january 21, 2016 1:00 p.m. agenda special board executive

January 21, 2016 1:00 p.m.

AGENDA

Special Board Executive Committee Meeting

Riverside County Administration Center Board of Supervisors Conference Room C

4080 Lemon Street, Fifth Floor Riverside, CA 92501

Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, or any person with limited English proficiency (LEP) who requires language assistance to communicate with the Riverside Transit Agency Board of Directors during the meeting, should contact the Riverside Transit Agency Clerk of the Board, telephone number (951) 565-5044, no fewer than two business days prior to this meeting to enable the Riverside Transit Agency to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility or language assistance for this meeting. Agenda item descriptions are intended to provide members of the public a general summary of business to be conducted or discussed. Posting of any recommended action on an agenda item does not indicate what action will be taken. The Board of Directors may take any action it believes is appropriate on the agenda item and is not limited in any way by the notice of any recommendation. All documents related to any agenda item are available for public inspection at www.riversidetransit.com or through the Clerk of the Board’s office at the Riverside Transit Agency, 1825 Third Street, Riverside, CA 92507. ITEM RECOMMENDATION

1. CALL TO ORDER 2. SELF-INTRODUCTIONS

http://www.riversidetransit.com/

SPECIAL BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING PAGE 2 JANUARY 21, 2016

ITEM RECOMMENDATION

3. PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA ITEMS RECEIVE COMMENTS

Members of the public may address the Board regarding any item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board; however, no action may be taken on off-agenda items unless authorized by law. Comments shall be limited to matters not listed on the agenda. Members of the public may comment on any matter listed on the agenda at the time that the Board considers that matter. Each person's presentation is limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – DECEMBER 17, 2015,

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING (P.3) APPROVE 5. TRANSPORTATION NOW QUARTERLY

ATTENDANCE REPORT (P.6) RECEIVE AND FILE 6. 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE

PROGRAM (P.12) APPROVE 7. ACCESS TO DIVISION II LOCATED IN HEMET BY

THE HEMET POLICE DEPARTMENT DISCUSS 8. AUTHORIZE A ONE-TIME INCENTIVE PAYMENT

FOR MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEES FOR ACHIEVING 1,000 CONSECUTIVE DAYS WITHOUT A LOST TIME INJURY, AND AUTHORIZE AN AGENCY LUNCHEON TO RECOGNIZE THESE EMPLOYEES (P.22) APPROVE

9. NEXT MEETING

Thursday, February 25, 2016, 1:00 p.m. Riverside County Administration Center Board of Supervisors Conference Room C 4080 Lemon Street, Fifth Floor, Riverside, CA 92501

10. MEETING ADJOURNMENT

RTA BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Minutes

December 17, 2015

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Kotyuk called the Board Executive Committee meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. on December 17, 2015, in the Board of Supervisor’s Conference Room C, 4080 Lemon St., Riverside, CA.

2. SELF-INTRODUCTIONS

Self-introductions of those in attendance took place.

Committee Attendees

1. Chairman Andrew Kotyuk, City of San Jacinto 2. First Vice-Chairwoman Ella Zanowic, City of Calimesa 3. Second Vice-Chairman Frank Johnston, City of Jurupa Valley 4. Director Ike Bootsma, City of Eastvale 5. Director Linda Krupa, City of Hemet

Absent

1. Past Chair Marion Ashley, County of Riverside District V

RTA Staff

1. Larry Rubio, Chief Executive Officer 2. Craig Fajnor, Chief Financial Officer 3. Vince Rouzaud, Chief Procurement & Logistics Officer 4. Jim Kneepkens, Director of Marketing

Other Attendees

1. James Donich, Agency General Counsel

3. PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDA ITEMS

None.

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4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – NOVEMBER 19, 2015 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

M/S/C (BOOTSMA/ZANOWIC) approving the minutes of the November 19, 2015 Executive Committee meeting.

The motion carried unanimously.

