Santa Cruz County Transit and Transportation Agency Meetings - Audio Tracks

ORAL UPDATE ON PACIFIC STATION NORTH PROJECT

John Urgo, Planning and Development Director

The meeting agenda is here:

https://scmtd.com/images/department/board/archive/agendas/2024/2024.02.23-BOD-Agenda.pdf

The CommunityTV.org video is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM79wlvqtdk&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvT_Ae6YrLvf_pJKSTzuuMqX

PRESENTATION BY SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (SCCRTC) ON ZERO-EMISSION PASSENGER RAIL AND TRAIL PROJECT

Sarah Christensen, SCCRTC Senior Transportation Engineer

The meeting agenda is here:

https://scmtd.com/images/department/board/archive/agendas/2024/2024.02.23-BOD-Agenda.pdf

The CommunityTV.org video is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM79wlvqtdk&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvT_Ae6YrLvf_pJKSTzuuMqX

RATIFICATION OF INTERIM CEO/GM ENGAGEMENT LETTER

Julie Sherman, General Counsel

The meeting agenda is here:

https://scmtd.com/images/department/board/archive/agendas/2024/2024.02.23-BOD-Agenda.pdf

The CommunityTV.org video is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM79wlvqtdk&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvT_Ae6YrLvf_pJKSTzuuMqX

Highway 1 State Park-Freedom Auxiliary Lanes, Bus on Shoulder, and

Coastal Rail Trail Segment 12 Project Amendment to Professional

Engineering Services Agreement TP2122

(Sarah Christensen, Senior Transportation Engineer)

a. Staff Report

b. Resolution

c. Draft Scope and Costs Proposal for Amendment 4 to TP2122

In a meeting chaired by K Brown, the discussion primarily revolved around two main topics: the cost and structural comparison of two bridges, and a new bus on shoulder project.

Commissioner Johnson inquired about the cost difference between two bridges, which was confirmed to be zero. Commissioner Peterson raised concerns about the long-term durability and earthquake resilience of the bridges, to which the response was that both bridges are structurally equivalent.

Commissioner Schifrin shifted the focus to environmental impacts and the review process for a proposed bus on shoulder project from Freedom to Buena Vista. It was clarified that this bus project would be separate from the highway widening project in segment 12 and would require its own environmental review process. Concerns were raised about the clarity and process of introducing this bus project into the agenda, as it appeared suddenly and seemed unrelated to the ongoing project.

The staff explained that the proposal was to update the concept of operations for the bus project, which has been in development since 2018. They acknowledged it as a separate project that was still in its early stages and required Caltrans approval. The intention was to explore the feasibility of adding this new element to the existing infrastructure.

The potential benefits of combining this project with existing ones were highlighted, suggesting efficiency in terms of cost, schedule, and reduced community disruption.

Commissioners expressed mixed feelings about the approach and process of introducing and executing the bus on shoulder project. While some appreciated the proactive stance, others emphasized the need for clear communication and understanding of the project details, especially concerning environmental impacts and funding.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for ongoing updates and discussions about the project's development and approval process.

The meeting summary was done with AI on ChatGPT. The transcripts were generated on the RSS platform and were corrected to ~75%. I apologize for errors. If you spot something that needs correction let me know.

Meeting Agenda : 

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-02-01-RTC-agenda-packet.pdf

ZEPRT handout:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Handouts-item-27.pdf

Official Meeting Highlights:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-1-2024-RTC-Meeting-Highlights-1.pdf

Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fZgdXbbBB8&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRZ52uJW8KW1xLX7iizMk85

Videos of the episodes are here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOE8OGb8ohlInlNQMDD3KlX-UxSfAVCAy

In a meeting chaired by K. Brown, Sarah Christensen presented an amendment proposal for the Park Freedom Auxiliary Lanes, Bus on Shoulder, and Coastal Rail Trail Segment 12 project (TP2122). The amendment focuses on additional scope and budget for the professional engineering services contract with their design consultant, due to changes in the project's scope. Christensen emphasized changes around the Aptos Creek bridge in Aptos Village, involving a transition from a three-span to a single-span bridge to avoid conflicts with underground utilities.

