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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 09/03/2003 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY 067 g 7077 BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING /7' ry - �'��, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3,2003 iro DEC 2003 SUMMARY OF ACTIONS RECEIVED t A CITY SECRETARY'S 1. Tabled Election of RTA Board Chair OFFICE „4' • 2. Provided Opportunity for Public Comment Q>�, `tioti 3. Approved the Board of Directors' Minutes of August 6,2003 E' 4. Accepted Committee Reports 5. a)Awarded a Contract to Allstate Services,Ltd., dba A&R Demolition Inc. for the Bear Lane Phase II Demolition Project b) Awarded the Final Option Year Contract to Southwest Land &Marine and Safety-Kleen for the Collection and Disposal of Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste . - - 6. Approved Issuing a Request for Proposal for Complete Exterior Bus Repainting and Bodywork Services 7. Confirmed the General Manager's Emergency Change Order to Amend Barcom Commercial Inc.'s Contract for.Construction of.the Southside Station (Mall Side • Improvements) 8. Approved Executing a Change Order to Goldston Engineering's Professional Services Contract for Northwest Bus Stop Improvements 9. Heard Presentation on Proposed Amendment to the City of Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, Chapter 24,Human Relations,Adding Article V and Approved Drafting a Resolution Supporting the Amendment 10.Approved the June 2003 Financial Report 11. Heard B-Line Update 12. Heard Presentation on August 2003 Streetcar Tour 13.Heard General Manager's Report The Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors met at 8:30 a.m. in the Regional Transportation Authority Facility located at 5658 Bear Lane, Corpus Christi, Texas. Board Members Present: Mike Rendon(Board Chair),Julio Garcia, Jr. (Board Secretary),Abel Alonzo,Rolando Barrera, John Buckley, John Corder, Guadalupe Gomez, Mack Rodriguez, Stan Terry, Carole Wilkinson Board Members Absent: Vicki Garza(Board Vice-Chair) Staff Present: Linda Watson(General Manager),David Seiler,Beth Vidaurri, Fred Haley, Kevin Bunce, Stuart Sher, Ricardo Sanchez, Sylvia Mendez,Patricia Collins, Sylvia Martinez, Linda Falwell-Stover; Cesar Garza, Tony Garza,Rudy Lopez, Elias Sissimas, Chuck Trexler,Maida Russell, Ramiro Cedillo,Lamont Taylor, John Bell SCANNED Kegional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes September 3,2003 Page 2 =`Public Present: David Garcia, Greg Salazar, Teamsters; Dorothy Uvalle; Eloy Soza, RTAC; Edna?Arredondo, Dawn Rasmussen, M V Transportation Call to Order The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Mr. Rendon at 8:35 a.m. Mr. Rendon called for a moment of silence in remembrance of Ernest Garza, the husband of Board Member Vicki Garza. Election of RTA Board Chair MR.TERRY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE ELECTION OF RTA BOARD CHAIR TO THE OCTOBER 2003 BOARD MEETING. MR. BUCKLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.' Opportunity for Public Comment Mr. Rendon called for public comment from the audience. Ms. Uvalle stated her concern that riders would be left without a return trip especially late at night. Ms. Watson replied that RTA personnel had met with MV representatives and a guarantee was made to provide roundtrip service during regular operating hours. Mr. Soza expressed his support for Agenda Item 9, the proposed amendment to the City of Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of August 6t 2003 MR. TERRY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BOARD MINUTES OF AUGUST 6, 2003. MS. WILKINSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Action to Accept Committee Reports Mr. Rendon called for additions or corrections to the Operations Committee Meeting Minutes of July 31, 2003. There being none the following motion was made: MS. WILKINSON MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE COMMITTEE REPORTS. MR. TERRY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. �� �. .egional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes September 3,2003 Page 3 Consent Agenda Items Mr. Rendon called for consideration of Consent Agenda items 5a and 5b which are of a routine or administrative nature. He asked if there were any items that should be pulled from the Consent Agenda. There being no further comments,Mr. Rendon,called for a vote on the following consent items: a) Action to Award a Contract to Allstate Services,Ltd., dba A&R Demolition Inc. for the Bear Lane Phase II Demolition Proiect b) Action to Award the Final Option Year Contract to Southwest Land &Marine and Safety-Kleen`for the Collection and Disposal of Hazardous and Non= Hazardous Waste MR. TERRY.MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA ITEMS 5a AND 5b. MS.. WILKINSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Issuing a Request for Proposal for Complete Exterior Bus Repainting and Bodywork Services Ms. Watson explained that this item was a routine operational procedure but because the scope would include repainting nineteen buses during the next twelve months and would exceed $15,000, staff was presentingthe item for Board approval. Responding to Mr. Terry, Ms. Watson replied that the buses to be painted were at mid-life and would be used in revenue service for several years. MR. TERRY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ISSUING A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR COMPLETE EXTERIOR BUS REPAINTING AND BODYWORK SERVICES. MR. BUCKLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Discussion and Possible Action to Confirm the General Manager's Emergency Change Order to Amend Barcom Commercial Inc.'s Contract for Construction of the Southside Station(Mall Side Improvements) Ms. Watson explained that originally the contract included