5. TRANSPORTATION NOW ANNUAL GOALS

M/S/C (ZANOWIC/KRUPA) as to the following:

• Approve the 2016 T-NOW annual goals as follows:

1. Enhance customer’s experience 2. Promote ridership benefits 3. Enhance Riverside Transit Agency’s name recognition

The motion carried unanimously.

Second Vice-Chairman Johnston arrived to the meeting at 1:16 p.m.

6. CONTRACTED FIXED ROUTE

7. NEXT MEETING Board Executive Committee Meeting Thursday, January 28, 3016, 1:00 p.m. Riverside County Administration Center 4080 Lemon St., 5th Floor, Conference Room C Riverside, CA 92501

The Executive Board Committee went into Closed Session at 1:20 p.m.

8. CLOSED SESSION

A CLOSED SESSION WAS HELD PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6 TO DISCUSS THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION, LOCAL 1277. THE DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE RIVERSIDE TRANSIT AGENCY IS LARRY RUBIO, AND THE DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION, LOCAL 1277 IS ARTURO E. AGUILAR.

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The Executive Board Committee returned to Open Session at 1:40 p.m.

9. MEETING ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m.

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RIVERSIDE TRANSIT AGENCY 1825 Third Street

Riverside, CA 92507

January 21, 2016

TO: BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THRU: Larry Rubio, Chief Executive Officer FROM: Eric Ustation, Government Affairs Manager SUBJECT: Transportation NOW Quarterly Attendance Report Summary: Transportation NOW has six chapters; Greater Riverside,

Hemet/San Jacinto Valley, Moreno Valley/Perris, Northwest, San Gorgonio Pass, and Southwest. Each chapter meets monthly at a location convenient to the membership. Attendance includes transit users, elected officials, transit advocates, community activists and Riverside Transit Agency staff.

Attached is the calendar year 2015 4th quarter attendance report for all six chapters.

Recommendation:

Receive and file.

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Transportation NOW Meeting Attendees October - December 2015

Oct-15

Greater Riverside Chapter1 Clarissa Cervantes Councilmember Andy Melendrez's Office2 Carmen Cuevas Assemblymember Jose Medina's Office3 Christina Duran Community consultant - Eastside4 Art Garcia Community Action Partnership Commissioner5 Jeff Kraus UC Riverside6 John Krick Alvord Unified School District7 Richard Lemire Fair Housing Council8 Tyler Madary Senator Richard Roth's Office9 Will Martinez Assemblymember Eric Linder's Office10 Andy Melendrez City of Riverside Councilmember11 Ronald Profeta City of Riverside12 Kevin Street City of Riverside 13 Mike Tereul Rick Engineering14 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency

Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chapter1 CW Cecchi Hemet Transportation and Parking Commissioner2 Muriel Dufrense Golden Era Productions3 Deni Horne Aseemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office4 Flora Johnson Green Coalition5 Linda Krupa City of Hemet Mayor6 Steven Latino City of Hemet 7 David Madsen South Coast Air Quality Management District8 Sean Motlagh City of San Jacinto9 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency10 Tom Wilson Senator Mike Morrell's Office

Moreno Valley / Perris Chapter1 Tonya Burke City of Perris Mayor Pro Tem2 Mark Ealy Reverend3 Cindy Espinoza Perris Valley Cahmber of Commerce4 Cesar Gomez Assemblymember Jose Medina's Office5 Deni Horne Assemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office6 Edward Init City of Moreno Valley 7 Thomas Ketcham Supervisor Kevin Jeffries' Office8 David Madsen South Coast Air Quality Management District9 Cynthia Mendez City of Perris 10 Jesse Molina City of Moreno Valley Councilmember11 Tasha Samuel RTA customer12 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency

