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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 02/01/2006 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2006 SUMMARY OF ACTIONS 1. Held Roll Call 2. Provided Opportunity for Public Comment 3. Adopted Resolutions for Stuart Sher, Frank Basaldua, and Adan Herrera 4. Heard Presentation by the United States Bowling Congress on the USBC Open Championships in Corpus Christi Feb. 11-July 1 (Mr. Brian Lewis, USBC Director) 5. Approved Consent Agenda Items a) Approved Board of Directors' Minutes of January 4, 2006 b) Accepted Committee Reports c) Awarded a one-year supply contract, with provisions for two (2) one- year options, with Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc. for ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel d) Approved the following (3) Sets of Agreements for Bus Turn-out Projects Funded Through the MPO: (a) Three (3) Advance Funding Agreements with TxDOT (b) Three (3) Interlocal Agreements with City of Corpus Christi e) Approved Authorizing Staff to Apply for Federal Funding for Projects Approved in the 2006 Capital Budget 6. Adopted a Wheelchair Securement Policy for RTA Fixed Route Vehicles 7. Awarded a Contract for STV Incorporated to Provide All Professional Services Required by the FTA's Cooperative Procurement Pilot Program 8. Awarded Two (2) Professional Services Contracts for Interim Occupational Therapist Assistance Related to the Revised Paratransit Eligibility Assessment Process 9. Heard Presentation on Fare Study Status 10.Heard B-Line Report 11.Heard General Manager's Report 12. Held Closed Session for Discussion of General Manager's Annual Evaluation and in Open Session Extended the Employment Agreement and Set Compensation 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: Rolando Barrera (Board Chair), David Martinez (Board Vice- Chair), Carmen Arias (Board Secretary), John Buckley, Davie Cissna, Anna M. Flores Crystal Lyons, Glenn Martin, Sara_Salvide, John Valls SCANNED Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meberu ting Minutes : — - — —, — —— ----- Page 2 Board Members Absent: John Longoria Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez (General Manager), John Bell, Legal Counsel; David Seiler, Ed Carrion, Vangie Chapa, Sylvia Castillo, Sharon Montez, Lamont Taylor, Elias Sissamis, Diana Jones, Beth Vidaurri, Mike Pefanis Public Present: Brenda Fernandez, Edna Arredondo, Dana Smith, MV Transportation; Susan Cissna; Brian Lewis, USBC Director; Lupe Salazar, Roland Garza; RTA Employee Association; Shannon Galindo; Heather Nichols; Abel Villarreal; Kathryn Thompson; Yvette Silva; Frank Basaldua; Adan Herrera; Stuart Sher Call to Order and Roll Call With a quorum present, the Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Mr. Barrera at 8:32 a.m. Opportunity for Public Comment Mr. Roland Garza referencing Agenda Item 12, GM evaluation, commented on the positive working relationship between the RTAEA and RTA management since Mr. Sanchez was hired as General Manager. He recommended that Mr. Sanchez be compensated appropriately and that he continue to receive support and encouragement. Action to Adopt Resolutions for Stuart Sher, Frank Basaldua and Adan Herrera Mr. Sanchez announced that the three employees being honored today had worked for the RTA for a combined total of 80 years. All three employees had recently retired as RTA employees. Mr. Frank Basaldua was recognized by Mr. Sanchez for being an outstanding employee who participated in various committees, elected employee of the year in 1995 and 2002, had maintained perfect attendance for six consecutive years and was a dedicated employee. He commented on various personal attributes among which were his contributions to the RTA as a welder. Ms. Arias read the resolution. Mr.Adan Herrera was acknowledged by Mr. Sanchez as starting his tenure with the RTA in 1974. He commented on Mr. Herrera's contributions to the organization during his years of service and added some personal information. Ms. Arias read the resolution. Mr. Stuart Sher was introduced by Mr. Sanchez as an esteemed colleague and someone well respected in the transit industry. He stated that Mr. Sher had been hired in 1978 as a bus operator and in 1989 became the Manager of Transportation Services. He mentioned Mr. Sher's various volunteer activities both within RTA and the transit Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 1,-2-006 Page 3 industry. He highlighted that Mr. Sher had chaired the Bus Roadeo Committee for the past twenty-one years and had not missed a Roadeo event. Ms. Arias read the resolution. MS. LYONS MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTIONS FOR STUART SHER, FRANK BASALDUA AND ADAN HERRERA. MS. ARIAS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Presentation by the United States Bowling Congress on the USBC Open Championships in Corpus Christi Feb 11-July 1 (Mr. Brian Lewis, USBC Director) Mr. Brian Lewis, USBC Director, stated that approximately 5,000 bowlers would be attending the conference which would be held at the American Bank Center. He commented on the positive economic impact the bowling championship would have on the community. A video was played for the Board that depicted the potential