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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 05/14/2008 • r\ 19202122 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHO-Inf BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETIN e �\ WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008 41,-..ser_4104V SUMMARY OF ACTIONS S 0IX--;414.17y 1. Held Roll Call 2. Held Recognition in Memory of Former Board Member John J-Buckley 3. Held Recognition in Memory of Former RTA Employee Dino Castaneda 4. Held Recognition of APTA International Roadeo Competitors 5. Held Personnel Recognition 6. Received Resolution from the City of Corpus Christi Committee for Persons with Disabilities in Support of the RTA's Transition Plan Initiative 7. Provided Opportunity for Public Comment 8. Heard Update on RCAT Committee Activities 9. Approved Consent Agenda a) Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes and the Bus Procurement Workshop Minutes of April 2, 2008 b) Action to Accept Committee Reports c) Action to Award a Contract to GILLIG Corporation for Bicycle Racks for Fixed-Route Buses d) Action to Award a Contract to Grace Paving and Construction, Inc. for Concrete Construction Services e) Action to Approve Exercising the First Option Year for Labor and Employment Law Legal Services to Royston, Rayzor, Vickery and Williams, LLP; Porter, Rogers, Dahlman and Gordon, P.C.; and Wood, Boykin and Wolter f) Action to Award a Contract to Wood, Boykin, and Wolter for General Legal Services g) Action to Adopt a Revised Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement h) Action to Approve the First Quarter 2008 Financial Reports 10. Held Closed Session for Discussion and Possible Action in Open Session Concerning Revising the Title of the General Manager's Position, Search Process for Interim General Manager and General Manager 11. Authorized Issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Obtain the Services of an Executive Search Firm for Recruitment of Candidates for the General Manager Position 12. Authorized Application for Funding Assistance from EPA's Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program/Blue Skyways Collaborative 13. Awarded a Contract to GILLIG Corporation for Bus Procurement and Approve Related Alternative Fuel Assessment 14. Approved Acquisition of Approximately 4.7 Acres of Land at 5826 Bear Lane SCANNED _AlTransportation Authority Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes May 14, 2008 Page 2 15. Heard Presentation on Proposed 2008 Budget Amendment 16. Heard Update on Analysis of Proposals for Contracted Fixed-Route and Demand-Responsive Service.Contract 17. Heard B-Line Report 18. Heard Chairman's Report 19. 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), Anna Flores (Board Vice-Chair), Dr. Maurice Portis (Board Secretary), John Longoria, Ricardo Ramon, Mike Rendon, Sara Salvide, Judy Telge, John Valls Board Members Absent: Mannti Cummins, David Martinez Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez (General Manager), David Seiler, Beth Vidaurri, Ponch Carrillo, Ed Carrion, Sylvia Castillo, Linda Fallwell-Stover, Sharon Montez, Kristi Pena, Ramon Sanchez, David Seiler, Elias Sissamis, Lamont Taylor, Martin Trevino, Oscar Vargas, Ruth Willey, Cesar Garza, Lupe Castaneda, Norma Castaneda, Rudy Lopez, Julian Carranza, Julio Wilmot, Carol Flowers Public Present: Deborah Hovda, RCAT; Lupe Salazar, Ramona Sawyers, Rosie Aguiar, RTAEA; Abel Alonzo; Wanda Peak; Rose Ann Castaneda; Jo Ann Scott; Jimmy Scott; Richard Villarreal; Diane Garza; Janie Rodela; Patsy Valdez; Mary Esther Hinojosa; Sabrina Ramirez; Justin Hoskins; Joey Garza; Edna Arredondo, Carlos Vargas, Nova Shields, MV Transportation; Joe Saldana, GILLIG; Julie Buckley; Jeff Grime, Royston, Rayzor, Vickery and Williams, LLP Call to Order The roll was called and a quorum declared present. The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Ms. Lyons at 8:34 a.m. Recognition in Memory of Former Board Member John J. Buckley Ms. Lyons recognized Ms. Julie Buckley, widow of former RTA Board Member John Buckley. Dr. Portis read a memoriam certificate and Ms. Lyons read a plaque honoring Mr. Buckley's eight-year service on the Board. Ms. Lyons and Dr. Portis presented both items to Ms. Buckley. Regie-.c(Transportation Authority Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes May 14, 2008 Page 3 Ms. Buckley expressed her appreciation for the recognition of her belated husband's contributions to the Corpus Christi RTA. She stated that Mr. Buckley had enjoyed serving on the Board. Ms. Lyons stated that Mr. Buckley's contributions had benefited the financial status of the agency. Recognition in Memory of Former RTA Employee Dino Castaneda In recognition of Mr. Dino Castaneda's 20 years service with Corpus Christi RTA, Dr. Portis read a memoriam certificate and Ms. Lyons read the inscription on an acrylic "B." Both items were presented to Ms. Norma Castaneda, widow of Mr. Castaneda. Ms. Lyons recognized the Castaneda family members in attendance. Recognition of APTA International Roadeo Competitors Mr. Sanchez introduced Mr. Rudy Lopez, Mr. Cesar Garza, and Mr. Lupe Castaneda, Corpus Christi RTA mechanics who represented the agency at the APTA International Mechanic competition in Austin, Texas. He stated that the team had placed 34 out of 50 mechanic teams represented at the event. Mr. Sanchez detailed each person's length of employment with the agency and provided brief personal comments. Ms. Flowers, Co-Chair of RTA's Roadeo Committee, thanked the Board and Senior Staff for their support of the Roadeo. She spoke about the success of the 2008 local Roadeo competition and Bar-B-Q. Ms. Flowers presented Mr. Sanchez, RTA General Manager, and Mr. Seiler, RTA Operations Director, with a trophy in appreciation of their support of the Roadeo. Ms. Shields, M V Transportation, presented Mr. Vargas, MV Transportation General Manager, with a trophy in appreciation of his support of the Roadeo. Ms. Lyons stated that staff would be looking into the feasibility of building teamwork during the competition by keeping the three-man mechanic team together for future competitions. Mr. Sanchez introduced Mr. Julian Carranza, RTA bus operator, who represented the agency at the APTA International Roadeo in the 35' competition. He stated that Mr. Carranza had placed 8t" in the competition. He commented on Mr. Carranza's employment and Roadeo history with the agency. Transportation Authority Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes May 14, 2008 Page 4 Personnel Recognition Mr. Sanchez introduced Mr. Julio Wilmot, Communications Coordinator. He stated that Mr. Wilmot was being recognized for his thirty years of employment with the agency. Dr. Portis read a certificate of recognition. Ms. Lyons and Dr. Portis presented Mr. Wilmot with the certificate. A brief surprise birthday recognition was held for Mr. Sanchez. Presentation of a Resolution from the City of Corpus Christi Committee for Persons with Disabilities in Support of the RTA's Transition Plan Initiative Ms. Fallwell-Stover introduced Mr. Abel Alonzo, Chairman of the City of Corpus Christi Committee for Persons with Disabilities Committee. Mr. Alonzo read and presented the resolution adopted by the Committee for Persons with Disabilities Committee expressing the support of the Committee for Corpus Christi RTA's Transition Plan initiative. He expressed the need for cooperative partnerships. Opportunity for Public Comment Mr. Alonzo complimented Mr. Sanchez for promoting compliance with ADA regulations. He stated that Mr. Buckley was one of a few people who never criticized him. Mr. Alonzo also voiced his support for hiring internally for the new General Manager. Update on RCAT Committee Activities Ms. Hovda, reporting on the RCAT meeting of April 17, 2008, stated that Mr. Sanchez had announced his retirement; the No Show Appeals Committee had dismissed the five suspension appeals heard; and a recommendation had been forwarded to the RTA Board to adopt RTA's proposed ADA Transition Plan. She noted the various reports heard by the Committee. In response to Mr. Rendon, Ms. Fallwell-Stover stated that she would amend the minutes under item 11 to clarify that 2,255 represented the number of persons boarding the bus using mobility devices and add the percentage of boardings that had experienced problems with the wheelchair lift. Consent Agenda Ms. Lyons stated that the items were of routine or administrative nature and had been discussed preciously by the Board or Committees. The Board had been RegL Transportation Authority Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes May 14, 2008 Page 5 furnished with support documentation. She asked