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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 01/03/2007 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY �' e BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING er- Fig 2.001 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2007 �—`► i Z`1� SUMMARY OF ACTIONSCOSECETA(�Y'S 1. Held Personnel Recognition X69\ prriCE 7' 2. Provided Opportunity for Public Comment `�' ' �! 3. Approved the Board of Directors' Minutes of December 6, 2006 4. Elected Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary to the Board 5. Awarded a Contract to Secureco for Security Services at Bear Lane 6. Adopted Recommended Changes to the RTA's Classification and Compensation Plan, Section 6.03: Health Leave Pool 7. Approved a Change Order to DLP Group for the Northwest 5 Points Bus Stop Improvements Project 8. (a) Rescinded the Agreement with SW Incorporated to Provide Professional Services Under FTA's Cooperative Procurement Pilot Program (CPPP) and (b) Recommended Alternative Plans for Bus Procurement 9. Approved FY 2008 Federal Appropriations Priority List and 2007 State Initiatives 10. Approved Renewal of Various Liability and Property Insurance Coverages with the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool and Award Workers Compensation Coverage to Liberty Mutual 11. Approved the November 2006 Financial Report 12. Heard Presentation on Proposed Professional Services Contract for Supervision of RTA's Vehicle Maintenance Department 13. . Held Discussion on Possible Changes to Flour Bluff Transfer Station 14. Heard B-Line Report 15. Heard General Manager's Report 16. Held Discussion (In Closed Session) Regarding Real Property 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), John Valls (Board Vice- Chair), Mannti Cummins, Anna M. Flores, John Longoria, Crystal Lyons, David Martinez Dr. Maurice Portis, Sara Salvide Board Members Absent: Carmen Arias (Board Secretary), Glenn Martin Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez (General Manager), David Seiler, Martin Trevino, Beth Vidaurri,, Lamont Taylor, Ruth Willey, Sharon Montez, Linda Fallwell-Stover, Vangie Chapa, Ed Carrion SCANNED Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January 3,2007 Page 2 Public Present: Carlos Vargas, Brenda Fernandez, Kirk Wilkie, MV Transportation; Tom Paolillo; Rosemary Paolillo; Deb Hovda; RTAC; Tony Garza; Priscilla Leal; Roland Garza; Blanca Cummins; Blanca de Herrera; Rosie Aguiar, Lupe Salazar, RTAEA; Ray Madrigal; Abel Alonzo Call to Order A quorum was declared present. The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Mr. Barrera at 8:40 a.m. Personnel Recognition Mr. Sanchez recognized former employee Maida Russell for her outstanding contribution by volunteering for numerous RTA related activities during her nine-year employment with RTA. He explained that Ms. Russell had accepted a position with TxDOT and was unable to be present. He displayed a plaque that would be delivered to Ms. Russell. Next, Mr. Sanchez recognized Ms. Brenda Fernandez, former GM for the RTA B-Line service. He stated that she had been promoted to Regional Vice President of Operations with MV. He,introduced Mr. Kirk Wilkie, President of Northeast area for MV. Mr. Sanchez remarked on Ms. Fernandez's successes in managing the paratransit operations at RTA as well as her innovative approaches resulted in improved overall B- Line operations. New benchmarks had been established based on the operation's performance under her direction. Ms. Fernandez stated that her success was not without the support of RTA staff and Board of Directors and the great management team at the RTA B-Line operation. She stated she was honored and expressed gratitude for the recognition. Mr. Wilkie, conveyed regrets from Mr. Alex Lodde that he was unable to attend the meeting. He noted that Ms. Fernandez would still be active in overseeing operations in Corpus Christi. He expressed appreciation for the partnership with RTA and continued= affiliation for many years. Mr. Barrera commented on .Ms. Fernandez's drive and positive attitude and her willingness to undertake challenges. Mr. Barrera presented a plaque to Ms. Fernandez as a token of appreciation. Opportunity for Public Comment Ms. Rosie Aguiar expressed thanks to Mr. Sanchez for allowing RTAEA to participate in the insurance discussions. She stated that she looked forward to seeing the finished product. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January 3,2007 Page 3 Mr. Roland Garza remarked on the progress being made with employee relations at RTA. He stated that he looked forward to highlighting RTA's successes on his radio and television programs. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the. Board of Directors' Minutes of December 6, 2006 MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MINUTES OF DECEMBER 6, 2006. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Action to Elect Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary to the Board Mr. Barrera called for nominations for Vice Chairman. Mr. Martinez nominated Mr. Valls. DR. PORTIS MADE A MOTION TO ELECT JOHN VALLS AS VICE CHAIRMAN BY ACCLAMATION. MS. SALVIDE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Barrera called for nominations for Board Secretary. Mr. Longoria nominated Ms. Arias. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO ELECT CARMEN ARIAS AS BOARD SECRETARY BY ACCLAMATION. MS. LYONS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Barrera called for nominations for Assistant Board Secretary. Ms. Lyons nominated Beth Vidaurri. MS. LYONS MADE A MOTION TO ELECT BETH VIDAURRI AS ASSISTANT BOARD SECRETARY BY ACCLAMATION. MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and. Possible.Action to Award a Contract to Secureco for Security Services at Bear Lane Ms. Montez stated that three companies had attended the pre-bid conference, but only Secureco, Inc. had submitted a bid. She pointed out that the specifications had been revised to enhance the performance level of the security services provided. The proposed contract would provide for a tracking device for the security guards, which could be monitored remotely. She briefed the board on the company's credentials. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January 3,2007 Page 4 MR. MARTINEZ MADE A MOTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO SECURE CO FOR SECURITY SERVICES AT BEAR LANE. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt Recommended Changes to the RTA's Classification and Compensation Plan, Section 6.03: Health Leave Pool Mr. Barrera called on Mr. Abel Alonzo to speak under public comment. Mr. Alonzo commented on the improved customer service he receives from the drivers and Mr. Sanchez's positive leadership style. He also recognized Mr. Carlos Vargas, MV's general manager for B-Line service, for his leadership on B-Line operations, including his involvement in the Community and being elected to the Westside Business Association Board of Directors. Ms. Willey reported that this item had been presented to the Board at the December 6, 2006 Board meeting. The Board had expressed concerns about staff's initial recommendation and had requested some revisions to the health leave pool section of the Plan. She summarized the changes as follows: leave hours would be granted in increments of ten days with a 30 day maximum for enrolled members; non-members would be eligible to request days through the Human Resources Department followed by Committee review and General Manager's approval; non-members would have a maximum of 15 days that could be approved over the course of their employment; and enrolled members donating into the Pool would be required to have 15 days of leave remaining on their accruals after their annual donation was deducted. Responding to Mr. Longoria, Ms. Willey explained that the policy provided the General Manager with the option to appoint a Health Leave Pool Committee to evaluate each request and forward its recommendation to the General Manager for final approval. Legal counsel reviewed this option and pointed out that if the General Manager chose to appoint a Committee, then it would be subject to due process. Mr. Sanchez stated that he planned to establish the Committee and that it would function at an advisory level to the General Manager on all requests. There was extensive discussion on the procedures to donate and utilize hours accumulated in the Health Leave Pool. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO THE RTA'S CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN, SECTION 6.03: HEALTH LEAVE POOL. DR. PORTIS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. • J Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January 3,2007 Page 5 Discussion and Possible Action to Approve a Change Order to DLP Group for the Northwest 5 Points Bus Stop Improvements Project Ms. Montez explained that the change order was for inclusion of installation of a third shelter in the Northwest Corridor. It would be located at Violet and Leopard across from HEB. She noted that contracting considerations had to be revised because RTA was unable to secure two of the four easement agreements from the property owners. She stated that DLP was a certified disadvantaged business. In response to Mr. Valls, Ms. Montez stated that the project was a collaborative project with TxDOT and the projected completion date was March or April 2007. Responding to Mr. Barrera, Ms. Montez stated that the funding for this project was from a grant awarded in 1997. There was a brief discussion lead by Mr. Barrera regarding the unspent grant monies and the potential of utilizing the funds to complete the Leopard Street corridor improvements prior to October 2007. Mr. Barrera inquired if the DLP group could be awarded a change order to their current contract to complete the work along the Leopard Street corridorin order to expedite the project. Mr. Bell stated that this option was viable. Mr. Sanchez stated that staff would look at this option.. . Mr. Barrera recommended that meetings be held with Nueces County Commissioners Banales and Longoria to update them on the project. MR. MARTINEZ MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A CHANGE ORDER TO DLP GROUP FOR THE NORTHWEST 5 POINTS BUS STOP IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. MR. VALLS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action to (a) Rescind the Agreement with STV Incorporated to Provide Professional Services Under FTA's Cooperative Procurement Pilot Program (CPPP) and (b) Recommend an Alternative Plan for Bus Procurement Mr. Seiler explained that the Federal Transit Administration's Cooperative Procurement Pilot Program management was awarded to STV Incorporated. In February 2006 the RTA's Board of Directors approved entering into a contract with SW to cooperatively purchase vehicles. He stated that STV was unable to obtain sufficient commitments from other transit properties to proceed with the project. He noted that RTA had not incurred any expenses related to the SW contract. Reviewing the alternative plan as proposed, Mr. Seiler explained that Option 1 would be topiggy-back on options with transit agencies, and Option 2 would be for RTA to solicit proposals on its own, which would require additional time. He stated that using a combination of the options was being recommended. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January 3,2007 Page 6 Mr. Seiler reported that under Option 2, the projecteddelivery date for vehicles was by the end of 2008. Referencing alternative fuels technology, Mr. Seiler stated that this option was being considered and the packet included some preliminary information on the topic. He briefly touched on the options available and the costs associated with implementing using alternative fuels. An updated item on the topic would be presented at the January Operations Committee meeting. Mr. Valls inquired if purchasing vehicles equipped to run on an alternative fuel could be funded with grant funds. He suggested that the grant consultants contact Laredo that is using CNG vehicles and find out how their vehicle purchases were funded. There was a general discussion on the feasibility of using Option 1, piggy-backing on available purchased options with another transit agency to purchase trolleys. MS.. LYONS MADE A MOTION TO (a) RESCIND THE AGREEMENT WITH STV INCORPORATED TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES UNDER FTA'S COOPERATIVE PROCUREMENT PILOT PROGRAM (CPPP) AND (b) RECOMMEND AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN FOR BUS PROCUREMENT. MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve FY 2008 Federal Appropriations Priority List and 2007 State Initiatives Mr. Carrion stated that the Planning Ad Hoc Committee had reviewed the initiatives and concurred with staff's recommendations. The five federal initiatives were 1) bus maintenance facilities improvements; 2) aging bus fleet replacements; 3) bus stop improvements, 4) sidewalk and bus stop ADA accessibility; and 5) data collection and communications enhancements. The three state legislative initiatives were: 1) transportation development credits; 2) allowing Board Members to participate in RTA's health benefits; and 3) diverting municipal ADA parking fines for ADA improvements. • Mr. Valls inquired if the City of Corpus Christi had been contacted about diverting municipal ADA parking fines. Mr. Sanchez stated they had not been contacted. Ms. Fallwell-Stover stated that the item was on the Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities December agenda but Judge Tamez was unable to attend. The item would be discussed at its January meeting. Responding to questions posed by Board Members, Ms. Fallwell-Stover stated that the number of citations issued for ADA parking violations was minimal. She expressed the opinion that enforcement of compliance should be increased. She noted that less than 1,000 tickefs had been issued in 2006 with about 1/2 of the fines being enforced. • • Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January 3,2007 Page 7 Mr. Longoria recommended that Mr. Sanchez write City Manager Noe explaining that the initiative would be to pursue seeking the amount of ADA parking fines that is forwarded to the State and to seek his opinion on the initiative and whether the City would partner with RTA on this initiative. Ms. Lyons reminded the Board that Sharon Greene had proposed this initiative in her financial assessment report. Mr. Sanchez agreed to write a letter to Skip Noe by January 5 petitioning support for this initiative. A varied discussion ensuedregarding the process for securing the,TDCs. Mr. Carrion clarified that the TDCs were being sought in order to be used as a match for securing federal funds. MS. LYONS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FY 2008 FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS PRIORITY LIST AND 2007 STATE INITIATIVES. MR. MARTINEZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Renewal of Various Liability and Property Insurance Coverages with the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool and Award Workers Compensation Coverage to Liberty Mutual Mr. Sissamis explained that routinely this item was brought for Board approval in December; but due to employee turnover and internal oversight, the coverage had to be renewed prior to obtaining Board approval. This action was taken to avoid a lapse in coverage and allowed the RTA to take advantage of a 3% discount totaling $20,501 on the various premiums. He noted that the option to cancel coverage during the plan year was available. Ms. Willey stated_ that in 2006 a consultant was hired, to perform a risk analysis. The consultant concluded that all property and liability coverages placed through TML were reasonable. They did recommend switching to Liberty Mutual for workers' compensation coverage, which would result in a cost savings of approximately $49,611. Ms. Willey cited several programs and services offered by Liberty Mutual. DR. PORTIS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RENEWAL OF VARIOUS LIABILITY AND PROPERTY INSURANCE COVERAGES WITH THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE INTERGOVERNMENTAL RISK POOL AND AWARD WORKERS COMPENSATION COVERAGE TO LIBERTY MUTUAL. MS. LYONS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. t `1 ( ) Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January 3,2007 Page 8 Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the November 2006 Financial Report Mr. Sissamis highlighted that sales tax for the lastknown month of October 2006 was 10.4% higher than October 2005; purchased transportation and bus parts line items were over budget; and salaries and benefits were under budget. Staff has been monitoring key variances and plans to cover overages with favorable budget variances within the budget. It was anticipated that by year-end expenses would net out at approximately $100,000 under budget. In response