1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:07,000 I'm not going to vote. 2 00:00:07,000 --> 00:00:13,000 I'm not going to vote. 3 00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:21,000 I'm going to vote. 4 00:00:51,000 --> 00:01:20,360 Okay, we're going to go ahead and call this regular meeting of the Alameda 5 00:01:20,360 --> 00:01:24,920 Contra Costa Transit District Board of Directors to order for Wednesday, December 11, 2024. 6 00:01:26,040 --> 00:01:28,200 We'll call Director Peoples. 7 00:01:30,200 --> 00:01:36,280 Thank you. Director Walsh is absent this evening. Director Siyad is running late to the meeting, 8 00:01:36,280 --> 00:01:41,960 Director McColley. Director Silva. Vice President Shah. 9 00:01:41,960 --> 00:01:51,160 You're President Young. President Young will note for the record that Director Peoples was previously 10 00:01:51,160 --> 00:01:55,400 qualified to participate in this meeting via teleconference and that all votes will be taken by Roe 11 00:01:55,400 --> 00:02:05,480 Callbook. The floor is yours. Okay. Why don't we move on to three. Consider the adoption of 12 00:02:05,480 --> 00:02:15,720 resolution number 24-040 honoring Michael A. Hirsch for his years of dedicated service as AC Transit's 13 00:02:15,720 --> 00:02:21,880 General Manager and Chief Executive Officer. I'm going to turn it over to Mr. Robert Lyle's 14 00:02:22,680 --> 00:02:28,040 who will do a little presentation for us. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening Board of Directors. 15 00:02:28,040 --> 00:02:33,880 I'm Robert Lyle's manager of Media Affairs and Strategic Initiatives. Over the past nine years, 16 00:02:33,880 --> 00:02:38,920 as you know, General Manager Michael Hirsch has led our esteemed transit agency, 17 00:02:38,920 --> 00:02:47,240 he is our fully melted wisdom and work in an incredibly infectious passion for both AC Transit and 18 00:02:47,240 --> 00:02:54,360 Transit in general. I know he's given me that eye roll because he can do the same direction of himself. 19 00:02:56,360 --> 00:03:01,880 So the news of his transition out of leadership certainly fell almost like a 20 00:03:01,880 --> 00:03:07,720 letter balloon for a lot of the employees who were seeking ways to send a heartfelt message to someone 21 00:03:07,720 --> 00:03:12,680 who was led the transit district for nine years. And so what better way to do that in the digital age 22 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:17,480 but to grab their cell phones and record those messages. So we've taken a number of those messages 23 00:03:17,480 --> 00:03:23,080 and some snapshots and put them together in this very short video and we hope you enjoy us now that 24 00:03:23,080 --> 00:03:40,280 you cast or get late gaze to the monitors for the video. 25 00:03:53,080 --> 00:04:03,080 Now we know that you leave an exit and more special than what you found out through the airport style. 26 00:04:12,280 --> 00:04:17,080 Thank you for having me this close. 27 00:04:23,080 --> 00:04:32,080 We wish you great success in your new world. 28 00:04:32,080 --> 00:04:33,080 Thank you, Mike. 29 00:04:33,080 --> 00:04:34,080 Thank you! 30 00:04:34,080 --> 00:04:38,080 I think I'm in a smoking room. 31 00:04:38,080 --> 00:04:42,080 I smell a wind and sheep perfume. 32 00:04:42,080 --> 00:04:47,080 For a smile that can share the night, it goes on and on. 33 00:04:47,080 --> 00:04:50,080 Hey everybody, my curse, you channel manager. 34 00:04:50,080 --> 00:04:52,080 I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you. 35 00:04:52,080 --> 00:04:55,080 Thank you so much for the hard work and dedication. 36 00:04:55,080 --> 00:04:58,080 I'm so proud to be an AC Transit family member. 37 00:04:58,080 --> 00:05:01,080 I know these are difficult times. 38 00:05:01,080 --> 00:05:05,080 You've responded incredibly well, incredibly professional. 39 00:05:05,080 --> 00:05:06,080 I'm proud of you. 40 00:05:06,080 --> 00:05:08,080 The industry is proud. 41 00:05:20,080 --> 00:05:30,080 Thank you. 42 00:05:30,080 --> 00:05:37,080 Thank you so much for coming here. 43 00:05:37,080 --> 00:05:41,080 And from the morning on and on and on 44 00:05:41,080 --> 00:05:45,080 The great chance, great chance 45 00:05:46,080 --> 00:05:51,080 Walking down the pool of all the shadows 46 00:05:51,080 --> 00:05:55,080 Searching in the night 47 00:05:57,080 --> 00:05:59,080 See you later 48 00:05:59,080 --> 00:06:01,080 Thank you very much 49 00:06:01,080 --> 00:06:03,080 Thank you very much 50 00:06:03,080 --> 00:06:05,080 Thank you very much 51 00:06:05,080 --> 00:06:06,080 To you all 52 00:06:06,080 --> 00:06:07,080 Thank you very much 53 00:06:07,080 --> 00:06:10,080 To you all 54 00:06:10,080 --> 00:06:13,080 Thank you very much 55 00:06:15,080 --> 00:06:16,080 We're having endlessness 56 00:06:16,080 --> 00:06:18,080 So soft and hostile in guidance 57 00:06:18,080 --> 00:06:19,080 To all of us 58 00:06:19,080 --> 00:06:21,080 And then with compassion 59 00:06:21,080 --> 00:06:23,080 You had good moments, mentor 60 00:06:23,080 --> 00:06:24,080 And then you have to be... 61 00:06:26,080 --> 00:06:29,080 Everybody wants to clear 62 00:06:29,080 --> 00:06:32,080 And in a thing we'll know the light 63 00:06:32,080 --> 00:06:46,480 Thank you for the support, you have given the maintenance of farming to harvest the 64 00:06:46,480 --> 00:06:48,480 trees, the best of the best. 65 00:06:48,480 --> 00:07:04,560 Thank you for the support, thank you for the support, thank you for the support, thank you 66 00:07:04,560 --> 00:07:19,000 for the support, and thank you for the support, thank you for the support, thank you 67 00:07:19,000 --> 00:07:24,320 for the support, thank you for the support, thank you for the support, thank you. 68 00:07:24,320 --> 00:07:30,280 This is MBA 148, we just want to say thank you for a good wonderful 9 years, all your hard work 69 00:07:30,280 --> 00:07:32,640 and sacrifice today's heat-trainsy. 70 00:07:32,640 --> 00:07:34,120 Yeah! 71 00:07:45,120 --> 00:07:47,120 Congratulations, Mike. 72 00:07:47,120 --> 00:07:50,520 It's not all the achievements or awards you put on these shelves, 73 00:07:50,520 --> 00:07:52,520 but it's the impact on people. 74 00:07:52,520 --> 00:07:54,920 That's your legacy you'll leave behind. 75 00:07:54,920 --> 00:08:00,920 As we have proven zero-mission technology, 76 00:08:00,920 --> 00:08:03,920 we are now going to give to the industry, 77 00:08:03,920 --> 00:08:07,920 the training programs that will get not only the incumbent workforce, 78 00:08:07,920 --> 00:08:11,920 but our future workforce to maintain these fleets that can't in me. 79 00:08:11,920 --> 00:08:14,920 This is the one thing happening in this world. 80 00:08:24,920 --> 00:08:36,920 So we'll first apologize for a few audio-visual issues. 81 00:08:36,920 --> 00:08:40,920 Nevertheless, the overriding message for this video 82 00:08:40,920 --> 00:08:44,920 is that the staff collectively, 2100 strong, 83 00:08:44,920 --> 00:08:48,920 will definitely miss the presence of Michael Hirsch. 84 00:08:48,920 --> 00:08:53,920 In full disclosure, we had a go-in-away celebration earlier today. 85 00:08:53,920 --> 00:08:59,920 This was a standing room-only room in recognition of his contributions, 86 00:08:59,920 --> 00:09:01,920 and his dedication to the transit district. 87 00:09:01,920 --> 00:09:04,920 And so we just wanted to put together a short video 88 00:09:04,920 --> 00:09:06,920 that's just not only honor those accomplishments, 89 00:09:06,920 --> 00:09:10,920 but gave the staff members an opportunity to offer their well wishes. 90 00:09:10,920 --> 00:09:12,920 We wish him the best, 91 00:09:12,920 --> 00:09:15,920 and I can speak for all of the employees in saying, 92 00:09:15,920 --> 00:09:17,920 he will be sorely missed. 93 00:09:17,920 --> 00:09:19,920 And I thank you for your time. 94 00:09:19,920 --> 00:09:22,920 Thank you for the presentation. 95 00:09:22,920 --> 00:09:24,920 And to continue on, can we add more? 96 00:09:24,920 --> 00:09:26,920 Yes, we can. 97 00:09:26,920 --> 00:09:28,920 To this going away part. 98 00:09:28,920 --> 00:09:31,920 So the board is going to consider a resolution. 99 00:09:31,920 --> 00:09:32,920 It's right there. 100 00:09:32,920 --> 00:09:34,920 I have a copy of it in front of me. 101 00:09:34,920 --> 00:09:37,920 It's a very long resolution, obviously, 102 00:09:37,920 --> 00:09:41,920 so I picked out a few whereas clauses for us to consider. 103 00:09:41,920 --> 00:09:44,920 First one is, whereas Michael Hirsch was appointed 104 00:09:44,920 --> 00:09:48,920 by the board of directors on September 21, 2015, 105 00:09:48,920 --> 00:09:50,920 the Servant General Manager, 106 00:09:50,920 --> 00:09:54,920 last chief executive officer of the Alameda County, 107 00:09:54,920 --> 00:09:58,920 out of the Alameda Contra Costa Transit District. 108 00:09:58,920 --> 00:10:01,920 And whereas Michael Hirsch is served 109 00:10:01,920 --> 00:10:03,920 to the General Manager of AC Transit 110 00:10:03,920 --> 00:10:06,920 with exceptional leadership dedication and commitment 111 00:10:06,920 --> 00:10:08,920 and a commitment to advancing public transportation 112 00:10:08,920 --> 00:10:10,920 in the East Bay, 113 00:10:10,920 --> 00:10:15,920 transforming the agency into one of one of the most forward 114 00:10:15,920 --> 00:10:19,920 and customer-focused transit agencies in the region. 