REGULAR MEETING
GREATER HARTFORD TRANSIT DISTRICT
Hartford, Connecticut
December 15, 2011
Frank Lord, Vice-Chairman
Presiding...........................
At 7:00 p.m., a quorum determined to be present; Mr. Lord 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; Kevin T. Mooney, Enfield; Russell G. St. John, Granby; Frank Lord, Jesse J. Smith, Christopher Bowen (arrived at 7:04 p.m.) and Jennifer Cassidy (arrived at 7:04 p.m.), Hartford; James R. McCavanagh, Manchester; William G. Hall and Kevin Chick, Newington; Kenneth D. Goldberg, Rocky Hill; Ferguson R. Jansen, Simsbury; Hugh Brower, South Windsor; Mary A. Oliver (arrived 7:04 p.m.), Vernon; Richard F. Messenger and A. David Giordano, West Hartford; Brendan T. Flynn and Martin H. Walsh, Wethersfield; and Ricardo Quintero, Windsor. District staff present were Vicki L. Shotland, Executive Director; Kimberly A. Dunham, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services; DJ Gonzalez, Operations Administrator; and Sandra E. Sheehan, Director of Grants and Contract Administration. Also present was Bradshaw Smith, a resident of the Town of Windsor.
The Vice Chairman asked if there was any member of the public who wished to address the board. There were none. Mr. Lord noted that Mr. Smith had hand delivered an envelope addressed to Stephen F. Mitchell, Chairman, who was not in attendance at the meeting. Mr. Lord asked Mr. Smith if he would prefer that staff deliver the correspondence directly to Mr. Mitchell or that Mr. Smith send it via other means. Mr. Smith responded that he would not dictate how that process occurred and would leave it to the discretion of Mr. Lord.
The next agenda item was adoption of the November 10, 2011 meeting minutes. As there were no changes required, Mr. Goldberg moved adoption of the meeting minutes, which was seconded by Mr. Flynn, and approved by a vote of 33.03 yea, 0.00 nay and 1.34 abstention (Mr. Walsh).
The Chairman next asked for presentation of the financial report. Ms. Dunham indicated that the fiscal year-end audit process has been completed and relevant reports submitted to funding sources. She noted that there has been minimal grant activity in the Special Revenue fund year to date. The District is evaluating its fare collection process and is discussing various alternatives to streamline that process to make it more convenient for the passengers. It appears that the dispatching software is capable of accepting advance payments that are applied to client accounts and deducted as trips are provided. Staff is also looking into the capability of the new Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) units to process credit and debit card payments, which would require that Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards be adhered to. Further research will be conducted and various alternatives considered. It is highly likely that the State will incorporate a “Smart Card” system in the future, however that may take several years and it would be prudent to take some sort of incremental step during the interim period. Mr. Lord commented that the process would need to include a mechanism to notify a client if their account balance is low and it was noted that there will be a myriad of logistical issues to be considered during the planning stages.
Disposed Vehicle Revenue will be augmented once the new vehicles are received. Parking Revenue continues to increase and funds have been received for damage to the Union Place front step railing and Spruce Street canopy area downspouts and concrete due to vehicular accidents. There has recently been interest in available office space and a meeting is scheduled with Capital Workforce Partners to discuss relinquishment of excess space in the third floor south loft. The City of Hartford has conducted the 2011 Grand List property assessments and the District has received the valuation for Union Station. Informal Review Board hearings are currently being held to allow property owners the opportunity to demonstrate that the appraised value is in excess of market value. A consultant has been hired to assist in the appeal process and met earlier in the week with a reviewer. An overview of the timeline and process was presented and the District is hopeful that these efforts will prove beneficial.
Mr. Lord asked if there were any questions related to the financial report. As there were none, Mr. Flynn motioned acceptance of the monthly financial report, which was seconded by Mr. Quintero, and accepted unanimously by a vote of 42.00 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention.
Mr. Lord then asked for Program Presentations. Mr. Gonzalez relayed that orders are being processed for four alternative fuel and fifteen diesel fueled vehicles. The District hosted an open house for DOT representatives at the paratransit operations center to showcase the latest technologies that have been implemented. The tour went very well and the attendees were very impressed. The fare per trip (one way) will increase from $2.50 to $2.60 effective January 1, 2012. Mr. Lord inquired whether the Board must approve the fare increases and Ms. Shotland responded that CT DOT determines the fares for the fixed route service and paratransit fares are dependent on that decision. It has been the policy of the agency to accept tickets or exact change only as fare payment.
Ms. Sheehan provided an update on procurement activity. Work continues to move forward on the Union Station Air Conditioning Equipment project. Most of the fan coils have been installed and programmed, and a change order is expected for the steel frame needed for the roof chillers. The schedule had to be adjusted to reflect modifications needed to the ceiling mounted fan coils, the steel frame and the calculations for the fresh air balance. An automated temperature control system will be installed as a component of the project.
Work on the south elevator continues with the machine room, controller and removal and replacement of the hydraulic tank. This project is at its half way mark, and this elevator will take longer to complete as it requires the replacement of the hydraulic piston. The District issued a RFP for the installation of a roof and ceiling solution in the outside passenger waiting area. Proposals are due on December 21st.
The staff has worked to prepare solicitation documents for the installation of an emergency power generator. Significant research has been conducted to determine the options available to the District as well as the size of the generator, and a RFP will be issued shortly.
