DiscoverSanta Cruz County Transit and Transportation Agency Meetings - Audio Tracks
Santa Cruz County Transit and Transportation Agency Meetings - Audio Tracks
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Santa Cruz County Transit and Transportation Agency Meetings - Audio Tracks

Author: Keith Bontrager

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Attending these meetings in person is very time consuming. They are long and there is often quite a bit of administrative business done. Not many people have the time to do it. And, even if you do, it is not a very efficient use of time.

But the meetings are important. They are the best way to keep track of what the agencies are up to. These podcasts make access to that content very simple and efficient.

I edit the podcasts to break the meetings into short, topical episodes. You can listen to the episodes that cover topics that matter to you. The cool thing about doing that with a podcast is that you can listen whenever and wherever you can.

The podcasts are made from community tv.org 's video feed of the meetings. Thanks go to them for providing those. You can see the full videos on their website.

I've started adding some episodes that cover the supporting documents for the meetings. Those can be very useful. I am using text to audio conversions to convert them to an audio format.

I'm not editing the content of the podcasts. It is extracted directly from the video of the meetings. I am editing out the agency's administrative business, and I am not including public comments. Both of those are available in the original video.

There are some presentations that depend on a Power point presentation or slides. I make videos of those and post them on YouTube.

Community Television of Santa Cruz County (CTV) videos of local agency meetings are here:

https://communitytv.org/watch/government-demand/

Their YouTube channel is here:

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

SC Metro Board agendas are here:

https://scmtd.com/en/agency-info/board/board-agenda-archive

SCCRTC meeting agendas are here:

https://sccrtc.org/meetings/commission/agendas/

And are archived here:

