Wow. A Metro Board of Directors meeting that was shorter than the last Batman movie! That doesn’t happen often, readers.

A few items of interestingness:

Item 15 — The Board approved a competitive grant program framework to help fund a series of regional Open Streets events — i.e. CicLAvia type events — across Los Angeles County. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti cited the overwhelming success of CicLAvia in L.A. and said he would like to see more of these type of events promoting bike riding and walking both across L.A. and in other cities in Los Angeles County. Metro staff is working on finding an eligible funding source so that $2 million can be budgeting annually, beginning with the 2014-2015 fiscal year. Staff report

Item 16 — The Board voted to give Metro the authority to continue with planning and environmental studies for Measure R second- and third-decade Measure R projects. From a consumer standpoint, the decision could pave the way for draft environmental studies for the Eastside Gold Line Extension and South Bay Green Line Extension to be released in 2014. Staff report

As part of that item, Board Member Don Knabe introduced a motion that would include the SR-710 North project in the Measure R acceleration financing plan that the Board approved in June. At the time, the 710 North project was excluded from the plan. The Board will consider the motion during its October round of meetings.

Item 38 — The Board approved an increase to the budget for the first phase of the Expo Line, from $932 million to $971 million. Metro is responsible for $7 million of the increase, the Expo Line Construction Authority for $32 million. Staff report

Item 55The Board approved a motion by Board Chair Diane DuBois that County Counsel revise public input rules that both maximizes public input and provides the Board more flexibility in conducting meetings. The Board will consider those changes in the future.