Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 12/06/2006 isS ie REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY sn56 ,��' BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING / - `' , WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2006CID °' FEB2001 f SUMMARY OF ACTIONS Ft RECEIVED `a` CITY SECRETARY'S 1. Held Roll Call ,c2„, OFFICE 2. Provided Opportunity for Public Comment 3. Heard Presentation on the RTA's Financial Assessment Submitted;=by Sharon Greene & Associates 4. Confirmed Committee Appointments by the Board Chair 5. Heard Update on Committee Activities 6. Reappointed RTAC Committee Member Ruby Rieder 7. Approved the Following Conserv t Agenda Items: a) Approved the Board of Director's Minutes of November 1, 2006 b) Accepted Committee Reports c) Exercised the Option Year for Transmission Rebuilding Services with Prevost Bus Parts d) Awarded a Contract to Susser Petroleum for Unleaded Fuel e) Exercised the Option Year with Oil Patch Petroleum Inc. for Diesel Fuel f) Approved the Federal Transit Administration's 2007 Certifications and Assurances g) Approved the 2006 Third Quarter Defined Contribution Plan h) Approved the 2006 Third Quarter Defined Benefit Plan i) Approved the JARC Grant Application to FTA j) Approved the October 2006 Financial Report 8. . Adopted the 2007 Operating and Capital Budget 9. Approved a Contract to Southern Staffing for Temporary Services and Issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Temporary Services 10. Approved the 2007 Group Health Plan Design 11. Adopted Changes to the 2007 Classification and Compensation Plan 12. Heard B-Line Report 13. Heard Presentation on "Southside Express" Service Trial 14. Heard General Manager's Report 15. Extended the General Manager's Employment Agreement 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), Anna M. Flores, John Longoria, Crystal Lyons, Dr. Maurice Portis, Sara Salvide, John Valls Board Members Absent: Mannti Cummins, Glenn Martin SCANNED Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6, 2006 Page 2 Staff. Present: Ricardo Sanchez (General Manager), John Bell, (Legal Counsel); David Seiler, Ed Carrion, Sylvia Castillo, Vangie Chapa, Linda Fallwell-Stover, Sharon Montez, Thomas Paolillo, Elias Sissamis, Lamont Taylor, Martin Trevino, Ruth Willey, Diana Jones Public Present: Eric Rouse, Sharon Greene and Associates; Rick Medrano, Entrust; Brenda Fernandez, Edna Arredondo, Carlos Vargas, MV Transportation; Deb Hovda, Eloy Soza, RTAC; Rosie Aguiar, Lupe Salazar, RTAEA Call to Order and Roll Call Mr. Barrera called the Board of Directors' meeting to order at 8:35 a.m. Opportunity for Public Comment Ms. Rosie Aguiar thanked Mr. Sanchez for allowing the RTAEA to participate in various employee discussions such as the employee compensation and health plan programs discussions. She also offered a calendar to Mr. Sanchez that incorporated motivational comments from a local home health care center. Presentation on the RTA's Financial Assessment Submitted by Sharon Greene & Associates . Mr. Sissamis introduced Mr. Eric Rouse noting that this presentation was being done in fulfillment of the financial aspect of Fiscal 2006 Board Goal #1. He also noted that some additional information has been added to the presentation that was previously given at the November Administration Committee meeting in response to requests made by board members. Mr. Rouse stated that at the Board's request, a financial assessment of the RTA was completed and that his PowerPoint presentation concerns an assessment of the financial health of the agency, including a comparison with peer transit systems, a review of historical financial data to determine revenue and cost trends and an evaluation of existing . long range model assumptions and projections The presentation also included identification of some"hot items" of cost trends that could affect the agency's current and long range financial health and some recommendations for addressing these items. Regarding the peer analysis, the RTA was compared with other transit properties with similar characteristics using the most recent (2004) published data available through the National Transit Database. Mr. Rouse reported the following principal findings; . Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6, 2006 Page 3 • RTA performed higher in terms of ridership; • RTA's services primarily targets transit-dependent riders; • Vehicle fleet size consisted of a larger total fleet and,a smaller peak fleet, mostly due to having a hurricane fleet in addition to a customary contingency fleet and delaying the retirement'of older vehicles with a newer untested fleet at the time; • RTA buses are driven more average miles due to the comparatively larger service area; • Fewer service interruptions related to mechanical failures; - • Higher bus passengers per trip and per revenue mile for both fixed route and paratransit services; • Lower cost per trip and cost per revenue hour; • Lower reliance on using capital grants for operating and maintenance and greater reliance on local sales tax compared to how other transits in the peer group funded their operating budgets; • RTA has a lower farebox recovery of 7% versus the peer average of 2%; and • Slightly greater federal participation and more reliance on dedicated sales tax for funding its capital projects. Mr. Rouse thenpresented an analysis showing that although the RTA's various funding sources have remained about the same since 1997, significant cost increases have occurred. As a percent of total budget, costs related to human resources, maintenance and purchase transportation cost centers had increased while transportation was less of a share of the overall budget over time. He added that system service levels .have remained relatively constant a over the years; however, the budget has increased for factors other than increases in services. When comparing sales tax revenue trends to expense trends, expenses have grown faster. Mr. Rouse then presented a "what 'if" scenario that depicted this trend continuing without growth in service levels. This could result in potentially local funding shortfalls and ultimately a deficit cash situation. In, response to Mr. Longoria referring this scenario, Mr. Rouse estimated that the deficiency gap would be approximately $1 million to $3 million a year potentially. Mr. Rouse continued by stating that the RTA's financial trends are consistent with trends experienced by transit systems across the country. The RTA could begin' addressing the findings of the financial assessment. Actions should be taken that will make services- as cost effective as possible, bring cost growth in line with revenue growth and coordinate service planning with financial planning. Mr. Rouse then identified four key areas of"Hot Items" as follows: • Conduct COA and develop Service Plan • Continue to improve data collection and analysis Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6, 2006 Page 4 • Continue to address growth in key expenses: a. Personnel Costs b. Paratransit c. Fuel d. Vehicle Maintenance • Identify and target additional revenue sources - The RTA needs to perform a Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) to survey routes, identify poor performing segments and make the necessary changes to improve efficiency. The RTA also needs to develop a service plan since there has not a long-range plan developed since the mid-80's. There is a need to improve service planning tools by conducting a Comprehensive Operations Analysis, developing short term service improvements to improve efficiency and cost- effectiveness of current services, identifying current and future passenger travel patterns, identifying areas with latent demand for transit and developing incremental service change scenarios as blueprint for the future. The RTA also needs to continue improving its data collection and analysis. The COA would also help with this by providing a baseline of current services, thus allowing staff to monitor any changes in route productivity afterwards and make incremental improvements to gain some efficiencies. Regarding personnel costs, Mr. Rouse stated that the agency has taken several actions aimed at controlling these costs. Other initiatives to be considered are gradually reducing scheduled overtime as part of the run-cutting process, pursuing training for run-cutting, improving the speed for operator and mechanic vacancy recruitment and reduce unscheduled overtime Mr. Rouse stated that one measure RTA should consider related to the growth and cost of its paratransit services would be to include a clause in its next contract solicitation that limits the growth in contractor billing rates to something like a 3% increase per year.Responding to Mr. Longoria, Mr. Rouse stated that a maximum of 3% increase should be part of future negotiations for contracted paratransit services. Mr. Sissamisnoted that there are various benefits of limiting annual increases in the contract. The most serious concern about not considering growth in billing rates is that proposals might be based in part on initial lower initial billing rates that later grow ata faster rate than the growth in sales tax. Mr. Rouse continued his presentation and discussed various items that other transit agencies have implemented in order to contain cost and/or make the existing paratransit service more cost effective. One particular item of interest was seeking a portion of municipal ADA parking violation fines to fund paratransit operations. i 11.e a1 Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6, 2006 Page 5 There was discussion regarding the possibility of capturing some of the ADA parking. violation fines that are currently dedicated toward making municipal infrastructure ADA compliant. Mr. Valls stated that at a recent meeting he attended, the downtown area was identified as needing ADA improvements. He asked Mr. Bell to research this item and suggested that the volume of fines assessed may be too small to make it effective to pursue. He suggested that staff contact Norma Urban since she would be making a public information request of the City regarding dollars received for fines over the last 3 years. Ms. Lyons voiced her concern that there were a high amount of dismissed tickets: and fines for ADA parking violations. She further stated that the City has a Committee for Persons with Disabilities and suggested coordinating with them first. Ms. Fallwell-Stover, who