REVISED AGENDA 9:00 a.m.sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/090402-rtc-agenda.pdf · Santa Cruz...

Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission

REVISED AGENDA

Thursday, April 2, 2009 9:00 a.m.

En Español Para información sobre servicios de traducción al español, dirijase a la ultima página.

NOTE See the last page for details about access for people with disabilities and meeting broadcasts.

AGENDAS ONLINE To receive email notification when the RTC meeting agenda packet is posted on our website, please call (831) 460-3200 or email [email protected] to subscribe.

COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP Caltrans (ex-officio) Rich Krumholz

City of Capitola Kirby Nicol City of Santa Cruz Don Lane City of Scotts Valley Randy Johnson City of Watsonville Antonio Rivas County of Santa Cruz Ellen Pirie County of Santa Cruz John Leopold County of Santa Cruz Mark Stone County of Santa Cruz Neal Coonerty County of Santa Cruz Tony Campos Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District Dene Bustichi Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District Patricia Spence Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District Marcela Tavantzis

The majority of the Commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

Article 8 Transportation Development Act Claims – only City and County representatives vote Article 4 Transportation Development Act Claims, Policy Issues, and SAFE – all 12 members vote

NOTE LOCATION THIS MONTH

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Chambers 701 Ocean Street, 5th floor

Santa Cruz, CA

SCCRTC April 2, 2009 2

1. Roll call 2. Oral communications Any member of the public may address the Commission for a period not to exceed three

minutes on any item within the jurisdiction of the Commission that is not already on the agenda. The Commission will listen to all communication, but in compliance with State law, may not take action on items that are not on the agenda

Speakers are requested to sign the sign-in sheet so that their names can be accurately

recorded in the minutes of the meeting. 3. Additions or deletions to consent and regular agendas

CONSENT AGENDA

All items appearing on the consent agenda are considered to be minor or non-controversial and will be acted upon in one motion if no member of the RTC or public wishes an item be removed and discussed on the regular agenda. Members of the Commission may raise questions, seek clarification or add directions to Consent Agenda items without removing the item from the Consent Agenda as long as no other Commissioner objects to the change.

MINUTES 4. Approve draft minutes of the March 5, 2009 regular SCCRTC meeting 5. Accept draft minutes of the March 9, 2009 Bicycle Committee meeting 6. Accept draft minutes of the March 12, 2009 Budget and Administration/Personnel

Committee meeting 7. Accept draft minutes of the March 5, 2009 Service Authority for Freeway

Emergencies meeting 8. Accept draft minutes of the February 18, 2009 Joint meeting of the Santa Cruz

County Traffic Operations (TOS) oversight committee and Safe on 17 Task Force POLICY ITEMS No consent items PROJECTS and PLANNING ITEMS 9. Accept Budget and Administration/Personnel Committee and staff

recommendation regarding State Transportation Improvement Program Funds for planning, programming and monitoring (PPM)


10. Approve Bicycle Committee and staff recommendations regarding FY09-10 Transportation Development Act (TDA) funding requests from the Community Traffic Safety Coalition, the Ride ‘n Stride Programs, and the Bike to Work Program (Resolution)

BUDGET AND EXPENDITURE ITEMS 11. Accept status report on Transportation Development Act (TDA) revenues 12. Accept FY07-08 audited financial statements (enclosed separately for

commissioners) 13. Accept FY2007-08 Fiscal Audit (enclosed separately for commissioners) 14. Approve Regional Surface Transportation Exchange Program (RSTPX) funds for

the Highway 1 Soquel-Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes project and amend the FY08/09 Budget (Resolution)

ADMINISTRATION ITEMS 15. Accept staff recommendation regarding Bicycle Committee Membership

appointments 16. Accept staff recommendation for the reappointment of delegate and

representative to the California Association of Councils of Governments (CalCOG) and the Coast Rail Coordinating Council (CRCC)

17. Accept Budget and Administration/Personnel Committee and staff

recommendation regarding implementation of Voluntary Time Off Without Pay INFORMATION/OTHER ITEMS

18. Accept monthly meeting schedule 19. Accept correspondence log 20. Accept letters from SCCRTC committees and staff to other agencies

a. Letter to John Presleigh, Assistant Public Works Director, County of Santa Cruz Public Works Department regarding support for bicycle route signage program from Daniel Kostelec, Chair of RTC Bicycle Committee

b. Letter to Chairman Douglas Bosco, California State Coastal Conservancy

regarding support for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network from Daniel Kostelec, RTC Bicycle Committee Chair


c. Letter to Senator Loni Hancock, Senate 9th District regarding notice of support and request to amend SB205 - Traffic Congestion: Motor Vehicle Registration Fees

d. Letter to Assembly member Jared Huffman regarding support for ACA 9 –

Local government bonds: special taxes: voter approval 21. Accept miscellaneous written comments from the public on SCCRTC projects

and transportation issues 22. Accept information items

a. Informational flyer for the Elderly and Disabled Transit Program FTA section 5310 FY2009 application workshop schedule

b. Article: Everybody’s Business: Gas tax? Don’t bet on it by Jeffrey R. Scharf

c. Letter from Senator S. Joseph Simitian announcing the winner of the

“Oughta be a law” contest winners.

REGULAR AGENDA

23. Commissioner reports-oral reports 24. Director’s report – oral report (George Dondero, Executive Director) 25. Caltrans report and consider action items

a. Construction projects report b. Response to questions raised at the March 5, 2009 meeting regarding Hwy

17 landscaping project

26. Programming Process for Additional Economic Stimulus and Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) Funds (Rachel Moriconi, Senior Transportation Planner)

a. Staff report b. Summary of February 5, 2009 actions c. Proposed process for programming additional ARRA &RSTP funds

27. Review of items to be discussed in closed session

CLOSED SESSION


28. Conference with Real Property Negotiator for acquisition of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line Property: Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line from Watsonville Junction to Davenport

Agency Negotiator: Kirk Trost, Miller Owen & Trost Negotiation Parties: SCCRTC, Union Pacific Under Negotiation: Price and Terms

OPEN SESSION 29. Report on closed session 30. Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line Acquisition Project – Status Report & Timeline

a. Staff Report b. Draft Timeline

31. Adjourn to special meeting of the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies

a. No agenda items this month 32. Next Meetings

The next Transportation Policy Workshop meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. at the SCCRTC office, 1523 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA The next SCCRTC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 7 at 9:00 a.m. at the Capitola City Council Chambers, 420 Capitola Ave, Capitola, CA

HOW TO REACH US Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission 1523 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 phone: (831) 460-3200 / fax (831) 460-3215 email: [email protected] / website: www.sccrtc.org HOW TO STAY INFORMED ABOUT RTC MEETINGS, AGENDAS & NEWS Broadcasts: Many of the meetings are broadcast live. Meetings are cablecast by Community Television of Santa Cruz. Community TV’s channels and schedule can be found online (www.communitytv.org) or by calling (831) 425-8848. Agenda packets: Complete agenda packets are available at the RTC office, on the RTC website (www.sccrtc.org), and at the following public libraries:


- Aptos Branch Library - Branciforte Library - Central Branch Library - Scotts Valley Library - Watsonville Library For information regarding library locations and hours, please check online at www.santacruzpl.org or www.watsonville.lib.ca.us. On-line viewing: The SCCRTC encourages the reduction of paper waste and therefore makes meeting materials available online. Those receiving paper agendas may sign up to receive email notification when complete agenda packet materials are posted to our website by sending a request to [email protected]. Agendas are typically posted 5 days prior to each meeting. Newsletters: To sign up for E-News updates on specific SCCRTC projects, go to www.sccrtc.org/enews. HOW TO REQUEST

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission does not discriminate on the basis of disability and no person shall, by reason of a disability, be denied the benefits of its services, programs, or activities. This meeting location is an accessible facility. If you wish to attend this meeting and require special assistance in order to participate, please contact RTC staff at 460-3200 (CRS 800/735-2929) at least three working days in advance of this meeting to make arrangements. People with disabilities may request a copy of the agenda in an alternative format. As a courtesy to those person affected, Please attend the meeting smoke and scent-free.

SERVICIOS DE TRADUCCIÓN/ TRANSLATION SERVICES

Si gusta estar presente o participar en esta junta de la Comisión Regional de Transporte del condado de Santa Cruz y necesita información o servicios de traducción al español por favor llame por lo menos con tres días laborables de anticipo al (831) 460-3200 para hacer los arreglos necesarios. (Spanish language translation is available on an as needed basis. Please make advance arrangements (at least three days in advance by calling (831) 460-3200.

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MINUTES

Thursday March 5, 2009

9:00 a.m.

Board of Supervisors Chambers 701 Ocean St Street, 5th Floor

Santa Cruz, CA

1. Roll call

The meeting was called to order at 9:06 am. Members Present: Dene Bustichi Kirby Nicol Gustavo Gonzalez (Alt.) Ellen Pirie Neal Coonerty David Koch (Alt.) Randy Johnson Mark Stone Don Lane Marcela Tavantzis John Leopold Aileen Loe (ex officio) Staff Present: George Dondero Gini Pineda Luis Mendez Yesenia Parra David Garti Rachel Moriconi Grace Blakeslee Karena Pushnik Daniel Nikuna

2. Oral communications

Jack Nelson said that he attended a presentation to the Board of Supervisors regarding climate change. He asked that when the Commission looks into the impact of transportation climate change that it not be biased by a desire to widen Highway 1.

3. Additions or deletions to consent and regular agendas

Additional information was distributed for agenda items 21, 25 and 26.

CONSENT AGENDA (Pirie/Coonerty approved unanimously)

SCCRTC March 5, 2009 2

Commissioner John Leopold arrived MINUTES 4. Approved draft minutes of the February 5, 2009 regular SCCRTC meeting 5. Approved draft minutes of the February 19, 2009 Transportation Policy

Workshop meeting 6. Accepted draft minutes of the February 9, 2009 Bicycle Committee meeting 7. Accepted draft minutes of the February 10, 2009 Elderly and Disabled Transportation

Advisory Committee (E&DTAC) meeting 8. Accepted minutes of the January 22, 2009 Interagency Technical Advisory Committee

(ITAC) meeting 9. Accepted minutes of the February 19, 2009 Interagency Technical Advisory

Committee (ITAC) meeting 10. Accepted draft minutes of the February 12, 2009 Budget and Administration

Personnel Committee meeting POLICY ITEMS No consent items PROJECTS and PLANNING ITEMS 11. Approved amendments to the Regional Transportation Improvement Program

for delayed projects (Resolution 22-09) 12. Approved staff recommendation to submit a Caltrans Transportation Planning

Grant application for Pedestrian/Safe Path of Travel Assessment between transit and priority origins and destinations (Resolution 23-09)

BUDGET AND EXPENDITURES ITEMS 13. Accepted status report on Transportation Development Act (TDA) revenues ADMINISTRATION ITEMS 14. Approved Budget and Administration/Personnel Committee and staff

recommendation to prepare policies and procedures for potential new revenue stream

15. Accepted meeting schedules for SCCRTC Committees and invitation to

Commissioners to participate


INFORMATION/OTHER ITEMS

16. Accepted monthly meeting schedule 17. Accepted correspondence log 18. Accepted letters from SCCRTC committees and staff to other agencies

a. Letter to Cynthia Bryant, Director, California Office of Planning and Research regarding preliminary draft CEQA guideline amendments for greenhouse gas emissions.

19. Accepted miscellaneous written comments from the public on SCCRTC projects

and transportation issues

No consent items 20. Accepted information items

a. Article: The Top Ten Business Stories of 2008: The Good News in Santa Cruz: January 2009, Volume 7 Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce News

REGULAR AGENDA

21. Adjourn to special meeting of the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies

(SAFE) The Commission adjourned to the SAFE meeting at 9:12 am.

22. Reconvene to the Santa Cruz Country Regional Transportation Commission Meeting

The Commission reconvened to the regular meeting at 9:20 am.

23. Accept commissioner reports – Oral reports - none 24. Appoint Commissioners to RTC Committees – Oral report

Deputy Director Luis Mendez read the names of the Commissioners interested in serving on the Budget and Administration/Personnel and Rail Acquisition Committees. Commissioner Pirie moved and Commissioner Coonerty seconded to appoint Commissioners Stone, Pirie, Coonerty, Leopold, Campos and Rivas to the Budget and Administration/Personnel Committee. The motion was approved unanimously.


Commissioner Pirie moved and Commission Alternate Gonzalez seconded to appoint Commissioners Stone, Pirie, Coonerty, Campos, Nicol, Leopold and Bustichi to the Rail Acquisition Committee. The motion was approved unanimously.

25. Accept director’s report – Oral report

Executive Director George Dondero reported that the Safe on 17 Program 10-year anniversary event will be held on Monday, April 6, 2009 from 9:30 am –noon at the Summit Roadhouse. The program has been very effective in improving safety on Highway 17. Commissioner Stone noted that the program takes the cooperation of many agencies including two Caltrans districts and two California Highway Patrol offices. Mr. Dondero thanked Grace Blakeslee for her work on the task force. Mr. Dondero said that he will be mailing evaluation forms to Commissioners for his annual review.

26. Accept Caltrans report and consider action items

Aileen Loe, Caltrans District 5, reported that Caltrans District 5 was recognized by the Transportation Agency of Monterey County for several projects including the Highway 1 Winter Preparation project near Big Sur and the Elkhorn Slough Early Mitigation project. The Caltrans Construction Projects Report on page 26-1 is up to date. Ms. Loe noted the semi-annual list of programmed or funded State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP) projects on page 26-3. Responding to a question from Commissioner Coonerty, Ms. Loe said that the Scott Creek and Waddell Creek Bridge Replacement project is listed because it is programmed to receive funding for the environmental document in 2015. Such a long lead time is unusual but the project is environmentally sensitive. The Commission recessed at 9:32 am to reconvene the SAFE meeting. The Commission reconvened the SCCRTC meeting at 9:39 am and adjourned into closed session. The Commission reconvened into open session at 10:30 am.

27. State Budget and Federal Economic Stimulus updates Senior Planner Rachel Moriconi reported that the state budget includes significant cuts to transit and deferment of gas tax payments to local jurisdictions. In addition, the state may be unable to sell the bonds approved in Proposition 1B resulting in the possibility that some projects could be deferred or unfunded. Projects at risk due to the economic crisis include Highway 1 Soquel/Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes, Santa Cruz Branch Line Rail Acquisition and MetroBase.


Ms. Moriconi reported that it is likely that Santa Cruz county will only receive $5.8 million of the $6.5 million programmed in anticipation of federal economic stimulus funds. She listed the reduced amounts that would flow to the local jurisdictions. Commissioners discussed funding for the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes project, availability of Proposition 116 funds, and advocating for federal funding to be distributed directly to regions. Responding to issues raised by Commissioners, Aileen Loe said that the City of Santa Cruz is likely to approve a permit for irrigation for the Highway 1/17 Merge Lanes landscaping project but that it is still unclear if the California Transportation Commission will vote to fund the final phase of this project. Responding to a question from Commission Alternate Gonzalez, Ms. Moriconi said that negotiations are still underway on the best way to distribute federal funds. Executive Director George Dondero said that it would be helpful for a sponsor in the legislature to introduce a new bill to determine funding formulas. He said that if the right bill is introduced staff will notify the Commission.

28. FY 09-10 Budget and Work Program

Deputy Director Luis Mendez presented the staff report saying that the FY 09-10 budget faces a number of financial challenges including reduced Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds. The FY 09-10 budget proposes to reduce apportionments to all TDA recipients, including the RTC, by 2.49% and several cost reductions including cutting staff costs by 5% through unpaid time off to avoid layoffs. Staff will continue to explore sources of potential revenue including renting the RTC conference room and working on applications for several grant programs. Commissioners discussed line items for the rail/trail authority budget and consultant services, the status of the Highway Construction Authority and incorporation of additional State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds for planning, programming and monitoring (PPM) activities, if approved by the California Transportation Commission (CTC). Jack Nelson asked if a Work Program item to “monitor and participate in local, state and federal efforts to address global warming” conflicted with the first element of the Work Program to continue oversight of the Highway 1 Soquel/Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes project. Mr. Mendez responded that part of updating the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for 2010 and 2012 is to address climate change through coordination of land use and transportation.


Commissioners discussed the role of the RTC in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Santa Cruz County. Mr. Dondero reported that Ecology Action has asked that the RTC take over managing a grant from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District and that the RTC will be publishing a chapter in the 2010 RTP that will address greenhouse gas emissions. Commissioner Stone moved and Commissioner Pirie seconded to approve the Budget and Administration/Personnel (B&A/P) Committee and staff recommendations that the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) adopt a resolution approving the draft FY 09-10 Budget and Work Program with revisions as appropriate. The motion (Resolution 27-09) passed unanimously.

29. Review of items to be discussed in closed session

The Commission adjourned to closed session at 9:39 am.

CLOSED SESSION 30. Conference with Real Property Negotiator for acquisition of the Santa Cruz

Branch Rail Line Property: Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line from Watsonville Junction to Davenport

Agency Negotiator: Kirk Trost, Miller Owen & Trost Negotiation Parties: SCCRTC, Union Pacific Under Negotiation: Price and Terms

OPEN SESSION The Commission reconvened in open session at 10:30 am. 31. Report on closed session – N/A 32. Adjourn/Next Meetings

The meeting adjourned at 11:16 am. The Transportation Policy Workshop meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2009 IS CANCELLED. The next SCCRTC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. at the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 701 Ocean St., 5th floor, Santa Cruz, CA


Respectfully submitted, __________________________ Gini Pineda, Staff

ATTENDEES

John Presleigh Santa Cruz County DPW Ramona Turner Sentinel Jack Nelson Katie LeBaron HAS Mark Dettle City of Santa Cruz DPW Les White SCMTD Sandra Coley PVTMA Richard Masoner

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Draft

BICYCLE COMMITTEE MINUTES – March 9, 2009

1. Call to Order: Chair Kostelec welcomed everyone to the meeting. 2. Introductions: Introductions were made.

3. Oral Comments/Announcements

Chair Daniel Kostelec announced that several members’ appointments will end at the end of this meeting and some of those members did not seek re-appointment. He thanked Leo Moll and Ben Vernazza for their years of service to the Committee and the bicycle community. Cory Caletti also announced that Casey O’Brien resigned and that she is working to fill a number of vacancies, as well as processing new appointments. Additionally, she reminded members that the schedule for April also includes reviewing current subcommittees and appointing a new chair and vice-chair.

4. Additions and Deletions to the Agenda

Cory Caletti deleted Item 5.2, “RTC meeting highlights” and informed members that she would forward the highlights to Bicycle Committee members when they become available. She also announced that item 5.6 was removed from the California Coastal Commission’s agenda.

Members Present: Excused Absences: Carlos Garza, City of Santa Cruz (Alt.) Saskia Lucas, Bike To Work (Alt.) Michael Lewis, District 1 (Alt.) Penni Bengtson, District 5 (Alt.) Ben Vernazza, District 4 Bob Montague, City of Watsonville (Alt.) Peter Scott, District 3 Leo Moll, District 2 Andy Ward, City of Capitola (Alt.) Unexcused Absences:

Daniel Kostelec, City of Capitola, Chair David Casterson, District 2 (Alt.) William Menchine, District 3 (Alt.) Gary Milburn, City of Scotts Valley Kem Akol, District 1 Bill Fieberling, City of Santa Cruz Rick Hyman, District 5 Jim Langley, CTSC Theresia Rogerson, CTSC (Alt.) Staff: Cory Caletti, Senior Transportation Planner Luis Mendez, Deputy Director Guests: Leo Jed, Citizen & CABO District 5 Eric Horton, Aptos Resident Katie LeBaron, Health Services Agency Bonnie McPike, Ecology Action

Vacancies: District 4 – Alternate City of Scotts Valley – Alternate Bike to Work – Voting City of Watsonville – Voting

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5. Approved Consent Agenda (Milburn/Fieberling)

5.1 Approved February 9, 2009 Bicycle Committee meeting minutes (pages 3-6) 5.2 Accept highlights from the March 5, 2009 RTC meeting – deleted 5.3 Accepted correspondence from the Bicycle Committee to John Presleigh of the

County of Santa Cruz Public Works Department in support of Commissioner Leopold’s interest in a bicycle route signage program (page 7)

5.4 Accepted correspondence from RTC staff to Majid Yamin of the City of Scotts Valley regarding Shared Lane Pavement markings (page 8-9)

5.5 Accepted AB2766 Motor Vehicle Emission Reduction Grant Program Announcement for FY 09/10 (page 10)

5.6 Accepted California Coastal Commission Hearing Notice regarding Arana Gulch re-designation (page 11-12)

5.7 Accepted Roster (page 13)

6. Rail Acquisition Project Update – Oral Presentation by RTC Deputy Director Luis Mendez

Luis Mendez updated members on the rail acquisition project. He indicated that a staff report in the RTC’s February packet provided the latest status report. He noted that due diligence work is continuing although the schedule is slightly delayed due to the recent rainfall leaving a number of locations under water and unsuitable for soil sampling. Final stages of field work are expected to be completed this spring with an RTC decision possible by the summer.

