Notes of the Communications Committee Meeting Held

April 11 , 2006 at
NCTD, 810 Mission Avenue, Oceanside CA 92054

Those present: Phyllis Hall (NCTD); Joe Charest (Katz & Associates); Frankie Laney (Carlsbad Community Visitors Bureau); Pete Aadland (NCTD).

Phyllis announced that Annie Cochrane the Chairwoman, may not be here today due to another meeting conflict. She also has requested that these committee meetings be changed to the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. This was agreed by those present.

Phyllis Hall called the meeting to order at 10: 05 a.m. 

A motion was made by Frankie Laney to approve the minutes of January 10, 2006 and seconded by Joe Charest. Motion carried.

Discussion

Phyllis stated that Ted Owen had the interview on KUSI and they have a copy of it on a CD. She also suggested that it be put onto the website. 

She passed out copies of the Newsletter that is on the website and stated that all of the editions of these would be kept on the website for future reference. She stated that the TABNC meeting dates and events would be added to the Newsletter, as well, and asked other members to let her know if they have any other suggestions for the Newsletter. 

Pete suggested putting "tentative meeting dates" as they are pretty flexible.

Phyllis stated that she would add "tentative meeting dates – check the site and mark it on your calendar".  

Pete commented on how they are still trying to work their way through on how best to capture the relative legislation and making sure that it is timely and easily accessible.  

Discussion followed regarding how they get information from local, State and Federal advocates.

Joe suggested sending another Alert to TABNC members about  the Smart Growth workshops are going on.  

Phyllis stated that there is a Smart Growth meeting (Regional Transportation Planning workshop) on April 20th at SANDAG that Transit Alliance members should attend because SANDAG wants to hear what the community has to say.  She stated that they need to make sure that North County is covered in the dialogue and that this is a perfect opportunity to talk about the SPRINTER and what it can do for the economy.

Joe agreed and added that they need to stress the fact that they can't have

provincial thinking guide what the region is going to do. He and Phyllis stated that they would attend the meeting on April 20th. She stated that she would send out a reminder and alert all of the members.

Pete stated that, along with the Alert, they need to have a paragraph with some talking points (a message primer) on Smart Growth. Phyllis stated that she would talk to Ann Steinberger at SANDAG about this.

Phyllis asked Joe to call Mike McLaughlin to see if he can attend this workshop, as well. Phyllis stated that she would send Mike's phone number to Joe.

Phyllis passed out copies of the article done by Annie Cochran that was in the San Diego Home & Garden magazine. She complimented Annie by stating that TABNC owes her a lot of appreciation for all she has done for the Transit Alliance.  

Frankie commented on the possibility of placing an ad with the Carlsbad magazine and stated that she would let them know if she can arrange for some editorial.  

Phyllis commented on how Annie suggested that they obtain a picture of a frustrated person in traffic jam in order to get the message across. 

Discussion followed on where these kinds of pictures might be found, and Pete suggested that SANDAG might have some.  

Phyllis confirmed that they would try and find a picture of a person in a traffic jam and see what kind of an ad could be developed to prepare for the next advertising opportunity.  

Phyllis passed around two Transit Alliance articles that were in the North County Times and Today's Local News and stated that these would be posted on the website in less than two weeks.  

She added that, as a follow-up, they are going to send a thank you letter to Mark McKinnon, the Vice President of San Diego Home & Garden Magazine, to let him know how much they appreciate the article and hope that they can keep it ongoing. 

Phyllis suggested that the Carlsbad Magazine could do an interview with Ted Owen about TABNC's work in the community. 

Frankie suggested an editorial, which is better than just an ad.  

Pete announced that they would be conducting three land use studies around Oceanside Transit Center, Carlsbad Village and Escondido, which will be a huge public process. 

Frankie commented on the "Roses and Raspberries" articles, and Phyllis asked her to send these to her in the future.  

Frankie stated that with regard to Improvements on the web, it looks good and she does not see any major changes. 

The Transit Alliance brochures were reviewed and Phyllis stated that Gerry Seelman asked that it be less wordy with more pictures. Phyllis stressed the importance of getting this completed by mid summer, as they are running low on their supply.  She pointed out that DMJM has donated the cost of the printing for these for the last two printings, but she would have to talk to him on whether they can do this again or not. If not, they do have a little money in the budget.  Copies of the brochure were given to Joe and Frankie for them to review and get back with Phyllis within two weeks with suggested changes as to what does not need to be there. Phyllis also pointed out that the values of being a member probably ought to be put in the brochure, as well, in order to attract people and make them want to join. 

Further discussion followed regarding the kind of pictures they should have in the brochure as well.  

Phyllis updated the committee on the City Council presentations they have been making.

She asked Frankie if she would be willing to go and help Joe give a presentation to the Solana Beach City Council presentation on April 26th at 6:00 p.m. Frankie agreed, but stated that she would have to let Phyllis know for sure later in the day if she can.  

Joe asked if they have been using the slide presentation. Phyllis replied, no, and explained why it really is not ready yet. Joe asked Phyllis to send him her critique so he can take another look at it.  

Phyllis then asked if TABNC wants to make a presentation to the San Marcos and Vista City Councils yet. It was agreed not to do so at this time.

Phyllis asked committee members how much time they have spent working on the Transit Alliance. It was determined that Frankie had three and Joe had ten hours

Discussion followed regarding the new DMU SPRINTER units. Phyllis stated that discussion regarding the SPRINTER could be put on the next agenda.

Pete commented on the importance of stressing the safety awareness (Operation Lifesaver) to the public and schools with regard to the SPRINTER. Discussion followed regarding this and the possibility of the Transit Alliance getting involved and getting credit for it as a community effort.  

Frankie stated that she could see this as a joint effort of the Transit Alliance and NCTD.

However, Phyllis pointed out that Operation Lifesaver only wants one message getting across, so they would have to think about the approach and design it to where it works.  

Pete clarified that it is crucial for them to get into the schools at least once with the message within the next year and half.

Phyllis stated that she feels they could get people to join the Transit Alliance from Operation Lifesaver.

Pete pointed out that there are a number of retired people that would love to get involved with the railroad. It was agreed that this topic needs further discussion on what the Transit Alliance could contribute to the Operation Lifesaver cause.