The project, in its entirety, includes improvements on Highway 1, like a bus on shoulder facility and auxiliary lane, widening of the Highway 1 bridge over Aptos Creek, and development of the Coastal Rail Trail segment 12. The schedule aims for construction in 2026, pending full funding availability.

Christensen highlighted two bridge design options, the “Tied Arch” and the “Stress Ribbon,” both identical in construction and design costs. The main difference lies in their visual aesthetics, with the community being invited to provide input on their preference.

Additionally, an extension of the Bus on Shoulder facility is proposed, potentially adding three miles towards Watsonville. This extension, a 'true Bus on Shoulder' configuration, would benefit cross-county routes and requires an update in the concept of operations.

The staff recommendation includes authorizing an amendment to the contract with Mark Thomas, increasing the project budget to $13,728,717. The presentation concluded with Christensen inviting comments and questions.

The meeting summary was done with AI on ChatGPT. The transcripts were generated on the RSS platform and were corrected to ~75%. I apologize for errors. If you spot something that needs correction let me know.

Meeting Agenda : 

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-02-01-RTC-agenda-packet.pdf

ZEPRT handout:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Handouts-item-27.pdf

Official Meeting Highlights:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-1-2024-RTC-Meeting-Highlights-1.pdf

Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fZgdXbbBB8&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRZ52uJW8KW1xLX7iizMk85

Videos of the episodes are here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOE8OGb8ohlInlNQMDD3KlX-UxSfAVCAy

Climate Adaptation Vulnerability Assessment and Priorities Report

(CAVA) Milestone 1: Prioritization Framework

(Brianna Goodman, Transportation Planner)

The Santa Cruz County Climate Adaptation Vulnerability Assessment (CAVA) meeting focused on presenting the project's framework and discussing future steps. Brianna Goodman, a staff member, outlined the six-month progress, including stakeholder and public outreach. The project, a collaboration between Santa Cruz County, RTC, and consultants WSP and Ecology Action, aims to adapt and prioritize transportation assets in response to increasing climate-related hazards.

Goodman highlighted the significant impact of natural disasters, such as extreme storms and wildfires, on the county's transportation system. The CAVA project, aligning with the National FEARNAHT framework, will focus on understanding climate hazards, assessing impacts, and prioritizing vulnerabilities. The methodology involves using climate change models to assess transportation assets and developing metrics for prioritization.

The project sought extensive community feedback, especially from areas like San Lorenzo Valley and South County, severely impacted by recent disasters. Public input revealed that while a majority felt prepared for climate emergencies, those in recently affected areas expressed greater concerns. Common hazards identified were extreme wind events, slope failures, and wildfires, with impacts like travel delays and access to resources being significant concerns.

The framework, presented by Tim Gross from WSP, involves prioritizing transportation assets based on hazard likelihood and impact severity. It includes various asset classes like roadways, bridges, and railway segments, and considers a range of hazards like flooding, landslides, and wildfires. The prioritization scores, ranging from 0 to 100, will guide resource allocation for adaptation and resilience efforts.

Commissioner Rotkin raised concerns about the framework's applicability to the railroad, especially in relation to disadvantaged communities. Commissioner Montesino highlighted the lack of investment in South County's rail infrastructure. The Coastal Commission's guidance was discussed, with suggestions for early engagement to avoid project delays.

The meeting summary was done with AI on ChatGPT. The transcripts were generated on the RSS platform and were corrected to ~75%. I apologize for errors. If you spot something that needs correction let me know.

Meeting Agenda : 

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-02-01-RTC-agenda-packet.pdf

ZEPRT handout:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Handouts-item-27.pdf

Official Meeting Highlights:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-1-2024-RTC-Meeting-Highlights-1.pdf

Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fZgdXbbBB8&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRZ52uJW8KW1xLX7iizMk85

Videos of the episodes are here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOE8OGb8ohlInlNQMDD3KlX-UxSfAVCAy

The RTC meeting, chaired by K Brown, involved discussions on a transportation project, focusing on coordination among different agencies. Commissioner S Brown praised the project development team for their clear articulation of project needs. The team, comprising local jurisdiction representatives and RTC members, has successfully engaged the public in the project's progress. Commissioner Schiffrin raised concerns about the impacts of state housing requirements on traffic and public transport demand, emphasizing the need to incorporate these factors into transportation planning. Commissioner Randy Johnson expressed gratitude for the staff's work and emphasized the importance of factual decision-making based on comprehensive information about the project, including ridership and feasibility.

