MINUTES, REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GREATER HARTFORD TRANSIT DISTRICT
Hartford Connecticut
November 6, 2008
Stephen F. Mitchell, Vice Chairman
Presiding............................
At 7:07 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; James Brislin (arrived at 7:13 pm) and Stephen F. Mitchell, Enfield; Russell G. St. John, Granby; Kevin Chick, Newington; Ferguson R. Jansen, Jr., Simsbury; David Giordano and Richard F. Messenger, West Hartford; Brendan T. Flynn and Martin Walsh (arrived at 7:08 pm); Wethersfield. District staff present were Vicki L. Shotland, Executive Director; Sandra Sheehan, Director of Grants and Contract Administration; Patricia M. Williams, Director of Paratransit Services; Kimberly A. Dunham, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services; and DJ Gonzalez, Operations Administrator. Also present was Bradshaw Smith a resident of Windsor, CT (departed at 8:05 pm).
The Chairman asked if there were any members of the public who wished to be heard. There were none.
The Chairman next asked for consideration of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 4, 2008, Mr. Messenger moved adoption of those Minutes. Upon seconding by Ms. Gamble, the motion passed by a vote of 21.84 yea, 0.00 nay and 1.34 abstention (Mr. Walsh).
The Chairman then recessed the Regular Meeting at 7:09 p.m. and opened the Public Hearing to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2008 budget revisions. Ms. Dunham indicated that revisions are based on final year end figures. She then reviewed line items in which notable adjustments were proposed. In the Special Revenue Fund, Cash Fare and State Grant Income increased, due largely to the considerable demand for ADA transportation. Professional Services and Administration also increased. General Fund Interest Income earnings were significant, and both Incidental Charter revenue and Charter Bus Maintenance exceeded budgetary projections. With regard to the Enterprise Fund, Bond Principal Reduction increased due to a higher allotment of payments to principal rather than interest. Spruce Street Parking Lot Direct Overhead, including utilities and equipment repair costs, as well as Capital Improvements expense were also discussed.
The Public and Private cost centers include budget revisions to Rental Income, Concession Income, Professional Services and Overhead, and explanations were provided for each line item. Overall revenue over expense for the fiscal year resulted in $195,050, an increase of $65,000 over expectations. The Chairman asked if there were any questions related to the FY2008 budget revisions from the Board and Mr. Jansen made comment that Special Revenue Administration should be adjusted for FY2009 based on FY2008 activity. Mr. Mitchell then called for any questions from the public, and there were none. Mr. Mitchell then closed the public hearing and reconvened the Regular Meeting at 7:14 p.m. Mr. St. John motioned to approve the appropriation of funds as presented, which was seconded by Mr. Jansen and accepted unanimously by a vote of 23.18 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention.
Ms. Dunham then presented the monthly financial report. Investment income is on track and all member municipalities have remitted their dues at the $.10 per capita rate. A number of the commuter operators have submitted invoices for major repair work and payments are expected in early December. A budget revision is also expected for Transit Advertising Revenue.
An analysis of the ½ hour parking rate was presented that compared April through September revenue during 2007 versus 2008. Although the total number of parkers had increased, overall revenues decreased significantly. Discussion then ensued regarding congestion relief on Spruce Street, which was one of the reasons for the rate change. It was requested that the Parking Lot Panel meet in January to discuss the possibility of changing the rate. Mr. Mitchell stated that Directors who are interested in serving should let him know. Ms. Pet and Mr. St. John asked if congestion on Spruce Street had lessened with double-parkers. Mr. Brislin asked about marketing the parking lot and wanted clarification on the under thirty minute-.50 cent criteria.
The Real Estate Tax adjustment has not yet been finalized with the City of Hartford. The District’s legal counsel has entered an extension request with the court and is working with City counsel to resolve. This is expected to be settled in advance of the next payment due date which is in January 2009. There being no questions related to the financial report, motion was made to accept by Mr. Flynn, seconded by Mr. Messenger and voted unanimously by a vote of 25.49 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention.
