MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT HELD MAY 12, 2008 PAGE 1 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Ed Gallo called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. He stated that NCTD has a very difficult economic environment with unprecedented budget challenges for public transportation. He stated that the reasons for this budget challenge include: the state keeps taking transit money; there's a dip in sales tax revenue (TransNet funding); fuel prices are going out of sight. Mr. Gallo added that NCTD is faced with a huge deficit this year and has to make some extremely difficult choices. He said that NCTD's mission is to provide residents with the best possible transit service and these changes are going to be very difficult. Mr. Gallo stated that no decisions would be made at this meeting and that the Board is here to listen to public input. He said that this hearing is an opportunity for riders to talk to the Board of Directors so they can get some input so that when they go to SANDAG on May 16, 2008 they can present all this information to the SANDAG Transportation Committee. Mr. Gallo said that each speaker would have two minutes to address the Board. ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS Ed Gallo (City of Escondido); Julianne Nygaard (City of Carlsbad); Dave Druker (City of Del Mar); Chris Orlando (City of San Marcos); Dave Roberts (City of Solana Beach); Rocky Chavez (City of Oceanside); Bob Campbell (City of Vista); Bill Horn (County of San Diego). Jerome Stocks (City of Encinitas) arrived at 2:36 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG Ed Gallo led the Board, staff and the public in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA None PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS None OTHER BUSINESS 1. Public Hearing on August 2008 and January 2009 BREEZE and FAST Service Changes Kurt Luhrsen, Principal Planner, reviewed: proposed service changes for fiscal year 2009; today's objectives; timeline for review and implementation; budgetary position NCTD is in, including a decline in sales tax revenue due to the general downturn in the economy, about $7.5 million less in FY 09 than we expect in FY 08; the state shift of about $4 million in spill-over funds from the gasoline sales tax that was previously dedicated towards transit; the state recently redefining how mass transportation accounts can be spent, to include home-to-school MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT HELD MAY 12, 2008 PAGE 2 transportation for about a $4.1 million hit to the budget; the recent run-up in the price of diesel fuel and that we had to budget about $3.5 million more in FY 09 than we spent in FY 08. He said these are principal items in the NCTD budget that we have no control over, and they total just over $19 million in additional costs or lower revenue that will be worse next year than they are this year. Mr. Luhrsen stated that our service reduction strategy in proposing these cuts are guided by the Board adopted service standards for productivity and coverage. He said NCTD is proposing to discontinue low ridership routes or segments, or reduce weekend service levels, in order to try to minimize the impacts to as many passengers as possible. Mr. Luhrsen stated that the main categories proposed for elimination or modification include weekday routes affecting Routes 311/312, 324, 338/339, 341/442, 347, 348, 349, 365, 386 east of the Wild Animal Park, 397, 403, 415, 447, Encinitas COASTER Connection, and all four FAST zones. He said NCTD is proposing to eliminate or reduce some Saturday and Sunday service, including Routes 311/312, 313, 324, 325, 338/339, 341, 347, 348/349, 358/359, 365 and would take the 351 and 352 to hourly each. Mr. Luhrsen stated that there are a number of routes that are proposed for elimination for Saturday service that do not currently operate on Sunday, including Routes 304/404, 321, 334/335 and 386. He said that NCTD is proposing to reduce the Saturday level of service to Sunday/Holiday levels on some routes, including Routes 101, 308/309, 350, 354 and 356. Mr. Luhrsen added that the Board had previously discussed the possibility of discontinuing Route 101 south of Del Mar, but that is not part of staff's proposal and staff is not recommending moving forward with that. He reviewed a summary of comments received as of today's meeting. Mr. Luhrsen stated that the route that received the most comments was Route 347, and that a petition from riders of FAST services that had nearly 900 signatures on it, for a service that carries 345 passengers a day. He said that he received 136 comments from riders that talked about various routes and received the one petition and that at this point, staff is recommending the Board receive and consider public comment and adopt a service plan proposal either today or at the June 19, 2008 Board meeting, making any changes that the Board deems appropriate. Chris Orlando requested that Karen King discuss other steps the District is taking to address the budget challenges because it's important that everyone understand that it is not just service that is