Approve Actions Relative to the Receipt of Federal Funds from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the Golden Gate Bridge Physical Suicide Deterrent System Project

In a memorandum to Committee, Deputy District Engineer Ewa Bauer, District Engineer Denis Mulligan and General Manager Celia Kupersmith reported on staff’s recommendation to approve actions relative to the receipt of $5 million of Federal Surface Transportation Program/Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (STP/CMAQ) funds from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for the final design of the Golden Gate Bridge Physical Suicide Deterrent System Project.

The staff report stated that the Board of Directors, by Resolution No. 2010-15, at its meeting of February 12, 2010, certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Golden Gate Bridge Physical Suicide Deterrent System Project (Project). The approved alternative, the Net, will be located approximately 20 feet below the sidewalk, and will extend out horizontally 20 feet from the Golden Gate Bridge. The staff report further stated that the MTC, by Resolution No. 3925 Revised, at its meeting of July 28, 2010, voted to provide $5 million to the District for the final design of the Project. 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, Mr. Mulligan acknowledged Assemblyman Tom Ammiano and the MTC, who were helpful to the District in bringing this Project to its present stage. He briefly summarized the staff report, stating that the funds will be included in the FY 10/11Bus Transit Division Operating Budget for later transfer to the FY 10/11 Bridge Division Capital Budget. He added that, if Board approval is obtained at the August 13, 2010, Board meeting, a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the final design of this Project will be issued and posted to the District’s website on the same day.

Discussion ensued, including the following inquiry:

• Director Reilly inquired as to the work that will be accomplished through the funding of the $5 million. In response, Mr. Mulligan stated that construction documents to be prepared include detailed drawings and specifications to show how the Net will be attached to the Golden Gate Bridge. He also stated that new rolling maintenance scaffolds will be designed to work with the Net. He pointed out that, pursuant to the FEIR for the Project, the District is required to prepare National Historic Landmark documentation. He further stated that these and other obligations will be met using the $5 million MTC grant.

Staff recommended and the Committee concurred by motion made and seconded by Directors STROEH/REILLY to forward the following recommendation to the Board of Directors for its consideration:

RECOMMENDATION

The Building and Operating Committee recommends that the Board of Directors approve actions relative to the Final Design of the Golden Gate Bridge Physical Suicide Deterrent System Project, as follows:

with the understanding that Item Nos. a., b. and d. are subject to the concurrence of the Finance-Auditing Committee at its meeting of August 12, 2010.

Action by the Board at its meeting of August 13, 2010 – Resolution
NON-CONSENT CALENDAR

AYES (9): Chair Eddie; Vice Chair Moylan; Directors Cochran, Kerns, Newhouse Segal, Reilly, Sobel and Stroeh; President Boro (Ex Officio)
NOES (0): None
ABSENT (1): Director McGlashan

Status Report from District Appointees on Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Board

The Committee was provided with a copy of the agenda items and staff reports for the July 21, 2010, SMART District Board Meeting; and, the August 4, 2010, SMART Real Estate and Project Development Committee Meeting Agenda. Copies of these items are available in the Office of the District Secretary, as well as on the District’s web site.

Action by the Board – None Required

Status Report on Engineering Projects

In a memorandum to Committee, Deputy District Engineer Ewa Bauer, District Engineer Denis Mulligan and General Manager Celia Kupersmith reported on current engineering projects. A copy of the report is available in the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site.

Action by the Board – None Required

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Adjournment

All business having been concluded, the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m.