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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 09/06/2006 y�9y; , REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY NT NS BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING j RECEIVED rszir WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 CITY SECRETARY S E OFFICE it) SUMMARY OF ACTIONS 1. Held Roll Call 2: Provided Opportunity for Public Comment 3. Approved the Maintenance Facility Financing Plan 4. Adopted Wellness Plan Program (Board Goal 4) 5. Confirmed Ad-Hoc Committee Appointments by the Board Chair 6. Heard Update on RTAC Committee Activities 7. Consent Agenda a) Approved the Board of Directors' and Planning Session Minutes of August 2, 2006 b) Accepted Committee Reports c) Authorized.Issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Professional Services for Grant Consulting d) Approved the July 2006 Financial Report e) Authorized Entering into an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Corpus Christi and the Downtown Management District(DMD) for the DTown Streetscape and DTown Wayfinding Assessment Project f) Exercised a One-Year Option with VPSI Commuter Vanpools for Vanpool Vehicle Leasing Services g) Issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Replacement and Installation of.One (1) Maintenance Bus Lift h) Awarded a Contract for Maintenance Uniform Rental and Related Items 8. Approved the 2006 Second Quarter Defined Contribution Plan Report 9. Approved the 2006 Second Quarter Defined Benefit Plan Report 10.Authorized Negotiating and Entering Into a Contract with KFH Group Inc. for ADA Assessment Services (Board Goal #2) 11.Heard B-Line Report 12.Heard Presentation on 2007 Operating Budget 13.Tabled Presentation of 2007 Board Goals 14.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: Rolando Barrera (Board Chair),.David Martinez, (Board Vice-Chair), Mannti Cummins, Anna M. Flores, John Longoria,,Crystal Lyons, Dr. Maurice Portis, Sara Salvide, John Valls ' Board Members Absent: Carmen Arias (Board Secretary), Glenn Martin SCANNED ' T » I _ Regional Transportation Authority ., Board of Directors Meeting Minutes i ' September 6,2006 Page 2 Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez (General Manager), John.Bell, Legal Counsel; David Seiler, Beth Vidaurri, Vangie Chapa, Ed Carrion, Sylvia Castillo, Sharon Montez, David Seiler, Elias Sissamis, Lamont Taylor, Sharlene Sexton Public Present: Abel Alonzo; Dr. Van Oort, Practiva-Health; Eloy Soza, AARP; Ellen Scott, Chuck Linn; Wells Fargo; Debby Hovda, RTAC; Arnold DeLaPaz, DLP Group; Nova Shields, Dana Smith, Edna Arredondo, Carlos Vargas, MV Transportation; Guadalupe Salazar, Rosie Aguiar, RTAEA Call to Order and Roll Call The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Mr. Barrera at 8:35 a.m. 'y Opportunity for Public Comment Mr. Abel Alonzo spoke on his knowledge about public transportation and commented on various positive remarks he has been hearing regarding Corpus Christi RTA under the leadership of Mr. Sanchez. • Pending arrival of Mr. Goodman, Mr. Barrera postponed discussion of Agenda Item 3 and called for consideration of Agenda Item 4, Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt Wellness Plan Program (Board Goal 4) • Mr. Sanchez introduced Ms. Willey who would be presenting the proposed wellness program plan, which was the final deliverable for Board Goal#4. Ms. Willey stated that the vision of the program was to provide employees with an opportunity to participate in wellness activities and receive health improvement information. She stated that the program's primary goal was to encourage healthy behavior and living through a variety of activities and educational information and improving each employee's health status by providing the opportunity and resources to become personally involved in the management of care. The program, according to Ms. Willey, would provide health coaches, activities and goals based on the individual's needs; health screenings; education and training in injury prevention; and provide incentives, recognition, and encouragement to ensure their success. She noted that the wellness benefits would be linked into the health plan. She referenced the employee survey which was included in the packet. - Addressing the budget impact, Ms. Willey stated that for FY2006, the proposed budget was $20,000 for program implementation; massage therapy services; and employee incentives. For FY2007 the proposed budget was $$50,000 for assessments which Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes September 6,2006 Page 3 would targeting employees in high-risk categories as determined by Practiva; education and health fairs; training sessions to promote a safe working environment; and incentives. She stated that quarterly reports would be provided. • Mr. Longoria asked that comprehensive reviews of the program be implemented and be reviewed by the Health Insurance Committee to address trends. Ms. Sexton stated that Entrust would be providing a quarterly health plan review to the Board. -Ms. Wille introduced..Dr. Van Oort with Practiva.lealth. He