confirmed that the original intention of the work plan item was to address the funding gap for transportation in light of increased housing requirements. He supported the idea of revising the wording to accurately capture this focus.
3 The conversation then shifted to other work plan items, including the importance of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Mark Ross suggested that funds from the VW settlement through the Air District and state programs be leveraged to enhance EV infrastructure, particularly in multifamily housing areas. Commissioner Noack acknowledged this as a significant issue, and Mr. Todd proposed adding the Air District to the list of partners for EV infrastructure projects.
On a motion by Commissioner Obringer, seconded by Commissioner Haskew to approve the 2024-2025 work plan with the discussed amendments, Budget and the GBS Managing Director and Clerk of the Board contract amendment for FY 2024/2025. The item was approved by a unanimous vote of the members present (Noack, Obringer, Ross, Haskew, Cloven).
7. MEASURE J LINE 20A FUND DRAFT PROGRAM–FY 2024/2025AND FY 2025/2026 PROGRAMMING CYCLE.
Ms. Gephart mentioned that the Board approved the draft program, including funding for various services and initiatives, totaling around $1.4 million. Ms. Gephart noted the status update for project sponsors' reimbursement requests as of late May 5, 2024, highlighting that about $767,000 of the $1.2 million allocated has already been invoiced for. She mentioned some anticipated leftover funding and explained the policy details regarding the reimbursement timelines.
Commissioner Obringer confirmed the agreement on the numbers from the last month and sought confirmation on the final approval. Commissioner Noack affirmed the agreement on the figures and sought a roll call vote for final approval. Ms. Gephart confirmed no changes to the program.
On a motion by Commissioner Obringer, seconded by Commissioner Haskew to approve the Final Draft Measure J Line 20a Funds Program for FY 2024/2025 and FY 2025/2026 by unanimous vote of the members present (Noack, Obringer, Ross, Haskew, Cloven).
Measure J Line 20a Program Funding Policies
Ms. Gephart outlined five draft policies aimed at ensuring timely utilization of funds and transparency. She detailed requirements for reimbursement requests, project end dates, funding agreement execution, and final invoice submissions. Commissioner Noack clarified the allocation timelines and confirmed that the program would span two years. Commissioner Obringer sought clarification on specific policy dates and timelines.
Ms. Gephart corrected the dates and confirmed the timelines for submitting reimbursement requests and final invoices.
Commissioner Haskew inquired if TRANSPAC would remind project sponsors of upcoming deadlines. Ms. Gephart confirmed that reminders and policies would be sent out and that coordination with CCTA staff was ongoing.
Commissioner Noack emphasized the importance of including these policies in agreements to ensure understanding and compliance.
4 Mr. Todd noted the existing coordination with CCTA and explained the plan for sending out policies and the need for project sponsors to send copies of reimbursement requests.
Commissioner Noack stressed the need for CCTA to provide reimbursement reports and expressed concern over unnecessary duplication of paperwork. Mr. Todd commented that the goal was to minimize additional work and confirmed that CCTA's tracking processes were being improved.
Commissioner Cloven asked about the enforcement of the new policies and the consequences of non-compliance.
Commissioner Noack explained that future funding would be contingent on compliance and that unused funds would be returned to the program. Commissioner Haskew suggested that TRANSPAC could clarify and streamline the policies further in collaboration with CCTA to ensure clarity and minimize extra work. Mr. Todd suggested that a clear communication of policies and consequences would be included in the letters sent to project sponsors.
Commissioner Noack acknowledged Commissioner Haskew’s suggestion and called for a motion to approve the five policy changes.
On a motion by Commissioner Obringer, seconded by Commissioner Haskew to approve the new Line 20a delivery policies to support the timely use of funding by unanimous vote of the members present (Noack, Obringer, Ross, Haskew, Cloven).
County Connection Expenditure Deadline Extension Request Ms. Gephart commented that staff received a request from County Connection to extend the expenditure deadline for their travel training program. She explained the reasons for the delays and recommended a one-year extension, though County Connection had requested two years, given that the program did not request funding for the current cycle.
Commissioner Noack provided additional context about the travel training program and its objectives.
Commissioner Obringer inquired about the program and the reasons for the delays, seeking to understand the justification for the extension.
Commissioner Haskew supported a one-year extension, recognizing the program's challenges and newness.
Commissioner Obringer seconded Commissioner Haskew’s motion for a one-year extension and clarified her support after understanding the program's situation.
