Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors of July 9, 2010.

Carried

Claim of Philip M. Smith

Carried

Insufficient Claim of Yellow Cab Cooperative, Inc.

Carried

Subrogation Claim of California State Automobile Association (Insured: Lucky Rathsavong)

Carried

Amended Claim of Jenna Adler

Carried

Insufficient Subrogation Claim of GEICO 1 (Insured: Chetna Beveja)

Carried

Claim of Marin Sanitary Service

Carried

Amended Claim of Nancy DuBois

Carried

General Manager Celia Kupersmith reported that the Ferry Transit Division had reached a major milestone in providing service to a record number of passengers for the Paul McCartney concert on July 10, 2010 at AT&T Park. She stated that two ferries were required and transported the greatest number of passengers since the 1989 earthquake. She commended the staff at the Ferry Transit Division for the excellent job they did in providing effective and efficient customer service to the passengers attending this event. Ms. Kupersmith further noted that Deputy General Manager/ Ferry Transit Division Jim Swindler was in the State of Washington recently and provided assistance to the management who operates the ferry system in that area.

Discussion ensued, including the following inquiry:

• Director Cochran inquired as to which ferries were in service for transporting passengers to the McCartney concert. In response, Ms. Kupersmith stated that the Spaulding ferries were used because of the high number of passengers.

Presentation of Retirement Gift to Darlene “Gabby” Tannlund, Bus Operator, Bus Transit Division

President Boro presented a retirement gift to Darlene “Gabby” Tannlund, Bus Operator, Bus Transit Division, who has worked for the District for twenty-nine years eight months, and expressed his best wishes for a long and happy retirement on behalf of the Board of Directors.

Presentation of Twenty-Year Service Award to Kary Witt, Deputy General Manager, Bridge Division

President Boro presented a Twenty-Year Service Award to Kary Witt, Deputy General Manager, Bridge Division, and expressed his congratulations on behalf of the Board of Directors.

General Monthly Report

District Engineer Denis Mulligan reported that all items contained in the Engineer’s General Monthly Report are informational.

Discussion ensued, including the following comment:

• Director Grosboll commented that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission had approved a grant of $5 million for the Golden Gate Bridge Physical Suicide Deterrent System Project at a recent meeting. In response, Ms. Kupersmith stated that acceptance of these grant funds and approval to hire consultants for the project will be agendized for the District’s Board meeting of August 13, 2010.

Status Report on Doyle Drive Reconstruction Activities

District Engineer Denis Mulligan reported that a meeting was held between District and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans’) representatives. Mr. Mulligan stated that, at the meeting, Caltrans’ representatives had stated that problems, such as delayed traffic, had become known, and that Caltrans planned to correct them.

Ratify the Appointment of Ignacio R. Mora to the Golden Gate Transit– Amalgamated Health and Welfare Trust and Retirement Board

Directors KERNS/STROEH
Resolution No. 2010-065 ratifies the appointment of Ignacio R. Mora as Trustee to the Golden Gate Transit-Amalgamated Health and Welfare Trust and Retirement Board, effective July 26, 2006.

Adopted

AYES (15): Directors Brown, Campos, Chu, Cochran, Elsbernd, Grosboll, Kerns, Moylan, Newhouse Segal, Pahre, Sobel and Stroeh; Second Vice President Eddie; First Vice President Reilly; President Boro
NOES (0): None
ABSENT (4): Directors Dufty, McGlashan, Sanders and Snyder

Background

In a memorandum to the Board, General Manager Celia Kupersmith recommended that the Board of Directors authorize the General Manager to enter into negotiations with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (Conservancy). A relationship with the Conservancy will allow both to work together for enhancement of visitors’ experiences at the Golden Gate Bridge (Bridge). A copy of the staff report is available from the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site.