Northwest Chapter1 Ike Bootsma City of Eastvale Mayor2 Brian Champion City of Corona3 Berwin Hanna City of Norco Councilmember4 Donna Johnston Jurupa Valley Unified Boardmember5 Frank Johnston City of Jurupa Valley Councilmember6 Tyler Madary Senator Richard Roth's Office7 Will Martinez Assemblymember Eric Linder's Office8 Jerry Sincich Temescal Municipal Advisory Committee9 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency10 Keith White Rider

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San Gorgonio Pass Chapter1 Rosilicie Bogh Assemblymember Chad Mayes' Office2 Nancy Carroll City of Beaumont Treasurer3 James Foster Morongo Band of Mission Indians4 Mario Janesin Community Access Center5 Brenda Knight City of Beaumont Mayor6 Harry Nead Sun Lakes, Riverside Transit Agency rider7 Anita Petke Sunline Transit Agency8 Ron Roy Beaumont resident9 Richard Skwara Beaumont resident10 Rita Skwara Beaumont resident11 Brenda Teeman Beaumont resident12 Richard Teeman Beaumont resident13 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency14 Art Welch City of Banning Councilmember15 Anita Worthen Pass Area Veteran's Expo

Southwest Chapter1 Greg August City of Menifeee Councilmember2 Nicole Dailey City of Lake Elsinore 3 Maryann Edwards City of Temecula Councilmember4 Amy Hickman Lake Elsinore5 Daryl Hickman City of Lake Elsinore Councilmember6 Deni Horne Assemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office7 Chris Hyland Lake Elsinore Commissioner8 Randon Lane City of Murrieta Mayor9 Joseph Morabito Wildomar Rap10 Myles Ross City of Lake Elsinore11 Laura Turnbow Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce12 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 13 Brad Weaver Riverside Transit Agency 14 John Zaitz City of Canyon Lake Councilmember

Nov-15

Greater Riverside Chapter 1 Daisy Avalos Riverside Transit Agency2 Clarissa Cervantes Councilmember Andy Melendrez's Office3 Aurora Chavez Community advocate4 Carmen Cuevas Assemblymember Jose Medina's Office5 Christina Duran Community consultant - Eastside6 John Krick Alvord Unified School District7 Richard Lemire Fair Housing Council8 Melanie Ling Congressman Mark Takano's Office9 Tyler Madary Senator Richard Roth's Office10 David Madsen South Coast Air Quality Management District11 Andy Melendrez City of Riverside Councilmember12 Ronald Profeta City of Riverside13 Araceli Ruiz Supervisor Kevin Jeffries' Office14 Mike Tereul Rick Engineering15 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency

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Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chapter1 Frank Burnett RTA customer2 CW Cecchi Hemet Transportation and Parking Commissioner3 Deni Horne Aseemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office4 Flora Johnson Green Coalition5 James Pangrazzi San Jacinto community activist6 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency7 Tom Wilson Senator Mike Morrell's Office

Moreno Valley / Perris Chapter Chapter was dark in November

Northwest Chapter Chapter was dark in November

San Gorgonio Pass Chapter1 Edgar Alvarez 4 Seasons2 LaVerne Alvarez 4 Seasons3 Jerry Allen Dream Makers Limosine4 Rosilicie Bogh Assemblymember Chad Mayes' Office5 James Foster Morongo Band of Mission Indians6 Pat Foster City of Beaumont7 Michael Jones Sunline Transit Agency8 Mario Janesin Community Access Center9 Jim Kneepkens Riverside Transit Agency10 Brenda Knight City of Beaumont Mayor11 Chris McCallum Dream Makers Limosine12 Heidi Meraz City of Banning 13 Harry Nead Sun Lakes, Riverside Transit Agency rider14 Anita Petke Sunline Transit Agency15 Richard Skwara Beaumont resident16 Rita Skwara Beaumont resident17 Brenda Teeman Beaumont resident18 Richard Teeman Beaumont resident19 Jan Thorsky 4 Seasons20 Elizabth Urtiaga City of Beaumont21 Art Welch City of Banning Councilmember22 Ella Zanowic City of Calimesa Mayor Pro Tem

