Minutes of the Transit Alliance Board Meeting Held
July 26 , 2007
NCTD, 810 Mission Avenue, Oceanside CA 92054
CALL TO ORDER
Ted Owen called the meeting to order at 9:08 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Board reviewed the minutes from the April 26, 2007 meeting. Motion was made by Pete Aadland and seconded by Debra Rosen to approve the minutes as written. Motion carried.
PROJECT UPDATES
A. 2030 Regional Transportation Plan:
Danny Veeh from SANDAG gave a presentation on the Regional Transportation Plan. Required by state and federal regulations, the RTP is the public policy component of the SANDAG Regional Comprehensive Plan for how people and goods will move around the region through the year 2030. A public hearing on the Draft RTP and EIR is scheduled for Friday, September 14, 2007, at SANDAG, with final comments due by Monday, September 17, 2007. The Final 2007 RTP and EIR are scheduled to come to the Board for adoption in November 2007.
B. Transit Center Master Plan:
Lance Schulte from NCTD gave an update on the Transit Center Master Plans project. The Ad Hoc committee has met and reviewed the draft Master Plan. The draft Master Plans have been forwarded to each of the cities (Carlsbad, Escondido and Oceanside) for internal staff comments on regulatory and design issues.
Lance also gave an update on Cedros Crossing project. The city of Solana Beach has decided to re-circulate the EIR. The impact could effect funding for the project. Pete Aadland explained that this project has been supported by TABNC.
C. CSUSM Parking Study Partnership:
Kurt Luhrsen gave an update on the partnership between NCTD, Cal State San Marcos and the City of San Marcos to help solve parking issues and traffic congestion. Kurt explained the costs and limitations associated with building parking structures on campus. NCTD and CSUSM are reviewing many options for mobility issues of students and staff including a universal pass program with the SPRINTER and connecting bus service. Pete Aadland commented that CSUSM and MiraCosta are motivated to implement the universal pass program. Pete explained that TABNC can be instrumental in getting student votes to pass the universal pass program. Discussion took place on educating CSUSM students and staff on available transportation.
LEGISLATIVE REPORTS
A. Supervisor Bill Horn:
Dustin Steiner reported that Supervisor Horn's office has met with FACT, and is working to help support FACT. The county has reached an agreement with the Pala tribe for funding for improvements to Hwy 76. Supervisor Horn is working to get support to reinstate transit funding from the Governorís budget.
B. NCTD:
Ellen Roundtree gave an update on State and Federal funding. She explained that a trailer bill to the Governorís budget will impact future transit funding by setting a precedent to permanently divert funds that legally belong to transportation to other general fund programs. Ellen thanked TABNC for their support.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Communications/Membership:
Debra Rosen reported that the Communications committee approved Sharon Tootle and the co-chair for the committee. The Communications and Membership committees have merged to become one committee. The Membership committee recommended that the Board approve the application for a TABNC credit card to purchase a subscription to "Constant Contact" an electronic e-mail program. Motion was made by Debra Rosen to apply for a credit card for TABNC, seconded by Frankie Laney. Motion passed. Escondido Downtown Business Association has offered to donate $500 to sponsor TABNC with "Constant Contact". Debra explained that in exchange DBA of Escondido would be featured on any e-mails as the sponsor. A motion was made to accept the $500 donation from DBA of Escondido and that an agreement between TABNC and DBA of Escondido will be executed and reviewed by Ted Owen, President of TABNC. Frankie Laney seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Debra commented that the Membership committee is working to build membership. The committee proposed that every Board member provide 8 e-mail addresses to TABNC each month. Ted commented that many businesses in the county are already interested in public transportation and would support TABNC. Motion was made to accept the proposal. Motion passed.
B. Business Affairs:
Pete gave the financial report for Gerry Seelman, Treasurer who was absent from the meeting. TABNC is applying for the APTA grant, should there be an opportunity this year. Pete explained that the Business committee is focusing on contacting businesses that are currently utilizing the Ridelink program. Starting next month TABNC will be inviting cities to General Membership meetings to learn more about the projects that are planned for each city and to bring a higher awareness of TABNC to the community. Pete made a motion on behalf of Gerry Seelman, that TABNC purchase a table for around $600, or find a sponsor or co/sponsor to purchase the table at the WTS awards dinner which will be honoring Ted Owen's leadership in TABNC. Debra Rosen seconded the motion. Motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Gus Tavis expressed concern about purchasing COASTER tickets in TVM machines.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SPRINTER Tour: Pete suggested that a tour for TABNC Board could take place sometime in the future as the SPRINTER is completed.
NEXT MEETING
Next Meeting General Membership Meeting - October 25, 2007
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
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President
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