November 2, 2006 

William D. Chiodo, Chairman
Presiding...........................

At 7:02 p.m., a quorum determined to be present, Mr. Chiodo called the 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 (arrived 8:20 pm) ; Marilyn Pet and Peter J. Bonzani; East Hartford, Jennifer Cassidy, Melvin Pettigrew and Jesse J. Smith, Hartford; Ferguson R. Jansen, Simsbury; Mary A. Oliver, Vernon;  A. David Giordano, West Hartford; Brendan T. Flynn and Richard L. Dobmeier (departed 7:42 pm) Wethersfield; William D. Chiodo, Windsor.  District staff present were Vicki L. Shotland, Executive Director; Kimberly A. Dunham, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services; Patricia M. Williams, Director of Paratransit Services.  Also present was Bradshaw Smith, a resident of the Town of Windsor. 

Mr. Chiodo introduced David Giordano as the new board member from West Hartford to the members present at the meeting.  He then asked if there were any members of the public who wished to be heard.  There were none at that time. 

The Chairman next reconvened the Recessed Meeting of September 7, 2006 and then asked for consideration of the Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting of June 8, 2006. Mr. Bradshaw Smith commented on the variance in voting units reflected on the June 8, 2006 meeting minutes.  This occurred due to Ms. Cassidy’s arrival after a number of motions had been presented and voted on; thus altering the total voting units by 3.10 upon her inclusion.  Ms. Oliver motioned that the arrival of any board member after the meeting’s commencement should be noted in the Minutes to avoid this type of confusion in the future.  Upon seconding by Mr. Pettigrew, the motion passed by a vote of 25.39 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention.  

Mr. Pettigrew moved to adopt the Minutes as submitted.  Upon seconding by Mr. Flynn, the motion passed by a vote of 23.02 yea, 0.00 nay, and 2.37 abstention (Mr. Jansen who was not in attendance thereat).  

Kimberly Dunham presented the monthly financial report and discussed items worthy of note.  With regard to the General Fund, year to date interest income has far exceeded expectations, based largely on increased interest rates.  Parking revenues remain below projections and discussions are ongoing to identify alternative revenue generating options.  The Greater Hartford Artists Open Studio will be held this weekend and based on an event parking rate agreement, parking revenue should be significant.  Union Station revenues are on target and an explanation of additional rent adjustments passed through to tenants was presented.  Staff is working closely with tenant representatives to respond to various inquiries related to the additional rent.  Cost containment efforts are ongoing, as existing contracts are reviewed and proper procurement processes are followed.  Mr. Jansen inquired as to the possible use of bio-diesel fuel for the vehicles, prompting discussion regarding the balance between price differential and environmental impact.  This issue will be continually assessed by District staff in the future.  As there were no further questions related to this matter, a motion to accept the monthly financial report as presented was made by Mr. Pettigrew, seconded by Mr. Bonzani and accepted by a vote of 25.39 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstentions. (A copy of the Financial Report is attached to the office copy of these Minutes and is incorporated herein.) 

Mr. Chiodo then asked for Program Presentations. Patricia Williams, Director of Paratransit Services, provided information to the Board regarding the status of ADA/Paratransit recertifications.  She then presented the Monthly Ridership Report.  

The Chairman continued the meeting by stating that this was Mr. Dobmeier’s last meeting as his resignation would take effect immediately. He proceeded to read a proclamation honoring Mr. Dobmeier’s thirty-four (34) years of service to the District as the agency’s longest sitting member.  Mr. Dobmeier then made a statement regarding his years of service to the District. 

The Chairman than asked for a continuation of staff reports. Ms. Shotland updated the Board on the following issues; the District being chosen for a pilot program that included fixed route and ADA  for expanded Sunday Vernon service funded through (JARC) Job Access Reverse Commute, status of the proposal to administer the Statewide Insurance Consortium, the Northwest Corridor Study which includes; the development of Union Station and downtown transit circulation.  She also advised the members that the District voted “yes” to the BID- Hartford Business Improvement District referendum.  Ms. Shotland and Ms. Dunham discussed miscellaneous funding requests that the District was pursuing with the State of Connecticut.  Next discussion included several issues pertaining to facility and leasehold matters.  Ms. Shotland stated that all current contracts are being looked into for effectiveness and cost efficiency; including, but not limited to; trash removal, security, facility cleaning, telephone, miscellaneous utilities, etc..  Ms. Shotland stated that quotes to fully replace the two boilers in the facility would exceed $500,000. Mr. Jansen asked if the District would consider solar energy.  Ms. Shotland said that the consultants hired to perform the Northwest Corridor Study would be looking into available resources to help reduce energy costs.  However the final results from this study would not be released for up to  eighteen months from the time they began their work. 

Another major repair would be bus ramp replacement which could cost in excess of $700,000.  However, temporary repairs were performed this past week to patch the tarmac area with “blacktop” at a cost of $7,900.  This repair would provide a safer area for pedestrians to cross and buses to drive over creating less liability for the District.   Ms. Dunham also stated that Subway would begin construction on their leasehold and it is expected that the new store would open by late January 2007.  

The Chairman asked for discussion on the agenda item requesting consideration for future increases in contributory member town dues, and also to investigate the possibility in the future of adding new member towns to the District.   Both of these issues need further evaluation, analysis, discussion and follow-up by District staff and board members.  

The last order of business raised was to consider the meeting dates of the Board of Directors for calendar year 2007.  Mr. Bonzani moved to adopt the calendar as submitted.  Upon seconding by Mr. Flynn, the motion passed by a vote of 26.05 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention. 

There being no further business brought before the Board, Ms. Oliver moved that the Meeting be adjourned.  Upon seconding by Mr. Pettigrew, the motion passed by a vote of 26.05, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention. The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted, 

                                                                        _______________________

                                                                        Jesse J. Smith

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