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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 12/05/2007 4016 77 kii( REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY /&,.' BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING a 7 JAN 2008 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007 i' cap • =,r., , C' CITY SECRETAL % SUMMARY OF ACTIONS OFFICE 1. Provided Opportunity for Public Comment 2. Heard Update on RTAC Committee Activities 3. Approved Consent Agenda a) Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of November 7, 2007 b) Action to Accept Committee Reports c) Action to Approve RTA's ADA Self-Evaluation/Draft ADA Transition Plan (Board Goal #2) for Receiving Public Comment d) Action to Exercise the First Option Year with Ferrellgas for Propane Fuel e) Action to Approve Amending Contracting Procedures and Regulations to Increase Expenditure Authority of the General Manager from $15,000 to $25,000 f) Action to Exercise the First Option Year Contracts with Multiple Temporary Employment Service Agencies g) Action to Approve the Federal Transit Administration's 2008 Certifications and Assurances h) Action to Approve the October 2007 Financial Report 4. Approved Action to.Authorize Entering into Negotiations with Connetics for a Comprehensive Operations/Service Analysis (Board Goal #3) 5. Approved Awarding a Contract to Ocean House Charters for the 2008 Harbor Ferry Season Service 6. Approved Entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) which Identifies Roles and Responsibilities Related to the Urban Transportation Planning Process 7. Heard Presentation on Status of 2007 Board Goals 8. Heard B-Line Report 9. 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: Crystal Lyons (Board Chair), John Valls (Board Vice-Chair), Mannti Cummins, Anna M. Flores, John Longoria, David Martinez, Dr. Maurice Portis, Ricardo Ramon, Mike Rendon, Sara Salvide Board Members Absent: Judy Telge (Board Secretary) SCANNED 1 "regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 5,2007 Page 2 Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez (General Manager), David Seiler, Beth Vidaurri, Ed Carrion, Sylvia Castillo, Vangie Chapa, Linda Fallwell-Stover, Sharon Montez, Lamont Taylor, Martin Trevino, Susan.Vinson, Ponch Carrillo Public Present: Roy Pell, Ocean House; David Garcia, Teamsters; Lois Huff, Coastal Bend Bays Foundation; Abel Alonzo; Rosie Aguiar; Deborah Hovda, RTAC; Nova Shields, Edna Arredondo, Carlos Vargas, MV Transportation; Peter Davidson, City of Corpus Christi Marina Call to Order The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Ms. Lyons at 8:38 a.m. Opportunity for Public Comment Ms. Lois Huff, Coastal Bend Bays Foundation, spoke favorably about the transportation service provided by RTA during the 2007 Earth Day event and the opportunity it provided the RTA to show its commitment to the environment. She asked that RTA continue to provide transportation for the Earth Day event that would be held on Saturday, April 19, 2008. Mr. Cummins stated that he would be agreeable to contacting some companies and asking that they sponsor providing transportation to the event. Mr. Alonzo thanked the Board Members for their service on the Board. He expressed support for finding a sponsor when providing transportation for an event instead of providing the service as a free service. Ms. Aguiar expressed the opinion that the Harbor Ferry service was a luxury service. She questioned whether taxpayers' monies used to fund the service represented a wise use of the public's monies. She stated that she felt that the money funding the service could be used in a better place. Update on RTAC Committee Activities Ms. Hovda reported that attheNovember 15, 2007 meeting Mr: Joe Cantu, a citizen, had voiced a concern about a bus stop on Route 26 that had a bus bench which hindered wheelchair maneuverability; the No Show Appeals Committee had reported that they had heard two appeals; after reviewing the RTA promotional video, updating the video to include additional B-Line information was approved; changing the Committee's name, as recommended by the KFH Group, was discussed; and reports were heard on bus stop announcements, ADA Transition Plan, B-Line service, and Customer Assistance Forms (CAFs). She noted that CAFs had increased by 43 percent compared to the previous month. -------Ltegional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 5,2007 Page 3 Consent Agenda Ms. Lyons called for consideration of Consent Agenda items 4a through 4h which were of a routine or administrative nature. She asked if there were any items that should be pulled from the consent Agenda. There being none, Ms. Lyons called for a motion. a) Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of November 7, 2007 b) Action to Accept Committee Reports c) Action to Approve RTA's ADA Self-Evaluation/Draft ADA Transition Plan (Board Goal #2) for Receiving Public Comment d) Action to Exercise the First Option Year with Ferrellgas for Propane Fuel e) Action to Approve Amending Contracting Procedures and Regulations to Increase Expenditure Authority of the General Manager from $15,000 to $25,000 f) Action to Exercise the First Option Year Contracts with Multiple Temporary Employment Service Agencies g) Action to Approve the Federal Transit Administration's 2008 Certifications and.Assurances h) Action to Approve the October 2007 Financial Report MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 4a THROUGH 4h. MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. CUMMINS, FLORES, LONGORIA, MARTINEZ, PORTIS, RAMON, RENDON, SALVIDE, AND VALLS VOTING FOR. TELGE ABSENT. Action to Authorize