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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 07/02/2008 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY SEPSECRETA2008RYy BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2008 RETJ CITY OFFICE SUMMARY OF ACTIONS ' :E;;•:� 1. Held Roll Call ,; 2. Administered the Oath of Office to City of Corpus Christi Appointees Vangie Chapa, John Longoria, Mary Saenz, Judy Telge, and John Valls 3. Approved Adoption of Resolutions for Outgoing Board Members Manti Cummins and Dr. Maurice Portis 4. Held Personnel Recognition for Gonzalo Jimenez, David Seiler, and Ricardo Sanchez 5. Provided Opportunity for Public Comment 6. Tabled Election of a Secretary to the Board to the August Board Meeting 7. Confirmed Committee Appointments by the Board Chair Required due to Vacancies 8. Heard Presentation on Status of Maintenance Facility Renovation 9. Approved the Following Consent Agenda Items a) Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of the June 4, 2008 Board Meeting, the Special Meeting, and the CEO Executive Search Outreach Plan Workshop Meeting of June 17, 2008 b) Action to Accept Committee Reports c) Action to Authorize Entering into a Memorandum of Agreement with Texas A&M University— Corpus Christi for Transportation Services d) Action to Authorize Issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Staples Street Transfer Station Infrastructure Enhancements e) Action to Exercise the Final Option Year Contract with Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc. for Engine Oil Supply and Analysis Services f) Action to Approve the 2008 First Quarter Defined Contribution Plan Report g) Action to Approve the 2008 First Quarter Defined Benefit Plan and Trust Report h) Action to Approve the May 2008 Financial Report 10. Approved the FY 2007 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and Audit 11. Held Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Budget Amendment to 2008 Operating Budget 12. Approved Proposed Budget Amendment to 2008 Operating Budget 13. Approved the 2009 Budget Process and Timetable 14. Heard B-Line Report 15. Heard Update on Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) 16. Heard Chairman's Report, 17. Heard General Manager's Report 18. Held Closed Session SCANNED Kegional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 2, 2008 Page 2 of 9 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), Vangie Chapa, John Longoria, Ricardo Ramon, Mike Rendon, Mary Saenz, Sara Salvide, Judy Telge, John Valls Board Members Absent: David Martinez Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez (General Manager), Ponch Carrillo, Eduardo Carrion, Sylvia Castillo,.Kristi Pena, Linda Fallwell-Stover, Ramon Sanchez, Lamont Taylor, Martin Trevino, Ruth Willey, Gonzalo Jimenez, Susan Vinson, Beth Vidaurri Public Present: John Bell, RTA Legal Counsel; Carlos Vargas, Brenda Fernandez, Nova Shields, Dana Smith, Edna Arredondo, MV Transportation; Leah Olivarri, Marco Castillo, Olivarri and Associates; Ramona Sawyers, Rosie Aguiar, RTAEA; Armando Chapa, City of Corpus Christi; Abel Alonzo; Ed Labay, AG/CM; Irma Duarte; Fanny Chirinos, Corpus Christi Caller Times; John Shepherd, Craig Mlady, Collier, Johnson, and Woods PC; Herb Higginbotham, Jim Baker, Connetics Transportation Group; David Seiler; Chris.Seiler; Ben Herr, Texas Transit Association; David Garcia, Teamsters; • Deanna Kuykendall, Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. Call to Order The roll was called and a quorum declared present. Ms. Lyons called the meeting to order at 8:38 a.m. Action to Administer the Oath of Office to City of Corpus Christi Appointees to the.RTA Board Ms. Lyons administered the Oaths of Office to City of Corpus Christi Appointees Evangelina (Vangie) Chapa, John Longoria, Mary Saenz, John Valls, and Judy Telge. Ms. Lyons called for consideration of Agenda Item 4. Personnel Recognition Mr. Sanchez read and presented Mr. Gonzalo Jimenez, Transit Planner, with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his over 30 years of service to the Corpus Christi RTA. . Mr. Jimenez expressed appreciation for the certificate and talked briefly about his work experience at Corpus Christi RTA. • Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 2, 2008 Page 3 of 9 Ms. Lyons read and presented Mr. David Seiler,former RTA Director of Operations, with a Certificate of Recognition for his over seven years of servicewith the Agency. Ms. Lyons also presented him with an acrylic "B". Mr. Seiler expressed his appreciation for the support provided by RTA staff when he was hired as Director of Operations with no prior transit experience. He specifically thanked the Board and Mr. Bell for their support over