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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 07/01/2009 ;r REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY - BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING RCE/V WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009 �® SUMMARY OF ACTIONS SEP 9 2009 1. Heid Roll Call CI�SLuntTARY'S OFFICF 2. Provided Opportunity for Public Comment 3. Heard Update on RCAT Committee Activities 4. Tabled Approval of the Board of Directors' Minutes of June 3, 2009 5. Approved Consent Agenda a. Action to Accept Committee Reports b. Action to Exercise the First Option Year with Multiple Companies for Bus and Engine Parts c. Action to Approve a Resolution and an Interlocal Participation Agreement with The Local Government Purchasing Cooperative d. Action to Authorize Issuing Four (4) Invitation for Bids for ADA Bus Stop Improvements 6. Accepted the Coastal Bend Regional Intermodal Terminal Feasibility Study and Directed CEO to Consult with Other Appropriate Governmental Agencies. Proceeding with a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Study was not Approved 7. Heard Presentation on May 2009 Financial Report 8. Tabled Presentation on Semi-Annual Agency Operational and Administrative Assessment to July Budget Workshop 9. Heard CEO's Report: a. Update on Wellness Activities' b. Operational Update 10.Held Closed Session for Discussion of Chief Executive Officer's (CEO) Salary and Benefits and Took Action in Open Session 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), Mary Saenz (Board Secretary), Vangie Chapa, John Longoria, Mike Rendon, Sara Salvide, Judy Telge Board Members Absent: David Martinez, Ricardo Ramon, John Valls Staff Present: Eduardo Carrion, CEO; Ponch Carrillo, Jorge Cruz-Aedo, Linda Fallwell-Stover, Sharon Montez, Ramon Sanchez, Gloria Smith; Lamont Taylor, Martin Trevino, Susan Vinson, Ruth Willey, Mike Pefanis, Beth Vidaurri SCANNED gional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 1,2009 Page 2 Public Present: Lee Jones, Eloy Soza, RCAT; Rosie Aguiar, Robert Vela, RTAEA; Daniel Garza, Reel Simple Productions; Willie Rivera, John Michael, NEI; John Bell, Legal Counsel; Brenda Fernandez, Carlos Vargas, Dana Smith, MV Transportation; Barry Goodman, The .Goodman. Corporation; Venessa Garza; Fanny Chirinos, Corpus Christi Caller Times Call to Order The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Ms. Lyons at 8:38 a.m. Roll Call The roll was called and a quorum declared present. Opportunity for Public Comment Mr. Daniel Garza spoke in support of Creative Outdoor Advertising being awarded the bus bench shelter advertising contract. He cited that he felt that the merits of their bid were strong; his company Reel Simple was a local firm that had partnered. with Creative Outdoor Advertising which would give them a local presence; that his company had a lot of experience in the community and with the RTA; and that this would provide his small company with an opportunity to grow. Mr. Eloy Soza complimented the bus drivers on the smooth transition to the new bus routes. Update on RCAT Committee Activities Mr. Lee Jones, reporting for Ms. Deb Hovda, detailed that at the June 18, 2009, RCAT meeting four persons had spoken under public comment; committee reports were heard from the No Show Appeals, the Eligibility Appeals, and Policies and Procedures Committees; presentations were heard on the 2010 Census; programs sponsored by the South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind; B-Line report; and the monthly CAF report which reflected a 16% increase. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of June 3. 2009 In response to Ms. Telge's inquiry regarding the summary on the agenda item for issuing a change order for exterior bus graphic design, Mr. John Bell explained that the Board Bylaws provided that an item could be placed on the agenda by the Board Chair, General Manager, or on the request of four Board Members. The request did not have to be in writing, it could be via telephone or e mail. He stated that the term Tonal Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 1,2009 Page 3 "official", used in the minutes, probably indicated that the request was placed on the agenda according to the Bylaws. A discussion ensued and the issue of whether a meeting had been held to discuss this item was raised. Ms. Lyons requested that the statement she made explaining why the item had not been placed on the agenda be included in the minutes. She explained that she had communicated via e mail with the CEO and had been informed that staff had not finalized their research; therefore, her direction was to place the item on the next Operations Committee meeting agenda. She recommended that when there was a question on an agenda item in the future, that the Board Chair be contacted. Mr. Rendon stated that he was not aware that staff was not ready to present the item and that he had not received communication regarding this matter from the Board Chair. THE CONSENSUS WAS TO TABLE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES TO THE AUGUST BOARD MEETING. Consent Agenda Ms. Lyons stated that the following items were of routine or administrative nature and had been discussed previously by the Board or Committees and that the Board had been furnished with support documentation on the items. She called for consideration of Consent Agenda items 5a through 5d and asked if there were any items that should be pulled for discussion. There being none, Ms. Lyons called for a motion to approve the following items: a) Action to Accept Committee Reports b) Action to Exercise the First Option Year with Multiple Companies for Bus and Engine Parts c) Action to Approve a Resolution and an Interlocal Participation Agreement with The Local Government Purchasing Cooperative d) Action to Authorize Issuing Four (4) Invitation for Bids for ADA Bus Stop Improvements MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 5a THROUGH 5d. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. SAENZ, CHAPA, LONGORIA, FLORES, LYONS, RENDON, SALVIDE, AND TELGE VOTING IN FAVOR. RAMON, VALLS, AND MARTINEZ ABSENT. �.'6gional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 1,2009 Page 4 Discussion and Possible Action to .Accept the Coastal Bend Regional Intermodal Terminal Feasibility Study and Direct Proceeding with a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Study Mr. John Michael, Naismith Engineering, said that in April 2009 a report on the project, which was 90 percent complete, had been presented to the Board. He provided a brief history on the project and referenced the pictorial drawings that were being displayed. Mr. Barry Goodman, The Goodman Corporation, spoke on the potential of an intermodal terminal which would interface rural services and urban services. He stated that twelve terminals were being developed within the State of Texas and provided information supporting the construction of intermodal terminals and also for the proposed terminal to be located in Robstown, Texas. One significant factor was the abundance of federal infrastructure funding for "shovel ready" projects. He expressed the opinion that stimulus funds could be available for this project. Referencing the demand, Mr. Goodman stated that rural and intercity bus providers had been contacted and letters of support for the project had been received. Concerning the proposed facility, Mr. Goodman stated that the facility would include office and retail space and would have approximately 28,000 square feet, if all of the stakeholders participated. The businesses would be compatible with the terminal, serve the people using the terminal, and generate additional revenue for the RTA. He pointed out that the proposed land was available through Nueces County. He recommended either purchasing the land; securing a long-term ground lease, or having the land donated by Nueces County. He explained that the higher value of the land at time of construction could be used as a local match when seeking federal funding. He noted that the location would be favorable for future rail interface and could also become important as a fueling and light maintenance area for rural and intercity bus fleets. Responding to Mr. Rendon, Mr. Goodman explained that in accordance with Federal guidelines, the facility would have a forty-year life. He expressed the opinion that if economically feasible, purchasing the land would be preferable because it would solidify the project. Mr. Goodman commented that this project would be a capital investment that could have long-term potential to lower the Agency's operating cost basis which would make it a viable project. Responding to Ms. Telge, Mr. Goodman stated that the land recommendation was his opinion and was not part of the current study. The land and environmental study would be the next phase. He explained that if the Agency owned the land, then they • ;ional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 1,2009 Page 5 could use a letter of no prejudice to get the project pre-approved through the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) but be able to spend local money that would be protected for future federal reimbursement at about 80 percent. There could also be joint development possibilities with Nueces County At this phase of the project, Mr. Goodman stated that he could not recommend a specific course of action. Ms. Telge initiated a discussion on support level, which would be crucial to the success of the project, from rural providers and potential users of the intermodal facility. Mr. Goodman stated that historically a commitment is obtained when the project is in the final phase. He stated that his staff had met with the rural providers and explained the benefits of the project. The providers had expressed an interest in a fueling area to cut down on dead head time and an interface with the RTA system. During the next phase of work, Mr. Goodman stated that the team would then provide signed commitments from the stakeholders. Speaking on public input, Mr. Goodman said that the feasibility study being presented reflected information from the engineering and technical side of the project to assist the Board in deciding if they wanted to proceed with the project. If the study was approved, then the next phase's scope of work would include securing grassroots input, looking at the economic, social, and environmental feasibility. He explained that this project was