Southwest ChapterChapter was dark in November

Dec-15

Greater Riverside Chapter1 Clarissa Cervantes Councilmember Andy Melendrez's Office2 Christina Duran Community Advocate3 Laura Harris Riverside County Workforce Development4 Tom Ketcham Supervisor Kevin Jeffries' Office5 Jeff Kraus UC Riverside6 Richard Lemire Community Action Partnership7 David Madsen South Coast Air Quality Management District8 Will Martinez Assemblymember Eric Linder's Office9 Andy Melendrez City of Riverside Councilmember10 Stan Morrison Security Bank

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11 Araceli Ruiz Supervisor Kevin Jeffries' Office12 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency

Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chapter1 Frank Burnett Rider2 CW Cecchi Hemet Transportation and Parking Commission3 Mitch Gillespie Hemet Unified School District4 Laura Hernandez Hemet resident5 Deni Horne Assemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office6 Andrew Kotyuk City of San Jacinto Mayor7 Linda Krupa City of Hemet Councilmember8 James Pangrazzi San Jacinto Community Activist9 Jeff Pedersen Assemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office10 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency11 Tom Wilson Senator Mike Morell's Office

Moreno Valley / Perris Chapter1 Tonya Burke City of Perris Mayor Pro Tem2 Cesar Gomez Assemblymember Jose Medina's Office3 Deni Horne Assemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office4 Thomas Ketcham Supervisor Kevin Jeffries' Office5 Eric Lewis City of Moreno Valley 6 Melanie Ling Congressman Mark Takano's Office7 Jesse Molina City of Moreno Valley Councilmember8 Jeff Pedersen Assemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office9 Juan Rodriguez City of Perris 10 Tasha Samuel Customer11 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency

Northwest Chapter1 Ike Bootsma City of Eastvale Mayor2 Brian Champion City of Corona3 Berwin Hanna City of Norco Councilmember4 Donna Johnston Jurupa Valley Unified Boardmember5 Frank Johnston City of Jurupa Valley Councilmember6 Tyler Madary Senator Richard Roth's Office7 Will Martinez Assemblymember Eric Linder's Office8 Jerry Sincich Temescal Municipal Advisory Committee9 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency10 Keith White Rider

San Gorgonio Pass Chapter1 Celina Cabrera City of Beaumont2 Nancy Carroll City of Beaumont Treasurer3 James Foster Morongo Band of Mission Indians4 Pat Foster City of Beaumont5 Shane Helms Morongo Band of Mission Indians6 Mario Janesin Community Access Center7 Brenda Knight City of Beaumont Mayor8 Jack Marty Riverside County Transportation Commission volunteer9 Chris McCallum Dream Makers Limosine10 Harry Nead Sun Lakes, Riverside Transit Agency rider11 Diego Rojo Sunline Transit Agency12 Ron Roy Beaumont resident13 Richard Skwara Beaumont resident

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14 Rita Skwara Beaumont resident15 Brenda Teeman Beaumont resident16 Richard Teeman Beaumont resident17 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency18 Art Welch City of Banning Councilmember19 Anita Worthen Pass Area Veterans Expo20 Ella Zanowic City of Calimesa Mayor Pro Tem

Southwest Chapter1 Brian Ambrose City of Murrieta2 Greg August City of Menifee Mayor Pro Tem3 Nicole Dailey City of Lake Elsinore 4 Daryl Hickman City of Lake Elsinore Councilmember5 Kristen Huyck Supervisor Kevin Jeffries' Office6 Chris Hyland Lake Elsinore Commissioner7 Sarah Manwaring City of Menifee City Clerk8 Joseph Morabito Wildomar Rap9 Jeff Pedersen Assemblymember Melissa Melendez's Office10 Michelle Runnells Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce11 Lesa Sobek City of Menifee Councilmember12 Eric Ustation Riverside Transit Agency 13 John Zaitz City of Canyon Lake Councilmember

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Riverside, CA 92507

January 21, 2016 TO: BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THRU: Larry Rubio, Chief Executive Officer FROM: Eric Ustation, Government Affairs Manager SUBJECT: 2016 Federal and State Legislative Program Summary: The actions of federal and state legislators have a profound effect on

the operations of the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA). Because RTA relies on operating and capital funding from all levels of government, assuring that adequate funds are allocated is critical if the Agency is to meet its commitment to providing safe, efficient, reliable and economical transportation service to western Riverside County.