At the meeting, Ms. Kupersmith stated that the action requested today is for approval of negotiations only, and that no agreement to a contract or terms is before the Board at this time. She stated that a partnership between the parties would focus on supporting and enhancing visitor programs, and helping to implement a celebration for the 75th Anniversary of the Bridge. She stated that the Conservancy has experience with fundraising and that she believes this experience would be necessary for the success of a 75th Anniversary Celebration (Celebration) in commemoration of the opening of the Bridge. She stated that the 75th Anniversary Planning Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) supports Board approval of staff’s recommendation to enter negotiations with the Conservancy. In conclusion, she stated that such a partnership is an opportunity to move forward in areas that will create a safe, secure, and memorable Celebration. Ms. Kupersmith introduced Greg Moore, Executive Director of the Conservancy, who presented a PowerPoint program to the Board.

Mr. Moore displayed a PowerPoint presentation, remarking that the Golden Gate Bridge is a global symbol and the centerpiece of this region of the country. He briefly described the role of the Conservancy as a nonprofit partner for the national parks, stating the Conservancy engages members of the public; carries out philanthropic activities; makes park improvements; and, provides visitor services and public programs. He stated that the Conservancy manages 392 national park sites across the country, as well as a major portion of the Presidio. He stated that the Conservancy has an excellent record of accomplishment, having, among other accomplishments, collected millions of dollars; enhanced and restored many projects; and, designed and built several visitor centers. He noted that one accomplishment near the Bridge is the restoration of Crissy Field. He also displayed some of the commemorative products that help fund the activities of the Conservancy. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is available from the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site.

Discussion by the Board:

Discussion ensued, including the following comment:

• Director Reilly commented that the Advisory Committee is thrilled at the possibility of working together with the Conservancy. She encouraged the Board to vote in favor of opening negotiations between the District and the Conservancy.

Action by the Board

Directors KERNS/COCHRAN
Resolution No. 2010-066 authorizes the General Manager to enter into negotiations with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy regarding development of a cooperative relationship to support and enhance visitor programs at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Adopted

Background

Ms. Kupersmith reported that Golden Gate Bridge sidewalks (Sidewalks) will likely experience impacts from maintenance and construction projects that will be undertaken by the District. She stated that staff is working in a cooperative effort with the bicycle community, particularly the tour bicycle communities, as relates to the availability of the Sidewalks. She stated that the District would like to see training for bicycle users on how to share space successfully with pedestrians on the Bridge, particularly when narrowing of the Sidewalks takes place.

Mr. Mulligan reviewed the hours and days when bicycles must use the west sidewalk, and when they share the east sidewalk with pedestrians. He noted that bicycles have 24-hour access to the Bridge. He stated that the District has already taken steps to enhance the safety of visitors, but pointed out that the Sidewalks are very narrow in some places, while they are wide in others. Part of the plan to upgrade the Sidewalks is the replacement of the Sidewalks on the roof of the Anchorage House. On the Bridge, the west sidewalk will be replaced before the east sidewalk. During replacement, the Sidewalks will be closed to pedestrians and bicyclists. Meetings are scheduled to take place between the District and the bicycle coalitions to provide information on how the Bridge will be different during the Sidewalks construction.

Mr. Mulligan displayed a PowerPoint presentation, which provided details of specific parts of the Sidewalks to be replaced, and the impacts that can be expected during the work. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is available from the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site.

Mr. Witt stated that the District is embarking on other maintenance projects as well, some of which have the potential to affect the Sidewalks; however, impacts will be minimized by advance planning and attention to detail. Within four to six weeks, scaffolding will be erected on the west sidewalk, from mid-span to the south approximately 400 feet. The scaffolding will be in place for approximately 6 months so that work can be done to maintain the main cable. When that part is completed, the maintenance will continue on the portion from mid-span toward the north. Once the west side of the Bridge has been completed, maintenance will begin on the east side. He stated that an update report would be provided to the Board once maintenance of the main cable is underway.

Discussion by the Board

Discussion ensued, including the following comments and inquiries:

• Director Reilly inquired as to whether people who commute on bicycles would be impacted by closed sidewalks. In response, Mr. Witt stated that when the maintenance is ready to begin on the east sidewalk, staff will request input from the bicycle communities.