the years. Ms. Flores read a Certificate of Recognition acknowledging the contributions made to the Agency by Mr. Sanchez who would be retiring July 10, 2008. Mr. Sanchez thanked Ms. Crystal Lyons, Mr. Roland Barrera,'Ms. Beth Vidaurri, Ms. Dianne Garcia, and Mr. Julio Wilmot for coordinating his retirement recognition party. Mr. Sanchez thanked Mr. Tom Niskala for his support during his employment with Corpus Christi RTA. He also thanked the Board and Staff for moving the organization forward. Adoption of Resolutions for Outgoing Board Members Mannti Cummins and Dr. Maurice Portis Ms. Lyons recognized Mr. Mannti.Cummins. She noted that Dr. Maurice Portis was absent. THE RESOLUTIONS FOR OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS MANNTI CUMMINS AND DR. MAURICE PORT'S WERE ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Mr. Valls read and presented Mr. Cummins with the resolution recognizing him for his service on the Board. Mr. Cummins expressed his appreciation to Mr. Sanchez and the Board for their support during his term as a Board Member. Ms. Lyons recessed the meeting at 9:15 a.m. The meeting was reconvened by Ms. Lyons at 9:34 a.m. Opportunity for Public Comment Mr. Abel Alonzo thanked Mr. Ricardo Sanchez for the leadership he provided to the Agency. He expressed the opinion that Mr. Sanchez could serve as a role model for youth as an example of what could be achieved if you apply yourself. Kegional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 2, 2008 Page 4 of 9 Action to Elect a Secretary to the Board Ms. Lyons opened the floor for nominations. Ms. Sara Salvide and Ms. Judy Telge were nominated for the position of Board Secretary. Ms. Lyons called for a show of hands of all those in favor of Ms. Salvide as Board Secretary. Ms. Flores, Mr. Ramon, Mr. Rendon, Ms. Saenz, and Ms. Salvide voted in favor. Ms. Lyons then called for a show of hands of all those in favor of Ms. Telge as Board Secretary. Ms. Chapa, Mr. Longoria, Ms. Telge, and Mr. Valls voted in favor. Mr. Bell advised the Chair that under Robert's Rules, she could vote either,to break a tie or make a tie. Ms. Lyons also voted in favor of Ms. Telge, resulting in a tied vote. Mr. Bell noted that there was a tied vote and advised the Chair that she could call for a vote again to see if any votes changed or table the action to the next Board meeting. THE CONSENSUS WAS TO TABLE THE ELECTION OF A BOARD SECRETARY TO THE NEXT BOARD MEETING. Action to Confirm Committee Appointments by the Board Chair Required Due to Vacancies Ms. Lyons stated that she was seeking confirmation of the following appointments: Mr. Ricardo Ramon as Administration Chair; Ms. Vangie Chapa and Ms. Mary Saenz as Administration Committee members; Ms. Sara Salvide as a member of the Marketing Subcommittee; Ms. Mary Saenz as a member of the Disadvantaged Business Subcommittee; Ms. Anna Flores as Chair of the Audit, Finance, and Health Subcommittee; Ms. Vangie Chapa as a member of the Audit, Finance, and Health Subcommittee; and Ms. Vangie Chapa as Chair of the Investment Committee. IT WAS THE CONSENSUS OF THE BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT TO CONFIRM THE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD CHAIR. Presentation on Status of Maintenance Facility Renovation Mr. Ed Labay, Vice-President of Projects, AGCM, handed out an update report on the vehicle maintenance renovation project. He noted that one of the key points of the maintenance facility renovation project was that it would be completed in stages since the facility would be kept operational during the renovations. He explained that under Tab 1 was information regarding the description and visual diagrams of the work steps; Tab 2 had the project timeline which showed that the project was primarily on schedule; Tab 3 had information regarding the various submittals required for this type of project; kegional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 2, 2008 Page 5 of 9 Tab 4 had information on the requests for information; and Tab 5 had pictures of the renovation site. In response to Ms. Telge, Mr. Sanchez stated that Mr. Walker had been contacted to review the project drawings to address ADA compliance issues. Mr. Labay asked for feedback on the preferred reporting frequency and types of areas that the Board would like to be briefed. Mr. Longoria replied that if there was a delay in scheduling or concerns about funding these should be reported to the Board. Ms. Lyons noted that the Board would like to be apprised in a timely manner of any concerns related to the project. If the project was going smoothly a monthly report would not be required. Mr. Labay replied that he and Ms. Montez would confer and determine a reporting frequency based