115 00:10:19,920 --> 00:10:23,920 Whereas Michael Hirsch is prioritized equity and inclusion 116 00:10:23,920 --> 00:10:25,920 in AC Transit operations, 117 00:10:25,920 --> 00:10:27,920 working to ensure that services are accessible 118 00:10:27,920 --> 00:10:30,920 to all residents, particularly under-served communities, 119 00:10:30,920 --> 00:10:33,920 and that AC Transit remains a vital lifeline 120 00:10:33,920 --> 00:10:36,920 for those who depend on public transit to access. 121 00:10:36,920 --> 00:10:39,920 Jobs, healthcare, education, 122 00:10:39,920 --> 00:10:41,920 and other essential services, 123 00:10:41,920 --> 00:10:45,920 and whereas Michael Hirsch has fostered 124 00:10:45,920 --> 00:10:48,920 a culture of collaboration, accountability, 125 00:10:48,920 --> 00:10:50,920 and respect with NAC Transit, 126 00:10:50,920 --> 00:10:53,920 earning the trust and admiration of his colleagues, 127 00:10:53,920 --> 00:10:54,920 the Board of Directors, 128 00:10:54,920 --> 00:10:56,920 past and present community partners, 129 00:10:56,920 --> 00:10:59,920 labor partners, and writers alike. 130 00:10:59,920 --> 00:11:00,920 Thank you. 131 00:11:00,920 --> 00:11:04,920 With that, is there a second? 132 00:11:04,920 --> 00:11:07,920 Okay, is there a second? 133 00:11:07,920 --> 00:11:08,920 Okay. 134 00:11:08,920 --> 00:11:10,920 And Director Peoples has his hand up for our comment. 135 00:11:10,920 --> 00:11:11,920 I don't know if you want to. 136 00:11:11,920 --> 00:11:12,920 Chris, we're going to, 137 00:11:12,920 --> 00:11:16,920 we are going to all have a chance to speak 138 00:11:16,920 --> 00:11:18,920 after we adapt the resolution 139 00:11:18,920 --> 00:11:20,920 and take some pictures. 140 00:11:20,920 --> 00:11:21,920 Okay. 141 00:11:21,920 --> 00:11:22,920 All right. 142 00:11:22,920 --> 00:11:24,920 I will go ahead and call the roll. 143 00:11:24,920 --> 00:11:25,920 Vice President Sean? 144 00:11:25,920 --> 00:11:26,920 Yes. 145 00:11:26,920 --> 00:11:27,920 Director McColley? 146 00:11:27,920 --> 00:11:28,920 Yes. 147 00:11:28,920 --> 00:11:29,920 Director Peoples? 148 00:11:29,920 --> 00:11:30,920 Yes. 149 00:11:30,920 --> 00:11:31,920 Okay. 150 00:11:31,920 --> 00:11:32,920 Let's see. 151 00:11:32,920 --> 00:11:34,920 Director Silva? 152 00:11:34,920 --> 00:11:35,920 Yes. 153 00:11:35,920 --> 00:11:36,920 And President M. 154 00:11:36,920 --> 00:11:37,920 Yes. 155 00:11:37,920 --> 00:11:39,920 The motion passes unanimously. 156 00:11:39,920 --> 00:11:40,920 Five to zero. 157 00:11:40,920 --> 00:11:41,920 Okay. 158 00:11:41,920 --> 00:11:43,920 We're going to all come down here 159 00:11:43,920 --> 00:11:45,920 and present the resolution and take some pictures 160 00:11:45,920 --> 00:11:47,920 for one last. 161 00:11:47,920 --> 00:11:48,920 All right. 162 00:11:53,920 --> 00:11:54,920 Come on. 163 00:11:54,920 --> 00:11:55,920 Sorry. 164 00:11:55,920 --> 00:11:56,920 Yes. 165 00:11:56,920 --> 00:11:57,920 Yes. 166 00:11:57,920 --> 00:11:58,920 Thank you. 167 00:11:58,920 --> 00:11:59,920 Thank you. 168 00:11:59,920 --> 00:12:00,920 Thank you. 169 00:12:00,920 --> 00:12:01,920 Thank you. 170 00:12:01,920 --> 00:12:02,920 Thank you. 171 00:12:02,920 --> 00:12:03,920 Thank you. 172 00:12:03,920 --> 00:12:04,920 Thank you. 173 00:12:04,920 --> 00:12:05,920 Thank you. 174 00:12:05,920 --> 00:12:06,920 Please do. 175 00:12:06,920 --> 00:12:08,920 How do we have a meeting? 176 00:12:08,920 --> 00:12:09,920 Sure. 177 00:12:09,920 --> 00:12:10,920 All right. 178 00:12:10,920 --> 00:12:11,920 Five. 179 00:12:11,920 --> 00:12:12,920 Five. 180 00:12:12,920 --> 00:12:13,920 Five. 181 00:12:13,920 --> 00:12:15,920 five. 182 00:12:15,920 --> 00:12:16,920 Six. 183 00:12:16,920 --> 00:12:17,920 Yes. 184 00:12:17,920 --> 00:12:19,920 Five. 185 00:12:19,920 --> 00:12:20,920 Six. 186 00:12:20,920 --> 00:12:21,920 Five. 187 00:12:21,920 --> 00:12:22,920 Five. 188 00:12:22,920 --> 00:12:23,920 Five. 189 00:12:23,920 --> 00:12:24,920 Five. 190 00:12:24,920 --> 00:12:25,920 Five. 191 00:12:25,920 --> 00:12:26,920 Five. 192 00:12:26,920 --> 00:12:27,920 Five. 193 00:12:27,920 --> 00:12:28,920 Five. 194 00:12:28,920 --> 00:12:29,920 Five. 195 00:12:29,920 --> 00:12:31,920 Five. 196 00:12:31,920 --> 00:12:32,920 Five. 197 00:12:32,920 --> 00:12:33,920 Five. 198 00:12:33,920 --> 00:12:34,920 Five. 199 00:12:34,920 --> 00:12:36,920 Alright. 200 00:12:36,920 --> 00:12:38,920 Alright. 201 00:12:42,920 --> 00:12:44,920 Perfect. Thank you. 202 00:12:44,920 --> 00:12:46,920 Thank you so much. 203 00:12:46,920 --> 00:12:48,920 Thank you. 204 00:12:58,920 --> 00:13:00,920 Here. 205 00:13:00,920 --> 00:13:02,920 Sorry. 206 00:13:04,920 --> 00:13:08,920 Press you there. 207 00:13:08,920 --> 00:13:10,920 Yep. 208 00:13:10,920 --> 00:13:12,920 The floor is yours. 209 00:13:12,920 --> 00:13:14,920 Why don't you go first? 210 00:13:14,920 --> 00:13:16,920 Thank you. 211 00:13:16,920 --> 00:13:18,920 Mike. 212 00:13:18,920 --> 00:13:22,920 I know how much you understand how much I appreciate you. 213 00:13:22,920 --> 00:13:24,920 But I want to say a few things. 214 00:13:24,920 --> 00:13:28,920 I've been on this board for 28 years. 215 00:13:28,920 --> 00:13:30,920 I was active as an activist 216 00:13:30,920 --> 00:13:35,920 dealing with AC transit for about five years, 217 00:13:35,920 --> 00:13:38,920 ten years before that. 218 00:13:38,920 --> 00:13:40,920 In my time on the board, 219 00:13:40,920 --> 00:13:42,920 I've served with six general managers. 220 00:13:42,920 --> 00:13:44,920 You are by far the best. 221 00:13:44,920 --> 00:13:48,920 And I think you're one of the best in the country. 222 00:13:48,920 --> 00:13:51,920 You spent the first few years 223 00:13:51,920 --> 00:13:54,920 cleaning up the insides. 224 00:13:54,920 --> 00:13:57,920 Trying to get some of the first 225 00:13:57,920 --> 00:14:07,920 backstage. 226 00:14:07,920 --> 00:14:11,920 You've continued to do that for your whole tenure. 227 00:14:11,920 --> 00:14:15,920 You've become our voice in the region and the nation. 228 00:14:15,920 --> 00:14:18,920 We've always had problems with NTC. 229 00:14:18,920 --> 00:14:24,920 NTC is appointed you to read all the transit agencies. 230 00:14:24,920 --> 00:14:34,600 in the lead all the transit agencies in trying to deal with our fiscal crisis that we're all 231 00:14:34,600 --> 00:14:41,000 sharing. And you've led that admirable. You're now on the Executive Board of Apta 232 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:51,480 and are making a national name for yourself. You've done a marvelous job of leading along the 233 00:14:51,480 --> 00:14:59,960 sale and all the folks in his department in leading what is a... 234 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:07,380 Local crisis that we're all sharing. And you've led that admirable. You're now on the executive board of 235 00:15:07,380 --> 00:15:18,360 Apta and are making a national name for yourself. You've done a marvelous job of leading along the 236 00:15:18,360 --> 00:15:30,740 sale and all the folks in his department. In leading what is a world leading zero whole series 237 00:15:30,740 --> 00:15:40,060 of experiments in zero emission. You will be greatly missed. I'm extremely sorry that you're leaving. 238 00:15:40,060 --> 00:15:51,860 I would hope to have had you for another five years. But best of luck in your future endeavors. 239 00:15:51,860 --> 00:15:57,860 And hope you can go out there and help some other transit agencies. 240 00:15:57,860 --> 00:16:00,060 Or agencies. 241 00:16:00,060 --> 00:16:07,460 Thank you, Director Peoples. Obviously some of us already made comments earlier today. 242 00:16:07,460 --> 00:16:14,460 If anyone else would like to make any comments, the floor is yours. 243 00:16:14,460 --> 00:16:19,140 Yeah, I'll just make a couple of public comments. I won't repeat what I said today. Some of 244 00:16:19,140 --> 00:16:24,820 that I don't want to repeat. But not in a public forum. But I happen to have the chance of 245 00:16:24,820 --> 00:16:30,700 business for a while. And so I really recognize what you've brought to the industry. And I just 246 00:16:30,700 --> 00:16:36,980 want to say thank you. And then the second thing I think you're unwavering supportive 247 00:16:36,980 --> 00:16:42,180 of our veterans. I think is important. And also all the cultural diversity that we have in 248 00:16:42,180 --> 00:16:47,100 the organization, which I didn't mention earlier. But you're supportive of those different 249 00:16:47,100 --> 00:16:52,140 events. I think has been really good. And the fact that you can wear Darth Vader mask, you're 250 00:16:52,140 --> 00:16:57,940 the only general measure. I know that would wear Darth Vader masks and come to work. So thank 251 00:16:58,020 --> 00:17:07,780 you for bringing all of that rounded person to us. Great. I won't repeat what I said earlier. 252 00:17:07,780 --> 00:17:11,540 But I just wanted to also point out that this been a real pleasure working with Michael for the 253 00:17:11,540 --> 00:17:18,260 last couple years. He's a true professional. I put him on the Mount Rushmara of transit GM's. 254 00:17:18,260 --> 00:17:23,940 He's right up there. He could also put him in the category of the goat discussion, right? 