Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 04/05/2006 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY ��fAY 2006 0 BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING C �D as s� lV Fay, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2006 cirrRfTIlRY, ? 1 OFFICE s •4, \.,\ SUMMARY OF ACTIONS - 1. Held Roll Call 2. Provided Opportunity for Public Comment 3. Approved Consent Agenda Items: a) Action to Approve the Board of Directors Meeting Minutes of March 1, 2006 b) Action to Approve Committee Reports c) Action to Adopt a New Health Insurance Reserve Fund and Related Funding iviethodoiogy and Amend Reserve Policy d) Action to Award the Second Final Option Year to Aetna Life Insurance for Employee Group Life Insurance e) Action to Award the First of Two Option Years to Unum Provident for Long Term Disability Insurance f) Action to Approve the 2006 Actuarial Studies, Select Assumption Criteria, and Contribution to the Defined Benefit Plan for 2006 g) Action to Adopt a Resolution Supporting South Texas Aggregation Project, Inc. (STAP) Efforts to Contract for Long Term Capacity h) Action to Adopt a Video Cameras on RTA Vehicles Policy i) Action to Approve the January and February 2006 Financial Reports j) Action to Award a Contract to Progressive Structures for Security Enhancements at Bear Lane and the Transfer Stations k) Action to Authorize the Continued Use of Local Budget Funds to Fund the Body Shop Temporary Position 4. Reappointed Mary Saenz to RTAC Committee 5. Held Public Hearing on Proposed Fare Restructuring 6. Approved Fare Restructuring and Forward to Local Fare Review Committee for Approval 7. Heard Presentation and Interviewed two (2) Firms on Their Proposals for Federal Grants/Legislative Consulting Services 8. Authorized Negotiations and Contract for Federal Grants/Legislative Consulting Services 9. Tabled.Reprogramming of the Existing Appropriation for Downtown Streetcar System Preliminary Engineering to Conduct a Comprehensive Regional Assessment of RTA Transit Services to the May Board Meeting 10.Adopted a Board Code of Ethics Policy 11.Adopted the 2006 Annual B Line Performance Goals 12.Heard B-Line Update 13.Heard General Manager's Report SCANNED Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 5,2006 Page 2 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, John Longoria, Glenn Martin, Sara Salvide, John Valls Board Members Absent: Anna M. Flores; Crystal Lyons Staff Present: Ricardo•Sanchez (General Manager), David•Seiler John Bell, Daniel Gonzalez, Legal Counsel; Beth Vidaurri, Ed Carrion, Vangie Chapa, Fred Haley, Sylvia Castillo, Sharon Montez, Elias Sissamis, Lamont Taylor Public Present: Anja Graves, Chuck Graves, Doug Kerr, CHG &Associates; Steve Palmer, Van Scoyoc Associates; David Garcia, Teamsters; Carlos Truan; Ruben Gonzalez; Gayle Knight, Dana Smith, MV Transportation; Deb Hovda; Charles Milligan, Gignac &Associates; Eloy Soza; Annie Castro; Daniel Mezza; Abel Alonzo; Dorene Lyons; Earl,Scott; Gerald Rogen; Guadalupe Salazar, RTAEA Call to Order and Roll Call The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Mr. Barrera at 8:30 a.m. Opportunity for.Public Comment Mr. David Garcia expressed opposition to transporting persons in wheelchairs unsecured. Mr. Sanchez explained that since MV Transportation operated some of RTA's fixed route service, they had to comply with the wheelchair securement policy adopted by the RTA Board of Directors. He stated that he would meet with Mr. Garcia to discuss his concerns. Consent Agenda Mr. Barrera noted that the following consent agenda items had previously been discussed by the Committees. He asked if an item needed to be pulled for discussion. Mr. Valls asked that Item 3c be pulled for discussion. a) Action to Approve the Board of Directors Meeting Minutes of March 1, 2006 b) Action to Approve Committee Reports Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 5,2006 Page 3 d) Action to Award the Second Final Option Year to Aetna Life Insurance for Employee Group Life Insurance e) Action to Award the First of Two Option Years to Unum Provident for Long Term Disability Insurance f) Action to Approve the 2006 Actuarial Studies, Select Assumption Criteria, and Contribution to the Defined Benefit Plan for 2006 g) Action to Adopt a Resolution Supporting South Texas Aggregation Project, Inc. (STAP) Efforts to Contract for Long Term Capacity h) Action to Adopt a Video Cameras on RTA Vehicles Policy i) Action to Approve the January and February 2006 Financial Reports j) Action to Award a Contract to Progressive Structures for Security Enhancements at Bear Lane and the Transfer Stations k)Action to Authorize the Continued Use of Local Budget Funds to Fund the Body Shop Temporary Position MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 3a THROUGH 3k, EXCEPT FOR ITEM 3c. MR. VALLS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. VALLS, LONGORIA, BUCKLEY, ARIAS, MARTINEZ, AND MARTIN VOTING FOR. SALVIDE, LYONS, AND FLORES ABSENT. 