7. Bicycle Committee Meeting Frequency – Presentation from Luis Mendez, RTC

Deputy Director and Cory Caletti, RTC Planner

Cory Caletti presented the staff report and announced that the economic downtown faced by the rest of the nation is also impacting the RTC and that as a result cost cutting measures are necessary. She indicated that the RTC’s other citizen’s advisory committee meets bi-monthly and in an effort to bring consistency between the two committees and to realize cost savings, staff is recommending a bimonthly schedule for the Bicycle Committee. Luis Mendez indicated that fewer staff hours will be available due to decreased Transportation Development Act (TDA) sales tax revenues and a needed 5% voluntary unpaid time leave for all RTC employees to realize cost savings for the next fiscal year. RTC staff is committed to realizing these savings while also moving priority projects forward. Therefore, work load reductions are needed. Committee members asked questions about impacts to other RTC committees, debated whether reductions to the Bicycle Committee reflect a disproportionate hit, and considered whether a bimonthly schedule may be beneficial or if it may jeopardize reforms to the membership numbers made a few years ago. A motion was made (Fieberling/Akol) to approve the staff recommendation to change the meeting frequency to a bi-monthly schedule. An amendment (Casterson/Menchine) was made to approve the staff recommendation on a trial basis for one year and then re-evaluate the situation in light of the RTC’s budget. The amendment passed. After some discussion, the vote on the motion failed. Another motion was made (Hyman/Akol) that the decision be deferred for a month and that the Effectiveness Subcommittee meet in the interim to brainstorm solutions for more efficiency and bring recommendations back to the April meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

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8. Community Traffic Safety Coalition FY 09/10 Transportation Development Act Funding Request – Presentation from Katie LeBaron and Theresia Rogerson, County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency Cory Caletti presented the staff report summarizing the RTC’s ongoing commitment to fund the Health Services Agency’s Community Traffic Safety Coalition and the Ride ‘n Stride Bicycle Pedestrian Education Programs through yearly TDA allocations at a combined sum of $100,000. The submitted TDA allocation request is for 2.5% less than the standard commitment, however, due to reduced apportionments to all TDA recipients for the next fiscal year because of the current economic crisis and lack of full funding. Katie LeBaron and Theresia Rogerson of the Health Services Agency gave overviews of the Community Traffic Safety Coalition’s work program for the next fiscal year highlighting the following 4 elements: 1) the Share the Road campaign, 2) Motorist Education, 3) Safe Routes to School, and 4) Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Education. Each element has a number of activities associated with it, as well as collaboration opportunities with other agencies and evaluation strategies. The Ride ‘n Stride program provides direct bicycle and pedestrian safety education in both Spanish and English to elementary school students through 35-40 minute presentations. The program aims to reach a yearly total of 3,000 students and regularly exceeds that goal. Members asked some clarifying questions, offered some school site suggestions and generally expressed appreciation for the work done by Health Services Agency staff. A motion was made (Fieberling/Casterson) to approve the staff recommendation to recommend that the RTC approve the request for $97,510 in TDA funds for FY 09/10 for the Community Traffic Safety Coalition and the Ride ‘n Stride program. The motion passed unanimously with Jim Langley abstaining.

9. Bike to Work FY 09/10 Transportation Development Act Funding Request –

Presentation from Bonnie McPike, Ecology Action

Cory Caletti presented the staff report summarizing the RTC’s long history of support for Bike to Work over the past 22 years. She noted that Bike to Work is a project of Ecology Action and that RTC commitment to providing ongoing TDA funding to Bike to Work at a $40,000 level annually. The submitted TDA allocation request however, is for 2.5% less than the standard commitment due to reduced apportionments to all TDA recipients because of the economic crisis and lack of full funding availability. Bonnie McPike of Ecology Action summarized Bike to Work’s work program for the following year by highlighting some noteworthy accomplishments. Bonnie noted that in 2008, 10,050 residents participated in the annual spring and fall Bike to Work/School day breakfast site events signifying a 4.5% increase from 2007 and a 20% increase from 2006. She also reported on other activities performed by Bike to Work staff such as educating novice cyclists on the benefits of regular bicycle commuting and playing a central role in the Mission Street Bicycle Safety Task Force public education effort following the death of two cyclists in collisions with large trucks. Members asked some clarifying questions, made suggestions for further advancing the goal of promoting cycling as transportation and thanked Bonnie for all her work. A motion was made (Fieberling/Casterson) to approve the staff recommendation to recommend that the RTC approve the request for $39,004 in TDA funds for FY 09/10 for the Bike to Work program. The motion passed unanimously.

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10. Project Tracking/Subcommittee Tasks: Oral Reports (actions may be taken at the meeting) a. City of Santa Cruz Project Tracking: Fieberling/Garza/Hyman Bill Fieberling reported that Caltrans has not issued an encroachment permit for

the soon-to-be constructed river levee extending the current path to the Salz Tannery via an underpass. Bill also informed members that the courts heard arguments in the Arana Gulch Master Plan litigation and a verdict is expected soon. Additionally, Bill indicated that King Street bikeway improvements were taken off the March agenda for the City (of Santa Cruz) Transportation Commission.

b. City of Capitola Project Tracking: Kostelec/Ward - No report provided. c. City of Scotts Valley Project Tracking: Milburn

Gary Milburn mentioned that Majid Yamin indicated the City of Scotts Valley is planning to use federal economic stimulus funding for adding sidewalks on Whispering Pines and that 60% of the design work for Bean Creek bike lanes has been completed.

d. City of Watsonville Project Tracking: Montague - No report was provided. e. County of Santa Cruz Project Tracking: Akol/Lewis - No report provided. f. Bike-To-Work Update: No representative - Update provided during earlier item.

g. CTSC Update: Langley - Update provided during earlier item. h. UCSC: Scott/Menchine

Will Menchine discussed pursuits for secure indoor bike parking on the UCSC campus and Kem Akol indicated that he wrote a letter to Larry Pageler regarding enhancing signage and alignment for the Class I bike path.

i. Rail Acquisition: Scott/Moll - Update provided during earlier item. j. Legislative Tracking: Ward/Jed - No report provided. k. Sanctuary Scenic Trail: Vernazza/Fieberling Cory Caletti indicated that she is working with the Coastal Conservancy to secure

supplemental funding in order to complete Master Planning work for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network up to the San Mateo County line. She said that the Coastal Conservancy is interested in developing a whole California coast trail and is in support of the RTC’s efforts to create a master plan for a trail network that will span the entire Santa Cruz County coastline. She is soliciting letters of support for a funding request to be considered by the Coastal Conservancy. A motion was made (Fieberling/Casterson) to send a letter of support from the Bicycle Committee indicating support.

l. Committee Effectiveness: Milburn/Kostelec/Casterson/Menchine/Akol Effectiveness Committee members will meet to discuss recommendations for

Bicycle Committee meeting frequency. m. Technical Subcommittee: Menchine - No report provided. n. Media Monitor: Akol/Lewis

Kem Akol mentioned recent unfavorable letters to the Santa Cruz Sentinel editor regarding the rail acquisition and indicated he may write an opinion piece.

o. RTC Packet Monitoring Subcommittee: Hyman - No report was provided. Tabled Subcommittees: Wilder Ranch Path (Akol/Garza/Menchine)

Adjournment: meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Minutes respectfully prepared and submitted by: Cory Caletti, Senior Transportation Planner

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Budget and Administration/Personnel Committee

Draft MINUTES

Thursday, March 12, 2009 3:30 pm

PLEASE NOTE LOCATION THIS MONTH CAO Conference Room, 5th floor 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz

Attendees: Members: Commissioner Mark Stone Commissioner Tony Campos Commissioner Antonio Rivas Commission Alternate Andy Schiffrin

Others: Rahn Garcia, RTC Legal Council RTC Staff: George Dondero, RTC staff Yesenia Parra, RTC staff Luis Mendez, RTC staff Daniel Nikuna, RTC staff

The meeting was called to order at 3:55 pm by Committee Chair Andy Schiffrin.

1. Introductions-none

2. Additions/Changes to Agenda -none

3. Oral Communications-none

CONSENT AGENDA

4. Approved the February 12, 2009 meeting minutes

5. Accepted monthly TDA revenue report

6. Accept information item on Voluntary Time Off without pay

Committee Chair Andy Schiffrin requested that this item be pulled from consent agenda. The item was discussed as the first item on the regular agenda.

Budget and Administration/Personnel Committee March 12, 2009 Page 2

REGULAR AGENDA

6. Information item on Voluntary Time Off without pay

Commission Alternate Schiffrin asked that the item be taken to the Commission for formal approval. Staff was asked to use the process outlined in the side letter if the AVTO program is implemented. Commissioners also asked whether staff is fully aware of the total time off without pay that is being requested of them. Staff responded that there have been several conversations with all staff regarding this proposal and that staff is very willing to take this action to avoid layoffs. Staff also reported that they have been working with the county payroll department to spread-out the unpaid time over 26 pay periods.

Commissioner Stone moved and Commissioner Rivas seconded that the item be taken to the April 2, 2009 Commission meeting and that the process outlined in the side letter be used if the AVTO program is implemented.

7. State Transportation Improvement Program Funds for Planning, Programming and Monitoring (PPM)

Luis Mendez, Deputy Director presented the staff reported. He gave a brief summary stating that STIP funds are available to planning agencies to use for planning, programming and monitoring activities. In the past, the Commission has only allocated $150,000 of STIP funds for these activities, however, the Commission is eligible to request up to $300,000 of STIP funds for FY09-10.

Executive Director George Dondero commented that these funds would be a good source to use to back fill the short fall of the TDA funds. He said that there is no guarantee that the RTC would be granted this money. Staff responded to a question from Commissioners on how this would affect the budget stating that staff would come back to the Budget and Administration/Personnel Committee with recommendations for allocation of these funds.

Commissioner Stone moved and Commissioner Campos second that the RTC amend the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) to program an additional $150,000 in STIP funds in FY 09/10 for planning, programming and monitoring (PPM) activities and request the corresponding State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) amendment.

8. Review of Items to be Discussed in Closed Session Deputy Director Luis Mendez stated that the discussion in closed session was to address the lease negotiations on the property that is


currently occupied by RTC staff.

CLOSED SESSION

9. Conference with Real Property Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. Property: 1523 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Agency Negotiator: George Dondero, Luis Mendez, Yesenia Parra

Negotiation Parties: Louis Rittenhouse

Under Negotiation: Lease Price and Terms

OPEN SESSION

10. Report on Closed Session- None

11. Adjournment at 4:30 pm

The next Budget and Administration/Personnel Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. in the CAO Conference Room, 5th Floor, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz

Respectfully Submitted by:

Yesenia Parra Administrative Services Officer


\\rtcserv2\Internal\B&ACOM\bap2009\b&aagenda021209.doc

Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies

MINUTES

Thursday March 5, 2009

9:15 a.m.

Board of Supervisors Chambers 701 Ocean St Street, 5th Floor

Santa Cruz, CA

Roll call

The meeting was called to order at 9:12 am. Members Present: Dene Bustichi Kirby Nicol Gustavo Gonzalez (Alt.) Ellen Pirie Neal Coonerty David Koch (Alt.) Randy Johnson Mark Stone Don Lane Marcela Tavantzis John Leopold Aileen Loe (ex officio) Member Absent: Pat Spence Staff Present: George Dondero Gini Pineda Luis Mendez Yesenia Parra Dave Garti Rachel Moriconi Grace Blakeslee Karena Pushnik Daniel Nikuna

1. Oral Communications 2. Additions or deletions to consent and regular agendas

CONSENT AGENDA (Pirie/Leopold approved unanimously) 3. Approved new contract with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for statewide

SAFE Call Box coordination (Resolution 24-09)

SAFE March 5, 2009 2

REGULAR AGENDA

4. Freeway Service Patrol Award presentation -9:30 am – Taken out of order after Item 6 The Commission reconvened to the SAFE meeting at 9:33 am. Commission Chair Randy Johnson presented Walt Barrows of Ladd’s Towing with a plaque for10 years of outstanding service as a Freeway Service Patrol tow truck driver. Mr. Barrows has provided assistance to over 5000 motorists on Highways 1 and 17. Officer Jim Crouch praised Mr. Barrows on behalf of the CHP saying that Mr. Barrows provides an extra hand and valuable service to the California Highway Patrol and the public.

5. Contract for Freeway Service Patrol Program on Highway 1- Taken out of order

before Item 4

SCCRTC Planner Grace Blakeslee said that Ladd’s Towing of Felton was the only tow service provider to submit a proposal in response to the Request for Proposals released by the RTC. The proposed hourly rate is competitive and Ladd’s has demonstrated its ability to manage its company and provide service in accordance with the Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) service manual. In response to a question from Commissioner Pirie, Ms. Blakeslee said that other tow service providers declined to bid on the contract for a variety of reasons including the upfront cost to participate in the program. Responding to a request from Commissioner Johnson, Ms. Blakeslee summarized the mission of FSP is to help reduce traffic congestion and assist with public safety. Aileen Loe said that Caltrans supports the program and that the FSP provides a high benefit for the cost. Commissioner Stone moved and Commissioner Pirie seconded to approve the staff recommendations that the Regional Transportation Commission serving as the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) approve a resolution authorizing the Executive Director to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Ladd’s Towing of Felton for Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) service on Highway 1 for the period of July 2009-July 2013. The motion (Resolution 25-09) passed unanimously.

6. Caltrans Transportation Planning Grant application-Monterey Bay Area 511 system

SAFE March 5, 2009 3

SCCRTC Planner Grace Blakeslee presented the staff report and reviewed the process to apply for a Caltrans planning grant for a 511 system. It was noted that there is a gap in the 511 system along the central coast and that it is more popular in urban areas. Responding to a question from Commissioner Johnson, Ms. Blakeslee explained the 511 system. She said that in rural areas the system is used mostly to alert travelers about roadway conditions and in urban areas it is used as a broader multi-modal comprehensive location for traffic conditions in real time and helps optimize the use of existing infrastructure. Commissioner Pirie moved and Commissioner Leopold seconded to approve staff recommendations that the Regional Transportation Commission:

1. Approve a resolution authorize the Executive Director to apply for a Caltrans

Transportation Planning Grant for the purpose of planning a 511 system for the Monterey Bay Area, including Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, for an amount up to $300,000 for fiscal year 2009-10;

2. Direct staff to solicit letters of support from the partner agencies for this transportation

planning grant application; and,

3. Authorize the Executive Director to enter into the necessary agreements with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County, the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, and Caltrans in the event that the Monterey Bay Area 511 System project is awarded the grant.

The motion (Resolution 26-09) passed unanimously. The SAFE recessed to the SCCRTC meeting at 9:20 am.

7. Adjourn to the regular meeting of the Regional Transportation Commission

The SAFE meeting adjourned to the regular SCCRTC meeting at 9:38 am. Respectfully submitted, __________________ Gini Pineda, Staff S:\RTC\TC2009\TC0309\Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies\SAFE Minutes030509.doc

AGENDA: April 2, 2009

TO: Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) FROM: Luis Pavel Mendez, Deputy Director RE: State Transportation Improvement Program Funds for Planning, Programming

and Monitoring (PPM) RECOMMENDATIONS The Budget and Administration/Personnel (B&A/P) Committee and staff recommend that the RTC amend the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) to program an additional $150,000 in STIP funds in FY 09/10 for planning, programming and monitoring (PPM) activities and request the corresponding State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) amendment. BACKGROUND Every two years the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) receives from the State a programming target for State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds. The funds may be programmed for a variety of transportation projects and for certain planning, programming and monitoring (PPM) activities of the RTC. State statutes allow regional transportation planning agencies such as the RTC to use up to 5% of their STIP funds programming targets for PPM. The RTC has been using significantly less than the available STIP amount for PPM. DISCUSSION Based on its programming targets, the RTC may use up to $350,000 per year in STIP funds for planning, programming and monitoring (PPM) activities. According to the STIP guidelines activities which are considered PPM activities include the following: Regional transportation planning, including the development and preparation of the

regional transportation plan. Project planning, including the development of project study reports or major

investment studies, conducted by regional agencies or by local agencies in cooperation with regional agencies.

Program development, including the preparation of Regional Transportation Improvement Programs (RTIPs) and studies supporting them.

Monitoring the implementation of STIP projects, including project delivery, timely use of funds, and compliance with State law and the Commission’s guidelines.

The RTC has only been using $150,000 per year in STIP funds for PPM activities. However, the annual cost of eligible planning, programming, and monitoring activities is approximately $300,000. The RTC has been using Transportation Development Act (TDA), Rural Planning Assistance (RPA), and Federal Planning (PL) funds to cover some of these activities. Currently

STIPPPM0409 Page 2

the RTC spends close to $200,000 for RTIP program development and monitoring activities alone. The B&A/P Committee considered and approved this item at its March 12th meeting. Given projected shortfalls in the RTC budget in FY09/10, increased requirements associated with the Regional Transportation Plan, implementation of AB32, and implementation of the Federal Economic Stimulus, the B&A/P Committee and staff recommend that the RTC amend the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) to program an additional $150,000 in STIP funds in FY 09/10 for PPM activities and request the corresponding STIP amendment. This would bring the total STIP programmed for PPM in FY09/10 to $300,000. If this programming amendment is approved by the California Transportation Commission (CTC), staff will return to the B&A/P Committee and the RTC with recommendations on incorporating the funds into the RTC’s FY 09/10 budget. Programming additional STIP funds to PPM activities leaves slightly less STIP money for other projects. However, the CTC did not approve any of the RTC’s programming to local projects in the 2008 STIP. In the 2008 STIP the RTC only received about 30% of its programming target because the CTC did not approve the RTC’s programming for local projects. Conversely, the CTC has been programming and allocating funds for PPM activities. Therefore, requesting additional STIP for PPM ensures that eligible STIP PPM activities are covered by STIP funds and will help maximize the amount of STIP funds to the region. Given the region’s 2008 STIP target balance, programming additional STIP funds to PPM activities will not affect other Santa Cruz County STIP projects. Notably, this increase is subject to CTC approval and sufficient capacity being available statewide in the STIP to accommodate our request. Consideration for programming STIP funds for PPM activities beyond FY 09/10 can be considered by the RTC and CTC as part of the 2010 State Transportation Improvement Program, currently anticipated at the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010. SUMMARY STIP funds may be used for eligible planning, programming and monitoring (PPM) activities. The RTC currently uses $150,000 in STIP funds for such activities each year but is eligible to use up to $350,000. In order to ensure that eligible PPM activities are covered by STIP funds and to help maximize the amount of STIP funds to the regions, the B&A/P Committee and staff recommend that the RTC program an additional $150,000 in STIP funds in FY 09/10 for PPM activities and request the corresponding STIP amendment.

\\10.10.10.11\shared\RTC\TC2009\TC0409\STIPPPM0409.doc


TO: Regional Transportation Commission FROM: Cory Caletti, Senior Transportation Planner RE: FY 09-10 Requests for Transportation Development Act (TDA) Funding from the

Community Traffic Safety Coalition, the Ride ‘n Stride Program, and the Bike to Work Program

RECOMMENDATIONS The Bicycle Committee and staff recommend that the Regional Transportation Commission:

1. Review the attached proposed FY 09-10 work plans and budgets for the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency’s Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC) and Ride ‘n Stride Programs, and for Bike to Work (BTW); and

2. Adopt the attached resolutions (Attachments 13 and 14) approving claims for FY 09/10

funds for the CTSC, Ride ‘n Stride and BTW Programs. BACKGROUND The Regional Transportation Commission has a long history of supporting Bike to Work, a project of Ecology Action, and the Health Services Agency’s Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC) and Ride ‘n Stride Programs. Since FY 98/99, the Commission has provided $50,000 in Transportation Development Act (TDA) funding for the CTSC, operated by the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency (HSA). In FY 01/02, the Commission added $50,000 to fund the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency’s Ride ‘n Stride Program, a bicycle and pedestrian education program closely associated with the CTSC, and provided an ongoing commitment to fund the two projects for a total of $100,000 in TDA funds annually.