impact a city could realize as a result of hosting the bowling competition. Ms. Chapa distributed a draft of a brochure outlining the proposed route for the Downtown Trolley. She spoke on activities that RTA staff would be implementing to support the event such as manning information booths to provide route information; posting information on the RTA web site; installing bus cards welcoming the bowlers; and placing banners on the trolleys denoting the event. She stated that downtown trolley service hours could be extended if the need arose. In response to Ms. Flores, Ms. Chapa stated that complimentary bus passes would be included in the welcome bags distributed by the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Consent Agenda a) Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of January 4, 2006 b) Action to Accept Committee Reports c) Action to Award a One-Year Supply Contract, with Provisions for Two (2) One- Year Options,with Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc. for Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) Fuel d) Action to Approve the following (3) Sets of Agreements for Bus Turn-out Proiects Funded Through the MPO: (a) Three (3) Advance Funding Agreements with TxDOT (b) Three (3) Interlocal Agreements with City of Corpus Christi e) Action to Authorize Staff to Apply for Federal Funding for Projects Approved in the 2006 Capital Budget Mr. Barrera noted that the agenda items were of routine or administrative nature. The Board has been furnished with support documentation on these items. -r `�Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 2006 Page 4 In response to Mr. Buckley regarding Agenda Item 5c, Mr. Seiler explained that even though Oil Patch Petroleum was the second lowest bid in terms of"mark-up" pricing, their bid did not include additional delivery costs. The annual price difference between the Oil Patch Petroleum and SSP Petroleum bid was $10,000. MS. LYONS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA ITEMS 5a THROUGH 5e. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt a Wheelchair Securement Policy for RTA Fixed Route Vehicles Mr. Taylor highlighted the proposed policy. He noted that public outreach meetings would be held with groups and organizations directly impacted by the policy prior to implementation. MS. ARIAS MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT A WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT POLCY FOR RTA FIXED ROUTE VEHICLES. MS. SALVIDE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action to Award a Contract to STV Incorporated to Provide All Professional Services Required by the FTA's Cooperative Procurement Pilot Program Ms. Castillo explained that the proposed contract would be with STV Incorporated to participate in the nation's first Federal Transit Association (FTA) sponsored cooperative bus procurement pilot project. RTA would be the lead agency for the consortium. Under this contract the projected forty buses that would be procured over the next five- years could be purchased with an approximate savings of local funds of as much as$1 million due to the 90/10 funding split unlike the current 80/20 funding split, the FTA would fund 90% of the bus purchase and RTA would fund 10%. She pointed out that the project tasks were outlined in Addendum A of the proposed contract. Detailing the funding process, Ms. Castillo stated that the fee for each bus would be paid for with federal grant monies out of current and future grants. STV's professional services fee would be $6,000. The first installment, $2,000 per bus based on the base order commitment for every bus ordered would be due when the RTA signed the contract. The second installment of$4,000 would be made when the individual bus was ordered under the contract. Mr. Sanchez emphasized that RTA would collaborate with STV on developing the bus specifications, including securement features for the buses. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes --relTUary 1,2006 Page 5 MR. VALLS MADE A MOTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO STV INCORPORATED TO PROVIDE ALL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REQUIRED BY THE FTA'S COOPERATIVE PROCUREMENT PILOT PROGRAM. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Action to Award (2). Professional Services Contracts for Interim Occupational Therapist Assistance Related to the Revised Paratransit Eligibility Assessment Process Mr. Sanchez reported that this item had not been discussed at the January Committee meeting but had been discussed as part of the Del Mar Agreement. Mr. Seiler explained that the contract was necessitated because Del Mar College was unable to undertake ADA paratransit eligibility assessments until September 2006. This contract would provide an occupational therapist to oversee and certify theeligibility assessment work performed by Del Mar's Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant's (COTA) program. In September 2006, Del Mar College would hire an adjunct occupational therapist and this cost would be shared by RTA and Del Mar. Concluding his report, Mr. Seiler explained that the process was being implemented as a component for ensuring that service could be provided to riders who must rely on B- Line for