https://sccrtc.org/meetings/commission/past-meetings/

370 Episodes
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Q&A part 2 following Part 5 - Coastal Trail Project Delivery
Q&A - part 1 - Coastal Trail Project Delivery
The same as Part 5 but without the long introduction and project background. OverviewCoastal Rail Trail Segments 8-11 face significant funding and delivery challenges.Escalating costs and funding gaps threaten project timelines and scope.Multiple phasing and scope reduction options analyzed; none fully close the funding gap.$19.5M federal RAISE grant and $20.5M Safe Streets for All grant (pending) are key funding sources.Measure D sales tax is critical for leveraging state and federal funds, but is insufficient for full buildout.Project delivery is at risk due to strict grant deadlines and limited new funding opportunities.Project Introduction and Recusal for Conflict of InterestCoastal Rail Trail Segments 8-11 project delivery discussed.Chair Montecito recused due to conflict of interest.Planning grant for Watsonville circulation pursued, supporting previous Reconnecting Communities grant application.Focus on future project planning in City of Watsonville.Project Overview, Funding Success, and ChallengesCoastal Rail Trail is a 32-mile multi-use path from Davenport to Pajaro.Project divided into segments; current focus on segments 8–11 (Santa Cruz to Aptos).Project approval and environmental phase began in 2020; construction scheduled for 2027.Construction expected to take 2–4 years; significant time spent on environmental review and design.Recent efforts focus on cost reduction and project delivery strategies due to funding shortfalls.Cost Escalation, Funding Gaps, and Phasing OptionsValue engineering analysis and MOU with Roaring Camp completed to reduce track relocation costs.Secured $19.5M federal RAISE grant; City of Santa Cruz applied for $20.5M Safe Streets for All grant.Coastal Rail Trail segments 8–11 require additional funding for final design and construction by 2027.Existing grants do not cover cost increases; new state and federal funding is scarce and competitive.Project phasing and scope reduction options analyzed, but even minimal reductions exceed available Measure D revenues.Financial Scenarios, Grant Assumptions, and Feasibility AnalysisFuture project phases require funding; no identified source yet.Assumed minimum local match is 20% of project cost; higher match increases competitiveness.Option C funds 1.5 of 6.5 miles with Measure D, leaving ~$20–21M for future phases or matching.Financial analysis excludes potential $20M Safe Streets for All grant.Ongoing cost tracking; current funding gap addressed via Consolidated Grant Program application, with decisions expected in November.Distribution of Funds and Project Wrap-UpMajority of funds distributed to city and county of Santa Cruz.Significant portion allocated to corridor maintenance.Some funding dedicated to city of Watsonville.Project concept report used for trail alignment development in Watsonville.Regional portion of North Coast Trail under development.
OverviewCoastal Rail Trail Segments 8-11 face significant funding and delivery challenges.Escalating costs and funding gaps threaten project timelines and scope.Multiple phasing and scope reduction options analyzed; none fully close the funding gap.$19.5M federal RAISE grant and $20.5M Safe Streets for All grant (pending) are key funding sources.Measure D sales tax is critical for leveraging state and federal funds, but is insufficient for full buildout.Project delivery is at risk due to strict grant deadlines and limited new funding opportunities.Project Introduction and Recusal for Conflict of InterestCoastal Rail Trail Segments 8-11 project delivery discussed.Chair Montecito recused due to conflict of interest.Planning grant for Watsonville circulation pursued, supporting previous Reconnecting Communities grant application.Focus on future project planning in City of Watsonville.Project Overview, Funding Success, and ChallengesCoastal Rail Trail is a 32-mile multi-use path from Davenport to Pajaro.Project divided into segments; current focus on segments 8–11 (Santa Cruz to Aptos).Project approval and environmental phase began in 2020; construction scheduled for 2027.Construction expected to take 2–4 years; significant time spent on environmental review and design.Recent efforts focus on cost reduction and project delivery strategies due to funding shortfalls.Cost Escalation, Funding Gaps, and Phasing OptionsValue engineering analysis and MOU with Roaring Camp completed to reduce track relocation costs.Secured $19.5M federal RAISE grant; City of Santa Cruz applied for $20.5M Safe Streets for All grant.Coastal Rail Trail segments 8–11 require additional funding for final design and construction by 2027.Existing grants do not cover cost increases; new state and federal funding is scarce and competitive.Project phasing and scope reduction options analyzed, but even minimal reductions exceed available Measure D revenues.Financial Scenarios, Grant Assumptions, and Feasibility AnalysisFuture project phases require funding; no identified source yet.Assumed minimum local match is 20% of project cost; higher match increases competitiveness.Option C funds 1.5 of 6.5 miles with Measure D, leaving ~$20–21M for future phases or matching.Financial analysis excludes potential $20M Safe Streets for All grant.Ongoing cost tracking; current funding gap addressed via Consolidated Grant Program application, with decisions expected in November.Distribution of Funds and Project Wrap-UpMajority of funds distributed to city and county of Santa Cruz.Significant portion allocated to corridor maintenance.Some funding dedicated to city of Watsonville.Project concept report used for trail alignment development in Watsonville.Regional portion of North Coast Trail under development.
