BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015, 1:00 P.M. COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 5TH FLOOR, CONFERENCE ROOM C 4080 LEMON STREET, RIVERSIDE, CA 92501 ITEM RECOMMENDATION 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. SELF-INTRODUCTIONS 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDA ITEMS RECEIVE COMMENTS Members of the public may address the Board regarding any item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board; however, no action may be taken on off-agenda items unless authorized by law. Comments shall be limited to matters not listed on the agenda. Members of the public may comment on any matter listed on the agenda at the time that the Board considers that matter. Each person's presentation is limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES JANUARY 22, 2015 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING (P.3) 5. TRANSPORTATION NOW QUARTERLY ATTENDANCE REPORT (P.5) APPROVE RECEIVE AND FILE 6. 2015 FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM (P.11) APPROVE 7. TRANSPORTATION NOW TRAVEL (P.21) APPROVE 8. AUTHORIZATION TO HOST THE 2017 CALIFORNIA TRANSIT ASSOCIATION ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE AND EXPO (P.24) APPROVE 9. PEPRA 13c UPDATE DISCUSS Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in this meeting or any person with limited English proficiency (LEP) who requires language assistance to communicate with the RTA Board during the meeting should contact the RTA Clerk of the Board, telephone number (951) 565-5044, no fewer than two business days prior to this meeting to enable RTA to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility or language assistance for this meeting. Agenda related writings or documents provided to the Board of Directors are available for public inspection during the meeting or may be requested from the office of the Clerk of the Board.
RTA BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 26, 2015 ITEM 10. AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF HEMET FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR TRAINING EXERCISES ON DIVISION II PROPERTY RECOMMENDATION DISCUSS 11. NEXT MEETING BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 1:00 P.M. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONFERENCE ROOM COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER 4080 LEMON STREET, FIFTH FLOOR RIVERSIDE, CA 92501 12. MEETING ADJOURNMENT
RTA BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Minutes January 22, 2015 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Kotyuk called the Board Executive Committee meeting to order at 1:01 p.m. on January 22, 2015, in the Board of Supervisor s Conference Room C, 4080 Lemon St., Riverside, CA. 2. SELF-INTRODUCTIONS Self-introductions of those in attendance took place. Committee Attendees 1. Chairman Andrew Kotyuk, City of San Jacinto, Council Member 2. First Vice-Chairwoman Ella Zanowic, City of Calimesa, Mayor Pro Tem 3. Second Vice-Chairman Frank Johnston, City of Jurupa Valley, Council Member 4. Director Ike Bootsma, City of Eastvale, Mayor 5. Director Linda Krupa, City of Hemet, Mayor Absent 1. Past Chair Marion Ashley, County of Riverside, District V, Supervisor RTA Staff 1. Larry Rubio, Chief Executive Officer 2. Craig Fajnor, Chief Financial Officer 3. Vince Rouzaud, Chief Procurement & Logistics Officer 4. Laura Camacho, Chief Administrative Services Manager Other Attendees 1. James Donich, Agency General Counsel 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDA ITEMS None. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2014 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING M/S/C (ZANOWIC/JOHNSTON) approving the minutes of the November 13, 2014 Executive Committee meeting. The motion carried unanimously. 5. SICK LEAVE POLICY Ms. Camacho presented the Sick Leave Policy. Item 4 3
6. AUTHORIZATION TO LEASE AGENCY PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3750 WENTWORTH DRIVE, HEMET, CA 92545 M/S/C (ZANOWIC/KRUPA) approving and recommending this item to the full Board of Directors for their consideration as follows: Authorize staff to enter into a five-year lease agreement with Last Chance Performance Marine with two, two-year option periods for the lease of the Agency s facility located at 3750 Wentworth Drive in the City of Hemet at an initial lease rate of $5,000 per-month increasing by three-percent per-year for each successive year. The motion carried unanimously. 7. PEPRA 13c UPDATE Mr. Fajnor presented an update on PEPRA 13c. The Board Executive Committee went into closed session. 8. CLOSED SESSION A CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(C): ONE ITEM The Board Executive Committee returned to open session. 9. NEXT MEETING Board Executive Committee Meeting Thursday, February 26, 2015 1:00 P.M. Board of Supervisors Conference Room C County Administrative Center 4080 Lemon Street, Fifth Floor Riverside, CA 92501 10. MEETING ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:27 p.m. Item 4 4
