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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 07/07/2004 r REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY 00213744 BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING cgb .4 WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2004 co SUMMARY OF ACTIONS z RECEIVED tz CITY SECRETARY'S 1. Administered the Oath of Office to City of Corpus Chri 'i ppo?nitiees to ' sZ RTA Board 4' . . ' 2. Tabled Adoption of Resolution for Outgoing Board Member • zo 3. Heard Presentation on the City of Corpus Christi's Bayfront Master Plan 6. Heard Update on RTAC Committee Activities 16. Held Closed Session on General Manager Search with No Action Taken in Open Session 4. Elected a Board Vice Chairman to Fill Unexpired Term, a Board Secretary to Fill Vacant Position and Appointed New Board Members to Committees 15. Held Opportunity for Public Comment 8. Approved 2003 Audited Financial Statements 5. Approved the Board of Directors' Minutes of June 2, 2004 7. Accepted Committee Reports 9. Approved the April 2004 and May 2004 Financial Reports 10.Authorized Awarding Contracts for the Purchase of Bus and Engine Parts 11.Authorized Issuing Request for Proposals for a Performance Audit and Maintenance Review (Includes RTA, MV and Port Aransas Vehicle Maintenance Services) 12.Heard Presentation on B-Line Policy Issues and the Advanced Reservation Pilot Project 13.Heard B-Line Report 14. 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), Anna M. Flores (Board Secretary), Carmen Arias, Rolando Barrera, John Buckley, Davie Cissna, Abel Herrero, John Longoria, Crystal Lyons, David Martinez Board Members Absent: Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez (Interim General Manager), David Seiler, Beth Vidaurri, Vangie Chapa, Gayle Knight, Fred Haley, Sylvia Castillo, Sylvia Mendez, Elias Sissamis, Lamont Taylor, Sharon Montez Public Present: Eloy Soza; David Morales; Guadalupe Salazar, Roland Garza, Rosie Aguiar, RTAEA; Manuel Garcia; Raymond Gignac, Rogelio Hernandez, Gignac & SCANNED Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes July 7,2004 Page 2 Associates; Ron Massey, City of Corpus Christi; Diane Staley, RTAC; Greg Salazar, David Garcia, Teamsters Call to Order The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Mr. Rendon at 8:41 a.m. Action to Administer the Oath of Office to City of Corpus Christi Appointees to the RTA Board Mr. Rendon administered the Oath of Office to City of Corpus Christi Appointees Roland Barrera, John Buckley, Davie Cissna, John Longoria and Crystal Lyons. Adoption of Resolution for Outgoing Board Member Abel Alonzo Mr. Rendon tabled this agenda item until the next Board meeting. Presentation on the City of Corpus Christi's Bayfront Master Plan Mr. Sanchez introduced Mr. Gignac, Gignac and Associates, and Mr. Massey, Assistant City Manager with the City of Corpus Christi. Mr. Sanchez noted that the proposed improvements would not have an adverse effect on the streetcar project. Mr. Massey stated that the goal of the project undertaken by the City was to get the public to agree on a vision for the Bayfront area and not to identify specific projects for the area. Mr. Gignac, using a PowerPoint presentation, briefly overviewed the existing conditions in the downtown area. He stated that there was support for re-establishing an access from the Bluff, down Peoples Street, to the T-Head and that it was very important that this be developed. On April 13, 2004, the City Council was presented with four options for developing the area. Option 4 received the most Council support. It provided for variations in green space as well as flexibility and multi use capabilities of the green spaces by the public while retaining automobile traffic on Shoreline. Continuing with his report, Mr. Gignac stated that the Shoreline Boulevard Master Plan was comprised of four zones — Zone A, North Waterfront Park; Zone B, Downtown; Zone C, South Waterfront Memorial Park; and Zone D, Marina area. He emphasized the need to maintain the same "character" of the area throughout each zone, which was to create a more useable, park-like atmosphere. He pointed out that the development was designed so that it could be phased in. Mr. Gignac reported that approximately 12-15 public meetings had been held. The residents of Corpus Christi voiced their support for small-scale commercial establishments in the area. Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes July 7,2004 Page 3 Summarizing his report, Mr. Gignac stated that a design team has hired a firm, Johnson Consulting from Chicago Illinois, to evaluate and identify funding options and implementation strategies. He also stated future objectives for the project. In response to Mr. Rendon, Mr. Gignac stated that the proposed Master Plan offered more than one option for integrating a streetcar line in the downtown area. He noted that if the recommendation were to place it in the median, the median would have to be widened. Extensive discussion ensued ranging from the plan's implementation timeframe to the ability to re-route traffic in the downtown area to expedite traffic during peak traffic. Referencing the traffic concern, Mr. Massey stated that a traffic engineer has been engaged to look at traffic flow recommendations during peak demand times. He pointed out that the Port of Corpus Christi was building a parking lot around the baseball stadium which would accommodate approximately 2,000 vehicles. Mr. Rendon asked that Agenda Items 6 and 16 be considered at this time. There were no objections. Update on RTAC Committee Activities Ms. Staley summarized the RTAC minutes of June 17, 2004. She explained that her resignation as RTAC Chairperson would be effective July 31, 2004 and that a replacement recommendation would be forwarded to the Board. The Policy Subcommittee approved various changes to improve the eligibility process; the 3-day reservation pilot program has seen no shows decrease slightly during the first week but increase during the second week, and same day cancellations increased during the first two weeks of the trial period; May ridership on the B-Line was down compared to 2003, but did not include ADART ridership; passengers per hour were above the contract standard at 2.61 with on. time performance slightly below contract at 94.4%; and Customer Assistance Forms (CAF's) had increased compared to 2003 but were down compared to last month. Mr. Rendon congratulated Ms. Staley on her new position as MHMR Executive Director and thanked her for her service on the RTAC subcommittee. Closed Session on General Manager Search with Possible Action in Open Session Mr. Rendon announced that the time was 9:28 a.m. and the Board would go into closed session in order to discuss Agenda Item 16, concerning Personnel Matters under Section 551.074 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Mr. Rendon reconvened the Board meeting at 10:35 a.m. and called for Agenda Item 4. •w_i Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes July 7,2004 Page 4 Action to Elect a Board Vice Chairman to Fill Unexpired Term and Such Other Officers of the Board as May Be Required in the Event of Any Vacancies Mr. Rendon opened the floor for nominations for Board Vice Chairman. MR. HERRERO MADE A MOTION THAT MS. FLORES BE NOMINATED FOR BOARD VICE CHAIRMAN BY ACCLAMATION. MR. BUCKLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Rendon opened the floor for nominations for Board Secretary. MR. MARTINEZ MADE'A MOTION TO NOMINATE MS. ARIAS FOR BOARD SECRETARY BY ACCLAMATION. MR. BUCKLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Rendon recognized new Board Members Crystal Lyons and Davie Cissna and asked them to introduce themselves. Mr. Longoria was not available. Mr. Rendon appointed Mr. Cissna and Ms. Lyons to serve on the Operations Committee. MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. CISSNA AND MS. LYONS TO THE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE. MR. BARRERA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Rendon appointed Mr. Longoria to serve on the Administration Committee. MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. LONGORIA TO THE ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE. MS. ARIAS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Opportunity for Public Comment Mr. Roland Garza, designated representative, introduced Mr. Lupe Salazar, President of the Certified labor organization for RTA employees, and former RTA Operator, Ms. Ramona Sawyers, also a designated representative. He noticed that Agenda Item 16 referenced a GM search and stated that the Association did not support a General Manager search because of the budget constraints and also the improved labor relations and employee morale since Mr. Sanchez was appointed as Interim General Manager. He mentioned that he understood that the City of Corpus Christi encouraged the RTA Board to conduct a search even though the City did not follow this practice when they hired City Manager.Skip Noe. He stated that, he had spoken to the RTA actuary in Plano Texas. The actuary informed him before his firm could do a cost Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes July 7,2004 Page 5 analysis and projected cost estimate for a Cost of Living adjustment for the RTA retirement plan, he would need direction from the RTA Board of Directors. Mr. Garza also asked the Board to consider moving public comment to the beginning of the meeting. Mr. Rendon called for consideration of