3c -Action to Adopt a New Health Insurance Reserve Fund and Related Funding Methodology and Amend Reserve Policy Mr. Valls expressed concern that future Board of Directors could decide to allocate the monies in the Health Insurance Reserve fund for another purpose. He proposed setting up a trust fund instead of a reserve fund. Mr. Sanchez-explained that the designated reserve fund would accumulate any annual savings from budgeted health costs to pay for any possible future employee health insurance losses or other health-related benefits. The maximum that could accumulate in the fund was $500,000. He noted that all costs related to employee health insurance and wellness program would be paid out of the reserve. Mr. Bell noted that the agency had a legal obligation to fund any financial shortfalls experienced with providing employee health coverage. Mr. Barrera explained that establishing a trust would allow Entrust to oversee the funds and RTA would have limited control of the funds. Also this arrangement would only work as long as RTA continued with the current self funded insurance program. If the agency chose to participate in a fully funded program, the trust would be lost because ownership would be held by Entrust. With a reserve RTA would have full control of the funds and not risk liquidation of the funds. -- Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 5,2006 Page 4 There was a brief discussion related to payment of catastrophic claims. Mr. Sanchez clarified that those claims could be paid out of the RTA Operating Reserve. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT A NEW HEALTH INSURANCE RESERVE FUND AND THE RELATED FUNDING METHODOLOGY. MR. MARTINEZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. VALLS, LONGORIA, BUCKLEY, ARIAS, MARTINEZ, AND MARTIN VOTING FOR. SALVIDE, LYONS, AND FLORES ABSENT. Action to Reappoint Mary Saenz to RTAC Committee Ms. Deb Hovda stated that the RTAC Committee had met on Thursday March 16, 2006 and was recommending reappointment of Ms. Mary Saenz to a second two- year term on the RTAC Committee. She stated that the request for that Chairman Barrera confirm the reappointment. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT MARY SAENZ TO THE RTAC COMMITTEE. MS. ARIAS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. VALLS, LONGORIA, BUCKLEY, ARIAS, MARTINEZ, AND MARTIN FOR. SALVIDE, LYONS, AND FLORES ABSENT. In response to Mr. Longoria, Mr. Sanchez stated that the RTAC committee member appointment process would be discussed at a future meeting. Ms. Hovda provided a report on the March 16, 2006 RTAC meeting. Reviewing Committee reports, she stated that the No Show Appeals Committee heard three appeals and the Eligibility Appeals Committee heard four appeals. Reports were presented on the Fare Study, JARC, B-Line service, and CAF's. A procedural change for appointing RTAC members was approved. Responding to Mr. Barrera, Ms. Hovda stated that as part of the fare study, the majority of the Committee was in favor of extending the 3/ mile ADA zone to 2 miles. Related to the Committee member appointment process, they felt that the changes they will be proposing to the criteria rating sheet would provide better insight about the applicants and provide for an unbiased selection process. Concerning the eligibility process, she stated that she had not heard opposition to the process and that most people felt that the process would provide service to persons truly in need of the service. Public Hearing on Proposed Fare Restructuring Mr. Sanchez stated that this presentation had been given at the March Administration Committee meeting. He noted that extensive public outreach had been conducted including presentations to the Corpus Christi City Council and a presentation to Nueces County Commissioners after the current Board meeting. He Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 5,2006 Page 5 stated that service operating hours had been reduced by approximately 4 percent during the past year. Mr. Seiler opened his presentation by reviewing the goals of the fare study which were to simplify the fare structure, minimize ridership loss, keep fares proportionate to real costs of services, increase incentives to transition from B-Line to fixed route, provide