fast tracked in order for the Agency to avail itself of the current funding opportunities. Mr. John Michael spoke on the proposed outlet center which was still viable and the employment need generated by the various venues in the area. Mr. Longoria requested that the Corpus Christi City Council be briefed on this project and asked for their perspective. He also raised the idea of a transit development on the North Side Port area. Mr. Michael stated that he had spoken to Mayor Adame and discussed the potential for growth in the North Side Port area and the resulting need for mass transportation. Mr. Michael suggested having that site as an intermodal link in the future. Mr. Carrion stated that he would be making a presentation to the City of Corpus Christi City Council and would include this project in his presentation. Ms. Lyons, reviewing the RFP's goals, questioned if the following goals had been met: 1) evaluate and determine the feasibility of the project; and 2) quantify the economic case for the project, capital cost, and return on investment, as well as economic impact on the region. Mr. Goodman replied that the determination that the project was feasible had been established in the study; but that the concept could change based on the environmental study. Regarding the second goal, Mr. Michael stated that the capital costs were defined based on the feasibility plan and the other regional Transportation Authority • Board of Directors Meeting'Minutes July 1,2009 Page 6 components were tied in with the project timeline. Mr. Goodman identified the project benefits as the ability to quantify energy savings; potential joint development; revenue generated from retail space and other joint uses. He noted that more specifics could be identified in the next phase of the project. Discussion on the project's scope of work was initiated by Ms. Lyons. Mr. Michael explained that the original proposal had included the NEPA, Letter of No Prejudice, and marketing.. These were deleted from the scope of work in order to expedite getting the necessary report completed in order for presentation to the Legislature. Mr. Michael stated that the NEPA could be added as an amendment to the current contract or a separate contract could be issued. He said that the NEPA was essential in order to pursue federal funding for the project. Mr. Carrion clarified that the request was for the Board to authorize him to proceed with awarding a contract for the NEPA. Ms. Lyons inquired about the project feasibility. Mr. Goodman stated that even if the outlet mall was not constructed, the project would be feasible because it served a transportation purpose. Ms. Lyons initiated a discussion on the proposed fueling station. She noted that the CEO had stated that the fueling station should not be adjacent to the terminal. Mr. Michael explained that Nueces County had other undeveloped land in the area which could accommodate the fueling station and a potential light maintenance facility at a future date. He stated that if the direction were to include this in the first phase of the project, it could be easily incorporated in the current site plan. Mr. Goodman cited various reasons for building a fueling station. Ms. Lyons questioned various construction costs included in the report. She inquired why the fueling station cost of$150,000 was included in the report. Referencing the cost per square foot, Ms. Lyons inquired why the cost at this facility was $175/square foot compared to a typical office building cost of $125/square foot. Mr. Michael recommended not reducing the square footage amount due to unpredictable variables at this stage of the project. Ms. Lyons asked why the project budget had 15 percent for construction contingency compared to 5 percent which was generally budgeted for in the private sector. Mr. Michael stated that government entities generally budget between 20- 25 percent at this level of feasibility. Mr. Goodman stated that federal guidelines recommended 10 percent on equipment and 20 percent on construction. • -�� _ ;ional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 1,2009 Page 7 Referencing architectural and engineering fees budgeted at 15 percent, Ms. Lyons stated that in the private section this generally was budgeted at 6 to 8 percent. Mr. Michael stated that the fee structure was conservative. Ms. Lyons asked Mr. Goodman to explain his "phased-in" approach. Mr. Goodman stated that the concept was to have a plan that you could add on to but that would still be part of an integrated facility. He felt that this was the best phasing approach. When the project got closer to reality, he said that the phasing would become clearer and the plan would probably change based on the stakeholders' needs. He stated that their recommendation was to think in terms of a phased approach in order to provide for utility and have the ability to expand. There was a brief discussion on stakeholders' needs compared to the funding received, and Mr. Goodman stated that if the amount of federal funding received should exceed the funding needed to build the basic needed facility; then it could be reprogrammed for a terminal in the North Side Port area or at the University. Ms. Lyons asked that Mr. Carrion and Mr. Goodman