An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday,
February 12, 2002 commencing at 7:03 a.m.

A. ROLL CALL

Present: Council Members – Hitchcock, Howard, Land, and Nakanishi

Absent: Council Members – Mayor Pennino

Also Present: City Manager Flynn, City Attorney Hays, and City Clerk Blackston

City Clerk Blackston reviewed the weekly calendar (filed).

C-1 "Transit Operations"

Carlos Tobar, Transportation Manager, explained that the purpose of today’s meeting is to obtain direction from Council as to how much money to request from the San Joaquin Council of Governments (COG) for Measure K funds for Lodi’s transit operations. After COG reviews the request and replies with an amount, staff will return to Council for approval of routes, as well as a new contract for Laidlaw transit services through June 30, 2003.

Mr. Tobar explained that the City is using funds from Measure K, Transportation Development Act, and Farebox for its transit operations through June 30, 2003. Because the City is not using federal funds for operations, the contract to Laidlaw could be extended. If federal funds are used, contracts are limited to a maximum of five years.

Mr. Tobar reported that fixed route service has not changed in five years, and commented that there has been significant development during this time. He reviewed the existing GrapeLine routes and proposed routes (filed) as follows:

Proposed Express Route 1:

Will provide services from new neighborhoods to Lodi High School Monday through Friday, with three runs each morning and afternoon. Operating cost is estimated at $9,800 per year; $6,500 in Measure K funds will be requested.

In reply to Council Member Howard, Mr. Tobar projected that 54 new riders on this route will be needed to break even.

Proposed Express Route 2:

Will provide direct service to Lodi High School. Currently there are 60 passengers on the Ham and Kettleman Lane transfer to Route 2. It is hoped that this proposed route would reduce overcrowding. There would be three runs each morning and afternoon, 181 days per year at an operating cost of $9,800 per year; $6,500 in Measure K funds will be requested.

Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock asked if there was an option to the transfer on the route.

Mr. Tobar replied that students could enter the bus when the doors open at the required stop at the railroad tracks, thus creating a "seamless transfer."

Proposed Modified Route 5:

This route would run Monday through Friday three times per hour in the mornings and afternoons, and is designed to accommodate employees of WorkNet, Lodi Unified School District Administration, Central Valley Waste Services, Blue Shield, and Pacific Coast Producers. Operating cost is estimated at $54,000 per year; $35,000 in Measure K funds will be requested.

In reply to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Mr. Tobar explained that this route was created because of promises for fixed-route service that Economic Development Coordinator Tony Goehring made to some businesses that were considering relocating to Lodi’s industrial area. He also noted that an agreement with COG for a trolley bus was made with the understanding that Lodi would provide transit service to the industrial area.

Council Member Nakanishi requested that Council be provided with an update in 12 months on the status of these proposed routes.

Proposed Route 6:

The higher cost of this route is due to the daily schedule and number of runs, which include 17 runs Monday through Friday, 13 runs on Saturday, and 11 runs on Sunday.

In response to questions by Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Tobar reported that a total of $158,000 per year through the life of Measure K would be requested. He anticipated returning to Council for approval of the new Laidlaw contract in March, for an increase of 30%. He stated that staff is not recommending an increase in fares. He commented that Lodi has the lowest fares in the state, is ranked second in fixed-route service, and first in Dial-A-Ride service.

Proposed Express Route 6:

Mr. Tobar noted that Century Boulevard is not accessible to bicyclists or pedestrians due to the location of Salas Park. Measure K funds in the amount of $6,500 will be requested for this route.

Proposed Route 7:

Mr. Tobar stated that no Measure K funds will be requested for this route. Amtrak will be stopping in Lodi at 11:15 a.m. and leaving south at 5:00 p.m. Route 7 is a proposed wine tasting route that will serve the Visitors Center and the following wineries: Jessie’s Grove, Lucas, Oak Ridge, Peirano Estates, Phillips, Spenker, VanRuiten-Taylor, and Woodbridge. There would be two half-hour headways leaving at 11:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only. The operating cost is estimated at $41,400 per year. A charge has not yet been determined. Mr. Tobar suggested that wineries may want to contribute toward the Farebox recovery ratio, so that passengers using Amtrak are not charged for Route 7.

Nancy Wilkinson, Executive Director of the Lodi Conference and Visitors Center, stated that she has received positive comments from wineries about this proposed route and some have mentioned a willingness to subsidize a portion of the cost. She believed that it would be a benefit to Lodi tourism as well as a safety measure because it would help deter alcohol-related driving incidences. She stated that if it is approved the Visitors Center’s role would be marketing the route.

Mr. Tobar explained that prior to a request for approval staff would return to Council with more information related to Route 7.

In response to Council inquiries, Mr. Tobar reported that the life of Measure K is through 2010. Reductions in service would result if new transportation sales tax is not authorized. Approximately $500,000 to $600,000 a year could be saved by limiting Dial-A-Ride exclusively to the elderly and disabled. He cautioned, however, that five years ago this topic was discussed and there was significant opposition from the public. He reported that transportation bills are now on a five year cycle. Over the last 30 years funding has been available for transportation in small urbanized areas. Mr. Tobar stated that it would not be necessary to increase fares even after the proposed new services and 30% increase in the Laidlaw contract. He explained that the City receives approximately $2 million per year from the Transportation Development Act, $1 million from the Federal Transit Administration, $250,000 from fares, and $168,000 from Measure K.

Council Member Howard expressed support for the wine tasting shuttle and other staff recommendations.

In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Mr. Tobar reported that the San Joaquin Regional Transit District has expressed an interest in bidding on the Lodi transit service contract. Pending Council direction, the City can also bid on the contract next December.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Bob Johnson recalled that Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock had asked whether the proposed routes were developed as a result of comments raised at public meetings on unmet transit needs, or whether they were created because staff believed they were necessary. Her question was only partially answered in that the proposed modified Route 5 was developed pursuant to promises made by the Economic Development Director to entice businesses into the community. Mr. Johnson asked Mr. Tobar to respond why the other proposed routes are being recommended.

Mr. Tobar replied indirectly stating that public comments are also received via e-mail, phone calls, comment cards on buses, etc. He added that results from the new service would be demonstrated.

City Manager Flynn announced that a celebration event is being planned for March 18 in recognition of the Amtrak and San Joaquin train service to Lodi.

City Attorney Hays stated that the California Constitution prohibits public officials from accepting free rides on public transportation and violation results in immediate forfeiture of office.

COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

None.

No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 a.m.

ATTEST:

Susan J. Blackston
City Clerk