OverviewCaltrans announced the 2026-27 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program is open for applications, with $17.5M available for sustainable communities planning, $1.5M for strategic partnership planning, and $3M for transit partnerships.Multiple emergency and planned infrastructure projects are underway, including drainage repairs, retaining wall replacements, and erosion control, with key completion dates in December 2025 and Spring 2026.Ongoing efforts to improve temporary traffic signals and minimize disruption for travelers and cyclists.RTC is preparing grant applications for corridor planning and resiliency studies, including updates to the Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan and potential bus-on-shoulder studies.Caltrans Grant Program Announcement and DetailsCaltrans 2026-27 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program applications open; due September 21.Total funding: $17.5M for Sustainable Communities, $1.5M for Strategic Partnership Planning, $3M for Strategic Partnerships in Transit.Project Updates: Emergency Repairs and Traffic ManagementDrainage repair and retaining wall emergency project underway between Prospect and Lorenzo, south of Boulder Creek.Temporary signal initially caused delays due to fixed timing and extra cyclist time; reprogrammed with traffic sensor and push button for cyclists.Construction completion anticipated December 2024.Drainage and erosion control project on Highway 9 at 17 locations between Bin Le Mans and near 935 intersection.Second temporary signal for Highway 9 project planned for spring 2026; signals will not operate simultaneously.Commissioner Q&A: Ramp Closures and Design IssuesBay Porter off-ramp closure dates unavailable; follow-up pending.Paper Avenue ramps have a design issue under review with Caltrans.Unidentified elements in design plans caused a pause and redesign consideration.Ramp closure delayed to avoid unnecessary closure without a solution.RTC Grant Applications and Corridor Planning DiscussionRTC plans to submit a Caltrans Sustainable Planning Grant application to update the Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan.Plan update covers Soquel Drive/Freedom Boulevard, Highway 1, and Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line.Bus-on-shoulder extensions and other improvements may be included in the plan update.RTC previously awarded $128.7 million from the Solutions for Congested Corridors Program in June.Additional planning grants under consideration include studies on branch line resiliency at more locations.Public Engagement, Town Hall, and Closing RemarksPublic town hall on state of roads scheduled for November 13th, 6 p.m., focusing on District 5, Santa Cruz County, San Lorenzo Valley, Highway 9.Commissioner Keaton requested a briefing on PRT and offered to help coordinate a meeting with Carl Gardena from CTC regarding ongoing issues.These podcasts were taken from Community TV's original video. It is available here:https://communitytv.org/watch/government-demand/
Director's report.These podcasts were taken from Community TV's original video. It is available here:https://communitytv.org/watch/government-demand/
The RTC’s appointments to the Coastal Rail Council.The CRCC is a coalition of transportation agencies and stakeholders along California's Central Coast.These podcasts were taken from Community TV's original video. It is available here:https://communitytv.org/watch/government-demand/
Commissioner reports.These podcasts were taken from Community TV's original video. It is available here:https://communitytv.org/watch/government-demand/
Action ItemsCom. Clark Provide Updated Interim Trail Cost Estimates Pull together updated information on interim trail cost estimates and bring it back to the commission.Com. Schiffrin Direct Staff to Seek Additional Funding Contact state and federal representatives and the CTC to appeal for necessary additional funding to complete trail segments 8-11.Com. Schiffrin Schedule Public Discussion on Rail Banking Ensure a report and public discussion on rail banking is included in the December meeting agenda, aligned with the rail feasibility study.OverviewCommission debated funding and scope for Coastal Rail Trail segments 8-11.Two competing motions: one to stay within current funding, another to seek additional funds.Key issues: rail banking, interim trail feasibility, and legal/financial constraints.Substitute motion to pursue staff recommendations and additional funding passed 7-4.Future public discussion on rail banking and trail options scheduled.Initial Motion: Funding Within Current ResourcesMotion authorized staff to coordinate with coastal rail trail sponsors and funding partners on segments 8–11.Directed staff to align project cost and scope with available funding.Instructed staff to work with municipal advisors and public finance to develop a financing plan for current and future expenditures.Required staff to present a public discussion on rail banking for the Santa Cruz branch rail line.Debate: Interim Trail, Legal Barriers, and Funding GapsCommission lacks legal authority to build interim trail without abandoning freight easement.Abandonment process could take 6 months to 5 years; strong opposition exists.