Minutes of the Transit Alliance Board Meeting Held
January 25, 2007
NCTD, 810 Mission Avenue, Oceanside CA 92054
CALL TO ORDER
Ted Owen, President, called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. Executive Committee present: Ted Owen, President; Gerry Seelman, Treasurer; Brad Wiscons, Secretary; Pete Aadland, NCTD Representative.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION BY GERRY SEELMAN, SECONDED BY BRAD WISCONS, TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 26, 2005. MOTION CARRIED.
PROJECT UPDATES
A.
Greg Shannon from Shea Properties gave a presentation of the Solana Beach Cedros Crossing Project. The project will increase parking capacity from the existing 319 spaces to a total of 965 spaces for Coaster, Amtrak, bus and bicycle users. The development will include public plazas, shops and restaurants which are transit oriented. The North Coast Repertory Theatre will construct a 349 and 150 seat theater. To complete the project there will be 141 rental lofts with underground parking, a clubhouse and pool. Greg emphasized that the revised project design will reduce traffic by 25% compared to the project that was previously approved by the City of Solana Beach in 1991. Ted Owen stated that the Transit Alliance is in full support of this project.
B.
Tom Kelleher gave a brief update on the construction along the SPRINTER rail line. He reported that the SPRINTER vehicles have started testing in San Marcos and Escondido. Tom emphasized that the SPRINTER is scheduled to begin operation in December 2007. The maintenance facilities will be completed and turned over to NCTD from the contractor in February. The suggestion was made that Tom's SPRINTER PowerPoint presentation be part of the Transit Alliance website.
PROJECT BRIEFINGS
A.
Linda Culp from SANDAG updated the Alliance on the 2030 Regional Transportation Plan and funding for the plan. She reported on the SANDAG Sprinter Corridor Smart Growth Stakeholders Working Group ñ this is a working group of corridor cities, SANDAG, and NCTD staff to discuss potential smart growth developments adjacent to the Sprinter stations. The first meeting is Wed, Jan 31 at 1:30 at the City of San Marcos. Agenda is available at www.sandag.org. Linda also reported on the I-15 Bus Rapid Transit Service and the Escondido Rapid Bus project.
B.
Stefan Marks gave an update on the service changes for the SPRINTER, Coaster and bus schedules. He emphasized that they are working to make the best network coordination during the peak travel periods. The service changes will be available in late March or April, and will be presented to NCTD Board in May. Ted Owen commented on the possibility of the Chargers moving to Oceanside and how that could effect the service changes.
C.
Lance Schulte gave an update on the Transit Center workshops. He is currently working on 3 master plans for Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Escondido transit centers. These plans will expand parking and bring transit oriented development to the transit centers which will make them stronger people places. Lance reported that public workshops have been held, and the information is available on the website. Land use plans will be available later this summer. Ted Owen commented on the great job Lance is doing.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
A.
Gerry Seelman gave the treasurers report. Gerry reported that TABNC has received $1,000, which is the first half of the APTA grant. Discussion took place regarding TABNC expenses. Ted Owen commented that TABNC would focus on hiring a part-time Executive Director.
B.
Annie Cochran was absent for the meeting, so Frankie Laney gave an overview of the TABNC ìMover awards. This would be an annual award given for extraordinary contributions made towards the growth and use of transit in North County. A suggestion was made to change the Governmental Mover category to read City or Governmental agency.
1.
The Board voted to approve the "Mover" annual awards event.
2.
Frankie Laney presented Dorota Rycek from NCTD, with an Award of Excellence for her work on developing TABNC brochures and graphics.
3.
Pete Aadland apologized for the TABNC e-mail mishap that happened this past week.
LEGISLATIVE REPORTS
A.
Kim Kawada from SANDAG gave an update on legislative funding. She reported that Federal funding will be decreased this year. SANDAG is working on the 2008 appropriation funding. State transportation funding was reviewed, and the Governor's budget has planned to divert some of transit funding to the general fund. Additional information can be found at www.keepsandiegomoving.com. A link is also available on the TABNC website.
B.
Christy Guerin from Congressman Brian Bilbray's office commented on the important work that SANDAG is doing. She encouraged people to communicate with their representatives regarding their transportation concerns.
C.
Phillip Roth from County Board of Supervisor Bill Horn's office reported on the funding available through the county.
OLD BUSINESS
Ted Owen commented on media exposure that transit has received. He reported that TABNC was on track with transportation issues.
NEW BUSINESS
The Board voted to approve all incoming Board members. Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler installed the incoming Board for 2008. Mayor Holt Pfeiler emphasized the importance of public transportation and the role that Transit Alliance plays.
ADJOURNMENT
Rob Carley gave a brief explanation on the vision and mission statement for FACT (Full Access and Coordinated Transportation) which is the CTSA for San Diego County.
Karen King, Executive Director of NCTD thanked the TABNC Board for doing a wonderful job.
NEXT MEETING
Next Meeting will be Thursday, April 26, 2007
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
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President
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