HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 05/02/2007 )
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REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY s�' JUN 20p� �
BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING I
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2007 TSf RfTAR
SUMMARY OF ACTIONS ��, �FfIf t‘'�`'
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1. Held Roll Call
2. Held Public Hearing on Acquisition and Development for Flour Bluff Station
3. Recognized Al Amin Shrine Temple Roadeo Volunteers
4. Provided Opportunity for Public Comment
5. Heard Presentation on Marketing Plan for Economic Impact Study
6. Heard Update on RTAC Committee Activities
7. a) Approved the Board of Directors' Minutes of April 4, 2007of Directors'
b) Accepted Committee Reports
c) Authorized a Contract to Corpus Christi Freightliner for Bus Painting
Services
d) Approved a Resolution Authorizing Signatory for 2008 South Texas
Aggregation Project(STAP) Electric Services Agreement, and if
Economically Feasible 2009 Electricity Needs
e) Awarded a Contract to Jefferson Pilot Financial Insurance
(Represented by Granado Group) for Long Term Disability
f) Awarded a Contract to Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Company
(Represented by Castro Insurance) for Group Life Insurance
g) Authorized Issuing Request for Proposals (RFP) for Enterprise
Management Software System
h) Exercised the Final Option Year with Wells Fargo Bank for Bank
Depository Services
i) Approved the 2007 Actuarial Studies, Assumption Criteria Changes and
Contribution to the Defined Benefit Plan
8. Exercised the Second and Final Option Year with MV Transportation for
Operation of Demand-Responsive Paratransit and Contracted Fixed-Route
Services
9. a) Adopted the Advertising Standards to the Advertising Contract; and b)
Awarded a Contract to Gateway Outdoor Advertising for Bus Advertising
10.Heard B-Line Report
11.Heard General Manager's Report
12.Tabled Discussion (in Closed Session) Of Personnel Issues
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), Carmen Arias (Board Secretary), Mannti Cummins, John Longoria, Crystal
Lyons, Glenn Martin, Maurice Portis, Sara Salvide
SCANNED
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Regional Transportation Authority
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
May 2,2007
Page 2 of 7
Board Members Absent: David Martinez; Anna M. Flores
Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez (General Manager), David Seiler, Lamont Taylor,
Martin Trevino, Ruth Willey, Marcia Lindsey, Melanie Gomez, Billy Lardis, John Davis,
Fidel Salas, John Davis, Julio Wilmot Jr., Ed Carrion, Sylvia Castillo, Michael Horten,
Vangie Chapa, Linda Fallwell-Stover, Sharon Montez, Kristi Pena, Elias Sissamis, Beth
Vidaurri, Laura Yaunk
Public Present:
Alicia Charo; Quince Mitchell, Sam B. Wright, Al Amin Shrine; Jim Cribbs, Brenda
Fernandez, Edna Arredondo, Dana Smith, Carlos Vargas, MV Transportation; Ramona
Sawyers, Rosie Aguiar, RTAEA; Peter Davidson; Peter Bryant; Deb Hovda, RTAC; Mo
Morehead, Morehead, Dotts and Associates
Call to Order
The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Mr. Barrera at 8:40 a.m.
Public Hearing on Acquisition and Development for Flour Bluff Station
Ms. Castillo explained that the public hearing was being conducted to comply with the
approval procedures to amend the transit elements of the 2008-2011 Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP). She stated that the Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO) would also be holding a public hearing at their May 3rd meeting prior to approval
of the amendment. Ms. Castillo further explained that approval of the amendment did
not obligate the RTA to expend the funds, but would allow RTA to apply for funds at a
future date.
Mr. Sanchez explained that the amendment would allow RTA to either purchase
property or enter into a lease agreement in order to continue operation of the Flour Buff
Transfer Station. He stated that periodic updates would be provided to the Board of
Directors.
There being no public comment, Mr. Barrera closed the public hearing and reconvened
the regular Board of Directors' meeting.
Recognition of Al Amin Shrine Temple Roadeo Volunteers
Mr. Sanchez stated that coordinating the Bus Roadeo event required the participation of
many volunteers. The Al Amin Shrine Temple volunteers for several years have chosen
to assist the RTA during the Roadeo and serve as judges. He thanked them for their
participation.
Regional Transportation Authority
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
May 2,2007
Page 3 of 7
Mr. Trevino introduced Mr. Sam Wright and Mr. Quince Mitchell who were representing
the Al Amin Shrine Temple volunteers. He presented them with individual certificates of
appreciation as well as one for the organization.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Mr. Peter Davidson, City of Corpus Christi Marina Superintendent, commented on the
cooperation and partnership between various entities, including the RTA, which made
the Boat Show a great success.
Mr. Peter Bryant thanked RTA for their contribution which alleviated parking congestion.
Ms. Marilyn Bryant also expressed her appreciation for RTA's commitment. She noted
that the coordination made them feel welcomed.