The RTC has played a supporting role in Bike to Work (BTW) for its entire 22 year history. Bike to Work’s goals of increasing levels of cycling in Santa Cruz County are consistent with the Commission’s Regional Transportation Plan. The project provides an unparalleled level of bicycle promotion throughout the County on an ongoing basis. BTW has grown steadily in participation and organization over the years and in 2003, the RTC committed to providing on-going funding at a level of $40,000 per year as approved in its annual budget. On March 5, 2009, the Regional Transportation Commission approved its FY 09/10 budget and work program which included TDA funding for the Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC), the Ride ‘n Stride and the Bike to Work program.

Health Services Agency & Bike to Work TDA Claims Page 2

Per the agreements between the Commission and the County Health Services Agency and Bike to Work for receipt of TDA funds, the Commission has the opportunity to provide input or contingencies on funding or the work plan as part of any funding approval. DISCUSSION The Health Services Agency and Ecology Action submitted TDA funding requests for the Community Traffic Safety Coalition, the Ride ‘n Stride Program and the Bike to Work Program for Bicycle Committee review and Commission consideration. The Bicycle Committee reviewed all claims at the March 9th meeting and recommends approval. Because the RTC provides a substantial portion of the operational funding for each program, the annual budgets and work programs for these projects are forwarded to the RTC for information, input and approval. While the Health Services agency generally submits a request for $100,000 for both CTSC and the Ride ‘n Stride Programs and Bike to Work submits a request for $40,000, current financial challenges caused by the worst economic recession in decades has impacted available apportionments. The RTC reduced apportionments to all TDA recipients by 2.49% at its March 5, 2009 meeting through the approved FY09/10 budget and allocated a total of $97,510 for the HSA for its programs and $39,004 for Ecology Action for the Bike to Work program. It is uncertain whether current TDA revenue estimates will be realized. Staff will continue to monitor TDA revenues and report any further downward adjustments needed to the RTC, as well as HSA and Ecology Action staff. Community Traffic Safety Coalition and Ride ‘n Stride Programs The County Health Services Agency (HSA) submitted the attached TDA funds request, work plans and budgets for Commission review and consideration (Attachments 1 through 4). Attachment 2 is the TDA claim form submitted by all TDA claimants. Attachments 3 and 4 are the work program and budget, respectively, for the ongoing work of the CTSC and spans two fiscal years. As in previous years, the FY 09/10 funding request for the Coalition is slightly higher than half of this year’s $97,510 allotment at $50,110 total.

Attachments 5 through 7 are the TDA claim form, the work plan and budget for continuation of the Ride ‘n Stride bicycle and pedestrian school education program. This project includes staff costs but also relies on volunteers to present lessons on bicycle and pedestrian safety to elementary school students. The FY 09/10 funding request for this program is $47,400, the remaining balance of the $97,510 allotment.

The total amount requested for the CTSC and Ride ‘n Stride, the bicycle and pedestrian school education program, does not exceed the $97,510 level established in the approved RTC FY 09/10 budget. Katie LeBaron and Theresia Rogerson from the County Health Services Agency will be at the meeting to address any questions. Bike to Work Bike to Work (BTW) staff submitted a TDA funding request, FY 09/10 claim, budget and work plan (Attachments 8 through 11) for Commission review and consideration of funding. BTW is requesting $39,004 in FY 09/10 TDA funds to support their ongoing efforts. Attachments 10 and

Health Services Agency & Bike to Work TDA Claims Page 3

11 provide the FY 09/10 Scope of Work and Budget with some detail on the services BTW proposes to provide during the coming fiscal year. The requested $39,004 represents 30% of BTW’s annual budget, which is $136,261. Attachment 12 provides a 2008 Summary Report containing a description of services provided by BTW during the 2008 calendar year. Piet Canin from Bike to Work will be at the meeting to address any questions or comments. The Bicycle Committee reviewed the CTSC, Ride ‘n Stride and BTW work plans and budgets at its March 9, 2009 meeting. The Bicycle Committee and staff recommend adoption of the attached resolutions (Attachments 13 and 14) approving the TDA claims from CTSC, the Ride ‘n Stride Program and BTW programs. SUMMARY The Bicycle Committee and staff recommend that the Regional Transportation Commission review and approve TDA funding for the Health Services Agency’s CTSC and Ride ‘n Stride Programs, and the Bike to Work Program in the amount of $97,510 and $39,004, respectively. Attached are FY09/10 claims, budgets, work programs, and allocation requests from the County of Santa Cruz Health Services for the Community Traffic Safety Coalition and the Ride ‘n Stride Programs and from Ecology Action for the Bike to Work Program for review and funding consideration. Attachments:

1. Request Letter from Katie LeBaron, Project Director for the Community Traffic Safety Coalition and Ride ‘n Stride Programs

2. Community Traffic Safety Coalition FY 09/10 TDA Claim Form (and Annual Report) 3. Community Traffic Safety Coalition FY 09/10 Work Plan 4. Community Traffic Safety Coalition FY 09/10 Budget 5. Ride ‘n Stride TDA Claim Form 6. Ride ‘n Stride FY 09/10 Work Plan 7. Ride ‘n Stride FY 09/10 Budget 8. Request Letter from Piet Canin, Bike to Work Program Director 9. Bike to Work TDA Claim Form 10. Bike to Work FY 09/10 Scope of Work 11. Bike to Work FY09/10 Budget 12. 2008 Bike to Work Program Summary/Annual Report (and Comparison Chart) 13. Community Traffic Safety Coalition and Ride ‘n Stride Program Resolution 14. Bike to Work Program Resolution \\Rtcserv2\shared\RTC\TC2009\TC0409\Bike to Work CTSC TDA Claims\CTSC_RidenStride_B2W_StaffReport.doc

COMMUNITY TRAFFIC SAFETY COALITION

February 17, 2009 George Dondero Executive Director Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission 1523 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95060-3911 Regarding: FY 2009-2010 TDA Request for the Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC) Dear Mr. Dondero: The mission of the Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC) is to reduce traffic-related injuries, while promoting the use of alternative modes of transportation. The primary focus is on bicycle and pedestrian safety issues. The Coalition educates all road users in safety practices to decrease the risk and severity of collisions and advocates for improved conditions to make all methods of transportation safer. The County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency (HSA) has a two-part request for FY 2009-2010. HSA is requesting $50,110.00 to provide funding for a portion (46%) of the annual budget for the CTSC, and $47,400.00 to provide funding for a portion (49%) of the Ride n’ Stride Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Program. The total TDA requested for both the CTSC and the Ride n’ Stride Program for FY 2009-2010 is $97,510.00. This amount reflects a 2.49% reduction from HSA’s TDA allocation of $100,000 in previous fiscal years, and is in accordance with the across-the-board TDA budget reduction anticipated for FY 2009-10. HSA and other member agencies will be providing another $109,870.45 in matching funds, in-kind hours, and other donations. Enclosed you will find the Transportation Development Act (TDA) – Local Transportation Funds Claim Form for Bike/Pedestrian Projects along with attachments outlining the new work plans and budgets for each program. I attest to the accuracy of this claim and all its accompanying documentation. As you will see in the following pages, the CTSC has again developed a work plan that reflects the needs and concerns of the community. Thank you for your consideration and continued support. Sincerely, ,

Katie LeBaron, MPH Project Director, Community Traffic Safety Coalition (831) 454-5477

c/o Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Unit, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency 1070 Emeline Avenue, P.O. Box 962, Santa Cruz, CA 95061, 831/454-4141

Transportation Development Act (TDA) – Local Transportation Funds CLAIM FORM

for Bike/Pedestrian Projects Submit a separate form for each project.

If you have any questions about this claim form or would like an electronic copy of the form, please contact the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission at 460-3200.

Project Information 1. Project Title: Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC) 2. Implementing Agency: County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency 3. Sponsoring Agency (if different) – must be a TDA Eligible Claimant: Santa Cruz County Regional

Transportation Commission 4. TDA funding requested this claim: $50,110.00 5. Fiscal Year (FY) for which funds are claimed: FY 09/10 6. General purpose for which the claim is made, identified by the article and section of the Act which

authorizes such claims (ex. Article 8 Bicycle project): Article 8 Bike/Ped Project 7. Contact Person/Project Manager: Katie LeBaron Telephone Number: (831) 454-5477 E-mail: [email protected] Secondary Contact (in event primary not available): Dena Loijos Telephone Number: (831) 454-5018 E-mail: [email protected] 8. Project/Program Description/Scope (use additional pages, if needed, to provide details such as work

elements/tasks): See Attachment A - CTSC Work Plan for Fiscal Years 2009-10 9. Number of people to be served/anticipated number of users of project/program: The number of people

served will depend on the strategies incorporated in most projects, such as public campaigns. For projects involving direct education, media outreach, etc. the numbers of users will be documented or estimated.

10. Project Location/Limits (attach a map and/or photos if available/applicable, include street names): All

projects are county wide. 11. Justification for the project. (Why is this project needed? Primary goal/purpose of the project;

problem to be addressed; project benefits; importance to the community): The CTSC is the only community-based coalition in Santa Cruz County that focuses on bicycle and pedestrian traffic safety for all age groups. The Coalition provides a forum for various agencies to share information, address community issues, collaborate on solutions, and act as a resource for its members and the community. The CTSC has seen many accomplishments since it was established in 1992, some of which can be found at http://www.sctrafficsafety.org/accomplishments.html. Also, see attached summary of accomplishments in the previous fiscal year (2006-2008 Annual Report).

http://www.sctrafficsafety.org/accomplishments.html

TDA Claim

12. Consistency and relationship with the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) – please reference Project

or Policy number: Programmed into the RTP under project #CO50 13. Measures of performance, success or completion to be used to evaluate project/program: Please see

attached Work Plan for evaluation measures planned for each project area. 14. Impact(s) of project on other modes of travel, if any (ex. parking to be removed): A primary goal of

the CTSC is to encourage people to use alternative forms of transportation safely. For example, in last year’s work plan, objectives included working with school groups and other organizations to promote walking as a positive alternative to motor vehicles, and collaborating with Public Works and utility companies to promote improvements in pedestrian and bike access at local construction sites.

15. Project Cost/Budget, including other funding sources, and Schedule: (complete “15a” or “15b”)

15a. Capital Projects

Planning Environ-mental

Design/ Engineering

ROW Construction Other

* Contingency Total

SCHEDULE (Month/Yr)

Total Cost/Phase

$TDA requested

Source 2:

Source 3:

Source 4:

*Please describe what is included in “Other”:

15b. Non- Capital Projects – Cost/Schedule: List any tasks and amount per task for which TDA will be used. Can be substituted with alternate budget format.

See attached Community Traffic Safety Coalition Budget for FY 2009-2010 16. Preferred Method and Schedule for TDA fund distribution, consistent with the RTC Rules and

Regulations (a. 90% prior to completion/10% upon completion; or b. 100% after completion): 100% after completion, county transfer fund (journal)

17. Proposed schedule of regular progress reports including an evaluation of prior year’s activities:

Biannual progress report to be submitted February 15, 2010 and final report to be submitted July 31, 2010.

18. TDA Eligibility: YES?/NO?

A. Has the project/program been approved by the claimant's governing body? Attach resolution to claim. (If "NO," provide the approximate date approval is anticipated.)

Yes, on file

B. Has this project previously received TDA funding? Yes

C. For capital projects, have provisions been made by the claimant to maintain the project or facility, or has the claimant arranged for such maintenance by another agency for the next 20 years? (If an agency other than the Claimant is to maintain the facility provide its name:

N/A

________________________________ )

D. Has the project already been reviewed by the RTC Bicycle Committee and/or Elderly/Disabled Transportation Advisory Committee? (If "NO," project will be reviewed prior to RTC approval).

Bicycle Committee to review.

E. For "bikeways," does the project meet Caltrans minimum safety design criteria pursuant to Chapter 1000 of the California Highway Design Manual? (Available on the internet via: http://www.dot.ca.gov).

N/A

Documentation to Include with Your Claim: All Claims

• A letter of transmittal to SCCRTC addressed to the Executive Director that attests to the accuracy of the claim and all its accompanying documentation.

• Resolution from TDA eligible claimants indicating their roles and responsibilities; and, if applicable, commitment to maintain facilities as indicated in the submitted plans for a period of 20 years.

Bike to Work, Community Traffic Safety Coalition/Ride ‘n Stride – PLEASE KEEP ANSWERS BRIEF 19. Improving Program Efficiency

Describe any areas where special efforts have been made in the last fiscal year to reduce operating cost and/or increase ridership/program usage. Note any important trends.

Goals for next fiscal year (ex. identify opportunities to maximize economies of scale). Describe

any areas where special efforts will be made to improve efficiency and increase program usage/ridership:

In the face of increased fiscal challenges, HSA has continued to provide knowledgeable and experienced Health Educators as CTSC support staff and continues to work with staff to increase efficiency while maintaining and improving program quality. This program has continued over several years without an increase in funding from the RTC while meeting or exceeding its goals and objectives. A main premise of the CTSC is to bring together groups with an interest in traffic safety to maximize collaboration and avoid duplicate efforts within the community. An example is the current two-year Safe Routes to School (SRTS) project, which offers to conduct preliminary audits of walking and bicycling near a school where a public works department plans to apply for SRTS funding. The CTSC is also utilizing media strategies and collaborative efforts to inform the public of safety resources and information available through member organizations and has increasingly involved members in implementing the work plan. Internally, CTSC staff maintain the CTSC website, create public information products, conduct surveys and evaluations, and analyze data in lieu of paying outside contractors. 20. What is different from last year’s program/claim? Based on SCCRTC’s decision to reduce TDA funds by 2.49%, the total amount of funding requested for the combined budgets for CTSC and Ride n’ Stride have been reduced from $100,000 to $97,510. CTSC work plan is developed each year by CTSC members, based on the needs of the community, evaluation of previous year’s accomplishments, and a process of determining future project priorities. . The Ride n’ Stride program and budget are described in a separate claim form.

CTSC Work Plan 2009/2010 1

Community Traffic Safety Coalition Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2009-2010

Mission: The mission of the Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC or Coalition) is to reduce traffic-related injuries, while promoting the use of alternative modes of transportation. The primary focus is on bicycle and pedestrian safety issues. The Coalition educates all road users in safety practices to decrease the risk and severity of collisions, and advocates for improved conditions to make all methods of transportation safer. Staff Responsibilities: The County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency provides staff to the Coalition, who is responsible for recruitment, retention and satisfaction of coalition members. Staff also plays a leadership role in coordinating implementation of the work plan each year. Other responsibilities include coordinating and facilitating bimonthly coalition meetings and regular project subcommittee meetings, acting as a liaison between agencies, tracking county bicycle and pedestrian injury statistics, writing all reports and letters of advocacy/support, representing the coalition at other agency meetings, and maintaining the coalition web site. Narrative: Coalition members elect and implement projects in four priority areas: bicycle safety, pedestrian safety, traffic-calming and safe routes to school. Projects are chosen according to current issues, public requests, and direction from community agencies and the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC). The Coalition also has several ongoing projects: supporting the Ride n’ Stride Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Program, the Pedestrian Access Report, the CTSC website, the Pace Car Program, and the Watsonville Bike and Pedestrian Task Force (WBPTF). The WBPTF implements traffic safety projects that address the unique needs of South Santa Cruz County. Coalition staff supports these programs in addition to coordinating the projects chosen by the CTSC members each year. In the past, most CTSC projects have been one year in length. In November 2007, staff to the Coalition made a request to the SCCRTC that some of the projects for the work plan in a fiscal year become two-year projects. These projects are extensive and the Coalition agreed that more favorable outcomes could be achieved over the duration of two years instead of one. This request was approved, and the same model has been followed for subsequent work plans. The work plan below shows both one-year projects, which are to be completed by the end of the 2009/2010 fiscal year and two-year projects, which were initiated in the 2008/2009 fiscal year. Proposed measurable activities are listed under each project to describe how they will be accomplished. In addition, an evaluation component has been added to determine the effectiveness of each project and to provide feedback for improving future projects.


The Coalition has chosen Projects #2 and #4 for Fiscal Year 09-10:

Project #1 (FY 08-10)

Share the Road Campaign

Priority Area: Bicycle and pedestrian safety Activities: Education - Develop strategies to inform teen road users of safe bicycle and pedestrian practices, including how to Share the Road and the importance of wearing a helmet. - Encourage drivers’ training programs, both in schools and in the private sector, to offer a Share the Road component as part of their curriculum. - Educate drivers of large vehicles, such as trucks and buses, and cyclists on best practices for Sharing the Road. - Educate motorists and cyclists about proper procedure when turning right on a street with a bike lane. Media - Add information to the CTSC website regarding teen drivers, including information about cell phone use, speeding, and safely Sharing the Road with all users. - Include current information about CTSC projects, links to other relevant organizations and more bilingual information on the CTSC website. - Develop media messages that can be used for press releases, PSA’s, newspaper articles, or incentives, such as bumper stickers, about Sharing the Road. Collaboration - Collaborate with SCCRTC to update the “What Bicyclists Want/What Motorists Want” brochure. - Coordinate with the CHP to provide media outreach about the new law stating that all cell phones used while driving must be hands-free. - Partner with other CTSC agencies to disseminate the Share the Road message. - Collaborate with Public Works Departments to identify intersections where green light interval isn’t long enough to allow pedestrians or cyclists safe crossing


- Coordinate with Mission St. Safety Task Force agencies to expand, improve and distribute existing truck and bicycle safety materials. Evaluation: Conduct surveys to see if motorist and bicyclist behaviors have improved.

Project #2

Motorist Education Priority Area: Bicycle and pedestrian safety Activities: Education - Conduct mini bicycle/pedestrian safety presentations at AARP 55 Alive classes. - Research Mobility Education, which aims to expand drivers’ education into a multi-modal "mobility education" experience. - Pilot a bicycle/pedestrian safety presentation as part of employee driver safety training at a local business. Media - Develop PSA’s targeting motorists with bicycle/pedestrian safety awareness messages. - Continue to distribute safety information developed through the Mission St. Safety Task Force for commercial drivers and bicyclists. - Further develop website information for teen and young adult drivers for the CTSC website and share link with other agency sites. Collaboration - Work with Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant programs, law enforcement, the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), and other CTSC agencies on promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety education to motorists. Evaluation: Quantify audiences reached whenever possible and survey participants.


Project #3 (FY 08-10)

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Priority Area: Safe routes to school Activities: Education - Create walkability and bikeability audits for schools that can be used when an agency applies for a state or federal SRTS grant. - Work with local schools to determine if they would like walkability/bikeability surveys conducted in their area. - Attend school events to promote walking and bicycling and the SRTS program.

- Create a local clearinghouse for information on the SRTS program. Media - Schedule local activities to coincide with national walking events to draw more attention. - Enlist the help of local celebrities and elected officials during Walk to School events. - Create more resources and links on the CTSC website for SRTS information.

Training - Investigate current crossing guard training and help schools identify where crossing guards are needed.

- Train parents and community groups on safe walking practices, such as walking school buses, crossing techniques, etc. Collaboration - Work with other CTSC agencies and school groups to promote walking to school as an appealing alternative. Evaluation: Evaluate and update survey tools used and gather feedback from schools on events and audits conducted.


Project #4

Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Education/Training Priority Area: Bicycle and pedestrian safety Activities: Education - Develop a plan to increase and market bicycle and pedestrian safety classes offered in the county. - Discuss creating bicycle safety education opportunities with League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) in the county. - Further develop pedestrian safety curriculum for teens and adults. Media - Utilize radio, print and web media for promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety education. Training - Work with local law enforcement agencies to find opportunities and funding for training in bicycle and pedestrian collision investigation and reporting.