completing pedestrian improvements on the Padre Staples Mall parking lot directly across from the Station, the relocation of an existing driveway and construction of a new one to replace it, ADA curb cuts, curbs, striping, wheel stops, sidewalks, and planters. These improvements were deleted under the Southern Contracting contract to allow the contractor to focus on completing the Station and minimize any adverse relationships with Padre Staples Mall management. With_the award of the contract to • • Barcom and receipt of the written approval for the modifications on the Mall side from all major Kegional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes September 3,2003 Page 4 anchor stores, on August 26, 2003, in the interest of expediting the project and reducing costs she acted in compliance with RTA's Contracting Procedures and Regulations, 1d, emergency procedure, to amend Barcom Commercial's Southside Station construction contract to include completing the Padre Staples Mall side pedestrian improvements. The cost of the change order was $61,361. Mr. Alonzo stated that he would reluctantly approve the action because he stated that staff needed to recognize the difference between what was wanted and what was needed. Ms. Watson explained that the contract was a crucial part of the project and was needed for pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety. There was a brief discussion regarding prior Board decisions and concerns regarding the need to complete the Mall Side Improvements. MR. TERRY MADE A MOTION TO CONFIRM THE GENERAL MANAGER'S EMERGENCY CHANGE ORDER TO AMEND BARCOM COMMERCIAL INC.'S CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE SOUTHSIDE STATION (MALL SIDE IMPROVEMENTS). MR. GOMEZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Discussion and Possible Action to Execute a Change Order to Goldston Engineering's Professional Services Contract for Northwest Bus Stop Improvements Ms. Watson stated that the Board.approval for this contract was in the amount not to exceed $95,000. After negotiations with Goldston; the contract was set at $84,551. Due to added challenges and complexities that have arisen, there is a need-to amend the contract by $23,306 which actually is an amendment of$12,859 over the approved Board amount. She identified the needed changes to the planning and design aspects of the contract as 1) TxDOT's requirement for additional crosswalk and traffic signalization; 2) issues with shelter locations; 3) changes to conceptual shelter design; 4) costs related to construction of bus shelter model and renderings; 5) added pedestrian safety improvements; and 6) extensive public outreach including negotiations with property owners for use of their easements. Mt Corder inquired about the planned construction in the area across from the hospital located on Hwy 77. Mr. Sanchez replied that the project provided for a flashing light signalization, a crosswalk, a median and a bus turn in. He stated that these features should alleviate some of the problems faced by riders when they attempted to cross the highway. In response to Ms. Wilkinson, Mr. Sanchez stated that the plan was consistent with TxDOT's master plan for the area, which should eliminate future modifications to the plan. MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO EXECUTE A CHANGE ORDER TO GOLDSTON ENGINEERING'S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT- FOR NORTHWEST BUS STOP IMPROVEMENTS. MR. _ ��gional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes September 3,2003 Page 5 GOMEZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Presentation.on Proposed Amendment to the City of Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, Chapter 24,Human Relations,Adding Article V Mr. Ramos, Director of Human Relations with the.City of Corpus Christi, provided a brief history of the ordinance. He mentioned that the Corpus Christi Committee for Persons with Disabilities recommended the ordinance. It was presented to the City Council in July 2003 and was passed on first reading. The Council asked staff to gather public comments prior to the second reading in December 2003. He invited everyone to attend the public meetings that would be held September 11, 2003 at 10 a.m., October 11, 2003 at 2 p.m. and November 4, 2003 at 10 a.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. • He continued by pointing out that the ordinance would-amend the current ordinance to allow levying a penalty at the local level for non-compliance with the ordinance. Inaccessibility would be addressed through the City's Citizen Grievance Policy. It would affect any entity that did business with the city and would be complaint driven. The Human Relations Department would monitor the entities and also provide guidance for compliance with the ordinance. Responding to Mr. Gomez,Mr. Ramos stated that the penalty assessment would start at$250: In response to Mr. Rendon, Mr. Ramos stated that the City had a transition plan to bring city buildings that have public access into compliance with the ordinance. The renovation project would start in August and take about a year to complete. The approximate cost would be $1 million. Mr. Alonzo stated that this ordinance was initiated because ofa lawsuit brought against the city. He further stated that, for the record, if the ordinance was not passed, he would initiate any necessary lawsuits. Ms. Watson stated that RTA over the last five years has spent approximately $1.3 million on ADA improvements. Mr. Ramos said the City has identified over $125 million in curb cut improvements which was included in their Capital Improvement Program. Replying to Mr.Rendon, Mr. Ramos stated that they have contacted 25 major cities in the United States to see if they have had a similar ordinance in place. They found that Austin, Texas has already implemented the