255 00:17:24,500 --> 00:17:30,980 You got to have it in the mix. So I think you've played the blueprint that the 256 00:17:30,980 --> 00:17:36,260 in the system up to us to continue to follow and move forward. So that's I think as our challenge is to 257 00:17:36,260 --> 00:17:44,500 try to take your legacy and move forward. Thank you. And Mike, thank you for your time and your 258 00:17:44,500 --> 00:17:48,500 service to the agency. It's been a pleasure working with you. You will be very messed. 259 00:17:48,500 --> 00:17:57,620 Okay. Go for it. Thank you. So as you depart, Mike, I would just like to acknowledge your 260 00:17:57,620 --> 00:18:04,420 nine years of service and express my gratitude in particular for your strong advocacy for the needs 261 00:18:04,420 --> 00:18:12,580 of Black and Brown low-income AC transit riders. You have really made a full-throated argument 262 00:18:13,460 --> 00:18:18,820 with regional decision makers at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and with our state 263 00:18:18,820 --> 00:18:26,500 legislatures to advance a more equitable regional transportation measure and state legislation. 264 00:18:26,500 --> 00:18:34,180 And I just want to let you know how much I appreciate that. Thank you. Okay. With that, go for it. 265 00:18:34,980 --> 00:18:41,300 Thank you. President Yang, so Mike, I just want to say once again, what an honor and a privilege 266 00:18:41,780 --> 00:18:48,660 has been to work with you. You have given me and my office so much support over your time here at 267 00:18:48,660 --> 00:18:53,780 the district. I think more support than we've ever gotten with staffing, with automation, 268 00:18:55,380 --> 00:19:02,500 with just being there to support our needs and making our work important. So with that, I just really 269 00:19:02,500 --> 00:19:08,260 want to thank you again. And thank you again for all the stability you've brought to this organization 270 00:19:08,260 --> 00:19:13,780 because I know what it's like to work in a place that was not very stable and you have been 271 00:19:13,780 --> 00:19:19,780 wonderful at providing a place where everybody can come to work, do their job and 272 00:19:21,380 --> 00:19:25,380 make positive contributions happen throughout this organization. So thank you once again. 273 00:19:28,660 --> 00:19:35,860 Okay. Moving on, unless we all, you'll have a chance at the end or if you want to say it now. 274 00:19:36,820 --> 00:19:43,060 Actually, it's my intention to read my entire GM report tonight. So I'll answer if you don't mind 275 00:19:43,060 --> 00:19:47,380 President Yang, I'll reserve my closing comments from when we get to my GM report. Sounds good. 276 00:19:47,940 --> 00:19:52,420 Okay. Are there any, why don't we move on to public comments? Are there for public comments, 277 00:19:52,420 --> 00:19:55,220 right? Not at least one speaker here. Jane, Kramer. Okay. 278 00:20:03,380 --> 00:20:04,100 You got it, Jane? 279 00:20:06,580 --> 00:20:09,620 You're hired. 280 00:20:11,940 --> 00:20:16,180 While we're waiting, I'm still having trouble joining as a panelist. I think I have that to 281 00:20:16,180 --> 00:20:25,620 do, Mr. Still, I apologize. I want my comments to be taken to be, to be bent, to be positive. 282 00:20:26,820 --> 00:20:28,340 And I'm going to try real hard. 283 00:20:28,740 --> 00:20:44,100 At great loss to this community. This board is in transition and this board needs to 284 00:20:44,100 --> 00:20:52,020 understand that it needs to learn how to work, not only amongst its own membership, 285 00:20:52,820 --> 00:21:00,340 but also needs to be of real assistance to the community it's supposed to serve. 286 00:21:03,220 --> 00:21:10,180 You have distanced yourself from the community by making it clear you don't want its input. 287 00:21:11,780 --> 00:21:19,140 Just the way, for instance, that you itemize the agenda. You've made it clear to the community 288 00:21:19,780 --> 00:21:29,620 just by the way, you've redistricted yourselves that you only are concerned about getting 289 00:21:29,620 --> 00:21:38,420 reelected, not serving everybody, minority groups, et cetera in your own individual districts. 290 00:21:40,660 --> 00:21:46,420 You've made it clear to the public that you have dissension amongst yourselves and don't know 291 00:21:46,420 --> 00:21:53,220 how to problem yourself in a positive way. Now you've got another chance. 292 00:21:55,700 --> 00:22:05,380 Hopefully the person you hire might be able to fill the shoes of the retiring general manager. 293 00:22:07,140 --> 00:22:14,500 Listen to that person and listen to your community. You were not elected to sit at a desk. 294 00:22:15,380 --> 00:22:23,780 You were elected to find out and appreciate and respond positively to their concerns. 295 00:22:25,780 --> 00:22:29,060 Thank you for your comments, Jane. Do we have any additional public comments? 296 00:22:29,060 --> 00:22:31,780 Yes, Edwardo, an online speaker. 297 00:22:36,500 --> 00:22:39,940 Hello. Hello, can you hear me? Yes, please go ahead. 298 00:22:39,940 --> 00:22:44,260 I'm sorry. Is this public comments supposed to be for Michael Hershey's retirement or is it for 299 00:22:44,260 --> 00:22:50,100 whatever you want to talk about? It's for items not on the agenda, but we'll go ahead and take your comment regarding the general manager. 300 00:22:50,100 --> 00:22:55,300 Hey, Mike, congratulations. You made it. Stay healthy, brother. 301 00:22:56,340 --> 00:23:04,500 And besides that, I want to talk about the final report the two year investigation on this whole vaccine mandate that came from the 302 00:23:04,500 --> 00:23:13,220 house from government itself. They said that the whole mental vaccine never had a scientific proven that 303 00:23:13,220 --> 00:23:20,420 it stopped you from getting COVID or spreading it. Natural, natural immunity was a real thing that 304 00:23:21,460 --> 00:23:27,220 that she had been accepted that the people that gave the most misinformation was government itself 305 00:23:27,940 --> 00:23:36,180 that the six feet apart never had scientific backing that the mask never had scientific evidence that 306 00:23:36,180 --> 00:23:41,780 it worked against COVID-19. All I want to say about this, I've been fighting you guys about this forever, 307 00:23:41,780 --> 00:23:52,260 that I'm that annoying. It conspiracy theorists die, but I'm no longer conspiracy theorists because every single thing I told you 308 00:23:52,260 --> 00:23:59,780 throughout this year is about this vaccine. The house, their final two year investigation have said me 309 00:23:59,780 --> 00:24:05,220 free. I mean, I was right about everything and there wasn't that I was right. I was giving you information 310 00:24:05,940 --> 00:24:12,340 that that they were hiding from you guys. And all I want to say is that everybody who lost their job over this 311 00:24:12,340 --> 00:24:19,860 vaccine were completely right. They're not taking it. And I'm hoping that you guys could do the right thing and 312 00:24:19,860 --> 00:24:27,460 hire everybody back with back pay. And this never happens again. A lot of those are really mad. 313 00:24:27,460 --> 00:24:33,540 And I'm going to tell you just one case, this is a work that you guys have in a CMS. 314 00:24:35,140 --> 00:24:40,260 It's a whole family took it. And I'm close. Evidence of vaccines in a year and a half after taking 315 00:24:40,260 --> 00:24:46,660 the vaccine, seven of its family members died of a heart attack. That just once told you, I got so many more 316 00:24:46,660 --> 00:24:51,700 for you guys. I just wanted to never do this again, please. And please do the right thing and 317 00:24:51,700 --> 00:24:56,420 hire the people you guys fired over this vaccine. All the time about it. 318 00:24:58,100 --> 00:25:05,540 Microhorses. Thank you. Thank you for your comments. Do we have any additional comments? 319 00:25:05,540 --> 00:25:10,180 That concludes public comment. Okay. Why don't we move on to the consent calendar? I know that 320 00:25:10,180 --> 00:25:20,260 we are removing 60, 60, 60. And then Chris, you had mentioned what item are you removing? 321 00:25:20,260 --> 00:25:31,540 Fix and is in Nancy. Okay. Six and is there a before we do that? Let's call public comment on the consent calendar. 322 00:25:40,180 --> 00:25:56,980 We have no public comment on the consent. Okay. So is there a motion to approve approval of the 323 00:25:56,980 --> 00:26:03,060 remainder of the items? Okay. Is there a set? Okay. Why don't we take the roll on that? 324 00:26:03,060 --> 00:26:11,060 Okay. Director of peoples? Aye. Vice-president Shaw. Aye. Director Sian? Yes. 325 00:26:11,060 --> 00:26:17,380 Mr. McColley? Yes. Director Silva? Yes. And President Young? Yes. Yes. What do we take? 326 00:26:17,380 --> 00:26:23,860 Six D.I. have to remove myself from the dias because I have a conflict because my firm co-councils 327 00:26:23,860 --> 00:26:30,100 with Jeffrey Lewis's firm. So I will step away from the dias what you guys consider this one. Thank you 328 00:26:30,180 --> 00:26:42,260 over director. Thank you very much. Okay. Consider authorizing the district secretary to 329 00:26:42,260 --> 00:26:48,100 conduct a recruitment to fill a vacant public member position on the AC Transit Retirement Board, 330 00:26:48,820 --> 00:26:54,900 allow applicants residing with the five county bay area region outlined in the staff report to apply 331 00:26:54,900 --> 00:27:01,380 an adopt resolution number 24 dash 30 re-appointing Jeffrey Lewis as the second of the two 332 00:27:01,380 --> 00:27:08,020 public members AC Transit Board and chief financial officer Chris and to check as a non-AT member each 333 00:27:08,020 --> 00:27:17,700 for two-year term expiring our March 30 first 2027. So do we have any questions from the board on any 334 00:27:17,700 --> 00:27:29,700 folks? Okay. Move a problem. All right. We have a... I will call the roll. Director Peoples? 