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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 04/06/2005 ,0%2 31 7.^a REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY 0,0%213 �� T ���� BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING 1' WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2005_ Lo NAY � 0 RECEIVED SUMMARY OF ACTIONS ` CITY SECRETARY'S \ OFFICE c , 1. Provided Opportunity for Public Comment ��'o ,, 2. Approved the Board of Directors' Minutes of March 2, 2005 �'6'ee s'`''ue 3. Heard Presehtations on Proposals for Legal Services 4. Awarded a Contract for Legal Services 5. Heard Update on RTAC Committee Activities 6. Accepted Committee Reports 7. Approved Consent Agenda Items a) Authorized Exercising the First Option Year Contract Extension to Oil Patch Petroleum for Engine Oil Supply and Analysis Services b) Approved the 2004 Actuarial Report - c) Awarded a Contract to IKON Office Solutions for Three Copier Leases d) Approved Revising the Dues Payroll Deduction Authorization Form 8. Awarded a Contract to Majestic Ventures Yacht Charters Inc. for Waterborne Transportation Services (Harbor Ferry) 9. Issued an Invitation for Bids for Bus Stop Improvements in Robstown 10.Approved a Resolution Endorsing Certain Legislative Changes to Senate Bill 7, Texas Electric Deregulation Bill, Supported by South Texas Aggregation Project, Inc. (STAP) 11.Heard B-Line Report 12.Set May 4, 2005 as the Date for the 2005 Board Retreat 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), Carmen Arias (Board Secretary), Rolando Barrera, John Buckley, Davie Cissna, Joe Benavides, John Longoria, Crystal Lyons, David Martinez, Wayland Simmons Board Members Absent: Anna M. Flores (Board Vice-Chair) Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez (General Manager), David Seiler, Eduardo Carrion, Vangie Chapa, Beth Vidaurri, Fred Haley, Sylvia Castillo, Sharon Montez, Stuart Sher, Elias Sissamis, Lamont Taylor, Sharlene Sexton, John Bell, Maida Russell Public Present:. Brenda Fernandez, Edna Arredondo, Gayle Knight, MV Transportation; Eloy Sosa,`AARP Carol Flowers; Lucinda Garcia, Fred McCutchon, Wood, Boykin'&Wolter; S. Jackson, Myra Morris, Ralph Meyer, Royston, Rayzor, ØbANNED Ret., _I Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 6,2005 Page 2 Vickery &Williams; Debby Hovda, RTAC; Julio Garcia; Paul Kratzig, Angelica Hernandez, Kratzig &Associates; Roland Garza, Guadalupe Salazar, RTAEA; David Garcia, Greg Salazar, Teamsters; Rosa Salazar; David Walker; Robert Hachar, Hachar Media; Tom Schmidt, Texas State Aquarium; Rocco Montesano, USS Lexington; Captain John Litchfield, Majestic Ventures; Roy Pell Call to Order The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Mr. Rendon at 8:35 a.m. Opportunity for Public Comment Mr. cloy Sosa invited.Board Members to attend a meeting of the City Human Relations Committee on April 7, 2005. He stated that he would be making a presentation on the need to be responsive to senior transportation. Ms. Rosa Salazar complimented the B-Line drivers. She expressed dissatisfaction with the office dispatchers because at times she has been picked up at her home at 6 a.m. and dropped off before her place of employment opens its doors, which was a safety concern. She also stated that she needed to have the B-Line bus drop her off at her job site 10-15 minutes before 8 a.m. instead of 7:30 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. Mr. Julio Garcia spoke in support of the proposed improvements for Robstown. He expressed gratitude to the Operations Committee for approving the bus stop improvements along HWY 44 and Avenue J. He acknowledged the coordination involved in order to provide a safer stop by building a bus turn-in and to improve the bus stop area amenities. Ms. Carol.Flowers, Roadeo Committee, and Ms. Maida Russell, Employee Committee for Excellence (ECE), invited Board Members and their families to attend the Twentieth Annual 2005 Bus/Maintenance Roadeo on Sunday, April 24, 2005 at the RTA Administration/Operations Facility on Bear Lane starting at 9:30 a.m. Mr. Sanchez stated that the Roadeo winners would be announced at the Employee Picnic hosted by ECE and held.at West Guth Park immediately following the Roadeo competition. He estimated the awards presentation would be held between 2 p.m. —2:30 p.m. He congratulated the Roadeo Committee and ECE members for all their efforts in organizing the events. . Mr. Rendon announced that due to a scheduling conflict, Agenda Item 5 would be discussed at this time. Update on RTAC Committee Activities Ms. Debra Hovda, reporting on the March 24, 2005 RTAC meeting, stated that