serves.as Chair of the City's Committee for Persons with Disabilities assured the Board the similar issues addressing fines are on the agenda for discussion later today. Mr. Sanchez suggested placing this topic of discussion on the agenda for the upcoming Legislative Retreat. Mr. Longoria requested further discussion on whether fines collected by the municipal court are being directed to ADA funds. Ms. Fallwell- Stover responded to Mr. Valls noting.that the.City is not currently dedicating funding to address ADA accessibility in the community. Mr. Barrera requested Ms. Fallwell- Stover attend the Board's Planning / Legislative meeting to summarize discussion at her upcoming meeting. In response to Mr. Valls, Mr. Sanchez stated that various initiatives would be discussed at the upcoming Legislative Retreat on December 11, 2006. Mr. Rouse concluded stating that the final report would be submitted by the end of December 2006. He thanked RTA's staff for their participation and assistance in this project. Mr. Barrera appreciated the information provided for each individual peer and requested Staff to provide an additional slide to include the source of revenue that would show how efficient RTA is when comparing level of funding. Action.to Confirm Committee Appointments by the Board Chair Mr. Barrera congratulated Mr. Longoria on being elected to serve on the Corpus Christi Independent School Board. He then requested confirmation of his appointment of Mr. Valls as Administration Committee chairman and Mr. Longoria as Planning Ad Hoc Committee chairman. . DR. PORTIS MADE A MOTION TO CONFIRM COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS BY THE BOARD CHAIR. MS. SALVIDE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Rcsiona1 Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6, 2006 Page 6 Update on RTAC Committee Activities Ms. Hovda briefly highlighted RTAC activities for November 2006. She reported on the No Show Appeals and Eligibility Appeals Committee meetings; recommendation to reappoint Ms. Ruby Rieder for a final two-year term on the RTAC Committee; policies and procedures for "door-to-door" service; updates on Customer Assistance Form (CAF) Policy; the Title I ADA Audit; and the RTA Website. She also reported that GAF's had decreased by 43% compared to October 2005. Discussion and Possible Action to Reappoint One RTAC Committee Member (Ruby Rieder) MS. LYONS MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT RUBY RIEDER TO SERVE A TWO-YEAR TERM ON THE RTAC COMMITTEE. MR. MARTINEZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Consent Agenda Mr. Barrera called for consideration of Consent Agenda Items 7a through 7j. He asked if there were any items that should be pulled from the consent agenda. There being none, he called for a motion on the following consent items: a) Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of November 1, 2006 b) Action to Accept Committee Reports c) Action to Exercise the Option Year for Transmission Rebuilding Services with Prevost Bus Parts d) .Action to Award a Contract to Susser Petroleum for Unleaded Fuel e) Action to Exercise the Option Year with Oil Patch Petroleum Inc. for Diesel Fuel f) Action to Approve the Federal Transit Administration's 2007 Certifications and Assurances g) Action to Approve the 2006 Third Quarter Defined Contribution Plan h) Action to Approve the 2006 Third Quarter Defined Benefit Plan i) Action to Approve the JARC Grant Application to FTA j) Action to Approve the October 2006 Financial Report MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 7a THROUGH 7j. MS. LYONS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. R.6.6 ia1 Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6, 2006 Page 7 Action to Adopt the 2007 Operating and Capital Budget Mr. Sissamis noted. that presentations were given to both the Operations and Administrative Committees. He stated that the agency's focus for Fiscal 2007 is on realignment, which includes: • The Authority's Mission • Board Goals • Community Outreach & Education • Improving / Developing Partnerships • Buses & Maintenance Facility • Revenues & Cost Containment Opportunities •. Transition Initiatives for Paratransit Riders • Employee Wellness • Succession Planning / Leadership 'Development Mr. Sissamis stated that the operating budget plans for no changes in fixed route service levels, a 4% increase for paratransit trips and that all requests for new service would be subject to identifying the source of funding for them. The budget _ includes all of the Board's nine goals for 2007. The operating budget totals $23.7 million and Mr. Sissamis discussed the key revenue and expense assumptions while noting that expenses are budgeted to grow at about 8.8%over 2006 compared to assumed growth in sales tax of 3%. He then walked through, the details of changes by major object code between 2006 and 2007. Mr. Sissamis then discussed the capital budget. This budget consists of both existing projects that are being "rolled forward" into 2007 and new projects. He then provided a breakdown of each of those sections by major category - vehicles; bus stops/other improvements, furniture/equipment, information technology and miscellaneous. The budget includes