VTA Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
March 10, 2015
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority Advisory Board met Monday, March 10, 2016 at 10:30 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), Lou Paciello (Edgartown) and Lenny Jason (Chilmark. Also present were Angela Grant (VTA) and Lois Craine (VTA). Absent was Russell Ashton (Rider Community Representative OB) .
The meeting was called to order at 10:40AM.
Meeting Minutes November 30, 2015
Mr. Paciello moved to accept the minutes of November 30, 2015 and Ms. Manning seconded. M/s/c.
FY 16 Financials through January 2016
Financial reports through January 2016 were distributed and Ms. Grant advised that the first four months of FY 16 show increased revenue helped by the dollar raise in the one day pass. Increased service hours were reflected in expenses.
Ridership through February 2016
Ridership reports were distributed and Ms. Grant pointed out that every month saw an increase with 6.12% overall.
Capital Plan Update
Ms. Grant reported FY 16 Capital projects under way. The Diesel Particulate Fluid (DEF) dispensing infrastructure required by Federal law for 2013 engines is now complete with other entities buying also. Ms. Grant pointed out that 3 vehicles will be delivered as replacements in May 2016 with a FY17-21 plan for other replacements submitted to MassDOT. The VTA will receive one additional fleet replacement bus this year. The bus wash water reclamation system and the A Street parking lot surface will both be repaired and Church Street building and grounds projects pursued.
Mr. Grande joined the meeting at 10:48AM.
Alternate Fuel Study
Ms. Grant reported that the Alternate Fuel Study has been awarded to Vermont Energy and following their initial visit the VTA has Chapter 1, an overview of existing conditions. A copy will be made available to Board members.
Rider Representative Board Member
Ms. Grant reminded the Board that the term of Mr. Ashton, the Rider Representative Board Member appointed by Oak Bluffs is for a one year term which began March of 2015 and will progress alphabetically to Tisbury. The Disabled Commuter Representative Member, currently vacant, will progress to West Tisbury. Ms. Manning moved to extend the position until the end of the current Fiscal Year and Mr. Alley seconded. M/s/c.
New Business
Mr. Grande expressed the Town of Tisbury’s interest in helping the VTA upgrade bus stops in Tisbury. Eversource will be working with the town in the spring to assist with roadside plantings. Ms. Grant agreed and added that some Capital money will be available for improvements. The VTA would like to make progress in creating the Hillside bus stop required by the M.V.Commission .
Mr. Alley asked that the bus stop sign at the West Tisbury Business District be replaced. Ms. Grant agreed.
Ms. Manning noted the advertisements for bus operators are being published both in English and Brazilian Portuguese and asked that operators hired be fluent in English when going into revenue service.
The meeting adjourned at 11:05AM
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