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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 05/10/2006 • A01112 13 _ d\'6 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY � BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING WEDNESDAY MAY 10 2006 JUN 2006 ''' - na,.,CEN4,J N CITY EC EW;R S ?, SUMMARY OF ACTIONS OFFICE 1. Held Roll Call ,��' 2. Provided Opportunity for Public Comment • SZ46� 3. Held Recognition of 2006 APTA Roadeo Competitors, Buccan - ,s Volunteer Float Decorating Group, and 1st Place Walking Program Team 4. Approved Consent Agenda Items: a) Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of April 5, 2006 b) Action to Accept Committee Reports c) Action to Approve Awarding a Contract for the Replacement of Fluid Distribution Pipelines in the Vehicle Maintenance Shop and Fuel Island d) Action to Approve Purchase of Two Facilities Maintenance Service Vehicles from the Texas Building and Procurement Commission e) Action to Award a Contract for Group Dental Insurance f) Action to Adopt an Updated Investment Policy for the Defined Benefit Plan g) Action to Adopt an Investment Policy for the Defined Contribution Plan and Make Changes to the Investment Options Available to Employees h) Action to Approve the March 2006 Financial Report 5. Heard Update on RTAC Committee Activities 6. Approved Fare Study Recommendations "Briefing Paper" for Local Government Fare Review Committee with Modifications 7. Approved Reprogramming of the Existing Appropriation for Downtown Streetcar System Preliminary Engineering to Conduct a Comprehensive Regional Assessment of RTA Transit Services 8. Approved a "No Naming" Facilities and Shelter Station Recognition Policy 9. Heard Presentation on Lunch Express 10. Heard B-Line Report 11. Heard General Manager's Report 12. Held Closed Session to Provide Update on Personnel Matter 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), Carmen Arias (Board Secretary), Anna M. Flores, John Longoria, Crystal Lyons, Glenn Martin, Sara Salvide, John Valls Board Members Absent: David Martinez (Board Vice-Chair) SCANNED Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes May 10,2006 Page 2 Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez (General Manager), John Bell, Legal Counsel; David Seiler, Beth Vidaurri, Ed Carrion, Vangie Chapa, Fred Haley, Sylvia Castillo, Sharon Montez, Elias Sissamis, Lamont Taylor, Sharlene Sexton; Diana Jones; Lupe Castaneda; Tony Garza; Rudy Lopez; Carol Flowers; Tomas Jimenez; Chris Perkins; Pete Maldonado; Albert Gomez; Armando Vasquez; Diane Garcia; Armando Vasquez Public Present: Rick Medrano, Entrust; Ellen Scott, Chuck Linn, Wells Fargo Bank; Eloy Soza; Guadalupe Salazar, Clarissa Gomez, Rosie Aguiar, RTAEA; Deb Hovda, RTAC; Gayle Knight, MV Transportation Call to Order and Roll Call • The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Mr. Barrera at 8:30 a.m. and a quorum was declared present. Opportunity for Public Comment Mr. Eloy Soza stated that route connectivitywas improving. Mr. Guadalupe Salazar, RTAEA President, introduced.Clarissa Gomez as the new RTAEA representative. Ms. Clarissa Gomez expressed her desire to work with RTA in addressing employee concerns. She stated that her expertise was in benefit planning and public relations. She spoke on the importance of teamwork. Ms.. Rosie Aquiar commented.that RTA was moving in a positive direction due to the change in General Manager and Board Members. She spoke in favor of an open door policy. She handed out a newsletter regarding medicare benefits. Mr. Rolando Barrera reported that on Tuesday May 9, 2006 a check for $1 million was presented to the City of Corpus Christi as part of the RTA Street Improvement Program. Recognition of 2006 APTA Roadeo Competitors, Buccaneer Days Volunteer Float Decorating Group, and 1st Place Walking Program Team Mr. Sanchez first recognized the RTA mechanic team that participated in the 2006 APTA International Bus Roadeo mechanic competition. Mr. Lupe Castaneda an RTA employee for over twenty years; Mr. Rudy Lopez an RTA employee for over twenty-one years, and Mr. Tony Garza an RTA employee for over nine years were introduced separately; items of interest on each employee were shared. Secondly, Mr. Sanchez introduced Mr. Julian Carranza who had placed second in the APTA International Bus Roadeo 35 foot coach competition. He reported that Mr. Carranza had received a proclamation at the Corpus Christi City Council on Tuesday, May 9, 2006. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes May 10,2006 Page 3 Next Mr. Sanchez recognized the RTA Buccaneer Float Decorating Team whose efforts were spearheaded by Ms. Carol Flowers and Diane Garcia. Other members were Chris Perkins, Pete Maldonado, Tom Jimenez, Albert Gomez, Sharon Montez, Diana Jones, Melody Valdez, Vangie Chapa, Samantha Serino, Linda Falwell Stover, Julie Rodriguez, Delfina Cancino, Fidel Salas, Joe Benavides, Tony Gonzalez, and Melanie Gomez. Mr. Sanchez displayed the first place trophy won under the Miscellaneous Category for participating in the Buccaneer Parade. Ms. Flowers elaborated on how the Float Decorating Team was initiated and the obstacles experienced in completing the floats. She recognized the outstanding dedication from the facilities maintenance group in fabricating the two floats and other RTA employees who volunteered their time to decorate the floats. The final group recognized was the first place RTA walking team. Mr. Rick Medrano, Entrust Insurance, explained that the RTA nine-week walking program had