RIVERSIDE TRANSIT AGENCY 1825 Third Street Riverside, CA 92507 February 26, 2015 TO: THRU: FROM: SUBJECT: BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Larry Rubio, Chief Executive Officer Eric Ustation, Government Affairs Representative Transportation NOW Quarterly Attendance Report Summary: Transportation NOW has six chapters; Greater Riverside, Hemet/San Jacinto Valley, Moreno Valley/Perris, Northwest, San Gorgonio Pass, and Southwest. Each chapter meets monthly at a location convenient to the membership. Attendance includes transit users, elected officials, transit advocates, community activists and Riverside Transit Agency staff. Recommendation: Attached is the attendance report from October 2014 to December 2014 for all six chapters. Receive and file. Item 5 5
Transportation NOW Meeting Attendees October - December 2014 Oct-14 Greater Riverside Chapter 1 Clarissa Cervantes Councilmember Andy Melendrez's Office 2 Sabrina Cervantes Campain Manager - Jose Medina 3 Victoria Hare Community Advocate 4 Thomas Ketcham Supervisor Kevin Jeffries' Office 5 Jim Kneepkens Riverside Transit Agency 6 Jeff Kraus UC Riverside 7 John Krick Alvord Unified School District 8 Randon Lane City of Murrieta Councilmember 9 Richard Lemire Community Action Partnership Riverside 10 Tyler Madary Senator Richard Roth's Office 11 David Madsen South Coast Air Quality Management District 12 Andy Melendrez City of Riverside Councilmember 13 Stan Morrison Security Bank 14 Angel Rodriguez UC Riverside 15 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 16 Doris Wright Riverside Resident 17 Karen Wright Friday Morning Club 18 Desiree Wroten Congressman Mark Takano's Office Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chapter 1 Frank Burnett Bus Rider 2 Alan Denz Assemblymember Brian Nestande's Office 3 Muriel Dufresne Golden Era Productions 4 Deni Horne Assemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office 5 Linda Krupa City of Hemet Councilmember 6 Sean Motlagh City of San Jacinto 7 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 8 Susan Watson San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce 9 Tom Wilson Senator Mike Morrell's Office Moreno Valley / Perris Chapter 1 Thomas Ketcham Supervisor Kevin Jeffries' Office 2 Jim Kneepkens Riverside Transit Agency 3 Eric Lewis City of Moreno Valley 4 Tyler Madary Senator Richard Roth's Office 5 David Madsen South Coast Air Quality Management District 6 Cynthia Mendez City of Perris 7 Jesse Molina City of Moreno Valley Mayor 8 Jaime Moreno Moreno Valley City Council Candidate 9 Mike Riff Moreno Valley Traffic Safety Commission 10 LaShe Rodriguez Assemblymember Jose Medina's Office 11 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency Northwest Chapter 1 Brian Champion City of Corona 2 Berwin Hanna City of Norco Mayor 3 Donna Johnston Jurupa Valley School District Boardmember 4 Frank Johnston City of Jurupa Valley Mayor 5 Gerald Sirotnak Norco College Student 6 Dimirtrios Synodinos Norco College 7 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 8 Keith White Bus rider Item 5 6
Transportation NOW Meeting Attendees October - December 2014 San Gorgonio Pass Chapter 1 Bertha Barraza Mt. San Jacinto College 2 Franklin Dancy Morongo Band of Mission Indians 3 Sarah Dukett Assemblymember Brian Nestande's Office 4 James Foster Morongo Band of Mission Indians 5 Pat Foster City of Beaumont 6 Brenda Knight City of Beaumont Mayor 7 David Madsen South Coast Air Quality Management District 8 Jack Marty Riverside County Transportation Commission volunteer 9 Kristin Sherwood City of Beaumont 10 Janell Sneed Mt. San Jacinto College student 11 Elizabeth Urtiaga City of Beaumont 12 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 13 Art Welch City of Banning Councilmember 14 Ella Zanowic City of Calimesa Councilmember Southwest Chapter 1 Brian Ambrose City of Murrieta 2 Nicole Dailey City of Lake Elsinore 3 Wallace Edgerton City of Menifee Deputy Mayor 4 Laura Hernandez Menifee Resident 5 Daryl Hickman City of Lake Elsinore Councilmember 6 Kristin Huyck Supervisor Kevin Jeffries' Office 7 Jim Kneepkens Riverside Transit Agency 8 Gary Nordquist City of Lake Elsinore intern 9 Ron Roberts Supervisor Jeff Stone's Office 10 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency Nov-14 Greater Riverside Chapter 1 Clarissa Cervantes Councilmember Andy Melendrez's Office 2 Carmen Cuevas Assemblymember Jose Medina's Office 3 Art Garcia Community Action Commission 4 Laura Harris Riverside County Workforce Development 5 Jerry Hedder Resident 6 Jeff Kraus UC Riverside 7 John Krick Alvord Unified School District 8 Richard Lemire Community Action Partnership Riverside 9 Tyler Madary Senator Richard Roth's Office 10 Andy Melendrez City of Riverside Councilmember 11 Mary Nelson Riverside Transit Agency rider 12 Angel Rodriguez UC Riverside 13 Margo Ross City of Riverside 14 Arnold San Miguel Southern California Association of Governments 15 Michael Swiecki Resident 16 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 17 Keith White Resident 18 Doris Wright Resident 19 Karen Wright Friday Morning Club 20 Desiree Wroten Congressman Mark Takano's Office Item 5 7