The Enfield Transit Feasibility Study kick off meeting took place on December 8th. This study is part of the Sustainable Knowledge Regional Planning Grant. The town has submitted a Brownfield application for the environmental assessment of the properties that are part of the Transit Center and the District had provided a letter of support. The Town has also received New Freedom funding for a community route to serve the residents of Thompsonville. The District attended the grand opening of the CNG fueling station at Yellow Cab’s headquarters in Bloomfield on December 9th.
The District is required to follow the Uniform Acquisition Act for the acquisition of 148 Roberts Street in East Hartford. Therefore, an appraisal report was requested and provided by RF Hagerty and Associates and a review appraisal is currently been conducted by JF Mulready and Company. The District has solicited responses from A&E firms to assist in the preparation of the planning and zoning application required should it is determined that it is in the best interest of the District to purchase this property for paratransit operations. Ms. Oliver asked if there was a target date for acquisition of a property; Ms. Sheehan responded that a specific process must be followed.
Mr. Quintero requested that Ms. Sheehan expound on the generator for Union Station. CL&P has provided data that is needed to evaluate the specifications of the unit and it has been determined that 350 kilowatts will be adequate. There is very low natural gas pressure in the area and either a booster may be required or alternative fuel source utilized.
District staff then provided the Board with an update on operational and administrative initiatives.
Mr. Gonzalez reported that quotes are being solicited to replace the existing parking lot lights with LED as well as for additional security cameras for the Amtrak platform area. New lettering has been installed on the south side of the building as directional assistance for visitors. The staff has been working with Amtrak to address water leaks in the Transportation Center and a meeting has been scheduled to review the issue and determine a responsible party. Water is currently leaking from the drains near the trestles and leaking onto the ceiling tiles. Mr. Lord commented on the impending Capitol West building demolition and asked how that might impact Union Station. Ms. Shotland stated that there is only a positive impact expected in the area.
Ms. Shotland reiterated that the District had partnered with the City of Hartford and numerous other stakeholders to support a TIGER III grant application for a transit nexus in the surrounding area. The awards have been published and unfortunately the City was not awarded funding. A list of TIGER recipients was provided to the board and comment was made that seventeen Connecticut projects had been submitted. New London, Stamford, and Hartford projects had all been endorsed by Governor Malloy. The entire process was a learning opportunity and the information gathered will be important for future funding opportunities.
Collaboration efforts continue for the $1.67 million Livability grant with the City in order for fund obligation to occur before February.
An electric car charging station (Juice Bar) has been installed in the Spruce Street Parking Lot. It has been advertised and is the first charging station in the Greater Hartford area. Plans are underway to make the entire parking lot more “green” in the spring. A porous material made of recycled tires was passed amongst the board members that will be used in the landscape design. A botanical garden with recycled water capability will be installed, and a design rendering and literature on the material will be provided at a future meeting. Mr. Lord inquired if directories will be made available that will direct electric car owners to charging stations and Ms. Shotland responded in the affirmative. CRCOG will be instituting a regional purchasing program to assist municipalities in procuring similar products. Discussion ensued regarding charging station placement within the state and the possibility of securing ZIP cars at Union Station.
A press conference announcing the Full Funding Grant Agreement approval for the New Britain-Hartford Busway was held on November 21st. The event was attended by FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff, Governor Malloy, and DOT representatives amongst others. Ms. Shotland commented on the recent decision in Detroit to give up Light Rail funds to install a Bus Rapid Transit system which is a highly effective means of public transportation. The details of the busway stop at Union Station have yet to be determined.
Mr. Brower asked if there is an emergency preparedness plan for travelers stranded at Union Station in inclement weather or other type of unexpected situation. Mr. Gonzalez responded that the rail and bus operators support one another to move passengers in these types of situations. Ms. Shotland commented that Union Station is an evacuation facility for local businesses and that we can accommodate large numbers of people.
Ms. Oliver made inquiry regarding the Vernon Intermodal Center project and Ms. Shotland responded that staff had met with the new Economic Development Coordinator. The District is receptive to working with the town; however there has been no change in progress and we are currently awaiting a plan submission.
Ms. Shotland presented an update on the most recent CRCOG Transportation Committee meeting that was held on December 12th. CRCOG staff reported on the Sustainable Communities Initiative including the kick off of the Transit Enhancement studies in three communities, of which one is Enfield.
The Regional Bike Pedestrian Plan is being updated. CRCOG is researching funding sources for Light the Night, a program that provides funding for proper equipment to ride bikes at night. Additionally, Ms. Shotland noted that the STIP will be released soon for public review.
The New Haven/Hartford/Springfield High Speed Rail Service project is delayed on the release of the environmental report to the reviewing agencies (FTA/FRA). The report will be released at the end of the year with public hearings scheduled for mid-March. DOT has indicated that the start of operations is still expected in 2016.
Mr. Lord requested an update on the By-Law Committee recommendation changes. Mr. Quintero presented the proposed changes to the group which included the timeline for the Nominating Committee process, the frequency of election of officers, term length, date of the annual meeting, and the size of the Audit Committee. Mr. Giordano noted that the number of Audit Committee members of one political party needs to be changed to correlate with the increase in committee size. Ms. Shotland stated that staff will confer with legal counsel to see if this section is applicable at all and changes will be made if required. Discussion was then had regarding minority representation on boards, commissions and committees. A vote is scheduled to be taken at the February 2012 meeting.
There being no further business brought before the Board, Mr. Mooney moved that the meeting be adjourned. Upon seconding by Mr. Jansen, the motion passed by a vote of 42.00 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention. The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
James McCavanagh
Secretary
Adopted: February 2, 2012
