VTA Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
January 23, 2009
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board met on Thursday January 23, 2009 at 9:30 AM in the offices of the Transit Authority, 11 A Street in Edgartown. Present were Alice Butler (Oak Bluffs), Len Jason (Chilmark), John Alley (West Tisbury) , Connie Teixeira (Tisbury), June Manning (Aquinnah), Angela Grant, Administrator (VTA) Darren Morris (TCI) and Lois Craine (VTA). Also present was Peter Hefler.
The meeting was called to order at 9:35AM.
Approval of Minutes:
Mr. Alley moved to approve the minutes of October 30, 2008, Ms. Teixeira seconded. M/s/c
Updates and Reports:
TCI
Mr. Morris reported efforts to hire H2B Visa holders already in the U.S. through a recruitment firm.
M.V.R.H.S.
Ms. Grant advised the Board that maintenance contract provisions were not being met by the High School Transportation Manager despite meetings with the Superintendent to address the VTA’s concerns including potential liabilities and safety issues. Discussion followed. Mr. Alley asked that Dr. Weiss be contacted detailing every contract violation again and imposing a time in which corrections must be made or the contract will be cancelled.
New Business:
Financials
Financials were distributed and discussed. Ms. Grant reported steady revenues with an increase in purchased transportation due to overtime wages as a result of a labor shortage.
OPEB Funding
Ms. Grant outlined a request from the County to support legislation to establish a pooled Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust fund as required under GASB statements and detailed her concerns about the proposed establishment of a weighted vote. Ms. Manning moved to support the proposed legislation whilst voicing Ms. Grant’s concerns. Mr. Alley seconded. M/s/c.
State Budget
Ms. Grant reported State Contract assistance was under funded by $5m which the RTAs will carry as a deficit. A meeting was held with the new State Secretary of Transportation and the RTA Caucus Group of the Legislature.
Economic Stimulus
Ms. Grant reported that a Federal Economic Stimulus bill may be signed by Presidents Day. The VTA hopes for 5 new buses with the funding.
The meeting adjourned at 10:45AM
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