In 2015, numerous events at the federal and state levels affected RTA. Federal officials were able to pass the first long-term transportation reauthorization bill since 2005. The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act is a five-year, $305 billion bill that provides planning stability and increases funding for transit. In California, Governor Jerry Brown called a special session of the legislature to come up with solutions to fund the state’s unmet transportation needs. A $3.6 billion annual funding proposal was released that would provide new revenues for highways and transit by increasing transportation fees and taxes and implementing new fees for electric vehicles. The Governor has vowed to get the proposal approved in 2016, despite vocal opposition from the minority party. The RTA Federal and State Legislative Program establishes the goals and methods RTA will use to advocate for the funding and business environment necessary to meet the transportation requirements of the communities served. The program is presented in the form of principles rather than specific action items to allow staff the necessary flexibility to quickly respond to legislative proposals and specific policy concerns that may arise over the course of a session. Furthermore, as funding opportunities materialize, staff will use this program as a foundation to prepare grant applications that best represent the needs of RTA and place the agency in a position to be awarded funds.

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The proposed 2016 Federal and State Legislative Program is attached.

Fiscal Impact:

There are no direct costs associated with approving the Program. Recommendation:

Approve and recommend this item to the full Board of Directors for their consideration as follows: • Approve proposed 2016 Federal and State Legislative Program.

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Frank JohnstonChairmanCity of Jurupa Valley

Linda KrupaFirst Vice ChairCity of Hemet

Art WelchSecond Vice ChairCity of Banning

Kevin JeffriesCounty of RiversideDistrict 1

John F. TavaglioneCounty of RiversideDistrict 2

Chuck WashingtonCounty of RiversideDistrict 3

Marion AshleyCounty of RiversideDistrict 5

Brenda KnightCity of Beaumont

Joyce McIntireCity of Calimesa

John ZaitzCity of Canyon Lake

Dick HaleyCity of Corona

Ike BootsmaCity of Eastvale

Daryl HickmanCity of Lake Elsinore

Greg AugustCity of Menifee

Jesse MolinaCity of Moreno Valley

Randon LaneCity of Murrieta

Berwin HannaCity of Norco

Tonya BurkeCity of Perris

Andy MelendrezCity of Riverside

Alonso LedezmaCity of San Jacinto

Maryann EdwardsCity of Temecula

Bridgette MooreCity of Wildomar

T he Riverside Transit Agency, Riverside County’s multi-modal transportation provider, shall provide for a variety of transportation needs in a cost-effective and efficient manner for all the residents of our member communities. The Agency is committed to providing safe, reliable, courteous, accessible, and user-friendly services to our customers.

MISSION STATEMENT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RTA is governed by a board of directors comprised of 22 elected officials from 18 cities in western Riverside County and four members of the County Board of Supervisors.

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2016 FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM

RIVERSIDE TRANSIT AGENCY

I. Background The actions of federal and state legislative bodies have profound effects on the operations of the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA). Because RTA relies heavily on operating and capital funding from all levels of government, assuring that adequate funds are allocated is critical if the Agency is to meet its commitment to providing safe, efficient, reliable and economic transportation service to western Riverside County. The RTA Federal and State Legislative Program establishes the goals and methods RTA will use to advocate for the funding and regulatory environment necessary to meet the transportation demand of the communities served. As in previous versions, the program is presented in the form of principles rather than specific action items to allow staff the necessary flexibility to quickly respond to legislative proposals and specific policy concerns that may arise over the course of a session. Furthermore, as funding opportunities materialize, staff will use this program as a foundation to prepare grant applications that represent the needs of RTA and place the Agency in the best position to be awarded funds. In 2015, the priority at the federal level was approving a long-term transportation reauthorization bill successor to Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). After numerous extensions and debate on funding sources, Congress was able to pass the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act on December 3, 2015. The legislation was signed into law by President Obama on December 4. The FAST Act is a five year, $305 billion bill that renews highway and transit programs without raising the gas tax. Transit provisions of the bill include increasing Bus and Bus Facilities funding by 89 percent and overall funding for the Mass Transit Account by 18 percent over the five-year life of the bill.

To cover the cost of the Act without increasing the gas tax, Congress chose to transfer $70 billion from the General Fund, allowed sales from the strategic petroleum reserves, increased customs user fees and reduced dividends the Federal Reserve pays banks with assets exceeding $10 billion. Even with the passage of the FAST Act, the federal government still needed to come to an agreement on an omnibus appropriations bill to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year. On December 17, 2015, Congress passed an omnibus bill that not only funded the government, but also included a number of tax extensions that benefit transit and RTA. The bill permanently modified provisions of the tax code that sets the maximum transit commuter tax benefit at the same level car commuters get for parking expenses. Both classes of commuters can now pay for those costs with up to $255 in pre-tax income per month. In addition, the appropriations bill extended and retroactively restored the alternative fuels excise tax credit. The fuel credit provides the Agency with a 50-cent-per-gallon equivalent tax credit for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) used to power RTA’s heavy-duty fleet. The Agency has received roughly $1 million per year while this credit has existed and is now able to recuperate the credit for both 2015 and 2016. In 2015, the conflict continued between the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) and the State of California over the state’s passage of the Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and its interaction with Section 13(c) of Federal Transit Law. Despite the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in favor of the state in December 2014, the USDOL continued to withhold federal funds from transit agencies statewide. Transit agencies were placed in a position of having to make heavy cuts in service if no funding was released. Ultimately, the USDOL notified agencies that they would release federal funding if certain

Item 6 16



conditions were agreed. After learning of other transit agencies in California accepting the conditions, the RTA Board of Directors agreed to the terms in November 2015 and prevented the drastic service cuts from occurring. Meanwhile, the court case between the USDOL and the state continues and may ultimately be decided by the United States Supreme Court. On the state level, Governor Jerry Brown called a special session of the California Legislature to come up with solutions to fund the state’s unmet transportation needs. Numerous proposals have been suggested previously to raise funds over what is currently collected through gas and diesel sales and excise taxes. Some suggestions included a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fee, increasing registration fees, implementing a fee on electric vehicle users, and simply raising the gas tax.

In early September, the Governor proposed a $3.6 billion annual funding package for transportation, with an emphasis on repairing and maintaining existing transportation infrastructure. Funding would be shared evenly between state and local uses with Constitutional protection for increased revenues. The plan would provide $400 million annually to transit capital projects and operations via the Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program and the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program, more than doubling the state’s current transit investment from the Cap and Trade program. In addition, the plan includes $100 million annually for a new complete streets program.

The Governor’s proposal would be funded through various increases to existing fees and taxes as well as the implementation of a fee for electric vehicle owners. However, resistance from within the Legislature over the current usage of transportation funds prevented approval of the proposal. The Governor has vowed to continue working on transportation funding in 2016. The Cap and Trade program continues to be promising as an increasing source of revenue for RTA. In 2015, RTA was able to secure funding from the Low Carbon Transit Operations