if any items needed to be withdrawn from the consent agenda for discussion. There being none, Ms. Lyons called for consideration of the following items: a) Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes and the Bus Procurement Workshop Minutes of April 2, 2008 b) Action to Accept Committee Reports c) Action to Award a Contract to GILLIG Corporation for Bicycle Racks for Fixed-Route Buses d) Action to Award a Contract to Grace Paving and Construction, Inc. for Concrete Construction Services e) Action to Approve Exercising the First Option Year for Labor and Employment Law Legal Services to Royston, Rayzor, Vickery and Williams, LLP; Porter, Rogers, Dahlman and Gordon, P.C.; and Wood, Boykin and Wolter f) Action to Award a Contract to Wood, Boykin, and Wolter for General Legal Services g) Action to Adopt a Revised Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement h) Action to Approve the First Quarter 2008 Financial Reports MR. VALLS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 9a THROUGH 9h. MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. RAMON, PORTIS, LONGORIA, LYONS, FLORES, VALLS, RENDON, SALVIDE, AND TELGE VOTING IN FAVOR. CUMMINS AND MARTINEZ ABSENT. Closed Session for Discussion and Possible Action in Open Session Concerning Revising the Title of the General Manager's Position, Search Process for Interim General Manager and General Manager Ms. Lyons announced at 9:16 a.m. that the Board was going into closed session in order to discuss Agenda Item 10 on the agenda concerning personnel matters under Section 551.074 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. At 10:20 a.m. Ms. Lyons convened the regular Board meeting and called for discussion on Agenda Item 11. Discussion and Possible Action to Authorize Issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Obtain the Services of an Executive Search Firm for Recruitment of Candidates for the General Manager Position RegL J Transportation Authority Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes May 14, 2008 Page 6 MR. VALLS MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE ISSUING A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) TO OBTAIN THE SERVICES OF AN EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM FOR RECRUITMENT OF CANDIDATES FOR THE GENERAL MANAGER POSITION, WITH THE AWARD TO BE SCHEDULED FOR THE JUNE 4, 2008 BOARD MEETING; TO IDENTIFY THE POSITION SOUGHT AS "CEO" OF THE RTA, RATHER THAN GENERAL MANAGER; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY QUALIFIED INTERNAL CANDIDATES BE PROCESSED THROUGH THE SEARCH FIRM BUT BE AUTOMATICALLY GRANTED AN INTERVIEW AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME; THAT ALL BOARD MEMBERS BE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS, AND DECISIONS IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHALL BE MADE BY A QUORUM OF THE BOARD IF AVAILABLE, AND IF NOT AVAILABLE, THEN THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE; AND THAT THE EXISTING RTA PERSONNEL ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT A LETTER OF INTEREST TO SERVE AS INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER TO RICARDO SANCHEZ. THE LETTER OF INTEREST SHOULD OUTLINE THE PERONS' QUALIFICATIONS TO SERVE AS INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER AND HOW HIS/HER EXPERIENCE AND DUTIES RELATE TO THE REQUIREMENT OF SERVING AS INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. RAMON, PORTIS, LONGORIA, LYONS, FLORES, VALLS, RENDON, SALVIDE, AND TELGE VOTING IN FAVOR. CUMMINS AND MARTINEZ ABSENT. Discussion and Possible Action to Authorize Application for Funding Assistance from EPA's Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program/Blue Skyways Collaborative MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE APPLICATION FOR FUNDING ASSISTANCE FROM EPA'S CLEAN DIESEL FUNDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM/BLUE SKYWAYS COLLABORATIVE. MR. VALLS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. RAMON, PORTIS, LONGORIA, LYONS, FLORES, VALLS, RENDON, SALVIDE, AND TELGE VOTING IN FAVOR. CUMMINS AND MARTINEZ ABSENT. After a brief discussion, Ms. Lyons stated that the goal was to retrofit the current bus fleet to reduce emissions. Action to Award a Contract to GILLIG Corporation for Bus Procurement and Approve Related Alternative Fuel Assessment MR. VALLS MADE A MOTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO GILLIG CORPORATION FOR BUS PROCUREMENT AND APPROVE RELATED ALTERNATIVE FUEL ASSESSMENT. MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE Transportation Authority Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes May 14, 2008 Page 7 MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. RAMON, PORTIS, LONGORIA, LYONS, FLORES, VALLS, RENDON, SALVIDE, AND TELGE VOTING IN FAVOR. CUMMINS AND MARTINEZ ABSENT. Action to Approve Acquisition of Approximately 4.7 Acres of Land at 5826 Bear Lane Mr. Bell explained that the RTA would like to purchase approximately 4.4 acres of raw land at 5826 Bear Lane that was owned by Bear Lane Property, LLC, an affiliate of the Barcom Construction firm. He stated that in compliance with Chapter 451 of the Transportation Code, two independent appraisals had been obtained. The first appraisal, by Terrence F. Wood and Company, valued the property at $300,000 or $1.45 per square foot. The second appraisal, by Corpus Christi Appraisal Company, valued the property at $310,000 or $1.62 per square foot. Mr. Bell briefly touched on the future expansion needs of the RTA. MR. VALLS MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO PURCHASE APPROXIMATELY 4.4 ACRES OF LAND AT 5856 BEAR LANE, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, FOR $1.65 PER SQUARE FOOT FROM BEAR LANE PROPERTY, LLC. MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. RAMON, PORTIS, LONGORIA, LYONS, FLORES, VALLS, RENDON, SALVIDE, AND TELGE VOTING IN FAVOR. CUMMINS AND MARTINEZ ABSENT. Presentation on Proposed 2008 Budget Amendment Mr. Sissamis appraised the Board that FY 2008 fuel costs were predicted to be over budget by between $600,000 and $1 million based on current forecasts provided by the Energy Information Administration. Mr. Sissamis stated that the current strategy for funding the shortfall was to allocate unspent funding from FY 2007 of about $700,000 ordinarily used for discretionary grant matching funds and favorable FY 2008 sales taxes of $300,000. However, Mr. Sissamis cautioned that this was dependent upon FY 2008 sales tax keeping pace with budget projections and fuel costs not rising any higher than the currently forecasted levels. Continuing with his presentation, Mr. Sissamis advised that the strategy for funding the FY 2008 shortfall would not be available for the FY 2009 budget year. Rather, alternate strategies for handling the higher fuel costs would be needed. Senior staff had met on this issue and would reconvene soon to share ideas on how to handle this issue. Mr. Sissamis indicated that staff would propose a formal budget amendment after sufficient FY 2008 sales tax and fuel trends were available. Regk_ ^ Transportation Authority Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes May 14, 2008 Page 8 Update on Analysis of Proposals for Contracted Fixed-Route.and Demand- Responsive Service Contract Mr. Seiler reported that the RTA Evaluation Team had performed a detailed analysis of the proposals (less the cost proposal); the firms that submitted proposals had been interviewed; and the evaluation scores had been compiled (less cost analysis). The next step, as explained by Mr. Seiler, was to open and review the cost proposals of the firms being considered for award of contract. On May 2nd three cost proposals were opened and the preliminary analysis revealed inconsistencies between the proposals that warranted further clarification from each proposer. Therefore, a "best and final offer" had been sent to three of the proposers — MV Transportation, Veolia, and First Transit. It required each firm to provide a final cost offer and give the RTA a deeper understanding of and internalization of proposed cost elements and related differences for technical elements, costing approach, and the firms themselves. It also asked that the costs be distinguished between fixed components and variable components for service delivery. In summary, Mr. Seiler stated that the schedule would need to be revised to provide for an additional month to receive and analyze the new information. Ms. Lyons recessed the meeting at 10:30 a.m. to allow Board Members to participate in the trolley unveiling ceremony. The meeting was reconvened at 10:57 a.m. Ms. Lyons initiated a discussion on the proposed timeline for awarding the contracted