HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 07/29/2008 17
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS' PLANNING SESSION ` SEP 2008
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2008 ``' ":' ''
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The Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors met at 1:00 p.rnat ,
RTA
Administration/Operations Building, 2nd Floor Training Room, 5658 Bear Lane;...
Corpus Christi, Texas, 78405
Board Members Present: Crystal Lyons (Board Chair), Vangie Chapa, David
Martinez, Mary Saenz, Sara Salvide, Mike Rendon
Board Members Absent: Anna M. Flores, John Longoria, Ricardo Ramon, Judy
Telge, John Valls
Staff Present: Ed Carrion (Interim General Manager), Lamont Taylor, Kristi
Pena, Laura Yaunk
Public Present: Bryan Gentsch, Association Strategies
Call to Order
Ms. Lyons called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Board Member Communication Styles (continuation)
In summary, Mr. Gentsch explained that if the Board Members know their own
communication style, they would be able to understand their personal behavioral
style and how it would affect the way they typically communicate with others; they
would recognize, understand, and appreciate other people's communication style;
and they would be able to adapt the way they communicate to build understanding
and cooperation.
Legislative Priorities
Mr. Carrion stated that Staff was seeking discussion and consideration from the
Board for the list of priority projects that would be submitted for funding
consideration under the new surface transportation reauthorization bill. The
projects according to priority were:
1. Multi-modal transit center- Robstown's Outlet mall;
2. ADA infrastructure improvements in support of the Transition Plan;
3. Construction of Transfer Station in support of the Comprehensive
Operational Analysis (COA) recommendation;
4. Purchase of fixed-route buses.
He stated that staff would need to develop a strategy that would allow for
maximum support for the selected projects.
SCANNED
`ional Transportation Authority
Board Planning Session Minutes
Tuesday,July 29,2008
Page 2
A varied discussion ensued regarding projects according to priority and feasibility
study; planning process to best serve the needs of the RTA in seeking
appropriations; and timetable to meet with elected officials.
After the discussion, the Board Members present made the following
recommended changes to the priority list: Item 1 -- multi-modal transit center
considered to be a unique project would be submitted under the reauthorization
bill. Projects 2 to 4 would be submitted under the appropriations bill.
Board Issues
a. How Does the Board Measure Up?
Referencing the "How Does the Board Measure Up?" survey done at the January
Board Planning Session, Mr. Gentsch stated that the result provided an overview
of how the current Board was doing. He discussed in detail categories in the
survey questionnaire like: Orientation and Training; Structure and Organization of
the Board; and the Board at Work. These categories had areas with significant
deviations or a wide disparity.
Mr. Gentsch informed the Board that their combined responses resulted in a
composite score of 48.4 which defined the Board as — "You're on your way to a
strong, effective board; pay attention to your weak spots, and involve the entire
board in developing solutions."
Ms. Lyons expressed the opinion of using this self- assessment tool to help
promote each Board Member's commitment to the Agency.
Noting the comments made by Ms. Chapa and Ms. Saenz at the Board
orientation, Ms. Lyons recommended keeping a Board orientation manual as a
reference on bylaws, code of ethics, conflicts of interest, and various compilations
of studies conducted by Sharon Greene and Associates (Financial Assessment
Report); Dr. Jim Lee (The Regional Economic Impact of Corpus Christi and
Disparity Study); and Ken Hosen (ADA Accessibility Assessment Study). She
stated that having a Board orientation manual available would assist newly
appointed Board Members.
b. Board Member Job Description
Mr. Gentsch handed out a draft copy of a Board Member job description. He
noted that the job description would be used as a guide to understand their roles
and responsibilities as an RTA board member. Mr. Gentsch recommended that
each Board Member sign and acknowledge that they read and understood the job
description.
onal Transportation Authority
Board Planning Session Minutes
Tuesday,July 29,2008
Page 3
Ms. Lyons concurred with Mr. Gentsch. She stated that it would be a good idea to
adopt the job description.
Ms. Salvide noted that under Specific Duties, it should be corrected to "actively
participate on at least one board committee instead of two committees.
Ms. Lyons requested that Ms. Vidaurri, Assistant Board Secretary assist in
reviewing the Board Member job description for accuracy.
c. Code of Ethics
There was no particular discussion on this agenda item.
Interim General Manager Work Plan
Mr. Carrion stated that he developed a work plan outlining projects and initiatives
for the next six months pending selection of a new CEO by the Board.
Referencing the projects listed in the board packet, he noted that the projects and
initiatives were consistent with the RTA's mission and the Board's vision
statement.
Ms. Lyons expressed her appreciation to Mr. Gentsch for facilitating the Board
retreat.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
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Sara Salvide, Board Secretary
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