Transportation NOW Meeting Attendees October - December 2014 Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chapter 1 Alaz Denz Assemblymember Brian Nestande's Office 2 Mitch Gillespie Hemet Unified School District 3 Deni Horne Assemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office 4 Andrew Kotyuk City of San Jacinto Councilmember 5 Linda Krupa City of Hemet Councilmember 6 Sean Motlagh City of San Jacinto 7 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 8 Susan Watson San Jacinto Chamber 9 Tom Wilson Senator Mike Morrell's Office Moreno Valley / Perris Chapter 1 Thomas Ketcham Supervisor Kevin Jeffries' Office 2 Eric Lewis City of Moreno Valley 3 Jesse Molina City of Moreno Valley Mayor 4 LaShe Rodriguez Assemblymember Jose Medina's Office 5 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency Northwest Chapter 1 Ike Bootsma City of Eastvale Mayor 2 Brian Champion City of Corona 3 Sharon Hall Norco resident 4 Berwin Hanna City of Norco Mayor 5 Donna Johnston Jurupa Valley School District Boardmember 6 Frank Johnston City of Jurupa Valley Mayor 7 Jason Scott City of Corona Councilmember 8 Jerry Sincich Temescal Municipal Advisory Council 9 Dimitrios Synodinos Norco College 10 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency San Gorgonio Pass Chapter 1 Franklin Dancy Morongo Band of Mission Indians 2 Sarah Dukett Assemblymember Brian Nestande's Office 3 Pat Foster City of Beaumont 4 Donna Franco Beaumont - Cherry Valley Recreation District Board Member 5 Ernie Hernandez VFW Post 233 6 Alan Kapanicas City of Beaumont 7 Brenda Knight City of Beaumont Mayor 8 Randon Lane City of Murrieta Councilmember 9 Bob Little Pass EDA 10 Jack Marty Riverside County Transportation Commission volunteer 11 Kristin Sherwood City of Beaumont 12 Elizabeth Urtiaga City of Beaumont 13 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 14 Art Welch City of Banning Councilmember 15 Ella Zanowic City of Calimesa Councilmember Southwest Chapter 1 Brian Ambrose City of Murrieta 2 Nicole Dailey City of Lake Elsinore 3 Wallace Edgerton City of Menifee Deputy Mayor 4 Laura Hernandez Menifee resident 5 Daryl Hickman City of Lake Elsinore Councilmember 6 Deni Horne Assemblymember Melisaa Melendez's Office 7 Jim Kneepkens Riverside Transit Agency Item 5 8
Dec-14 Transportation NOW Meeting Attendees October - December 2014 8 Randon Lane City of Murrieta Councilmember 9 David Madsen South Coast Air Quality Management District 10 Grace Morabito Wildomar Rap 11 Garrett Nordquist City of Lake Elsinore 12 Ron Roberts Supervisor Jeff Stone's Office 13 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency Greater Riverside Chapter 1 Clarissa Cervantes Councilmember Andy Melendrez's Office 2 Carmen Cuevas Assemblymember Jose Medina's Office 3 Donna Dean Western Riverside Council of Governments 4 Christina Duran Community Consultant 5 Aaron Hake Riverside County Transportation Commission 6 Laura Harris Riverside County Workforce Development 7 Thomas Ketcham Supervisor Kevin Jeffries' Office 8 Jeff Kraus UC Riverside 9 Richard Lemire Community Action Partnership 10 Andy Melendrez City of Riverside Councilmember 11 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 12 Keith White Bus rider Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chapter 1 Frank Burnett RTA rider 2 CW Cecchi Hemet Transportation & Parking 3 Deni Horne Assemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office 4 Linda Krupa City of Hemet Mayor 5 James Pangrazzi San Jacinto Community Activist 6 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 7 Susan Watson San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce 8 Tom Wilson 23rd Senate District Representative Moreno Valley / Perris Chapter 1 Louis Armmand United Neighborhood Improvement Association of Perris 2 Reverend Mark Ealy Institute for Living 3 Deni Horne Assemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office 4 Thomas Ketcham Supervisor Kevin Jeffries' Office 5 Jesse Molina City of Moreno Valley Mayor 6 David Rabb City of Perris Councimember 7 Juan Rodriguez City of Perris 8 LaShe Rodriguez Assemblymember Jose Medina's Office 9 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency Northwest Chapter 1 Ike Bootsma City of Eastvale Mayor 2 Sharon Hall Norco resident 3 Berwin Hanna City of Norco Mayor 4 Donna Johnston Jurupa Valley School District Boardmember 5 Frank Johnston City of Jurupa Valley Mayor 6 Jim Kneepkens Riverside Transit Agency 7 Gerardo Sanabria City of Corona 8 Jerry Sincich Temescal Municipal Advisory Council 9 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 10 Keith White Bus rider Item 5 9
Transportation NOW Meeting Attendees October - December 2014 San Gorgonio Pass Chapter 1 Franklin Dancy Morongo Band of Mission Indians 2 Pat Foster City of Beaumont 3 Alan Kapanicas City of Beaumont 4 Brenda Knight City of Beaumont Mayor 5 Bob Little Pass EDA 6 David Madsen South Coast Air Quality Management District 7 Heidi Meraz City of Banning 8 Harry Nead Sun Lakes, Bus Rider 9 Ron Roy Beaumont resident 10 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 11 Art Welch City of Banning Councilmember 12 Ella Zanowic City of Calimesa Councilmember Southwest Chapter 1 Jeff Comerchero City of Temecula Councilmember 2 Nicole Dailey City of Lake Elsinore 3 Eliza Echevarria Riverside County Transportation Commission 4 Wallace Edgerton City of Menifee Deputy Mayor 5 Gina Gonzalez City of Menifee 6 Daryl Hickman City of Lake Elsinore Councilmember 7 Deni Horne Assemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office 8 Jim Kneepkens Riverside Transit Agency 9 Gary Nordquist City of Lake Elsinore intern 10 Marsha Swanson City of Wildomar Mayor 11 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency Item 5 10
