Approval of Minutes - Orange County Transportation Authority

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20. (Continued) Public comments were heard from: Kate Klimow, Vice President of Government Affairs, Orange County Business Council (OCBC), affirmed OCBC’s support for the ARTIC project. Charles Alhers, President of the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, stressed the importance of this project, citing the employment benefits the project would bring and the ability to serve visitors to Orange County in a more organized manner. Dennis Kuhl, Chairman of Angels Baseball, expressed that organization’s full support of the ARTIC project. Tony Bruno, Vice President of Disneyland Resort Hotels in Downtown Disney, extended the Resort’s full support for the ARTIC project, and stated this project will dramatically shape the tourism and hospitality industry in Orange County. Jim Adams, Council Representative, Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building Trades Council, stressed the importance of this project citing up to 5,000 jobs for consultants, contractors, and construction workers, which would be created for the area. Lucy Dunn, Commissioner, California Transportation Commission (CTC), echoed the support expressed by the previous speakers and stated that the CTC has scrutinized this project and emphasized that this project is “ready to go,” which is a requirement for the funding available. She stated that jobs creation is a paramount priority, and this project would result in a great number of jobs. Director Tait offered comments in support of this project and explained that the City of Anaheim has envisioned and worked on this project for over 20 years. He stressed the importance of the project to the entire County, its residents, and Anaheim’s 20+ million visitors per year and the County’s 40 million visitors. Director Bankhead read a lengthy statement into the record, and expressed his non-support of the proposed guidelines modification, indicating that the future of high-speed rail in California is unknown. He stated that he felt these criteria would eliminate the opportunity for every Orange County Metrolink station, except Anaheim, to seek project T funding. Director Bankhead stated that criteria should be revised to reflect Metrolink stations that have been identified by the California High-Speed Rail Authority as potential stations, such as Fullerton, as eligible for Project T funding or, alternatively, the criteria should be revised to reflect that all regional Metrolink stations which may need to ultimately accommodate high-speed rail are eligible for Project T funding. He added that grade separation projects could begin immediately if this money were to be re-directed to those projects. 10
20. (Continued) Director Moorlach requested more data be provided on the ARTIC website and added that he feels “nervous” regarding this project. Director Amante addressed comments by other Board Members and stated that there should be pride for what is trying to be accomplished with ARTIC, and stated that the Board should definitely support this project. Director Nelson stated he feels there has not been a finding that these improvements are necessary for connection to high-speed rail and that there are funds available. He further suggested that a hearing be scheduled to establish the necessity for these improvements. Director Buffa addressed General Counsel, Kennard R. Smart, Jr., and inquired if the changes that came from the Transit Committee address the concern regarding the Project T funds. Mr. Smart responded that he thinks it addresses those concerns. He added that this Board has not, in the past, made findings when it is an approved project for funding under Measure M. He added that there are several different categories under Measure M by which funding may be provided for a project and ultimately, applications are made to this Board, and the Board approves projects for funding under Measure M – it may be Project T, U, or another project. Mr. Smart stated that in making those approvals, whether Measure M or Measure M2, this Board has never made findings as to its determination in approving a project, and it is not required by law. Director Buffa emphasized that ARTIC and high-speed rail are not synonymous and urged caution in that context as there is no way to know at this time the exact future of high-speed rail. Director Campbell expressed his concern regarding a Board Member stating they would not vote for a project due to it not benefitting their particular city. He pointed out that Project R, which has $1 billion in it, states that the service will improve upgraded stations and parking capacity, frequency of shuttle service, safety improvements, etc. Director Campbell suggested the City of Fullerton look to Project R for funds, rather than Project T. Chair Bates thanked the Board Members for their comments and stated that Director Buffa expressed her feelings and that she is separating ARTIC from high-speed rail to treat it as a stand-alone intermodal center for what service is available presently and what can be envisioned for the future. 11
Page 1 and 2: Call to Order Minutes of the Meetin
Page 3 and 4: 4. Approval of Minutes This item wa
Page 5 and 6: 11. Agreement for Construction of t
Page 7 and 8: 16. Proposition 1B/Measure M Traffi
Page 9: 20. (Continued) Director Nelson ref
Page 13 and 14: Discussion Items 22. Strategic Plan
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Approval of Minutes - Orange County Transportation Authority

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