VTA Advisory Board
February 4, 2011
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority Advisory Board met Thursday February 4, 2011 at 9:30 AM in the offices of the Transit Authority, 11 A Street, Edgartown. Present were Alice Butler (Oak Bluffs), John Alley (West Tisbury), June Manning (Aquinnah), Lenny Jason (Chilmark), Connie Teixeira (Tisbury), Lou Paciello (Edgartown), Mary Beth Grady (Disabled Commuters’ Representative) , Darren Morris (TCI), Angela Grant (VTA) and Lois Craine (VTA).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES;
Mr. Alley moved to accept the Minutes of December 9, 2010. Ms. Teixeira seconded. M/s/c.
UPDATES AND REPORTS;
Mr. Morris updated the Board on operator recruiting and training. Less H2B visa workers will be required this year, videos from the buses will be used in training and there will be more performance reviews on the road.
Ridership reports through December 2010 were distributed and discussed.
Ms. Manning asked for an update on a policy for release of video on request. Ms. Grant stated that VTA legal counsel recommended referral to public records law and advised that any potential for litigation would not allow for access to any video.
OLD BUSINESS;
Capital FY11 & 12
Ms. Grant advised the Board that the fare box replacement planned for this year will be postponed, the present boxes and the fuel island will be rebuilt and upgraded and a new bus wash installed. Additional Capital money will be used for a variety of smaller projects and will include 2 35’ RE buses and 1 29’ FE bus.
NEW BUSINESS;
State Budget
Ms. Grant reported that the RTAs have been advised of a potential 8% cut in State funding which will mean $100,000 less for the VTA FY12 budget, services rendered in FY11, payable in FY12. Discussion followed. A draft budget for FY12 was distributed. Ms. Grant reported an overall increase of only 1% with a significant increase in fuel costs and a 10% fringe for health care costs. Mr. Alley moved to accept the proposed FY12 budget figure of $4,348,114 and Ms. Teixeira seconded. M/s/c.
Mr. Paciello asked about service on route #8 to South Beach in the off season. Ms. Grant explained that the route is part of giving access to all by both bus and Paratransit. The meeting adjourned at 10:34AM.
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