Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2014
CAPITAL METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
2910 East Fifth Street Austin, TX 78702
~ Minutes ~
Executive Assistant/Board Liaison Ed Easton
512-369-6040
Wednesday, November 12, 2014 12:00 PM Meeting Called To Order
12:00 PM 3:50 PM Meeting Adjourned
I. Pledge of Allegiance
II. Safety Briefing
Donna Simmons, Vice President of Administration, gave the safety briefing which included safety holiday fire tips.
III. Public Comment:
Michael Zitz-Evanich, citizen, talked about the drivers get many kinds of questions and complimented them on their politeness when dealing with customer questions. Sometimes they give out the hot line number to get further instructions on the proper bus to catch.
Sandy Seekamp, citizen, discussed the inaccessibility of bus stops around or near the hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Many individuals are unable to drive while in rehab but are also unable to get to the bus stop because they are not well-located. The bus stops should be convenient to those facilities. One bus stop for the St David’s Rehabilitation Center on 38 1/2 street is across the freeway. And the Texas Rehab Hospital stop on Dittmar is also very inconvenient. That makes it very difficult and almost impossible for individuals to use the bus. Individuals also need to get a decision on approval for MetroAccess eligibility as soon as possible. Ms. Seekamp also discussed the lack of getting to the MetroAccess application online. It would helpful if doctors were able to get to the application that way.
IV. Advisory Committee Updates:
1. Update on the Customer Satisfaction Advisory Committee (CSAC); and
John-Michael Cortez, Manger Community Involvement, stated that the monthly CSAC meeting will convene later today (November 12, 2014). Therefore, there are no updates at this time.
2. Update on the Access Advisory Committee (AAC).
John-Michael Cortez, Manger Community Involvement, presented the ACCESS Advisory Committee update. The report included the following;
· Changes in Community Involvement Staff
· MetroAccess Monthly Statistic & Technology Update
· MetroAccess Workplan Update 2014
· MetroAccess Workplan for 2015
· the Access Advisory Committee Engagement Survey 2015
V. Executive Session of Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code:
Section 551.074 regarding Personnel Matters - President/CEO Performance Review; and Section 551.071 regarding Legal Advice - Labor Requirements.
(Occurred at end of the meeting) Chris Riley, Vice Chair reconvened the meeting. Board Member Silas moved to postpone the item on the evaluation of the President/CEO to the December Board Meeting because the President/CEO was not present to hear the results in person due to illness.
VI. Board Committee Updates:
1. Finance, Audit and Administration Committee; and
Terry Mitchell, Committee Chair, presented the update for the Finance, Audit and Administration Committee. The committee had 6 action items and 4 of them are on the consent agenda today. The 2 additional items are listed on the action agenda today which are the following:
· Approval of a contract to purchase 4 new DMU vehicles
· Approval of a contract to purchase replacement buses
Additionally, Chair Mitchell mentioned that the Internal Audit Department received high accommodations on the outside Audit Report.
2. CAMPO update
David Siebold, Board Member gave the update for CAMPO. The discussion at CAMPO included the following:
· IH-35 Improvements Funding
· Local funding spread over the region but majority going outside of Travis County.
· Policy reviews for 2040 plan
Some language is being changed to read “public and other transportation” to be more consistent and inclusive of alternative transporation. Also a full time position has been created at the City for pedestrian and bike planning. Mike Martinez, Board Chair wanted to know if Capital Metro had a designated personnel to plan for bike and pedestrian connectivity. Todd Hemingson, Vice President of Planning, noted that work was spread among planners but because of budget constraints there is not one designated individual working on this project. However, in the next budget plan we will look at adding that position.
CAMPO is looking at allowing express buses to the toll roads. The Board also asked John-Michael Cortez to get input from the CSAC and AAC to help assist Capital Metro with the next steps after the recent failed bond election.
VII. Consent Items
1. Approval of Board of Directors minutes for October 27, 2014.
2. Approval of a resolution authorizing the President/CEO, or her designee, to finalize and execute an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the City of Austin for reimbursement for storm water pipe installation work performed by a Capital Metro contractor during the Saltillo track relocation.
3. Approval of a resolution authorizing the President/CEO, or her designee, to exercise option year 3 of the contract with Chambers, Conlon & Hartwell for government consulting services for one year in an amount not to exceed $169,296.
4. Approval of a resolution authorizing the President/CEO, or her designee, to ratify the execution of a contract with Mandiant, LLC for a computer network system forensics review in the amount of $170,675.
5. Approval of a resolution authorizing the President/CEO, or her designee, to ratify the contract with Trans1Graphix for transit advertising installation by increasing the current contract amount by $40,070.
VIII. Action Items:
1. Approval of a resolution authorizing the President/CEO, or her designee, to finalize and execute a sole source contract with Stadler Bussnang AG for the purchase of four (4) GTW 2/6 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) Commuter Rail Vehicles in an amount not to exceed $31,090,652 of which $1,000,000 is for contingency.
Melvin Clark, Vice President of Rail Operations, presented the Stadler DMU Commuter Rail Vehicles contract. Board Chair Martinez reminded the board that all of the funding for these vehicles is coming from the TxDOT money.