335 00:27:29,700 --> 00:27:39,700 Aye. Director McColley? Aye. Director Sian? Yes. Director Silva? Yes. Vice President Shaw? Yes. Motion passes? 336 00:27:40,260 --> 00:27:46,660 Thank you very much. Okay. We're going to go on to the next one which 337 00:27:47,220 --> 00:27:50,980 Excuse me. You got to announce your non-flips. 338 00:27:54,020 --> 00:27:55,860 And he's made the room. 339 00:27:58,260 --> 00:28:04,500 Amy, do you want to help out on it? On 6G, our newest director, director Silva has a conflict of interest 340 00:28:04,500 --> 00:28:09,220 due to his employment with Gillick. So he'll be excused for this item. 341 00:28:16,660 --> 00:28:27,700 Okay. Um, 62 proof. Okay. 6G consider authorizing the general manager as the need to execute 342 00:28:27,700 --> 00:28:32,100 documents through the state of California's Department of General Services, contract, 343 00:28:32,100 --> 00:28:38,340 the purchase, 960 foot zero emission hydrogen buses from the fire. There's been a motion to a 344 00:28:38,340 --> 00:28:46,740 prove as there a second. Okay. What do we call the roll? Okay. Vice President Shaw? Yes. 345 00:28:46,740 --> 00:28:53,620 Director Peoples? Yes. Director Sian? Yes. Director McColley? Yes. And President Ion? Yes. 346 00:28:53,620 --> 00:29:03,140 That motion passes. Okay. What do we move on to 6N Director Peoples? Do you want to launch into your 347 00:29:03,140 --> 00:29:10,020 question? Sure. I just have a question. It's a whether this contract includes means of 348 00:29:10,020 --> 00:29:18,500 communication, assuming that the phone lines and the internet are down. One such method is 349 00:29:18,500 --> 00:29:27,220 and radio, which I know we've done some work with and mics considerably more expert at it than I am. 350 00:29:27,220 --> 00:29:33,060 But I just want to see whether that's in the contract. Director Peoples, this is 351 00:29:33,060 --> 00:29:39,220 my personal manager. This particular contract will not need to address that specific question 352 00:29:39,220 --> 00:29:44,100 because the overall architecture and the geos have been upgraded. So whether you're in the 353 00:29:44,100 --> 00:29:50,100 tenth floor conference room, essentially if you plugged into an ethernet port, we have two separate 354 00:29:50,100 --> 00:29:57,140 internet providers. We do have satellite phone technology. We have satellite service for limited 355 00:29:57,140 --> 00:30:01,540 availability for emergency operations at the geo. 356 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:06,400 For limited availability for emergency operations at the GO, so it's agnostic of where we would be 357 00:30:06,400 --> 00:30:13,680 set up. We could have redundant communications. We have not achieved the desire to have a 358 00:30:13,680 --> 00:30:19,840 ham radio station yet. That's something we made seeking other research for somebody that has 359 00:30:19,840 --> 00:30:25,360 a license. You know, I'm stepping down for my position and Tom O'Neill was the other license 360 00:30:25,440 --> 00:30:31,520 ham operator, so there's no specific included for ham, but the GO as a whole is quite redundant 361 00:30:31,520 --> 00:30:38,080 for other communications channels. All righty, thank you very much and I'll move the item. Is there a 362 00:30:38,080 --> 00:30:45,760 second? Thank you. Okay, what do we take the roll on that? Director Peoples? Aye. Vice President Shaw. Yes. Director 363 00:30:46,480 --> 00:30:59,680 Yes. Director Silva? Yes. And President Young? Yes. Okay, six, few. Thank you. Yes. I have questions regarding two of the 364 00:30:59,680 --> 00:31:07,840 positions. And the first is the training and workforce development manager. I believe it's 365 00:31:07,840 --> 00:31:14,320 our training and education manager that is being upgraded to a director of training and workforce 366 00:31:14,560 --> 00:31:22,000 development. And I just would like to learn a little more about what else is changing, but with that upgrade. 367 00:31:22,000 --> 00:31:30,000 So will there be the same number of direct reports? It will be it's that role have expanded greatly over 368 00:31:30,720 --> 00:31:38,240 a number of years and we have worked with the incumbent employee as well as the GOO to revise it. And 369 00:31:38,240 --> 00:31:46,800 it's just it's now is the time to do it because we're we need to mitigate any risks that we have 370 00:31:46,800 --> 00:31:54,000 associated with pay equity. So that's the reason. Wait, let me add a little bit to that. We're 371 00:31:54,000 --> 00:31:59,600 very full for the incumbent person in the position, but we've added a tremendous amount of work 372 00:31:59,600 --> 00:32:06,240 in responsibility, de-escalation training. We've nearly tripled the number of need bus operator classes 373 00:32:06,320 --> 00:32:13,440 the workforce development specifically and I'll make comments on that. What I do my GM report 374 00:32:13,440 --> 00:32:20,640 is to further expand our operator mentor and mechanic mentor programs as well as all the work that's 375 00:32:20,640 --> 00:32:29,600 coming with W. I would ask for the board support on this item. Thank you. And my understanding is that this 376 00:32:29,680 --> 00:32:37,440 with this position at the salary grade 14 that the assistant manager makes a grade eight. So I 377 00:32:37,440 --> 00:32:43,760 just had a question about that large difference between the assistant manager and the director. 378 00:32:43,760 --> 00:32:49,520 Are there how many other positions are there in between those? Just thinking about progression of employees 379 00:32:49,520 --> 00:32:57,360 who are there at that grade eight, right? Hoping for promotions. So and that you're absolutely right. 380 00:32:57,360 --> 00:33:05,200 It does need to be looked at. I think that the approach is iterative that we need to do it 381 00:33:05,200 --> 00:33:12,960 and we need to chunk it up and just ensure that it's economically feasible. So that's our approach 382 00:33:13,680 --> 00:33:20,720 with the current economic situation. So is that is the direct report to the salary grade 14 or 383 00:33:20,720 --> 00:33:27,120 those direct reports grade eight? Currently yes. Okay and with this change, 384 00:33:27,120 --> 00:33:33,920 it would be, or is there someone else in between those? If there's not and we understand that that's 385 00:33:35,120 --> 00:33:42,960 something that we need to look to in the future to rectify, but it is on the radar and 386 00:33:43,920 --> 00:33:51,360 yes. Good evening, Board of Directors. So yeah, I'm a chief operator, an officer. I like to just 387 00:33:51,360 --> 00:33:56,720 share a little more information, director. So I thank you for your question. Those are really good 388 00:33:56,720 --> 00:34:01,040 questions. I think right now we're evolving as a district and we've been evolving as a district 389 00:34:01,840 --> 00:34:07,840 since starting in 2016. We started to partner with our union to develop more as the general manager mentioned 390 00:34:07,840 --> 00:34:12,560 more of our employee workforce development programs and career ladders. So that's one component of 391 00:34:12,560 --> 00:34:19,920 this change. The other component is we've adopted a zero-mission university program that's going to 392 00:34:19,920 --> 00:34:26,160 create learning capability not only for our employees, but also for other transit agencies and also 393 00:34:26,160 --> 00:34:29,680 partnering with community based organizations like we're doing with the Shibon and the Shibon and 394 00:34:29,680 --> 00:34:34,480 the S Policitas College where we now we have college critics that are our mechanics or 395 00:34:34,480 --> 00:34:38,880 our earning while they're going through an apprenticeship program. A lot of the roles and responsibilities 396 00:34:39,520 --> 00:34:46,880 this position has been handed over requires executive level interaction and also interaction with 397 00:34:46,880 --> 00:34:54,160 other elected folks, elected officials and leadership at the universities for example. Because we're in 398 00:34:54,160 --> 00:34:59,440 a process of transitions, this is step one. Step one is to create a director position. We're in a 399 00:34:59,440 --> 00:35:05,840 continue to evaluate the reporting structure to your point on the career succession and that is going 400 00:35:05,840 --> 00:35:10,640 to happen next so that now that we have a director we want to be able to look at the 401 00:35:10,640 --> 00:35:15,840 whole entire workforce development program at the district and align all the different positions that 402 00:35:15,840 --> 00:35:24,720 create that program to make it successful. Thank you. I appreciate that. So my question on the second 403 00:35:24,720 --> 00:35:32,160 position is regarding the executive director of retirement and my recollection was at several board 404 00:35:32,160 --> 00:35:38,960 members and when we actually had different items. Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, okay. Is that that's 405 00:35:40,240 --> 00:35:48,080 six R R and it's been it it's been okay. We acted on that already so I you know we'll just hold off on that 406 00:35:48,080 --> 00:35:56,480 but I'm mistakenly acted on that one. So I would have been I know based on our last concerns expressed 407 00:35:56,560 --> 00:36:02,640 that I do not believe have been addressed so so I really appreciate the update on this new director 408 00:36:02,640 --> 00:36:10,240 position and including this editor of work that is going to continue. My preference would be to see the 409 00:36:10,240 --> 00:36:16,240 the full plan so we understand the full cost of it and to not be making these one of decisions outside 410 00:36:16,240 --> 00:36:23,280 of the budget process. So I will move to adopt these positions with the exception of the director 411 00:36:23,280 --> 00:36:29,440 of training and workforce development and have that one come back to us during our budget process coming 412 00:36:29,440 --> 00:36:35,440 up soon. So that's a motion. Okay, is there a motion? There's when a motion is there a second. 413 00:36:38,400 --> 00:36:47,040 Hearing none that motion fails is there a motion to approve six Q and it's totality. So a 414 00:36:47,040 --> 00:36:55,920 moment is there a second. Second. Okay, why don't we call the role on that? Okay, director peoples. 415 00:36:55,920 --> 00:37:05,680 Hi. Vice President Shaw. Yes. Director Sayon? No. Director McColley? Director Silva? 416 00:37:06,240 --> 00:37:14,560 So steam. Epstein? Okay and President Yeah. Yes. Okay, well that motion also failed. 417 00:37:15,360 --> 00:37:24,960 Okay, do we want to I guess board members how do we want to move forward on this item? Do we want to 418 00:37:24,960 --> 00:37:32,960 is there a portion of the classifications that board members would be interested in approving? 419 00:37:35,680 --> 00:37:43,200 I did suggest a path forward, but did not receive a second. So I would be open to a second if 420 00:37:43,200 --> 00:37:49,760 someone has changed the mind to bring this back as part of our budget process to continue to do that 421 00:37:49,760 --> 00:37:56,080 iterative work. So we can understand how this fits in with the career succession planning. 422 00:37:57,920 --> 00:38:03,040 The point of clarification is that would that motion be just for the one position director training 423 00:38:04,000 --> 00:38:10,880 Yes, just for that one position. I'll second it. Okay, that's been moved in second then. Why don't 424 00:38:10,880 --> 00:38:16,400 we take a roll call on that? Just to clarify that was for the entire item with the exception of the 425 00:38:16,400 --> 00:38:21,840 director of training workforce development. Correct. Correct. All right, director Sayon? 426 00:38:22,880 --> 00:38:31,360 Director McColley? Yes. Director peoples? Yes. Okay, let's see here, director Silva. Yes. Okay. 427 00:38:32,080 --> 00:38:33,120 Vice President Shaw? 428 00:38:34,800 --> 00:38:35,440 Of steam. 429 00:38:37,440 --> 00:38:39,600 Yeah, I'm President Ian. Yes. 430 00:38:39,600 --> 00:38:45,360 Yeah, that motion passed. Okay. Why do we move on to seven? Thank you for your time. Why don't 431 00:38:45,360 --> 00:38:52,720 we move on to seven A? Consider receiving, we're moving on to external affair, seven A. I'll 432 00:38:52,720 --> 00:38:58,800 chair it. Seven A, consider receiving the monthly legislative report and approving legislative positions 433 00:38:58,800 --> 00:39:04,240 if necessary. Take it away. Good evening, board members. Go. The award was presenting the 434 00:39:04,240 --> 00:39:10,800 monthly legislative report. On the federal level, on November 18th, President Electrump announced his intent 435 00:39:10,800 --> 00:39:16,560 to nominate former Wisconsin Republican Congressman Sean Duffy to be the next secretary of transportation. 436 00:39:17,200 --> 00:39:21,600 The Senate Commerce Committee will hold his confirmation hearing as early as January 20, 437 00:39:21,600 --> 00:39:27,840 once Mr. Duffy is formally nominated. Mr. Duffy was elected to Congress in 2010, where he served 438 00:39:27,840 --> 00:39:33,040 on the House Financial Services Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Joint Economic Committee. 439 00:39:33,040 --> 00:39:38,880 On January 3rd, former board board member Latifa Simon will be sworn in to represent California's 440 00:39:38,880 --> 00:39:44,960 12th Congressional District. She replaces longtime Congresswoman Barbara Lee. This will be the only 441 00:39:44,960 --> 00:39:49,840 change to the district's federal delegation. At the state level, the California Legislature 442 00:39:49,840 --> 00:39:55,920 returned to Sacramento on December 2nd for swearing in ceremonies. Former Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arrigin 443 00:39:55,920 --> 00:40:01,760 has been sworn in representing the seventh district. He replaces longtime Senator Nancy Skinner. 444 00:40:01,760 --> 00:40:08,320 This will be the only change to the district's state delegation. Here in the region, a special meeting 445 00:40:08,320 --> 00:40:13,920 of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission was held on Monday to discuss the revenue measure. In 446 00:40:13,920 --> 00:40:18,160 advance of the meeting, General Manager Hirsch submitted a letter to the commission. That letter was 447 00:40:18,160 --> 00:40:24,400 forwarded to the board last Friday and General Manager Hirsch provided comments in person at the commission meeting. 448 00:40:25,120 --> 00:40:29,760 The commission received a draft report to the Legislature on the revenue measure, select committee, 449 00:40:29,760 --> 00:40:34,960 which was an informational item and there was no discussion from the commission. The second item on 450 00:40:34,960 --> 00:40:42,000 the agenda during that meeting was an action item to seek approval to pull proposed transportation revenue 451 00:40:42,000 --> 00:40:48,480 measure frameworks and policy provisions and outline next steps. As a result of the commission's 452 00:40:48,480 --> 00:40:53,760 action, MTC staff is going to be conducting polling in January and will come back to the commission 453 00:40:53,760 --> 00:40:58,640 in February with the results. The polling is going to be focused on split sample polling for 454 00:40:58,640 --> 00:41:04,800 scenario 1A, the hybrid scenario, and there will be polling questions regarding variable tax rates. The 455 00:41:04,800 --> 00:41:10,720 scenarios being pulled have not changed from what's been presented to the board in the past few meetings. 456 00:41:10,720 --> 00:41:16,000 So again, scenario 1A is a 10 year measure, which will be pulled in five counties, and the hybrid 457 00:41:16,000 --> 00:41:22,320 scenario is a 30 year measure, which will be pulled in all nine counties. Many transit advocates spoke in 458 00:41:22,320 --> 00:41:27,360 support of AC transit being fully funded under both scenarios. They also raise concerns about 459 00:41:27,360 --> 00:41:31,920 equity, which the general manager also raised, and they also raise concerns about the regressive 460 00:41:31,920 --> 00:41:37,040 nature of the sales tax. Commission are mildly asked whether a backup funding strategy such as 461 00:41:37,040 --> 00:41:42,560 using MTC capital funds for operations is going to be pulled, and I believe the response was no. 462 00:41:43,440 --> 00:41:48,960 Santa Clara County commissioners reiterated their position that they prefer to pursue their own 463 00:41:48,960 --> 00:41:54,400 30 year measure in their county. San Mateo County commissioners reiterated their request to 464 00:41:54,400 --> 00:42:00,400 request an opt-out option of the regional measure. However, in response to that, contract cost 465 00:42:00,400 --> 00:42:06,240 of county representatives expressed concerns about one county being given the opt-out option, 466 00:42:06,240 --> 00:42:11,840 but not others. Again, in terms of timeline and next steps, polling is said to begin in January 467 00:42:12,720 --> 00:42:17,680 with results expected in February. MTC staff did confirm to the commission that they are committed to 468 00:42:17,680 --> 00:42:24,000 working in collaboration with transit operators to develop that poll. And that concludes my report 469 00:42:24,000 --> 00:42:31,120 happy to take any questions. Okay, why don't we take public comment on this item? Okay, is there a 470 00:42:31,120 --> 00:42:37,920 public comment on this item at this time? Looks like we have one of the works. We're taking public 471 00:42:37,920 --> 00:42:42,480 comments. We don't have any online comment. Are you planning to comment on this particular item? 472 00:42:42,480 --> 00:42:48,800 Okay. Okay. I have a question. Questions, comment, hearing no public comment? Questions, comments from 473 00:42:48,800 --> 00:42:59,600 board members. Director of Peoples, your hand is up. Yeah, this is probably a totally unnecessary 474 00:42:59,600 --> 00:43:08,560 comment given where we are and who we are. But I've read everything I can find on the nominee for 475 00:43:09,200 --> 00:43:14,400 Secretary of Transportation. And as far as I can tell, he's totally an absolutely unqualified. 