VTA Advisory Board
March 7, 2014
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority Advisory Board met Friday, March 7, 2014 at 9:30 AM in the offices of the Transit Authority, 11 A Street, Edgartown. Present were Alice Butler (Oak Bluffs), Lenny Jason (Chilmark), John Alley (West Tisbury), Connie Teixeira (Tisbury), June Manning (Aquinnah), Lou Paciello(Edgartown) Angela Grant (VTA) and Lois Craine (VTA). Absent was Mary Beth Grady (Disabled Commuters’ Representative).
The meeting was called to order at 9:33AM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Teixeira moved to accept the minutes of November 21, 2013. Mr. Alley seconded. M/s/c.
Ms. Teixeira moved to accept the minutes of December 13, 2013. Mr. Alley seconded. M/s/c.
Ridership update FY14
Ridership reports through February 2014 (attachment A) were distributed and discussed. Ms. Grant pointed out that despite numerous snowstorms and a slight decrease in January ridership for FY14 is still ahead of the previous year.
Advisory Board Bylaws
Ms. Grant explained that the Bylaws will be changed in accordance with recent legislative changes in the Board membership. The VTA has received notifcation of a new voting member, but has yet to receive contact information.
Advisory Board Election
Ms. Grant recommended holding future elections of officers take place each year following approval of the budget, a change that will be written in to the bylaws.
Mr. Alley moved to reelect the same officers, Alice Butler, Chairman and John Alley, Clerk. Mr. Jason seconded. M/s/c.
Title VI
Ms. Grant explained that the distributed VTA Title VI documents have been updated to reflect changes in the population and outreach. The Board was asked for approval before translation and submittal of the full plan to MassDOT. Mr. Paciello made a motion to approve the VTA Title VI documents. Ms. Manning seconded. M/s/c.
Audit and Finance Subcommittee Report
Draft FY15 Budget
Mr. Paciello reported that the Finance and Audit subcommittee met prior to this meeting and made a motion for the full Board to approve a budget figure of $5,208,000.00 for FY15. Ms. Teixeira seconded. M/s/c. The increase from previous years is in added service hours on routes 8 (early mornings for commuters) and 13 (night hours added) in the shoulder season and raises in purchased transportation wages as outlined by contract. Ms. Manning observed that no extended hours are to be added to up island service. .
Ms. Grant added that starting in FY16 State funding will be based on performance measures and that the move to current year financing is about half way.
C.O.L.A.
Ms. Grant recommended that a C.O.L.A. for VTA employees continue to be delayed for two more months due to funding adding that the Board may then make the recommendations retroactive.
New Business
Ms. Grant advised the Board that a letter was received from the Oak Bluffs Fire Department asking the VTA to gift a retired van which has been advertised for bids. Ms. Manning so moved, Ms. Butler seconded. M/s/c.
Ms. Grant reported that despite the significant potential impacts of the Tisbury Stop and Shop rebuild the MVC still fails to notify or include the VTA in LUPC and other meetings.
In addition the MVC staff is not looking at effects beyond the Beach Road corridor. Mr. Jason asked that a letter be sent to the MVC asking when the VTA might expect a Transit Mitigation Plan as it relates to the expected significant delays and connections lost throughout the system. Mr. Paciello suggested that the Town of Tisbury and Stop and Shop Corporation be included.
Ms. Grant updated the Board on Capital projects. Through an agreement with Cape Light Compact the VTA is receiving energy saving upgrades to interior and exterior lighting and after their assessment will purchase more efficient HVAC units using the existing furnaces. Degraded pipes in the wash bay and sprinkler system will be replaced, window replacements and restroom refurbishments continue at Church Street. Bus stop enhancements will begin soon. Mr. Alley enquired whether engineers planning bus stops must be approved by MassDOT. Ms. Grant will research.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 AM.
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