Collaboration - Work with the SRTS Subcommittee of the CTSC to compile list of bicycle and pedestrian safety classes offered in the county. Evaluation: Track all data gathered on classes offered.

Community Traffic Safety CoalitionBudget for FY 2009-2010

Line Item TDA Match

Personnel (Salary + Benefits range 42-50% )Senior Health Educator (.10 FTE) 11,182.00Health Educator (.75 FTE) 44,704.00 31,496.00Bilingual Typist Clerk (.05 FTE) 3,550.00

Overhead 15% of Personnel 13,639.80

Travel/Mileage 400.00

Direct CostsPrinting/Office Supplies 464.00Project Implementation 4,542.00

Total 50,110.00 59,867.80

Total Budget 109,977.80




Project Information 1. Project Title: Ride n’ Stride (Safety education program of CTSC) 2. Implementing Agency: County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency 3. Sponsoring Agency (if different) – must be a TDA Eligible Claimant: Santa Cruz County Regional

Transportation Commission 4. TDA funding requested this claim: $47,400.00 5. Fiscal Year (FY) for which funds are claimed: FY 09/10 6. General purpose for which the claim is made, identified by the article and section of the Act which

authorizes such claims (ex. Article 8 Bicycle project): Article 8 Bike/Ped Project 7. Contact Person/Project Manager: Katie LeBaron Telephone Number: (831) 454-5477 E-mail: [email protected] Secondary Contact (in event primary not available) : Dena Loijos Telephone Number: (831) 454-5018 E-mail: [email protected] 8. Project/Program Description/Scope (use additional pages, if needed, to provide details such as work

elements/tasks): See attached Ride n’ Stride Education Work Plan for FY 2009-10 9. Number of people to be served/anticipated number of users of project/program: Primary work plan

objective will reach approximately 3,000 elementary school students in over 100 classrooms throughout the county at 59% of Santa Cruz County schools.

10. Project Location/Limits (attach a map and/or photos if available/applicable, include street names): All

projects are county wide. 11. Justification for the project. (Why is this project needed? Primary goal/purpose of the project;

problem to be addressed; project benefits; importance to the community): The Ride n’ Stride Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Program is the only program in the county providing direct bicycle and pedestrian safety education in both Spanish and English to elementary school students. The Ride n’ Stride program works closely with BikeSmart! of Ecology Action to avoid duplication of services. Each school year evaluation methods have indicated an increase in knowledge for participating students and an appreciation of this education program from school administrators, teachers, and parents.


or Policy number: Programmed into the RTP under project #CO50

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

TDA Claim

13. Measures of performance, success or completion to be used to evaluate project/program: Please see

attached work plan for evaluation measures. 14. Impact(s) of project on other modes of travel, if any (ex. parking to be removed): Through education,

more students and parents will gain confidence in having students walk and/or ride a bicycle to school, thereby reducing the numbers of vehicles in and around school sites.




Design/ Engineering


* Contingency Total

SCHEDULE (Month/Yr)

Total Cost/Phase

$TDA requested

Source 2:

Source 3:

Source 4:


15b. Non- Capital Projects – Cost/Schedule: List any tasks and amount per task for which TDA will be used. Can be substituted with alternate budget format.

See attached Ride n’ Stride Safety Program Budget for FY 2009-10 16. Preferred Method and Schedule for TDA fund distribution, consistent with the RTC Rules and

Regulations (a. 90% prior to completion/10% upon completion; or b. 100% after completion): 100% after completion, county transfer fund (journal)


Biannual progress report to be submitted January 31, 2009 and final report to be submitted July 31, 2009.

18. TDA Eligibility: YES?/NO?


Yes, on file


C. For capital projects, have provisions been made by the claimant to maintain the project or facility, or has the claimant arranged for such maintenance by another agency for the next 20 years? (If an agency other than the Claimant is to maintain the facility provide its name: ________________________________ )

N/A


Bicycle Committee to review.


N/A


• A letter of transmittal to SCCRTC addressed to the Executive Director that attests to the accuracy of the claim and all its accompanying documentation.

• Resolution from TDA eligible claimants indicating their roles and responsibilities; and, if applicable, commitment to maintain facilities as indicated in the submitted plans for a period of 20 years.

Bike to Work, Community Traffic Safety Coalition/Ride ‘n Stride – PLEASE KEEP ANSWERS BRIEF 19. Improving Program Efficiency

Describe any areas where special efforts have been made in the last fiscal year to reduce operating cost and/or increase ridership/program usage. Note any important trends.

Goals for next fiscal year (ex. identify opportunities to maximize economies of scale). Describe

any areas where special efforts will be made to improve efficiency and increase program usage/ridership:

In the face of fiscal challenges, HSA has strived to maintain the Ride n’ Stride program’s high level of achievement through the retention of experienced bilingual staff and continually working with staff to increase efficiency while maintaining and improving program quality. This program has continued over several years without an increase in funding from the RTC while meeting or exceeding its goals and objectives. Staff has expanded outreach strategies to more and more schools each year through ongoing communications with the County Office of Education and school district staff and teachers, utilizing established contacts that are promoting the program among their peers, and direct marketing of the program to educators and community groups. Efforts are made to utilize existing or low-cost/no-cost educational materials that are developmentally appropriate and up-to-date. 20. What is different from last year’s program/claim? Based on SCCRTC’s decision to reduce TDA funds by 2.49%, the total amount of funding requested for the combined budgets for CTSC and Ride n’ Stride have been reduced from $100,000 to $97,510. The work plan for the Ride n’ Stride program is evaluated and newly developed or updated each year by HSA Traffic Safety program staff, based on CTSC input and community and programmatic needs.

Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC) Ride n’ Stride Education Work Plan, FY 2009-10

The Community Traffic Safety Coalition’s (CTSC) Ride n’ Stride education program goal is to reduce injuries and fatalities among bicycle and pedestrian youth in the County of Santa Cruz. Our mission is to teach students, through education, the skills needed to stay safe and be responsible road users. Program staff encourages students to convey their new knowledge and safety skills to parents and siblings. Since this program began in 1995, over 1,900 elementary school presentations have been conducted, providing road safety education to as many as 43,000 students. The bicycle safety curriculum consists of a 40-minute presentation that targets grades 3 to 6. The pedestrian safety curriculum, which targets K to 3, consists of a 35-minute presentation. During the 07-08 school year, a total of 3,251 students received bicycle and pedestrian safety presentations at 59% of (21) Santa Cruz County Office of Education elementary schools. Presentations were given in both Spanish and English, as requested. Staff also provided safety presentations at 9 preschools, reaching 433 children, and participated in 6 community events. The pre- and post-test results for the bicycle safety presentations (total of 455 children tested) demonstrated a 29% increase in knowledge. Helmet usage among children (under 13 years of age) observed in CTSC’s annual survey conducted in spring 2008 showed that 77% of the (64) children observed at north county sites were wearing a helmet, but only 27% of the (21) south county children were wearing a helmet. In addition, staff responsibilities in the Ride n’ Stride program included: monthly participation in the CTSC and Watsonville Bike and Pedestrian Task Force meetings, providing on-going updates to the Regional Transportation Commission’s Bicycle Committee, and fitting and distribution of helmets to low-income students and families. Objectives developed for FY 09-10:

Conduct bicycle and pedestrian safety presentations in at least 59% of (21) public elementary schools, for approximately 3,000 students in more than 100 classrooms during the school year (August – June).

Provide at least 5 safety presentations to community agencies, such as preschools, after-school programs, and neighborhood groups, as requested.

Participate in at least 4 community fairs and/or events. Collaborate with CTSC and HSA staff to conduct the annual bicycle safety observation

survey, to include at least four elementary schools. Collaborate with CTSC and HSA staff to assist in helmet fittings and distribution

activities, as needed. Conduct random pre- and post-tests to evaluate increase in knowledge of bicycle safety

among children in grades 3rd through 6th at 8 elementary schools, with a sample size of at least 500 students.

Participate in the fall and spring Bike to Work events in North and South County, as needed.

Attend and participate in CTSC and Watsonville Task Force meetings. Based on available data, including the Bicycle Safety Observation Survey conducted in 2008, more education and collaborative efforts are needed to increase helmet use and other traffic safety practices among children, particularly in South County. The CTSC strongly supports having a bilingual staff person in the Ride ‘n Stride program to help reduce injuries and fatalities among bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages.

Ride n' Stride Bicycle and Pedestrian Education ProgramBudget for FY 2009-2010

Line Item TDA Match

Personnel (Salary + Benefits range 42-50%)Senior Health Educator (.10 FTE ) 11,182.00Bilingual Health Program Specialist (.80 FTE) 44,218.00 26,531.00

Overhead (15% of Personnel) 12,289.65

Travel/Mileage 1,200.00

Direct CostsPrinting/Office Supplies 982.00Project Implementation 1,000.00

Total 47,400.00 50,002.65

Total Budget 97,402.65

February 12, 2009 George Dondero Executive Director Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission 1523 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Dear Mr. Dondero: Ecology Action is requesting $39,004 of TDA funds for FY 2009-2010 to support the Santa Cruz County Bike to Work (BTW) program. The Commission’s allotment has proven crucial for the continuing success and expansion of our programs aimed at increasing bicycle commuting. At the current funding level BTW/S has improved both the quality and quantity of its effort. Our effectiveness is illustrated on the attached program summary and survey data comparison. Last year 10,050 residents, a 4.5% increase from 2007 and a 28% increase from 2006 and the highest total to-date, participated in our spring and fall Bike to Work/School Day events. The Bike to School program had the highest participation with 6,929 kids, teenagers, teachers and parents biking to school. The Bike to Work/School Day cyclists rode 49,189 miles for the spring and fall events. This significant mileage helped reduce CO2 emissions by some 49,000 pounds. The Bike to Work program continues to leverage RTC funding with over $22,000 in cash support and some $75,000 of in-kind contributions from local businesses, individuals, and public agencies. Bike to Work program staff started a year round biking and walking tracking project in local classrooms that uses Monterey Bay Area Unified Air Pollution Control District funds. Bike To Work’s impact on bike commuting trends reaches beyond the popular Bike To Work/School Days. Participants of these biannual events will more likely continue to bike because they have experienced the benefits of biking and have successfully overcome any barriers to bike commuting. They realize that biking is an efficient, healthy, and cost saving way to get to and from work. Bike To Work/School Day is a steppingstone for recruiting year-round bike commuters. Getting someone to bike to work and therefore experience it first-hand is so much more powerful than simply telling someone it is a good thing to do. Throughout the year, we also provide resources such as our Tips for Winter Bike Riding pamphlet, our web bike commuter resource guide and email updates on bike commuting news. Ecology Action staff played a central role in the Mission Street Bicycle Safety Task Force which formed in response to the two cyclists’ fatalities in collisions with large trucks on Mission Street. Ecology Action lead a public education effort by producing safety brochures, flyers, maps, press releases, PSA’s and website information for cyclist and truck drivers. We also distributed a bike safety DVD’s to local trucking companies, Santa Cruz County and county area cities’ Public Works and Fire Departments, as well as the Santa Cruz Transit District. The fall Bike to Work Day downtown breakfast site featured a Graniterock demo truck for cyclists to sit in the drivers’ seat to experience a truck driver’s visual limitations. RTC staff assisted in this very well received safety demonstration.

Santa Cruz County Bike to Work (BTW) has successfully utilized past funds received from the SCCRTC. We are requesting $39,004 for FY 2009-2010 to support BTW’s successful programs. Bike to Work (and School) continues to be a viable and significant program. The program not only contributes to the betterment of our entire community by reducing traffic congestion, pollution and promoting sustainable forms of transportation but also improves the health and well being of its individuals. Ecology Action attests to the accuracy of the claim and all its accompanying documentation. Sincerely, Piet Canin Bike to Work Program Director




Project Information 1. Project Title: Bike to Work/School program 2. Implementing Agency: Ecology Action 3. Sponsoring Agency (if different) – must be a TDA Eligible Claimant: SCCRTC 4. TDA funding requested this claim: $39,004 5. Fiscal Year (FY) for which funds are claimed: FY 09/10 6. General purpose for which the claim is made, identified by the article and section of the Act which

authorizes such claims (ex. Article 8 Bicycle project): Article 8 Bicycle project 7. Contact Person/Project Manager: Piet Canin Telephone Number: 426-5925 x 127 E-mail: [email protected] Secondary Contact (in event primary not available) : Virginia Johnson Telephone Number: 426-5925 x 115 E-mail: [email protected] 8. Project/Program Description/Scope (use additional pages, if needed, to provide details such as work

elements/tasks): The Bike to Work/School program consists of the following main activities: 1) Fall Bike to Work/School Day; 2) Spring Bike to Work and School Day; 3) Spring Bike Week, which features up to 10 inclusive, fun and informative bicycle activities; 4) bike safety/skills education, bike commuter resource information, and bike commute planning assistance.

9. Number of people to be served/anticipated number of users of project/program: We anticipate over

10,000 people will participate directly in the program. 10. Project Location/Limits (attach a map and/or photos if available/applicable, include street names):

The project includes the entire Santa Cruz County area including all the incorporated cities. 11. Justification for the project. (Why is this project needed? Primary goal/purpose of the project;

problem to be addressed; project benefits; importance to the community) Bike to Work/School (BTW/S) fulfills the need to promote, encourage and support school students and adults to bike to school or work. The program provides incentives and tools for local commuters to bicycle for transportation therefore reducing their single-occupancy vehicle trips. BTW/S strives to normalize bicycling as a mode of transportation and lets participants experience how biking is possible for many different types of trips. BTW/S uses a variety of promotional, outreach and publicity methods to reach out to Santa Cruz County residents. BTW/S also offers numerous services to support commuters in switching to bicycle travel and to bike commute more often. The program’s

TDA Claim

benefits include reducing traffic congestion, reducing air, water, and noise pollution, reducing greenhouse gases, as well as promoting a healthy means of travel that helps combat obesity. As Santa Cruz County grapples with worsening traffic congestion, growing childhood obesity rates, and concern for climate change, Bike to Work/School provides assistance in alleviating these problems.


or Policy number: Project RTC #26 13. Measures of performance, success or completion to be used to evaluate project/program:

To measure the project’s success, Bike to Work tracks the following data using participant surveys: the number of program participants, the participant’s bike commute mileage, the number of beginning and infrequent bike commuters, the number of first time participants, and the number of participants who usually drive alone to work. BTW also measures success by the amount of publicity generated through news articles, radio talk shows, TV newscasts, the number of newsprint ads, and the number of radio and TV PSA’s aired. Success is also measured by the number of posters and brochures distributed, direct mailings sent out, website visits, and emails delivered. The number of community, business and school events staffed with informational booths is also tracked.

14. Impact(s) of project on other modes of travel, if any (ex. parking to be removed): The Bike to Work/School program helps reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and parking demand while increasing the number of bus/bike combined trips. There might also be a slight increase in people walking to work or school, as a number of walkers participate in the Bike to Work/School Day activities.




Design/ Engineering


* Contingency Total

SCHEDULE (Month/Yr)

Total Cost/Phase

$TDA requested

Source 2:

Source 3:

Source 4:


15b. Non- Capital Projects – Cost/Schedule: List any tasks and amount per task for which TDA will be used. Can be substituted with alternate budget format. SEE ATTACHED BUDGET

Work Element/ Activity/Task

SCHEDULE (Month/Yr)

Total Cost per Element

$TDA requested

$ Source 2: Source 3: Source 4:

Administration/ Overhead

Activity 1:

Activity 2:

Activity 3:

Activity 4:

Ex. Consultants

Ex. Materials

16. Preferred Method and Schedule for TDA fund distribution, consistent with the RTC Rules and

Regulations (a. 90% prior to completion/10% upon completion; or b. 100% after completion): Monthly invoicing for work performed.


Annual report as well as program activity narrative updates with monthly invoices. 18. TDA Eligibility: YES?/NO?


RTC to consider at their 4/2/09 meeting.


C. For capital projects, have provisions been made by the claimant to maintain the project or facility, or has the claimant arranged for such maintenance by another agency for the next 20 years? (If an agency other than the Claimant is to maintain the facility provide its name: ________________________________ )

NA


To be reviewed by the RTC Bike Committee on 3/9/09.


NA


A letter of transmittal to SCCRTC addressed to the Executive Director that attests to the accuracy of the claim and all its accompanying documentation.

TDA Claim

Resolution from TDA eligible claimants indicating their roles and responsibilities; and, if applicable, commitment to maintain facilities as indicated in the submitted plans for a period of 20 years. RTC to consider on 4/3/08.

Bike to Work, Community Traffic Safety Coalition/Ride ‘n Strike – PLEASE KEEP ANSWERS BRIEF 19. Improving Program Efficiency

Describe any areas where special efforts have been made in the last fiscal year to reduce operating

cost and/or increase ridership/program usage. Note any important trends. Bike to Work/School Day participation increased 5% during the 2008 calendar year from the previous year (we do not have complete program data for FY 08-09 since our spring Bike Week and Bike to Work/School Day has not occurred yet). This significant increase was due to increased outreach to local employers, a fall cash participation incentive, increased awareness of climate change, and the program’s continued comprehensive promotional campaign. The Bike to Work program continues to reduce operating costs by recruiting an extensive pool of volunteers and in-kind staff and product donations from a wide variety of supporters. Local businesses, public agencies, and individuals provide a high level of skilled volunteer labor to assure the smooth running of the Bike to Work program. As we strive to increase the scope and results of the program, we are faced with the rising cost of living, product costs, and general increases in doing business. The Bike to Work program has built on its 22 years of success to generate more non-TDA cash donations from local businesses, individuals and public agencies. Last year the program raised over $20,000 in cash donations to match the TDA funds. These cash donations are from non-transportation funding sources.

Goals for next fiscal year (ex. identify opportunities to maximize economies of scale). Describe any

areas where special efforts will be made to improve efficiency and increase program usage/ridership: Bike to Work will continue to build on mutually beneficial collaborations to improve efficiency and increase bike ridership. Such collaborations include working with Monterey and San Benito County Bike Week programs to pool resources and take advantage of economies of scale on promotional items such as posters, brochures, stickers, and T-shirts. We will increase efficiency by dividing tasks to get more accomplished with less staff time. We will also increase our alliances with employers to increase bike commuter ridership by providing more incentives for employees. We will stress the importance of bike ridership in reducing greenhouse gases to gain more support and cooperation from employers looking to be green and project a green image.

20. What is different from last year’s program/claim?

This year’s program will focus even more on providing commuters with the resources to facilitate an increase of bike commuter trips. As more people are looking for ways to reduce costs we will stress the significant cost saving benefits of biking. Our effort will focus on the year-round importance of biking as a way to reduce carbon emissions as greenhouse gas reducing measures become more prevalent.

\\Rtcserv1\shared\GRANTS\TDA\TDAClaimForm07b2wCTSC.doc

Bike to Work Program Scope of Work 09-10

The Bike to Work Program, a year-long bike commuter incentive, education, and support service consists of four main projects 1) Fall Bike to Work/School Day; 2) Spring Bike to Work and School Day; 3) Spring Bike Week, which features up to 10 inclusive, fun and informative bicycle activities; 4) bike safety/skills education, bike commuter resource information, and bike commute planning assistance. Fall Bike to Work/School Day: Thursday, October 1, 2009 Work Schedule/Tasks:

The BTW staff will coordinate the 11th Annual Fall Santa Cruz County Bike to Work/School Day, which features free breakfast for all bike commuters at a minimum of 10 public sites and 30 school sites. Bike to Work staff will secure public and school breakfast sites for BTW/S Day. There will be a special emphasis on reducing car traffic at schools to make school streets safer for all users.

- Solicit donations for food to feed over 5,000 bicyclists. - Continue expanding Bike to School Day through increased participation of schools and greater

outreach to students, teachers, and parents. - Continue to offer a cash prize drawing to attract more participation, especially from novice

cyclists. - Increase outreach to novice bike commuters through business site visits, informational flyers,

media outreach, and equipment incentives. - Provide resources for novice commuters to overcome obstacles to bike commuting. - Coordinate Bike to School Day efforts with bike safety presentations conducted by Bike

Smart! and the Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC). - Coordinate helmet distribution with the CTSC at school sites. - Distribute the UCSC TAPS bicycle safety video to classrooms. - Conduct a promotional campaign utilizing a variety of outreach venues and techniques

including TV, radio, newspaper, posters, flyers, and email. The promotional campaign will blanket the county in general outreach as in preceding years, but will also focus on localized promotion for each breakfast site.

