BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2010
Closed Session: 12:00 – 1:00 P.M.
General Session: 1:00 – 3:00 P.M.
Los Angeles County MTA
One Gateway Plaza, 3rd Floor
729 Vignes Street, Los Angeles CA 90012
MISSION STATEMENT
Access Services promotes access to all modes of transportation and provides quality and safe ADA paratransit service on behalf of public transit agencies in Los Angeles County.
DISPOSITION1. / CALL TO ORDER / ACTION
2. /
PUBLIC COMMENT WITH RESPECT TO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
3. / CLOSED SESSION/ DISCUSSION/
POSSIBLE ACTION
A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: CAL. GOV.
CODE §54956.9
I. Pending Litigaiton : Gov. Code §54956. 9 (a)
(i) Chroman v. Access Services, et al. LASC #
BC 425475
(ii) Jerryle Bradley v. Access Services, LASC #
YC 062197
II. Anticipated Litigation: Gov. Code §54956.9 (b)
(i) Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to
subdivision (b) of Gov. Code §54956.9
(ii) Initiation of Litigation pursuant to subdivision (c)
of Gov. Code §54956.9
B) CALIFORNIA GOV. CODE §54957 – PERSONNEL ISSUES
Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Executive Director
4. /
SUPERIOR SERVICE AWARDS
/ PRESENTATION5. /
REVIEW & APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE BOARD
MEETING OF AUGUST 23, 2010 (page 5)[Staff Recommendation: Approve] / ACTION
[Vote Required:
majority of quorum
by voice vote]
6. /
REPORT FROM EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS
/INFORMATION
7. /GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
/INFORMATION
8. / CONSENT CALENDARa) Approval of Board of Director’s Committee Appointments (page 17)
b) Approval of Extension of Federal Advocacy Services Contract ASI-2016 (Simon and Company, Inc.) (page 21)
c) Approval of Amended Overall Annual Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal For FFY’s 2010-2012 (page 23)
d) Authorize Addition of Funds for Contract ASI- 2392 (Insight Strategies, Inc.) (page 34)
e) Change of Annual Meeting Date (page 36)
[Staff Recommendation: Approve Consent Calendar] / ACTION
[Vote Required:
majority of quorum
by roll call]
9. / APPROVAL OF EXTENSION OF WEST CENTRAL AREA SERVICE CONTRACT ASI-2364 (CALIFORNIA TRANSIT, INC.) – Held Over From August 23, 2010 Board Meeting (page 37)
[Staff Recommendation: Authorize an additional $12,000,000.00 in funds and an extension in the period of performance for one year, from November 1, 2010 through October 31, 2011.] / ACTION
[Vote Required:
majority of quorum
by roll call]
10. / APPROVAL OF EXTENSION OF EASTERN AREA SERVICE CONTRACT ASI-1928 (SAN GABRIEL TRANSIT, INC.)
(page 39)
[Staff Recommendation: Authorize an additional $25,000,000.00 in funds and an extension in the period of performance for one year, from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012.] / ACTION
[Vote Required:
majority of quorum
by roll call]
11. / APPROVAL OF SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION POLICY (page 41)
[Staff Recommendation: Approve the following policy guidelines: 1. Access will offer the use of its StrataGen software platform as an option for use by providers in future service area procurements. Providers will have the option to use any of the Stratagen modules that they determine are appropriate (i.e. reservations, scheduling, dispatch, etc.). Any changes or modifications deemed necessary to the software by the Provider will be the responsibility of the provider. Access Services will be responsible for the licensing, maintenance, and initial implementation and training costs.
2. Current service providers may elect to migrate to the StrataGen software platform provided they: a. Agree to performance and evaluation criteria prior to implementation.
