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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 06/02/2004 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2004 SUMMARY-OF ACTIONS 1. Recognized 2004 APTA Roadeo Representatives 2. Approved the Board of Directors' Minutes of May 12, 2004 3. Heard Update on RTAC Committee Activities 4. Confirmed RTAC Appointment of Michael St. Juliens 5. Accepted Committee Reports 6. Approved Consent Agenda Items a. First One Year Option with Enviro-Clean for Trash Removal Services b. Last Option Year with Enviro-Clean for Bus Shelter Cleaning Services c. RTA's 2005 DBE Annual Goal Submittal to Federal Transit Administration 7. Tabled Approval of the April 2004 Financial Report 8. Approved the 2004 Actuarial Report Providing for Immediate Funding of the Defined Benefit Plan of$419,463 and Review of Funding Options in August 2004 to fund $258,027 9. Heard B-Line Update 10.Heard General Manager's Report V 11.Provided Opportunity for Public Comment 12.Held Closed Session for Discussion of Real Estate Matters 13.Held Closed Session on General Manager Search with No Action Taken in Open Session 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), Vicki Garza (Board Vice-Chair), Anna M. Flores (Board Secretary), Abel Alonzo, Carmen Arias, Rolando Barrera, John Buckley, Abel Herrero, David Martinez Board Members Absent: John Corder Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez, (Interim General Manager), David Seiler, Beth Vidaurri,Kevin-Bunce;E-daardo-Carrion;Va-ngie Chapa;Sylvia as ills Sharon Montez, Stuart Sher, Elias Sissamis; Maida Russell, Carol Flowers, Anthony Garza, Lupe Castaneda Public Present: David Garcia, Greg Salazar, Teamsters; Michael St. Juliens; Ramona Sawyers, .Lupe Salazar, Roland Garza, RTAEA Maria C. Cavazos; Ellen Scott; Kien Liew %ANNED xegional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes June 2,2004 Page 2 Call to Order The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Mr. Rendon at 8:36 a.m. Presentation of 2004 APTA Roadeo Representatives Mr. Sanchez recognized RTA Employees Carol Flowers and Maida Russell, RTA Roadeo Committee Co-Chairs, for their hard work in coordinating the event. He acknowledged that in June 2004 Ms. Flowers would be completing 25 years of service with the Authority. Ms. Flowers expressed her appreciation to the Board Members for their support and distributed tokens of appreciation to them. She recognized Mr. Rendon, Mr. Alonzo and Mr. Herrero for attending the competition. Mr. Sanchez announced RTA's representatives, the awards they received, and a brief background on each employee. Mr. Julian Carranza placed first in the bus operator competition. In the Maintenance category, Mr. Tony Garza placed first, Mr. Cesar Garza placed second, and Mr. Lupe Castaneda placed third. Ms. Fernandez also expressed her appreciation to the Board of Directors. She also-: • thanked.RTA staff for including MV Transportation in the 2004 Roadeo logo. She announced that representing MV Transportation at the APTA Annual competition was Mr. Ruben Morales who had placed first in the bus competition and Mr. David Trujillo had placed first in the van competition. Mr. Rendon thanked the RTA staff involved in coordinating the Harbor Ferry Kick Off for a job well done. He recognized Mr. Abel Alonzo who had a birthday on Friday, May 28, 2004. Discussion and Possible.Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of May 12, 2004 Mr. Herrero noted a correction on page 9; he stated that he had abstained only on the first motion. MS. GARZA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BOARD MINUTES OF MAY 12, 2004 AS AMENDED. MR. BUCKLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE.MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Update on RTAC Committee Activities Mr. Eloy Soza commented that at the May RTAC meeting, Mr. Alonzo had expressed the opinion that paratransit riders, after they are certified, should not `xegional_Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes June 2,2004 Page 3 have to resubmit an application. The Policy and Procedures Committee met yesterday and had agreed with Mr. Alonzo's recommendation. In the future, during the re-certification process only additions or changes would be requested. Action to Confirm RTAC Appointment(Michael St. Juliens) Mr. Soza reported that RTAC was unanimously recommending Mr. St. Juliens for the position. He is an Orientation and Mobility Instructor employed by the South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind. Mr. St. Juliens stated that he was looking forward to bringing his insight to the Committee. Mr. Alonzo announced that Ms. Staley had been appointed as MHMR Executive Director. MR. ALONZO MADE A MOTION TO CONFIRM THE RTAC APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL ST. JULIENS. MR. BUCKLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Action to Accept Committee Reports Mr. Rendon called for additions or corrections to the Operations Committee meeting of April 28, 2004 and the RTAC Committee Minutes of April 15, 2004. There being none, the following motion was made: MS. GARZA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE COMMITTEE REPORTS._ MR. BARRERA SECONDED.THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Consent Agenda Items Mr. Rendon called for consideration of the Consent Agenda items 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 none, Mr. Rendon called for a.vote on the following consent items: Action