alternatives to paying base fare plus the transfer; minimize the need for future changes, and increase the fare box recovery ratio. He stated that the fare change was being proposed due to rising operational expenses with nearly flat revenues, skyrocketing fuel costs, reduction in farebox recovery ratio from 10% to 6.3%, fares on fixed route have not been changed since 1986 and on B-Line since 19.99 resulting in the lowest fares compared to other transit peer agencies, and the desire to provide additional customer amenities. Continuing with his presentation, Mr. Seiler summarized the recommended fares as follows: trolley routes #79 and #94 from free to .25; routes #75 and #78 from .50 to .75; express routes would be standardized at a rate of$1.25; B-Line - change the ADA zone to 2 miles with a rate of$1.25; and a $2.00 surcharge for trips outside the ADA zone. Mr. Seiler noted that expansion of the ADA zone was an RTA initiative and was not subject to approval by the Local Government Fare Review Committee. He stated that as of April 2006 there were 184 customers outside the 3/ mile zone with 130 customers within the 3/-mile to 2-mile zone. He elaborated on the potential impact the fare increase and expansion of the ADA zone would have on revenue and ridership. A general discussion ensued regarding expansion of the ADA zone. Mr. Seiler stated that if the 2 mile ADA zone was adopted, it would be possible to revert back to the 3/ mile zone but that it would probably be very difficult to accomplish. In conclusion, Mr. Seiler reviewed public outreach efforts, summarized survey results, reportedthat the Corpus Christi City Council had appointed its five representatives to the Local Government Fare Review Committee and appointments by Nueces County Commissioners Court and Small City Mayors was pending; and reviewed the implementation timeline with a start date of May 20, 2006. Mr. Martin stated that Port Aransas was in opposition to the fare increase. He inquired if the fare structure for the trolley and paratransit service in Port Aransas could be structured differently. Mr. Seiler stated that would be feasible but the recommendation was to standardize the fares. Mr. Barrera commented on the role public transportation plays in the Coastal Bend. He opened the public hearing on the proposed fare restructuring. - Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 5 2066 Page 6 Mr. Abel Alonzo stated that he was not in opposition to the fare increase but was opposed to extending the ADA zone to 2 miles. Ms. Doreen Lyons declined to comment stating that she would call RTA staff with her concern. Mr. Earl Scott asked that the regular fixed route fare be retained for Saturdays; transfers continue to be free to avoid them being considered legal tender; and that dated monthly passes be changed.to reflect a certain number of trips which would include one additional ride to encourage sales. Mr. Gerald Rogan introduced himself as a criminal defense attorney who worked with transit dependent individuals. He expressed concern that local government entities increase their revenue through citizens that can least afford the cost. He suggested that RTA expand its ridership base; reinstate the downtown shuttle to four times per hour; provide routes servicing the jail annex and airport on the weekends, and provide a ball park special route. Mr. Barrera announced that there would be some vacancies on the RTA Board of Directors and encouraged submitting an application. Mr. Barrera closed the public hearing. Action to Approve Fare Restructuring and Forward to Local Fare Review Committee for Approval Responding to Mr. Buckley, Mr. Bell clarified that the ADA zone proposal could be presented to the Local Government Fare Review Committee as continuing to provide complementary Paratransit service within % miles of RTA's fixed route as outlined in the Federal ADA guidelines. Since the fares RTA was seeking approval were being identified as maximum fares, Mr. Bell stated that in the future the Board would then have the flexibility to expand the ADA zone without requiring approval from the Local Government:Fare Review Committee. If the proposal to the Local Government Fare Review Committee were for approval of the two-mile zone, then the Local Government Fare Review Committee would have to reconvene and approve implementing a surcharge. Mr. Buckley expressed support for a monthly bus pass based on number of rides. Mr. Martin noted that the Port Aransas service was operated by the City of Port Aransas unlike the other services that were operated by the RTA. Therefore, he felt that RTA staff should have structured