As proposed at a previous meeting, the Board discussed whether to consider increasing member municipality dues from $.10 to $.13 per capita in Fiscal Year 2010. Figures were provided indicating present versus proposed dues structures as well as Dial-A-Ride operating grant funding totals. Mr. Mitchell reminded the Board that the last increase was in 1989 and the current increase was to be handled in two increments. Mr. Chick inquired if inflation would be taken into consideration in future dues increases and Mr. Mitchell noted that it would, although there will not be an increase every year. As there was no further discussion, Ms. Gamble motioned approval of increase in member dues, which was seconded by Mr. Walsh and approved unanimously by a vote of 25.49 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention.
Mr. Mitchell then asked for Program Presentations. Ms. Williams discussed updated ADA/DAR statistics inclusive of September 2008. Ms. Shotland brought to the attention of the Directors that there was an additional document in the Board package that provided statistics for each ADA Paratransit system in the State indicating new applications for eligibility vs. recertifications on current passengers. Mr. Gonzalez brought two other ADA related issues to the Board’s attention; one being that First Transit was in current contract talks with the Union, and the second was regarding the interior construction improvements that were being made at the Wawarme location. The Board will also be invited to an open house to view the operation and improvements in the near future. Ms. Shotland then mentioned that the Board package included the Metro Magazine article on the “10 Great Transit Systems to Work For.” She also stated that the election night event in the Great Hall was very successful. Ms. Shotland reminded the Board that Disclosure Statements were in their folders and Mr. Mitchell requested that they sign them and return them accordingly. Ms. Sheehan and Mr. Gonzalez were asked to update the Directors on the status of the parking management system and stated that a recommendation to the Executive Director was made; however her final approval is contingent upon the maintenance contract terms and cost. The estimate on completion will be based on weather, delivery of equipment, and electrical and communications work that may be required. Mr. Gonzalez stated that the Spruce Street Parking Lot lines will be repainted in the spring. Ms. Sheehan updated the Board members on the status of the installation of the new high efficiency boiler; also indicating that a second boiler will need to be installed to replace the other boiler in the spring. Ms. Dunham stated that our website is being updated to reflect a new look. Ms. Shotland remarked that a new bicycle rack has been installed on the transportation center side of the building between bus bays #8 and #9. Ms. Shotland commented that the Connecticut Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Federal Rail Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, will conduct a public scoping meeting on December 9, 2008 at 6:00 pm-8:00 pm in the Multipurpose Room of the District. The purpose of the meeting is to present information on alternatives being considered and to gather input on proposed improvements for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail service. Mr. Mitchell noted that the calendar for the 2009 Board of Director meetings was included in the packets. Mr. Giordano observed that there was one less meeting date. Mr. Mitchell stated that this was correct and explained the reduction in next year’s schedule of meetings. Ms. Shotland explained that there have been three recent presentations made by the firm McMahon and Associates to the Town of Enfield regarding the results of their feasibility study on the area being considered for the transportation center. Congressman Courtney attended one of the presentations and a representative from Senator Dodd’s office attended one, as well. Ms. Shotland explained that the Vernon earmarked project continues to be stalled for various reasons. Ms. Shotland stated that the District has asked the Congressman’s office to request a formal extension of funds so that the first year’s obligated monies are not de-obligated.
Mr. Mitchell then asked for a report from the CRCOG Transportation Committee meeting. Ms. Shotland said that she would be reporting for Mr. Hayes. A Transportation Committee meeting was held on September 22, 2008 and a presentation was made by CTTransit’s Steve Warren regarding the hydrogen fuel cell bus. She also mentioned that there was discussion regarding the regional bus shelter program.
There being no further business brought before the Board, Mr. Bonzani moved that the Meeting be adjourned. Upon seconding by Ms. Gamble, the meeting was adjourned by a vote of 25.49 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention. The Meeting ended at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________
James McCavanagh
Secretary
Adopted on: 12/10/08