on the feedback received. Approved Consent Agenda Items Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of the June 4, 2008 Board Meeting, the Special Meeting, and the CEO Executive Search Outreach Plan Workshop Meeting of June 17, 2008 Action to Accept Committee Reports Action to Authorize Entering into a Memorandum of Agreement with Texas A&M University — Corpus Christi for Transportation Services Action to Authorize Issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Staples Street Transfer Station Infrastructure Enhancements Action to Exercise the Final Option Year Contract with Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc. for Engine Oil Supply and Analysis Services Action to Approve the 2008 First Quarter Defined Contribution Plan Report Action to Approve the 2008 First Quarter Defined Benefit Plan and Trust Report Action to Approve the May 2008 Financial Report MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 9a THROUGH 9h. MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. kegional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 2, 2008 Page 6 of 9 Action to Approve the FY 2007 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and Audit Mr. Shepherd; President, Collier, Johnson, and Woods, noted that Mr. Mlady had provided a detailed report at the June 2008 Administration Committee meeting. He thanked Mr. Sanchez for his contributions to Corpus Christi RTA. Mr. Shepherd also recognized Ms. Vinson and her staff for the significant investment of time and effort generated in order to prepare the report. Summarizing the report, Mr. Shepherd highlighted that the Agency's net assets as of December 31, 2007 totaled $48,390,513; $24,467,194 of the amount was available to meet the Agency's ongoing obligations; the net assets had increased by $1,144,432 during 2007 as a result of a loss of$981,455 offset by capital grant contributions of $2,125,887; and the Agency did not have any long-term debt. Mr. Shepherd stated that the auditor's report expressed an unqualified opinion on the basic financial statements of the Agency. He noted that traditionally a "Management Letter"was submitted detailing any internal control or operating efficiency issues noted during the audit. The 2007 audit found no such issues. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FY 2007 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (CAFR) AND AUDIT. MR. VALLS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Budget Amendment to 2008 Operating Budget Ms. Lyons opened the public hearing at 9:58 a.m. There being no public comment, Ms. Lyons closed the public hearing at 9:59 a.m. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Proposed Budget Amendment to 2008 Operating Budget Ms. Vinson stated that the Administration Committee had reviewed this item and was recommending approval of the budget amendment. The basis for the request was that the Agency's fuel cost was expected to be $1.4 million higher than the $2.3 million originally budgeted. Reviewing staffs strategy to cover the higher expenses, Ms. Vinson stated that the proposal was to apply $800,000 from the favorable budget variance from FY 2007 to FY 2008; to apply $600,000 from favorable sales tax revenues through April 2008; and she noted that staff had identified a total of$300,000 of potential budget cut- ( negional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 2, 2008 Page 7 of 9 backs that could also be used to cover the higher fuel costs. A contingency plan would be to apply higher levels of FTA capital grants to assist with operating expenses. Ideally, this plan would not need to be used since it would mean less grant funds available for the Agency's capital program. MR. RAMON MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED BUDGET AMENDMENT TO THE 2008 OPERATING BUDGET. MS. CHAPA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the 2009 Budget Process and Timetable Ms. Vinson highlighted the timetable included in the packet. Ms. Lyons stated that the meeting times for the budget workshops would be determined at a later date. She noted that a one and one half day Board Retreat should be held the last week of July. Ms. Lyons asked Ms. Vidaurri to poll the Board as to their availability and coordinate the retreat. MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2009 BUDGET PROCESS AND TIMETABLE. MS. CHAPA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. B-Line Report Reporting on the B-Line service statistics for the month of May 2008, Ms. Fallwell- Stover said that passengers per hour were at 2.80%; on time performance was 95.2%; there were no denials as defined by the Federal Transit Administration; and miles between road calls had exceeded the minimum of 10,000 miles. She noted that 