- Continue the "Be Bright, Use a Light at Night," campaign started in fall 2000. Promote bike light use to the general bike riding population. This effort will be coordinated with the Community Traffic Safety Coalition.

- Coordinate promotion with the Folding Bike Rebate program. - Recruit and coordinate volunteers to assist with BTW/S activities. Performance Goals for the Fall Bike to Work/School Day, 2009 • Increase participation 5% from the previous fall BTWS Day. • Add new schools to the Bike to School breakfast sites.

• Increase by 5% the number of schools receiving bike safety presentations, helmet distribution or safety videos.

• Place over 100 event and informational posters at local businesses. • Have a least one article published in a local newspaper regarding bike commuting. • Have two weeks of PSA’s aired on a local radio station. • Increase by 2.5% the number of beginning cyclists attending BTW Day. Spring Bike Week, Third Week of May 2010 Work Schedule/Tasks:

The BTW staff will coordinate the 23nd annual Santa Cruz County Bike Week event, which features a Bike to Work/School Day, at least one bike fair, at least one bike safety activity/commuter instruction workshop, a commuter race event, a food delivery day by bicycle, a local history tour by bicycle, and other events. The main goal of Bike Week will be to continue to promote bicycle commuting as well as bicycle transportation for other trips that replace single occupancy vehicle trips. The variety of events during Bike Week will focus on hands-on, fun, and inclusive methods for motivating residents to bicycle more often and drive less. BTW will integrate the bike commuting and safety message into our events.

- Bike to Work staff will secure 10 public and 25 school breakfast sites for BTW/S Day. We will work with large employers to provide incentives for their employees to bike to work.

- Continue to increase the ever-popular Bike to School Day effort, which gets children accustomed to biking for transportation at an early age.

- Solicit donations for food to feed over 5,000 bicyclists. - Continue to improve our website services with an online Bike to Work Day survey, which

would allow more commuters to participate in Bike to Work Day. Also provide commuter maps and updated bike commuter resources.

- Coordinate Bike to School Day efforts with bike safety presentations conducted by Bike Smart! and the Community Traffic Safety Coalition.

- Coordinate helmet distribution with the CTSC at school sites. - Distribute the UCSC TAPS bicycle safety videos to classrooms. - Recruit volunteers to staff all Bike Week events, especially breakfast sites and food delivery

day. - Promote bike commuter equipment to make bikes more functional for commuting, running

errands, or getting to a social activity. - Recruit other bicycle and community groups as well as businesses to host Bike Week events. - Provide staff and promotional support to other groups who host Bike Week events. - Keep business sponsors updated on Bike Week activities and bike commuter services for their

employees to use. - Conduct a promotional campaign utilizing a variety of outreach venues and techniques

including TV, radio, newspaper, posters, brochures, emails, and workplace booths. The promotional campaign will blanket the county in general outreach as we have done previously. We will also focus on localized promotion for each breakfast site.

- Solicit cash donations from local public agencies and businesses to fund material purchases. - Host an innovative and attention getting media event that demonstrates the appeal of bike

commuting versus commuting by car.

- Coordinate artwork, T-shirt and color poster production with Monterey and San Benito County Bike Week staff.

- Coordinate TV and radio promotion as a tri-county Bike Week effort, in conjunction with Clean Air Month activities.

- Utilize the tri-county Clean Air Month cash prize drawing to attract more participants, especially novice cyclists.

- Continue to work with local transportation agencies to promote bike commuting as well as other forms of alternative transportation during Bike Week.

- Coordinate promotion with other Ecology Action transportation programs. - Work closely with Cabrillo College and UCSC to promote their breakfast sites for BTW/S

Day. - Continue to expand efforts into South County and improve outreach to the Latino community. Performance Goals for the Spring Bike Week, 2010 • Increase participation by 5% from the previous spring Bike Week. • Increase participation by 5% from the previous spring Bike To Work/School Day. • Add 2 new schools to the Bike to School breakfast sites. • Increase by 10% the outreach/promotion to businesses through company liaisons from the

previous spring Bike Week by using email, flyers, posters, and business site presentations/booths.

• Increase by 2.5% the number of beginning cyclists attending BTW Day from spring BTW Day 2007.

Bike Safety and Commuter Information Resources Work Schedule/Tasks:

BTW promotes and provides resources for safe cycling throughout the year. Information is provided via www.bike2work.com, our office information library, booths at special events, and via emails to BTW Day participants and sponsoring businesses. Staff also works with other public agencies to help them in their road safety and bike resource projects. Staff is an active member of the SCCRTC’s Bicycle Committee and the County Health Service’s Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC). We promote issues such as bike theft prevention, helmet use, bicycling in the rain and cold, and bike parking. These are some of the ways we conduct outreach on these issues:

- Maintain current bike resource information on the BTW website. - Staff information booth at local special events. - Communicate with BTW participants on important bike issues. - Attend RTC Bicycle Committee and CTSC meetings. Performance Goals for Bike Safety/Commuter Resources: • Keep bike resource information current on our website. • Staff at least 5 information booths at community special events. • Keep BTW participants updated on important bike issues via email.

Bike to Work Budget Request of$39,004 FY '09-'10

TDA Funds

SCCRTC Match*

PersonnelProgram Director (.14 FTE) 12,404.00$ 2,000.00$ **Outreach Specialist (.5 FTE) 23,260.00$ 5,000.00$ **Program Specialist (.013 FTE) 1,340.00$ Consultant $2,000.00

MaterialDirect Costs (program materials & supplies) 15,257.00$ **

Inkind services (staff & supplies) 25,000.00$

Inkind product donations 50,000.00$ (food, advertising, prizes)

Total 39,004.00$ 97,257.00$

TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET 136,261.00$

* Local business and public agencies donations, raffle and T-shirt sales, contribute an estimated $22,000** (pays for percentage of staff and direct costs) in cash plus an additional $75,000 of inkind services and product annually for Bike to Work.

RESOLUTION NO.

Adopted by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission on the date of April 2, 2009

on the motion of Commissioner duly seconded by Commissioner

A RESOLUTION APPROVING TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT

FUNDING FOR THE COMMUNITY TRAFFIC SAFETY COALITION AND THE RIDE ‘N STRIDE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAM

WHEREAS, the Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC) and the Ride ‘n Stride Bicycle

and Pedestrian School Education Program provide bicycle and pedestrian safety education; WHEREAS, in FY 98/99 the RTC committed to providing on-going funding for the CTSC

program and in FY 01/02 the RTC committed to providing on-going funding for the Ride ‘n Stride program for a total amount of $100,000 through the yearly budget process;

WHEREAS, the Regional Transportation Commission allocated $97,510 in its FY 09/10

budget at the March 5, 2009 RTC meeting for the Community Traffic Safety Coalition and the Ride ‘n Stride Bicycle and Pedestrian School Education Program; and

WHEREAS, the $97,510 amount allocated in the budget reflects a 2.49% reduction applied

to all TDA claimants due to decreased sales tax revenues; WHEREAS, the Regional Transportation Commission claims TDA funds for the Community

Traffic Safety Coalition and the Ride ‘s Stride Bicycle and Pedestrian School Education Program as part of its annual Planning Services claim; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION:

1. The Regional Transportation Commission hereby approves $50,110 in FY 09/10

Transportation Development Act funds for the Community Traffic Safety Coalition, and 2. The Regional Transportation Commission hereby approves $47,400 in FY 09/10

Transportation Development Act funds for the Ride ‘n Stride Bicycle and Pedestrian School Education Program.

AYES: COMMISSIONERS NOES: COMMISSIONERS ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS

______________________________ Randy Johnson, Chair

ATTEST: ___________________________ George Dondero, Secretary Distribution: RTC Fiscal, RTC Planner, Health Services Agency

\\Rtcserv2\shared\RESOLUTI\2009\RES0409\CTSC_resolution_TDAfunds09.doc

RESOLUTION NO.

Adopted by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission on the date of April 2, 2009

on the motion of Commissioner duly seconded by Commissioner

A RESOLUTION APPROVING TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT

FUNDING FOR THE BIKE TO WORK PROGRAM

WHEREAS, Bike to Work events provide important information and incentives for encouraging and rewarding bicycle commuting;

WHEREAS, in 2003 the Regional Transportation Commission committed to providing on-

going Transportation Development Act (TDA) funding in the amount of $40,000 per year to the Bike to Work program through the annual budget process and approval of the TDA claim;

WHEREAS, the Regional Transportation Commission claims TDA funds for the Bike to Work Program as part of its annual Planning Services claim; and

WHEREAS, the Regional Transportation Commission allocated $39,004 in its FY 09/10

budget for the Bike to Work Program at the March 5, 2009 meeting (a 2.49% reduction applied to all TDA claimants due to sales tax revenue shortfalls);

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION:

1. The Regional Transportation Commission hereby approves $39,004 in FY 09/10

Transportation Development Act funds for the Bike to Work Program.

AYES: COMMISSIONERS NOES: COMMISSIONERS ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS

______________________________ Randy Johnson, Chair

ATTEST: ___________________________ George Dondero, Secretary Distribution: Bike to Work Program

RTC Fiscal RTC Planner \\Rtcserv2\shared\RESOLUTI\2009\RES0409\BTW_resultion_TDA09.doc

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TDA REVENUE REPORT

CUMULATIVEFY07-08 FY08-09 FY08-09 DIFFERENCE % OF ACTUAL ESTIMATE ACTUAL AS % OF ACTUAL TO

MONTH REVENUE REVENUE REVENUE DIFFERENCE PROJECTION PROJECTION

JULY 543,200 570,200 570,200 0 0.00% 100.00%

AUGUST 724,300 760,200 760,200 0 0.00% 100.00%

SEPTEMBER 863,255 634,334 634,334 0 0.00% 100.00%

OCTOBER 599,500 567,100 567,100 0 0.00% 100.00%

NOVEMBER 799,300 756,100 756,100 0 0.00% 100.00%

DECEMBER 638,280 700,859 700,859 0 0.00% 100.00%

JANUARY 583,600 554,420 538,600 -15,820 -3% 100%

FEBRUARY 778,200 739,290 590,700 -148,590 -20% 97%

MARCH 543,629 516,448 578,624 62,176 12% 98%

APRIL 494,300 469,585

MAY 659,000 626,050

JUNE 652,069 619,466

TOTAL 7,878,633 7,514,052 5,696,718 -102,233 -1.36% 76%

Note:

\\Rtcserv2\shared\RTC\TC2009\TC0409\[TDA.xls]FY08-09

REVISED 3/23/09 FY08-09


TO: Regional Transportation Commission FROM: Daniel Nikuna, Fiscal Officer RE: FY2008-2009 SCCRTC Semi-Annual Financial Statements RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the Regional Transportation Commission accept the FY2008-2009 Semi-Annual Financial Statements (enclosed separately for Commissioners). DISCUSSION The internal financial statements are intended to provide an overview of the financial position of the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) prior to the annual audit report. The statements are intended primarily for internal use; however, they are available for review at the RTC office. The statements are presented in three sections as follows:

1. Summary or Combined Statements of all 11 funds 2. Detailed statements of all five Governmental funds, which are basically the

operating funds, and

3. Detailed statements of the six Trust Funds. In the detail section of the financial report, current year actual revenues and expenditures are compared to the budget. No formal budgets were adopted for the “Other Trust Funds”; and therefore, there is no comparison of actual to budget. The “Reserve Fund Balance” as used here refers to encumbrances and outstanding allocations to specific projects, which remain unpaid as of the statement date. The Reserve Fund Balance will be determined at year end. The transmittal of the financial statements contains major financial highlights. SUMMARY The FY2008-2009 semi-annual financial statements have been completed and staff recommends review and acceptance by the Commission. Enclosure: FY2008-2009 SCCRTC Semi-Annual Financial Statements (enclosed separately for

Commissioners)

\\Rtcserv2\shared\RTC\TC2009\TC0409\FY2009SemiAnnualFinancials\FY2009SemiAnualStaffReport.doc


TO: Regional Transportation Commission FROM: Daniel Nikuna, Fiscal Officer RE: FY2007-08 Fiscal Audit RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the Regional Transportation Commission accept the SCCRTC FY2007-2008 audited financial statements (enclosed separately for Commissioners). BACKGROUND The Commission is required by state law to undergo an annual financial audit. Moss, Levy & Hartzheim, performed the FY 2007-2008 fiscal audit for the Commission; this audit is enclosed separately for Commissioners. Moss, Levy & Hartzheim also performed the audit of Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds of the City of Santa Cruz for its own TDA fund and the pass-through claims on behalf of Community Bridges and the Volunteer Center. The audit of the County of Santa Cruz TDA Fund is in progress. The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District was audited by Brown Armstrong, CPAs. DISCUSSION The Commission received a clean opinion from the Auditor and no major concerns were raised which would require changes to the SCCRTC internal controls and accounting practices. The audit reports of all TDA claimants are also unqualified (the highest possible positive opinion). The Management Discussion & Analysis Section of the audit report contains extensive financial highlights with comparison to the prior fiscal year. Generally, the Commission’s expenditures are under control; however, continuing to secure stable funding sources would remain a challenge in the future. The reports are public documents and are available at the Commission’s office and on the website (www.sccrtc.org) where applicable. SUMMARY The FY2007-2008 Commission’s audit has been completed and is ready for review. Staff recommends that the Commission accept the audit report. Enclosure: FY2007-2008 SCCRTC Fiscal Audit (enclosed separately for Commissioners)

I:\FISCAL\AUDIT\FISCAL\FY2008\FY2008FiscalAuditt.doc

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONOPERATING BUDGET BY PROGRAM - STP EXCHANGE PROGRAM

FY 2008-2009 BUDGET1 RSTP EXCHANGE PROGRAM: 7220002 FY08-09 FY08-093 WORK ELEMENT #101 ADOPTED PROPOSED DIFFERENCE NOTE4 2/19/09 4/2/09

5 REVENUES:6 State RSTP Exchange Funds - 2,500,000 2,500,000 FY08/09 RSTPX

7 Interest 150,000 150,000 - 8 RSTP Exchange Funds Not Budgeted - Carryover - 9 RSTP Exchange Funds Budgeted - Carryover 5,050,000 5,050,000 -

10 TOTAL REVENUES 5,200,000 7,700,000 2,500,000 1112 EXPENDITURES:13 City of Capitola14 Capitola Road Traffic Calming/Improvement 268,000 268,000 - 15 Bay Avenue Sidewalks and Bike Lanes 140,000 140,000 - 16 City of Scotts Valley Subtotal 408,000 408,000 - 1718 City of Santa Cruz19 San Lorenzo RiverBike/Ped Bridge Near Hwy 1 665,000 665,000 - 20 Ocean Street Rehab 551,000 551,000 - 21 City of Santa Cruz Subtotal 1,216,000 1,216,000 - 2223 City of Watsonville24 Freedom Blvd Rehab (High - Broadis) 751,000 751,000 - 25 Walker St Improvements 475,000 475,000 - 26 City of Watsonville Subtotal 1,226,000 1,226,000 - 2728 County of Santa Cruz29 San Andreas Road Rehabilitation 278,000 278,000 - 30 Bonny Doon Raod Rehabilitation 600,000 600,000 - 31 Green Valley Road Rehab 810,000 810,000 - 32 State Park Drive Improvement 127,000 127,000 - 33 Calabasas Road Bike/Pedestrian 225,000 225,000 - 34 Graham Hill Road Safety Project 310,000 310,000 - 35 County of Santa Cruz Subtotal 2,350,000 2,350,000 - 3637 SCCRTC38 Highway 1 Soquel-Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes 326,000 326,000 Needed to address delay in release of STIP funds

39 SCCRTC Subtotal - 326,000 326,000 40 Unappropriated Revenues: - 2,174,000 2,174,000 To be budgeted at future RTC meeting.

4142 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 5,200,000 7,700,000 2,500,000

Note: Includes $3.822M in projects carried over from FY 07-08

-13-

AGENDA: April 2, 2009 TO: Regional Transportation Commission FROM: Rachel Moriconi, Transportation Planner RE: Highway 1 Soquel/Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes Project Funding and Amendment to

the RTC Budget RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) approve the attached resolution (Attachment 1) to:

1. Use $326,000 in state Regional Surface Transportation Exchange Program (RSTPX) funds for design of the Highway 1 Soquel/Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes project until the State is able to reimburse the RTC with State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds programmed to the project.

2. Amend the RTC FY08/09 Budget and authorize staff to amend agreements with Caltrans, as may be necessary, to allow the use of RSTPX until STIP funds are available.

BACKGROUND The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is ready to begin work on the design phase of the Highway 1 Soquel/Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes Project. The RTC has programmed $935,000 in federal demonstration (earmark) funds and $326,000 in State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds for this work. DISCUSSION In order to access the federal demonstration funds, non-federal funds must be available to provide the required match. Due to the State’s inability to sell sufficient bonds, there are not enough state funds available for the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to allocate to STIP projects, including the $326,000 designated for the Auxiliary Lanes project. However, Government Code Section 14529.17, as amended by SB184 (2007) permits a regional or local agency to expend its own funds for a STIP project, in advance of the CTC’s approval of a project allocation, and to be reimbursed for the expenditures subsequent to the CTC’s approval of the allocation. In order to prevent delays (and consequential cost increases) to this project, staff recommends that the RTC approve the use of $326,000 in Regional Surface Transportation Exchange Program (RSTPX) until the STIP funds are available for the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes project and authorize staff to amend the RTC FY08/09 Budget and agreements with Caltrans as may be necessary to reflect the RSTPX funding swap. Approximately $2.5 million in state funds are available to exchange for the region’s FY08/09 federal RSTP funds. The RTC typically makes these state exchange funds available only to

projects previously programmed to receive federal RSTP. Approval of this action may temporarily delay availability of $326,000 in RSTPX to other projects. Staff will present recommendations for the remainder of the FY08/09 RSTPX funds later this year. SUMMARY Due to state funding shortfalls, allocation of $326,000 in State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds programmed for the design of the Highway 1 Soquel/Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes Project is delayed. In order to access federal funds programmed to this phase and keep the project on schedule, staff recommends that the RTC use Regional Surface Transportation Exchange Program (RSTPX) funds until the STIP funds are available. Attachment: Resolution

\\10.10.10.11\shared\RTC\TC2009\TC0409\AuxLaneSTPX\STPXbridgeAuxLn09.doc

RESOLUTION NO. Adopted by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission

on the date of April 2, 2009 on the motion of Commissioner duly seconded by Commissioner

A RESOLUTION MAKING RSTP EXCHANGE FUNDS AVAILABLE TO THE HIGHWAY

1 SOQUEL-MORRISSEY AUXILIARY LANES PROJECT UNTIL STIP FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE AND AMENDING THE

FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2008/09 BUDGET TO REFLECT THIS ALLOCATION

WHEREAS, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is responsible for programming and allocating Regional Surface Transportation Program Exchange funds (RSTPX);

WHEREAS, $2.5 million in new RSTP exchange funds are

anticipated for FY08/09; and WHEREAS, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) has

delayed allocation of $326,000 in State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds programmed for design of the Soquel-Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes Projects due to state funding shortfalls;

WHEREAS, Government Code Section 14529.17, as amended by SB184

(2007) permits a regional or local agency to expend its own funds for a State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) project, in advance of the California Transportation Commission’s (CTC) approval of a project allocation, and to be reimbursed for the expenditures subsequent to the CTC’s approval of the allocation; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION:

1. $326,000 Regional Surface Transportation Program Exchange

(RSTPX) funds are hereby designated for the Highway 1 Soquel-Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes project;

2. Upon receipt of State Transportation Improvement Program

(STIP) funds for the project the RSTPX account shall be reimbursed;

3. The FY 08/09 Budget is herby amended, as shown on Exhibit

A, to include the new RSTP Exchange revenues and reflect the use of RSTPX funds; and

4. The balance of RSTPX funds are to be allocated at a

subsequent meeting.

