The meeting was called to order at 12:15 pm after being treated to a not so surprising chicken entree lunch. It was a quiet gathering of Rotarians who heard for the 30th time this year that our RI President was Mark Daniel Maloney and that the theme of Rotary International was Rotary Connects the World. Since there was no greeter for the day, Patti Hennigan was asked for an impromptu thought for day which was “GO VOTE”. (both apropos and powerful). Patti then led us in the pledge of allegiance. Mike Thelen led us in My Country Tis of Thee. With no greeter, there was no member update.
Kimi Shirai, Interact District Governor and Cal High Board VP gave a detailed report on the Cal High Interact activities:
- The District sponsored a Warriors Polio Night where Interact members had the opportunity to watch the Warrior game and high five players in the entrance tunnel.
- Interact hosted a Rock City excursion (with Patti and Gary driving) to pick up trash and have a member bonding experience.
- Cal Berkeley Rotaract Stayover planned for April 25-26 to introduce Interact members to Rotaract and gain some insight into the college experience.
- Kids Against Hunger is scheduled for March 13
- Danville Rotary Crab Feed March 14 (servers)
- National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse booth March 14
- St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Dinner March 14
- District Council Webinars (March 14 and March 22)
- Sunflower Hill Festival planting and weeding March 28
Kimi also announced that on March 27th Interact event at Boomers in Livermore would be held and there was a need for drivers to attend the event. Gary Sloan will be following up on potential drivers as well as encourage Rotarians to qualify as certified drivers to enable future participation.
President Grizzly introduced Chief Paige Meyer from the San Ramon Valley Fire Department to present a special service award to Joyce Castro with more than a decade of service to the club. Honorary member Castro has been an integral part of our long time Smoke Detector Project at Sunny Glen Retirement Community. As a champion of this cause, Joyce has labor long and hard to organize Fire Department participation and coordination with our Rotary Club. Joyce will be retiring to Sparks, Nevada. She noted that the Smoke Detector Project was more than a safety effort but a project that responded to Senior’s isolation and socialization. Chief Price noted that this was an invaluable project that not only saved the lives of Seniors but also protected the lives of our firefighters.
Joyce will be moving closer to her daughter and grandkids and looking forward to four wheel and motorcycling opportunities. A rousing show of Rotary appreciation for Joyce’s good work was exhibited by members in attendance.
Colette announced that Stan Smalley passed away. A past Rotary President, past District Governor and owner of MCI, Stan (Smirf) Smalley was described as a power house in Rotary. Bill Harlan recalled that Stan was well liked among all who knew him even though his poker buddies consistently lost to his card skills. Stan will be missed by all.
Colette also thanked the Rotary Club for contributing to the Grateful Garment organization in the amount of over $700.
Our speaker Debora Allen was elected as a Board Director of BART in 2016. She has over 25 years of experience in financial management as a CPA, tax manager, CFO and business owner. She served 6 years on the Contra Costa pension board prior to being elected to the BART Board.
Ms. Allen presented a cogent overview of BART noting there were 48 stations with a budget of $24 billion but also a large deficit and over $1 billion in pension liabilities. Our speaker shared BART’s plans to improve infrastructure, core capacity, station modernization, access improvement and rider experience. She suggested that over 300 rail cars will be added to reduce overcrowding and there was an intent to upgrade the 1965 technology currently in use by BART including track replacement, tunnel repair and mechanical upgrades. Relocating BART headquarters will reduce over 100,000 square feet and better accommodate the new work force work habits. A total of 139 new BART trains will come on line replacing old and deteriorating cars.
With ridership down due to the lack of cleanliness, crime, drug use and homelessness. Ms. Allen shared that improving station hardening including improving BART fee gates and added police presence will begin to address these issues. With a reduction in gate jumpers, she estimates a savings of $27 to 57 million. She also believes that new management with better construction oversight and the addition of an inspector general will also yield positive results.
Extensions to Brentwood, Stockton and San Jose are envisioned in the coming years.
Ms. Allen bravely took questions from the assembled Rotarians.
Pension liability: Ms. Allen served on the Contra Costa Pension board that added reserves and calculated a 7% return over 18 years. BART is moving to add reserves, change their amortization from 30 years to 20 years and reduce their projected return from 7.5% to 7%.
BART cost structure and ability to strike: Ms. Allen indicated that the legislation (suggested by Representative Glazer and Baker) was unable to pass out of committee that would have classified BART services as “essential” such as police and fire departments so the right to strike still exists. She also defended the high wage structure at BART as reflecting Bay Area cost of living and the importance of technical transit workers’ skill set. Management is paid $200 to $300K per year.
Stockton timeline: Ms. Allen suggested that the distance from Brentwood to Tracy was not far and that such an expansion could be achieved in our life time.
New employee benefit tier: There are four tiers at BART with new employees receiving modified and lower benefits than more tenured employees but cost savings have not yet been realized
New Revenue creation: There is $10 billion in unfunded needs with an expected $3.5 billion coming from the Federal Government and requested funds from Measure J on the ballot in March for a ½ cent sales tax in Contra Costa County. A November initiative which includes all nine bay area counties will request a 1 cent sales tax addition. 75% of funds come from fares but there is a $1.4 billion capital budget that needs to be addressed.
Colette thanked Ms. Allen for her informative presentation. Next week our President will go to Mexico to distribute wheelchairs so Mr. Dennis Garrison will be President for the day. A meeting not to miss!
Gary Sloan thanked Patti Hennigan for being a driver for Interact and reimbursed her the $30 parking fee she paid against his will.
The $20 greeter’s gift was won by Chris Gallagher and Chris Gayler won $10 having pulled the blue marble. Another reason to attend the meeting next week is that the pot is now up to $260.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 pm
Respectfully submitted
Gary Sloan, Scribe in residence
