Minutes of the Transit Alliance Board Meeting Held

April 26, 2008 at
NCTD, 810 Mission Avenue, Oceanside CA 92054

CALL TO ORDER

Ted Owen called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes of the meeting were approved as written.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Business Affairs/Treasurer:
Susan Lee-Snyder from NCTD, has volunteered to replace Elaine Littleton. Susan gave the treasurers report.

B. Communications:
Frankie Laney reported that Annie Cochran had to resign as Chairperson of the Communications committee due to her job demands, but will continue to serve on the committee. Frankie Laney and Sharon Tootle have volunteered to be Co-Chairs of the Communications Committee to replace Annie Cochran. Frankie reported that a letter was drafted and approved by the TABNC Board to State Legislative representatives requesting that they support the restoration of the transit funding to its maximum extend and to oppose the Governorís budget proposal to redirect the funds. A tentative date of March 14, 2008 has been set for the "TABNC Movers Award Ceremony". TABNC has added a new "Hot News" section to the website. The Communications Committee will be working with the New Comers Clubs, AARP and AAA Insurance to promote TABNC.

C. Membership:
Debra Rosen reported that the committee has been working on ways to increase membership. Debra requested that the Board approve funding to cover the monthly cost of an electronic e-mail management program called "Constant Contact". Debra gave a presentation of the program to the Board. Discussion took place about the program. The Board voted to approve the funding request for "Constant Contact".

ACTION ITEM

A. Full Access & Coordinated Transportation:
Rob Carley gave an update on the history and current activities for FACT (Full Access and Coordinated Transportation). Rob explained that FACT is a new non-profit corporation with a mission to improve transportation services for seniors, people with disabilities and other transportation disadvantaged individuals in San Diego County. Rob also explained the Community Partnership Program which is how an individual, agency or organization can be involved, show support and become a partner with FACT. Rob asked that TABNC become a partner with FACT. Ted Owen asked Rob to send a letter to the TABNC Board requesting their support.

UPDATES

A. SPRINTER Corridor Review Study:
Kurt Luhrsen from NCTD gave an update on the BREEZE service changes that will be implemented when SPRINTER service begins. Kurt also reported that there will be community workshops and public hearings to get the information out about the service changes. A question was raised whether there would be a bicycle path along the SPRINTER Corridor. Pete Aadland explained that the cities of Escondido and San Marcos were involved in the preliminary plans to develop a rail trail, but additional development would be the responsibility of individual cities along the SPRINTER corridor.

B. North County Project Update:
Linda Culp from SANDAG updated the Board on the 2030 Regional Transportation Plan and funding for the plan. She reported on progress for the I-15 managed lanes, BRT program and High Speed Rail systems. Additional information is available on the SANDAG website (www.sandag.org).

C. Transit Center Workshops:
Lance Schulte gave an update on the CEO Master Plans to develop the Carlsbad, Escondido and Oceanside Transit Centers. Ted Owen inquired about the progress of the Cedros Crossing Project in Solana Beach. Lance reported that their will be a Public Hearing meeting on May 10th.

D. NCTD
Sarah Benson gave an update on the implementation of the new ticket vending machines. The COASTER resumed its Friday night service with the start of the Padres games. The Senior BREEZE Sprees will begin in May. Sarah demonstrated the new BREEZE commercials which will run on local stations. SPRINTER construction is 90% completed. A Public Hearing for BREEZE Service Changes will be held June 21st at NCTD.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Ridelink Programs: Anne Steinberg from SANDAG gave a presentation on the RideLink Programs. RideLink is the regional commuter and employer transportation assistance program sponsored by SANDAG. Additional information is available on the www.511sd.com or at the SANDAG website/Ridelink. Phyllis Hall commented that Legoland has begun promoting a Rideshare program to their employees.

B. HHSA Transit & Obesity Report:
Dr. Tracy Delaney from San Diego Health and Human Services Agency gave a presentation on the HHSA Transit & Obesity report. Dr. Delaney reported that an increasing number of children are becoming obese and the potential health risks related to being overweight that this generation will face. The report suggests that the lack of physical activity contributes to obesity. The use of public transportation, by walking to and from public transportation, and community designs can help reduce the risk of obesity.

LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

A. Supervisor Bill Horn:
No report at this time.

B. Congressman Brian Bilbray
Jerome Stocks gave an update on funding for various Hwy projects and other infrastructure improvements in the San Diego Region.

C. Senator Mark Wyland
Ben Murphy from Mark Wyland office reported that they are closely monitoring transportation funding and pending legislation.

D. Assemblyman Martin Garrick
Steven Pitts from Assemblyman Martin Garrick's office gave an update on current legislation that has gone through the Transportation Committee.

E. SANDAG
Kim Kawana from SANDAG gave an update on legislative funding. She reported that the President's budget has proposed a cut in transportation funding. The Governor's budget is being closely reviewed by SANDAG to monitor proposed cuts to transportation funding.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comment at this time.

NEXT MEETING

Next General Membership Meeting - July 24, 2008 at 9 AM

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

 

           

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President

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