RIVERSIDE TRANSIT AGENCY 1825 Third Street Riverside, CA 92507 February 26, 2015 TO: THRU: FROM: SUBJECT: Summary: BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Larry Rubio, Chief Executive Officer Eric Ustation, Government Affairs Representative 2015 Federal and State Legislative Program The actions of federal and state legislators have a profound effect on the operations of the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA). Because RTA relies on operating and capital funding from all levels of government, assuring that adequate funds are allocated is critical if the Agency is to meet its commitment to providing safe, efficient, reliable and economical transportation service to western Riverside County. In 2014, numerous events at the federal and state levels affected RTA. Federal officials continued to debate how to best fund the Highway Trust Fund without raising the gas tax. This is a critical issue as federal transportation funding expires at the end of May. In California, the first programs created by the Cap and Trade program materialized and provided a new, but small, funding source for transit operators in the state. The RTA Federal and State Legislative Program establishes the goals and methods RTA will use to advocate for the funding and business environment necessary to meet the transportation requirements of the communities served. The program is presented in the form of principles rather than specific action items to allow staff the necessary flexibility to quickly respond to legislative proposals and specific policy concerns that may arise over the course of a session. Furthermore, as funding opportunities materialize, staff will use this program as a foundation to prepare grant applications that best represent the needs of RTA and place the agency in a position to be awarded funds. The proposed 2015 Federal and State Legislative Program is attached. Item 6 11
Fiscal Impact: Recommendation: There are no direct costs. However, the issues targeted in the proposed 2015 Federal and State Legislative Program have the potential to result in significant changes to RTA s operational costs as well as the Agency s operating and capital funding resources. Approve and recommend this item to the full Board of Directors for their consideration as follows: Approve proposed 2015 Federal and State Legislative Program. Item 6 12
Item 6 13
MISSION STATEMENT The Riverside Transit Agency, Riverside County s multi-modal transportation provider, shall provide for a variety of transportation needs in a cost-effective and efficient manner for all the residents of our member communities. The Agency is committed to providing safe, reliable, courteous, accessible, and user-friendly services to our customers. BOARD OF DIRECTORS RTA is governed by a board of directors comprised of 22 elected officials from 18 cities in western Riverside County and four members of the County Board of Supervisors. Andrew Kotyuk Chairman City of San Jacinto Ella Zanowic 1st Vice-Chairwoman City of Calimesa Frank Johnston 2nd Vice-Chairman City of Jurupa Valley Kevin Jeffries County of Riverside District 1 John F. Tavaglione County of Riverside District 2 Vacant County of Riverside District 3 Brenda Knight City of Beaumont Vicki Warren City of Canyon Lake Jason Scott City of Corona Linda Krupa City of Hemet Jesse Molina City of Moreno Valley Randon Lane City of Murrieta Berwin Hanna City of Norco Vacant City of Perris Marion Ashley County of Riverside District 5 Art Welch City of Banning Ike Bootsma City of Eastvale Daryl Hickman City of Lake Elsinore Wallace Edgerton City of Menifee Andy Melendrez City of Riverside Maryann Edwards City of Temecula Bridgette Moore City of Wildomar Item 6 14
I. Background The actions of federal and state legislators have a profound effect on the operations of the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA). Because RTA relies on operating and capital funding from all levels of government, assuring that adequate funds are allocated is critical if the Agency is to meet its commitment to providing safe, efficient, reliable and economical transportation service to western Riverside County. The RTA Federal and State Legislative Program establishes the goals and methods RTA will use to advocate for the funding and business environment necessary to meet the transportation requirements of the communities served. As in previous versions, the program is presented in the form of principles rather than specific action items to allow staff the necessary flexibility to quickly respond to legislative proposals and specific policy concerns that may arise over the course of a session. Furthermore, as funding opportunities materialize, staff will use this program as a foundation to prepare grant applications that