provided background information on hiscompany's expertise in developing company health plans. He explained preventable and modifiable health claims. He stated that RTA was on the high part of average. Currently about 50% of the drugs purchased by participants on the RTA health plan were for chronic disease conditions. He stated that the goal was to reach people before they incur the health costs; identify people at risk for chronic conditions and motivate them to take proactive steps to improve health; provide a framework to promote good health; and manage and measure the program. Explaining the proposed program, Dr. Van Ort stated that they would start with a survey tool, supplemented with lab data. This data would be analyzed and a report provided to the participant. The participants would be evaluated quarterly. A web-based management reporting tool would be available to aid in managing and tracking the program. . In summary, Dr. Van Oort stated that a successful program has a targeted approach; incremental goal setting to ensure continuous participation; investment by both the participant and RTA; meaningful and realistic targets for employees; and spouse participation. . a In response to.Mr. Barrera, Ms. Willey stated that for the proposed P(2007 wellness budget of$50,000, the program cost would be approximately$15,000 to $20,000 based on 160 participants with only high-risk participants receiving on-going assessments. Approximately$30,000 would be used for incentives. Mr. Barrera requested that staff provide a detailed budget for all planned wellness activities. • . There was a brief discussion on the survey results and proposed incentive program. Mr. Sanchez stated that prior to the next Board meeting a detailed incentive program would be presented. He explained that the recommendation was for approval of the formal wellness plan, which provided for Practiva Health to be a subcontractor under the RTA insurance plan with Entrust. Regional Transportation Authority • Board of Directors Meeting Minutes September 6,2006 Page 4 In response to Mr. Barrera, Ms. Willey stated that the interactive program would be implemented in October 2006. Responding to Mr. Barrera, Ms. Willey stated that Board Members would be eligible to participate in some aspects of the wellness program but would not be eligible for full participation. MR. CUMMINS MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT WELLNESS PLAN PROGRAM. MS. SALVIDE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Action to Approve the Maintenance Facility Financing Plan Mr. Barry Goodman with Goodman Corporation introduced Mr. Bryan Brown who has participated in developing the financing plan for the RTA's maintenance facility. Mr. Goodman stated that the objective was to identify financial alternatives to expedite refurbishment of RTA's maintenance facility. He stated that the estimated cost projection for the facility should be amended by adding $300,000 for completion of construction.documents and $200,000 for construction oversight for a project cost of $7.5 million. He stated that there were enough contingencies to provide for phased construction but that there would be a savings if the construction were completed in a short timeframe. Explaining Alternative 1 — Fully fund from existing local cash resources using a single contract. Mr. Goodman stated that this plan would involve using Transportation Development Credits (TDCs) to free up approximately$2.9 million in local cash match; redesigning of two of the RTA's reserve policies to be tied to expense budgets and divided into controllable and uncontrollable expenses which would free up about$1.3 million; and spending part of the RTA's capital replacement reserve. ExplainingAlternative 2 — Fully fund from existing local cash resources-and phasingthe project. Mr. Goodman stated that this approach would provide for phasing in the project in coordination with possible funding streams. Explaining Alternative 3 — Public/private financing. Mr. Goodman stated that this alternative would add the cost of interest charges. Mr. Goodman recommended Alternative 1, which would entail obtaining a Letter of No Prejudice (LONP), which would allow the RTA to incur construction costs in advance of receiving Federal funds. He noted that his estimate was that the project could be completed at about$6 to $6.5 million, continue to seek federal funding and end up reimbursing up to 80% of your construction costs. To receive a LONP, the project needed to be in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP); the State Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes September 6,2006 Page 5 Transportation Improvement Program (STIP); have an environmental analysis; and be bid out following federal guidelines. In summary, Mr. Goodman stated that the recommendation was to adopt Alternative 1; pursue approval of TDCs through MPO and TxDOT; adopt a new operating reserve policy; and pursue approval of LONP to protect local cash spent for reimbursement. There was a discussion on the objectives and timelineneeded to implement Alternative 1. Mr. Goodman pointed