Commissioner Rotkin highlighted the need to plan for future transportation demands, considering the potential changes in travel time ratios between cars and public transit. Commissioner Peterson emphasized the unique benefits of train travel, such as the ability to work or relax during the commute. Chair Brown noted the project's early stage, with a detailed report expected in early 2025 to answer many of the project's outstanding questions. Finally, Commissioner Gittleson, speaking as an alternate for Commissioner Fernandez and a Watsonville resident, expressed strong support for the passenger rail project. She advocated for expediting the project, citing its potential benefits in terms of reliability and capacity to handle growing population pressures. The discussion concluded with Chair Brown thanking the public and commissioners for their contributions and moving on to the next agenda item.

The meeting summary was done with AI on ChatGPT. The transcripts were generated on the RSS platform and were corrected to ~75%. I apologize for errors. If you spot something that needs correction let me know.

Meeting Agenda : 

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-02-01-RTC-agenda-packet.pdf

ZEPRT handout:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Handouts-item-27.pdf

Official Meeting Highlights:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-1-2024-RTC-Meeting-Highlights-1.pdf

Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fZgdXbbBB8&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRZ52uJW8KW1xLX7iizMk85

Videos of the episodes are here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOE8OGb8ohlInlNQMDD3KlX-UxSfAVCAy

Public Hearing Zero Emission Passenger Rail & Trail

Project - Preliminary Purpose and Need

(Riley Gerbrandt, Associate Engineer)

The public hearing focused on the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) Project in Santa Cruz County, led by Riley Gerbrandt, the project manager. The primary goal of the hearing was to present and gather input on the project's preliminary purpose and needs statement. The Santa Cruz branch rail line, a continuous transportation corridor since the 1870s, offers a unique opportunity to enhance multimodal transportation in the county.

In 2012, the Commission acquired the branch line, leading to several planning studies, including the 2015 rail feasibility study and the 2021 transit corridor alternatives analysis. In 2022, HDR Engineering was contracted to implement passenger rail service along 22 miles of the branch line and develop the coastal rail trail between Santa Cruz and Pajaro.

The ZEPRT Project proposes high-capacity passenger rail service and stations along the branch line, along with 12 miles of coastal rail trail, aiming to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and offer integrated travel options. The project concept report, due in spring 2025, will advance into preliminary engineering and environmental documentation phases.

The hearing presented the preliminary purpose and need statement, highlighting the current transportation infrastructure challenges in Santa Cruz. These include insufficient support for a strong local economy, environmental and public health concerns, and lack of diverse transportation options. The project aims to address these issues by providing accessible and reliable public transport, improving transit connections, enhancing safety, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Public engagement is a key aspect of the project, with various stakeholder briefings, virtual and in-person open houses, and presentations at city council meetings planned. Feedback from these engagements will inform the ongoing development of the project's needs and purposes. The next milestones include presenting conceptual alignments and discussing zero-emission vehicle types, with the aim of refining the project in subsequent phases.

The meeting summary was done with AI on ChatGPT. The transcripts were generated on the RSS platform and were corrected to ~75%. I apologize for errors. If you spot something that needs correction let me know.

Meeting Agenda : 

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-02-01-RTC-agenda-packet.pdf

ZEPRT handout:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Handouts-item-27.pdf

Official Meeting Highlights:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-1-2024-RTC-Meeting-Highlights-1.pdf

Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fZgdXbbBB8&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRZ52uJW8KW1xLX7iizMk85

Videos of the episodes are here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOE8OGb8ohlInlNQMDD3KlX-UxSfAVCAy

Presentation on Transportation Projects in the City of Watsonville

(Murray Fontes, Assistant Director of Public Works & Utilities, City of Watsonville)

Murray Fontes, Assistant Director of Public Works & Utilities for the City of Watsonville, presented transportation projects to the commission, updating on progress since their last presentation in late 2020. Watsonville has completed numerous road reconstruction projects, including major arterials, and storm repair striping. The city was awarded for two projects: the $168,000 repair of Grizzly Flats Road, providing sole access to residents, and a $4.3 million reconstruction of Freedom Boulevard, improving pedestrian and vehicular infrastructure.

