REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GREATER HARTFORD TRANSIT DISTRICT
Hartford Connecticut
September 16, 2010

Stephen F. Mitchell, Chairman
Presiding...........................

At 7:07 p.m., a quorum determined to be present; Mr. Mitchell 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; Marilyn Pet, East Hartford; Kevin G. Mooney and Stephen F. Mitchell, Enfield; Russell G. St. John, Granby; Frank Lord and Jesse Smith, Hartford; James McCavanagh, Manchester; Kevin Chick (arrived at 7:12pm) and William G. Hall, Newington; Kenneth Goldberg, Rocky Hill; Ferguson R. Jansen, Simsbury; Mary Oliver, Vernon; Richard F. Messenger, West Hartford; and Ricardo Quintero, Windsor. District staff present were Vicki L. Shotland, Executive Director; Kimberly A. Dunham, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services; and Sandra Sheehan, Director of Grants and Contract Administration. Also present was Bradshaw Smith, a resident of the Town of Windsor.

The Chairman asked if there was any member of the public who wished to address the board. There were none.

Mr. Mitchell advised the group that Melvin Pettigrew, a long time board representative from the City of Hartford, had recently passed away. The Chairman requested a moment of silence in memoriam and further requested that the meeting minutes signify the board’s condolences and best wishes to Mr. Pettigrew’s family.

Mr. Messenger then moved adoption of the June 17, 2010 meeting minutes, which was seconded by Mr. Quintero, and approved by a vote of 28.87 yea, 0.00 nay and 2.00 abstention (Ms. Gamble).

Mr. Mitchell then asked for consideration of Corporate Resolution GHTD 2010-INV authorizing the Executive Director and/or Chairman to make investment transactions on behalf of the agency through Citizens Investment Services. Ms. Oliver inquired as to the current location of the funds and Mr. Mitchell provided a brief overview of the continuing investment strategy goals.

There being no further discussion, Ms. Oliver motioned authorization. Mr. Messenger seconded and the motion was approved by a vote of 30.87 yea, 0.00 nay and 1.49 abstention (Mr. Chick).

The next agenda item was to extend the current parking management contract with ProPark America for a six month period through March 31, 2011. Ms. Shotland indicated the agency’s satisfaction with the efforts of ProPark and noted that more time is needed to prepare a comprehensive RFP document. Upon motion by Mr. Lord and second by Mr. Hall, the motion to extend the contract until March 31, 2011 was accepted unanimously by a vote of 32.36 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention.

Mr. Mitchell asked for presentation of the monthly financial report. Ms. Dunham relayed that the fiscal year-end audit process is nearly complete and it is expected that there will remain $265,000 in net revenue in the General Fund for FY2010. A Special Meeting has been added for November 4, 2010 to approve final budget appropriations. An update on municipal Dial-A- Ride grants, member town dues, negotiations with DATTCO to purchase the remaining commuter coaches, upcoming event parking opportunities, Kelley Transit bus parking in the Spruce Street Lot, and the upcoming fee commencement date for the Great Hall was provided. Natural Gas costs increased by 40% in FY2010 from the prior year and the District has contested the consumption amounts and billing charges as they both should have decreased based on the installation of two energy efficient boilers.

A five year analysis of significant revenue and expense line items was provided. Grant funding, in particular Section 5307 funding and State Local Match for vehicles, Union Station upgrades, and communications equipment has increased dramatically. Additionally, rental revenue for Union Station has increased, while numerous building operating costs and the annual subsidy have decreased. Member Town Contributions, Transit Advertising Income, and Disposed Vehicle Revenue increases have played a part in the progressively escalating contributions to the contingency fund. Significant strides have resulted in a 126% increase in fiscal year end cash balance. Of the increased cash balance at June 30, 2010, $824,000 is an unrestricted contingency.

Several recommendations were made by Mr. Lord, Mr. Jansen and Mr. Mooney as to potential format and content of the five year report that would provide additional analysis data. Mr. Hall made motion to commend the staff on its efforts to cut costs, increase revenues and improve overall operations. Upon second by Mr. Messenger, the motion was accepted unanimously by a vote of 32.36 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention.

Mr. Mitchell inquired if there was any further discussion regarding the monthly financial report and/or the five year synopsis. As there was none, Ms. Oliver motioned acceptance of both reports, which was seconded by Mr. Quintero and approved unanimously by a vote of 32.36 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention.

Mr. Mitchell then asked for Program Presentations. Ms. Shotland asked the Directors to take a few minutes to examine the two ADA Paratransit reports provided. In response to an inquiry from Mr. Hall regarding no-shows, Ms. Shotland proceeded to address various ADA issues including enforcement of the District’s No-Show policy. She remarked on the delicate balance between suspending service for frequent offenders as a service improvement effort versus meeting ADA requirements. After concurrence with the FTA and peer agencies, it has been determined that enforcement of the no-show policy will be based on the percentage of no-shows rather than the total number of no-shows. She further relayed that there will be an appeal process (Executive Director, Board of Directors, CTDOT) for individuals who believe their service suspension is in error. Ms. Pet inquired if there are certain riders that have a more frequent history of no-shows than others. Ms. Shotland replied that is the case.