ended on April 3, 2006. He cited both individual and team total steps (389,906 steps) reported by the winning team. The winning team was the Smooth Riders comprised of RTA employees Armando Vasquez, Tomas Jimenez, Amador Garcia, and Sandra Rodriguez. On behalf of Entrust Insurance, Mr. Medrano presented each team member present with a $50 Academy gift certificate. Consent Agenda a) Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of April 5, 2006 b) Action to Accept Committee Reports c) Action to Approve Awarding a Contract for the Replacement of Fluid Distribution Pipelines in the Vehicle Maintenance Shop and Fuel Island d) Action to Approve Purchase of Two Facilities Maintenance Service Vehicles from the Texas Building and Procurement Commission e) Action to Award a Contract for Group Dental Insurance f) Action to Adopt an Updated Investment Policy for the Defined Benefit Plan g) Action to Adopt an Investment Policy for the Defined Contribution Plan and Make Changes to the Investment Options Available to Employees h) Action to Approve the March 2006 Financial Report MS. LYONS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 4a THROUGH 4h. MS. SALVIDE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. VALLS, SALVIDE, LYONS, FLORES, BARRERA, AND MARTIN VOTING IN FAVOR. LONGORIA ABSTAINING ON CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 4e. MARTINEZ, ARIAS, AND BUCKLEY ABSENT. Update on RTAC Committee Activities Ms. Hovda reported on the April 20, 2006 meeting. She stated that the No Show Appeals Committee had heard five appeals; the Eligibility Appeals Committee had not Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes May 10,2006 Page 4 met; and action was taken on approval of changes to the RTAC appointment process. Reports on the B-Line service and CAF's were heard. An update on the ADA eligibility Process was provided and it was noted that approximately 15% of applicants were ineligible for B-Line service. Discussion and Possible Action To Approve Fare Study Recommendations "Briefing Paper" for Local Government Fare Review Committee Mr. Sanchez stated that the Board approved fare rates would be presented to the Local Government Fare Review Committee on Thursday, May 11, 2006 at the Solomon Ortiz Center. He reported that the Committee was comprised of eleven members appointed by the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County Commissioners, and Small City Mayors. Six of the appointed members had confirmed attendance. Mr. Seiler, using a Power Point presentation, explained that the fare increases being recommended were fixed route (including trolleys) from $0.50 to $0.75; fixed routes "transfers"from free to $.10; express/premium routes ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 would change to $1.25; and B-Line curb-to-curb service from $0.75 to $1.25. He pointed out that the Local Government Fare Review Committee would notbe addressing the ADA zone issue but that the RTA Board had voted to retain the 3/ mile ADA zone. He stated that as RTA's fixed route service expands, the ADA zone would also expand out to include less dense areas and that once an ADA zone is created it would be very difficult to reduce the zone in the future if needed. Mr. Sanchez reported that the initial new fare target implementation date of May 20, 2006 had been changed to the middle of August 2006 to allow more time for public outreach. Mr. Seiler reviewed a list of important questions that would be presented to the Local Government Fare Review Committee. Mr. Valls requested that the slide be revised to a questions and answers format to improve readability and understanding. Mr. Sanchez stated that the revised presentation would be forwarded. • Ms. Lyons requested that the presentation be omitted to allow staff time to prepare for tomorrow's presentation. She requested that every effort be made to decrease the anticipated projected 10% ridership loss. There was a brief discussion on the basis for the fare increases. Mr. Barrera cited rising fuel costs and Mr. Valls identified increased operational costs. Mr. Longoria requested that the introduction be changed to an executive summary page; that a fare study historical timeline including the public meetings held be included ending with the Local Government Fare Review Committee meeting; and that the focus of the information should be based on making thebusiness case. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes May 10,2006 Page 5 Mr. Martin stated that the briefing paper was very comprehensive. He noted that the Mayor of Port Aransas had not been appointed to the Local Government Fare Review Committee and that the Mayor of Robstown would not be attending the meeting. MR. VALLS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FARE STUDY RECOMMENDATONS "BRIEFING PAPER" FOR THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FARE REVIEW COMMITTEE. MR. MARTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. VALLS, SALVIDE, LONGORIA, LYONS, FLORES, ARIAS, MARTIN VOTING FOR. BUCKLEY AND MARTINEZ 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. Seiler reported that at the Key Stakeholders meeting held on April 21, 2006, in attendance were representatives from the City of Corpus Christi, Downtown Management District, Corpus Christi MPO, Port of Corpus Christi Authority, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Heart of Downtown. He reported that the Downtown Redevelopment Committee would be conducting a downtown transportation plan assessment which would be completed by September