their fare differently. He stated that their request was based on the second half of the RTA mission statement which was that the "Authority will also act responsibly to enhance the regional economy." • Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 5,2006 Page 7 In response to Mr. Valls, Mr. Sanchez cited various projects being discussed with the City of Port Aransas to offset some of their concerns about the increase in fares. The projects were assisting them with a.planning study dealing with public transportation. He stated that he was waiting on a response from Linda Cherrington, Texas Transit Institute, on this matter. Also, the Small City Ad-Hoc Committee would be looking at the feasibility of helping Port Aransas with infrastructure and sidewalk needs, and RTA would be replacing the trolleys with newer vehicles and providing a larger bus for the Flexi B route. Responding to Mr. Valls, Mr. Haley stated that the financial impact of retaining the Port Aransas trolley service at no charge would be approximately two thousand dollars and maintaining the Downtown Trolley at no charge would be approximately eight to ten thousand dollars. A brief discussion ensued on the feasibility of modifying the recommended rate structure to incorporate Mr. Martin's recommendations. MR. BUCKLEY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FARE . RESTRUCTURING PROVIDING FOR A 3/4 MILE ADA ZONE AND FORWARDING THE RECOMMENDATION TO THE LOCAL FARE REVIEW COMMITTEE FOR APPROVAL. MS. ARIAS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. VALLS, SALVIDE, LONGORIA, BUCKLEY, ARIAS, MARTINEZ VOTING FOR. MARTIN VOTING AGAINST. LYONS, FLORES ABSENT. Presentation and Interview by Two (2) Firms on Their Proposals for Federal Grants/Legislative Consulting Services Mr. Sanchez reported that originally three firms had submitted proposals for the state/legislative consulting contract but C2 Group had withdrawn their proposal due to RTA's budget allocation for this service. Mr. Steve Palmer, Vice President Van Scoyoc Associates, provided a brief summary of the firm. He stated that his specialty was in transportation legislation with wide experience in transportation polices, budgets and regulations. His job would be to specifically assist the General Manger and the firm would be available and work in close proximity with RTA staff. Reviewing his firm's strategy for assisting in securing appropriation requests, he stated that due to,various constraints in Washington they would recommend focusing on promoting the requests with Congress for the 2007 requests and developing a comprehensive strategy for the 2008 requests. He summarized the overall strategy that his firm.would use to secure federal funding. Responding to Mr. Longoria, Mr. Palmer stated that his firm partners with other legislative consulting firms. Defining clear responsibilities and reporting channels Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 5,2006 Page 8 was the key to successful collaboration. He recommended visiting with Congressional representatives a minimum of three times per year. Mr. Doug Kerr, CHG &Associates, reviewed the firm's client base and outlined the services that could be provided by the firm. Ms. Anja Graves, CHG &Associates, noted that RTA's 2007 appropriation requests were higher than in previous years. She noted that members of Congress were considering limiting the number of supported projects instead of limiting the funding amount. She reviewed the firm's strategy for securing funding working within the various Congressional office funding constraints. She stated that ways to promote the RTA projects would be to visit with Congressional representatives, attending national conferences and explaining the merits of the projects to the community. Mr. Charles Graves addressed the firm's qualifications to represent the RTA in securing funding for their projects. Discussion and Action to Authorize Negotiations and Contract for Federal Grants/Legislative Consulting Services MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE NEGOTIATIONS AND CONTRACT FOR FEDERAULEGISLATIVE CONSULTING SERVICES WITH CHG & ASSOCIATES AND VAN SCOYOC ASSOICATES ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2006; THAT THE PLANNING COMMITTEE DEVELOP AN OVERALL STRATEGY DEFINING EACH FIRM'S RESPONSIBILITIES; AND BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR DETERMINE WHETHER TO REISSUE AN RFP FOR THIS SERVICE. MS. SALVIDE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. VALLS, SALVIDE, LONGORIA, BUCKLEY, ARIAS, MARTINEZ, MARTIN VOTING FOR. LYONS, FLORES ABSENT. Action to Approve Reprogramming of the