Mr. Barrera recognized RTA Leadership Class participants in attendance. Mr. Sanchez
asked, Marcia Lindsey, Melanie Gomez, Billy Lardis, John Davis, Fidel Sales, John
Davis, and Julio Wilmot Jr. to stand and be recognized.
Presentation on Marketing Plan for Economic Impact Study
Mr. Mo Morehead recognized the positive findings in Dr. Lee's Economic Impact Study,
Sharon Greene and Associates' Financial Assessment Study, and the KFH Group Inc.'s
ADA Accessibility Services Study. He stated that RTA needed to tell its story to the
public.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Morehead reviewed that the studies
demonstrated that RTA was accomplishing its mission to all its stakeholders -- the riding
public and the taxpayers. He cited specific findings from the Economic Impact Study
illustrating the economic benefits provided to the community by the RTA. He outlined
the marketing plan that would include producing and implementing a multi-month public
awareness campaign utilizing public service announcements via television and radio,
newspaper advertisements; series of informational postcards mailed to taxpayers,
stakeholders, and public officials; RTA Speakers Bureau (board members) visiting radio
and television talk shows; one-on-one visits with state, city, and county elected officials;
meeting with the Caller-Times Editorial Board and hopefully being able to submit an
editorial comment article.
Continuing with the presentation, Mr. Morehead distributed a sample brochure. He also
explained the proposed implementation timeline and budget. The total estimated
campaign budget would be $23,440.
Responding to Ms. Lyons, Mr. Morehead stated that information on the vanpool
program could be added to the campaign.
regional Transportation Authority
h'
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
May 2,2007
Page 4 of 7
Ms. Lyons recommended submitting newspaper articles to the various local
newspapers, which specifically addressed an RTA service which benefited that
particular area. Ms. Salvide suggested including testimonials from riders.
Mr. Longoria suggested using RTA funds to benefit citizens in the community such as
providing a scholarship or sponsoring a student instead of funding further studies.
Mr. Valls concurred and stated that the feasibility of combining communicating the
benefits provided by the RTA to the community as reported in each study with a human
interest story should be considered. He noted that the transportation industry was a
career and this message needed to be communicated.
Also recommended by Mr. Valls was to ask such organizations as the Corpus Christi
Chamber to promote the variousstudy results.
Ms. Lyons recommended including information about RTA's internal career growth
programs such as the leadership program.
Update on RTAC Committee Activities
Ms. Hovda, reporting on the April 19, 2007 RTAC meeting, stated that the No Show
Appeals Committee had heard six appeals; the Eligibility Appeals Committee had not
met; presentations had been heard on the 2006 year end service analysis, the ADA
accessibility study; B-Line, and the CAF report. It was reported that the RTA team had
been selected to participate in CTAA's Transportation Coordination Institute; and the
Operator Quarterly meetings would focus on Customer Service relative to ADA
compliance.
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. There being none, Mr. Barrera called for a motion on the following
consent items:
a) Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes
of April 4, 2007
b) Action to Accept Committee Reports
c) Action to Authorize a Contract to Corpus Christi Freightliner for Bus
Painting Services
d) Action to Approve a Resolution Authorizing Signatory for 2008 South
Texas Aggregation Project (STAP) Electric Services Agreement, and if
Economically Feasible 2009 Electricity Needs
e) Action to Award a Contract to Jefferson Pilot Financial Insurance
(Represented by Granado Group) for Long Term Disability
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Regional Transportation Authority
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
May 2,2007
Page 5 of 7
f) Action to Award a Contract to Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Company
(Represented by Castro Insurance) for Group Life Insurance
g) Action to Authorize Issuing Request for Proposals (RFP) for Enterprise
Management Software System
h) Action to Exercise the Final Option Year with Wells Fargo Bank for Bank
Depository Services
i) Action to Approve the 2007 Actuarial Studies, Assumption Criteria
Changes and Contribution to the Defined Benefit Plan
MR. VALLS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 7a
THROUGH 7i. MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. SALIVDE, PORTIS,
VALLS, LONGORIA, LYONS, ARIAS AND MARTIN VOTING FOR. CUMMINS,
MARTINEZ, AND FLORES ABSENT.
Action to Exercise the Second and Final Option Year with MV Transportation for --
Operation of Demand-Responsive Paratransit and Contracted Fixed-Route
Services
Mr. Seiler stated that this contract amount was funded with 100 percent local funds and
was budgeted not to exceed $4,214,000. It was the largest contract managed by the
RTA. He used a PowerPoint presentation that outlined the justification for extending the
MV contract for the final option year and the commitments made by MV to comply with
the ADA Accessibility Assessment Study.
Issuance of the new Request for Proposals (RFP) would be initiated in February 2008,
according to Mr. Seiler.
MS. LYONS MADE A MOTION TO EXERCISE THE SECOND AND FINAL
OPTION YEAR WITH MV TRANSPORTATION FOR OPERATION OF DEMAND-
RESPONSIVE PARATRANSIT AND CONTRACTED FIXED-ROUTE SERVICES. MS.