fixed-route and demand-responsive transportation services. The following general topics were discussed: the importance that RCAT discuss the item prior to presentation to the Board; concern that three or more new board members would be appointed by the City of Corpus Christi to the Board and would have to vote on this major contract at the July 2, 2008 Board meeting, which would be their first meeting to attend as an RTA Board Member; and the feasibility of holding a special called Board meeting the middle of June after the appointments are made, if needed. The consensus was that as soon as the analysis was completed, that a presentation be made to RCAT and any other preliminary tasks be performed in order to expedite the process, pending finalization of the analysis that the General Manager and Board Chair determine whether the award of contract , • Regi, _sJ Transportation Authority Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes May 14, 2008 Page 9 could be presented prior to the July 2, 2008 Board meeting, and that no adjustment be made at this time to the timeline presented. Ms. Hovda stated that RCAT could hold a special called meeting if required. B-Line Report Ms. Fallwell-Stover, reporting on operational statistics for the month of March 2008, said that ridership compared to March 2007 had a decrease of 6.24% or 999 fewer trips, but compared to the same quarter in 2007 ridership had increased 1.8%. She stated that productivity was 2.76 passengers per hour; denials were at zero but nine trips, although serviced, were later than one hour; and on-time performance was 96.1%. She pointed out that the contractor had achieved or exceeded performance standards in four key performance areas in March 2008. Mr. Vargas, MV Transportation General Manager, reported preliminary unofficial service statistics for April 2008, which were very favorable. Chairman's Report Ms. Lyons thanked all Board Members who attended the local Roadeo and reported that several staff members had been able to attend the APTA Roadeo in Austin. She encouraged more members to attend next year. She reported that RTA had provided transportation assistance during an event hosted by Solomon Ortiz Jr. and for the boat show. Ms. Lyons, Mr. Sanchez, and Mr. Carrion had made a presentation to the Friday Morning Group; RTA had hosted the Mayor's Interagency Meeting and the participants had been transported from City Hall to RTA via the new red trolley; she, Ms. Salvide, and Mr. Rendon had sat through two days of interviews of the paratransit contract proposers. She thanked all Executive Committee members for their attendance at called meetings. She reported that she and Mr. Sanchez were considering attending the Washington, D.C. trip being coordinated by Mr. Rudy Garza with the City of Corpus Christi. General Manager's Report Mr. Sanchez asked that everyone mark his or her calendars for Friday, May 23, 2008 and plan to attend the Harbor Ferry kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. He stated that Mr. Roy Pell had done a very good job refurbishing the boat. On Memorial Day the new bump, schedules for all routes, would start and the primary changes would be to the school routes and Route 63, the Wave, which would not run during the summer months. t,L . RegiL �,i Transportation Authority Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes May 14, 2008 Page 10 Continuing with his report, Mr. Sanchez stated that concrete would be poured on the rear and front part of the maintenance building next week and within the next two weeks three trolleys would be delivered. Mr. Rendon inquired about what outreach the RTA was doing with the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, and other organizations in the community to promote riding public transportation; educating the public on existing service; and what telephone number to call to get route information. Mr. Sanchez stated that at the June Marketing Committee meeting information would be presented on community outreach initiatives to promote and educate residents on riding public transportation. Mr. Valls challenged staff to present express route options at the next Board meeting. Mr. Sanchez stated that RTA would be participating in APTA's "Dump the Pump" campaign in June of this year. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:31 a.m. Dr. is, Board Secretary Date