Watsonville also installed two new traffic signals, funded by highway safety improvement program funds and developer fees. The city has advanced in pedestrian and bicycle safety, using major defunds for projects like flashing beacons, curb ramp upgrades, separated bike lanes, and neighborhood traffic safety improvements. ATP grants funded two additional projects on Lincoln Street and the first segment of the rail trail.

Measure D and ATP funding also facilitated pedestrian and bicycle safety programs in partnership with local organizations, providing bikes, helmets, and safety training. The city secured a $6.9 million ATP grant for pedestrian and bicycle improvements at eight schools, and a federal safe streets grant for updating the Watsonville Vision Zero action plan.

Watsonville received state sustainable transportation planning grants, focusing on high collision corridors and downtown improvements. Three SHOPP projects are underway, including a State Route 152 rehabilitation through the city core.

Future projects include the Harkins Slough Road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, the Lee Road Trail, and the Green Valley Road improvements. Measure R funds will support a five-year pavement maintenance plan. Fontes also highlighted World Wetlands Day, emphasizing the city’s commitment to environmental conservation. Commissioners praised Watsonville's extensive efforts in transportation and infrastructure development.

The meeting summary was done with AI on ChatGPT. The transcripts were generated on the RSS platform and were corrected to ~75%. I apologize for errors. If you spot something that needs correction let me know.

Meeting Agenda : 

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-02-01-RTC-agenda-packet.pdf

ZEPRT handout:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Handouts-item-27.pdf

Official Meeting Highlights:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-1-2024-RTC-Meeting-Highlights-1.pdf

Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fZgdXbbBB8&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRZ52uJW8KW1xLX7iizMk85

Videos of the episodes are here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOE8OGb8ohlInlNQMDD3KlX-UxSfAVCAy

Caltrans Report - Scott Eades

Scott Eades, the Director of CalTrans District 5, congratulated the commission for appointing Mitch Weiss as the acting executive director, expressing confidence in Weiss’s expertise and looking forward to collaboration. Eades highlighted several ongoing projects in Watsonville:

1. Highway 129 Pavement Project: Scheduled for construction in late 2025 or early 2026, this project involves grinding and replacing the top layer of the roadway, restriping, upgrading sidewalks for ADA compliance, widening sidewalks in areas, and installing a rapid flashing beacon at Brewington Avenue.
2. Downtown Safety Pedestrian Project: Set to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, this project on Highway 152 will include curb extensions, upgraded crosswalks, and traffic calming measures to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity.
3. 152 Pavement Project: Starting its environmental phase in summer 2024, with construction planned for summer 2031, this project will rehabilitate pavement and restripe Highway 152. It also includes installing protected bike lanes, bicycle conflict markings, and potentially reducing lane widths to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Eades mentioned the closure of the sustainable transportation planning grants application cycle, with two applications received from Santa Cruz County. He also referenced Design Information Bulletin 94, which offers guidance on complete street elements on state highways, emphasizing the need for flexibility and engineering judgment.

Lastly, Eades spoke about ongoing coordination efforts, particularly on Route 9, involving parking restrictions, pedestrian hybrid beacons, and speed zone evaluations. He concluded by inviting questions and expressing appreciation for the opportunity to present.

The meeting summary was done with AI on ChatGPT. The transcripts were generated on the RSS platform and were corrected to ~75%. I apologize for errors. If you spot something that needs correction let me know.

Meeting Agenda : 

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-02-01-RTC-agenda-packet.pdf

ZEPRT handout:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Handouts-item-27.pdf

Official Meeting Highlights:

https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-1-2024-RTC-Meeting-Highlights-1.pdf

Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fZgdXbbBB8&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRZ52uJW8KW1xLX7iizMk85

Videos of the episodes are here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOE8OGb8ohlInlNQMDD3KlX-UxSfAVCAy