Board Member Silas talked about a product she had seen demonstrated that made cloth transit seats bacteria-resistant and asked staff if they could look into the possibility of using something of that nature. Melvin responded that he would be happy to look at that and that his only concern would be its fire safety properties.
Board members were concerned about the costs of these DMUs and ridership - what is the return on investment? Staff said these cars will relieve current overcrowded conditions and that full cost implications will be forthcoming. Board Member Siebold discussed the 1200 new homes going up in Leader and the marketing on this development is that these homes are close to the rail.
Board Member Riley also wanted staff to provide more information on providing more late night service and to provide details early as people were using schedules and plans when deciding where to live. Todd Hemingson, Vice President Planning & Development, discussed finding the right balance. We have to look at the freight schedules also. Board Member Riley suggested that the goal be to provide 6 nights a week service.
Gerardo Castillo, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff, stated that we need to finalize out contract with TxDOT. We have to use the funds for the purpose that they were given to us. Board Member Riley wanted to know the plan for technology in the future. Melvin stated that there is money in the budget to cover some upgrades to the technology although Joe Iannello our CIO is out of the office today.
2. Approval of a resolution authorizing the President/CEO, or her designee, to finalize and execute a contract with Gillig, Inc. for the purchase of 152 transit buses over a five-year period in an amount not to exceed $77,057,211.
Andrew Murphy, Project Manager and Quality Assurance Officer, presented this item on the purchase of replacement buses through a new contract with Gillig. Discussion with Board and staff included whether the new fleet would be more efficient. Staff responded that the new fleet is cleaner and more reliable but not a great deal more fuel-efficient. These vehicles will also reduce the number of road calls. The UT shuttles will be replaced first, since they are the oldest vehicles in our fleet and overdue for replacement. There will be fare boxes on all buses once the fleet has been replaced.
3. Approval of a resolution confirming the evaluation rating for the fourth year of the President/CEO’s Employment Agreement of a ______and approving the amount of the annual performance award of _____percent increase in base pay and a ______percent performance incentive. The increases are awarded retroactively to the annual Employment Agreement date of July 26, 2014.
Action on this item was postponed until the December Board meeting.
IX. Presentations:
1. Late Night & Event Marketing Plan
Dan Dawson, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, presented the Late Night Event Marketing Plan. The discussion with the board included questions regarding the schedule for New Year’s Eve; links for a certain routes that lead back to the original webpage instead of information on that particular route. Board Member Riley pointed out that real time information is critical when buses run infrequently and that information should be added to the late night and at ABIA.
2. Fare Change Communications Plan
Dan Dawson, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, presented the Fare Change Communications Plan. Beginning January 2015 fares will change and there will be an extensive public outreach process to communicate that change.
Board Member Stafford wondered if any current passes will expire when the new fares kick in. Dan responded that they will not. Board Member Stafford also wants staff to look at putting the MetroAccess application back online. Board Member Silas thanked Dan and his staff for all of their hard work and also would like to see the application online. She also suggested getting the fare change information in more hands by distributing it through other outlets such as Walgreens, CVS stores and the public libraries.
X. Reports:
1. Quarterly Ridership Report
Todd Hemingson, Vice President, Planning & Development, presented the Quarterly Ridership Report. The Urban Rail bond for Project Connect Central Corridor was not successful, but we continue to work with our partners in the North Corridor. We are also working regionally with Round Rock, Georgetown and Pflugerville with next steps. MetroRapid numbers are being reported separately now and ridership continues to see an uptick.
2. Operations Report
Chad Ballantine, Director of Paratransit, presented the Operations Report with Dottie Watkins out of the office.
Board Member Stafford questioned the numbers for rail that seemed to be exactly the same for the months of August and September. Staff will review that information and get back to the Board with any changes in the numbers regarding this issue.
3. President's Report
Gerardo Castillo, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff, presented an abbreviated President's report with President/CEO Watson out of the office. The report highlighted the upcoming Stuff the Bus campaign with the Capital Area Food Bank and Whole Foods. The goal is to collect more than 30,000 meals using two buses -- which will double the meals that were collected the 2 previous years. The 3 day weekend that was chosen is December 12th-14th. This is our signature community involvement event.
XI. Adjournment
ADA Compliance
Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications are provided upon request. Please call (512)389-7458 or email if you need more information.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Mike Martinez, chairperson; Chris Riley, vice chair; Ann Stafford, board secretary; David Siebold; Beverly S. Silas; Juli Word; Terry Mitchell;
and Wade Cooper. Board Liaison: Gina Estrada (512)389-7458, email if you need more information.
The Board of Directors may go into closed session under the Texas Open Meetings Act. In accordance with Texas Government Code, Section 551.071, consultation with attorney for any legal issues, under Section 551.072 for real property issues; under Section 551.074 for personnel matters, or under Section 551.076, for deliberation regarding the deployment or implementation of security personnel or devices; arising regarding any item listed on this agenda.
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Gloria E. Barnes Date
Support Specialists II
Board/Legal
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Page 3 Updated 2/25/2015 10:16 AM