out that bids could be issued but contracts could not be awarded prior to receiving the LONP. Mr. Barrera initiated a discussion on using a construction management at risk process to ensure that the project would be built within budget. Mr. Bell stated that he was not aware that the construction management at risk process was permitted under Chapter 451. Mr. Goodman stated that the project would be considered to be state funded since TDCs would be used and the contractor was required to go out for bids for the subcontractors, thereby meeting the competitive bid requirement. There was discussion ranging from construction management at risk process to TDCs. Mr. Goodman stated that he would provide a list of successful Texas construction projects which have used the construction management at risk process. He set a target date of the November Board meeting for acquiring TDCs. He also recommended obtaining letters of support for the project from Congressman Ortiz and State Representatives. Mr. Barrera asked that a process flow chart be developed. MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MAINTENANCE u FACILITY FINANCING PLAN. MR. MARTINEZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Action to Confirm Ad-Hoc Committee Appointments by the Board Chair MS. FLORES MADE-A MOTION TO CONFIRM AD-HOC COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS BY THE BOARD CHAIR. MS. SALVIDE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Update on RTAC Committee Activities Ms. Hovda reported on the August 17, 2006 RTAC meeting. She stated that the No Show Appeals Committee had heard four appeals; the Eligibility Appeals Committee Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes September 6,2006 Page 6 had heard fiveappeals; reports had been presented on "origin to destination" service standards; the impact the Advance Reservations Policy has had on No Shows; B-Line monthly and mid-year performance; board library website; and the number and types of CAFs received for the month. Consent Agenda Mr. Barrera 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. Mr. Longoria asked to pull Item c. Mr. Barrera called for a motion on,the..followingconsent items: a) Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' and Planning Session Minutes of August 2, 2006 b) Action to Accept Committee Reports d) Action to Approve the July 2006 Financial Report e) Action to Authorize Entering into an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Corpus Christiandthe Downtown Management District(DMD) for the DTown Streetscape and DTown Wayfindinq Assessment Project f) Action to Exercise a One Year Option with VPSI Commuter Vanpools for Vanpool Vehicle Leasing Services g) Action to Issue an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Replacement and Installation of One (1) Maintenance Bus Lift h) Action to Award a Contract for Maintenance Uniform Rental and Related Items MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 7a, 7b, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g AND 7h. MS. LYONS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. c) '.-ACtio€rto Authorize Issuing a Request for.Qualifications•:(RFQ).for,::. Professional Services for Grant Consulting Mr. Longoria initiated a discussion on the feasibility, of utilizing Mr. Goodman to assist the RTA in the grant consulting process. Mr. Sanchez stated that since a Request for Qualifications was being issued, as opposed to a Request for Proposals, there would be flexibility for Mr. Goodman to submit a proposal. MS. LYONS MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE ISSUING A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR GRANT. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes September 6,2006 Page 7 CONSULTING. MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Action to Approve the 2006 Second Quarter Defined Contribution Plan Report Mr. Chuck Linn, with Wells Fargo, highlighted the following items in the report: 1) equity market over the second quarter was negative except for large value and the international market; 2) current evaluations of the average Price/earnings perspective was 15.9 and the trend is below that line; 3) equities in general were under value; 4) fixed income target rate was 6% but current rate was below; 5) economic indicators such as GDP, and corporate earnings were positive; and 6) the economy was strong. He projected that the Federal Reserve Bank would be raising their rates in October. Continuing with his report, Mr. Linn stated that managed accounts were added to the Plan. Employee meetings were held and 28 out of the 75 meeting participants elected to use managed accounts. He stated that beginning on October 1, 2006theoverall fees would be lowered from $24,000 to $14,000. This was based on the Plan's growth. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2006 SECOND QUARTER DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN REPORT. MS. SALVIDE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Action to Approve the-2006 Second Quarter Defined Benefit Plan Report Mr. Chuck Linn reported that the Defined Benefit Plan had experienced a large growth: At the end of June it was $15.5 million as of Monday the Plan was over$16 million. For the twelve-month period, the Plan was up 7.3% net of all fees compared to the market benchmark of 4.8%. He credited a portion of the gain to the Committee's decision to allow Wells Fargo to use Tactical Equity Allocation Range. MR.MALLS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 20O6'SECOND°QUARTER DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN REPORT. MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Linn noted that Request for Proposals for pension services had been released. He recommended that if the decision was made to move to another firm, that the decision be made the early part of October to provide for a smooth plan transition. Action to Authorize Negotiating and Entering Into a Contract with KFH Group Inc. for ADA Assessment Services (Board Goal #2) Mr. Eloy Soza expressed his support for approving entering into a contract with KFH Group based on Mr. Ken Hosen's expertise. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes September 6,2006 Page 8 Mr. Seiler informed the Board that the objective of this project was to get an overall assessment of the RTA's programs, policies, practices, bus stops and stations, transit building facilities, and procedures related to services and activities in response to Board Goal #2. He stated that three proposals were received in response to a Request for Qualifications. Staffs analysis concluded that the response by the KFH Group was the most qualified response. KFH had extensive experience in ADA services; comprised of a nationally recognized team of experts; and had the strongest and most detailed work approach. Mr. Seiler noted that the RTAC Committee had endorsed this recommendation. Ms. Lyons requested that MV Transportation personnel be involved in the process as well as any discussions held with Mr. Hosen. MS. LYONS MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE NEGOTIATING AND ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT WITH KFH GROUP INC. FOR ADA ASSESSMENT SERVICES (BOARD GOAL#2). MS. SALVIDE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. B-Line Report • Ms. Fallwell-Stover introduced Mr. Carlos Vargas, MV Transportation's Operations Manager. She then reported that for the month of July 2006 ridership compared to July 2005 was 3.2% higher and compared to the previous month was 7.1% lower. There were 3,134 wheelchair hoardings; zero denials; passengers per hour was 2.58;-on time performance was 98%. Ms. Faliwell-Stover reviewed the CAF's (Customer Assistance Forms) for the month of July. Presentation on 2007 Operating Budget Mr. Sissamis, using a PowerPoint presentation,' indicated that the 2007 budget goals were to comply with the RTA's vision, mission, values, and 2007 Board goals. He noted that according to the budget calendar, budget adoption would be in December. Mr. Sissamis cited the following challenges to the budget: high fuel and energy prices; unusual sales tax trends; rising health and other insurance; increasing maintenance costs; growing Paratransit demand; maintaining existing fixed route levels; containing overtime; general inflationary growth; and living within sales tax funding. Referencing opportunities, Mr. Sissamis cited recent economic growth in the area; aggressive pursuit of non-traditional grants; fare increase; and alliances with City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, MPO and DMD. He reviewed major budget trends and assumptions in detail. The goal is to minimize expenses and allow sales tax revenue to exceed expenses. A , • Regional Transportation Authority -Board of Directors Meeting Minutes September 6,2006 Page 9 Mr. Barrera recommended that a 2007 budget presentation be given at all subsequent Committee meetings. Presentation of 2007 Board Goals The consensus of the Board was to table the presentation to the next Board meeting. General Manager's Report Mr. Sanchez updated the Board on the following RTA activities: during Bayfest RTA would be providing transportation assistance and also supplemental paratransit transportation on their Senior Day event; the ribbon cutting event for the Jones/Linton bridge improvements was held on August 31, 2006 and was successful; RTA held a health fair.on Friday, September 1, 2006 and 17 care providers participated; an update S . on the fare increase would be provided at the next Administration Committee meeting; the 2007 United Way campaign had been held in partnership with MV employees and approximately $15,000 had been donated by RTA and MV employees; employee massage therapy sessions would be held this Friday and would continue monthly. He drew the Board's attention to the APTA letter in the packet notifying RTA that four of their entries in the APTA AdWheel Awards had won first place. Mr. Barrera expressed his appreciation to Chuck Trexler, Vangie Chapa, and Sharon • Montez for participating in the CHIPS enrollment outreach over the weekend. Adjournment There being no further comment, the meeting was adjourned at 11:02 a.m.. CAP nadeLloe}M/ Carmen Arias Date