SR-02-25-2014-3CIdaum City of i it r
Santa Monica
City Council Meeting: February 25, 2014
Agenda Item: 3-C
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Edward F. King, Director of Transit Services
Subject: Nomination of Santa Monica Candidate for the Metropolitan
Transportation Authority Westside /Central Service Sector Governance
Council
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council nominate David Feinberg from the Big Blue Bus
for appointment to serve on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
Westside /Central Service Sector Governance Council.
Executive Summary
The City of Santa Monica was asked by the Westside Cities Council of Governments
(COG) to nominate a representative to serve on Metro's Westside /Central Service
Sector Governance Council, which assists the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to
improve bus service, increase agency accessibility and responsiveness to the
communities served in the region. Staff recommends David Feinberg (Transit
Government Relations Officer) fill the position based on his experience with bus transit
policy development, operations planning and interagency coordination.
Background
The Service Sector Governance Council assists Metro in its efforts to improve bus
service; increase agency accessibility and responsiveness; promote greater
coordination; maintain an employee supportive work environment and create a more
efficient and customer focused management structure for the delivery of bus service.
Key principles are to localize control; maintain a single point of contact for route level
service issues; balance responsibility with the authority; streamline the decision making
process; and support agency policies, plans and safety initiatives.
The Sector Governance Councils oversee the planning and implementation of service
within their area. Their responsibilities include:
® Contributing to the planning and approving implementation of transit route
service changes within their area;
® Calling and conducting public hearings for all major service changes within their
area;
® Providing locally accessible public forums (monthly meetings, public hearings) for
transit users and others interested in transit in each of the Council's regions to
voice their concerns, suggestions, questions and input on how we can best serve
our customers;
® Facilitating a partnership that promotes a shared vision with service providers
(municipal and local operators) to improve service integration, coordination in
geographical areas, resulting in more efficient service and better use of
resources.
The Metro Board of Directors retains all mandated responsibilities in accordance with
Metro enabling legislation under Public Utilities Code 130051 et seq. including hiring,
approving the agency budget, setting fare and service policies and monitoring
programs.
Discussion
The Westside Cities COG shares three seats on the Governance Council among the
four cities of Beverly Hills, Culver City, West Hollywood and Santa Monica.
Nominations from Santa Monica must be approved by the COG and will be considered
and appointed by the Metro Board. As much as possible nominations should reflect the
broad spectrum of interests, including bus transit service planning and an ability to forge
consensus with other sector members.
Staff recommends that the City Council nominate Transit Government Relations Officer
David Feinberg based on his experience with transit policy development, operations
planning as well as his expertise in interagency coordination. Another benefit in Mr.
Feinberg's nomination is the coordination it will provide between Metro and Big Blue
Bus service. For example, Mr. Feinberg will help Metro understand how a proposed
service change will impact BBB customers.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the
recommended action.
Prepared by: Suja Lowenthal, Transit Government and Community Relations Manager
Approved:
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Edward F. King f
Director of Transit Services
Forwarded to Council:
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Rod Gould
City Manager