best represent the needs of RTA and place the Agency in a position to be awarded funds. In 2014, properly funding transit continued to be debated at the federal level. The Highway Trust Fund (HTF) helps states pay for infrastructure and transit programs and is comprised of revenues received from the federal gas tax. The tax has not been raised since 1993 and the HTF cannot fully fund the nation s growing infrastructure and transit needs. In early 2014, the U.S. Department of Transportation predicted that the HTF would be depleted by August 1, 2014 if additional revenues were not found. On July 31, 2014, Congress approved $10.8 billion in offset revenue to support transfers of general funds into the HTF and to extend the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21 st Century (MAP-21) authorization for transit, highway and highway safety programs funded from the HTF through May 31, 2015. A major issue facing the 114th Congress is the need to approve a successor surface transportation bill to MAP-21 before funding expires in May 2015. As with previous attempts to create a long-term transportation bill, the main point of contention will be to find sufficient funding to make the HTF solvent once again. Lawmakers have been unable to agree on how best to fund highway and transit programs. However, recently there have been numerous Republican leaders who have publicly stated that they are leaving the door open to the discussion of a potential gas tax hike as a way to fund projects to fix America s aging infrastructure. The recent decline in the price of gasoline may help facilitate Congress willingness to explore the first gas tax hike in two decades. Also on the federal level, two transit-related tax breaks were allowed to expire on January 1, 2014: the alternative fuels excise tax credit and the commuter tax credit. The fuel credit provides the Agency with a 50-cent-per-gallon equivalent tax credit for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) used to power RTA s fleet. The Agency has received roughly $1 million per year while this credit has existed. The commuter tax credit would equalize the commuting expenses that both transit users and drivers could claim. In early December 2014, both tax provisions were extended through December 31, 2014 and made retroactive to January 1, 2014. The tax provisions were unfortunately not extended through 2015, thus creating the need to again extend the programs at some point in 2015. With the approval of the tax extension, RTA will again apply for the alternative fuels credit and expects to receive roughly $1 million as a result. A permanent extension of an equalized commuter tax credit will likely draw bipartisan support as a successor to MAP-21 is debated. In 2013, conflict arose between the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) and the State of California over the state s passage of the Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and its interaction with Section 13(c) of the Federal Transit Law. USDOL claimed Item 6 15
PEPRA violated 13(c) and began withholding federal funds from transit agencies statewide. After much negotiation, there was ultimately an agreement reached between USDOL and Governor Brown that released most federal grants while one grant intended for the Sacramento Regional Transit District was adjudicated in federal court to determine if PEPRA did indeed conflict with 13(c). The matter was debated in court throughout 2014. Finally, on December 30, 2014, the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled for the State of California against the USDOL over whether California s PEPRA violated the labor protection of Section 13(c) of Federal Transit Law. The court granted summary judgment to the state and found that the USDOL acted in violation of the federal Administrative Procedures Act when it denied the grant to Sacramento Regional Transit District (among others) on the basis of 13(c). Unless the USDOL appeals the decision, the provisions of PEPRA will now apply to employees of public transit systems statewide. On the state level, an expenditure plan was approved in the budget for Cap and Trade revenues as authorized by Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32). The plan included funding for local transit capital and operations, state transit capital and operations, sustainable communities and housing, low-carbon transportation demonstration projects, and high speed rail. Although funding amounts were modest in the first budget year, a long-term spending plan for Cap and Trade revenue was also developed. Five percent of ongoing revenue will be dedicated to local transit capital or operations programs, 10 percent for state transit capital or operations (competitive grant programs) and 25 percent for high speed rail. Although staff would have liked more funding dedicated to transit, it is encouraging that a new long-term revenue source has materialized from the Cap and Trade program that is estimated to generate up to $5 billion in future years. Program (LCTOP). LCTOP funds are required to be spent to enhance or expand service to increase mode share and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Projects