476 00:43:15,040 --> 00:43:23,520 Never served on TNI. Never had anything to do with transit. The only transportation measures he 477 00:43:23,520 --> 00:43:36,160 sponsored were purely local and prokeal. He tried to exempt drivers from time limitations. If they were 478 00:43:36,160 --> 00:43:45,360 doing certain things in his state, it's frustrating. But as I say, I'm just venting. I know that 479 00:43:45,360 --> 00:43:55,200 nobody here necessarily disagrees with me. I am concerned about the reports about the NTC meeting. I've 480 00:43:55,200 --> 00:44:03,840 also been following that for years. And the hope was that we would get a regional measure because we 481 00:44:03,840 --> 00:44:12,800 have some counties, particularly Santa Clara, who encourage a huge amount of commercial development 482 00:44:13,360 --> 00:44:23,520 and do not supply the housing to solve that commercial development thus leading to a great deal of 483 00:44:23,520 --> 00:44:34,640 intercounty and interregional commuting. And it's unfortunate that we can't get a regional funding 484 00:44:34,640 --> 00:44:43,920 source to solve a regional problem. But again, I'm sure there's no disagreement here with that, 485 00:44:43,920 --> 00:44:51,680 but I felt the need to make a comment about it. Thank you for your comments, Director. 486 00:44:51,680 --> 00:45:00,480 Thank you for that day. Just on the polling you mentioned, there'll be poll. 487 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:08,040 What we've seen for the last few months. So does that mean that there will be no polling of the potential 488 00:45:08,040 --> 00:45:16,160 of us going to 70% service, right? So voters voting for attacks, and then it being insufficient 489 00:45:16,160 --> 00:45:25,720 funding for AC transit. Was that discussed at all? No, it wasn't discussed on Monday. I mean, the polling 490 00:45:25,720 --> 00:45:36,200 is going to be on the two scenarios. As staff, we do intend to work closely with MTC staff on 491 00:45:36,200 --> 00:45:40,360 the questions. One of the main points that we included in the letter from the general manager 492 00:45:40,360 --> 00:45:45,880 was that the polling has to include real questions about trade-offs, which, in our opinion, haven't 493 00:45:45,880 --> 00:45:53,400 been included in the polls. MTC has done two dates. So in terms of service levels and, you know, 494 00:45:53,400 --> 00:45:59,080 those kinds of questions, we'll do our best to get those included in their poll. 495 00:46:01,080 --> 00:46:09,560 Thank you. And I agree. Those are critical important if, you know, a measure goes forward and fails 496 00:46:09,560 --> 00:46:14,760 to meet our needs and leads to service cuts. And it's, you know, we passed on the basis of the 497 00:46:14,760 --> 00:46:20,840 tremendous support of Alameda County, which the region really relies upon, to vote for transit. 498 00:46:22,200 --> 00:46:28,600 You know, it will be a real trust broken, right, to kind of a bait and switch, like you voted for transit 499 00:46:28,600 --> 00:46:36,680 and then you got service cuts. So thank you for that advocacy and, you know, anything we can do to get the 500 00:46:36,680 --> 00:46:44,280 word out there. I've seen some data related to the cost per writer that, you know, the 501 00:46:44,280 --> 00:46:50,680 different scenarios would fund, right? And it reminded me of, you know, one of those handouts that 502 00:46:52,120 --> 00:46:59,960 director Peoples has for many years ago, right, looking at the inequities in our regional funding. 503 00:46:59,960 --> 00:47:09,480 And I believe it was, you know, the, looking at the different agencies funding per trip under 504 00:47:09,480 --> 00:47:19,800 scenario 1A, Bart would receive $6.5 per passenger boarding using our FY23 to 24 ridership numbers, 505 00:47:19,800 --> 00:47:29,240 an AC transit would receive 97 cents per trip. And that is assuming that eight of the 10 million that 506 00:47:29,320 --> 00:47:35,160 is allocated for Alameda Contra Costa County, feeder bus service goes to AC transit. Otherwise, 507 00:47:35,160 --> 00:47:41,640 the amount would be even less. So, you know, I mentioned, you know, Bart and AC, but when you look at 508 00:47:41,640 --> 00:47:50,600 Caltrain in scenario 1A, Caltrain would get even more than Bart, $9.83 per passenger boarding, 509 00:47:50,600 --> 00:47:58,680 you know, using FY23 24 ridership numbers. And Muni would receive even less than AC transit. 510 00:47:59,240 --> 00:48:05,160 58 cents a trip. So, and when you actually look at current service levels, 511 00:48:07,080 --> 00:48:14,840 Bart is over 100% of service is my understanding, Caltrain is almost at 100% AC transit at about 82 512 00:48:14,840 --> 00:48:23,720 and Muni at 92%. So, both Muni and AC transit are running less service in 2023 compared to 2019. 513 00:48:24,360 --> 00:48:31,160 Yet, you know, we are serving a tremendous number of riders. And this is, you know, that's why 514 00:48:31,160 --> 00:48:37,640 I'm so appreciative of the work of the Germanager and the team earlier this week to really make that 515 00:48:37,640 --> 00:48:46,120 case for equity and to request an equity analysis of these scenarios. And I'm confident and hopeful 516 00:48:46,120 --> 00:48:49,240 that we'll continue to receive updates and that that work will happen. 517 00:48:50,200 --> 00:48:57,640 Yeah, and I'll just, I'll just add, Commissioner Myley did express concerns about AC transit shortfall 518 00:48:57,640 --> 00:49:02,760 and the equity concerns that the General Manager had raised. Commissioner Kaplan did the same 519 00:49:03,480 --> 00:49:08,920 and I would say all of the advocates that spoke and there were many, they did raise concerns about 520 00:49:08,920 --> 00:49:14,920 equity and some of the things director say that you just mentioned. Commissioner Multon Peters at the end 521 00:49:14,920 --> 00:49:20,440 as they went around and commented she, she also raised concerns and she supported and equity 522 00:49:20,440 --> 00:49:25,960 analysis, but that was included in the motion. So, the motion was just to support the staff recommendation 523 00:49:25,960 --> 00:49:32,360 to pursue the poll, unfortunately. Thank you. 524 00:49:35,080 --> 00:49:39,880 Additional questions, comments? I do. Go find. 525 00:49:40,840 --> 00:49:47,640 Yeah, a couple of things just to reiterate what Claudia just said. There was a lot of people that spoke 526 00:49:47,640 --> 00:49:54,760 up in support of AC transit at that meeting and a lot of people that spoke up that recognize that, 527 00:49:55,480 --> 00:49:59,720 you know, we're asking people for money just to then also cut service and that was kind of 528 00:49:59,720 --> 00:50:07,480 acknowledged. The one thing that I didn't hear, they talked about with the poll and working with, 529 00:50:07,960 --> 00:50:11,880 there was a couple of commissioners specifically that wanted to make sure they had their 530 00:50:11,880 --> 00:50:18,520 questions as part of the poll and they committed to working with them. What I didn't hear, I heard when 531 00:50:18,520 --> 00:50:23,480 they planned to do it and when they planned to have the result, but what I didn't hear is when they planned 532 00:50:23,480 --> 00:50:29,400 to identify and finish putting together what the questions are. Do you have a timeframe for when 533 00:50:29,400 --> 00:50:37,160 they plan to do that to know how quickly we need to get our comments to them about what needs to be included? 534 00:50:37,480 --> 00:50:44,360 So a group of transit legislative staffers met with MTC legislative staff last week and we were told that 535 00:50:44,360 --> 00:50:51,240 the poll development process was going to be this week and next because the goal is to poll immediately 536 00:50:51,240 --> 00:50:57,800 in after the new year. We haven't seen anything yet. So we did a follow-up to MTC staff earlier today 537 00:50:57,800 --> 00:51:07,000 asking some of those questions. They haven't got back to you. Yeah, if you need any of those 538 00:51:07,000 --> 00:51:16,600 to ask that question as well, let us know. So I think that was it. Thank you. Okay, any additional, 539 00:51:16,600 --> 00:51:22,680 you got it? Okay, thank you for all your work and your advocacy on behalf of a regional measure and we 540 00:51:22,680 --> 00:51:28,440 look forward to seeing what happens in the new year. Is there a motion to receive the report? 541 00:51:28,440 --> 00:51:36,200 Well, should do we see if that's what I got. Okay. It's been moved and as well as a second, 542 00:51:36,200 --> 00:51:42,760 why don't we take the role to receive? Okay, Vice President Shaw. You have Dr. McColley? Yes. Dr. Peoples? 543 00:51:42,760 --> 00:51:52,760 Hi. Dr. Sayon? Yes. Dr. Silva? Yes. And President Ion? Yes. Yes. Okay, seven B announcement of appointments 544 00:51:52,760 --> 00:52:01,560 of the nominating committee for the selection of President Vice President Board 2025. I will present. 545 00:52:01,560 --> 00:52:12,360 I will add on there McColley Peoples and Ion. Why do we move on to closed session report out? 546 00:52:12,360 --> 00:52:16,280 Are there any questions? Before we do, we have a public comment. Action on the closed session matter. 