775 trips out of the 16,269 provided did not meet the standard for"on time performance". Referencing passenger"in-vehicle time", Ms. Fallwell-Stover reported that they were unable to provide the three-day statistical sampling due to a complication with the Trapeze software. Ms. Lyons asked that Trapeze should be made aware of the importance of fixing this software problem and that staff put this issue as a number one priority for resolution. Mr. Vargas, reporting on behalf of MV Transportation, recognized that Mr. Mike Rios, B- Line operator, had received recognition for his years of service; that Ms. Nova Shields had been appointed by Nueces County to the MHMR Board; and a Mother's Day celebration had been held for MV Transportation employees. • Kegional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 2, 2008 Page 8 of 9 Update on Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) Mr. Jim Baker, Vice-President, and project leader for Connetics Transportation Group's COA, using a PowerPoint presentation stated that all the data collection had been completed; the existing service assessment had been documented and reviewed with RTA staff; and Olivarri &Associates had.conducted extensive public outreach. Mr. Marco Castillo, Olivarri &Associates, cited the following public outreach findings: 1) the need for expanded service to the Southside; 2) improving regional services and coordination with other entities; 3) providing expanded Sunday hours and coverage; 4) providing later weekday service hours; 5) providing expanded express service that captures choice riders; and 6) providing better marketing of services and availability of route information which could be provided in one bus book. He noted that Sunday hours of service was the service category that received the highest unfavorable rating. Mr. Baker resumed the presentation and cited the following proposed service concepts for the local route service: 1) reduction in one-direction loop service and circuitous alignments; 2) improved service frequencies where warranted; 3) clock headways and pulsed schedules at transit stations; expanded local service to new areas; and 4) expanded hours of operation. Referencing the proposed service concepts for express and regional route service, Mr. Baker cited the following: 1) additional service to NAS/CCAD; 2) downtown express service from the Southside and Northwest; 3) regional transit centers to interface with other operators (e.g., Robstown); 4) promotion/expansion of RideAlong vanpool and carpool programs. Outlining the next steps, Mr. Baker stated that the recommendations would be finalized and reviewed with RTA staff; his company would prepare the Tech Memo, which would document the Service Plan recommendations; and they would prepare the final COA report by August 2008. Ms. Telge asked if accessibility was included in the survey. Mr. Baker stated that this area was not targeted and that only general interviews were conducted. Mr. Sanchez stated that this criteria could be included as part of the origin/destination survey which would include B-Line riders. Ms. Lyons expressed the opinion that even though this was a survey of the fixed-route services that persons with disabilities using fixed-route service should not be excluded. Ms. Lyons noted that it was her understanding that Mr. Taylor was going to ensure that persons with disabilities be included in.the COA surveys. riegonal Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 2, 2008 Page9of9 . Referencing stakeholders contacted, Board Members recommended that the survey team contact such agencies as the Lighthouse for the Blind, CCISD, and the Deaf Center to get their feedback on the fixed-route service provided. Also it was recommended that they survey agencies providing services to the elderly. Mr. Baker agreed toconduct additional public outreach based on the input received. Chairman's Report Ms. Lyons stated that a report would not be provided. General Manager's Report Mr. Sanchez reported that the August 2008 Southwest Transit Association's (SWTA) ADA workshop would be hosted by RTA; the " Dump the Pump" event had experienced a 31% increase in ridership compared to last year; and an employee appreciation Bar- B-Q would be held following the Board meeting. Mr. Longoria noted that a good time to survey riders would be on "Dump the Pump" day. Closed Session on General Manager Search Ms. Lyons announced that it was 10:37 a.m. and the Board would be going into executive session to discuss the General Manager Search progress under Section 551.074 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Ms. Lyons reconvened the meeting at 11:14 a.m. Adiournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m. Board Secretary S agog' Date