b. Agree to specific time frames for implementation and service performance. c. Agree that any changes or modifications to the software are the responsibility of the provider.] / ACTION
[Vote Required:
majority of quorum
by roll call]
12. / STATUS UPDATE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S AUDIT RECOMMENDATIONS (page 54)
[Staff Recommendation: Receive and file the attached status report on the implementation of the audit recommendations from the “Report on the Evaluation of the Paratransit Eligibility Process; Administration, Performance, and Management of Paratransit Operations; and Compliance with Memorandum of Understanding.”] / RECEIVE/ FILE
13. / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT / INFORMATION
14. / BOARD MEMBER COMMUNICATION / INFORMATION
15. /
NEW BUSINESS SUBSEQUENT TO THE POSTING
OF THE AGENDA /DISCUSSION/
POSSIBLE ACTION16. /
ADJOURNMENT
/ ACTIONAccess Services does not discriminate on the basis of disability. Accordingly, Access Services seeks to ensure that individuals with disabilities will have an equal opportunity to participate in the range of Access Services events and programs by providing appropriate auxiliary aids and services to facilitate communication. In determining the type of auxiliary aids and services for communication that will be provided, primary consideration is given to the request of the individual with disabilities. However, the final decision belongs to Access Services. To help ensure availability of those auxiliary aids and services you require, please make every effort to notify Access Services of your request at least three (3) business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting in which you wish to utilize those aids or services. You may do so by contacting (213) 270-6000.
Note: Access Services board meetings are held pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act [Cal. Gov. Code §54950] and are open to the public. The public may view and obtain all written information supporting this agenda provided to the board both initially and supplementally prior to the meeting at the agency’s offices located at 3449 Santa Anita Avenue, El Monte California and on its website at http://asila.org. Documents, including Power Point handouts distributed to Board Members by staff or Board members at the meeting will simultaneously be made available to the public. Three opportunities are available for the public to address the board during a board meeting: (1) before closed session regarding matters to be discussed in closed session, (2) before a specific agendized item is debated and voted upon regarding that item and (3) general public comment. The exercise of the right to address the board is subject to restriction as to time and appropriate decorum. All persons wishing to make public comment must fill out a yellow Public Comment Form and submit it to the Secretary to the Board. Public comment is generally limited to three (3) minutes per speaker and the total time available for public comment may be limited at the discretion of the Chairperson. Persons whose speech is impaired such that they are unable to address the board at a normal rate of speed may request the accommodation of a limited amount of additional time from the Chair but only by checking the appropriate box on the Public Comment Form. Granting such an accommodation is in the discretion of the Chair.
The Board of Directors will not and cannot respond during the meeting to matters raised under general public comment. Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act governing these proceedings, no discussion or action may be taken on these matters unless they are listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. However, the board may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future Board of Directors Meeting and the staff will respond to all public comment in writing prior to the next board meeting.
"Alternative accessible formats available upon request."
ITEM 5
MINUTES
ACCESS SERVICES
BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 23, 2010
The Access Services Board of Directors meeting convened at 12:05 p.m. on Monday, August 23, 2010, in the third floor Board Room of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Building located at One Gateway Plaza in the City of Los Angeles. The presiding Board Member was Dolores Nason, Chairperson. Board Members present included: Jano Baghdanian, Vice Chairperson, Joseph Stitcher, Treasurer, Theresa DeVera, Secretary, Michael Greenwood, Marlen Garcia, Sandy Varga, Doran Barnes, Ex-Officio’s, Michael Williams, Kathryn Engel, and Jim Jones, Access Services Legal Counsel. Director Kurt Hagen was not in attendance.
Access Services’ staff members present included: Shelly Verrinder, Donna Cisco, Araceli Camuy, F Scott Jewell, Luis Garcia, David Foster, Andre Colaiace, Matthew Avancena, Evie Palicz, Brian Selwyn, Geoffrey Okamoto, Galen Hale, Stephen Wrenn, Faustino Salvador, Hamilton Franco, Tanya Voldase, Cynthia Perkins-Stevenson, Gina Breceda, Linda Ross, Janine Lechuga, Louis Burns, and Geetu Banerjee.
BOARD OFFICER ELECTION
Mr. Jones explained the right for public comment and how it could be exercised. He mentioned the general 3 minute limitation on public comment and that anyone who by reason of a specific disability which prevented them from speaking with normal rapidity and who wished to request an accommodation should so indicate on the speaker request form so that the Chairperson could consider and potentially grant additional time to make their statement.
Mr. Jones announced that the following individuals were nominated for the following Board seats, Chairperson, Doran Barnes, Vice Chair, Jano Baghdanian, Treasurer, Joseph Stitcher, Secretary Theresa DeVera and Access Services Executive Director, Shelly Verrinder. Mr. Jones asked if there were any nominations from the floor, hearing none he requested that a motion be made accepting these nominations and elect them to the positions.
Motion: Director Garcia moved approval
Second: Director Greenwood seconded the motion.
Discussion: None.
Vote: Via Voice Vote.
In Favor: Directors Greenwood, Varga, Nason, Baghdanian, DeVera, Stitcher, and Garcia.