document the project scope as it was explained at this meeting. Mr. Michael stated that this could be accomplished. He noted that Mr. Goodman had left to catch a flight. Responding to Mr. Longoria, Mr. Michael stated that the feasibility study would commit the project being built at that location and an approximate footprint. The footprint would be subject to funding availability and could be phased in. If the NEPA were approved at next month's meeting, Mr. Longoria stated that he would like it noted that the City of Corpus Christi City Council has been contacted as well as the Small City of Mayors, and Nueces County. Ms. Lyons asked that the request for a NEPA study include the budget amount under the terms of"not to exceed." Detailed discussion ensued regarding the procedural process for proceeding with this project and presenting the concept to the identified governmental entities. Mr. Carrion asked that the "intermodal terminal feasibility study be approved; thereby, enabling staff to discuss the concept with the participating governmental entities. The NEPA could be presented for approval at a later date. MS. SALVIDE MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE DRAFT COASTAL BEND REGIONAL INTERMODAL TERMINAL FEASIBILITY STUDY AS PRESENTED ON JULY 1, 2009, AND TO DIRECT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TO CONSULT WITH OTHER APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES. MR. RENDON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. SAENZ, CHAPA, LONGORIA, FLORES, LYONS. RENDON, M1 n gional Transportation Authority Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 1,2009 Page 8 SALVIDE, AND TELGE VOTING IN FAVOR. RAMON, VALLS, AND MARTINEZ ABSENT. After a brief discussion, Mr. Longoria clarified that Mr. Carrion would develop the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) which would include the scope of work for the NEPA and present it for the Board's approval. Mr. Michael stated that a presentation on the project's "phased in" concept for the terminal could also be detailed at that time. Presentation on May 2009 Financial Report Ms. Vinson reported a positive year-to-date variance of $1.1 million compared to budget primarily due to the operating costs being under budget by $1.4 million. The primary savings were from fuel for about $575,000. She noted that this was offset by the revenues being less than budget by about $300,000. Reporting on revenues, Ms. Vinson stated that compared to the same time last year, sales tax revenue had decreased 12.8 percent and the projection for May was a decrease of approximately 11 percent. She stated that the projection for year end was that sales tax revenue would be approximately 11 percent or $2 million less than in 2008. In addition, other revenues that were experiencing a decrease were interest and fare revenues which could result in an additional $200,000 shortfall. Providing an overall summary, Ms. Vinson noted that payment into the pension plan was higher than budgeted. She stated that based on the projections, the Agency could have to find funding for about $2.8 million in expenses. Steps were already being taken to offset this anticipated shortfall, such as not hiring for some current vacant positions and considering using Preventative Maintenance funding. Ms. Lyons asked if avenues for increasing revenue were being researched. A brief discussion ensued. Presentation on Semi-Annual Agency Operational and Administrative Assessment THE CONSENSUS WAS TO TABLE THIS AGENDA ITEM TO THE JULY BUDGET WORKSHOP. CEO's Report a. Update on Wellness Activities Mr. Carrion reported that in the RTA biggest loser contest fifteen employees had participated and lost a total of 98 pounds and that an exercise clinic benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society had been held. ,;;ional Transportation Authority • Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 1,2009 - -. Page 9 b. Operational Update Mr. Carrion reported that sixteen new GILLIG buses had been delivered and that the Harbor Ferry service was not operational. Ms. Smith stated that the service was not operational due to an accident and was anticipated to be operational by the weekend. She provided details concerning the incident which caused damage to the propeller. Closed Session for Discussion of Chief Executive Officer's (CEO) Salary and Benefits with Possible Action in Open Session - Ms. Lyons announced" that it was 10:33 a.m. and that the Board Was going into closed session in order to discuss Agenda Item 10 concerning Personnel Matters, CEO's salary and benefits with possible action in open session under Section 551.074 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Ms. Lyons reconvened the Board of Directors' meeting at 12:20 p.m. MR. RENDON MADE A MOTION TO INCREASE THE CEO'S SALARY FROM $120,000 TO $130,000 AND ADDITIONAL AMOUNT EQUAL TO 4 PERCENT OF HIS SALARY TO BE DEPOSITED INTO A RETIRMENT ACCOUNT. MS. CHAPA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. SAENZ, CHAPA, FLORES, LYONS, RENDON VOTING IN FAVOR. SALVIDE ABSTAINING. RAMON, VALLS, LONGORIA, MARTINEZ, AND TELGE ABSENT. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:22 p.m. Mary Saenz, Board Secretary Date Submitted by: Beth Vidaurri