Existing Appropriation for Downtown Streetcar System Preliminary Engineering to Conduct a Comprehensive Regional Assessment of RTA Transit Services Mr. Longoria raised concerns that the Project Advisory Committee (PAC), comprised of various community leaders, had not received a briefing on RTA's proposal to reprogram the funding allocated for Preliminary Engineering for the Downtown Streetcar System. He stated that if resolutions of support for the Downtown Streetcar System were not received, then the project would be shelved. He requested that this item be presented to the PAC, then brought back for action at the May Board meeting. Mr. Sanchez stated he would followup. Mr. Sanchez stated that Mr. Niskala had informed him that according to TxDOT personnel, RTA may not have to ask Congress to reprogram the funds. He supported Mr. Longoria's recommendation. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April-5,2006- Page 006Page 9 Mr. Seiler stated that the comprehensive study would include viewpoints from community leaders about transportation alternatives. Referencing reprogramming of the funds, Mr. Barrera stated that he would like to see this project as the "People Project for the 21st Century." MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE APPROVING REPROGRAMMING OF THE EXISTING APPROPRIATION FOR DOWNTOWN STREETCAR SYSTEM PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF RTA TRANSIT SERVICES PENDING REVIEW BY THE PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. MS. ARIAS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. VALLS, SALVIDE, LONGORIA, BUCKLEY, ARIAS, MARTINEZ, MARTIN VOTING IN FAVOR. LYONS, FLORES ABSENT. Action to Adopt a Board Code of Ethics Policy MR. VALLS MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT A BOARD CODE OF ETHICS POLICY. MS SALVIDE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. VALLS, SALVIDE, LONGORIA, BUCKLEY, ARIAS, MARTINEZ, MARTIN VOTING IN FAVOR. LYONS, FLORES ABSENT. Action to Adopt the 2006 Annual B Line Performance Goals • Mr. Seiler explained that a goal was not established for B-Line ridership due to the concern that this type of goal would give the impression of limiting the level of ridership. MS. SALVIDE MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT THE 2006 ANNUAL B LINE PERFORMANCE GOALS. MR. MARTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. VALLS, SALVIDE, BUCKLEY, ARIAS, MARTINEZ, MARTIN VOTING IN FAVOR. LONGORIA, LYONS, FLORES ABSENT. B-Line Update Ms. Knight reported that for the month of February 2006 ridership had increased 2.5% compared to February 2005. During the month of February 2006 there were zero denials; passengers per hour was 2.72 which was above both the contract standard and performance goal; on time performance was 95.8% which was also above contract; and CAF's increased by five compared to the previous month. She reported on various.activities for the month that included promoting safety and customer satisfaction. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Aprils,2006 Page 10 Mr. Valls requested that a report detailing how the CAF's were resolved be included in the Board packet. General Manager's Report Mr. Sanchez reported on the following RTA activities: the Port of Corpus Christi in partnership with RTA would be holding a ribbon cutting at the Ortiz Center Harbor Ferry landing on Thursday,April 6 at approximately 12:15 p.m.; Mr. Davie Cissna had submitted a letter of resignation; the bid opening on the maintenance department overhead lines had been extended and would be presented at the next Board meeting; an International Yacht and Jet Show would be held April 27th and RTA would be providing shuttle service; a special Legislative Session would be held April 19th; the Employee Investment committee would be meeting on April 11th; the 2007 Blue Angels event would be held on the Bayfront and RTA would participate; RTA employees would be entering a float in the Buccaneer Days parade. The following staff was recognized by Mr. Sanchez: Mr. Haley for being accepted to the "City University" program and earning his Distinguished Toastmaster award from Toastmasters International which is the highest award that a participant can earn; Ms. Chapa for being asked to participate in the Downtown Redevelopment Committee; and Customer Programs staff for participating in the Driscoll Children's hospital radiothon. In conclusion, Mr. Sanchez stated that RTA-staff members were currently making a presentation to the Nueces County Commissioners on the Fare Study. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:23 a.m. Carmen Arias Board Secretary Date