available for funding from LCTOP include equipment, fueling and maintenance to operate new or expanded transit service. Transit centers and upgraded stop amenities are also included. RTA intends to apply for and obtain as much of these funds as possible. To assist in achieving its goals, RTA is a member of several transportation organizations that advocate for the increased role and importance of transit. For federal advocacy, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the national trade association, maintains an active lobbying program. RTA also utilizes the services of David Turch and Associates (DTA), legislative consultants based in Washington, DC. DTA works with RTA staff to monitor pertinent legislation, arrange meetings with our federal delegation and advocate on behalf of the Agency. On the state level, the California Transit Association (CTA) serves as an advocate for transit to the California Legislature. CTA works to enhance transit funding and to represent transit's interests before the California State Legislature, the governor, and regulatory agencies. CTA frequently updates RTA on policy developments, and RTA staff is an active member on the CTA Legislative Committee. On a local level, RTA supports six Transportation NOW (T-NOW) chapters. These local grassroots organizations represent the various regions that make up RTA s large service area and advocate for the support of public transportation as an essential component to their communities. T-NOW chapters work with RTA staff to support and lobby for funding; to raise awareness of the benefits of environmentally sound, safe, and energyefficient transportation alternatives; and to encourage the use of public transportation in western Riverside County. One of the programs created that RTA can access is the Low Carbon Transit Operations Item 6 16
II. Federal Legislative Program This program is a general policy statement of federal legislative issues of concern to the Riverside Transit Agency. 1. Federal Funding Authorization a. Advocate for a long-term federal transportation reauthorization bill that provides a stable funding source for the Highway Trust Fund and reinstates an appropriations process that allows local representatives to fund critical transit projects. b. Advocate expanding eligible uses for federal funding in the successor bill to MAP-21. c. Seek to restore appropriate funding levels for bus and bus facilities. d. Advocate for local control and flexibility in delivering projects. e. Advocate for a permanent extension of the alternative fuels excise tax credit. f. Oppose efforts to erode Highway Trust Fund revenues without identifying a new dedicated and sustainable source of greater value. 2. Regulatory a. Advocate for a thorough review of the relevance and local financial impacts of section 13(c) of the Federal Transit Act, or any federal regulations that inhibit RTA s ability to provide reliable transportation. b. Support a permanent extension of the transit commuter tax benefit to a level equivalent to the parking tax benefit. c. Coordinate with federal agencies and officials to ensure previously appropriated funds remain allocated to RTA. d. Support efforts to modernize bus axle weight standards. e. Oppose legislation that places additional unfunded mandates or regulations on RTA. f. Oppose labor-related legislation and regulations that would negatively affect RTA s ability to efficiently and economically provide service. g. Support efforts to identify new, sustainable funding sources for transit. h. Support efforts to ease or simplify local matching requirements for federal grants and programs. i. Seek federal funding to meet state and local environmental quality requirements, including anticipated requirements for zero-emission buses, alternative fueling stations and future greenhouse gas reduction requirements. Item 6 17
III. State Legislative Program This program is a general policy statement of state legislative issues of concern to the Riverside Transit Agency. 1. Transit Funding a. Support allocating any surplus state revenue toward public transportation. b. Oppose any measure that would divert local transit related funds to the state for use other than for transit activities. c. Support efforts to maintain and enhance transportation and transit funding approved under the gas tax swap and as protected by Proposition 22. d. Advocate bolstering State Transit Assistance funds to overcome declining diesel sales tax revenues due to increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly engines. e. Support pilot programs seeking new funding sources beyond the gas tax to enhance service. f. Support legislation to provide specific funding for innovative and intelligent transit programs to leverage the use of smart devices. 2. Environmental d. Support efforts to encourage transitoriented developments as a solution to environmental issues. e. Support legislation to integrate state and federal environmental impact studies and streamline permitting by state regulatory agencies. 