$120 million in grants expire in 2027; timeline for trail construction uncertain.Existing funding is insufficient to build the trail; additional funds required.Motion to stay within current funding likely prevents trail construction in mid- and south-county.Substitute Motion: Seek Additional Funding & Staff RecommendationsApproved staff recommendations for coastal rail trail segments 8-11.Directed staff to collaborate with project sponsors and funding partners to reduce costs and deliver segments 8-11, including possible project scope modifications.Authorized executive director to initiate financing process for Measure D active transportation funds, including bond council services and a financing plan.Added direction for staff to contact state and federal representatives and the CTC to request additional funding for construction of segments 8-11.Clarifications: Rail Banking, Scope, and Public DiscussionCommission to receive rail banking report at December meeting.Rail banking discussion linked to potential abandonment of passenger rail.Interim trail funding likely sufficient, pending updated cost estimates and scope change approval.Rail banking process requires abandonment of freight easement; can be initiated by operator or other parties.Adverse abandonment and stakeholder agreement (e.g., Roaring Camp) are key issues for rail banking and trail development.Final Deliberations, Amendments, and VoteRail feasibility study scheduled for December; decision on passenger rail, funding, or rail banking to be made then.
OverviewSignificant funding gap for rail trail segments 8-11, with a shortfall of $17 million (projected cost: $137M + $88M = $225M; grants received: $120M).Measure D revenues are nearly fully committed, limiting future borrowing and project capacity.Urgency to secure additional funding by June 2027 to avoid losing $120M in outside grants.No contingency for litigation costs included in current budgets.Scaling back project scope may risk current grant funding and require state approval.Measure D Borrowing and Revenue ConstraintsBorrowing for active transportation projects uses only Measure D active transportation revenues, not full Measure D revenue.Other Measure D program areas remain unaffected and retain borrowing capacity under proposed scenarios.Project Cost Overruns and Funding Gaps for Segments 8-11Segments 10 and 11 over budget by $72 million; only $55 million projected funding, creating a shortfall.Measure D revenues cannot fully cover current project cost estimates; borrowing $55 million considered to partially fill gap.Future Measure D capacity to leverage state and federal funds will be significantly reduced after current funds are exhausted.Ongoing project cost estimates are subject to revision and updates are provided regularly.Grant Funding Risks, Deadlines, and Local ResponsibilitiesReceived $120 million in outside funding for rail trail segments 8–11.Funding deadline for construction is June 2027; must achieve 100% design and full funding by then.California Active Transportation Program does not cover cost overruns; local sponsors responsible for extra costs.Failure to meet deadlines risks loss of $120 million in grants.Additional construction funding needed to complete segments 8–11 and future segments 13–20.Efforts to Secure Additional Funding and Grant CompetitivenessApplied for two additional federal grants in 2023; received BUILD/RAISE grants in 2024.City of Santa Cruz submitted $20.5M Safe Streets for All grant for segments 8 and 9; decision expected December.Grant construction allocation request required by June 27, 2027; construction start not required by that date.Current Active Transportation Program cycle has significantly less funding than previous cycle.Projects are over budget; limited options and time remain to secure additional funding.Project Scope, Grant Compliance, and Feasibility ConcernsCalifornia Transportation Commission approval required for scope changes.Total cost for segments 8–11: $225 million (8–9: $88M, 10–11: $137M).Total grants received for segments 8–11: $120 million.Measure D revenue capacity estimated at $174–175 million; about $40 million obligated.No contingency funding allocated for litigation costs.No requirement to repay state design funds if projects not constructed.