On a motion by Commissioner Obringer, seconded by Commissioner Haskew to approve the expenditure deadline extension request from County Connection through June 30, 2025, for the Travel Training Program by unanimous vote of the members present (Noack, Obringer, Ross, Haskew, Cloven).
5 8. Measure J Line 10 Funded Electronic Bicycle Facilities at Central Contra Costa Bay Area Rapid Transit Stations Project (10001-04).
Mr. Todd explained that one of the Measure J programs, specifically Line 10, which pertains to BART parking, access, and other improvements. This measure covers various parts of the county and involves multiple RTPCs. It has a total allocation of $41 million, out of which the TRANSPAC region receives $13.7 million. To date, $13.6 million of this has been programmed. Among the projects funded is the BART electronic bike facilities project, which received $1.8 million.
Rob Jaques requested an amendment to the project scope for electronic bicycle facilities at Central Contra Costa stations. He highlighted the installation of bike lockers at the Walnut Creek Station and other bike parking facilities funded by this allocation. The original budget was just over $1.8 million, with nearly $1.4 million spent, leaving $425,000 unexpended. Due to structural issues, the planned bike station at Concord was replaced with preferred bike lockers. The proposed amendment aims to use the remaining funds for Phase Two, which includes bike access improvements at multiple BART stations and implementing the BART Bicycle Preferred Path of Travel Capital Plan. The amendment would allocate $425,000 for planning, environmental clearance, design, and possibly construction if funds remain.
Commissioner Obringer asked about funding for improvements at the Concord BART station. Mr.
Jaques explained that BART would fund improvements on its property and coordinate with local jurisdictions for off-property enhancements.
Commissioner Cloven inquired about the purpose of the bike lockers, and Mr. Jaques clarified that the electronic aspect referred to the lockers themselves, which can accommodate various bike types, including e-bikes.
Mr. Todd asked Mr. Jaques to differentiate between BikeLink and BikeKeep lockers. Mr. Jaques explained that BikeLink provides access to lockers throughout the region via a card, while BikeKeep offers electronically locking racks that can be supplemented with traditional locks.
Commissioner Noack mentioned attending a ribbon-cutting for a BikeLink facility at Pleasant Hill, funded by Phase One of the project. Mr. Jaques noted that BikeKeep lockers are available at Pleasant Hill and Concord stations.
On a motion by Commissioner Obringer, seconded by Commissioner Haskew to approve the BART request to amend the scope of the Measure J Line 10 funded Electronic Bicycle Facilities – Central County BART Stations Project to include a phase 2 scope for bicycle access improvements at the Walnut Creek and Concord stations by unanimous vote of the members present (Noack, Obringer, Ross, Haskew, Cloven).
9. TRANSPORTATION FUND FOR CLEAN AIR (TFCA) FUND – FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 CALL FOR PROJECTS.
6 Ms. Gephart introduced the item and highlighted that CCTA approved the TFCA fund policy, authorizing the call for projects released on May 16, 2024. The initial project information and cost-effectiveness worksheets were due on June 5.
Commissioner Noack remarked that only two weeks were given to complete this task, and discussions at CCTA are ongoing.
Ms. Gephart elaborated on the policy points, stating that regions will receive a proportional benefit based on the job housing formula. She provided initial numbers for sub-regional and county-wide projects. For Central County, about $177,000 is estimated for sub-regional programming. This information and the job housing formula calculations are detailed on page 85 of the policy. The countywide projects will be funded collaboratively with RTPC, with a request for input anticipated in July.
She further explained that Active4Me, one of the TRANSPAC subregional offerings, is an incentive program to encourage the use of active transportation and carpooling at schools. The program includes barcode tags for students scanned by school volunteers during incentive days. It aims to expand to various school districts and cities, including outreach activities, at an estimated cost of $220,000.
Commissioner Noack mentioned that Pleasant Hill Elementary and Valhalla Elementary have used this program for a couple of years.
Ms. Gephart added that the goal is to expand the program to several school districts and cities, including tabling and outreach activities for the TRANSPAC area, through 511 Contra Costa.
The second sub-regional offering from the City of Walnut Creek is the Treat Boulevard bikeway, which requires $104,000 in TFCA funds. This project will construct class 4 separated bikeways on Treat Boulevard, connecting various significant routes and improving safety and visibility.