being looked at. Karen King, Executive Director, stated that there has been a convergence of a number of things that have impacted the NCTD revenue picture. She said that Chairman Gallo mentioned these earlier: the economic downturn resulting in lower sales tax receipts; the rising cost of fuel which has been extreme; and the fact that the state has a budget crisis and has, over the last five years or so, been taking money away from public transit to solve its general fund deficit. Ms. King said that NCTD has nibbled around the edges of service and the budget over the last several years trying to maintain the greatest levels of service possible and trying to become more efficient in order to do that, but this year we really are at rock bottom. She stated that there are no longer any easy solutions and NCTD has really had to look at very difficult decisions. Ms. King added that NCTD has gone through the budget from top to bottom looking for ways to increase revenues and reduce costs to become more efficient and to eliminate things that are not absolutely mission critical for the day-to-day delivery of service from our budget. She stated that this includes laying off some of NCTD's staff. Ms. King said they have looked at all levels of the organization, and that clearly, if service is reduced, it will mean that some bus operators and maintenance employees will need to be laid off. She stated that they have also looked at the rest MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT HELD MAY 12, 2008 PAGE 3 of the staffing levels and, as of last week, have started laying people off. Ms. King said that in total, about 10% of the existing employees may need to be laid off in order to achieve a balanced budget. Chair Gallo opened the Public Hearing. Bill Horn requested that speakers state their name, address and indicate what route they are addressing. Mr. Joseph Nimhoff spoke on his concerns regarding Routes 311/312 and funding issues. Mr. David Pio, Escondido, CA spoke on his concerns regarding Route 386 and suggested the route run twice in the morning and twice in the evening. Ms. Claire Fortiscue spoke on her concerns regarding Routes 358/359, increasing fuel costs, and suggested an interline bus once an hour. Mrs. Florence Kenny, Escondido, CA suggested ways to save routes, jobs and money. Mr. Peter Whitmarsh, San Marcos, CA spoke on his concerns regarding Route 347 and the size of the buses. Mr. Phillip Gomez, Escondido, CA spoke on his concerns regarding Route 347. Ms. Elizabeth Hart, Escondido, CA spoke on her concerns regarding ridership and taxes that go toward public transportation. Ms. Deborah Huff, Fallbrook, CA spoke on her concerns regarding the FAST bus in Fallbrook and submitted a petition from other Fallbrook riders. Ms. Sue Brown, Activities Coordinator for Hacienda Vallecitos and Casa Vallecitos senior communities, spoke on her concerns regarding Routes 347 and 305. Mr. Darren Cooper, Escondido, CA spoke on his concerns regarding Route 347, fuel costs, and the costs of operating the SPRINTER. Mr. Randy Cardian, Vista, CA spoke on his concerns regarding fuel costs. Ms. Jan Roder, Vista, CA spoke on her concerns regarding the FAST bus in Vista. Mr. Rick Ikovich, Oceanside, CA spoke on his concerns regarding Routes 311/312, 321 and the 386. Mr. Jeffrey Clark, San Diego, CA spoke on his concerns regarding Routes 358/359 and bike crowding on the SPRINTER. Ms. Harriet Clark, Escondido, CA spoke on her concerns regarding Routes 358/359, 347, 351/352 and SPRINTER connections with the buses. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT HELD MAY 12, 2008 PAGE 4 A speaker for Ms. Sherrie Rohter spoke about her concerns regarding the FAST bus and handicapped service in Ramona and provided a petition of 200 signatures. Mr. Paul Shadin, Fallbrook, CA spoke about his concerns regarding the FAST bus. Ms. Marion Smythe, Fallbrook, CA spoke about her concerns regarding the FAST bus. Ms. Carol Donavan, Escondido, CA spoke about a petition she put together regarding Routes 320 and 350, bus sizes and fare increases. Ms. Amy Ettinger spoke about her concerns regarding Routes 333, 318 and the LIFT bus. Ms. Becky Yaeloff spoke about her concerns regarding discontinuation of the Padre bus service from Escondido. Ms. Laura Orchid, representing ARC of San Diego, spoke about her concerns regarding the FAST bus. Ms. Jean Leanie, Encinitas, CA spoke about her concerns regarding the FAST bus. Ms. Margaret Hanbey, Fallbrook, CA spoke about her concerns regarding the FAST bus. Ms. Betty Timmons, Encinitas, CA spoke about her concerns regarding the FAST bus. Ms. Nanette Stater, Vista, CA spoke about her concerns regarding the Vista and Encinitas FAST buses. Ms. Tina Wellenstein, Fallbrook, CA spoke about her concerns regarding the FAST bus. Ms. Martha Dias, spoke about her concerns regarding Routes 341 and 321. Mr. John Heard, Carlsbad, CA spoke about his enjoyment riding the SPRINTER. Ms. Mary Ralph spoke about her concerns regarding Routes 347 and 351/352. Ms. Virginia Gimerson, San Marcos, CA spoke about her concerns regarding routes 341 and 347. Ms. Daniella DeFlores spoke about her concerns regarding the Ramona FAST bus, Route 386, the size of buses and increasing bus fares. Ms. Mary Leonard spoke about her concerns regarding money spent on the SPRINTER. Ms. Lorraine Leighton, El Cajon, CA spoke on using smaller buses and realignment of routes. Mr. Chris Pacheco, Oceanside, CA spoke about his concerns regarding Routes 313 and 397 and the proposed fare increase. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT HELD MAY 12, 2008 PAGE 5 Mr. Thomas Lee Ray, San Marcos, CA spoke about his concerns regarding Routes 347 and 341. Ms. Jennifer Knapic, San Marcos, spoke about her concerns regarding the safety of Rex Industries riders crossing Mission Road and the elimination of routes 347 and 341. Ms. Laurie Brown, ARC of San Diego, spoke about her concerns regarding Route 447, FAST service, and her clients having to cross the SPRINTER tracks. Mr. Arlin Cane, Fallbrook CA spoke about his concerns regarding Route 306 and the FAST bus. Mr. Leroy Rehurek spoke about his concerns regarding Routes 341 and 347. Mr. Roy Caldwell, San Marcos, CA spoke about his concerns regarding Route 347. Mr. Joseph Madeo, Escondido, CA spoke about his concerns regarding Routes 349, 347 and the SPRINTER train. Ms. Gail Banks, Oceanside, CA spoke about her concerns regarding Routes 409, 315, 397, 309 and 350. Mr. Jonathan Rouse spoke about his concerns regarding Routes 325, 309 and Vista FAST. Mr. Andy Tranie, speaking on behalf of Community Calis of California, a non-profit organization providing services for individuals with disabilities, spoke about his concerns regarding Routes 311/312, 324, 338, 339, 341, 442, and 347. Ms. Joanne Reed spoke about her concerns regarding Routes 356, 351 and SPRINTER service. Ms. Mary Oliver, Escondido, CA spoke about her concerns regarding Routes 350, 351, 356 and 341. Ms. Michelle Dachesni, Fallbrook, CA spoke about her concerns regarding Route 397 and the FAST Fallbrook bus service. Name Unknown, Fallbrook, CA spoke on her concerns regarding loss of bus service. Ms. Linda Chen, Escondido, CA spoke about her concerns regarding Routes 347, 356 and 351. Mr. Brian Demada, Vista, CA spoke about his concerns regarding bus services for the ARC riders. Ms. Alice Anderson, Encinitas, CA spoke about her concerns regarding the FAST bus service. Ms. Kathleen Morehead, San Marcos, CA spoke about her concerns regarding Routes 341 and 347. Ms. Cecelia Maurice spoke about her concerns regarding Routes 348 and 347. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT HELD MAY 12, 2008 PAGE 6 Mr. Warren Barney, Pauma Valley, CA spoke about his concerns regarding the SPRINTER service and Route 386. Ms. Misty Bolier, Carlsbad, CA spoke about her concerns regarding loss of service. Mr. Robert Elmore, Escondido, CA spoke about his concerns regarding Route 386. Ms. Tracy Baxter spoke about her concerns regarding Routes 356, 350, 341 and 342. Mr. Frank Pendleton, Vista, CA spoke about his concerns regarding Route 334. Ms. Ellie Durand, Escondido, CA spoke about her concerns regarding Routes 358/359. Mr. Ed Jollie, spoke on a letter his wife sent to NCTD. Mr. Bob Radicker, Fallbrook, CA spoke about his concerns regarding the FAST bus service in Fallbrook, Routes 306, 397 and ridership. Ms. Nina Hall, Vista, CA spoke about her concerns regarding the FAST bus service. Name and address unknown, spoke about her concerns regarding Route 404. Ms. Maria Campos spoke about her concerns regarding Routes 305 and 404. Mr. Patrick McIntosh, Carlsbad, CA spoke about his concerns regarding Routes 309, 101 and FAST bus service. Mr. Gilbert Neil, Escondido, CA spoke in support of public transportation and the services NCTD provides. Mr. Cody Walker spoke about his concerns on how riders are treated. Name and address unknown, spoke about her concerns about possibly having to move to be able to access public transit. Mr. David Denner, San Marcos, CA spoke about his concerns regarding Routes 341/342, 347 and 101. Chair Gallo closed the Public Hearing. He stated that the purpose of the Public Hearing was to receive public input and that staff took notes of the public comments. Dave Druker left at 5:00 p.m. Dave Roberts requested staff put together a Question and Answer sheet that Board members can use to explain to their constituents why these service changes are being recommended. He stated that this is not a NCTD budget caused problem, that NCTD is the recipient that runs this system and it is subsidized between 60-93% of the cost to operate the service. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT HELD MAY 12, 2008 PAGE 7 o REMAINING PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS None o ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m. Submitted by Jill McNaughton, Clerk of the Board for North County Transit District. CHAIRMAN: _______________________________________ CLERK OF THE BOARD: _______________________________________ DATE: _______________________________________ For individuals with sensory disabilities, this document is available in alternate formats. For information, please contact the Customer Service Supervisor at 760/966-6503. 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