May
13, 2004
(For Board: May 28, 2004)
REPORT OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE/
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Honorable Board of Directors
Golden Gate Bridge, Highway
and Transportation District
Honorable Members:
A meeting of the Transportation Committee/Committee of the Whole was held
in the Board Room, Administration Building, Toll Plaza, San Francisco,
California, on Thursday, May 13, 2004, at 10:00 a.m., Chair Brown presiding.
Committee Members Present (8): Chair Brown; Vice Chair Shahum; Directors
Cochran, Harrison, Kerns, Martini and Middlebrook; President Smith (Ex
Officio).
Committee Members Absent (1): Director Pahre
Other Directors Present (5): Directors Boro, Eddie, Murray, Reilly and
Stroeh
Committee of the Whole Members Present (13): Directors Boro, Brown, Cochran,
Eddie, Kerns, Martini, Murray, Reilly, Shahum and Stroeh; Second Vice
President Harrison; First Vice President Middlebrook; President Smith
Committee of the Whole Members Absent (6): Directors Alioto-Pier, Ammiano,
Hall, Hernández, McGoldrick and Pahre
Staff Present: General Manager Celia G. Kupersmith; District Engineer
Denis J. Mulligan; Auditor-Controller Joseph M. Wire; Secretary of the
District Janet S. Tarantino; Attorney Madeline Chun; Deputy General Manager/Bus
Division Susan C. Chiaroni; Deputy General Manager/Ferry Division James
P. Swindler; Deputy General Manager/Administration and Development Teri
W. Mantony; Planning Director Alan Zahradnik; Public Affairs Director
Mary C. Currie; Maintenance Manager Gene Walker; Executive Assistant to
the General Manager Amorette Ko; Assistant Clerk of the Board Karen B.
Engbretson
Visitors Present: Anthony R. Withington, President, Amalgamated Transit
Union Local No. 1575; Jeffrey Slusarz, Governors Office of Emergency
Services
1. Report of the District Advisory Committees
a. Advisory Committee on Accessibility (ACA)
The agendas for the March 18, 2004, and the April 15, 2004, meetings and
the minutes of the December 18, 2003, and the January 15, 2004, meetings
of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility were furnished to the Transportation
Committee. Copies are available in the Office of the District Secretary.
b. Bus Passengers Advisory Committee
The agenda for the March 17, 2004, and the April 21, 2004, meetings and
the minutes of the February 18, 2004, and the March 17, 2004, meetings
of the Bus Passengers Advisory Committee were furnished to the Transportation
Committee. Copies are available in the Office of the District Secretary.
c. Ferry Passengers Advisory Committee
The agenda for the April 14, 2004, and the May 5, 2004, meetings and the
minutes of the March 3, 2004, and the April 14, 2004, meetings of the
Ferry Passengers Advisory Committee were furnished to the Transportation
Committee. Copies are available in the Office of the District Secretary.
Action
by the Board - None Required
2. Approve Actions Relative to Service Changes and Expense Reduction
Measures in the Ferry Division
In a memorandum to Committee, Deputy General Manager/Ferry Division James
Swindler, Planning Director Alan Zahradnik, Deputy General Manager/ Administration
and Development Teri Mantony and General Manager Celia Kupersmith provided
staffs recommendation regarding the proposed service changes and
associated expense reductions in the Ferry Division. The report stated
that staff proposes a new ferry service schedule be implemented July 1,
2004, which would use three vessels for weekday Larkspur and Sausalito
service with one supplemental trip operated by a fourth vessel during
the afternoon peak period, and two vessels to provide weekend and holiday
Larkspur and Sausalito service. The Larkspur weekday service would be
provided using two high-speed vessels providing 40 crossings, and one
Spaulding vessel providing 1 crossing. This configuration provides only
one less crossing than is currently provided. Sausalito weekday service
would be provided using one Spaulding class vessel, and with the exception
of minor schedule adjustments, Sausalito weekday service would be similar
to the 18 crossings currently operated. Larkspur and Sausalito weekend
service would be provided using one Spaulding class vessel on each route
with modest schedule adjustments. One less trip would be operated on the
Larkspur route while one additional trip would be operated on the Sausalito
route. The report stated that as a result of these vessel reductions,
associated crewing will be reduced by 1 Vessel Master and 10 Deckhands.
The report noted that achieving this level of savings and maintaining
service would not have been possible without the cooperation of both maritime
unions impacted, and their cooperation is appreciated.