several items aimed at addressing the findings of the Sharon Greene financial assessment, specifically developing a service plan, improving data collection and analysis, growth in personnel costs, paratransit initiatives, fuel cost control and identifying new revenue sources. He then identified various proactive realignment measures that would be taking place during 2007 in order to position the agency for a 2008 budget that does not rely on FTA 5307 capital grants in order to be balanced. These measures include: • Building on progress already made; • Increased review of policies and practices; R� t _:�ial Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6, 2006 Page 8 • Enhancing organizational efficiencies and accountability; • Taking action on the Greene Study issues; and • Holding Board sessions in the form of budget workshop(s) Mr. Sissamis noted that state law requires a 14-day public review period prior to adoption of the budget. That period began November 14, 2006 and has concluded. Therefore, staff recommended adopting the 2007 budget. Mr. Valls asked if there was an increase in sales tax due to the bowlers' convention. Mr. Sissamis stated that there were no notable changes in sales tax growth during the convention period compared to the growth experienced afterward. Mr. Sissamis continued his presentation noting changes to the classification of positions with projected savings of approximately $30,000. Mr. Longoria stated that consolidating positions might assist in getting a handle on costs. Mr. Valls appreciated the outline of the organizational chart and commended staff for their hard work in putting it together. In response to Mr. Valls, Mr. Sissamis stated that the hourly rate increase for security services would be an overall increase of approximately $57,000. Mr. Valls suggested tapping into Homeland Security funds and suggested further discussion be considered at the Legislative meeting. Responding to Dr. Portis, Mr. Sissamis stated that Sharon Greene's presentation would not have an immediate impact but was geared toward a long-term focus, which would gradually affect the financial health of the agency's budget. Mr. Valls asked whether the Robstown Center was included in the bus stop improvements. Mr. Sissamis responded that it was included in the projects that were "rolled forward." In reply to Mr. Valls, Mr. Carrion stated that ADART was part of the 2007 Board Goals and that staff has developed a plan of action to partner with a company or companies to get this project up and running. MR. VALLS MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT THE 2007 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET. MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve a Contract with Southern Staffing for Temporary Services and to Issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Temporary Services • R_a:'nal Transportation Authority • Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6, 2006 Page 9 Ms. Castillo stated that due to vacancies in various departments, the current expenditure for temporary services had exceeded $15,000. Therefore, Board approval was needed in order to comply with policies and procedures. Staff was recommending awarding a temporary services contract to Southern Staffing, Inc. through December 2006. Also recommended was issuing an RFP for temporary services. A recommendation would be submitted in January 2007 to the Administration Committee. Responding to Mr. Valls, Mr. Sanchez stated that obtaining a contract with multiple temporary agencies would provide access to a diverse set of skills. DR. PORTIS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A CONTRACT TO SOUTHERN STAFFING FOR TEMPORARY SERVICES AND TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR TEMPORARY SERVICES. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the 2007 Group Health Plan Design Mr. Barrera commended Ms. Willey for handling various duties in the absence of a Human Resources Director. Ms.. Willey provided the Board with an overview of the recommended changes including a comparison of the current and proposed plan costs that were provided in a handout to the Board. Mr. Valls asked what the plan funding was based on. Ms. Willey indicated that funding was projected based on average staffing levels. Ms. Willey stated that an estimated $240,000 would be placed in the reserve at the end of 2006 depending on the year-end claims, Mr. Sissamis concurred. It was also clarified that the reserve fund.has a cap of$500,.000. Ms. Willey then introduced Mr. Medrano with Entrust. Mr. Medrano explained in greater detail the proposed changes to the Health Insurance Program, which included eliminating the $20 co-pay for, routine services such as doctor visits. He outlined the plan with a benefit allowance, which includes a $750 annual benefit allowance per individual, and $1500 for family. He indicated that visits to the Doctor Center will continue to be no charge to employees and will not be deducted from the annual benefit allowance. He also pointed out that in-network charges that are deducted from the benefit allowance would be at the discounted rates and that generic prescriptions will also not require a co-pay. He added that Spohn network would