Program (LCTOP). LCTOP funds are required to be spent to enhance or expand service to increase mode share and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. RTA was able to allocate these funds for the Vine Street Layover Facility and to assist with operating costs associated with routes serving the new Perris Valley Line Metrolink extension. Looking ahead, RTA will remain vigilant in applying for and obtaining any Cap and Trade funding that is made available. To assist in achieving its goals, RTA is a member of several transportation organizations that advocate for the increased role and importance of transit. For federal advocacy, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the national trade association, maintains an active lobbying program. RTA also utilizes the services of David Turch and Associates (DTA), legislative consultants based in Washington, DC. DTA works with RTA staff to monitor pertinent legislation, arrange meetings with our federal delegation and advocate on behalf of the Agency. On the state level, the California Transit Association (CTA) serves as an advocate for transit to the California Legislature. CTA works to enhance transit funding and to represent transit's interests before the California State Legislature, the governor, and regulatory agencies. CTA frequently updates RTA on policy developments, and RTA staff is an active member on the CTA Legislative Committee. On a local level, RTA supports six Transportation NOW (T-NOW) chapters. These local grassroots organizations represent the various regions that make up RTA’s large service area and advocate for the support of public transportation as an essential component to their communities. T-NOW chapters work with RTA staff to support and lobby for funding; to raise awareness of the benefits of environmentally sound, safe, and energy-efficient transportation alternatives; and to encourage the use of public transportation in western Riverside County.

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II. Federal Legislative Program This program is a general policy statement of federal legislative issues of concern to the Riverside Transit Agency. 1. Transit Funding

a. Coordinate with federal agencies to

ensure equitable distribution of funding from Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.

b. Advocate for expanding eligible uses for

federal funding in the FAST Act.

c. Obtain fair share of additional funding from Bus and Bus Facilities program.

d. Advocate for local control and flexibility in delivering projects.

e. Advocate for a permanent extension of

the alternative fuels excise tax credit.

f. Oppose efforts to erode Highway Trust Fund revenues without identifying a new dedicated and sustainable source of greater value.

g. Support efforts to ease or simplify local

matching requirements for federal grants and programs.

h. Advocate for transit agencies to be direct recipients of federal grants.

i. Seek federal funding to meet state and local environmental quality requirements, including anticipated requirements for zero-emission buses, alternative fueling stations and future greenhouse gas reduction requirements.

2. Regulatory a. Advocate for a thorough review of the

relevance and local financial impacts of section 13(c) of the Federal Transit Law, or any federal regulations that inhibit RTA’s ability to provide reliable transportation.

b. Coordinate with federal agencies and officials to ensure previously appropriated funds remain allocated to RTA.

c. Support federal efforts to modernize bus axle weight standards.

d. Support legislation that incentivizes the use of transit.

e. Oppose legislation that places additional

unfunded mandates or regulations on RTA.

f. Oppose labor-related legislation and regulations that would negatively affect RTA’s ability to efficiently and economically provide service.

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III. State Legislative Program This program is a general policy statement of state legislative issues of concern to the Riverside Transit Agency. 1. Transit Funding

a. Advocate for additional, more flexible

state transit funding as part of the Governor’s special session on transportation.

b. Oppose any measure that would divert local transit related funds to the state for use other than for transit activities.

c. Support efforts to maintain and enhance transportation and transit funding approved under the gas tax swap and as protected by Proposition 22.

d. Advocate bolstering State Transit

Assistance funds to overcome declining diesel sales tax revenues due to falling diesel prices and increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly engines.

e. Support pilot programs seeking new funding sources beyond the gas tax.

f. Support legislation to provide specific funding for innovative and intelligent transit programs to leverage the use of “smart” devices.

g. Support programs that fund new technology to enhance the safety of both riders and employees.

2. Environmental a. Defend and expand transit allocation of

cap and trade revenue as authorized by AB 32.

b. Ensure zero-emission bus policies do not place unfair or unfunded mandates on transit agencies.

c. Ensure implementation of Advanced Clean Transit (ACT) initiatives prioritize existing proven alternative-fuel technologies.

d. Oppose any effort to reprioritize transportation funding during the implementation of AB 32.

e. Advocate for the geographically equitable distribution of cap and trade revenue.

f. Support efforts to encourage transit-oriented developments as a solution to environmental issues.

