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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 01/27/2009 - Workshop REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS' WORKSHOP MEETING PrimeEIVED TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2009 SUMMARY OF ACTIONS MAR 3 1 2009 1. Heard Presentation on 2009 Legislative Strategy CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE The Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors met at 10:00 a.m. in the Regional Transportation Authority Facility located at 5658 Bear Lane, Corpus Christi, Texas. Board Members Present: -Anna Flores (Board Vice-Chair), Vangie Chapa, John Longoria, Mike Rendon, Mary Saenz, Sara Salvide, John Valls Board Members Absent: Crystal Lyons (Board Chair), David Martinez, Ricardo Ramon, Judy Telge Staff Present: Eduardo Carrion (CEO), Lamont Taylor, Beth Vidaurri Public Present: John Bell, Legal Counsel; Rosie Aguiar, RTAEA; Tom DeLosSantos; James Lofton, Senior Vice President, Tanya Morrison, Senior Associate, The Rhoads Group Call to Order Ms. Flores called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. Presentation on 2009 Legislative Strategy Mr. Carrion introduced Mr. James Lofton, Senior Vice President, and Ms. Tanya Morrison, Senior Associate with The Rhoads Group. Mr. Carrion stated that this workshop would provide input to start creating a strategic plan for Corpus Christi RTA's (Agency) funding priorities and course of action. Mr. Lofton explained that The Rhoads Group was a full-service government relations firm. It was a diverse firm with comprehensive knowledge of the political and legislative processes. Their team was composed of eight government relations specialists. Mr. Lofton elaborated on his expertise and experience. Continuing with his presentation, Mr. Lofton stated that each client was assigned a core team of professionals to represent their interests. He stated that Ms. Morrison was the team leader for Corpus Christi RTA. Other members were Susann Miller Edwards, Vice President, and Barry Rhoads, Chief Executive Officer. He stated that weekly communication with the Corpus Christi RTA was planned. SCANNED Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 4, 2009 Page 2 Ms. Morrison spoke on her expertise and experience. She stated that a visit to Washington DC was being planned within two weeks to present the Agency's appropriation requests. In response to Ms. Salvide, Ms. Morrison stated that in regards to the stimulus funding request process, Mr. Carrion had already submitted an ADA request to Congressman Ortiz's office. She outlined the current status of the stimulus package and stated that the State Department of Transportation should be receiving the money in approximately one week. Discussed at length was the proposed intermodal facility. Mr. Carrion noted that the proposal was for a multi-use facility. Mr. Rendon asked that The Rhodes Group be provided with a copy of the completed feasibility study and that they be shown the proposed site. He noted that an update on the study would be provided at the Operations Committee meeting immediately following this workshop. Mr. Carrion stated that the Goodman Corporation's scope of work included developing a whitepaper and all documentation needed on the intermodal project which would be presented to the Texas delegation in March to assist in securing federal funding for the project. Mr. Rendon initiated a discussion on additional funding opportunities. Mr. Lofton stated that projects which promoted "going green" would receive priority attention when funding allocations were considered. Ms. Morrison stated that they would look for "go green" projects and asked that the Agency also provide some project ideas. Ms. Saenz initiated a discussion on funding opportunities for travel/training for the student population. Mr. Carrion explained that the Agency was not allowed to provide school transportation service. . The Agency had a student rider training program and he would look into re-implementing the program. He also noted that various schools were provided with bus passes and/or tokens. Mr. Longoria stated that the legislative approach should be to focus on attaining allocations within the areas of federal, discretionary, and formula funding in addition to the funding provided through the stimulus package. The Agency's funding priorities were identified by Mr. Rendon as providing bus stop and ,ADA improvements; purchasing and replacing buses; and constructing the intermodal facility. He also stated that he welcomed The Rhoads Group to identify additional funding opportunities. -.1 Kegional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 4,2009 Page 3 Mr. Carrion noted that the projects that would be considered for funding would be so called "shovel-ready projects." Ms. Morrison said that the Agency should set the priorities and their company would identity the funding opportunities. Discussing the topic of energy, Mr. Carrion pointed out that the Agency had not purchased the total number of buses it needed because it wanted to look into funding options for purchasing alternative fuel buses. Ms. Morrison stated that she could provide a copy of the list of bills that were up for reauthorization. Mr. Valls inquired about the ferry boat program and stated that the Agency should look at the feasibility of running the Harbor Ferry service instead of contracting out the service. Mr. Carrion pointed out that previously both the ferry boat and bus allocation was available through the discretionary program; therefore, they were competing requests. Ms. Salvide clarified that the ferry boat program's focus was to get workers to their place of employment and reduce pollution. A varied discussion was held ranging from presenting unique projects for funding requests to the strategy for requesting allocations. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:08 a.m. ice . Mary S enz, Board Secretary Date