or October 2006 and would be compatible with and contribute as input into the Downtown transportation alternatives analysis segment of RTA's recommended study. The Port of Corpus Christi representative had indicated that the Port would be unable to participate in a streetcar project. The MPO stated that they could assist in the coordination of the study. Regarding the current efforts by RTA's legislative consultants on the reprogramming efforts, Mr. Seiler stated that discussions with staff aides in Congressman Ortiz's office have been favorable toward re-programming the funds to conduct a comprehensive regional assessment of RTA transit services. This effort would be a multi-step process in the House and the Senate. The re-programming, if approved, was anticipated to occur in late 2006 or early 2007. Mr. Longoria requested that both legislative consultants CHG &Associates and Van Scoyoc &Associates be involved in the re-programming process. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REPROGRAMMING OF THE EXISTING APPROPRIATION FOR DOWNTOWN STREETCAR SYSTEM PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF RTA TRANSIT SERVICES. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. VALLS, SALVIDE, LONGORIA, LYONS, FLORES, ARIAS, MARTIN VOTING FOR. BUCKLEY AND MARTINEZ ABSENT. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve a "No Naming" Facilities and Shelter Station Recognition Policy Mr. Sanchez reported that at the Administration Committee meeting held on April 26, 2006, the Committee had recommended adopting a "no naming" policy instead of the • • Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes May 10,2006 Page 6 proposed policy. Mr. Bell stated that, if approved, he would draft the policy and it would be included in the Board Policy Book. Mr. Valls requested that a copy of the adopted policy be sent to all Board Members. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT A "NO NAMING" FACILITIES AND SHELTER STATION RECOGNITION POLICY. MS. SALVIDE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. VALLS, SALVIDE, LONGORIA, ARIAS, MARTIN VOTING IN FAVOR. FLORES VOTED AGAINST. BUCKLEY AND MARTINEZ ABSENT. Presentation on Lunch Express Mr. Seiler, using a Power Point presentation, reported that the service would be provided as a trial "seasonal" route adjustment to encourage use of the Downtown Shuttle for convenient lunch trips by employees in the uptown and downtown areas and tourists and to increase the ridership base. It would run Monday through Friday during the 11 a.m. —2 p.m. period. He reviewed the route configuration. RTA staff was working with Heart of Downtown, Downtown Management District and several downtown restaurants to purchase advertising on the trolley to offset some of the operational expenses. Mr. Barrera expressed that he was not in favor of providing the service at no charge. Mr. Seiler stated that the free fare would be temporary. Mr. Sanchez stated that the Board would receive updates on the Lunch Express service. B-Line Report Ms. Knight, reporting for the month of March 2006, stated that compared to March 2005 ridership had increased by 1.1 percent and wheelchair boardings had decreased from 3,304 to 2,929. Compared to the previous month ridership had increased by 13.4 percent. Under service performance indicators., she stated that there were zero denials; PPH (passengers per hour) was 2.57 which was above the contract standard of 2.5; and on time performance was 98.6 percent which was above contract standard of 95 percent. In conclusion, Ms. Knight stated that the number of CAF's (customer assistance forms) had decreased from the previous month. She pointed out the table included in the report and reported that for the month of March, MV Transportation had not met the standard for the monthly miles between road calls but had met the standard for the twelve-month rolling average. General Manager's Report: Mr. Sanchez announced that the Harbor Ferry service kickoff would be held at the Ortiz Convention Center on Thursday, Mary 25, 2006. Mr. Valls requested that the event be Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes May 10,2006 Page 7 held at a different location. Mr. Sanchez stated that staff would look at the feasibility of changing the venue. Continuing with his report, Mr. Sanchez stated that RTA employees would be participating in Operation Paintbrush on Saturday, May 20, 2006. They would be painting a house on 3101 Houston Street. He encouraged participation and stated that the event would start at 7 a.m. The RTA would be hosting the Mayor's Interagency meeting on Thursday June 1, 2006 on the.Harbor Ferry boat. He stated that RTA had been recognized by Universal Little League for their sponsorship. Mr. Valls extended an invitation for the Celebrate Tourism luncheon sponsored by the Convention and Visitors Bureau at the Omni Hotel to be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2006. - Ms. Salvide extended an invitation to the grand opening of the Gonzalez Recreation Center to be held on Monday, May 15, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. Closed Session to Provide Update on Personnel Matter Mr. Barrera announced at 9:54 a.m. that the Board would be going into closed session in order to discuss Item 12 on the agenda concerning an update on personnel matter under Section 551.074 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Mr. Barrera reconvened the meeting at 10:11 a.m. • Adjournment • • The meeting was adjourned 10:20 a.m. a_4(.,,760 Carmen Arias Board Secretary Date