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Stephen F. Mitchell, Chairman At 7:01 p.m., a quorum determined to be present; Mr. Mitchell called a Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Greater Hartford Transit District (the "District") to order in the District's Multipurpose Room at the Union Station Transportation Center (the "Center"), One Union Place, Hartford, Connecticut. The following Directors were present: Joan Gamble, Bloomfield; Peter J. Bonzani and Marilyn Pet, East Hartford; Stephen F. Mitchell, Enfield; Russell G. St. John, Granby; Jennifer Cassidy (arrived at 7:03 pm), Frank Lord and Melvin D. Pettigrew, Hartford; James R. McCavanagh and Paul McNamara (arrived at 7:34 pm), Manchester; William G. Hall, Newington; Ferguson R. Jansen, Jr., Simsbury (arrived 7:04 pm); Mary A. Oliver, Vernon (arrived at 7:18 pm); Richard F. Messenger, West Hartford; Brendan T. Flynn (departed at 8:06 pm), Wethersfield; and William D. Chiodo, Windsor (arrived at 7:12 pm). District staff present were Vicki L. Shotland, Executive Director; Patricia M. Williams, Director of Paratransit Services; Kimberly A. Dunham, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services; and DJ Gonzalez, Operations Administrator. Also present was Albert A. Martin, Deputy DOT Commissioner. The Chairman next asked if there were any members of the public who wished to be heard. There were none. Mr. Mitchell then asked for consideration of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of May 10, 2007 as published. Mr. Hall moved adoption of those Minutes. Upon seconding by Mr. Messenger, the motion passed by a vote of 25.92 yea, 0.00 nay and 2.53 abstention (Mr. Bonzani was not in attendance at that Meeting). The Chairman then requested presentation of the Monthly Financial Report. Ms. Dunham stated that additional FY2007 funding is expected for the municipal Dial-A-Ride grants which will result in an additional $1200 per member town. She then reviewed budgetary line items that are expected to vary from projections and will need revision. These items include increased ADA fare revenue, investment interest earnings, and utility expenses. Costs associated with ADA transportation service are expected to total nearly $500,000 less than projected, the continuing result of productivity and efficiency efforts. A number of issues were discussed including the potential 40% increase in electricity costs from last fiscal year, alternative energy sources, and declining parking revenue. It was suggested that the Parking Lot Committee reconvene to address revenue and marketing issues associated with the Spruce Street lot. The Chairman asked for individuals who wish to join that Committee, and Mr. Hall, Mr. St. John, Ms. Pet, Ms. Cassidy, and Mr. Pettigrew indicated their interest in doing so. Some board members also discussed their concerns about access through the Union Station and the Transportation Center when special events are taking place. Mr. Mitchell suggested that both the Building Committee and Parking Lot Committee become one entity. Mr. Jansen suggested that a breakdown of significant line items be included in future reports. A motion to accept the monthly financial report as presented was made by Mr. Bonzani, seconded by Mr. Messenger and accepted by a vote of 36.48 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstentions. Mr. Mitchell then asked for Program Presentations. Ms. Williams discussed updated ADA/DAR statistics. Ms. Shotland noted that street plantings had been installed along Union Place, and the directors, with general appreciation, observed them from the conference room window. Next Ms. Shotland addressed the issue of the District's Administrative Appeal Process. She requested that the Chairman consider appointing a committee in anticipation of passenger appeals based upon eligibility denials and those who have lost their ADA service due to Federal, State, and/or District regulations. Ms. Shotland also stated that the District will be the recipient of funds for the towns of Rocky Hill and Manchester for new bus shelters. A request has also been made by CRCOG of the District to apply for CMAQ funding for bicycle racks for the City of Hartford. Ms. Shotland reported that the CRCOG Transportation Committee meeting on May 21, 2007 approved the bus shelter funding for Rocky Hill and Manchester and those TIP recommendations would be sent to the Transportation Policy Board Committee for final approval. Ms. Shotland also noted that the next Transportation Committee meeting will be held at Union Station on June 18th in the Multipurpose Room at 9:30 am where she will provide an overview of the Greater Hartford Transit District during the course of that meeting. Chairman Mitchell asked that Mr. Flynn, Audit Committee Chair, present the recommendation of the Committee as to the contract award for Fiscal Years 2008 - 2010 Auditing Services. Mr. Flynn stated that only one proposal had been received which was from the incumbent firm Blum Shapiro and Company. Based on the firm's qualifications, reputation and long standing positive relationship with the District, it was the recommendation of the Committee to re-engage Blum Shapiro as its auditors. Accordingly, Mr. Flynn moved to re-engage the firm and authorize the Executive Director to sign an Engagement Letter. Upon second by Ms. Oliver, the motion passed unanimously by a vote of 36.48 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstentions. The Chair then requested that Mr. Flynn, also Chair of the Legal Committee, express that Committee's recommendation regarding the award of the Legal Services contract. There were six proposals submitted in response to the RFP and Mr. Flynn indicated that most firms would have been unable to provide the entire scope of services as outlined. Although there were two large firms with similar qualifications and experience capable of meeting the District's needs, it had been determined that the current firm has an extensive history of senior partner involvement in the agency's affairs. Mr. Messenger moved that the Board accept the recommendation of the Legal Committee to re-engage Day Pitney as its legal counsel commencing July 1, 2007 and authorize the Executive Director to sign a Letter of Engagement. Upon second by Ms. Oliver, the motion passed with a vote of 36.48 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstentions. There being no further business brought before the Board, Ms. Oliver moved that the Meeting be adjourned. Upon seconding by Mr. Lord, the meeting was adjourned by a vote of 35.14 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention. The Meeting ended at 9:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, |
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