Ms. Gabriella Salazar's suggestion to hold meetings on Saturday to allow for more public Reg, ,?l Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 6,2005 Page 3 participation was referred to the Policies and Procedures Subcommittee._The subcommittee was considering recommending that one Saturday or night meeting be held once per quarter. They expressed support for the wheelchair securement policy. Updates were presented on the proposed ADA improvements at the MHMR and Coastal Bend Council for Independent Living facilities; B-Line operations; and February CAF's. The Committee requested additional training to assist members in understanding ADA compliance issues. Presentations on Proposals for Legal Services Mr. Rendon noted that the firm's presentation order was chosen by lottery and each presentation would be approximately 10 minutes. Ms. Myra Morris, Royston, Rayzor, Vickery &Williams, briefed the Board on the firm's history, areas of practice handled by the firm's forty-five attorneys in their three area wide offices including Corpus Christi, and detailed her credentials and areas of law that she has represented. Mr. Paul Kratzig, Paul G. Kratzig &Associates, opened the presentation by detailing his professional credentials and noting his ability to assemble the proper team to address any legal issues. Ms. Angelica Hernandez stated that the firm had the experience and capability to represent the RTA. Commenting on her knowledge of specific areas of law, she stated that gaining a thorough understanding on the required areas of law would be the firm's investment in the contract and would not be billed to the RTA. Mr. John Bell, Wood, Boykin, &Wolter, reviewed the firm's history, the areas of practice handled by four of the firm's attorneys directly involved with the contract, and his personal involvement with public transportation. Mr. Bell pointed out his involvement with RTA since inception and his active participation in writing transit legislation. He stated that the firm chosen would interact daily with staff and staffs recommendation should be taken into consideration. Ms. Lucinda Garcia spoke on her experience with governmental entities. Mr. Fred McCutchon spoke on his experience with labor and employment law. In response to Mr. Longoria, Mr. Sanchez stated that staff's recommendation was to award the contract to Wood, Boykin, and Wolter. The Board could change the terms of the contract. Mr. Taylor, in response to Mr. Barrera, stated that in order to qualify as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) the firm would have to enter into a partnership with DBE certified business and there was not an opportunity for a firm to qualify under this contract. Mr. Barrera expressed the opinion that DBE participation should not be included in the RFP since it was not attainable. Reg,. "I Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 6,2005 Page 4 Responding to Mr. Longoria, Mr. Sanchez agreed to include a percentage rating for each area of legal representation identified in future Request for Proposals by reviewing a two-year history of services utilized. Under public comment, Mr. Roland Garza, speaking on behalf of the workers, stated that he has sat with the workforce in courtrooms and hearings and listened to "lies, deception and injustices." He spoke on the unnecessary expenditure of funds on legal representation when the matter could have been settled for less. Mr. Garza stated that the current legal representation had been "horrible." Action to Award a Contract for Legal Services Mr. Barrera asked if there was any pending litigation. Mr. Bell clarified that the Texas Municipal League (TML) handled all litigation for the RTA. Mr. Sanchez stated that two cases were pending. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO AWARD A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH TWO ONE-YEAR OPTIONS FOR LEGAL SERVICES TO WOOD, BOYKIN & WOLTER WITH A PROVISION THAT STAFF PERFORM A LEGAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT; MR. SIMMONS SECONDED THE MOTION. LONGORIA, SIMMONS, BUCKLEY, CISSNA, AND ARIAS VOTING IN FAVOR. BENAVIDES, BARRERA, MARTINEZ AND LYONS VOTING AGAINST. THE MOTION PASSED. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of March 2, 2005 MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MINUTES OF MARCH 2, 2005. MR. BENAVIDES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Action to Accept Committee Reports MS. ARIAS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT COMMITTEE REPORTS AS PRESENTED. MR. BARRERA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Consent 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 motion on the following consent items: a) Action to Authorize Exercising the First Option Year Contract Extension to Oil Patch Petroleum for Engine Oil Supply and Analysis Services b) Action to Approve the 2004 Actuarial Report Reg Transportation Authority • Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 6,2005 Page 5 c) Action to Award a Contract to IKON Office Solutions for Three Copier Leases d) Action to Approve Revising the Dues Payroll Deduction Authorization Form MS. LYONS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 7a THROUGH 7d. MR: BENAVIDES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION • CARRIED. Action to Award a Contract to Majestic Ventures Yacht Charters Inc. for Waterborne Transportation Services (Harbor Ferry) Mr. Sanchez recognized.Mr. John Litchfield, boat owner, and Mr. Roy Pell who were involved in submitting the proposal. Mr. Seiler, using a PowerPoint presentation, overviewed the presentation given at the March Operations Committee meeting. He reported that the base contract period recommended by the Committee was for one season with three one-season options. He pointed out that the contractor's financing and overall plans were predicated on a base contract period of two seasons. Thecontract period would run from the Friday before Memorial Day and end on Labor Day. Additional service options were outlined in the proposal. Mr. Seiler reported on the following contract negotiations: 1) the 2005 per service hour rate was reduced to $201.71 compared to the quoted $218.73; 2) for 2006-2009 the quoted per service hour rate was reduced by the same 7.8%; 3) the contractor would retain on-board concession sales; 4) RTA would retain proceeds from on-board advertising and fare revenue; and 5) annual services cost increases were limited to 5 percent. Remarking on the increased fuel cost compared to the prior service provider's fuel cost, Mr. Seiler elaborated on various added value factors that offset this increase. Regarding ADA compliance, Mr. Seiler stated that water vessel ADA standards were in the developmental stage and public building standards are being used to evaluate the Majestic Venture vessel. By these standards, the vessel to be used for the 2005 season would not be fully ADA compliant. The areas not fully compliant were the restroom, threshold ramps, and non-accessible upper deck. Reviewing the cost evaluation, Mr. Seiler stated that minus the fuel cost, the 2005 season operational expenditure would increase about $768 compared to the current contract and $10,562 if fuel was included. In conclusion, Mr. Seiler stated that the $3.00 all day fare structure would remain, and he commented on future outreach efforts. Reg, I Transportation Authority • Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 6, 2005 Page 6 Ms. Lyons asked what needed to be remediated to attain ADA compliance. Mr. David Walker, a registered accessibility specialist, responded that the restroom was too small to allow for a 4- or 5-foot diameter circle and would make it difficult for a person to transfer from a wheelchair to the water closet. There was also a problem with the door. He explained the requirement to comply with Coast Guard regulations and the proposed ramp system that would be used to assist wheelchair riders to board the vessel with the assistance from an attendant on board the boat. Mr. Seiler stated that the prefabricated ramp would have a slop of 1-7. Ms. Lyons expressed concern about persons with mobility devices being able to board the boat under these conditions; There was extensive discussion on how to handle assisting persons with mobility devices when boarding the boat. Captain Litchfield asked that the Board approve a two-year contract to allow the company to provide a fully compliant vessel for the 2006 season. He noted that boats are not built to be fully ADA compliant. Mr. Rocco Montesano, USS Lexington Executive Director, spoke in favor of the Harbor Ferry service. He stated that the Harbor Ferry service was important to tourism on North beach. He stated that tourism had decreased in 2004 which probably attributed to the lower ridership but he felt that tourism would increase. He noted that sidewalks on North Beach are in poor condition, which impedes ADA accessibility. He mentioned the Seaside Landing project and the Harbor Ferry's role in linking the targeted areas. Mr. Tom Schmidt, Texas State Aquarium Executive Director, reported that the Corpus Christi Beach Stakeholders held a forum with the City Council and shared a copy of the Bayfront Plan adopted in 1982 which showed nine water taxi stops along the Bayfront area. As Vice President