9/4/25 SCCRTC P7a - Measure D Active Transportation Expenditures and FinancingOptions SummaryOverviewMeasure D active transportation projects are progressing faster than pay-as-you-go funding allows, necessitating new financing options.Over $150 million in state and federal funds have been leveraged for the coastal rail trail.Recent project completions include segment 7 to the Santa Cruz Wharf and new funding for segment 12.Cost estimates have increased due to material and escalation costs, creating a significant funding gap.Three financing scenarios were presented, with borrowing needs ranging from $12.5 million to $55 million.The commission will revisit recommendations and programming in November.Project Delivery Pace and Funding Needs for Coastal Rail TrailProvided update on coastal rail trail project funding needs.Measure D active transportation funds enable earlier project delivery but require financing options.Local Measure D funds leveraged over $150 million in state and federal funds for the 32-mile trail.Current discussion is informational; further recommendations expected in November.Project Updates, Segment Status, and Recent Funding AwardsRTC refines project cost estimates with sponsors for next five-year plan update.Coastal Rail Trail aims for full public access; segment 7 completed to Santa Cruz Wharf.SB1 grant awarded for Highway 1 State Park, Freedom Auxiliary Lane, and segment 12; construction funded.Segments 8-9 led by City of Santa Cruz; segments 10-11 led by County of Santa Cruz; segment 5 under construction, completion expected summer 2026.Segments 17-19 received $4.8M pre-construction funding; construction funding not yet identified.Cost Estimates, Funding Gaps, and Value EngineeringProject cost estimates for segments 8 and 11 updated in August 2025.Funding gap increased due to higher material unit costs, escalation, and schedule shifts.Value engineering analysis achieved cost savings, but escalation offset most savings.Secured additional $19.5 million funding; funding gap remains.Financing Scenarios, Borrowing Models, and Cash Flow AnalysisPresented three funding scenarios for Measure D active transportation: current, near-term, long-term.Current scenario based on adopted five-year plan, updated annually and as needed.Near-term needs include environmental mitigation for North Coast Rail Trail Segment 5 and additional design/right-of-way funding for Santa Cruz projects.Long-term commitments may require construction funding for Segments 8–11; commission committed to fully fund Segments 10 and 11 in April 2024.Summary, Next Steps, and Recommendations for Financing and Project DeliveryThree expenditure scenarios evaluated: current (~$40M), near-term (+$10M), long-term (~$80M).Borrowing needs: $12.5M (current), $23M (near-term), $55M (long-term/constrained).All scenarios assume ongoing corridor maintenance; trail maintenance only funded through FY28-29.Maximum borrowing ($55M) insufficient to fully fund segments 8–11A; multi-pronged funding approach required.Next steps: establish legal framework for debt, refine cash flow models, prepare financing plan for commission approval.
9/4/25 SCCRTC P6 - Hwy1 State Park to Bay-Porter Cost Overruns SummaryOverviewHighway 1 Segment 2 construction is about 45-50% complete.$7.7 million in additional costs identified; $1.5 million in savings found.Contingency fund increased from 5% to 10% due to unforeseen issues.Major cost drivers: design changes, unforeseen site conditions, tree removal, and public safety measures.Commissioners raised concerns about cost overruns, transparency, and future funding impacts.Highway 1 Project Status and PartnershipsRTC delivered Highway 1 corridor improvements, including Bus and Shoulder Auxiliary Lanes.Segment 1 (Soquel Drive to 41st Avenue) is nearly complete; Segment 2 (Bay Porter to State Park Drive) is under construction.Caltrans administers both segments; strong partnerships with public, county, and cities.Unforeseen in-field conflicts in Segment 2 since April 2024 required additional contingency funds.Segment 2 is approximately 50% complete; projected completion in fall 2026.Detailed Review of Project Challenges, Risks, and SavingsRevised stage construction 1A to avoid full Bay Porter Ave interchange closure; ramps built piecemeal to reduce public impact.Mar Vista pedestrian overcrossing alignment changed due to unmarked sewer lines; bridge relocated, affecting 25 of 45 plan sheets, avoiding 1+ year delay.Retaining wall construction required more tree removal than estimated, causing environmental hurdles, project delays, and added costs.Unforeseen site conditions (unsuitable materials, buried objects, utility conflicts) led to change orders and increased risk for stage 1B.Total additional work cost: $7.7M; project cost savings: $1.5M; original contingency: $4.1M; remaining work: $44M; 10% contingency needed.Commissioner Q&A: Cost Overruns, Design, and AccountabilityOriginal contingency was 5% (Caltrans standard), but future projects will use at least 10% due to increased risk and lessons learned.Further Commissioner Discussion: Environmental, Funding, and Public ConcernsTree removal cost: $679,000 due to additional access needs and unplanned trees.Ramp inefficiencies at Bay and Porter Street: $500,000; total related change order: $1.9 million; combined: $2.4 million.Current projected cost overruns: $7.7 million (gross), net after savings: $6.5 million; represents nearly 10% of original $80 million budget.Bridge landing shifted 5 feet inward to avoid utility conflict, causing design and construction impacts but minimal perceptible change for pedestrians.Vegetation removal mitigated by replanting at regulatory ratios (typically 3:1); replanting to occur at project end.
