TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee

Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 9:30 A.m. - 11:30 A.m.

SANDAG Boardroom

1011 Union Street, First Floor

San Diego, CA 92101

Voting Members Present:

• Chair Frank Rivera (Licensed Civil/Traffic Engineer)
• Vice Chair Sunnie House (Private Sector/CEO)
• Jacqueline Appleton-Deane (Contractor/Construction)
• Lima Saft (Licensed Engineer Category)
• Maryam Babaki (Municipal/Public Finance and Budgeting)
• David Santistevan (Real Estate/Land Economics/Right-of-Way)

Voting Members Absent:

• Lorraine Ahlquist (Biology/Environmental Science)

Others Absent:

• Tracy Drager (San Diego County Auditor’s Office)

 

Meeting Video

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1.

Call to Order

Chair Rivera called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m. 

2.

Non-Agenda Public Comments/Member Comments

Public Comments: None. 

Member Comments: Chair Rivera, Lima Saft. 

Chief Financial Officer Dawn Vettese presented an update on agency activities. 

3.

Consent

Public Comments: None. 

3.1

Approval of Meeting Minutes

• Motioned by: Vice Chair House
  Seconded by: Jacqueline Appleton-Deane

  to approve the January 14, 2026, meeting minutes.

  For (6)	Maryam Babaki, Chair Rivera, Jacqueline Appleton-Deane, Vice Chair House, David Santistevan, and Lima Saft
  Absent (1)	Lorraine Ahlquist

  The motion passed. (6 to 0)

3.2

Proposed FY 2027 ITOC Annual Operating Budget

• Motioned by: Chair Rivera
  Seconded by: Vice Chair House

  to recommend that the Board of Directors approve the proposed ITOC Operating Budget as part of the FY 2027 SANDAG Program Budget.

  For (6)	Maryam Babaki, Chair Rivera, Jacqueline Appleton-Deane, Vice Chair House, David Santistevan, and Lima Saft
  Absent (1)	Lorraine Ahlquist

  The motion passed. (6 to 0)

3.3

TransNet Regional Transportation Congestion Improvement Program Proposed Fee Adjustment

• to recommend that the Board of Directors approve a 2% adjustment to the Regional Transportation Congestion Improvement Program Fee, beginning July 1, 2026. 

  For (6)	Maryam Babaki, Chair Rivera, Jacqueline Appleton-Deane, Vice Chair House, David Santistevan, and Lima Saft
  Absent (1)	Lorraine Ahlquist

  The motion passed. (6 to 0)

3.4

Quarterly TransNet Financial Reports for the Period Ending December 31, 2025, and Other Financial Data

This report provided an overview of the financial status of the TransNet Program. This item was provided for information only.            

3.5

Overview of Developments in the Financial Markets, Quarterly Finance Report as of December 31, 2025

This report provided an update on the latest developments in the financial markets, economy, sales tax revenues, and strategies being explored and implemented to minimize possible impacts to the TransNet Program. This item was provided for information only. 

3.6

TransNet Major Corridor and Regional Bikeway Program of Projects: Quarterly Status Report

This report provided an update on TransNet Major Corridor and Regional Bikeway Program projects. This item was provided for information only. 

4.

Local City Presentation

Patrick Moneda, City of Chula Vista, presented an overview of how they leverage and utilize TransNet funding to complete projects in their Capital Improvement Program. This item was presented for information only. 

Public Comments: None.

5.

Authorization to Utilize AB 3090 Financing for the San Dieguito Lagoon Double-Track Project (Capital Improvement Program No. 1239822)

Manager of Financial Programming and Project Control Michelle Smith presented the item.  

Public Comments: Dustin Fuller. 

• Motioned by: Jacqueline Appleton-Deane
  Seconded by: Maryam Babaki

  to recommend the Board of Directors authorize the use of Assembly Bill 3090 (1992) financing authority to advance up to $62 million in TransNet Major Corridor funds for the San Dieguito Lagoon Double Track Project and authorize staff to pursue the required State Transportation Improvement Program amendment and AB 3090 reimbursement agreement with the California Transportation Commission.

  For (6)	Maryam Babaki, Chair Rivera, Jacqueline Appleton-Deane, Vice Chair House, David Santistevan, and Lima Saft
  Absent (1)	Lorraine Ahlquist

  The motion passed. (6 to 0)

6.

Revised FY 2026 and FY 2027 to FY 2031 TransNet Program and Transit-Related Revenues

Michelle Smith and Principal Economic Research Analyst Naomi Young presented an overview of the following:

1. The proposed revision to the FY 2026 TransNet and Transportation Development Act (TDA) program estimates; and 
2. The FY 2027 to FY 2031 estimates and apportionments for TDA, Federal Transit Administration, and TransNet funds.

This item was presented for information only. 

Public Comments: None. 

7.

Adjournment

Chair Rivera adjourned the meeting at 11:10 a.m.