• Director Newhouse Segal made the following inquiries:
  • She inquired as to the method the District will use to contact the bicycle communities. In response, Mr. Witt stated that signage would provide information to users, and that District staff plans to request approval of a new ordinance by the Board that will require that bicycles be walked through the narrow parts of the Sidewalk.
  • She inquired as to whether additional employees will be required for work on the main cable, or for traffic management during the Project. In response, Ms. Kupersmith stated that the District’s plan is to use existing staff. Little impact to the public is expected during work on the west sidewalk of the Bridge. As that work progresses, crews will gain additional information that will be useful when work on the east sidewalk of the Bridge begins. Mr. Witt added that current employees will be available for flagging, as needed.

• President Boro made the following comments and inquiries:
  • He inquired as to the safety of District employees during Sidewalks renovation and main cable maintenance. In response, Mr. Witt stated that safety is the first consideration. He added that similar work is performed daily by District employees. When work is done on the west sidewalk, the public will not be impacted. However, east sidewalks will be impacted when work commences there. He stated that status reports will be provided to the Board as the maintenance projects progress.
  • He directed Public Relations Director Mary Currie to brief the Board at an upcoming meeting regarding public outreach and media contact for impacts to the public from the Sidewalks and the Main Cable Recoating Projects.
  • He inquired as to progress on deck replacements. In response, Mr. Mulligan stated that work on decks will take place in 2011. Sidewalks will be done first.

• Director Stroeh inquired as to the nature of the Main Cable Recoating Project that may affect the Sidewalks. In response, Mr. Witt stated that loose surface elements, such as rust and chipped paint, will be removed and recoating will be done. Wrapping wire will be repaired as needed and maintenance on cable bands will be done. Old caulking will be removed and replaced with a modern two-part polyurethane caulking. Cable bands will be replaced, as necessary.

• Director Eddie commented that construction work done on the Bridge to date has not affected the public, but the Sidewalks Project will. He stated that the District cannot expect the public to show appreciation for what has happened in the past, but employees who worked on past projects deserve credit. He commented that some complaints about these Projects are likely, and that answering them must include information about prolonging the lifespan of the Bridge, an American icon.

Report on the American Public Transportation Association Transit Board Members Seminar and Board Support Employee Development Workshop (APTA Meeting), Eugene, Oregon, July 17-20, 2010

In compliance with AB 1234 (2005), Director Cochran made the following report regarding activities that took place at the Meeting. He stated that, on Saturday, July 17, 2010, a seminar was held, entitled “Overview of Transit Procurement for Senior Leadership.” The seminar offered a better understanding of the rationale, functions, and processes of third-party contracting for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grantees. He stated that, on Sunday, July 18, 2010, the Honorable U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (Democrat, Oregon), Committee on Budget and Committee on Finance, U. S. Senate, discussed his support for public transportation. In addition, the Honorable Peter DeFazio (Democrat, Oregon), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, U. S. House of Representatives, appeared via video presentation and shared with the group the importance of transit funding during this economic downturn, including creative funding mechanisms. Congressman DeFazio has been instrumental in establishing funding for transportation projects, including bus rapid transit. At a luncheon held on Sunday, open discussions took place regarding state-level decision-making on public transportation. Director Cochran stated that the Maine Transit District is just beginning work on Other Post-Employment Benefits and that the District can assist them in getting their program set up. On Monday, July 19, 2010, Greg Bell, J.D., founder of Water the Bamboo Center for Leadership of Portland, Oregon, spoke about how personal relationships affect workplace projects and how a more inclusive business culture can be created. In addition, attendees rode the bus rapid transit system, which has recently added seven new miles to its system. He stated that on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, he attended the ENO (Center for Transportation Leadership) Transit Board Summit 2010 facilitated by Vice Chair/APTA Transit Board Members Committee Gloria Leonard and Secretary of the District Janet Tarantino. The two-hour leadership session, “Board Members and their Support Staff – Setting Expectations” was an interactive session around maintaining and renewing relationships between Board members and Board Support staff, focusing on how to go about having a clear understanding of each other and the setting of goals in order for the relationship to run smoothly.