The report also stated that with the use of high-speed ferry vessels for
Larkspur weekday service would save the District approximately $750,000
annually. In addition, using a Spaulding class vessel for Sausalito service
would save the District approximately $125,000 annually. The savings realized
as a result of this schedule change, along with other proposed cost reduction
strategies within the Ferry Division, will result in an annual savings
of approximately $1.5 million.
The report further stated that given the relatively small changes to ferry
service levels, formal public hearings on the service changes were not
required. However, staff conducted information workshops and surveyed
both Larkspur and Sausalito ferry passengers and reviewed changes with
the Ferry Passengers Advisory Committee and the Sausalito business community,
in order to gauge the publics response to the proposed service
changes. Staff recommends approval of the proposal to change ferry schedules
and associated staff levels, effective July 1, 2004.
Attached to the staff report were the following:
Attachment 1: Comparison of Proposed New Ferry Service Schedules with
Current Schedules; and,
Attachment 2: Detailed Description of Passenger Survey Results and Recommended
Ferry Schedule Changes.
A copy of the report, with attachments, is available in the Office of
the District Secretary.
At the meeting, Ms. Kupersmith noted that staffs proposal changed
only slightly from that presented to the Committee at its March 11, 2004
meeting. Alan Zahradnik provided a summary of the proposed changes and
reported on the results of the ferry passenger survey. He noted that staff
received constructive feedback from passengers, and made modifications
to the proposed ferry schedules accordingly. He further noted that these
minor modifications would have no impact on the estimated amount of savings
to be achieved. In addition to comments provided through the survey, 24
comments expressing concerns were sent to the District by e-mail just
prior to this meeting of the Committee, from individuals who were not
able to attend the meeting.
Discussion ensued, including the following:
Director Middlebrook commended staff on developing creative solutions
for Ferry Division service changes and expense reductions. She noted that
it was significant that staff was able to successfully negotiate changes
in ferry personnel work rules with the applicable represented work groups.
Director Shahum inquired as to whether overcrowding would be a
potential problem with certain ferry trips that will now be served by
the smaller-capacity high-speed ferries. In response, Ms. Kupersmith stated
that there might be some overcrowding on peak afternoon ferry trips, and
that staff would monitor passenger levels to ameliorate any overcrowding
if it occurs. Ms. Kupersmith also stated that staff anticipates a relatively
small ridership loss of approximately 2% following the service changes,
which was lower than staff had originally projected. Director Shahum noted
that the District should promote the fact that these ferry service changes
will effectively speed up the commute crossing time from Larkspur to San
Francisco.
Director Kerns noted that he is hopeful that ferry passengers
would be adaptive to the changes and that ridership levels would not drop
significantly.
In response to an inquiry by President Smith, Mr. Wire clarified
that the current ferry farebox recovery rate is between 38-39%, and that
a rate of 37% has been projected for Fiscal Year 2005. In response to
President Smiths inquiry regarding the possibility of receiving
state or federal grants for ferry service, Ms. Kupersmith stated that
such grants are not available to fund ferry operations.
Director Murray noted that by offering a ferry schedule using
the high-speed ferries, the District is improving ferry service, which
may result in an increase in ridership.
Staff recommended and the Committee concurred by motion made and seconded
by Directors MIDDLEBROOK/HARRISON to forward the following recommendation
to the Board of Directors for its consideration:
RECOMMENDATION
The Transportation Committee recommends that the Board of Directors approve
changes to the ferry schedules resulting primarily from implementation
of a two, high-speed Larkspur ferry weekday service schedule, as well
as changes to staffing levels associated with these changes by eliminating
one Vessel Master position and ten Deckhand positions, effective July
1, 2004; with the understanding that the savings realized from this expense
reduction measure in the Ferry Division amounts to approximately $875,000
and that this measure is part of the Strategic Plan for Achieving Long-Term
Financial Stability.
Action by the Board Resolution
NON-CONSENT CALENDAR
AYES
(13): Directors Boro, Brown, Cochran, Eddie, Kerns, Martini, Murray, Reilly,
Shahum and Stroeh; Second Vice President Harrison; First Vice President
Middlebrook; President Smith
NOES (0): None
3. Authorize Award of Contract No. 2004-FT-8, Dry-docking for
Routine U.S. Coast Guard Inspection, Hull Maintenance and Repairs, M.S.
Marin, to Bay Ship & Yacht Co.
In a memorandum to Committee, Deputy General Manager/Ferry Division James
Swindler and General Manager Celia Kupersmith reported on staffs
recommendation for award of Contract No. 2004-FT-8, Dry-Docking for Routine
U.S. Coast Guard Inspection, Hull Maintenance and Repairs, M.S. Marin.