Entering into Negotiations with Connetics for a Comprehensive Operations/Service Analysis (Board Goal #3) Mr. Carrion explained that this item had been presented at two Operations Committee meetings. Board Members had expressed that detailed information on the proposed scope of work and evaluation details of each proposal were needed and questioned the cost of the services that would be provided by Connetics compared to one other firm. He referred to page 65 in the packet which detailed the rational for recommending Connetics. He noted that the firm would provide the "best value" for the agency. He stated that the work plan and project approach submitted by Connetics was very detailed and contained elements consistent with the scope of work outlined in the proposal; and 75 percent of the work would be performed by a local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms, compared to 8 percent identified by the other firm. A varied discussion ensued regarding the number of local employees each firm would engage; clarification that the percentage of funds staying in the local community was based on local DBE participation as well as non-DBE participation; and that Connetics' proposal included hiring Olivarri and Associates as well as a local surveyor. s , -?tegional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 5,2007 Page 4 In response to Ms. Flores, Mr. Carrion stated that the proposed firm had extensive transit planning experience and had submitted a more realistic timeline for completion and submittal of project findings and recommendations Responding to Mr. Cummins, Mr. Sanchez clarified that this project was being underwritten with funds diverted from the allocated funding for the proposed trolley project which was approved by the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA). Mr. Carrion noted that a federal match was not required for this grant. MR. VALLS MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE ENTERING INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH CONNETICS FOR A COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS/SERVICE ANALYSIS (BOARD GOAL #3). MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. CUMMINS, FLORES, LONGORIA, MARTINEZ, PORTIS, RAMON, RENDON, SALVIDE, AND VALLS VOTING FOR. TELGE ABSENT. Mr. Alonzo proposed using some of the remaining FHWA funding for the transition plan, Ms. Lyons asked Mr. Alonzo to submit a written recommendation. Action to Award a Contract to Ocean House Charters for the 2008 Harbor Ferry Season Service Mr. Seiler, using a PowerPoint presentation, stated that the recommendation was for a 3-year base contract period with 2 two-year options which provided for an option for the RTA to exercise purchase of the vessel subject to Ferry Boat Discretionary Funding guidelines, if secured. The estimated amount for the 2008 contract would be $220,356. Continuing with his presentation, Mr. Seiler highlighted previous Operations Committee discussions. He noted that staff had addressed prior concerns assuring that the vessel was the right design and sizing for the area; it would be ADA accessible; a service schedule would be posted; the Coast Guard inspection and certification process guidelines were being followed; that the vessel would be delivered and ready for the 2008 provided the contract was awarded at the December 2007 Board meeting; the Convention and Visitors Bureau had agreed to enhance partnership opportunities; increasing ridership was addressed by providing a more visible location for the vessel and easy public access since construction on Shoreline had been completed; and maximizing opportunities to ensure that the service was a good business deal for the RTA. Recent information, according to Mr. Seiler, was provided that indicated that RTA could apply for grant funds from the Ferry Boat Discretionary (FBD) program to operate the ferry service. Seeking this grant funding source would not compete with the RTA's other capital priorities. He outlined the strategy for securing the grant funds which included two strategies. The first one would allow the RTA to purchase the vessel and provide it to the contractor to operate. The second strategy would allow the RTA to capture federal funding reimbursement at 40 percent of contracted operating expenses ‘-----'.kegional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 5,2007 Page 5 (including fuel and berthing)._ He explained that a cost savings of$99,842 could be potentially realized under the second strategy. Mr. Rendon raised concerns about terminating the contract should problems arise. Mr. Bell stated that either termination of the contract or a contract adjustment could be negotiated if the vessel was not ready to be placed into service on the scheduled date. These actions would require Board approval. Mr. Rendon commented that the additional information presented to the Board such as partnering with the CVB and the possibility of securing federal funds to fund the service and reducing operating costs to $99,842 should have been included in the initial presentation. Responding to Ms. Flores, Mr. Sanchez explained that with the help of the grant consultants, Infrastructure-Solutions, the possibility of getting a grant was being researched. If it proved viable, RTA would submit an application in February or March, request a Letter of No Prejudice (LONP) from the Federal Transit Administration, -- thus making it feasible for the RTA to secure the funds by April of 2008. Mr. Rendon inquired if, based on passenger needs after the service commenced, the service hours could be adjusted. Mr. Sanchez stated that since a time schedule would be posted, he felt