to Approve the First One Year Option with Enviro-Clean for Trash Removal Services . Action to Approve the Last Option Year with Enviro-Clean for Bus Shelter Cleaning Services Action to Approve RTA's 2005 DBE Annual Goal Submittal to Federal Transit Administration Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes June 2,2004 Page 4 MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 6a THROUGH 6c. MS. GARZA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Action to Approve the April 2004 Financial Report Mr. Sanchez stated that at the May Administration Committee meeting the April 2004 Financial Report was accepted with the stipulation that further information be presented regarding the over budget in the paratransit service. He asked that the Board table this item to the June Administration Committee meeting to allow staff to prepare a detailed report. Mr. Barrera asked about the status.of a possible TML claim concerning the transfer of funds in the Defined Benefit plan. Mr. Bell responded that the contract was with an Arizona based company, Security Trust, which was under receivership. He stated that proper notification to transfer the monies was provided to Security Trust but the monies had been sub contracted out to another company. He further explained that the contract documents were under review with the objective of identifying a responsible party with a contractual relationship with RTA and financial solvency. Mr. Barrera inquired if there would be a cost associated with filing a claim or if the contract required Errors and Omissions coverage. He stressed the need to ensure that all RTA contracts require Errors and Omissions coverage. Mr. Bell stated that he would provide an update on this matter at the June Administration Committee meeting. MR. BUCKLEY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 2004 FINANCIAL REPORT. MS. GARZA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Action to Approve the 2004 Actuarial Report Mr. Sanchez summarized that the Administration Committee had recommended an immediate contribution of$419,463 to the Defined Benefit Plan and asked staff to identify no later than August of this year possible funding sources for the additional $258,027 in order to fully fund the plan for 2004. Mr. Liew, using a PowerPoint presentation, summarized the report. He noted that the valuation of the plan was based as of January 1, 2004. He stated that the Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability was $1,035,322; the recommended annual contribution for 2004 was $677,500, which represented 10.8% of payroll; the investment return assumption used was 8.5%; and the salary increase assumption used was 4.5%. He noted that Government Accounting Standards 'Kegional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes June 2,2004 Page 5 Board Statement No. 25 (GASB No. 25) provides the manner in which the actuarial condition of a public sector retirement plan is to be disclosed. The prior actuary used a funding method that is used in the private sector. Continuing with the report, Mr. Liew explained how the annual contribution amount was developed; overviewed the change in assets which reflected an asset gain from last year; reviewed the funding schedule for the last six years; and recommended a yearly contribution. In response to Mr. Barrera, Mr. Liew recommended that in 2005 the Board fund the plan monthly based on 10.8% of payroll. Then when the actuarial report for 2004 is completed,:the RTA could fund at the new adjusted rate. Mr. Barrera voiced his support for monthly contributions to the Defined Benefit Plan and recommended that this option be reviewed in August. Mr. Sissamis stated that it would be feasible to make contributions on a monthly basis. In response to Mr. Alonzo, Mr. Liew stated that actuarial services should be re- bid approximately every five years. Mr. Buckley clarified that his recommendation is to immediately invest $419,463 in the plan. Mr. Barrera asked that the Employee Committee for Excellence (ECE) and the Regional Transportation Authority Employee Association (RTAEA) be polled for their opinions regarding the Defined Benefit plan. He noted that retirees' benefits did not include a cost of living adjustment, which he believed was an employee concern. Mr. Sanchez stated that at the August 2004 Board meeting the results of the poll along with an update on sales tax revenue would be presented. MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2004 ACTUARIAL REPORT. MS. GARZA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. . Opportunity for Public Comment Maria C. Cavazos reported an incident that occurred on August 1, 003 while she was exiting an RTA bus. She stated that she had refused an ambulance at the time of the incident but the following day she had gone to the emergency room at Spohn Hospital to seek medical attention. She had contacted the RTA at their main number and was told by the person answering the telephone that she would have to wait until she was contacted by GAB Robbins. She was contacted on approximately August 18th about two weeks after the incident. She detailedher interview with Daniel Salazar stating that he was rude and the -Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes June 2,2004 Page 6 difficulties she had experienced with the way he treated her. She stated that she had received a letter stating the there was no negligence on behalf of the RTA. She remarked that in March, prior to the incident, she had received