The specifications for Contract No. 2004-FT-8 divided the various dry-docking
work tasks into two categories, Category A and Category
B. The specifications required that all Category A
work be completed, and that the District has the discretion to award all,
some or none of the Category B items. The report stated
that on May 4, 2004, one bid was received, opened and publicly read for
Contract No. 2004-FT-8 from one of the two primary providers of ship maintenance
and repair services for vessels such as those operated by the District.
The report also stated that Bay Ship & Yacht Co. is the only and,
therefore, lowest monetary bidder with a total bid price of $102,458 for
all Category A and two of the Category B items.
Staff and the Attorney for the District have reviewed the bids and determined
that the low bidder has satisfied the bid requirements in all material
respects. The DBE Program Administrator has determined that Bay Ship &
Yacht Co. has complied with the DBE requirements applicable to the contract.
Staff recommends that all of the Category A items, in the
amount of $40,555, and Category B Item Nos. 202 and 213,
in the amount of $61,903, be awarded to Bay Ship & Yacht Co., for
a total bid amount of $102,458, and that a 10% contingency fund in the
amount of $10,246 be established for this contract. A copy of the report
is available from the Office of the District Secretary.
Staff recommended and the Committee concurred by motion made and seconded
by Directors EDDIE/SMITH to forward the following recommendation to the
Board of Directors for its consideration:
RECOMMENDATION
The Building and Operating Committee recommends that the Board of Directors
authorize award of Contract No. 2004-FT-8, Dry-Docking for Routine U.S.
Coast Guard Inspection, Hull Maintenance and Repairs, M.S. Marin, to Bay
Ship & Yacht Co., in the total amount of $102,458, which includes
all items listed in Category A totaling $74,353 and all
items listed in Category B totaling $370,982, and authorize
a contingency fund in the amount of $10,246, equal; to $10% of the contract
award; with the understanding that requisite funds are included in the
Fiscal Year 2004 Ferry Division Operating Budget.
Action
by the Board Resolution
NON-CONSENT CALENDAR
AYES
(13): Directors Boro, Brown, Cochran, Eddie, Kerns, Martini, Murray, Reilly,
Shahum and Stroeh; Second Vice President Harrison; First Vice President
Middlebrook; President Smith
NOES (0): None
4. Approve Actions Relative to Award of Contract No. 2004-BT-2, Particulate
Matter and Oxides of Nitrogen Reduction System, to Cummins West, Inc.
In a memorandum to Committee, Deputy General Manager/Bus Division Susan
Chiaroni and General Manager Celia Kupersmith provided a report regarding
staffs recommendation for award of Contract No. 2004-BT-2, Particulate
Matter and Oxides of Nitrogen Reduction System. The report stated that
the Board of Directors, by Resolution No. 2000-203 at its November 9,
2000 meeting, adopted clean diesel fuel path in compliance with California
Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations regarding the Golden Gate Transit
bus fleet. In February 2002, CARB approved the Public Transit Bus Fleet
Rule and Emission Standards for new urban buses, which set fleet requirements
applicable to transit agencies diesel bus emissions. Transit agencies
were required to achieve a 4.8-gram oxides of nitrogen (NOx) fleet average
by October 1, 2002, and convert to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel by July
1, 2003. The particulate matter (PM) standard requires that the District
progressively reduce its PM emissions by retrofitting buses with advanced
PM after-treatment devices. In addition, transit agencies were required
to meet a total diesel PM emissions reduction of 40% by January 1, 2004,
which the District has met. Future compliance deadlines for reduction
of diesel PM emissions are 60% by January 1, 2005, and 85% by January
1, 2007, respectively.
The report also stated that the District, as a member of the Regional
Transit Coordinating Council (RTCC), actively participates in the shared
procurement of various products commonly used by its member agencies.
Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (CCCTA), acting as the lead agency
for a consortium of Bay Area transit agencies, issued an Invitation for
Bids for the procurement of PM and NOx Reduction Systems. In accordance
with Federal Transit Administration guidelines, grantees may enter into
intergovernmental purchase agreements, whereby the procuring agency assigns
to other agencies the right to buy the commodities upon the same terms
and conditions directly from the vendor. CCCTA is willing to assign those
rights to the District for the quantities the District needs in order
to comply with the CARB timetable.