ordinance. There was a discussion on the logistics of implementing the plan to comply with the ordinance. Mr. Alonzo recommended that a resolution in support of the ordinance be put on the next Board agenda. The Board members concurred. tcegional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes September 3,2003 Page 6 Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the June 2003 Financial Report Mr. Sissamis reviewed the balance sheet. He noted the following points: addition of ten new OPUS buses as of July 31; net income which was $230,000 behind budget due to shortfall in revenue. In addition, tax revenue was approximately $600,000 or 5.5% under budget. He pointed out that 1 % is attributed to being behind from last year and 4.5%, or approximately $550,000, is due to large audit adjustments. Mr. Alonzo expressed his concern about receiving less revenue and not reducing expenditures. He urged management and staff to distinguish between what the RTA wants and what is needed to survive. Mr. Buckley explained that the budget is projected on prior year income. He noted that current expenses were in line, but the reduced income was caused by the unexpected sales tax audits. He suggested the Board consider projecting a 0 increase revenue 2004 budget. Mr. Rodriguez stated that he was concerned about the sales tax refund trend and the impact it may continue to have on RTA's revenue. He reminded the Board to consider this factor when preparing next year's budget. Mr. Buckley recommended that a separate line item for projected Sales Tax audits be included in the budget. Mr. Buckley and Mr. Gomez commented that repairs and maintenance that have been deferred under Special Projects, such as bus painting, should not be deferred this year. Mr. Terry asked about a future Board Budget retreat. Ms. Watson stated that a budget workshop would be held at the September 24th Administration Committee meeting. She had hoped to have onebudget workshop to cover both the 20-year financial plan and the 2004 budget, but the 20- year plan would not be available within this timeframe. Instead, she hoped that the 20-year plan could be reviewed at an October meeting. Responding to Mr. Rodriguez regarding funding for ADART, Ms. Watson explained that 30% of the local match was from the local share that RTA pays on capital purchases and the 20% match would be from in-kind contributions. The various grants funding ADART had different funding match requirements. MR. BUCKLEY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE JUNE 2003 FINANCIAL REPORT. MR. CORDER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. B-Line Update Ms. Collins reported that for the month of July ridership was down 6.7% or by 13,371 passengers compared to the same time last year; no-shows and cancellations were impacted by the threat of tropical storm Claudette. One-fourth of all cancellations and one-eighth of all no- ' : Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes September 3,2003 Page 7 shows occurred during this period. Denials were at less than one percent, which was 95 passengers; on time performance was 96.75%. and eleven customer assistance forms were. processed. Mr. Lodde, CEO for MV Transportation, initiated the presentation on purchased transportation. He stated that he was in Corpus Christi to address issues that had been presented to him after the last Board meeting. He reported that he had beenaddressing three major initiatives. The first was examining relationships with RTA and the riders. Based on his meetings, long and short- term action plans had been developed to address the concerns.. Secondly, MV was examining relationships with the employees. He had met with regional and local representatives of the Union. Thirdly, he initiated the hiring process for a new general manager. In the interim, Mr. Fritz would be overseeing the. local operation. He also reported that on-time performance, productivity, complaints, and accident frequency were reviewed and found to be in compliance. - He established 'an initiative to ensure that'staff is kept apprised of the Company's goals and mission. Mr. Fritz used a PowerPoint presentation to detail passenger, employee, and Board concerns voiced at the last Board meeting. He commented on the following: 1) The issue was raised that drivers were working less than 40 hours-the finding was that overtime hours have been reduced and it was a planned reduction. When service demand decreases, the buses are brought back to the office; 2) benefits offered do not include short-term and long-term disability, as well as life insurance- they would be adding short and long-term disability, along with life insurance during the next enrollment in October 1 and would continue to evaluate the plan; 3) not all employees received $1.00 increases as promised - this was accurate since the $1:00 increase was only promised to operators while hourlyemployees received a 3% increase, but on September 1, 2003 employees would receive a pay adjustment, if needed, to bring their increase up to $1.00; 4) not all drivers that received the incentive were eligible - they are streamlining their procedure for collecting information for accidents and attendance, also since this was an incentive it showed up on a different place on the paycheck stub and not all employees were aware where to look; 5) not , all drivers had a complete set of uniforms-they had been ordered; 6) drivers are not being paid the hours they bid - a new work,bid was being developed which will increase the number of employees,who can receive 40 hours,with the new bid part-time drivers would be extra board; 8) route 27 is a dangerous route to drive-drivers are participating in a training session for handling difficult people; 9) trips were being denied which is against ADA regulations - found that this was true and the policy was being