Mr. Todd explained that the call for projects started in mid-May, with draft applications due on June 5, 2024. He participated in a scoring committee conference call, noting the quick timeline and the need for staff to review and adjust project scopes. The current process requires TRANSPAC board input on project priorities.
Commissioner Noack inquired about the members of the scoring committee.
Mr. Todd responded that it includes representatives from all RTPCs, with CCTA staff leading the review process.
He then reviewed the five countywide projects submitted: 511 brand, guaranteed ride home, pass to class, vanpool, and promotional campaigns, seeking TRANSPAC's prioritization.
Commissioner Noack expressed a desire for more information on the use and effectiveness of these programs, particularly the pass to class program.
Mr. Todd provided some data on the guaranteed ride home and vanpool programs, explaining their functionalities and user statistics.
7 Commissioner Noack suggested that future discussions include marketing strategies for these programs to understand their impact better.
Commissioner Haskew remarked on the small funding amount compared to the county's population, suggesting minimal impact from these programs.
Mr. Todd then discussed the countywide projects' funding, stating that adjustments might be made. He sought guidance on prioritizing the two TRANSPAC area projects: the Walnut Creek bikeway and the "Active4Me" program.
Commissioner Noack questioned the $220,000 cost for the "Active4Me" program, noting that two schools had implemented it without CCTA funding.
Mr. Todd mentioned that Laurie Talbert could provide more information on this issue.
Laurie Talbert reported that the pricing for the "Active4Me" program is based on the estimate of onboarding 15 schools, though this number could be lower if fewer schools are onboarded. The pricing also includes the involvement of Cara De Jong from Pleasant Hill, who started the program and will coordinate with other schools. Although the program relies on volunteers, it requires significant work to onboard schools, train volunteers, and set up the program. 511 Contra Costa has been contributing TFCA funds for charms used at Pleasant Hill. The cost includes charms, materials, program management, volunteer training, small stipends for volunteers, and staff time for continued regional support, such as employer outreach and events at the Concord Farmers Market and Pleasant Hill Library.
Commissioner Noack remarked on the difficulty of onboarding 15 schools. She noted that 15 schools is an ambitious goal, and achieving it may be challenging.
Commissioner Haskew commented on the Bikeway Project, emphasizing its importance for improving safety and accessibility for bikers by reducing the danger posed by cars. She mentioned that the project impacts multiple areas, including Concord, Pleasant Hill, and potentially Clayton, making it a cost-effective initiative with broad benefits.
Commissioner Noack expressed support for both the "Active4Me" program and the Bikeway Project, highlighting the benefits of getting more kids to bike to school for health and traffic reduction. She shared a personal anecdote about her child biking to school and acknowledged the potential challenges in reaching the target number of schools.
Commissioner Obringer mentioned that the "Active4Me" program would not address the specific traffic issues related to the Concord to Sequoia route.
Mr. Todd noted that the countywide funding might be reduced, potentially allowing both projects to be fully funded. If not, they could reduce the number of schools served to fit within the budget. Commissioner Noack agreed that reducing the goal of onboarding 15 schools might be more feasible.
8 10. TRANSPAC CCTA REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS.
Commissioner Haskew reported on the Planning Committee meeting, discussing the financial challenges of Richmond's paratransit program and the potential support for the Richmond ferry service to build its clientele and financial sustainability.
Commissioner Noack provided updates on Administration and Project Committee meeting, starting with the effort to open the Richmond San Rafael bridge third lane for incidents during the week and used for bicycles on weekends. She also reported on the MTC meeting, where SB 1031 was pulled, and a select committee was formed to develop a new plan for the regional transportation measure in 2026. Commissioner Noack was selected to join this committee.
Commissioner Obringer announced upcoming opportunities to learn about the Naval Weapons Station redevelopment, including a session at the Concord Senior Center and a formal presentation at the City Council meeting.
Mr. Todd reminded the group about the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 680 Northbound HOV Lane Project, with comments due by June 24. Commissioner Noack encouraged the promotion of this at council meetings to gather public input on the project's alternatives.
The meeting concluded with acknowledging various reports and updates from the Board members and the Managing Director.
11. METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REPORT.
No comments from the Board.
12. TAC ORAL REPORTS BY JURISDICTION.
No comments from the TAC.
13. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS.
No comments from the Board.
14. MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT.
No comments from the Managing Director.
15. ADJOURN / NEXT MEETING. The meeting adjourned at 10:27 a.m. The next regular meeting will be held on July 11, 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.