ARIAS SECONDED THE MOTION. SALVIDE, PORTIS, VALLS, LONGORIA,
LYONS, ARIAS AND MARTIN VOTING-FOR.- CUMMINS, MARTINEZ, AND FLORES
ABSENT.
Ms. Brenda Fernandez expressed her appreciation for the award of contract and
reiterated MV's commitment to take the service from good to great as outlined by Mr.
Seiler. She acknowledged that Mr. Jim Cribbs, Director or Maintenance, Eastern Area,
would be assisting Mr. Horten to ensure that quality service is provided to the RTA.
Mr. Mike Horten stated that he was looking forward to working for RTA under the MV
contract and provided a brief work history.
Discussion and Possible Action to a) Adopt the Advertising Standards to the
Advertising Contract; and b) Award a Contract to Gateway Outdoor Advertising
for Bus Advertising
rTh
Regional Transportation Authority
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
May 2,2007
Page 6 of 7
Ms. Chapa noted that the first item for consideration was added based on discussion at
the Tuesday, April 24, 2007, Operations Committee meeting regarding the types of
advertisements purchased or sponsored by alcohol and/or tobacco distributors. She
pointed out that included in the meeting were samples of advertising contracts from
several transit agencies. She stated that staff was requesting adoption of the proposed
advertising standards to be integrated as part of the Gateway contract.
Referencing the second item for consideration, Ms. Chapa stated that in response to the
Request for Proposals issued in February 2007, proposals had been received from
Gateway Outdoor Advertising, Bus Ads, and Cooper Outdoor Advertising . She cited
- the evaluation criteria used during the evaluation process and the revenue structures_
submitted by each proposer and the financial impact on RTA.
Responding to Ms. Lyons, Ms. Chapa clarified that the advertising rates were
established by the advertising agency.
Ms. Lyons initiated a discussion on allowing political advertising on the buses like DART
in Dallas, Texas and on RTA bus benches. Mr. Bell stated that the buses were the sole
property of RTA and were purchased with federal funds and therefore political
advertising should not be allowed. Ms. Lyons pointed out that in the future bus benches
would include the RTA logo as part of their design.
Mr. Valls asked if there was a provision in the contract for the company to terminate the
contract. Mr. Bell stated that the contract was for a full five-year term.
Mr. Barrera asked that the contract include the right for RTA to amend and/or revise the
advertising standards as stated in the sample VIA advertising contract. Mr. Bell agreed
to include the verbiage in the contract.
MR. MARTIN MADE A MOTION TO A) ADOPT ADVERTISING STANDARDS
AS PROPOSED-BY STAFF TO THE ADVERTISING CONTRACT; AND B)_AWARD A__ _ _
CONTRACT TO GATEWAY OUTDOOR ADVERTISING FOR BUS ADVERTISING.
MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. SALVIDE, VALLS, LONGORIA,
LYONS, ARIAS, AND MARTIN VOTING FOR. CUMMINS, PORTIS, MARTINEZ, AND
FLORES ABSENT.
B-Line Report
Ms. Fallwell-Stover reported that ridership for March 2007 compared to March 2006
represented a 0.1 percent increase; the first quarter of 2007 had a 2.1 percent increase
compared to the first quarter in 2006; on time performance was 96.7 percent;
passengers per hour was 2.62 percent; there were zero denials, "in-vehicle time" had
met the contract standard; and miles between road calls had exceeded the minimum
standard.
`1`Kegional Transportation Authority
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
' May 2,2007
Page 7 of 7
Mr. Vargas, MV General Manager, reported that the twenty-four new Paratransit
vehicles had been placed in service.
General Manager's Report
Mr. Sanchez announced the top winners at the RTA's Bus Roadeo as follows: bus
operator -- Julian Carranza; mechanic competition -- 1st Place - Rigoberto Resendez;
2nd Place - Cesar Garza; and. 3rd Place - Rudy Lopez. They would be representing
RTA at the APTA International Roadeo competition in Nashville.
_A group of six individuals involved in various aspects of transportation planning and
service delivery in the Corpus`Christi Gulf Coast-Regiori had been selected to attend a -
Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) transit institute in
Washington, D.C. Ms. Crystal Lyons, Ms. Linda Fallwell-Stover, and Mr. Eduardo
Carrion would be representing RTA on the team.
Mr. Sanchez also reported that the FHWA Civil Rights review of the RTA's Certification
Program would be conducted in June 2007; Mr. Barry Goodman would be making a
presentation on Transit Oriented Development (TOD) at the June 6, 2007 Board
meeting as well as a community presentation during the lunch hour on the same day; an
RTA Board/Staff planning session would be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2007 with Dr.
Richard Lewis as the facilitator. He cited various community activities.
Discussion (in Closed Session) of Personnel Issues
IT WAS THE CONSENSUS OF THE COMMITTEE TO TABLE DISCUSSION
OF PERSONNEL ISSUES TO THE NEXT BOARD MEETING.
In response to Mr. Valls, Mr. Sanchez stated that an outline of the plan to conduct
community presentations on Dr. Lee's economic impact study would be given to the
Board.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10 a.m.
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