Caltrans Report
9/4/25 SCCRTC P4 - Director’s Report Continued SummaryAction ItemsSpeaker C Clarify Segment Eight Timeline Confirm and communicate that segment eight construction will start late 2026 and complete by spring 2027.Speaker A Highlight Community Investments Ensure all projects clearly communicate the investment from Measure D to the community to support future funding efforts.Funding and Community InvestmentSpeaker A thanks voters for Measure D and highlights $125 million invested plus $350 million in matching grants.Emphasizes the importance of showcasing community investments for future funding efforts.Notes the need to communicate where money has been spent to support future sales tax measures.Project Segments and TimelineSpeaker B seeks clarification on microphone system and project timelines.Segment eight is possible to be done in 2026; segment nine is not due to financial constraints.Speaker C clarifies segment eight construction would start late 2026 and complete by spring 2027.Speaker B confirms understanding that construction starts in 2026 but finishes in 2027.Next Steps and Meeting ConductSpeaker A acknowledges the information and moves the meeting forward.Participants express appreciation for staff reports and follow-ups on expediting segments and emergency funding.Speaker B humorously notes learning the microphone system rules that only one person can speak at a time.
Overview$125 million spent on local transportation projects since Measure D inception through June 2024.$350 million in outside grants secured using Measure D as leverage.Zero Emission Passenger Rail & Trail Project community outreach completed; final report expected by October.Temporary pedestrian/bike path over Murray Street Bridge: $1.7 million cost, funding being sought after CTC denial.Staffing update: Nisha Singh appointed Director of Internal Services.Measure D Annual Report and Financial OverviewMeasure D annual report for FY 2024 available on RTC website (item 14, consent agenda).From inception to June 2024, nearly $125 million spent on local roads, transit, paratransit, highway improvements, rail preservation, and coastal rail trail.Volunteer Taxpayer Oversight Committee reviewed audits and confirmed expenditures align with ordinance and expenditure plan.Measure D used as leverage to secure over $350 million in outside grants for regional projects through FY 2024.Expenditure plan lists projects exceeding tax revenue, intending to maximize local funds via grant matching.Zero Emission Passenger Rail & Trail Project Outreach and Next StepsCommunity outreach for Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Project conducted June 12–August 22.Outreach included virtual open house, nine office hours (virtual/in-person), informational session, partner meetings, and event tabling.Draft project concept report summarizes community input from Milestone 4.Next steps: compile feedback, prepare full cost estimate, address commission requests from August 7, finalize concept report.Final project concept report to be shared with community upon completion.Murray Street Bridge Temporary Path: Options, Costs, and City DecisionsCity Council approved temporary pedestrian/bike path on RTC-owned rail bridge (Aug 26).Four options studied; selected 3,000-foot, 8-foot-wide compacted base rock path as most viable.Estimated cost: $1.7 million for installation and removal.Next steps: develop engineered plans, ensure regulatory compliance, seek RTC and railroad operator approval.City will not proceed with temporary rail shuttle due to higher costs and funding constraints.Coastal Rail Trail Segments 8 & 9 Status and Funding ChallengesConsulted with City of Santa Cruz staff on Rail Trail Segments 8 and 9 timeline.Project is at start of final design phase; lacks sufficient design funding.Final design, right-of-way, and environmental permitting require significant time.Completion by end of 2026 is not feasible.Staffing Updates and TDM Conference ParticipationNisha Singh appointed Director of Internal Services; over 16 years public sector experience.Nisha previously served as finance manager for City of Los Altos; led financial operations, budgeting, reporting.Holds MBA and BBA in finance; expertise in public budgeting, audits, payroll, financial reporting, enterprise systems.Sierra Topp to attend Transportation Demand Management Conference in Portland, Oregon, October.Topp manages TDM programs: Cruise 511, Go Santa Cruz County, Go Bike.