Opposed: None.
Abstention: None.
Pass/Fail: The motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT WITH RESPECT TO CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
No public comments were heard regarding the closed session items.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The Board met in Closed Session and reconvened the general portion of the meeting at 1:05 p.m. at which time Michael Williams, Chair of the CAC, and Kathryn Engel, Vice Chair of TPAC, joined the general session.
Chairperson Barnes asked Mr. Jones, Access Services Legal Counsel, to brief the audience on the outcome of the closed session.
Mr. Jones reported before taking the dais two events occurred, the Board convened in open session briefly to conduct Board officer elections that were done annually. Mr. Jones announced the results of the election by stating that Doran Barnes was the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Jano Baghdanian reelected as Vice Chair, Joseph Stitcher reelected as Treasurer, Theresa DeVera reelected as Secretary and Shelly Verrinder reelected as Executive Director of Access Services.
Mr. Jones also reported that during closed session, the Board discussed pending litigation regarding Nathan Chroman vs. Access Services et al. and Jerryle Bradley v. Access Services, no reportable action was taken by the board with respect to these matters.
Mr. Jones explained the right for public comment and how it could be exercised. He mentioned the general 3 minute limitation on public comment and that anyone who by reason of a specific disability which prevented them from speaking with normal rapidity and who wished to request an accommodation should so indicate on the speaker request form so that the Chairperson could consider and potentially grant additional time to make their statement.
SUPERIOR SERVICE AWARDS
Jack Garate, a Call Center Manager from Global Paratransit Inc., was the recipient of the Superior Service Award for the month of July 2010.
Ophelia Taylor, a Driver/Behind the Wheel Trainer from California Transit Inc., was the recipient of the Superior Service Award for the month of August 2010.
Tanya Voldase, a Customer Support Center representative from Access Services was the recipient of the Superior Service Award for the month of August 2010 and the Miles of Smiles certificate award.
REVIEW & APPROVAL OF THE BOARD MEETING MINUTES FROM JUNE 28, 2010
Motion: Director Nason moved approval of the June 28, 2010 meeting minutes.
Second: Director Varga seconded the motion.
Discussion: None.
Vote: Via Voice Vote.
In Favor: Directors Varga, Nason, Baghdanian, DeVera, Stitcher, Garcia and Greenwood.
Opposed: None.
Abstention: None.
Pass/Fail: The motion carried.
REPORT FROM EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS
Michael Williams, Chair of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), began his report by stating that the committee held their meeting on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 but he did not Chair that meeting, the second Vice Chair held the meeting in his absence.
Mr. Williams stated that the meeting was held at the Macy’s Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles on the 25th floor. He added that there were some concerns about the location and asked that they never have their meeting there again. He stated that although it seemed that everyone enjoyed the experience of a new location he felt very nervous. Mr. William stated that at the beginning of the meeting, two MetroLink representative came in and introduced themselves and asked if there was somebody present that could call 911 in case of an emergency and if someone that could do a head count. The MetroLink representatives also informed the committee that in case of an emergency they would only be able to evacuate them three floors down, which would be a problem because most of the individuals present had physical disabilities.
Mr. Williams encouraged the committee members to suggest alternative locations to hold their meetings or to have Access staff find them but he insisted that they conduct a critical site evaluation to identify accessible locations. He also mentioned that he tripped over a threshold. Mr. Williams concluded his report by stating that this was one of the locations proposed for Access Services new headquarters but it was not chosen and now he knew why, he thanked staff for not choosing this particular location.
Kathryn Engel, Vice Chair of Transportation Professional Advisory Committee, reported that the committee met on Thursday, August 12, 2010 and reviewed a few items that were on the Board meeting agenda today. She stated that the first item they discussed was TPAC member renewal. She added that there were a number of current members that volunteered to serve another term. She stated that if the item on today’s consent calendar was not approved they would have to go back and redo the election process because Jesse Valdez was reelected as Chair and she was reelected to as Vice Chair for another term.
Ms. Engel also reported that TPAC reviewed the emergency preparedness plan and found it to be very positive and proactive and was looking forward to it being implemented. Ms. Engel stated that they also looked at the safety program because a number of their agencies were utilizing Smart Drive or Drive Cam in their vehicles, which they experienced great success with controlling risk management and improving customer service. She concluded her report by stating that the final item TPAC reviewed was the “Year End Performance” which was another item on the Board agenda today.