their transportation needs and as a tool for managing growth of the ADA paratransit service demand. Ms. Fallwell-Stover introduced Ms. Yvette Silva and Ms. Kathy Thompson as the two contracted occupational therapists that would be performing the assessments under this contract. She also recognized Ms. Shannon Galindo and Ms. Heather Nichols with the COTA program and Mr. Able Villarreal, program.director for Del Mar's COTA program. Ms. Lyons commended RTA staff for being innovative and implementing the program within a short period of time. Ms. Arias thanked Mr. Villarreal for the excellent input he provided in developing this program. Responding to Mr. Valls, Ms. Fallwell-Stover stated that the projection was that sixteen evaluations would be performed weekly and they would be billed on an hourly basis. MS. LYONS MADE A MOTION TO AWARD TWO (2) PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS FOR INTERIM OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANCE RELATED TO THE REVISED PARATRANSIT ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENT PROCESS. MR. BUCKLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 1,2006 Page 6 Presentation on Fare Study Status Mr. Seiler explained that a presentation on the Fare Study had been presented at the January Operations Committee meeting but not at the January Administration Committee meeting. Using a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Seiler reviewed prior action taken by the Board on fare changes and the Fare Review Committee structure. He also provided an update on the results of public outreach efforts and the timeline to complete the process. Closed Session for Discussion of General Manager's Annual Evaluation with Possible Action in Open Session Concerning the General Manager's Employment Agreement and Compensation Mr. Barrera announced that it was 9:59 a.m. and that the Board was going into closed session to discuss Agenda Item 12 on the agenda concerning the General Manager's Annual Evaluation under section 551.074 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. At 10:39 a.m. Mr. Barrera reconvened the meeting. MR. BUCKLEY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE EXTENDING THE GENERAL MANAGER'S CONTRACT TO AUGUST 4, 2008, PROVIDING FOR A 4% PAY INCREASE RETROACTIVE TO AUGUST 4, 2005; AND A 2% INCREASE EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2006. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Barrera stated that the Executive Committee would meet with the General Manager to discuss the developmental opportunities identified during the evaluation process. Mr. Barrera provided the opportunity for each Board Member to comment positively on Mr. Sanchez's job performance. Mr. Sanchez thanked the Board for their positive comments and acknowledged their contributions as well as staffs in taking the organization to the next level. B-Line Report Ms. Fernandez congratulated Mr. Sanchez. Reporting on performance statistics for the Month of December 2005, Ms. Fernandez stated that ridership was 14,003, representing a 12% increase compared to December 2004; wheelchair boardings were 2,906; denials were at zero; On Time Performance was 94.4% which was below the contract standard of 95%; and there were 20 CAF's. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February-1,200 Page 7 Other activities in the month of December were various employee events and MV Transportation had declared February as wheelchair securement month. She noted that MV Transportation had experienced 19 incidents with wheelchairs. One incident occurred in Corpus Christi. The purpose of focusing on wheelchair securement was to teach the operators to teach riders how to use their wheelchairs when riding in a vehicle. She stated that training videos would be shown and that proper securement points within the vehicles would be tagged. General Manager's Report Mr. Sanchez reported that service changes had been implemented on Monday, January 30th. He explained the various outreach efforts undertaken by RTA staff. He commented that the transition went smoothly. Other activities as reported by Mr. Sanchez were participation by Customer Programs staff in the CCISD after school program for five middle schools in providing public transit information; the MHMR program that provides counseling services to Katrina families; and working with the Nueces County HR director to promote the use of van pooling. Also he noted that staff would be meeting with the City of Corpus Christi on potential CDBG bus stop improvements funding; Mr. Sanchez stated that he would be serving on the Texas Transit Association (TTA) and Southwest Transit Association (SWTA) Boards. Mr. Barrera reported that he attended a SWTA conference in Phoenix andfound it be a good learning opportunity. He stated that he would be attending an outreach meeting in Austin sponsored by Austin Capital Metro. He announced that Mayor Garrett might be joining Board Members attending APTA Legislative Conference. Referencing the RTA health initiatives, he encouraged all Board Members to join the RTA's walking program and asked the Board Members be invited to the wellness classes. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adj. - rned :1 a.m. _ &— Carmen Arias Board Secretary Date