revised and staff was being trained to avoid trip denials; 10) B-Line service operatingover budget figures -hours have been clarified and he was confident that they could get close to the target budget of$2,488,305. Mr. Alonzo stated that he wanted to be informed of how many full-time and part-time drivers were working for the paratransit service. Mr. Fritz explained that under the new work bid, if the demand drops and the-bus is called in,the driver would still be credited for the time he had bid. Mr. Corder asked what was the minimum number of work hours for an employee toqualify for. full benefits. Mr. Fritz responded that it was 35 hours. tcegional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes September 3,2003 Page 8 After a brief discussion regarding the MV Transportation benefit plan, Mr. Fritz stated that they were looking at the feasibility of structuring the plan similar to the former benefit plan. An outline of the benefit plan would be provided with a complete description of the plan being offered for approval by the employees. Mr. Lodde noted that his company had not had previous experience with a Texas benefit plan. Mr. Terry noted that not all employees were members of the union and he questioned whether non-union employees were considered in the negotiations. Mr. David Garcia stated that during the negotiations they were told that the benefit plan was not completed; therefore, in an effort to establish a good relationship, the union voted to approve the proposal on good faith. He also stated that non-union members were involved in the process but they were not eligible to vote. Ms. Wilkinson and Mr. Terry commended MV Transportation for addressing the issues and presenting factual information to the Board. Presentation on August 2003 Streetcar Tour Ms. Watson presented a PowerPoint presentation, which included photos of the Tampa, Florida and New Orleans, Louisiana streetcar systems. Ms. Watson commented on a unique funding aspect for the Tampa system whereby they raise money for operations by allowing companies to sponsor a car. The system's overall funding is derived from three (3) major sources (1) farebox revenues and advertising, selling naming rights for cars for$250,000 each, station naming rights for $100,000 each, renewable after a 10-year period, and selling seats inside the vehicle for$250 per seat; (2) a special assessment district in which non-owner occupied residential properties are assessed $0.33 per $100,000 assessed value. Each year the assessment increases due to the economic growth seen in the district. In 2003, the assessment will raise close to $340,000; and (3) selling the name of the Streetcar system to TECO for $1 million and establishing an endowment fund. She stated that they were informed that the streetcar line revenue for businesses along the line doubled and old buildings are being remodeled which will increase the real estate value in the area. Ms. Watson provided logistical information for the Tampa, Florida streetcar system. It is comprised of eight cars, each with a capacity of 44 seated and 40 standing. The entire route, which takes 22 minutes overall, is 2.5 miles long, similar to the one being proposed in Corpus Christi. Total system construction was $32 million. Their annual operating budget is $1.3 million. She noted that according to the feasibility study, annual operating cost for the proposed Corpus Christi system would be $400,000 to $500,000; however, the difference was that double tracks would be used in Corpus Christi. Tampa's base fare was $1.25; $0.60 for a reduced fare and$3.00 fora one day pass. Highlighting the New Orleans system, Ms. Watson stated that starting in the late 80's they added the Riverfront Streetcars and are in the process of finalizing the Canal Street line. Ridership on the St. Charles line is approximately 23,000 passengers. The fares pay the operating cost of the ngional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes September 3,2003 Page 9 line. She commented on the Riverfront line and the Carrollton Maintenance facility. She reported that system-wide ridership was approximately 124,000 people daily. General Manager's Report Ms. Watson reported that RTA staff was conducting extensive public outreach on route restructuring. Ms. Watson informed the Board that the Six Points Station would be closed to accommodate repairs. A temporary stop had been relocated to the Clifford side. Bus stops at the mall on Staples Street were also being closed. The bus turnouts would be removed by the City as part of their street improvements projects. She announced that Federal Transit Administration Deputy Regional'AdminiStator, Mr. Blas Uribe,would be in Corpus Christi on September 15 and 16, 2003 and would be visiting RTA's facilities. Ms. Watson stated that RTA had been conducting extensive outreach to invite community target groups to attend the technical workshop on September 17, 2003. The purpose of the workshop would be to examine proposed streetcar alignment. She explained she would then'present those findings to the City Council on Tuesday, September 23,2003. ' She noted a correction to the Caller Times article which stated that RTA had spent $250,000 on the bus stop and bus facility at the Robstown ball park. The contribution was actually$200,000. Mr. Barrera.asked about the presentation to the Nueces County Commissioner's Court. Ms. Watson replied that the presentation was very well received. Judge Shamsie was impressed with the fuel consortium project. Mr. Rendon,Mr. Garcia, and Mr. Alonzo had attended the meeting. Mr. Rendon stated that hopefully next year more Board members would be able to attend a streetcar tour to realize the full impact of the system. Ms. Watson concurred. There being no further business,the meeting was-adjourned at 10:46 a.m. --_ - _ John Corder Board Secretary )/• ?— 63 Date