AYES: COMMISSIONERS

NOES: COMMISSIONERS ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS ATTEST:

__________________________________ Randy Johnson, Chair _______________________________ George Dondero, Secretary Exhibit A: Budget amendments Distribution: RTC Fiscal, RTIP \\10.10.10.11\shared\RESOLUTI\2009\RES0409\STPXforAuxLnRes.doc

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONOPERATING BUDGET BY PROGRAM - HIGHWAY 1

FY 2008-2009 BUDGET1 HIGHWAY 1: 7222002 FY08-09 FY08-093 WORK ELEMENT #683 ADOPTED PROPOSED DIFFERENCE NOTE4 2/19/09 4/2/09

5 REVENUES:6 RSTP Exchange Reserves Budgeted - HOV Lanes 1,890,553 1,890,553 07 CMAQ - HOV Lanes 93,370 93,370 08 STIP - HOV Lanes 1,375,000 1,375,000 09 Federal Earmark Aux Lanes 1,720,148 1,720,148 0

10 STIP - Aux Lanes 462,000 146,000 -316,000 Substituted for RSTP Exchange funds below, until STIP available.

RSTP Exchange - Aux Lanes Design 0 326,000 326,000 To be reimbursed by STIP once allocated by CTC.

11 RSTP Exchange Reserves Budgeted - Aux Lanes 52,948 52,948 012 TOTAL REVENUES 5,594,019 5,604,019 10,00013 EXPENDITURES:14 Salaries and Benefits 280,000 280,000 01516 Services and Supplies:17 Hwy 1 HOV Lanes PA/ED: 18 PA/ED Consultant - Nolte Contract 2,012,088 2,012,088 019 PA/ED on Call Consultants 20,000 20,000 020 PA/ED Public Information, materials, postage & meetings 50,000 50,000 021 ROW Consultant 116,835 116,835 022 FHWA Project Value Analysis 35,000 35,000 023 Contingencies 535,000 535,000 024 Hwy 1 Morrisssey-Soquel Aux Lane:25 PA/ED Consultant - Nolte Contract 1,166,000 1,166,000 0 -26 PA/ED on Call Consultants 10,000 10,000 027 PA/ED Public Information, materials, Postage & meeting space 11,385 11,385 0 -28 Final Design and Engineering Consultants 947,525 947,525 0 -29 ROW Consultant 0 0 0 -30 Subtotal Services & Supplies 4,903,833 4,903,833 031 Unappropriated Revenues: 410,186 420,186 10,000 - Expenses anticipated in FY09/10

32 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 5,594,019 5,604,019 10,000

-9-

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONOPERATING BUDGET BY PROGRAM - STP EXCHANGE PROGRAM

FY 2008-2009 BUDGET1 RSTP EXCHANGE PROGRAM: 7220002 FY08-09 FY08-093 WORK ELEMENT #101 ADOPTED PROPOSED DIFFERENCE NOTE4 2/19/09 4/2/09

5 REVENUES:6 State RSTP Exchange Funds - 2,500,000 2,500,000 FY08/09 RSTPX

7 Interest 150,000 150,000 - 8 RSTP Exchange Funds Not Budgeted - Carryover - 9 RSTP Exchange Funds Budgeted - Carryover 5,050,000 5,050,000 -

10 TOTAL REVENUES 5,200,000 7,700,000 2,500,000 1112 EXPENDITURES:13 City of Capitola14 Capitola Road Traffic Calming/Improvement 268,000 268,000 - 15 Bay Avenue Sidewalks and Bike Lanes 140,000 140,000 - 16 City of Scotts Valley Subtotal 408,000 408,000 - 1718 City of Santa Cruz19 San Lorenzo RiverBike/Ped Bridge Near Hwy 1 665,000 665,000 - 20 Ocean Street Rehab 551,000 551,000 - 21 City of Santa Cruz Subtotal 1,216,000 1,216,000 - 2223 City of Watsonville24 Freedom Blvd Rehab (High - Broadis) 751,000 751,000 - 25 Walker St Improvements 475,000 475,000 - 26 City of Watsonville Subtotal 1,226,000 1,226,000 - 2728 County of Santa Cruz29 San Andreas Road Rehabilitation 278,000 278,000 - 30 Bonny Doon Raod Rehabilitation 600,000 600,000 - 31 Green Valley Road Rehab 810,000 810,000 - 32 State Park Drive Improvement 127,000 127,000 - 33 Calabasas Road Bike/Pedestrian 225,000 225,000 - 34 Graham Hill Road Safety Project 310,000 310,000 - 35 County of Santa Cruz Subtotal 2,350,000 2,350,000 - 3637 SCCRTC38 Highway 1 Soquel-Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes 326,000 326,000 Needed to address delay in release of STIP funds

39 SCCRTC Subtotal - 326,000 326,000 40 Unappropriated Revenues: - 2,174,000 2,174,000 To be budgeted at future RTC meeting.

4142 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 5,200,000 7,700,000 2,500,000

Note: Includes $3.822M in projects carried over from FY 07-08

-13-


TO: Regional Transportation Commission FROM: Cory Caletti, Senior Transportation Planner RE: Bicycle Committee Membership Appointments RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the Regional Transportation Commission make the following reappointments to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission’s Bicycle Committee:

1. David Casterson (voting) and Eric Horton (alternate) to represent District 2; 2. William Fieberling (voting) and John Carolos Garza (alternate) to represent the City of

Santa Cruz; 3. Jim Langley (voting) and Leo Jed (alternate) to represent the Community Traffic Safety

Coalition. BACKGROUND Seats on the Regional Transportation Commission’s Bicycle Committee correspond to City and Supervisorial District seats on the Regional Transportation Commission. Commissioners may nominate individuals for Commission consideration. Two additional seats for Bike to Work and the Community Traffic Safety Coalition also exist and appointments are made by the respective agency. Seats for three-year terms on the Bicycle Committee expire on a rotating basis. This March 2009, District 2, District 4, City of Santa Cruz, and Community Traffic Safety Coalition positions expired. The Bicycle Committee’s description, role and membership are shown on the 2004 Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Rules and Regulations (see Attachment 1). A draft roster is also included as Attachment 2. DISCUSSION Seats on the Regional Transportation Commission’s Bicycle Committee for District 2, 4, the City of Santa Cruz and the Community Traffic Safety Coalition expired in March, 2009. Most current members and alternates on the Bicycle Committee indicated interest in reappointment and their letters and applications were forwarded to the respective Commissioners or agency representatives. Staff has been working with the public to recruit new applicants for existing vacancies. Bicycle Committee Appointments for District 2 For District 2, voting member Leo Moll did not seek reappointment. Alternate member David Casterson was first appointed in 2005 and indicated interest in continuing service to the Bicycle

Bicycle Committee Membership Appointments Page 2

Committee as the voting representative. Staff also received an application from Eric Horton for the alternate seat. Letters and applications were forwarded to Commissioner Pirie who nominated David Casterson and Eric Horton for District 2 voting and alternate seats, respectively for three year terms (Attachment 3). Bicycle Committee Appointments for the City of Santa Cruz Both voting and alternate City of Santa Cruz representatives to the Bicycle Committee have requested reappointment. Bill Fieberling has served as a voting member on the Bicycle Committee since 1997 and John Carlos Garza has served in the alternate capacity since 2002. Both requests for reappointment were forwarded to Commissioner Lane who nominated Bill Fieberling and John Carlos Garza for voting and alternate seats, respectively, for three year terms (Attachment 4). Bicycle Committee Appointments for District 4 The District 4 representative on the Bicycle Committee, J. Ben Vernazza, did not seek reappointment. RTC staff has been working with Commissioner Campos’ staff to locate interested applicants who either live or work in District 4 but has not been successful to date. Historically, Bicycle Committee representation from the south county area has been difficult to recruit and/or maintain. In the past, staff has publicized vacancies in English and Spanish through ads in the Santa Cruz Sentinel, Register-Pajaronian and La Ganga publications. This year, RTC and Commissioner Campos’ staff have contacted bicycle organizations, bicycle shops, or community members directly. Staff welcomes any suggestions or referrals to interested parties. Commissioner Campos is not nominating a replacement at this time. Staff will continue active recruitment for District 4. Community Traffic Safety Coalition Representation on the Bicycle Committee for the Community Traffic Safety Coalition also expired in March, 2009. The Health Services Agency, the umbrella organization for the Community Traffic Safety Coalition, is appointing Jim Langley as the voting member and Leo Jed as the alternate member (Attachment 5). Jim Langley has served on the Bicycle Committee since 2002 and Leo Jed has been a frequent attendee over the past year. Staff recommends that the Regional Transportation Commission approve the nominees submitted by Commissioner Pirie, Commissioner Lane and the Community Traffic Safety Coalition. SUMMARY Seats on the Regional Transportation Commission’s Bicycle Committee for District 2, District 4, City of Santa Cruz and the Community Traffic Safety Coalition expired at the end of March, 2009. Staff recommends that the Regional Transportation Commission appoint the individuals nominated to fill those seats. Attachments:

1. SCCRTC Rules and Regulations: Exhibit 4 – Bicycle Committee 2. Draft Bicycle Committee Roster 3. Appointment letter from Commissioners Pirie 4. Appointment letter from Commissioner Lane 5. Appointment letter from the Community Traffic Safety Coalition

\\Rtcserv2\shared\RTC\TC2009\TC0409\BikeComAppointments09.doc

Committee: BICYCLE COMMITTEE Committee Objectives: Serves in an advisory capacity to the Regional Transportation Commission and its member agencies on bicycle-related issues, policies, plans, programs and projects. 1. Reviews claims submitted to the Commission that deal with bicycle facilities; 2. Reviews recommendations for the bicycle section of the Regional Transportation Plan,

including policies, programs and capital improvement projects; 3. Reviews the bicycle sections of other studies, programs and plans prepared by the

Commission; 4. Reviews and advises implementing agencies in a timely manner on transportation capital

improvement projects with bicycle elements for projects which are either funded by the SCCRTC or are otherwise major, regional level transportation projects. Project review by the Bicycle Committee involves review of the proposed concept and proposed design for the bicycle features of the transportation project. Local implementing agencies may seek the advise of the Bicycle Committee for more localized, locally funded bicycle projects at their discretion.

5. Advises the local jurisdictions' Public Works and Planning departments and Santa Cruz

Metro, at their request, in their other functions as they related to bicycling, including bicycle plans, policies and ordinances and bikeway maintenance activities.

6. Advises local agencies and the Commission on the implementation of bicycle promotion

programs funded by Commission funds; 7. Reviews and approves applications for Bikes Secure bike parking grant applications; 8. Assists in the pursuit of local, state and federal funds for bicycle projects and advises the

Commission on project priorities for funding and grant applications for bicycle projects; 9. Serves as advocates on behalf of the bicycling population regarding bicycle related issues

before the Commission. Committee Membership:

One person representing each of the five supervisorial districts 5 One person representing each of the four cities 4 A representative of Bike to Work 1 A representative of the Community Traffic Safety Coalition 1

____ Total 11

Appointments: Members representing agencies specified above are appointed by that agency and accepted by the Commission; all other members are appointed by the Commission based on recommendations of the Bicycle Committee and via open application process. The cities and the County Supervisors may nominate individuals for Commission consideration. Quorum: A quorum is six members, assuming that there are no vacant positions. If there are vacant positions, a quorum will be half of the number of filled positions. Meeting Frequency and Time: Set meeting time as 2nd Monday of the month from 7:00-9:00pm. Meeting Location: At least one meeting annually will be scheduled for an appropriate location outside of the City of Santa Cruz and in proximity to a major transit route. See Bylaws for Commission Committees for further rules and guidance on membership, terms of office, officers, committee staff, meeting procedures and conflict of interest disqualification. S:\committee evaluation\BIKECOMM3.WPD

DRAFT BIKE COMMITTEE ROSTER – April, 2009

Representing Member Name/Contact Info Appointment Dates

District 1 - Voting Soquel, Live Oak, part of Capitola

Kem Akol 247-2944 [email protected]

First Appointed: 1993 Term Expires: 3/10

Alternate Michael Lewis 462-4919 [email protected]


District 2 - Voting Aptos, Corralitos, part of Capitola, Nisene Marks, Freedom, PajDunes

David Casterson [email protected]


Alternate Eric Horton

First Appointed: 3/09 Term Expires: 3/12

District 3 - Voting Big Basin, Davenport, Bonny Doon, City of Santa Cruz

Peter Scott [email protected]


Alternate William Menchine (Will) [email protected]


District 4 - Voting Watsonville, part of Corralitos

Vacant Term Expires: 3/12

Alternate Vacant Term Expires: 3/12

District 5 - Voting SL Valley, Summit, Scotts Valley, part of Santa Cruz

Rick Hyman [email protected]


Alternate Penni Bengtson [email protected] 419-0883


City of Capitola - Voting Daniel Kostelec, Chair 475-7300 [email protected]

First Appointed 4/02 Term Expires: 3/11

Alternate Andy Ward 462-6653 [email protected]


City of Santa Cruz - Voting

Wilson Fieberling [email protected]


Alternate Carlos Garza [email protected]


City of Scotts Valley -Voting

Gary Milburn 427-3839 hm [email protected]/438-2888 ext 210 wk


Alternate Vacant Term Expires: 3/11

City of Watsonville - Voting

Vacant Term Expires: 3/10

Alternate Bob Montague [email protected] 332-8025


Bike To Work -Voting Vacant Term Expires: 3/10

Alternate Saskia Lucas 426-5925 xt129 [email protected]


Community Traffic Safety Coalition - Voting

Jim Langley 423-7248 [email protected]


Alternate Leo Jed 425-2650 [email protected]


All phone numbers have the (831) area code unless otherwise noted. \\Rtcserv2\shared\RTC\TC2009\TC0409\BikeComRoster.doc


TO: Regional Transportation Commission FROM: George Dondero, Executive Director REGARDING: Reappointment of Representatives to the California Association of Councils

of Governments (CalCOG) and the Coast Rail Coordinating Council (CRCC) RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Regional Transportation Commission: 1. Reappoint Commissioner Mark Stone as its delegate to the California Association of

Councils of Governments (CalCOG); and 2. Reappoint Commissioner Tony Campos as its representative to the Coast Rail

Coordinating Council (CRCC) BACKGROUND

The Regional Transportation Commission holds a membership in CalCOG. CalCOG provides public policy advocacy and intergovernmental coordination with the state legislature, state agencies, the League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, California’s Congressional Delegation and federal officials. It also has appointed a representative to the Coast Rail Coordinating Council (CRCC). The CRCC advocates for increased passenger rail between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area and has been successful in securing regular intercity passenger rail service between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo (Attachment 3).

DISCUSSION

California Association of Councils of Governments (CalCOG)

CalCOG delegates are typically appointed annually. CalCOG member agencies elect delegates to serve at CalCOG’s annual Regional Issues Forum and occasional delegates meetings, where CalCOG policies and priorities are discussed and adopted. At these forums, there are presentations and discussions on transportation, legislation, local and regional planning and financing issues. Attachment 1 is the agenda for the April 30 & May 1 2009, Regional Issues Forum.

Commissioner Mark Stone has been serving as the RTC’s delegate to CalCOG since May 2006 and is currently the CalCOG President. Commissioner Stone has attended several

Regional Issues Forums and has provided oral reports to the RTC. Commissioner Stone is interested in continuing to serve as the RTC delegate to CalCog and staff recommends his reappointment.

Coast Rail Coordinating Council (CRCC)

The CRCC only meets every 3 months (Attachment 2). The CRCC is composed of the Caltrans Rail Program, Amtrak and counties along the coast rail corridor between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The CRCC advocates for increased passenger rail service along this route, including the initiation of a new Coast Daylight train which would connect northern and southern California.

The RTC has been a member of the CRCC since it began and Commissioner Tony Campos has served as the RTC representative since June 2007. Commissioner Campos has attended several meetings and has provided oral reports on the meetings to the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC). Commissioner Campos is interested in continuing to serve as the RTC representative to CRCC and staff recommends his reappointment.

SUMMARY

The RTC is a member of the California Association of Councils of Government (CalCOG) and the Coast Rail Coordinating Council. The RTC appointed Commissioner Stone and Commissioner Campos to serve as its representatives to these groups. Commissioner Stone and Commissioner Campos are interested in continuing to serve as representatives and staff recommends that they be reappointed.

Attachment 1: 16th Annual CalCOG Regional Issues Forum Agenda Attachment 2: CRCC 2009 Meeting Schedule Attachment 3: What is CRCC

S:\RTC\TC2009\TC0409\Reappointments\CalcogandCRCC reappointments.doc

S:\RTC\TC2009\TC0409\Reappointments\CalCOG090429RegionalIssuesForum.doc

CALCOG’S 16th ANNUAL REGIONAL ISSUES FORUM

April 30 & May 1, 2009

Special Event for CALCOG Members Only Evening Dinner at Santos & Massaro at the Pier

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

MONTEREY PLAZA HOTEL & SPA 400 CANNERY ROW

MONTEREY, CA 93940 PHONE: 831-646-1700

See you there!

Please contact Zima Graffigna at 916-557-1170 if you have questions about this meeting.

COAST RAIL COORDINATING COUNCIL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE (CRCC)


TO: Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) FROM: Yesenia Parra, Administrative Services Officer RE: Implementation of Voluntary Time Off Without Pay RECOMMENDATIONS The Budget and Administration/Personnel (B&A/P) Committee and staff recommend that the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), in order to avoid layoffs, approve the implementation of Advance Enrollment Voluntary Time Off with Accrual (AVTO). BACKGROUND At the March 5, 2009 RTC meeting, Deputy Director Luis Mendez presented the FY09-10 proposed budget. One of the discussion items was the need to cut staff cost by 5% across the board to address the funding shortfall and avoid layoffs. DISCUSSION The RTC staff has collaboratively discussed the revenue shortfall and the need for the RTC to take immediate cost cutting measures to address the issue. Staff wants to avoid lay-offs and recommended that the “Advance Enrollment Voluntary Time Off with Accrual (AVTO)” (attachment 1) as outlined in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Community of RTC Employees (CORE) be implemented for both FY08-09 and FY09-10. Staff is hoping that the salary savings that may be realized in FY08-09 can offset the funding shortfall for FY09-10. Staff is also in communication with SEIU to keep them apprised on the implementation of AVTO. The Administrative Services Officer will distribute a letter to all RTC staff urging employees to participate in AVTO to assist the RTC in addressing the funding shortfall and prevent layoffs. Staff will be asked to take voluntary time off without pay anytime starting May 1, 2009 and will be in effect until June 30, 2010. If there continues to be a need for more budgetary cuts for FY10-11, staff will be informed by December 2009 to allow for planning.

The RTC needs to consider and take all available cost cutting measures to address the continued decline in TDA revenues. AVTO will help the RTC realize the necessary cost savings through payroll cost reductions. Staff is confident that enough volunteers will come forward and take advantage of AVTO to address the staffing cost. This item was discussed by the B&A/P Committee at its March 12th meeting. The B&A/P Committee and staff recommend that the RTC, in order to avoid layoffs, approve the implementation of Advance Enrollment Voluntary Time Off with Accrual (AVTO). SUMMARY TDA revenues continue to come in lower than projected forcing the RTC to take immediate cost cutting measures. The implementation of AVTO allows staff to contribute to the efforts that the RTC must undertake to address the funding shortfall. The B&A/P Committee and staff recommend the implementation of AVTO to reduce costs and prevent layoffs. Attachment 1: Attachment C of CORE MOU

\\Rtcserv1\internal\B&ACOM\bap2007\b&a0207\AMBAG staff report.doc

ATTACHMENT 1

ATTACHMENT C of SEIU MOU – September 11, 2007 – November 13, 2010

SIDELETTER OF AGREEMENT

BETWEEN THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

AND SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION, LOCAL 521

Advance Enrollment Voluntary Time Off with Accrual (AVTO)

A. Purpose The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (Commission) agrees to establish and administer an Advance Enrollment Voluntary Time Off with Accrual Program (AVTO) for all Commission employees. The purpose of the AVTO is to prevent layoffs within the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission. In the event that the RTC board determines that layoffs are necessary, the Board will authorize the usage of the AVTO Program for the fiscal year.

B. Procedure

1. Employees will have a two (2) week enrollment period, from the date of authorization by the Commission, in which they may voluntarily elect to submit an application to reduce work hours in advance within the twelve (12) month fiscal period. Only employees who have attained permanent status with the Commission Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission may participate in the AVTO program.