four cortisone shots for tennis elbow and the incident had made her arm swell up twice its size and it was still hurting. Mr. Rendon stated that her claim would be investigated and she would receive a response. Mr. Alonzo stated that he has met with Mr. Salazar and that this individual had insulted and embarrassed him and treated him like he was not telling the truth. Therefore, he understood how she felt He stated that he has asked Ms. Mendez to get other people involved but she has refused. He expressed the opinion that maybe now the Board would take action. He stated that he would do whatever he could to see that Ms. Cavazos got the help she needed. B-Line Update Ms. Fernandez reported that April ridership was 13,356 not including ADART ridership of 1,092 for a total of 14, 448 trips. This was still 500 less trips than one year ago; denials were at zero; passengers per hour were 2.65; the May passengers per hour was not final but currently stood at 2.66; on-time performance wasdecreasing below contract standard in direct correlation with the increased passengers per hour and zero denials; dispatchers, reservationists, and administrators are being trained.on ADART; anew bid • begins June 5 and will include 10 ADART routes to begin as soon as vehicles are equipped with the necessary hardware; updated the Board on Employee Relations Committee activities; and on customer service outreach projects. Continuing with the report, Ms. Fernandez stated that there were 26 Customer Assistance Forms (CAF's) submitted in April with approximately the same number in May. The CAF's for June are anticipated to increase because of implementation of the three-day reservation policy. The new policy was implemented on Monday and approximately 120 trips were requested. General Manager's Report Mr. Sanchez reported that as part of the streetcar Goso_hemThamp_aign. representatives from the Corpus Christi Chamber Ambassadors would be at seven major office buildings in the downtown area to distribute information about RTA's Downtown Transportation Study and Streetcar project on June 2 and 3, 2004 from 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m. He noted that the consultant Kailo Communications, Inc. and RTA staff was coordinating the project. Samples of the handout materials were provided to Board Members. Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes June 2,2004 Page 7 Referencing the Harbor Ferry 2004 kickoff, he noted that ridership for the opening day weekend was lower than last year. There were a total of 2,316 riders for the.2004 opening day weekend compared with 3,595 riders in 2003. He pointed out that on Friday service only ran for half a day compared to a full day in 2003. He thanked the Downtown Management District for their sponsorship on Saturday. He noted that video advertising has been set up on the ferry and would be marketed to the business community. Mr. Sanchez also reported that RTA would be implementing a P-Card or Procurement Card pilot program with Wells Fargo in an effort to reduce costs and improve efficiency; preparation has started for the upcoming hurricane season; starting next Monday, June 7, RTA would be starting its new bump; and that RTA is working with Nueces County to provide transportation for participants of a state funded Marine Debris program. Mr. Alonzo asked for a report on meetings attended by Mr. Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez . stated that he would provide monthly updates on his community and employee groups outreach. Mr. Alonzo asked Mr. Sanchez to hold Senior Staff accountable for their actions. Mr. Sanchez reported that he was implementing a program called Customer Focus 360°. As part of the program, on an annual basis, two customer surveys would be sent to riders. One survey would be issued to paratransit riders and the other to fixed route riders to get their feedback on our service. He would be sharing this information with the Board. Mr. Buckley inquired about the current status of the bus sabotage. Mr. Sanchez stated that RTA staff would be reporting to the Board and providing a recommended plan of action. Ms. Chapa agreed to provide Board Members with the streetcar brochures. Mr. Barrera asked why Nueces County was not included in the sponsor list. Mr. Seiler stated that at the last Streetcar Partners meeting it was the consensus that the County should be included.. A presentation to the Nueces County Board of Commissioners was pending. He noted that the presentation to the Planning Commission had been rescheduled for June 16th Mr. Barrera inquired if refreshments were provided on-board the Harbor Ferry. Mr. Seiler stated that the feasibility of providing refreshments was being explored and would be available to riders in the future. Ms. Garza commented on a letter sent by Mr. John Longoria citing several concerns and also positive comments regarding the service. There was a brief discussion. Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes June 2,2004 Page 8 Mr. Rendon announced that the time was 10:06 a.m. and the Board would go into closed session in order to discuss Agenda Item 12, concerning real estate matters under Section 551.072 of the Texas Open Meetings act and Agenda Item 13, concerning Personnel Matters under Section 551.074 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. At 10:31 a.m. Mr. Rendon reconvened the meeting and there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. aAtg Flores 11. `//614-1-1} Anna Board Secretary /Date