Italo Jimenez

This informational community session focused specifically on the railroad bridge infrastructure for the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZePRT) project, also known as ZePRT. Key discussion points included a project overview, updates on railroad bridge inspections performed along the Santa Cruz Branch rail line, the structure inventory, and recommended approaches for bridge replacement or rehabilitation, including conceptual costs. The presentation detailed bridge capacity ratings, condition assessments (including various span types like steel, concrete, timber, and trusses), and functional evaluations related to vertical and horizontal clearances over roadways and drainages. The session also outlined next steps, noting that Milestone 4 has been shifted to June 2025 to allow for further engineering and public feedback, with a draft project concept report expected in June 2025 and a public hearing scheduled for August 2025. Technical discussion also covered conceptual design criteria, which mandate designing for Cooper E80 freight railroad loading to maintain connectivity with the national freight network, and potential replacement bridge types such as prefabricated concrete spans and rolled steel beam spans.

The agenda for this special meeting included standard procedural items such as roll call, review of closed session items, and public comment regarding agenda items. The sole substantive item scheduled for the closed session was a conference with legal counsel to discuss anticipated litigation, specifically concerning significant exposure to litigation under Government Code 54956.9(d)(2). The open session consisted only of a report on the closed session and adjournment to the subsequent regular meeting of the Commission.

This document outlines the recommendation for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to adopt updated Measure D five-year programs of projects for fiscal years 2024/25-2028/29. These programs encompass regional and RTC-oversight initiatives, including the Highway Corridor, Active Transportation/Trail Program, Rail Corridor, Highway 17 Wildlife Crossing, San Lorenzo Valley/Highway 9 Corridor, and Community Bridges-Lift Line. The plan also details the Lift Line's continued support for expanded paratransit services, electric fleet upgrades, and a new operations facility, while addressing responsibilities for cost overruns on split projects.

The meeting agenda addressed administrative items, including considering AB 2449 requests for remote participation under the Brown Act. The closed session included discussions with labor negotiators, public employment consideration for the Executive Director, and conference with real property negotiators regarding the Davenport Property Acquisition. The open session involved reporting on closed session items and public oral communications. The Consent Agenda included accepting or approving draft minutes from various advisory committees: Interagency Technical Advisory Committee (ITAC), Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of May 02, 2024, Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) of April 18, 2024, Elderly & Disabled Transportation Advisory Committee (E&D TAC) of May 14, 2024, and Measure D Taxpayer Oversight Committee of May 9, 2024. Regular agenda items covered policy decisions, such as approving the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Overall Work Program, authorizing funding agreement extensions, and approving RTIP Amendments. Budget items included status reports on TDA and Measure D revenues, budget amendments, and approving funding claims for various programs and entities like Community Bridges, the Volunteer Center, and Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District. A public hearing was scheduled for the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Draft Conceptual Alignment and Vehicle Type Assessment.

The meeting included public comment and agenda adjustments. Key actions under the Consent Agenda involved approving the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line Right-of-Way Leases, Licenses, Rights of Entry, and Encroachments Policy Updates. Under Policy Items, amendments to the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) concerning the Bike Santa Cruz County Project PASEO Scope were approved. Projects and Planning Items included approving plans, specifications, and estimates for Sites 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the 2017 Storm Damage Repairs along the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Corridor, and approving construction management for related Phase 2 storm damage projects. Information updates were accepted regarding the Highway 1 Corridor Investment Program and Storm Damage Site 7. Budget items included accepting status reports on Transportation Development Act (TDA) and Measure D revenues, and accepting the FY 2018-19 Fiscal Audit and Measure D Annual Report. Under Administration, authorization was granted for the Executive Director to enter into the Central Coast Coalition 2020 Memorandum of Understanding. The Regular Agenda featured a discussion on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line-Use of Railroad Easements. Director Preston provided updates on COVID-19 impacts, emergency bridge repair status, and discussions with the Central Coast Coalition and CalSTA regarding the action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Commission passed a motion to send a letter to CalSTA in support of this action plan. Caltrans reported on personnel appointments and traffic safety enhancements in Scotts Valley. The City of Scotts Valley provided updates on ongoing roadway rehabilitation, trail, and Measure D-funded surface street maintenance projects. The Commission entered into a Closed Session to discuss real property negotiations and subsequently authorized the Executive Director to make offers on several specific properties upon reconvening in Open Session.