Ms. Shotland notified the board that there had been a Disability Expo on August 28th that was well attended and had provided various resources and information to the disabled community. Seventeen ADA accessible vans have recently been ordered and Ms. Sheehan provided an update on the AVL project. There is apparently a problem with the data communications and all pertinent parties are involved in the problem resolution process.

Sandra Sheehan and DJ Gonzalez have been asked to serve on a steering committee to share their expertise to assist CT Department of Transportation with a pending procurement for fixed route, paratransit and commuter service.

District staff then provided the Board with an update on operational and administrative initiatives.

An update on the intermodal transportation centers was provided. The Town of Enfield finalized the contract with Transit Realty Advisors, the firm selected to conduct property appraisals and the preparation of the documents required by FTA for acquisition of parcels that will make up the transit center. In addition, the Town will be submitting an application to EPA under the Brownfield Grant Program to conduct an environmental assessment on properties that are scheduled for acquisition and to prepare a clean-up plan. Ms. Sheehan also updated the Board on the Mansfield project. The Town of Mansfield was awarded $4.9 Million dollars under the Livability Initiative Program Funds of Section 5309 Bus and Bus Facilities for the construction of the transportation hub, the design and construction of the transit pathway (Village Street) and design and construction of the walkway and streetscape features. The District has forwarded a contract amendment to the Town and commenced the grant application process in TEAM. In addition, the Town released the RFP for A&E services to the firms pre-qualified for these services. The scope of work for the A&E firms has been separated into two phases to incorporate the initial funding and the recently awarded funds. In regard to Vernon, the District worked with the FTA to submit a grant application and Categorical Exclusion documentation for the FY2008 earmarked funds in order to obligate the funds before they lapse at the end of this month. The submission is based on the revised concept plan submitted by the Town of Vernon that includes the relocation of the transportation center to 402 Hartford Turnpike, the current site of the park-n-ride lot for the Hartford Express commuter service. The concept includes the construction of a 1,200 sq. ft. facility that provides passenger amenities, bus berthing, bike path connections to the Rails to Trails properties and streetscape improvements, passenger shelters, etc...

A meeting was held by the Town of Vernon Town Council on September 7th. During the meeting the Town Administrator presented the revised concept of the Vernon Transportation Center including its many benefits. After extensive discussion that included a change of the center’s location and the fiscal constraints of the Town in appropriating the required 20% match, the Town Council voted against moving forward with the project by a vote of 6 to 5. However; another proposed revision to the site is scheduled to be heard at the next council meeting to be held on September 22, 2010. Ms. Shotland provided a historical review of the chain of events related to the Vernon Intermodal project. The District is exploring various development opportunities including a satellite paratransit location for its own use as part of the project.

Ms Sheehan provided a procurement update on the transportation center improvements, the window replacement project, and additional paving replacement at the bus berthing area also making mention that there is still more striping to be done. Ms. Sheehan than provided a status report on the New Freedom program explaining that the staff has been working with Yellow Cab to set up the implementation plan for the Accessible Taxi program. Actions steps and a schedule have been prepared.

Wi-Fi service is being installed at Union Station which will be offered at no cost to the user. A disclaimer statement is currently being finalized and security measures are being put in place. Mr. Lord indicated that he had suggested a public statement be issued to highlight the improvements that have been undertaken at Union Station. Many people in the region have not visited the building for some time and are unaware of the significant changes that have been made both aesthetically and in terms of security. Mr. Mooney recommended that the region’s chambers of commerce be invited to a reception and Mr. Hall suggested a collaboration between Hot Tomato’s and the District to host such an event. Discussion ensued and staff will pursue the possibilities.

Ms. Shotland indicated that the Transportation Center will be closed from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. each day in an effort to secure the property. There has been some vandalism and FTA has been consulted. The security guards will be vigilant to allow travelers access to the waiting room if necessary.

Ms. Shotland relayed that a new part-time employee, Maureen Ann Murphy, had recently begun with the agency and will provide grant administration, procurement and project support. She gave an update to the Board on the Transportation Committee meeting and stated that TIP amendments requested by the District were approved.

Mr. Mitchell commented and reiterated that a Special Meeting has been added on November 4, 2010 to accommodate the statutorily mandated publishing, public meeting, and appropriation requirements.

Ms. Oliver commented that she is willing to assist with any agency related matter within her individual municipality. Mr. Mitchell and Ms. Shotland both commented that board members will be contacted and advised of meetings in their respective towns regarding projects that the District may be involved with.

There being no further business brought before the Board, Mr. Hall moved that the meeting be adjourned. Upon seconding by Ms. Oliver, the motion passed by a vote of 32.36 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention. The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________
James McCavanagh
Secretary