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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 11/03/2004 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY o aw BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING MINUTES `'' DEC 2004 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2004 °3RECEIVED a ' C{fYSECRETARTS,. 63, Summary of Actions 0`'S2OFFICE 1. Approved Board of Directors Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2004 • � �'Z�ZoZ�o 2. Heard Update on RTAC Committee Activities 3. Accepted Committee Reports 4. Approved Siemens Software Agreement for Fiscal Year 2005 5. Approved Exercising the Option Year on Contract for Unleaded Fuel 6. Authorized Issuing Request for Professional Services for General Legal Counsel 7. Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi for Bus Services and Bus Pass ID Authorization 8. Approved the Financial Reports for September 2004 9. Approved Staff Response to 2004 Triennial Review 10. Approved Release of 2005 Budget for Public Review 11. Heard Update on Arena Park and Ride Services 12. Heard B-Line Report 13. Heard General Manager's Report 14. Heard Public Comment The Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors met at 8:30 am in the Regional Transportation Authority Facility located at 5658 Bear Lane, Corpus Christi, Texas. Board Members Present: Mike Rendon, Carmen Arias, Roland Barrera, Davie Cissna, Anna Flores, Abel Herrero, Crystal Lyons, David Martinez, Wayland Simmons Board Members Absent: John Buckley, John Longoria Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez, Ed Carrion, Sylvia Castillo, Vangie Chapa, Linda Falwell-Stover, Melanie Gonzales, Fred Haley, Diana Jones, Gayle Knight, Sylvia Mendez, Sharon Montez, David Seiler, Stuart Sher, Elias Sissamis, Lamont Taylor, John Bell Public Present: David Garcia, Brenda Fernandez, Dawn Rasmussen, Eloy Sosa, Abel Alonzo, Lupe Salazar, Roland Garza Call to Order Mr. Rendon called the Board of Directors meeting to order at 8:35 am. SCANNED 1 Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes November 3, 2004 Page 2 Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of October 6, 2004 MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MINUTES OF OCTOBER 6, 2004. MR. MARTINEZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Update on RTAC Committee Activities Ms. Falwell-Stover provided highlights from the October 21, 2004 RTAC meeting: all September no-shows were dismissed; the committee is seeking recommendations for a committee member vacancy; committee is considering issuing a recommendation for sensitivity and ADA training for fixed route operators. Ms. Lyons asked if a passenger would be considered a no-show if they decided not to wait when a scheduled pickup was late. Ms. Falwell-Stover responded that because riders are only held accountable for the 30-minute timeframe, they would not be counted as a no-show. Action to Accept Committee Reports Mr. Rendon called for additions or corrections to the Operations Committee Meeting minutes of September 21, 2004, and the RTAC Committee minutes of September 16, 2004. There being none, the following motion was made: MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE COMMITTEE REPORTS. MS. ARIAS 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 a1vote on the following items: Action to Approve Siemens Software Agreement for Fiscal Year 2005 Action to Approve Exercising the Option Year on the Contract for Unleaded Fuel MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes November 3, 2004 Page 3 Discussion and Possible Action to Award a Professional.Services Contract for General Legal Counsel Under Public Comment, Mr. Alonzo expressed his concern that Wood, Boykin & Wolter has been the RTA's sole general legal counsel since the RTA's inception in 1985. He stated that the Authority's practice of continuously awarding this contract to Wood, Boykin &Wolter without seeking other proposals was a misuse of taxpayer money. Also under Public Comment, Mr. Garza echoed Mr. Alonzo's concern about the lack of open process surrounding awarding legal counsel services. He also criticized Wood, Boykin & Wolter's performance during their years of service to the RTA and questioned why the Authority has not sought other counsel. Ms. Mendez explained that Wood, Boykin & Wolter provides a wide range of services and legal expertise in areas relevant to the RTA, including RTA's enabling legislation (Chapter 451 of the Texas Transportation Code), the Urban Mass Transit Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, labor law, and Texas Open Meetings Act. She further stated that a monthly retainer was not required but that all payments are for services rendered and that the contract can be terminated at will by either party. Ms. Lyons voiced dissatisfaction that the process for awarding general legal counsel services was not in keeping with the awards process for other professional services. She stated that the information provided to the Board for review in the packet was very general, generic, and insufficient. Mr. Barrera asked why the process was not open to other proposals. Mr. Sanchez responded that the Authority did not want to potentially compound any issues stemming from having a new General Manager as well as a new legal counsel that was not familiar with and knowledgeable about RTA issues. MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR GENERAL LEGAL COUNSEL. MS. LYONS SECONDED THE MOTION. MS. FLORES, MS. LYONS, MR. BARRERA, MR. MARTINEZ, MR. HERRERO, AND • MS. ARIAS SUPPORTED THE MOTION. MR. SIMMONS AND MR. CISSNA OPPOSED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Public Comment Mr. Garza thanked the Board, Mr. Sanchez, and staff for including the Employee Association in the budget process. He noted that upon reviewing the 2005 budget, the Employee Association would like to discuss $134,000 savings from health insurance, Reg onal Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes November 3, 2004 Page 4 $85,000 savings in special projects, $100,000 refund from the defined benefit plan prior to Board approval of the proposed 2005 budget. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi for Bus Services and Bus Pass ID Authorization Mr. Haley explained that under this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the RTA would operate two special bus routes and allow TAMU-CC students and employees to ride all RTA buses at no charge by showing their valid university identification cards during the 2004-2005 school year. The University will reimburse RTA $53,000 during that period for this service. MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY—CORPUS CHRISTI FOR BUS SERVICES AND BUS PASS ID AUTHORIZATION. MS. ARIAS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Financial Reports for September 2004 Mr. Sissamis reported that sales tax income continues to increase. Year-to-date, the Authority is 14.4% or $1.4 million higher than the same time period last year. He noted that a majority of that increase pertained to the large sales tax refunds issued last year. Fuel costs continue to increase and are higher than budgeted. Health insurance costs are currently $165,000 under budget year-to-date. He did stress that this was not a year-end figure and that savings may decrease when actual expenditures are posted. He stated that any final savings in health insurance costs would be used to offset the fuel cost overages. Mr. Barrera stated he would like to see any savings from health insurance costs used towards a more enhanced wellness program for employees. He stated the benefits of healthier employees would translate into a dollar savings in future health care claims. He suggested forming a committee to investigate possible options for reinvesting any cost savings from health insurance costs.. MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2004. MR. HERRERO SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes November 3, 2004 Page 5 Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Staff Response to 2004 Triennial Review Ms. Castillo explained that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) conducts reviews on transit authorities every three years for compliance with requirements set forth in the rules and regulations relating to grants, procurements, and the safeguarding of assets acquired with federal funding. While the Authority received a "good" review in general, the current review process only cites shortcomings needing improvement. Those shortcomings included: legal, procurement, and charter bus service. The RTA is working with the FTA to clear the deficiencies within the next 90 days. MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE STAFF RESPONSE TO 2004 TRIENNIAL REVIEW. MR. HERRERO SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 2005 Budget Update and Action to Release Budget for Public Comment Mr. Sanchez noted that a memo addressing 2005 budget concerns was given to the Board. Mr. Sissamis offered a brief PowerPoint presentation of the proposed Fiscal 2005 Budget. Incorporated into his presentation were concerns discussed at the October 2004 Budget Workshop. He briefly summarized these issues and included staffs recommendations. Mr. Herrero questioned the amount allocated for health insurance and questioned whether staff anticipated a savings for 2004. In response, Mr. Sissamis stated that in 2004 health insurance would be under budget by $134,000. He noted that staff recommended allocating these savings toward line items that are over budget such as fuel. In response to Mr. Herrero, Ms. Mendez clarified that the underwriters provide projected year-end claims as well as an inflation number to project 2005 costs. She added that regardless of the savings, the projected number is based on trends. Mr. Herrero stated his concern regarding the use of health insurance savings for budget shortfalls and suggested that since employees contribute toward their health insurance that the savings should go to the employees in the form of raises or bonuses as an incentive. Mr. Barrera and Ms. Flores agreed with Mr. Herrero since these savings were directly related to the employee program. Reg' A Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes November 3, 2004 Page 6 Mr. Rendon explained that technically health insurance was not over budgeted, but as a result of fewer employee claims, RTA has realized a savings. He suggested that the workout room has promoted employee health and may have resulted in fewer employee claims: Mr. Sanchez recognized the Board's concerns and added that staff would be meeting to discuss further promotion options for an enhanced wellness program. Mr. Sissamis noted that the Board's concerns were noted and staff would return to the Administration Committee with the final 2005 Budget for approval before requesting approval by the full Board at the December 2004 Board meeting. MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO RELEASE THE 2005 BUDGET FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. MR. HERRERO SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Update on Arena Park and Ride Services Mr. Seiler provided an update regarding the Bayfront Express noting that the service exceeded RTA's expectation with 7 buses operating between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Volunteers from RTA staff assisted and received kudos from those utilizing the service. In addition, he noted that SMG personnel assisted alighting passengers on the buses as well as crowd control. Additionally, the City has planned to improve lighting at Memorial Coliseum while SMG will be providing security. Mr. Seiler also listed upcoming events that the Bayfront Express would service. In response to Ms. Flores, Mr. Seiler stated that Memorial Coliseum was currently the only pick up location for Arena events. When multiple events are planned in the Bayfront area, Mr. Barrera questioned whether the Ortiz Center would be closing off or blocking their parking area during events. A short discussion ensued. Mr. Barrera voiced his concern of pursuing subsidy from the City and SMG for service provided for the convenience of those involved. He noted that primary service to our transit dependent riders is vital. Mr. Seiler stated that before requesting a subsidy, staff must determine the cost of the service. Mr. Seiler added that although this agenda item was not an action item, staff would initiate a trial fare structure in order to test the market beginning November 12, 2004.1 He suggested a $2.00 fare for persons 12 years old and higher; persons with disabilities, senior citizens and children 5 to 11 years of age would pay a half fare of $1.00; children 4 years old and under would be free. A proposed fare structure would be presented for Board approval after the trail period. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes November 3, 2004 Page 7 Responding to Ms. Lyons, Mr. Seiler stated that a reduced fare for senior citizens was based on the current fare structure for regular service. In reply to Mr. Rendon, Mr. Seiler stated that public outreach on which events would be serviced by the Bayfront Express would be achieved through issuing press releases, talking with riders regarding upcoming events, advertisement and media exposure. Mr. Rendon suggested placing a sign where passengers wait for the Bayfront Express notifying the public when the Bayfront Express would be running. In addition, he agreed that the trial period would help the Board determine what course of action and direction to take. Responding to Ms. Flores, Mr. Seiler stated that cost for the Express service was approximately $4,000 to $5,000 based on the use of 15 buses. He added that cost varies depending on the event. Mr. Barrera reiterated that RTA could not operate this service at a deficit. Mr. Seiler questioned whether the Board felt that staff should move forward with the trial fare structure. All members present agreed that the test period would assist in determining the best fare structure. B-Line Report Ms. Fernandez congratulated Mr. Herrero for his appointment. She reported on September 2004 performance numbers stating that ridership which was 13,008 (7,912 in Trapeze and 5,096 in ADART); there were zero denials; passengers per hour decreased slightly to 2.52 (Trapeze); on-time performance was 89.9% (Trapeze); 59 Customer Assistance Forms (OAF) were received; no-shows and same day trip cancellations were 13.8%. Additionally, Mr. Fernandez recognized employees, reported on various monthly events and the hiring of six extra board drivers. Ms. Flores questioned the status of service since the implementation of ADART. Ms. Fernandez responded that staff has worked on issues on a daily basis, focusing on customer service. She noted that the hotline was a great tool to assist passengers. Mr. Rendon commended RTA and MV fora successful transition due to advanced preparation. General Manager's Report Mr. Sanchez announced various upcoming events: Try Transit Week on November 1st through the 5th which includes a proclamation from the Mayor's Office and an employee appreciation luncheon on Friday, November 5th; ADART peer review on Thursday, Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes November 3, 2004 Page 8 November 4th beginning at 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.; Operations Committee meeting on November 16th and the Administration Committee meeting on November 17th and November 19th RTA employee Thanksgiving banquet. In addition, Mr. Sanchez commended the Customer Programs Department for a successful press conference regarding the Bayfront Express. He reported that FTA performs random drug and alcohol program reviews of transit systems across the nation. RTA was selected for review in mid December and a summary report to the Board is scheduled for February 2005. He cited a letter to the editor regarding a passenger who has had problems with being picked up and stated that RTA is investigating and responding to that issue. Mr. Sanchez also congratulated Mr. Herrero for his appointment. Mr. Rendon requested that all Board members attend their Committee meetings to promote agenda item discussion and allow staff to research any Board concerns prior to final Board approval. He thanked the members for being punctual to the meetings. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:17 am. Carmen Arias Board Secretary / () Date