547 00:52:16,280 --> 00:52:23,880 Item A, if we'd like to take that now? Well, we're about to move on to closed session report out. 548 00:52:23,880 --> 00:52:29,640 When we get to that, because we're going to go through a day. I think there's going to be another 549 00:52:30,280 --> 00:52:34,760 announcement and then we'll get to 80. So I think that's going to be third. Okay. 550 00:52:36,440 --> 00:52:42,440 Council, the floor is yours with respect to any reports out. Thank you. We have a report out on 551 00:52:42,440 --> 00:52:56,840 Cook's versus AC Transit Workforce Comp Appeals Board. Case number is 80J006670. 80J8285977 and 80J9169216. The board 552 00:52:56,840 --> 00:53:10,280 authorized settlement in the amount of $500,000 less per pd advances of $76,729.86. The matter was moved 553 00:53:10,280 --> 00:53:16,440 by Director of Science, seconded by Director Shaw. Director of Science, Shaw Peoples, McColley, 554 00:53:16,440 --> 00:53:21,640 Silva, and Ion, voted in favor and there was one Director absent, Director Walsh. 555 00:53:23,320 --> 00:53:29,400 Hanyah Garcia versus AC Transit, Alameda County spirit court case numbers two. Case number two, 556 00:53:29,400 --> 00:53:38,920 three, CB002825, the Board approved settlement in the amount of $290,000. The matter was moved by 557 00:53:38,920 --> 00:53:43,800 Director of Science, it was seconded by Director Shaw. Director of Science, Shaw Peoples, McColley, 558 00:53:43,800 --> 00:53:49,960 Silva, and Ion, voted in favor. Director Walsh was absent and the final report out under 80 is Marbury 559 00:53:49,960 --> 00:53:58,200 versus AC Transit. At all, Contra Costa spirit court case number C21-0169, the Board approved settlement 560 00:53:58,200 --> 00:54:05,080 in the amount of $125,000. The matter was moved by Director McColley, seconded by Director Shaw. 561 00:54:05,160 --> 00:54:11,000 Director of McColley, Shaw Peoples, Science, Silva, and Ion, voted in favor. Director Walsh, 562 00:54:11,000 --> 00:54:17,000 Steve, and Ion, Ion, more. No, no, we did cook. So that's the end of my report out. Thank you. 563 00:54:17,720 --> 00:54:23,560 Okay, why don't we take a public employee appointment? Why don't we take the 564 00:54:25,480 --> 00:54:30,040 why don't we take the public comment first? Okay, Latina Meredith. 565 00:54:30,040 --> 00:54:40,360 A floor is yours. Hello, good evening. I'm Latina Meredith, President of local 192. 566 00:54:42,200 --> 00:54:46,360 What I want to say is thank you, Michael Herfus, working together, but I want to also 567 00:54:47,160 --> 00:54:55,640 act to a floor if A to you could be a part of not actually hiring the general manager, but let us 568 00:54:55,640 --> 00:55:03,320 like know of the person, talk to the person, not how the last say so, but maybe we could give input. 569 00:55:03,320 --> 00:55:09,720 Only because I've been here 27 years. I work with Michael Herfus as Vice President, we work 570 00:55:09,720 --> 00:55:17,640 well together. When I came in in January, he made sure we met up, we talked and it's easier when you 571 00:55:17,640 --> 00:55:23,560 have someone as a general manager where you could get along with, we are the biggest union you have here. 572 00:55:24,120 --> 00:55:28,920 And it's easy if you have someone that can work with us, so I won't be a push-in pool. 573 00:55:29,480 --> 00:55:35,320 I have been around general managers that even you guys know some of you guys know it's very hard, 574 00:55:35,320 --> 00:55:40,920 very difficult and we didn't get anything done. We don't want to stay at a standstill because we have 575 00:55:40,920 --> 00:55:46,600 accomplished so much and even with Michael Herfus we have moved forward, especially our apprenticeship 576 00:55:46,600 --> 00:55:52,280 program and different things that we have more and more. I don't want to lose that by someone 577 00:55:52,280 --> 00:55:59,320 being in this place that don't have no idea of what we do and that's all I want to say. Thank you. 578 00:56:00,760 --> 00:56:05,800 Thank you for those comments and do lead note it as we move forward with our search for a new 579 00:56:06,440 --> 00:56:14,520 general manager with that in mind. We are prepared to appoint a interim general manager who will serve 580 00:56:14,520 --> 00:56:22,040 in that role until we find a new general manager and that interim general manager will be 581 00:56:22,840 --> 00:56:34,200 Kathleen Kelly and her effective start date will be December 15, 2024 and that ends the 582 00:56:35,160 --> 00:56:45,080 that ends the report out with respect to 8A. Moving on to agenda planning. I believe I didn't 583 00:56:45,080 --> 00:56:50,200 see any agenda planning requests. Yes, there is one. It is a joint submission by directors 584 00:56:50,200 --> 00:56:57,720 Walt Walsh and McColley. Okay. Is there a, for you given to the presentation, is there a motion to 585 00:56:57,800 --> 00:57:05,080 are there three? Yes, is to say yes. I assume you're one. Yes. And then I'll talk to 586 00:57:05,080 --> 00:57:16,920 it. Yes, so that moves forward. Last, well not, not last, but second to last. The general 587 00:57:16,920 --> 00:57:25,560 manager's reports take it away. I don't have nothing to add this time. I have a Darth Vader costume extra 588 00:57:25,640 --> 00:57:33,960 large available. Obviously, and this is a very very condensed version of what I said earlier 589 00:57:33,960 --> 00:57:39,960 today and thank everyone for the incredible work just to put on the celebrations today. I will be very 590 00:57:39,960 --> 00:57:44,760 brief and I apologize for repeating for those that heard earlier, but over the past several weeks, 591 00:57:44,760 --> 00:57:51,240 obviously, I've been reflecting on the past. In 1983, I got off a great hand bus right down here at 592 00:57:51,240 --> 00:57:56,280 St. Pablo Avenue and never as a 17 year old did I expect I would be sitting here tonight. I 593 00:57:59,800 --> 00:58:03,960 ironically, I believe the general, the geo was being built at the time I was headed off to 594 00:58:03,960 --> 00:58:10,440 basic training in the air force and given the leadership and and maintenance practices and skills needed 595 00:58:10,440 --> 00:58:16,360 to one be successful in the military, but apply those to public transit in the Bay Area. What I'm most 596 00:58:16,360 --> 00:58:22,440 proud of here is the fact that the board supported us and that we got veterans day and Juneteenth 597 00:58:22,440 --> 00:58:28,920 officially observed as holidays for the entire district. The operator to mechanic mentor programs 598 00:58:28,920 --> 00:58:35,160 that I started at Valley Transportation Authority and I have tried to bring here. As of this morning, 599 00:58:35,160 --> 00:58:41,960 there are 138 transit agencies that have adopted a mentor program with more than 1,700 mentors active 600 00:58:42,040 --> 00:58:47,480 today helping new operators of the new mechanics, excel and succeeded at the work they do. 601 00:58:49,160 --> 00:58:53,560 Extremely proud of the Bart Rescue and Project. We will never go far enough with bathroom, 602 00:58:54,200 --> 00:58:59,960 safe, clean facilities for the difficult job that our operators do. I'm very excited about the 603 00:58:59,960 --> 00:59:04,360 new throne bathrooms and I can't wait to be invited back for a bathroom ribbon cutting. 604 00:59:07,000 --> 00:59:11,720 The pandemic, there was no playbook for that. I was very comfortable running a transit agency 605 00:59:12,840 --> 00:59:17,960 day today, but then when the pandemic was thrown on us there wasn't a playbook. Extremely proud of 606 00:59:17,960 --> 00:59:25,320 how fast we got real time passenger as well as the passenger count on the bus available for the 607 00:59:25,320 --> 00:59:30,680 public to see how crowded the bus was. Personal protective equipment not only for our employees, 608 00:59:31,240 --> 00:59:38,440 but also for the passengers including hand sanitizer and masks. Appreciation pay at which we were able 609 00:59:38,440 --> 00:59:42,920 to do it quicker, but I'm still proud that we led the way with appreciation pay for the frontline 610 00:59:42,920 --> 00:59:49,000 workers. I really want to take a moment to thank ATU, ASP and IBEW, our employees that are out there 611 00:59:49,000 --> 00:59:56,600 every day and night and weekend, 365 days a year, the point of the spear that do the hard work for us 612 00:59:56,600 --> 01:00:08,280 without our labor partners. I certainly would not have had this success. 613 01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:17,000 First of all, thank you to the board who has supported and understood this difficult decision. Thank you to the writers, employees, taxpayers who have entrusted me with this incredible responsibility. Finally, again to Linda and Amy, the importance of the three don't look that way. Be happy smile. 614 01:00:17,000 --> 01:00:26,000 The importance of the three board officers and the relationship that we forged is incredible. It's a very important check and balance for how this agency works. 615 01:00:26,000 --> 01:00:36,000 There's not enough thanks, I can say. Finally, Chief Operating Officer Saloyamas, who has been there for me in the most difficult and challenging times of my life. 616 01:00:36,000 --> 01:00:40,000 Who has stepped into this seat multiple times often without notice. 