VTA Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
April 8, 2016
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority Advisory Board met Monday, April 8, 2016 at 8:00 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 Russell Ashton (Rider Community Representative OB) . Also present were Angela Grant (VTA) and Lois Craine (VTA). Absent were Lenny Jason (Chilmark) and Jay Grande, (Tisbury).
The meeting was called to order at 8:07AM.
Meeting Minutes November 30, 2015
Ms. Manning moved to accept the minutes of March 10, 2016 and Mr. Alley seconded. M/s/c.
FY 16 Financials through February 2016
Financial reports through February 2016 were distributed and Ms. Grant advised that the increased revenue was helped by the dollar raise in the one day pass and other fares raised starting January 2016. Increased service hours and operator wages were reflected in expenses. Fuel prices continue lower and have been guaranteed until June 2016 through an agreement with the supplier also benefiting the Municipalities who fuel at the VTA. A correction required by the Actuary report resulted in a onetime higher OPEB payment in FY16 to date figures. Mr. Ashton asked if the VTA is looking at web based marketing to replace some of the map printing costs. Ms. Grant replied that the VTA will look into it.
Budget FY17
Ms. Grant asked the Board to approve a FY17 budget amount of $5,570,577. Revenue and expense actuals for FY12 to FY15 and FY16 year to date with projected figures for FY17, 18 and FY19 were distributed and discussed. Ms. Grant explained that included in the actuals is the $1.00 raise in drivers’ rates across the board already implemented. Mr. Ashton remarked that the bus driver’s job on Martha’s Vineyard is complex and demands many skills and that should be reflected in wages and benefits. Mr. Paciello said he would like to see the starting wage higher and closer to the highest rate. Ms. Grant explained that an additional dollar per hour is included in the FY17 budget but cannot be implemented until after Union representation is determined and that the current scale is
designed to offer returning seasonal drivers a raise each year. Ms. Grant informed the Board that the VTA would like to work toward a partnership with the School District to train and employ a pool of year round drivers. Mr. Alley made a motion to approve the FY17 budget figure of $5,570,577. And Ms. Manning seconded. M/s/c.
Ridership
Ridership reports were distributed and Ms. Grant pointed out that every month saw an increase helped by better weather than the first few months of last year.
Alternate Fuel Study Update
Ms. Grant reported that the Alternate Fuel Study second installment from Vermont Energy is due in a few weeks. A copy is available to Board members. Ms. Grant pointed out that diesel is still most cost effective and that the downtown routes are most likely to be the place for alternate fuel vehicles to mitigate the noise and emissions. Mr. Ashton asked if the VTA has expertise in grant writing. Ms. Grant advised it could be on the Agenda for a future meeting. Mr. Alley asked about new vehicles ordered and Ms. Grant replied that three 30 foot low floor buses will be delivered in May or June.
Personnel Policy, job descriptions and wage review
Ms. Grant advised the Board that the presentation will be made at the next meeting.
New Business
Mr. Alley asked the status of the bus stop repair at the West Tisbury Business District. Ms. Grant replied that it is under way.
Ms. Grant reported that the VTA has been approached to demonstrate a mobile ticketing app. The company designing the app would be paid by a percentage of ticket sales through a secure third party payer and the VTA would start by selling only the One Day Pass. Ms. Butler recommended that the VTA negotiate the percentage. Mr. Ashton pointed out that the VTA could be seen to be a leader in innovation. Mr. Alley made a motion to approve the VTA going forward with the proposal. Mr. Paciello seconded. M/s/c.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55AM
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