of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), he pledged his support for marketing the service and spoke in favor of continuing the service. Mr. Barrera spoke in favor of a partnership to create a pedestrian friendly environment in the North Beach area. He asked that they participate in the Stakeholders meetings on the Streetcar project which he felt would also promote tourism for the City of Corpus Christi. MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO AWARD A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT WITH THREE ONE-YEAR OPTIONS TO MAJESTIC VENTURES YACHT CHARTERS INC. FOR WATERBORNE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES (HARBOR FERRY). MR. MARTINEZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Seiler stated that the kick-off ceremony would be held on May 20, 2005 and the service would begin on May 27, 2005. • Ret}�)1 Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 6, 2005 Page 7 Mr. Rendon announced that it was 10:50 a.m."-and the meeting would be recessed for the unveiling of the Community Outreach Bus. Mr. Rendon reconvened the meeting at 11:11 a.m. Action to Issue an Invitation for Bid for Bus Stop Improvements in Robstown Mr. Sanchez presented an overview of improvements planned for Robstown on HWY 44. In response to Mr. Rendon, Ms. Montez stated that the estimated cost was not to exceed $63,000. MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO ISSUE AN INVITATION FOR BID FOR BUS STOP IMPROVEMENTS IN ROBSTOWN. MS. LYONS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve a Resolution Endorsing Certain Legislative Changes toSenate Bill 7, Texas Electric Deregulation Bill, Supported by South Texas Aggregation Project, Inc. (STAP) Mr. Sanchez stated that this item was not reviewed at the Committee level. The resolution had been approved by the City of Corpus Christi who was also a member of the.consortium. He stated that RTA has saved between 10 to 15% in electricity costs per year as a result of the RTA's involvement in the consortium. MR. SIMMONS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION ENDORSING CERTAIN LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO SENATE BILL 7, TEXAS ELECTRIC DEREGULATION BILL, SUPPORTED BY SOUTH TEXAS AGGREGATION PROJECT, INC. (STAP). MR. BENAVIDES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. B-Line Report Ms. Fernandez reporting on B-Line operations for February 2005 stated that ridership was 13,742 which represented a 6% increase over February 2004 and 1% Compared to the prior month; wheelchair boardings were 2,565; no shows were 561; denials were at zero, PPH (passengers per hour) was 2.74 which was above the contract standard of 2.5; on-time performance was 93.16%; and CAF's had decreased to 21 including one commendation. She reported that operational numbers for March were at contract standard. She provided information on employee activities. Responding to Mr. Rendon's question regarding Ms. Salazar's concern, Ms. Fernandez stated that it was about three months ago when she used the service and was having difficulty understanding the shared ride concept. She stated that they would continue to work with Ms. Salazar. ii Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 6, 2005 Page 8 Discussion and Possible Action to Set a Date for the 2005 Board Retreat Mr. Rendon proposed holding the retreat at 1 p.m. or 30 minutes after adjournment of the May 4, 2005 Board meeting. The Board Members present concurred. General Manager's Report: Mr. Sanchez reported that RTA hosted a DPS trooper competition on March 30. He thanked Stuart Sher for his efforts in coordinating the event. He reported on the Bayfront Express ridership and upcoming events; participation in the Airport Triennial Exercise; recognition of Ms. Chapa for her participation in the Toys for Tots program; and that RTA would be providing 15 buses to help shuttle the public during the Naval Air show on April 9th and 10th Regarding the Northwest project, Mr. Sanchez stated that the owner of the medical center on 624 was not being cooperative in allowing the RTA to secure the needed right-of-way. Finalizing his presentation, Mr. Sanchez stated that a report would be presented at the April Administration Committee meeting on proposed cost saving measures in response to higher fuel costs; the Harbor Ferry kickoff would be held on Friday, May 20 at the Ortiz Center starting at 11 a.m.; and the RTA/MV Roadeo would be held on Sunday, April 24th followed by the Employee Picnic at West Guth park where the Roadeo winners would be announced. Adjournment • There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m. Carmen Arias Board Secretary Date