9/4/25 SCCRTC P2 - Commissioner Reports SummaryOverviewCommissioner Jillian Ritter introduced as new First District RTC alternate.Ad hoc committee continues work on encroachments and easements along Santa Cruz Branch Trail.Updates on regional rail and transportation projects, including hydrogen train demonstration.Support and flexibility for Capitola event logistics highlighted as economic boost.Proclamations and activities planned for 'Week Without Driving' to promote mobility equity.Commissioner Ritter's Introduction and BackgroundJillian Ritter introduced as first district alternate to RTC, appointed June.Joined Supervisor Koenig's office as staff in May.Lifelong District 1 resident, Santa Cruz County.Worked with Board of Supervisors (2016–2022) and various county departments, including Parks Department during rail trail project transition.Ad Hoc Committee on Trail Encroachments and EasementsAd hoc committee for Santa Cruz Branch Trail encroachments/easements held second meeting on August 25.Committee continues to gather information and assess relief/mitigation options for mobile homeowners.Regional Rail and Hydrogen Train UpdatesAttended Coastal Rail Coordinating Council in Los Angeles; discussed infrastructure planning for Olympics.Observed South County rail projects.Visited San Bernardino to inspect proposed hydrogen train for Santa Cruz.Interacted with engineers and toured train maintenance facility.Collaborated with colleagues from Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties.Event Coordination for Capitola Art & Wine FestivalExpressed gratitude to Executive Director Sarah Christensen, Commissioner Manne Koenig, and Kim Serfer for support with Bay and Porter ramp closures in Capitola.Acknowledged flexibility in closure timing due to upcoming Art and Wine Festival, which provides significant economic benefit to the community.'Week Without Driving' Proclamations and Mobility EquityWeek Without Driving scheduled for late September to early October.RTC, Santa Cruz Metro, Community Traffic Safety Coalition, and County Office of Transportation participate with events and activities.Key events: Hazard Report webinar (Sept 29), Countywide Celebration at Capitola Mall (Sept 30), RTC Challenge contest (week-long), Route 78 ride in Watsonville (Oct 1).County and local city proclamations planned; commissioners and staff participating.Initiative emphasizes mobility access, public health, and understanding non-driver transportation challenges.
9/4/25 SCCRTC P1 - Consent Agenda SummaryAction ItemsSpeaker A Move motion to amend subsidy policy Move to amend the consent agenda to include direction that future subsidies only support e-bikes pedal assisted up to 20 mph, excluding faster models.Speaker C Second motion to amend subsidy policy Second the motion to limit subsidies to e-bikes with max 20 mph pedal assist, pending public input.Concerns RaisedCommissioner Schiffrin expressed concern about subsidizing e-bikes that can go 28 mph, which he thinks is "too fast."Safety issues with faster e-bikes, especially involving children and teenagers, have increased significantly, with accidents up 300% in two years.Policy ProposalRecommendation to change subsidy policy to only support e-bikes that pedal assist up to 20 mph.No subsidies for e-bikes exceeding 20 mph or with throttles.State Pilot InfluenceMarin County state pilot program is being closely followed due to safety complaints.Current state law prohibits local action until pilot concludes.Commission DiscussionStaff confirmed it is feasible to limit subsidies without passing new laws, as subsidy program is discretionary.Commissioners agreed to bring the proposal to the public for input before making a motion.Motion to amend consent agenda with new subsidy direction was moved and seconded.
Update on Actions to Support Seabright and Harbor Businesses Affected by the Murray Street Bridge Project - More comments and questionsThe full agenda and video is here:https://ecm.cityofsantacruz.com/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/City_Council_Regular_Meeting_2534_Agenda_Packet_8_26_2025_1_00_00_PM.pdf?meetingId=2534&documentType=AgendaPacket&itemId=0&publishId=0&isSection=falsehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Rev9E2ndk&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRHxhItEBaP3eI7Rmz8ywBT
Update on Actions to Support Seabright and Harbor Businesses Affected by the Murray Street Bridge Project - Staff PresentationThe full agenda and video is here:https://ecm.cityofsantacruz.com/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/City_Council_Regular_Meeting_2534_Agenda_Packet_8_26_2025_1_00_00_PM.pdf?meetingId=2534&documentType=AgendaPacket&itemId=0&publishId=0&isSection=falsehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Rev9E2ndk&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRHxhItEBaP3eI7Rmz8ywBT
Update on Actions to Support Seabright and Harbor Businesses Affected by the Murray Street Bridge Project - Staff PresentationThere's a video of the presentation here:https://youtu.be/ZxiG18ps2tEThe full agenda and video is here:https://ecm.cityofsantacruz.com/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/City_Council_Regular_Meeting_2534_Agenda_Packet_8_26_2025_1_00_00_PM.pdf?meetingId=2534&documentType=AgendaPacket&itemId=0&publishId=0&isSection=falsehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Rev9E2ndk&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRHxhItEBaP3eI7Rmz8ywBT
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