3. Regulation a. Support efforts to reform budget processes in such a way that results in a more reasonable, predictable revenue stream for transportation priorities. b. Support incentives for ridesharing and/or reimbursement for transit passes. c. Support efforts to modernize bus axle weight standards. d. Support the creation of grant programs to assist with compliance of the adopted regulations. e. Monitor state implementation of pension reform laws. f. Oppose labor-related legislation and regulations that would have a negative effect on RTA s ability to efficiently and economically provide service. g. Support maximum flexibility in the ability to use state funding. a. Defend and expand transit allocation of cap and trade revenue as authorized by AB 32. b. Oppose any effort to reprioritize transportation funding during the implementation of AB 32. c. Advocate for the distribution of cap and trade revenue in a geographicallybalanced manner. Item 6 18
IV. Advocacy Activities To achieve the goals of the Agency s Legislative Program, RTA will utilize the following activities and sources as appropriate: a. Regular and consistent contact with the offices of federal and state legislators. b. Strategic travel to federal and state legislators and agencies. c. Maintain a database to track pertinent legislation and bring important bills to the Board of Directors for support or opposition. d. RTA Board of Directors approved letters in support of or opposition to legislation. e. Regular communication with attendees of Transportation NOW chapters. f. Initiate contact with legislators to sponsor transit-friendly legislation. g. Coordination with press outlets to print transit-friendly publications. h. Regular communication with RTA s federal legislative consultants. i. Legislative reports from trade organizations and other transportation agencies. Item 6 19
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: ERIC USTATION GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS REPRESENTATIVE (951) 565-5250 EUSTATION@RIVERSIDETRANSIT.COM 1825 THIRD STREET, RIVERSIDE, CA 92507 951-565-5000 WWW.RIVERSIDETRANSIT.COM Item 6 20
RIVERSIDE TRANSIT AGENCY 1825 Third Street Riverside, CA 92507 February 26, 2015 TO: THRU: FROM: SUBJECT: Summary: BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Larry Rubio, Chief Executive Officer Eric Ustation, Government Affairs Representative Transportation NOW Travel At the September 25, 2014 Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) Board of Directors meeting, approval was given to modify the Bylaws of Transportation NOW of Western Riverside County (T-NOW) to better align these groups with the goals of RTA. During the discussion, a request was made that RTA provide funding to allow T-NOW chapter members to attend conferences. No formal action was taken on the request, but staff was directed to provide additional information for the Board s consideration. Over the years, T-NOW members have proven to be dedicated advocates of the benefits of public transportation. Outreach efforts have included letter-writing campaigns to lawmakers, visits to community groups, and appearances at schools and regional events. Attendance at these type of events assist in enhancing the Agency s image at the local level. RTA has four core values that guide the Agency s decisionmaking and conduct: safety, customer service, image and efficiency. Because T-NOW members are closely associated with RTA at public events, it is important to consider how their attendance at conferences reflects on the Agency s core values. Core Value # 1 - Safety Sending individuals who are not RTA Board members or employees to outside conferences creates potential financial liability for the Agency. Because RTA would be funding the attendee s participation, any illness, accident or activity that occurs while a T-NOW member is attending a conference would be the responsibility of RTA. Core Value # 2 Customer Service Item 7 21
RTA is committed to providing safe, reliable, courteous, accessible and user-friendly services to customers. Both administrative and operation staff are trained to provide the highest level of customer service in the industry. Attending conferences and trade shows are often an excellent way for RTA staff to demonstrate those skills. It is unlikely that all T-NOW members would have the necessary industry training or knowledge to effectively represent RTA. Core Value #3 Agency Image Maintaining and enhancing RTA s image is critical to the Agency s success. Image is tested whenever an RTA bus rolls down a street, when an RTA employee attends an event or gives a presentation, and when the Agency is mentioned in the press. It takes no special training to join T-NOW. In fact, anyone who shows up to a meeting is considered a member. If RTA were to pay for these members to attend conferences, there is an inherent risk to the Agency s image. Although T-NOW is intended to be a separate entity from RTA, it is reasonable to believe that most people would associate T-NOW with RTA and therefore speak for and on behalf of the Agency. Thus, RTA would bear any negative consequences of potentially incorrect information spread and/or flawed delivery of communication from T-NOW members. RTA s own history provides an example. In the late 1990s, there were a series of articles in the Press-Enterprise