3. Regulation

a. Support efforts to reform budget processes that results in a more reasonable, predictable revenue stream for transportation priorities.

b. Support incentives for ridesharing and/or reimbursement for transit passes.

c. Monitor minimum wage laws to ensure they are uniformly implemented statewide.

d. Monitor state implementation of pension reform laws.

e. Oppose labor-related legislation and

regulations that would have a negative effect on RTA’s ability to efficiently and economically provide service.

f. Support maximum flexibility in the ability to use state funding.

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IV. Advocacy Activities To achieve the goals of the Agency’s Legislative Program, RTA will utilize the following activities and sources as appropriate: a. Regular and consistent contact with the

offices of federal, state and local legislators.

b. Strategic travel to federal and state legislators and agencies.

c. Maintain a database to track pertinent legislation and bring pertinent bills to the Board of Directors for feedback, support or opposition.

d. RTA Board of Directors’ approved letters

in support of or opposition to legislation.

e. Regular communication with attendees of Transportation NOW chapters.

f. Initiate contact with legislators to sponsor

transit-friendly legislation. g. Coordination with press outlets to print

transit-friendly publications. h. Regular communication with RTA’s federal

legislative consultants.

i. Legislative reports from trade organizations and other transportation agencies.

j. Engagement of the community via social

media communications.

k. Coordination with local transportation agencies to create strong regional advocacy voice.

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1825 THIRD STREET, RIVERSIDE, CA 92507951-565-5000

WWW.RIVERSIDETRANSIT.COM

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:ERIC USTATION

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MANAGER(951) 565-5250

[email protected]

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Riverside, CA 92507

January 21, 2016

TO: BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THRU: Larry Rubio, Chief Executive Officer FROM: Robert Bach, Director of Maintenance SUBJECT: Authorize a One-Time Incentive Payment for Maintenance

Employees for Achieving 1,000 Consecutive Days Without a Lost Time Injury, and Authorize an Agency Luncheon to Recognize These Employees

Summary: Injuries can happen in any job. Workplace injuries cost companies

money in workers compensation claims and lost productivity of injured employees. The Maintenance Department has the potential to be one of the most injury-prone areas at the Agency. Maintenance employees’ jobs entail an abundance of activity, mobility, and working with heavy machinery and tools. Maintenance employees are also susceptible to slip and fall injuries.

With that in mind, the Maintenance Department made a conscious effort to focus on reducing on-the-job injuries and set goals for employees. Over the past two-plus years, the department, which employees 61 mechanics, groundskeepers and supervisors at two facilities, worked to identify safer ways to work and enhance safety and training. The results have been phenomenal.

The Maintenance Department is on the verge of a major milestone in safety. On March 8, 2016, the department will achieve 1,000 days without a lost time work injury. Because the Agency takes safety seriously and has placed it as our number one core value, every mechanic, groundskeeper and supervisor can be proud of this accomplishment.

As a part of this recognition, staff recommends that each Maintenance employee receive a one-time payment of $380 (net $250) as appreciation and a thank you for a job well done. In addition, staff recommends an Agency-wide luncheon to recognize

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these employees where they will be presented with certificates and commemorative pins.

Fiscal Impact:

The estimated cost for this celebration is $28,300. The break-down is as follows:

Employee Payment $23,180 (Note: The Director and Managers are not eligible for employee payment) Luncheon $ 2,500 Marketing/Commemorative Pins $ 2,620

The cost to celebrate this great achievement can be absorbed in the current FY16 Operating budget.

Recommendation:

Approve and recommend this item to the full Board of Directors for their consideration as follows:

• Authorize a one-time payment of $380 per maintenance employee for achieving this major milestone;

• Authorize an Agency-wide luncheon to recognize these employees with certificates and commemorative pins.

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january 21, 2016 1:00 p.m. agenda special board executive

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