617 01:00:40,000 --> 01:00:46,000 I did not call out today because I wanted to specifically recognize Sal and the leadership of the Operations Team. 618 01:00:46,000 --> 01:00:51,000 We are about bus service and some proud of the Operations Team. Thank you for this incredible opportunity. 619 01:00:51,000 --> 01:00:54,000 That concludes my general manager to the board. 620 01:00:54,000 --> 01:00:56,000 Thank you. 621 01:01:00,000 --> 01:01:07,000 Okay, moving on to board staff comments. Do we have any additional staff comments? 622 01:01:07,000 --> 01:01:11,000 Okay, do we have any board comments? 623 01:01:11,000 --> 01:01:13,000 Director Sayad. 624 01:01:13,000 --> 01:01:19,000 Thanks. I have a statement on the topic of the General Manager's transition to senior advisor. 625 01:01:20,000 --> 01:01:25,000 Last Friday, I learned the terms of the General Manager's transition. 626 01:01:25,000 --> 01:01:37,000 After his last day of work this Friday, on Monday, the General Manager will move to the position of senior advisor and continue to be compensated as an employee. 627 01:01:37,000 --> 01:01:46,000 Receiving his full salary and benefits through September 30th, 2025, including vacation holidays and deferred compensation. 628 01:01:46,000 --> 01:01:52,000 The sweetheart deal consists of an obligation to be on call as a senior advisor. 629 01:01:52,000 --> 01:02:02,000 Employee position without any minimal amount of work while continuing to receive a full executive salary and benefits on the public dime. 630 01:02:02,000 --> 01:02:11,000 This critical role will continue until lucrative retirement benefits kick in next September when he reaches 10 years of full time employment. 631 01:02:11,000 --> 01:02:17,000 The deal allows the General Manager to seek an accept other employment without restriction. 632 01:02:17,000 --> 01:02:27,000 The senior advisor classification that the settlement agreement purports to hire him into has been abolished as of February 14th, 2018. 633 01:02:27,000 --> 01:02:35,000 I asked the General Council why this is not a gift of public funds and to this date have not received a meaningful explanation. 634 01:02:35,000 --> 01:02:44,000 After I advised AC Translate that they were violating the Brown Act, the board proceeded behind closed doors anyway and voted for this settlement. 635 01:02:44,000 --> 01:02:49,000 I was excluded improperly from the closed session meetings where this decision was made. 636 01:02:49,000 --> 01:02:54,000 I want to be clear that I had no part in this deal and that I do not support it. 637 01:02:54,000 --> 01:02:58,000 This agreement occurred without any written claim being filed. 638 01:02:58,000 --> 01:03:06,000 Even though agency ordinance requires any person with a claim against the district for money to file a claim in writing the district secretary. 639 01:03:06,000 --> 01:03:11,000 At a time when we should be earning the public stress to save our agency from the fiscal cliff. 640 01:03:11,000 --> 01:03:15,000 This sweetheart deal is a colossal misjudgment. 641 01:03:15,000 --> 01:03:25,000 The settlement discounts amount to fraud paying out a substantial amount of money in response to an unsubstantiated claim and a giveaway of public funds. 642 01:03:25,000 --> 01:03:37,000 As a director who communicates with writers, community leaders, elected officials and the public, it is very important that I be able to obtain the answers to important matters of the district. 643 01:03:37,000 --> 01:03:42,000 This involves requesting information and analysis for board staff reports and meetings. 644 01:03:42,000 --> 01:03:49,000 I have made legitimate observations as a board member and asked legitimate questions. 645 01:03:49,000 --> 01:04:11,000 A shocked but not surprised when after I raised concerns about racism, sex discrimination, hostile work environment and retaliation, including concerns about how the general manager and the board president were handling these items that the general manager filed a bogus complaint against me that he was being bullied and harassed. 646 01:04:11,000 --> 01:04:18,000 I want to be clear that I did not do or say anything that would amount to a cause of action against the district. 647 01:04:18,000 --> 01:04:25,000 I fully cooperated with the district's investigation to prove that I did not bully or harass anyone. 648 01:04:25,000 --> 01:04:31,000 In the course of the investigation I was asked about things that were squarely within the course of my duties. 649 01:04:31,000 --> 01:04:37,000 The district's investigation did not substantiate the general manager's complaint that he was bullied and harassed. 650 01:04:37,000 --> 01:04:45,000 This is supported by the closure of complaint letter that I received on November 6, 2024, which includes the following. 651 01:04:45,000 --> 01:04:58,000 Attorney Timothy Y'all read at the law firm of Ogletree, Deacons, Nash, Smoke, and Stewart conducted a comprehensive investigation in line with the district's commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful work environment. 652 01:04:58,000 --> 01:05:13,000 The investigator collected and considered evidence including Mr. Hershey's complaint and interviews, your interviews, interviews of other parties involved video recordings and minutes of district board of directors meetings and other pertinent records. 653 01:05:13,000 --> 01:05:27,000 Following a fair impartial and thorough investigation, the investigator did not substantiate that there were any violations of board policy number 201 anti bullying and prevention of abusive conduct. 654 01:05:27,000 --> 01:05:31,000 Thank you for cooperating and investigation. The district now considers this closed. 655 01:05:31,000 --> 01:05:38,000 The board of directors is aware that there is no merit to the general manager's complaint that he was being bullied and harassed. 656 01:05:38,000 --> 01:05:44,000 In order for the general manager to have a basis for a claim, he must raise a viable claim. 657 01:05:44,000 --> 01:05:46,000 He has not. 658 01:05:46,000 --> 01:05:56,000 The district is purporting to settle a threatened lawsuit over allegations of bullying and harassment that were found by an independent investigation to be untrue and unsubstantiated. 659 01:05:57,000 --> 01:06:01,000 The power to spend public resources is a sacred trust. 660 01:06:01,000 --> 01:06:12,000 The principle that public service is a public trust is deeply embedded in the California Constitution, which has an express prohibition against making gifts of public funds. 661 01:06:12,000 --> 01:06:18,000 Miss using positions of power breaks the public trust and charts a perilous course for our agency. 662 01:06:18,000 --> 01:06:27,000 This decision reflects the culture problem at the district, a problem of negative behaviors, norms and attitudes that are deeply ingrained. 663 01:06:27,000 --> 01:06:30,000 Unfortunately, this is a pattern at AC Transit. 664 01:06:30,000 --> 01:06:47,000 During my two years on the board, I have observed a culture that is hierarchical with a lack of trust with commitments not being met due to failure to follow through with low feedback and low accountability around performance, where people feel like there's a lot of favoritism and nepotism. 665 01:06:48,000 --> 01:07:02,000 Those observations aren't my own words, those are the words that were reported by an agency consultant and department head at an all employee virtual town hall event on February 16th, 2024. 666 01:07:02,000 --> 01:07:14,000 At the town hall, the general manager pleaded with employees for another chance to move the needle on this and noted that we're taking steps to address the allegations of nepotism and favoritism. 667 01:07:14,000 --> 01:07:28,000 A culture problem is impacting our ability to operate as an agency, dozens of our employees and writers have shown up at town halls and board meetings to voice concerns and to press for accountability and change. 668 01:07:28,000 --> 01:07:35,000 Employees have made allegations of overt racism and of unhealthy working conditions for frontline workers. 669 01:07:35,000 --> 01:07:41,000 The manager raised the specter of public safety to justify not running buses at night without any public process. 670 01:07:41,000 --> 01:07:47,000 We have struggled mightily to explain our decisions creating needless antagonism and distrust. 671 01:07:47,000 --> 01:07:54,000 The general manager's transition to an employee position that is a farce will so further distrust. 672 01:07:54,000 --> 01:08:03,000 There is no justification for paying a settlement to anyone who presents a bogus complaint, a complaint that can be easily defended. 673 01:08:03,000 --> 01:08:14,000 And this apparent gift of public funds to the attorney general and the county district attorney's office and asking for an investigation of the legality of the agreement. 674 01:08:14,000 --> 01:08:20,000 I'm hoping that with new leadership that the culture of our agency will be changed. 675 01:08:20,000 --> 01:08:21,000 Thank you. 676 01:08:21,000 --> 01:08:25,000 Okay, any additional comments? 677 01:08:25,000 --> 01:08:27,000 None at this time. 678 01:08:27,000 --> 01:08:32,000 Okay, here we know additional comments. This meeting is adjourned. 679 01:08:33,000 --> 01:08:34,000 Thank you.