2. The application to participate in the AVTO shall be available to employees by request from the ASO. All employees will be notified in writing regarding the AVTO specifics and application location(s) prior to the implementation of the enrollment period.

3. Applications for voluntary leave shall be reviewed in good faith by the Executive Director or director's designee. The Executive Director or their designee shall respond, in writing, to the application for voluntary leave under this program within twenty (20) calendar days.

4. The Executive Director or Executive Director's designee shall approve the application or deny the application. Applications for voluntary leave will not be denied arbitrarily or capriciously. The decision of the Executive Director or designee shall be final.

5. All persons in the AVTO will return to their original work schedule and pay status at the end of the twelve (12) month fiscal year. If an employee promotes, demotes,

ATTACHMENT 1

terminates, or in any other way vacates his or her position, that employee will be removed from the AVTO for the balance of the twelve (12) months. The Union agrees that if the AVTO savings are not realized then mid-fiscal year layoffs may be required.

6. AVTO may be taken in increments of at least one full hour. Employees may choose to request a block of VTO within the fiscal year authorized by the BOS.

Example: An employee may request a block of VTO for any length of time within the twelve- (12) month fiscal period such as, but not limited to, a week, a month, or six (6) month period.

7. The Commission’s contribution for the employer’s contribution of medical, dental, retirement and life insurance for AVTO participants shall remain the same. The employee’s medical, dental, retirement, annual leave accrual and life insurance benefits shall remain the same during the AVTO leave.

8. AVTO shall apply toward time in service for step advancement.

9. AVTO shall not apply toward completion of probation.

10. AVTO shall apply toward seniority for purposes of layoff.

11. AVTO shall be granted without requiring employees to use annual leave.

12. AVTO shall not be considered paid leave for purposes of determining overtime eligibility.

13. Employee must use all accrued comp time prior to use of AVTO.

14. Differentials are not paid on AVTO hours.

15. AVTO may affect PERS service credit. Employees shall be responsible for contacting PERS and confirming the effect of their participation in AVTO.

C. Payment Options

The Commission, Union representatives and the Auditor Controller Representatives will meet to discuss the feasibility and implementation of the flat reduction or prepaid reduction payment options. D. Program Announcement

1. The Commission and the Union representatives shall encourage all employees who are able and willing to participate in AVTO to do so. Employees will not be disciplined, harassed, discriminated against, or otherwise adversely affected by choosing not to participate in AVTO by either the Commission or the Union.

ATTACHMENT 1

1. The Commission and the Union Representatives shall develop and distribute literature regarding AVTO.

2. The Commission and the Union will hold joint brown bag lunch meetings to

promote the AVTO program and answer questions on the AVTO program. E. This side-letter of agreement does not modify, abridge, or otherwise affect the

current Memorandum of Understanding or other agreements between the Commission and the Union currently in effect.

Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission THREE MONTH MEETING SCHEDULE

APRIL 2009 through

JUNE 2009(Revised 3/18/09

Meeting Date

Meeting Day Meeting TypeMeeting

TimeMeeting Place

04/02/09 Thursday Regional Transportation Commission 9:00 amBoard of Supervisors

Chambers

04/06/09 Monday Rail Acquisition Committee 2.00 pm Commission Offices

04/09/09 Thursday Budget and Administration/Personnel Committee 3:30 pm CAO Conference Room

04/13/09 Monday Bicycle Committee 7:00 pm Commission Offices

04/14/09 Tuesday Elderly & Disabled Transportation Advisory Committee 1:30 pm Commission Offices

04/16/09 Thursday Transportation Policy Workshop 9:00 am Commission Offices

04/23/09 ThursdayInteragency Technical Advisory Committee (one week

later than regular schedule) 1:30 pm 250 Main St Watsonville - Conf Rm A & B

05/07/09 Thursday Regional Transportation Commission 9:00 amCapitola City Council

Chambers




05/21/09 Thursday Interagency Technical Advisory Committee 1:30 pm Commission Offices

06/04/09 Thursday Regional Transportation Commission 9:00 amWatsonville City

Council Chambers



06/09/09 Tuesday Elderly & Disabled Transportation Advisory Committee 1:30 pm Commission Offices

06/11/09 Thursday Budget and Administration/Personnel Committee 3:30 pm CAO Conference Room


06/18/09 Thursday Interagency Technical Advisory Committee 1:30 pm Commission Offices

Commission Offices - 1523 Pacific Ave - Santa Cruz CA 95060Board of Supervisors Chambers/CAO Conference Room/RDA Conf Room - 701 Ocean St - Santa Cruz CA 95060Capitola City Council Chambers - 420 Capitola Ave - Capitola CA 95010Watsonville City Council Chambers - 275 Main St - Watsonville CA 95076

S:\RTC\TC2009\TC0409\[3 month meeting schedule.xls]Sheet1

All meetings are subject to cancellation when there are no action items to be considered by the board or committee

Correspondence LogApril 2, 2009

Date Letter Rec'd/Sent

Format Incoming/ Outgoing

Response First Last Organization First Last Organization Subject

09/05/08 Email ICaltrans 3/18/09

SCCRTC Monica Bellizi Safety Concern on Hwy 9

02/04/09 Letter I Santa Cruz County

Board of SupervisorsThomas L Bolich County of Santa Cruz Federal Economic Stimulus Program

02/09/09 Letter I George Dondero SCCRTC Mark R Dettle City of Santa CruzRequest for RTIP/STIP Amendment of the Broadway-Brommer Bike Path, CS07

02/13/09 Email I KP SCCRTC Don Dibble Placing item on agenda

02/18/09 Email I LM SCCRTC ArcadyGoldmints-

OrlovSuggestions for use of Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line

02/25/09 Letter O Leslie R White SCMTD George Dondero SCCRTCSection 5311 Program of Projects and Certifications and Assurances

02/26/09 Memorandum O Steve Hiatt Nolte Associates Kim Shultz SCCRTCThird Amendment to Highway 1 Soquel/Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes Project - PA/ED Phase

02/27/09 Letter O SCMTD George Dondero SCCRTCShort Range Transit Plan - RTC Staff Comments

03/02/09 Email I GP

03/02/09SCCRTC Wallace M Dale Proposed Rail Line Purchase

03/03/09 Letter O Ray Zhang Caltrans George Dondero SCCRTCPPM09-6149(059) Fund Transfer Agreement

TO FROM

1

Correspondence LogApril 2, 2009

Date Letter Rec'd/Sent

Format Incoming/ Outgoing

Response First Last Organization First Last Organization Subject

TO FROM

03/03/09 Letter I Sam Farr US Congress Debra Hale TAMC MBSST

03/03/09 Letter I James Oberstar US Congress Debra Hale TAMC MBSST

03/04/09 Email I GP 3/4/09 SCCRTC Norman Daily Rail Line Purchase

03/11/09 Email I GP SCCRTC David Steinbruner Demonstration Rail

03/17/09 Letter O Douglas BoscoCalifornia Coastal

ConservancySCCRTC Bike Committee

Support for MBSST

03/17/09 Letter O Loni Hancock State Senate George Dondero SCCRTC Support for SB 205

03/17/09 Letter O Jared Huffman State Assembly George Dondero SCCRTC Support for ACA 9

03/18/09 Memorandum O Interested Parties SCCRTCRFP for Construction Management Services

2

March 5, 2009 John Presleigh, Assistant Public Works Director County of Santa Cruz Public Works Department 701 Ocean Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 RE: Support for Bicycle Route Signage Program Dear Mr. Presleigh:

I am writing on behalf of the Bicycle Committee of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to follow-up on a memo provided to you by Commissioner John Leopold in support of a signed bicycle route system throughout the county. The Bicycle Committee agrees with Commissioner John Leopold’s interest in developing and funding a signage system that would direct bicyclists to appropriate routes and major destinations. Bicycle route signs have been found to be effective tools in promoting increased bicycle ridership and assisting visitors in getting around by bicycle. Signed cross-town and cross-county bicycle routes signs would be a significant addition to a safe and friendly bicycle travel environment. The members of the Bicycle Committee thank you for considering this project and for your ongoing efforts to improve bicycle transportation and mobility needs in our county. If you have any questions, please contact staff to the Bicycle Committee, Cory Caletti, at (831) 460-3201. Sincerely,

Daniel Kostelec Chair, SCCRTC Bicycle Committee cc: Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Bicycle Committee Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission People Power

\\Rtcserv2\shared\Bike\Committee\CORR\2009\bikeroutesignage letter.doc

March 16, 2009 Douglas Bosco, Chairman California State Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 13th Floor Oakland, CA 94612 RE: Letter of Support for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network Dear Chairman Bosco: I am writing on behalf of the Bicycle Committee of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to offer our support for the RTC’s request for Coastal Conservancy funding for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail (MBSST) Network Master Plan and Environmental Review.

The Regional Transportation Commission’s Bicycle Committee serves to assist in the development and maintenance of a complete, convenient and safe regional bicycle and pedestrian network. Such a network increases the opportunity and attractiveness of bicycle and pedestrian trips. The MBSST Network promises to complement the Bicycle Committee’s goals by providing a multi-use bicycle and pedestrian pathway network spanning the coast of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and providing vital sustainable solutions to the area’s significant transportation problems. Please feel free to contact the Regional Transportation Commission’s Bicycle Coordinator and staff to the Bicycle Committee, Cory Caletti, at (831) 460-3201 or by email at [email protected], for this and any other Bicycle Committee related matters. Sincerely,

Daniel Kostelec Chair, SCCRTC Bicycle Committee cc: Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission’s Bicycle Committee \\Rtcserv2\shared\Bike\Committee\CORR\2009\MBSST_CoastalConserv_LetterofSupport.doc

ELDERLY AND DISABLED SPECIALIZED TRANSIT PROGRAM FTA SECTION 5310

FFY 2009 APPLICATION WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

RRReeegggiiisssttteeerrr NNNooowww !!!!!!!!!

Application workshops assist agencies to complete the competitive funding application, to understand the scoring worksheet, and to learn about general program requirements. Register for a workshop by visiting http://www.calact.org or call Section 5310 staff at our toll-free number (888) 472-6816 for registration and additional information.

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

ADDRESS

March 25, Wednesday

9 - 3:30

San Diego

SANDAG (in Wells Fargo Bldg) 401 B Street, #800

March 26, Thursday

9 - 3:30

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach Senior Center 1706, Orange Avenue, Room E

April 2, Thursday

9 - 3:30

Redding

Caltrans District Office 1657 Riverside Drive

April 6, Monday

9 - 3:30

San Bernardino

San Bernardino Associated Governments 1170 W. #rd. St 2nd Floor

April 9, Thursday

9 - 3:30

Fresno

Council of Fresno County Gov 2035 Tulare Street, Sequoia Room

April 14, Tuesday

9 - 3:30

Oakland

Caltrans Dist Office 111 Grand Avenue Oakland, CA 94612

April 15, Wednesday

9 - 3:30

Los Angeles

AON Center 707 Wilshire Blvd. Lower Level Auditorium

April 20, Monday

9 - 3:30

Sacramento

Gateway Oaks 2800 Gateway Oaks

April 22, Wednesday

9 - 3:30

San Luis Obispo

Caltrans Dist Office Sycamore Room 50 Higuera Street

April 23, Thursday

9 - 3:30

Monterey

Monterey Salinas Transit One Ryan Ranch Road

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2009 For More Information, Contact: Keith Weissglass (650) 688-6384 Melissa Figueroa (916) 651-4011

SIMITIAN ANNOUNCES “OUGHTA BE A LAW” CONTEST WINNER S

SACRAMENTO – After reviewing 331 proposals from residents around the state, State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced today the three winners of this year’s “There Oughta Be A Law” contest. Simitian’s annual contest invites Californians to submit suggestions for new legislation. “I was gratified by the number of thoughtful, positive ideas that we received,” Simitian said. “Despite all the challenges our state is facing this year, people are still taking the time to get involved. This is proof positive that folks want to make a difference.” Simitian’s “There Oughta Be A Law” contest is now in its eighth year. To date, fourteen entries from previous years have been signed into law. This year’s first winning entry addresses the urgent need to reduce commuter traffic by proposing tax incentives for employers who motivate employees to get out of gridlock. The second bill would create a solution for the estimated one million Californians who need to dispose of medical “sharps” waste such as insulin needles. The third winning entry would establish a collection system for ionizing smoke detectors to keep the small amounts of radioactive material they contain out of landfills. Getting traffic moving: Commuter Trip Reduction – SB 425 – Liz Levy As a long-time resident of Soquel, Liz Levy grew concerned about the long delays and environmental threats posed by California’s ever-increasing commuter traffic. Forty percent of state emissions come from vehicles, making this the biggest contributor to global warming in the state. Levy sought a solution that could reverse this trend without breaking the state’s budget.

California State Senate

SENATOR

S. JOSEPH SIMITIAN ELEVENTH SENATE DISTRICT

DISTRICT OFFICE 160 Town & Country Village

Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 688-6384

Fax (650) 688-6370

SATELLITE OFFICE

701 Ocean Street, Room 318A Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 425-0401 Fax (831) 425-5124

STATE CAPITOL SACRAMENTO, CA 95814

(916) 651-4011 Fax (916) 323-4529

E-MAIL [email protected]

WEBSITE

http://www.senatorsimitian.com

2

Based on a successful Washington state program, she proposed creating tax incentives for employers who succeed in motivating employees to reduce traffic gridlock. “So many of the cars on the road have two to three empty seats during commute times,” said Levy. “This bill would encourage people to ride-share for their own good and the greater good, with their employer’s support.” The Vehicle Trip Reduction bill, SB 425, will create a program that gives businesses an incentive to engage in substantive commute reductions. The bill aims to reduce the number of cars on the road and the amount of time drivers spend on their commute. “Commute delays sap our quality of life,” said Simitian. “They lower our effectiveness at work and cost us all a small fortune.” Typically, “Oughta” bills are passed in a single year, but Simitian has pledged his long term commitment to this ongoing effort throughout his term in office. “Given the state’s budget situation, we may need to start small. But we need to start,” said Simitian. Long term, Simitian said he plans to author legislation that would set specific targets for traffic reduction, identify which strategies work, and create tax incentives for companies that motivate employees to take single-passenger cars off the road. “California often sets the pace for environmental progress, but when it comes to commuting we are quite literally stuck in the slow lane,” said Simitian, who chairs the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. The key to success, Simitian emphasized, is incentives. “Observation tells us that too many of us are still driving solo, even if that means sitting in traffic. We need to figure out what motivates us to get out of our cars, and provide incentives to encourage that effort. That’s what this bill will do.” Creating safe disposal solutions: Medical Sharps Waste – SB 486 – Betty Lipkin Betty Lipkin, a San Carlos resident, suffers from multiple sclerosis. She has two containers of “sharps” (a type of medical waste that includes syringes and lancets) in her home, and decided it was time California gave her a way to safely dispose of them. Lipkin proposed a law to allow patients like her to manage their sharps conveniently and legally. “There has to be a way to get rid of these containers that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg,” said Lipkin. “I’ve never been able to find a way to do it, and I think it’s time we do something about it that’s ecologically sound and safe.” It is estimated that over one million people in California use syringes and other sharps for home health care. SB 486, the Sharps Waste bill, will establish a system for handling this waste that is safe, convenient, and sustainable.

3

“For anyone with a family member who takes insulin or other medical injections, this idea will seem long overdue,” Simitian said. “We tell patients they can’t throw sharps away, but until now there hasn’t been an easy, safe solution. SB 486 will make it possible to do the right thing, and we’ll all be safer as a result.” Preventing radioactive hazards: Smoke Detector Collection Act – SB 317 – Ron Pomerantz San Jose Fire Captain Ron Pomerantz was alarmed to hear that there were no safe management requirements for ionizing smoke detectors. Though vital for home safety, the devices contain Americium, a radioactive by-product of plutonium. Pomerantz proposed a program to collect and safely manage ionizing smoke detectors. “I hope that we end up with a safer product and reduce the consequences of ionized detectors in our environment,” said Pomerantz. The Smoke Detector Collection Act of 2009, SB 317, will provide for safe and efficient end-of-life management for ionizing smoke detectors. “Smoke detectors save lives, so when they break, those devices must be replaced,” said Simitian. “This bill will help ensure that detectors containing radioactive components are disposed of safely.” When asked why he chose the proposal, Simitian replied, “Radioactive materials don’t belong in our landfills. It’s just common sense.” California already has similar laws in place for mercury and other toxins. Simitian also recognized the hundreds of other participants in this year’s contest. “There were countless good ideas this year,” Simitian said. “I’m always gratified that this contest strikes such a chord with residents in my district and around the state.”

Since Simitian created the contest eight years ago, other legislators have launched “There Oughta Be a Law” contests in California and around the country. Simitian said he is delighted the idea has caught on.

In addition to seeing their bill introduced in the state legislature, the winners will have the opportunity to testify for their bill before a Senate committee. They will also join Senator Simitian for lunch in Sacramento and receive a flag that was flown over the Capitol. “But the real prize,” Simitian added, “is having the chance for your idea to improve the lives of 38 million Californians.”

###

Caltrans

Page 1

50 South Higuera San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401

(805) 549-3111 Internet Web Site: www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/

E-Mail: [email protected]

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS REPORT

UPDATED INFORMATION

PRESENTED TO:

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Information submitted on March 17, 2009 For the meeting of April 2, 2009

HWY. 17 – GLENWOOD CURVES SAFETY/DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

NEAR GLENWOOD DRIVE SOUTH OF TRINITY MISSION AREA TO WOODWARDIA (PM 10.1 – 11.3)

Project: Safety/Drainage improvements

Traffic Controls: The fast (#1) lane northbound will be closed from 8 pm to 5 am Mondays through Thursdays and 10 pm to 5 am Sundays. The fast (#1) lane southbound will be closed from 8 pm to 2 pm Mondays through Thursdays and 10 pm to 5 am Sundays.

Resident Engineer: Jennifer Wilson

Contractor: Pavex Construction Division, San Jose

Est. Construction Cost: $11.7 Million

Start Date: April 27, 2008

Estimated Completion: Summer 2009

EA: 0K3204

Caltrans

Page 2

HWY. 129 – CHITTENDEN PASS REALINGMENT PROJECT

NEAR AROMAS EAST OF ROGGE LANE (PM 7.9 – 8.2)

Project: Realign horizontal curve and widen shoulders

Traffic Controls: None

Resident Engineer: Farshad Keshavarzi

Contractor: Proven Management Inc., San Francisco

Est. Construction Cost: $3.4 Million

Start Date: April 21, 2008

Completion Date: March 16, 2009 with one month plant establishment

EA: 496804

UPCOMING PROJECTS

HWY. 1 – VEHICLE DETECTION SYSTEMS

IN AND NEAR SANTA CRUZ AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS (PM 8.0 –17.5)

Project: Install vehicle detection systems

Traffic Controls: Minimal; shoulder and ramp closures only

Resident Engineer: Barry Dunlap

Contractor: Norwood Construction, Byron

Est. Construction Cost: $540,000

Estimated Start Date: Mid-April 2009

Estimated Completion: June 2009

EA: 0C9024

Caltrans

Page 3

HWY. 9 – SAN LORENZO METAL BEAM GUARDRAIL UPGRADE

IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS FROM SOUTH OF SAN LORENZO RIVER BRIDGE TO SOUTH OF ROUTE 9/35 INTERSECTION (PM 23.8 – 24.7, 7.7, 7.8)

Project: Install metal beam guard rail

Resident Engineer: Farshad Keshavarzi

Contractor: John Madonna Construction, San Luis Obispo


Estimated Start Date: Project in suspension due to funding

Estimated Completion: Dependent on start date

EA: 0K2404 HWY. 236 – CULVERT REPLACEMENT IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS FROM SOUTH OF BIG BASIN STATE PARK TO SOUTH

OF CHINA GRADE (PM 9.34, 9.83, 12.02, 12.83) Project: Replace culvert

Traffic Controls: One-way traffic with flagging Mondays through Fridays from 7am to 4pm Resident Engineer: Barry Dunlap

Contractor: Conley General Engineering, Santa Cruz


Estimated Start Date: Mid-April 2009

Estimated Completion: May 2009

EA: 0Q8301

AGENDA: April 2, 2009 TO: Regional Transportation Commission

FROM: Rachel Moriconi, Senior Transportation Planner RE: Programming Additional Economic Stimulus and Regional Surface Transportation

Program (RSTP) Funds

RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC):

1. Approve a process for programming additional funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and FY09/10-10/11 Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) funds; and

2. Issue a call for projects for $5.6 million in ARRA and $5.5 million in RSTP funds. BACKGROUND The RTC is responsible for selecting projects to receive a variety of state and federal transportation funds. This includes funds from the “highway” portion of the federal economic stimulus bill - the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and federal Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) funds, which the RTC is apportioned on a regular basis. At its February 5, 2009 meeting, the SCCRTC selected projects to receive $6.5 million in anticipated funds from the “highway” portion of ARRA. At that meeting the RTC also stated its intent to program any additional funds that are made available to the region as part of a subsequent project selection process. Over 95% of those funds were distributed to local jurisdictions based on their percentage of the county’s population. A summary of the RTC’s actions at the February 5, 2009 meeting is attached (Attachment 1). Through the “transit” portion of the bill, approximately $5.3 million in funds will be distributed to Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (Metro) directly. Metro intends to use those funds on a Smartcard farebox system, paratransit vehicle replacements and upgrades to its dispatch and scheduling system. DISCUSSION Available ARRA Funds The final federal act guarantees 30% of the “highway” funds to regions ($771 million in California, $5.8 million to Santa Cruz County). The federal act allows the remainder of ARRA “highway” funds (70% or $1.9 billion) to be used any where in the state, with 3% of those funds designated for Transportation Enhancement (TE) activities. After months of negotiations, there is agreement that a total of 62.5% of the “highway” funds will be distributed to regions, making a total of approximately $12.1 million in ARRA funds available to the RTC for programming. This is $5.6 million over what the RTC previously programmed. As of the writing of this report, the State Legislature is scheduled to consider a bill (ABx3 20) that would directly distribute funds to regions.