Agenda Item 8. Action to Approve 2003 Audited Financial Statements Mr. Sanchez summarized that at the June Administration Committee Mr. Morales presented a detailed report, which included a management letter that addressed the following deficiencies: grant reconciliation; fixed asset identification, bus fare reconciliation; and purchase order authorization. The draft staff response letter has been included in the agenda packet for additional response from the Board. Mr. Buckley detailed the four areas mentioned in the management letter as an opportunity for strengthening internal controls and operating efficiency. Mr. Sanchez stated that Board updates would be provided on the four areas noted in the management letter. MR. BUCKLEY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE 2003 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of June 2, 2004 MR. HERRERO MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BOARD MINUTES OF JUNE 2, 2004. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Action to Accept Committee Reports Mr. Rendon asked if there were any additions or corrections to the Administration Committee Meeting minutes of May 26, 2004 and the RTAC Committee meeting minutes of May 20, 2004. There being none the following motion was made: MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT COMMITTEE REPORTS. MR. BARRERA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Action to Approve the April 2004 and May 2004 Financial Reports Responding to a question Mr. Barrera asked at the June Administration Committee meeting, Ms. Mendez explained that the Workers' Compensation premium was approximately $26,500 and had a deductible of $50,000 per claim up to an aggregate. • Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes July 7,2004 Page 6 At the present time, RTA has a 2002 claim that has cost about $63,000 with $36,000 in medical expenses. The claim expenses began to be seen in September 2003. The claim deductible should be resolved in the near future. A second 2003 claim is currently under $50,000 in expenses but has an indemnity expense of about $20,000 and will continue to be seen. This claim is still active. A third claim occurred In February 2003 and will be seen in the future. MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APRIL 2004 AND MAY 2004 FINANCIAL REPORTS. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action to Authorize Awarding Contracts for the Purchase of Bus and Engine Parts Mr. Rendon noted that this item had not been discussed at the Committee level. Ms. Castillo, responding to Mr. Barrera, clarified that each bidder bid on separate line items. She noted that the contract amounts were estimated and did not reflect actual usage. Mr. Barrera noted that the reference material stated that the contract was for two years with two one-year options. Ms. Castillo clarified that the contract was re-bid and the recommendation was to approve a one-year contract with two one-year options. MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE AWARDING ONE-YEAR CONTRACTS WITH TWO ONE-YEAR OPTIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF BUS AND ENGINE PARTS. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action to Authorize Issuing Request for Proposals for a Performance Audit and Maintenance Review (Includes RTA, MV and Port Aransas Vehicle Maintenance Services) Mr. Sanchez explained that the Transportation Code mandates that every four years a performance review be conducted covering an operational function of the agency. He stated that public hearings would be held and the findings would be submitted to elected officials. Mr. Seiler noted that past reviews have resulted in system enhancements. The audit would review both the fixed route and contracted vehicle maintenance functions. The B-Line and Port Aransas (including Flexi-B and Port A Shuttle) vehicle maintenance functions would also be included. Mr. Seiler identified the proposed scope of work and stated that the objective was to receive recommendations for changes to achieve more efficiency, effectiveness and safety. The estimated cost was $25,000. The funds have Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes July 7,2004 Page 7 been identified as $10,000 in the Service Development budget and $15,000 in the General Manager's budget. Mr. Barrera inquired about the reinventing transit initiative. Mr. Sanchez stated that he had implemented a similar program, Customer Focus 360°, which addressed operational issues. He informed the Board that a staff retreat would be held to discuss strategic plans for the upcoming fiscal year, performance indicators, and being responsive to the customer. A report would be presented to the Board. MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE ISSUING REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR A PERFORMANCE AUDIT AND MAINTENANCE REVIEW (INCLUDES MV AND PORT ARANSAS VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SERVICES). MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Presentation on B-Line Policy Issues and the Advanced Reservation Pilot Project Mr. Seiler stated that about one-year ago staff had been asked to review B-Line policies. A primary objective is to improve service to the paratransit rider and transition eligible riders to fixed route service. He explained that the policies being reviewed were Advance Reservations, Eligibility Process, No Shows and.Same_Day Cancellations and ADA Premium Service. Updating the Board on the Advance Reservation pilot program, Mr. Seiler, stated that the reservation requirement was changed from 14 to 3 days in an effort to reduce "no shows" and same day cancellations. The results, as of the week of June 15th were reviewed and it was noted that additional time was needed to identify trends. Addressing the eligibility process, Mr. Seiler noted to areas of concern. Eligibility was based on medical standing and the process and appeal was "lenient." The committee is looking at basing eligibility on a functional/cognitive assessment to strengthen the eligibility standards. Changing the re-certification process from the 2-year, across the board, re-certification, to a 3-year certification and conducting a comprehensive initial certification is being considered. In conclusion, Mr. Seiler touched on proposed "no show" and same day cancellation guidelines; implementing a new type of service - ADA Premium Service; and implementing a "Freedom Pass" program which would allow B-Line eligible passengers who also qualify to ride fixed route to ride fixed route at no cost for a period of time. B-Line Report Ms. Fernandez acknowledged the Board members' contribution to the community for transportation services. She reported May ridership of 12,580 with approximately 1,000 in ADART system; 0 denials for May and only 1 denial during the last nine months; P - `•. w Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes July 7,2004 Page 8 passengers per hour (pph) 2.61 above contract level; on time performance was 94.4; CAF's were at 20; and no shows were at 10.6. For the month of June, pph was at 2.66 and on time performance was 94.2. She also reported that four routes were using the ADART system and the testing was continuing. Ms. Fernandez reported on employee initiatives, and driver training conducted by Michael St. Juliens. Mr. Rendon asked about the policy for transporting riders with expired passes. Ms. Fernandez stated that in sensitivity training, the drivers are instructed to provide needed transportation. General Manager's Report: (Items Include Update on Projects and Events) Mr. Sanchez reported on the following items: bids had been solicited for RTA property in the vicinity of the Southside Transit Station and one offer was being reviewed; the Federal Transit Administration would conduct the triennial review on August 23-25, 2004 and a report on their findings would be presented to the Board; air conditioning and a beverage dispenser had been installed on the Harbor Ferry; the Corpus Christi beach tram service hours were extended to transport persons who wanted to see the fourth of July fireworks; three 30ft OPUS buses have been delivered and seven 40' Orion buses should be arriving by mid-July; a purchase card program was being implemented which would reduce cost and simplify the procurement process; working with Gignac and Associates on developing a security plan for the Bear Lane facility; RTA would be participating in the TAMACC conference; the Crimestopper reward for information related to the OPUS bus sabotage was increased to $10,000 and the services of a private investigator would be sought; a streetcar Board workshop would be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 and Blas Uribe with the Federal Transit Administration would be attending; the timeline for the .streetcar project was being reviewed for modifications; the feasibility of an additional streetcar visit was being reviewed; Mr. Bell had distributed a memo clarifying the policy on a balanced budget; a tracking system for Board requests was included in the packet and monthly updates would be provided; and RTA would be developing a Quarterly- report. He reported that Mr. Corder has submitted his resignation as a Board Member and the Committee of Mayors would be convening to appoint a replacement. Responding to Mr. Barrera, Mr. Bell stated that a response had not been received regarding the Security Trust matter. There being no further business, the meeting was adjo ed a 1:44 a.m. Carmen Arias Board Secretary Date ,