pages: TransportationCommission/2007-10-17.pdf, 6
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
TransportationCommission | 2007-10-17 | 6 | Commissioner Tam inquired whether the Commission would receive feedback on the legislation. Ms. Trost replied that there was legal language written into the bill that identified a year-long open process that stated that the Authority needed to work with the local agencies, "specifically those that run already existing water transit systems. There was also a 45-day public process of receiving local input. She added that it would have several hearings through several Commissions, the State Senate and Assembly, and that the hearings would be bi-partisan. She encouraged the Commissioners to come to the hearings, and added that Senator Perata was very specific in stating that the local input from Alameda and Vallejo would be vital in ensuring this program worked. She ensured that it was not a hostile takeover, but that the goal was to make a more efficient system for the ferry riders. Ms. Trost noted that they had heard many concerns from the Commissioners and the public about any cuts to service, increased fares, and staffing issues. She noted that SB 976 contained language stating, "priorities should be given to ensuring continuity in the program services and activities of existing public transportation ferry services." She believed there was also language about protecting staff, and added that the Senator's intent was to enhance service, not cut it. Commissioner Krueger noted that with respect to Regional Measure 2, he understood the intent to increase service and to increase funding through Proposition 1-B, as well as to consolidate and respond in a disaster. He noted that some of the language choices were puzzling to him, with respect to the Alameda-Oakland and Harbor Bay Ferry was changed to Transbay Ferries. He was disappointed that there was not an answer for that, and inquired why the language had been changed. He did not want the Regional Measure 2 funds to be diverted away from what Alamedans voted for, which he viewed as a betrayal. Ms. Trost noted that she did not have an answer for that question because she had never been asked it before. She emphasized that she would be able to find that information for Commissioner Krueger. Ms. Weinstein noted that in response to Chair Knox White's question, the term length of each Board member was six years. Commissioner McFarland believed that the end users of this ferry system had not been well-informed by the State throughout this year-long process. In response to an inquiry by Chair Knox White whether the City-owned boats would be able to be sold for their full value, and whether the partial payment of the boats by grants would affect that sale, Staff Sanchez replied that the City owned four boats, all of which were acquired using public (State or federal) funds. If the boats were to be sold, the City would be required to repay a portion of the money back to the granting agency; a portion would return to the City as well. He added that the Encinal and the Peralta were purchased with grants with a local match, half paid by the City of Alameda and half paid by the Port of Oakland. Chair Knox White noted that there was considerable disappointment with this process, Special Meeting of the Page 6 of 8 10/17/07 Transportation Commission | TransportationCommission/2007-10-17.pdf |