to Mr. Barrera, he pointed out that any favorable budget variances.resulting in the employeehealth and dental insurance line items would flow only into the employee health and wellness reserve. Mr. Sissamis also noted that drawings grant fundsfor operating purposes was being avoided at this time due to favorable sales tax revenues, higher fares and less expenditures from budget. The hope is to preserve,as much grant funding for future capital needs as possible. MR. VALLS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 2006 FINANCIAL REPORT. MS. SALVIDE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Presentation on Proposed Professional Services Contract for Supervision of RTA's Vehicle Maintenance Department Mr. Seiler stated that an agenda item requesting Board approval on this item would be presented at the February Board meeting. He explained that proposals from experienced transit firms would be solicited to provide a contract manager for the --- Maintenance Department. Citing advantages of using a contract manager, Mr. Seiler noted the short turn-around time for placement of the contract manager; continuity of service in case the person had to be replaced; quick attention to identified maintenance issues; parts management and national accounts established network; and access to national personnel development resources. Responding to Mr. Cummins,. Mr. Seiler replied that the contract term had not been established. He estimated a six-month to one-year term. Mr. Longoria expressed the opinion that an Assistant Manager`of Maintenance position should be developed to provide for succession. In response to.Mr. Valls, Mr. Sanchez stated that a formal request for proposals would not be issued; instead a proposal would be sent to identifytransit companies that provide this service. There was a discussion on development of an RTA succession plan and the best way to pursue creation of a plan. Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January 3,2007 Page 9 Discussion on Possible Changes to Flour Bluff Transfer Station Mr. Carrion reported that on Wednesday, December 27, H-E-B had announced that they would be building an H-E-B Plus store at a different location in Flour Bluff and selling the property where the current H-E-B is located. At the current location, RTA leases property from H-E-B for one dollar per year and it is the site of RTA's Flour Bluff Transfer Station. Three routes serve this area and it has approximately 800 boarding per day, and also serves as a major link to NAS, Texas A&M University, and the Padre Staples Mall, and ultimately ties to our other stations. He briefly discussed the option of purchasing the existing Transfer Station site or relocation of operations to a nearby site. He noted that moving operations would have far reaching effects on the system. He stated the need to move expeditiously since H-E-B has announced that the new store would open in July 2007. Mr. Bell stated that he had spoken to an H-E-B representative in the real estate department and the gentleman had indicated that H-E-B would consider a proposal for purchase of the land. B-Line Report Ms. Fallwell-Stover reporting on the month of November 2006 stated that compared to November 2005, ridership had. increased by 5.5%; and year to date there was a 4.3% increase. Reviewing service standards, Ms. Fallwell-Stover stated that productivity was 2.67%; on-time-performance was 98.7%; passenger "in-vehicle time" violations 3-day sampling resulted in a rating of 97.9% exceeding the contract standard of 95% (but that monitoring was being done to identify any trends); and no shows and late cancellations were at 2.62% of all scheduled trips which could be attributed to RTAC's procedures. She noted that miles between road calls was the only standard that was not met. Continuing with B-Line Call center performance, Ms. Fallwell-Stover reported 99.04% in answering time; and hold time had only 2 calls that were piaced on hold in excess of'3 minutes. . General Manager's. Report: Mr. Sanchez reported that the Tots and Teens project in Robstown was out for bid; the MHMR project at Six Points was underway; a presentation would be made to the January Operations Committee on upcoming charter conflicts; and education outreach has been initiated by the RTA's HR department. Mr. Longoria inquired about items on the rolling agenda concerning two new bus stops in Robstown. Mr. Sanchez stated that the proposed show barn site would cost approximately $5,000; the Tots and Teens project is budgeted at $30,000. `--" Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January 3,2007 Page 10 Discussion ensued. Mr. Longoria recommended that a bus stop master plan be developed for the service area along with a process for approval of bus stop requests. Mr. Sanchez stated that a revised bus stop standards guidelines document would be presented to the Board. Mr. Longoria also suggested the need to expedite the Texas Department of Transportation application for seeking developmental credits. Mr.. Sanchez committed to bring both of these items to the Board in January. Dr. Portis noted that the developer should initiate contact with RTA regarding possible bus stop installations prior to construction. The need for transit-oriented development (TOD) was briefly discussed. Discussion (In Closed Session Re•ardin• Real Pro•ert Mr. Barrera announced that the Board was going into closed session to discuss Item Number 17 on the agenda concerning real property under Section 551.072 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Adjournment There being no further comment, the meeting was adjourned at 12:25 p.m. 4/tit) 044,CIAA/CI • Carmen Arias A/7 Date