send an update of physicians and/or providers currently on the network on a monthly basis. u\—_) • R'_a_ na1 Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6, 2006 Page 10 Responding to Mr. Valls, Mr. Medrano stated that this concept was not new in the industry and that other local agencies were have implemented these types of plans. Mr. Barrera added that a letter would be given to participants to take to the doctor noting that the individual has a benefit allowance and should not be charged co- pays. In addition, Mr. Medrano added that when receiving verification of benefits and eligibility, doctor's offices would be informed whether or not the individual should or should not be charged co-pay. Mr. Valls suggested the information be placed on the back of the health insurance card in lieu of a letter. Discussion regarding generic and brand name prescriptions took place. Ms. Willey stated that employees had received information via the employee newsletter concerning prescription options that are currently being provided at various retailers. She stated that she would follow Mr. Valls suggestion and post additional information in the employee lunchrooms. Mr. Medrano noted that 80% of employees and participants have not exceeded $750 of discounted charges for routine services and therefore would not be impacted by this change. Mr. Valls asked what benefits would be available to employees after they exhausted the benefit allowance. Mr. Medrano stated that charges would roll over to the deductible and once the monthly deductible met, benefits would be covered at 100%. Mr. Sanchez thanked Mr. Barrera for devoting many hours of his time to assisting staff in developing this plan design and meeting with the employee groups and Entrust for offering various options. Mr. Barrera requested that Mr. Bell draft a bill to allow Board members to participate in the Health Plan since several of the members were self-employed. In addition, he stated that participating in the Plan would also help to educate and familiarize the Board with the Plan. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2007 GROUP HEALTH PLAN DESIGN. MS. LYONS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Action to Recommend the Board Adopt Recommended Changes to the 2007 Classification and Compensation Plan Ms. Willey informed the Board that staff was recommending routine revisions to the Compensation Plan along with the General Manager's reorganization. She briefly discussed the reorganization and outlined position and grade changes that would Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6,2006 Page 11 result in an estimated savings of $34,000. She then provided the following summary of revisions to the personnel rules and regulations that included standardizing the performance based percentage scale for all employees; implementing a 90 day waiting period from date of hire for health and dental insurance coverage to begin; changing the time frames for performance evaluations and wage increases to be the same for full time and part-time employees; removing the maximum limit of carrying over 70 days of health leave; revisions to the Health Leave Pool policy including required minimum days to participate and extending to benefits to non-participants; and information regarding requests for reasonable accommodations to address ADA Title I audit findings. Mr. Longoria stated some concerns he had regarding the revisions to the Health Leave Pool policy. Ms. Willey discussed that committee approval is required to utilize in addition, this time is only paid out at 80%. She also noted that employees who have contributed could direct their donated time to a specific employee. Discussion regarding common practices of directing time donated took place. Ms. Willey stated that changes could be made so that a request would have to be made to the committee for approval rather than allowing participants to donate their hours to certain individuals. Mr. Longoria suggested re-evaluating the revisions to ensure that all employees had an equal opportunity of this benefit and to limit the maximum amount of days that can be utilized in a given period. Mr. Sanchez suggested reporting back to the Administration Committee with additional details taking the Board's suggestions into consideration. Mr. Portis questioned the reasons for a 90-day waiting period before allowing employees to participate in health or dental benefits. Ms. Willey responded that there have been occasions in the past where employees have taken.advantage'of these benefits and then resigned once their medical conditions have been handled. In addition she stated that a 90-day waiting period has become a common practice with employers. ' DR. PORTIS MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT THE RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO THE 2007 CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN. MS. ARIAS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. ' B-Line Report Mr. Barrera stated that the B-Line Report had been provided in the packet for the Board's review; therefore, a formal presentation was not requested. Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6, 2006 Page 12 Presentation on "Southside Express" Service Trial Mr. Seiler briefly updated the Board regarding ridership stating. that ridership has increased from approximately 15 rides per day to between 25 and 28 rides a day. He noted that this was not a budgeted item and stated that staff would be meeting to discuss additional trial period during a different time of the following year. Mr. Seiler stressed that he was impressed with the ridership and that it showed significant potential for higher levels since this trial was performed at a time of the year (Holiday Season) when most people are reluctant to be without their cars during the lunch hour in order to run errands and do shopping. He said that some riders commented on this as well. Expansion of the project to include the City's One Stop Development Center at the Frost Bank Building generated some ridership. In response to Mr. Valls, Mr. Seiler stated that RTA has provided intermittent security using supervisors and police officers. Responding to Mr. Barrera, Mr. Seiler stated that there have been no discussions with riders regarding the vanpool service, but that this would occur with a planned survey before December 15, 2006, the end of the trial project. General Manager's Report Mr. Sanchez briefly highlighted upcoming events such.as the MPO policy group will be meeting on December 7, 2006'to discuss planning of toll credits and construction of the maintenance facility; December 9, 2006 the WBA will hosting their Fiesta de Los Ninos and RTA will be providing a decorated trolley; December 11, 2006 RTA will hold a Planning Ad Hoc meeting with the Legislative Consultants; December 16, 2006 the Annual Christmas Party and Employee Recognition will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Corpus Christi Events Center on Kostoryz/Holly; and there will be no Operations or Administration Committee meetings for the month of December 2006. Discussion (in Closed Session) of.Personnel Issues and Discussion of the Employment Agreement for the General Manager, with Possible Actions Concerning These Subjects in Open Session Mr. Barrera announced that the Board would be going into closed session in order to discuss Item No. 15 on the agenda concerning Personnel Issues. and the Employment Agreement for the General Manager under Section 551.074 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. / nal Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6, 2006 Page 13 Mr. Barrera reconvened the meeting at 12:12 p.m. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO AWARD A 4% INCREASE EFFECTIVE AUGUST 4, 2006 AND AN ADDITIONAL 1% EFFECTIVE TODAY, DECEMBER 6, 2006; FUTURE EVALUATIONS BE CONDUCTED IN DECEMBER OF EACH YEAR WITH FUTURE COMPENSATION INCREASES TO BE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD; AND TO EXTEND THE GENERAL MANAGER'S CONTRACT TO DECEMBER 31, 2008. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Barrera then allowed an opportunity for Board members to offer a few brief comments regarding the General Manager's performance. Dr. Portis congratulated Mr. Sanchez and stated that the Board was happy with his performance and looked forward to future accomplishments. Ms. Salvide expressed appreciation for Mr. Sanchez's leadership roles with implementation of the new fare increases which worked out smoothly and his management of the compensation and benefits packages which had support by RTAEA and his good working relationship with staff. Mr. Valls stated that he enjoys working with Mr. Sanchez and appreciated the opportunities Mr. Sanchez has provided Board members to engage in aspects that interest them and use them as resources. Mr. Longoria thanked Mr. Sanchez for his hard work and advised Mr. Sanchez to address the areas of improvement noted in his evaluation. Ms. Lyons stated that RTA has always been run professionally. She appreciated the professionalism and attention Mr. Sanchez has shown toward Board members. Ms. Arias agreed with the expressions of the other Board members. She stated that one of Mr. Sanchez's definite asset was rounding the troops and "rolling up his sleeves" to do what it takes to make the organization successful. She added that there is always room for improvement and noted that Mr. Sanchez has done an excellent job with the organization and encouraged him to keep up the good work. Ms. Flores stated that Mr. Sanchez has done a great job and noted that he has, overcome micromanaging and stayed focused on what needs to get done. She added that he has meshed well with everyone including staff. Mr. Barrera thanked Mr. Sanchez for making the Board look good and makes life easier even for everyone even when not everyone agrees. He appreciated the PIPIF . ' R nal Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 6, 2006 Page 14 ability to be honest with one another. He stated that it has been a pleasure to be chairman with Mr. Sanchez as the General Manager. Mr. Sanchez thanked the Board members for their support as well as staff. He added that MV's General Manager, Ms. Fernandez, had made his job easier. In addition, he stated that RTA has a tough year ahead and staff was prepared to meet the challenges. There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 12:19 p.m. A‘.4 �/ • 'eeit, Carmen Arias 1(94e, Date