If legislation is not adopted, approximately $6.5 million of ARRA funds (of the $12 million projected for our region) would flow through the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and be subject to approval by the California Transportation Commission (CTC). In either case, staff recommends that the RTC initiate the process (as outlined in Attachment 2) to select projects to receive an additional $5.6 million in ARRA funds and issue a call for projects. FY09/10-10/11 Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) While the focus in recent months has been on the economic stimulus funds, the RTC is also responsible for selecting projects to receive Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) funds. Rather than initiate a separate process for selecting projects to receive non-ARRA RSTP funds, staff recommends that the RTC combine the ARRA and RSTP programming process this cycle. Approximately $5.8 million in FY09/10-10/11 RSTP is available for programming. As noted in a separate staff report, staff recommends using $326,000 in RSTP state exchange funds for the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes project until STIP funds programmed to the project are available. If release of the STIP funds is significantly delayed, this could impact when some of the $5.8 million in RSTP funds will be available for other projects. Summary of Proposed Process Staff proposes the RTC issue a call for projects at this meeting, with applications due May 1, review by RTC Advisory Committees in May, and adoption of the final project list following a public hearing at the RTC’s June 4, 2009 meeting. For the first round, the RTC distributed approximately 95% of the ARRA funds to local jurisdictions based on a population formula. Given that the federal bill and state guidelines require the RTC to prioritize certain types of projects over others, staff recommends a competitive process for selecting the second round of projects. Eligible Projects and Priorities ARRA “highway” funds and RSTP funds can be used on a variety of projects, as outlined in the Surface Transportation Program. These include: highway, local street and road, transit, paratransit, bicycle, pedestrian, carpool, safety, and bridge projects. While most transportation projects are eligible for ARRA funds, the bill, state legislation, and CTC guidelines require regional agencies and states to prioritize the following:

o Projects in economically distressed areas. o Projects that can be completed within three (3) years. o Level of economic benefit and jobs created. o Timing of when projects can obligate funds (those ready for construction sooner, to be

given priority) o All funds must be obligated by 3/2/2010. Any funds not obligated by that date will be

withdrawn and reapportioned to other states that are able to obligate the funds. In addition to the above-stated categories, the RTC, through the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) has also indicated its intent to prioritize projects that address the following: safety (reduce fatalities and injuries), mobility (reduce travel times, reduce congestion), accessibility (increase travel options and opportunities), reliability of the system (ensure on time trips and service), productivity (increase throughput), air quality/environment/global warming (reduce emissions), system preservation(preserve existing infrastructure or service), and deliverability.

Project sponsors may request ARRA or RSTP funds for previously approved projects. In some instances additional funds would allow expansion of the scope or address cost increases on existing projects. Deadlines ARRA funds programmed this cycle must be obligated by the federal deadline of March 2, 2010 or the funds will be lost to other states. In order to meet that deadline, projects selected for this second round of funding must be done with all pre-construction work (ex. environmental, right-of-way, and design) by early February 2010. Deadlines for RSTP funds are less restrictive. Project sponsors and staff may recommend projects with delivery uncertainties (ex. subject to issuance of permits or utility relocation by other entities) be given RSTP instead of ARRA funds. CTC Uncertainties While staff anticipates that the state legislation will pass, if some of the funds flow through the CTC, the CTC has indicated its intent to allocate funds to projects that are ready to start the construction phase by June 2009. While the CTC has established “targets” for each region ($6.5 million for Santa Cruz County), the CTC has indicated that it could decide not to allocate ARRA funds to all projects or regions. The CTC could decide to prioritize projects currently on hold because of the shortage of bond revenues or highway projects in other regions. Other regions would then receive other funds in later years of the STIP. Staff and project sponsors should know prior to the RTC selection of the second round of projects if the CTC has released funds to Santa Cruz County projects identified at the February 5, 2009 RTC meeting. If the CTC has not allocated funds to projects in our region, the projects approved at the February 5 RTC meeting would instead be given priority the balance of ARRA designated for our region. Highway 1/17 Merge Lanes Landscaping As discussed at prior meetings, since the state has been unable to sell sufficient bonds to meet all of its obligations (including Proposition 1B transportation bonds), design of the Highway 1 Soquel-Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes project (see separate staff report), the MetroBase Operations Facility, Highway 1 Traffic Detection and Highway 1/17 Merge Lanes Landscaping projects have all experienced delays. While the RTC does not have sufficient ARRA funds to cover all these projects, the RTC may want to consider designating $1.5 million for the Highway 1/17 landscaping project. The RTC could request the $1.5 million in STIP funds already programmed to that project be redirected to an alternate project in the 2010 STIP. Staff will evaluate this option in combination with the other projects proposed for ARRA funding and present its recommendation at the June 2009 RTC meeting. SUMMARY An additional $5.6 million in funds from the federal economic stimulus bill (ARRA) and $5.8 million in Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) funds are available for programming. Staff recommends that the RTC initiate the process to program those funds. Attachments:

1. Summary of February 5, 2009 Actions 2. Proposed Process for Programming Additional ARRA & RSTP Funds

\\10.10.10.11\shared\RTC\TC2009\TC0409\EconStimRnd2\EconStimulusRSTPCall4Projects.doc

Economic Stimulus – SCCRTC Actions February 5, 2009 At its February 5, 2009 meeting the SCCRTC selected the following projects to receive up to $6.5 million in anticipated funds from the federal economic stimulus package, contingent on provisions of the final bill: Implementing Agency Project

Approved Funds

SCCRTC Freeway Service Patrol - restore prior service $180,000

UCSC Paratransit vehicle replacements $125,000

BALANCE OF AVAILABLE FUNDS – Up to $6.2 M split between cities/county based on population. Capitola, City 41st Ave Rehab: Capitola Road to Clares $230,000

Santa Cruz, City Lump Sum Road Repairs: Morrissey Blvd. (Water to Fairmount), Market Street (Water to Highway 1), and West Cliff Drive (Bay to approximately Almar)

$1,350,000

Scotts Valley, City

Whispering Pines Sidewalk $275,000

Watsonville, City Lump Sum Road Repairs $1,200,000

County of Santa Cruz

County of Santa Cruz Road Repair Projects $3,140,000

TOTAL $6,500,000

o If the final economic stimulus bill makes less than $6.5 million available through to the region through the SCCRTC, that amount minus the funds identified above for SCCRTC and UCSC ($305,000) would be split between local jurisdictions based on a population.

o If more than $6.5 million is available and those funds do not need to be used within 180 days, the RTC will initiate a subsequent process for programming those funds.

o Project sponsors are required to immediately initiate pre-construction work on these projects, if they have not already.

o Project sponsors are required to add bicycle lanes, cross-walk striping, curbcuts, and other accessibility improvements as part of road repair projects, where appropriate and feasible.

o Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) will be approving lump sum categories and placeholder projects for funds we anticipate will come to Santa Cruz County at its February 11th meeting. The list will be modified at its March meeting, based on the final economic stimulus bill and projects identified by project sponsors.

o If projects become at risk of missing “use it or lose it” deadlines, RTC staff will work in consultation with all project sponsors to redirect those funds to other projects that are ready to award a federally-funded contract. Project sponsors are working on “backup” projects.

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Attachment 2 RTC Meeting– April 2, 2009

Proposed Process for Programming

Second Round Economic Stimulus Funds and FY09/10-FY10/11 Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) Funds

1. Issue a call for projects for $5.6 million in second round federal economic stimulus funds and

$5.8 million of Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) funds.

2. Priority for economic stimulus funds will be based on state and federal criteria, including: a. Projects in economically distressed areas (as defined by section 301 of the Public Works

and Economic Development Act of 1965 – ex. unemployment levels). b. Projects that can be completed within three (3) years. c. Level of economic benefit and jobs created (per Section 1602 of the bill). d. Timing of when projects can obligate funds (those ready for construction sooner, to be

given priority). All projects must, however, be able to meet the March 2010 deadline to obligate funds.

3. Based on the RTC’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Regional Transportation

Improvement Program (RTIP), priority for economic stimulus and RSTP funds will be given to projects that:

a. Benefit the region’s transportation system b. Address multiple modes of transportation c. Improve safety (reduce fatalities and injuries) d. Improve mobility (reduce travel times, reduce congestion) e. Increase accessibility (increase travel options and opportunities) f. Improve reliability of the system (ensure on time trips and service) g. Increase productivity of the existing transportation system (increase throughput) h. Improve air quality/environment/global warming (reduce emissions) i. Preserve existing infrastructure or service), and j. Have limited risks to delivery (have sufficient funds, limited potential delays)

4. Applications due May 1, 2009. Agencies requesting funds for more than one project shall

prioritize their proposed projects. Project sponsors may request either, or both, ARRA and RSTP funds for each project.

5. RTC Advisory Committees shall review proposals and make recommendations at May meetings. 6. RTC will hold a public hearing and approve projects at its June 2, 2009 meeting. 7. Project sponsors may request to trade economic stimulus funds for less restrictive funds as may

be appropriate.

8. Following RTC approval, request AMBAG program funds in the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP).

9. In the event that a project sponsor is at risk of missing deadlines for ARRA funds, funds will be redirected by RTC staff, in consultation with all project sponsors, to other projects that can meet the deadline on a first-come-first-serve basis in order to preserve our county’s share of stimulus funds.

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TO: Regional Transportation Commission FROM: Luis Pavel Mendez, Deputy Director RE: Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line Acquisition RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) Accept this status report on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line Acquisition project. BACKGROUND Although the RTC has done much of the due diligence work necessary in connection with the acquisition of the Santa Cruz Branch Line, a number of due diligence investigations still must be completed before the RTC can make a final decision. In addition, negotiations with Union Pacific (UP) concerning a number of the terms and conditions of the acquisition and continuation of freight service are still ongoing. DISCUSSION Due Diligence Work Since the summer of 2008 when the RTC and UP reached a new price agreement for the Branch Line, the RTC and UP have been working to complete the due diligence work and negotiations for the Branch Line. In December 2008, the RTC secured an amendment of the right of entry agreement to extend the term and complete the necessary field work by the end of February. Due to the rain, the field work was not completed in February as expected. UP promptly processed an additional amendment to the right of entry agreement providing one more month to complete the field work. The status of remaining due diligence work is as follows:

Phase II Environmental Site Assessment: AMEC Geomatrix has nearly completed the necessary field work and has obtained some of the laboratory results for the soil samples taken from the Branch Line right-of-way. The field work is expected to be completed in early April and the laboratory work shortly thereafter. AMEC Geomatrix will prepare the draft report, which should be completed in May and will be available for review by the RTC. Track and Roadbed Inspection: HDR, as a subconsultant to the Egan Consulting Group, completed the field work and reviewed all of the information provided by UP for the track inspection. HDR is currently preparing the draft inspection report, which is expected to be available in mid to late April.

Branch Line Acquisition – April 2, 2009 Page 2

Lease Investigation: The RTC’s negotiating consultant and staff received the necessary information from UP to produce the lease investigation. The subconsultant who had been on contract for a few years to prepare the lease investigation has moved on to other endeavors. RTC staff and negotiations consultant are in the process of obtaining another subconsultant to prepare the lease investigation work. A new subconsultant is expected to be secured in April and the lease investigation should be completed in May. Business and Management Plan: In September 2008, the RTC hired the Renaissance Consulting Group and the Egan Consulting Group to produce a business and management plan and assist with negotiations. The consultants produced a preliminary draft Business and Management Plan after meeting with shippers, planning departments and redevelopment agencies. In December 2008 the RTC received the preliminary draft Business and Management Plan in closed session. Additional information from UP and the completed lease investigation are needed before the Business and Management Plan can be completed. The Business and Management Plan is expected to be completed in June. Appraisals: As communicated in the past, Caltrans requires four appraisals (going concern valuation; net liquidation valuation of track, equipment and improvements; real estate appraisal and review appraisal) for the purchase of railroad rights-of-way. Most of the appraisal work has been completed; however, consultants must still finalize the real estate appraisal and produce the review appraisal. The real estate appraisal is expected to be completed in May and the review appraisal should be completed in June. All of the appraisals will be provided to Caltrans for review. Title Report: In 2005, the RTC completed a title review of all of the parcels composing the Branch Line and the title report was presented to the RTC. While we do not expect any substantive changes to the state of title, an updated title review and report must be completed prior to closing for title insurance purposes. The title report is expected to be completed in June.

Once all of the due diligence work and negotiations are completed, the RTC will have all of the information that it needs to decide whether to purchase the Branch Line. The RTC’s stated policy is to make this information available to the public at least 30 days before a final purchase decision is made by the RTC. However, as some of the information is considered confidential by UP and/or its customers, the RTC’s public release of that information may be subject to certain restrictions. For example, the RTC is contractually prohibited from disclosing information related to hazardous materials on the property until the Executive Director makes a recommendation to purchase the Branch Line; therefore, it is possible that the RTC will not be successful in ensuring that all information is released 30 days prior to a final decision on the project. Timeline Attachment 1 is a revised timeline for the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line Acquisition project. The timeline includes all of the work completed prior to the agreement on price reached last summer. The second part of the timeline lists all of the work completed and yet to be completed since that price agreement. Considering the due diligence work to be completed, the approvals necessary and recent negotiations with Union Pacific it is anticipated that the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line acquisition should be completed by November 2009.

Branch Line Acquisition – April 2, 2009 Page 3

SUMMARY The RTC has been working to acquire the Santa Cruz Branch Rail (Branch Line) since 2001. In the summer of 2008, the RTC reached a new price of agreement of $14.2 million with UP. The RTC must still complete some due diligence work and negotiations with UP to make a final decision on acquisition of the Branch Line. Attachment 1 is a timeline for the project. Attachments:

1. Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line Acquisition Timeline

S:\RTC\TC2009\TC0209\RailAcq\RailAcq0209b.doc

1

Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line (Branch Line) Acquisition Timeline Jun 90 Voters approve Proposition 116 which includes $11 million for rail projects in

Santa Cruz County (53% approval statewide; 60% approval Santa Cruz County)Aug 99 RTC decides to purchase Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line (Branch Line) after

completion of transportation study on Watsonville to Santa Cruz corridor Sep 00 RTC programs $10 million in State Transportation Improvement Program

(STIP) funds for Branch Line purchase Mar 01 RTC hires negotiating consultant and begins negotiating with Union Pacific

(UP) Sep 01 UP grants RTC right of entry agreement for Branch Line acquisition

environmental review Apr 02 Environmental review for acquisition of Branch Line is completed with

Negative Declaration and Categorical Exclusion Nov 02 Draft economic analysis of Branch Line completed Aug 03 Proposition 116 application for some due diligence work is approved by

California Transportation Commission (CTC) Oct 03 Congressman Farr secures $1.5 million federal earmark for Branch Line

acquisition Nov 03 RTC approves entering into contracts for Branch Line appraisals Feb 04 Appraisal consultants and staff go on UP hyrail tour of Branch Line Sep 04 Draft Business Plan for Branch Line operation completed Dec 04 RTC/UP sign a letter of Intent to purchase Branch Line for $19 million,

pending results of due diligence work Mar 05 UP grants RTC right of entry agreement for due diligence work May 05 Preliminary title report completed Jun 05 RTC approves Proposition 116 application for Branch Line acquisition for

corridor preservation (developed in consultation with CTC staff) Jun 05 Draft Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) completed and reviewed

by RTC in closed session Jun 05 RTC approves draft freight short line operator RFP Jul 05 General structures assessment completed based on observations of all structures Nov 05 Informational right of way maps completed Feb 06 UP grants RTC right of entry agreement amendment for detailed structures

assessment Jun 06 Detailed structures assessment completed based on recommendations of the

general structures assessment Jun 06 RTC approves reimbursable grant agreement with Coastal Conservancy Apr 08 RTC approves contract amendments for completion of hazardous materials

assessment, appraisal work update and other due diligence Jun 08 Proposition 116 application for completion of due diligence work approved by

CTC

2

Since New Price Agreement Reached with UP – Summer 2008

Aug 7, 2008 RTC reaches agreement, in principle, with UP to new purchase price of $14.2 M Sep 2008 RTC approves hiring freight rail service consultants Oct 2, 2008 RTC Meets Oct 2009 Freight service consultants gather freight information Nov 6, 2008 RTC Meets Nov/Dec 2008 Produce preliminary draft business and management plan Dec 4, 2008 RTC Meets Dec 2008 RTC receives preliminary draft business and management plan in closed session Dec 2008 UP grants RTC right of entry agreement amendment Jan 8, 2009 RTC Meets Jan 2009 Secure track inspection subconsultant Jan 2009 Initiate field work for Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Feb 5, 2009 RTC meets Feb 2009 UP provides necessary information to complete due diligence work Feb 2009 Term of right of entry agreement extended one month due to rains Mar 5 , 2009 RTC meets Mar 2009 Complete field work and review of information for track inspection Mar 2009 Term of right of entry agreement extended to complete Phase II ESA field work Apr 2, 2009 RTC Meets Apr 2009 Draft track inspection report completed Apr 2009 Field and lab work for Phase II ESA completed May 7, 2009 RTC meets May 2009 RTC to consider draft shortline operator RFP for release, complete appraisal reports,

and complete lease investigation May 2009 Complete appraisal reports and lease investigation May 2009 Draft Phase II ESA completed May 2009 Complete final title report May 2009 Complete comprehensive business and management plan Jun 4, 2009 RTC Meets Jun 2009 Complete business and management plan, title report and review appraisal Jun/Jul 2009 Shortline proposals due Aug 6, 2009 RTC Meets Aug 2009 Submit application to Surface Transportation Board (STB) for purchase Sep 3, 2009 RTC Meets Sep 2009 RTC considers shortline operators Sep 24, 2009 Subject to approval of due diligence investigations, Executive Director to submit

recommendation regarding purchase of Branch Line; all remaining information informing decision to be made public, if practicable

Oct 1, 2009 RTC to meet and consider Executive Director’s recommendation Oct 2009 Secure liability and hazardous materials insurance Oct 2009 STB action on RTC application for Branch Line purchase Nov 5, 2009 RTC to consider rail line purchase agreement and make final decision on purchase of

Branch Line and contract with shortline operator Nov 12, 2009 CTC action on purchase and funding allocations Nov 2009 If approved, purchase agreement and agreement with shortline operator executed Nov 19, 2009 RTC TPW Meeting Bold = RTC and CTC meeting dates C:\Documents and Settings\lmendez\Desktop\AcqTmln032409.doc

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