documenting the amount of funding spent by RTA to send board members and staff to various conferences and events. Although the overall funding was a mere percentage of RTA s overall budget, the articles compared the actual amount spent by RTA to the much lower amounts spent by Omnitrans and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) agencies with much greater budgets. The perception was that RTA was not being a good steward of the public s funds. Sending T-NOW members to conferences and events could be looked upon in a similarly negative light. Core Value #4 Efficiency Rapidly increasing ridership coupled with somewhat unpredictable revenue streams means RTA must be judicious with its spending to ensure the service network is operating at its maximum potential and efficiency. The Agency s financial team closely monitors all activity to ensure taxpayer funds are used in the most economical fashion. Most conferences and events charge registration fees, and attendees are faced with the potential cost of travel, meals and lodging. These fees can amount to $1,000 or Item 7 22
Recommendation: more per person. With six T-NOW chapters spread through RTA s service area, the cost of sending T-NOW members to conferences could become costly. Since its inception in 1992, T-NOW has been a valued advocate and enthusiastic supporter of public transportation in Riverside County. Its efforts have produced long-term results, and ensured that bus and rail usage remains an integral part of this region for years to come. However, despite the potential benefits members may achieve by traveling to conferences, the risks RTA would assume outweigh positive outcomes that may materialize. Discuss. Item 7 23
RIVERSIDE TRANSIT AGENCY 1825 Third Street Riverside, CA 92507 February 26, 2015 TO: THRU: FROM: SUBJECT: Summary: BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Larry Rubio, Chief Executive Officer Jim Kneepkens, Director of Marketing Authorization to Host the 2017 California Transit Association Annual Fall Conference and Expo Each year, the California Transit Association (CTA) holds a Fall Conference and Expo for more than 60 transit agencies and their respective executives, managers, staff and vendor representatives. This is CTA s premier annual event usually held during November or December. The next conferences are scheduled for 2015 in Pasadena and 2016 in Oakland. On July 2, 2014, the CTA issued a letter to all member organizations seeking fall conference and expo locations for 2016, 2017 and 2018. With the recent completion of the Riverside Convention Center, the Riverside Convention & Visitors Bureau (RCVB) submitted proposals for 2017 or 2018 outlining the meeting space and hotel accommodations available for consideration. As the local CTA member, RTA provided a letter of support for RCVB s proposal to host the expo and conference. After a site visit on January 27, 2015, CTA selected Riverside as the location for the 52nd Annual Fall Conference & Expo which will be held November 8-10, 2017. The RCVB made all arrangements for and hosted the initial site visit, conducted the tour of available meeting and hotel facilities and familiarized the group with Riverside. Moving forward, RCVB will continue its primary role of working with the CTA Program & Conference Committee, arrange all hotel and meeting space and work directly with the CTA committee on behalf of RTA as the official host organization. The RCVB will provide welcome baskets for the VIPs in the group and coordinate any tours or offsite receptions and entertainment. The sessions and expo would be held at the Riverside Convention Center, along with guest rooms at Item 8 24
Fiscal Impact: Recommendation: the nearby hotels. The RCVB staff will assist at the registration desk and information table and serve in the role of ambassadors. As the local host, RTA would be required to lend our company name and logo for printed conference promotional materials, as well as provide volunteers to assist with registration and act as room monitors, tour guides and presenters or moderators at the event. RTA would also designate an Agency representative for the Program & Conference Committee to plan the conference, and help CTA identify a list of local vendors for sponsor and exhibitor opportunities and arrange for local officials to speak at the conference. Hosting the conference in Riverside County provides RTA with the opportunity to highlight our advancements in public transportation and strategic initiatives to improve service for communities in western Riverside County. As host, RTA is expected to provide bus passes to the expected 600 attendees who will be attending the three-day conference. In addition, staff support would be required during the planning phases of the event and during the actual conference. If technical tours are organized, RTA may be responsible for related transportation. Approve and recommend this item to the full Board of Directors for their consideration as follows: Authorize the Agency to host the California Transit Association 52nd Annual Fall Conference & Expo on November 8-10, 2017. Item 8 25
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