The report further stated that on October 23, 2003, bids were received
and publicly opened by CCCTA for the procurement of a Particulate Matter
and Oxides of Nitrogen Reduction System. The Unit Prices quoted by the
lowest responsive bidder, Cummins West, Inc., to provide and install its
Cleaire Longview Emission Reduction Systems were: $23,018.25 for suburban
(45-foot) buses, $19,207.75 for transit (30- and 40-foot) buses, and $500
for on-site training of five employees. The maximum cost of the devices
and training is $1,766,215.75: $1,035,821.25 for 45 suburban buses, $729,894.50
for 38 transit buses, and $500 for training. In order to comply with CARB
regulations, the District is required to install devices in 45 MCI, 45-foot
buses by January 1, 2005, and up to 38 additional buses by January 1,
2007.
The report further stated that staff recommends that Contract No. 2004-BT-2,
Particulate Matter and Oxides of Nitrogen Reduction System, be awarded
to Cummins West, Inc., of San Leandro, CA. This project will be 80% grant
funded, with District funds allocated in the Fiscal Year 2005 Budget for
installation of the devices in 45 buses. Grant funds have already been
secured for the remaining 38 buses, and the District funds for the remaining
installation of the devices will be budgeted in Fiscal Year 2006. A copy
of the report is available from the Office of the District Secretary.
Staff recommended and the Committee concurred by motion made and seconded
by Directors MIDDLEBROOK/KERNS to forward the following recommendation
to the Board of Directors for its consideration:
RECOMMENDATION
The Transportation Committee recommends that the Board of Directors approve
the following actions relative to Contract No. 2004-BT-2, Particulate
Matter and Oxides of Nitrogen Reduction System:
a. Authorize entering into an Intergovernmental Purchase Agreement with
the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (CCCTA) for the procurement
of Particulate Matter and Oxides of Nitrogen Reduction Systems as formally
bid and administered by CCCTA; and,
b. Authorize award of Contract No. 2005-BT-2, Particulate Matter and Oxides
of Nitrogen Reduction System, to Cummins West, Inc., San Leandro, CA,
in an amount not to exceed $1,766,215.75 over a two-year period, for up
to 83 systems, including installation, manuals, and on-site training,
subject to the number of devices required to reduce Golden Gate Transits
PM fleet average to meet CARB regulations;
with the understanding that requisite funds are available in the Fiscal
Year 2005 Bus Division Budget for the first 45 buses and funds will be
included in the Fiscal Year 2006 Bus Division Budget for the remaining
38 buses, and with the further understanding that this project is funded
by 80% Federal funds and 20% District funds and that staff is seeking
100% grant funding for the procurement and installation of these systems
on the remaining 38 buses.
Action
by the Board Resolution
NON-CONSENT CALENDAR
AYES
(13): Directors Boro, Brown, Cochran, Eddie, Kerns, Martini, Murray, Reilly,
Shahum and Stroeh; Second Vice President Harrison; First Vice President
Middlebrook; President Smith
NOES (0): None
5. Status Report from Board Appointees on SMART
The agendas for the March 24, 2004, and the April 21, 2004, meetings and
the minutes of the February 18, 2004, and the March 24, 2004, meetings
of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART), were furnished
to the Transportation Committee. Copies are available in the Office of
the District Secretary.
Due to the unavailability of the Districts representatives to SMART,
Director Kerns reported on the proceedings of the April 21, 2004, meeting
of SMART, at which the members of the SMART Board of Directors discussed
the results of a recent poll regarding SMARTs proposed quarter-cent
sales tax. Director Kerns stated that the results of the poll, commissioned
by SMART, showed a 71-77% favorable rating for SMARTs sales tax
measure, even if it appeared on the ballot at the same time as the half-cent
transportation sales tax measure proposed by the County of Marin. He reasoned
that the majority of residents of Marin and Sonoma understand that traffic
congestion is a serious problem, that no single solution will solve it,
and that rail service coupled with other transportation options would
be the most prudent option. He further stated that it is anticipated that
SMART would make a final decision on its proposed quarter-cent sales tax
measure at its meeting of May 19, 2004.
A brief discussion ensued among the Committee members present regarding
several issues related to SMARTs quarter-cent sales tax measure,
including whether or not the District would take a position on the matter.
Directors Brown, Murray and Stroeh expressed concerns that SMARTs
sales tax measure would be placed on the ballot at the same time as the
County of Marins proposed half-cent transportation sales tax measure.
Action
by the Board None Required
6.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
7. Adjournment
All business having been concluded, the meeting was adjourned at 10:55
a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Harold C. Brown, Jr., Chair
Transportation Committee
HCB:JST:KBE:kbe
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