that it would not be wise to make schedule adjustments during the three-month period. Ms. Salvide asked about the decline in ridership and the fare recovery ratio. Mr. Seiler stated that the service was subsidized, like the fixed route services, but was provided to broaden customer service to capture tourists and choice riders. Ms. Lyons pointed out that the regular fixed-route service had a fare-recovery of approximately six percent. She noted that the Harbor Ferry service provided services for riders other than the transit dependent. Mr. Roy Pell spoke on behalf of Ocean House and Skipperliner stating that the group wanted to ensure a successful project. Mr. Valls requested that Mr. Pell make periodic updates to the Board on this project. Mr. Peter Davidson expressed appreciation to the RTA for providing this service to the community. He supported the schedule time change which he felt would allow residents and visitors on a "summer" schedule to avail themselves of the service during the evening hours. He noted the approximate $13 million dollar had been expended for improvements at the Marina, and stated that the Harbor Ferry service was part of the Marina's future. Mr. Cummins raised the issue of liquidated damages. Mr. Seiler stated that liquidated damages had not been included in the performance standards. Mr. Valls noted that the 2008 Boat Show would be held on April 24-27, 2008 and that it would be strategic to showcase the Harbor Ferry vessel at the event. -.1egional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 5,2007 Page 6 MR. MARTINEZ MADE A MOTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO OCEAN HOUSE CHARTERS FOR THE 2008 HARBOR FERRY SEASON SERVICE. MR. VALLS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. CUMMINS, FLORES, LONGORIA, MARTINEZ, PORTIS, RAMON, RENDON, SALVIDE, AND VALLS VOTING FOR. TELGE ABSENT. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) which Identifies Roles and Responsibilities Related to the Urban Transportation Planning Process Ms. Castillo explained that this item had not been presented at the Committee level because the draft MOU was submitted to RTA just prior to the November meeting. Approval by the RTA Board of Directors was needed prior to the December 6, 2007 meeting of the MPO's Transportation Policy Committee. Ms. Lyons, RTA Board Chair, and Mr. Bell, RTA Legal Counsel, had reviewed the MOU. MR. VALLS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) WHICH IDENTIFIES ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES RELATED TO THE URBAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCESS. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. CUMMINS, FLORES, LONGORIA, MARTINEZ, PORTIS, RAMON, RENDON, SALVIDE, AND VALLS VOTING FOR. TELGE ABSENT. Presentation on Status of 2007 Board Goals Mr. Carrion referred to a separate binder which contained the Agency's FY 2007 Board Goals Report. He noted that an executive summary was included which provided a broad overview of the major accomplishments related to completion of the goals. There were nine identified goals and only two --ADA RT and_the Operational Assessment -- would require work beyond December 2007. Ms. Lyons requested that the Board of Directors be polled to determine a date and time in January 2008 to hold a half-day workshop to discuss the 2008 Board Goals. B-Line Report Ms. Fallwell-Stover presented the October 2007 B-Line report. She stated that ridership, compared to October 2006, had experienced a 2.2% decrease and year-to- date represented a 0.56 percent decrease. She explained that the decrease was a direct correlation to the Eligibility Assessment Program and Fare Increase Initiative implemented to better manage the RTA service. The ridership decrease resulted in a service cost reduction of approximately $13,678 through November of this year. Ms. Fallwell-Stover stated that the contractor had achieved or exceeded performance standards in the five key performance areas for October 2007.' _regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes December 5,2007 Page 7 Mr. Vargas extended an invitation for a "tamalada" that would be held on December 20 2007, at the B-Line facility from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. General Manager's Report Ms. Lyons stated that the Board of Directors' 2008 meeting calendar would be approved at the January 2008 Board meeting. There was a brief discussion to adjust the January Board meeting to either Thursday, January 3, 2008 or Wednesday, January 9, 2008. Ms. Lyons asked that the Board Members be polled to determine the best meeting date. Mr. Sanchez reported that RTA drivers and staff would be taking Customer Sensitivity Training in January; ten non-profit agencies had received surplus vehicles; the Rob"stowns Tots and Teens shelter project had been completed and a-ribbon cutting ceremony would be held in January; the RTA Bus Roadeo would be held in April; fourteen boxes of canned goods collected during the RTA food drive would be distributed to seniors; on December 17th the Flour Bluff Station would be relocated —two stops would be placed on Compton Road and two in front of the new HEB; and the Del Mar Board of Regents recognized the RTA's donation of three vehicles at their December Board meeting. He then invited Board Members to attend various RTA/MV holiday events during the month of December. Mr. Valls asked if the City of Corpus Christi had performed a fiscal analysis on the impact HB 142 would have on the collection of local sales and use taxes. Mr. Bell stated that he was not aware of such an analysis. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m. Ill_ A ♦ oard ec eta I ahlt �►ate