VTA Advisory Board
August 28, 2015
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority Advisory Board met Friday, August 28, 2015 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), Lenny Jason(Chilmark), Lou Paciello (Edgartown), Russell Ashton(Rider Community Representative OB), Angela Grant (VTA) and Lois Craine (VTA).
The meeting was called to order at 9:35AM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Alley moved to accept the minutes of June 25, 2015 and Mr. Ashton seconded. M/s/c.
Financials FY15 through June 2015
Year- end draft financials through June 2015 were distributed and discussed. Ms. Grant reported revenue continues to be up due to the fare increase but also an increase in riders. Purchased transportation increase reflects added in season service and a $1.00 raise for all operators. Fuel costs and insurance continue to be lower in this Fiscal Year. Mr. Paciello asked about the increase in Audit expenses and Ms. Grant explained that the GASB 67 and OPEB requirements are included in this year’s contract price.
VTA DBE Goal FY16, 17 and 18
Ms. Craine described the distributed copies of the work leading to the VTA deciding to continue with a DBE goal of 4%. After using the newly adopted formula for working out a goal the result would have set the goal at 2.3%. Ms. Craine feels that the VTA has continued to award 4% and more to qualified firms and recommends that this figure remain. Mr. Alley so moved and Mr. Paciello seconded. M/s/c.
Ridership update through July 2015
Ridership numbers by route and month were distributed and discussed. Ms. Grant pointed out that ridership continues to show an increase with good weather and is up 5.5% for the Fiscal Year.
RTA Study Plan and Public Hearing update
Ms. Grant advised that the next Board meeting will be held in the evening of Thursday September 10, 2015 to discuss the RTA Study Plan. A Public Hearing on the RTA study plan under way with AECOM, will be held during the meeting which will be a review of the draft plan and recommendations. Mr. Alley asked that a copy of the draft plan be sent to each town library. Mr. Jason asked if the VTA is being asked to change it’s original mission to serve the local population while helping to mitigate traffic and emissions. Ms. Grant replied that the legislature is intending to bring other RTAs up to many of the standards that the VTA has always held such as Sunday service. The VTA Board will decide which recommendations to adopt but the intent of the study is to demonstrate any need for further funding.
New Business
Mr. Alley said buses at the West Tisbury Town Hall are doing better at pulling up further and turning off their engines.
Mr. Ashton asked about another bench and shelter for the Hospital main entrance. The VTA will contact the Hospital.
Ms. Grant advised the Board that Ms. Teixeira will no longer serve as the Tisbury member and will be replaced by Mr. Jay Grandee. Mr. Jason asked that a letter be written to Ms. Teixeira on behalf of the Board to thank her for her years of service.
Ms. Grant asked for a volunteer to replace Ms. Teixeira on the Audit and Finance committee and Mr. Jason agreed to serve.
The meeting adjourned at 10:33AM
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