Advisory Board
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority Advisory Board met Friday, February 10, 2017 at 9:00 AM in the offices of the Transit Authority, 11 A Street, Edgartown. Present were John Alley (West Tisbury), Lenny Jason (Chilmark), Lou Paciello (Edgartown) Also present were Angela Grant (VTA), Lois Craine (VTA), Russel Ashton and Brian Smith. Absent were Alice Butler (Oak Bluffs), June Manning (Aquinnah) and Jay Grande, (Tisbury).
The meeting was called to order at 9:05AM.
Meeting Minutes
Not enough Members who attended the December 16, 2016 were present so the minutes were tabled until the next meeting
Roles and responsibilities of Board Members
Copies of the Roles and Responsibilities of Advisory Board Members as written under MGL 161B were distributed reviewed and discussed. Mr. Alley recognized Brian Smith as the sender of an email he had received concerning the award of the VTA Management contract to TCI. Mr. Smith asked the Board to explain why TCI was awarded the Management Services Contract again when, in his opinion, they are in violation of law by refusing to negotiate with the Union and why the VTA is funding legal expenses. Mr. Alley responded that the contract award was not made by the Board and Mr. Jason added that it would be a violation if they interfered with any union negotiations. Ms. Grant added that the the VTA Board cannot take part in contract negotiations and the contract was awarded following an evaluation of the responses by Alice Butler and two VTA staff members . Richard Townes arrived at 9:19AM. Ms. Grant explained that Mr. Edward Pigman, owner of TCI, believes that Union representation would be detrimental to the operation of the system and would not represent the large number of seasonal casual and part time drivers who are essential. Discussion followed. Mr. Townes said he feels the grounds on which TCI based their appeal of the decision of the NLRB are frivolous and VTA money is wasted on legal fees.
Ridership
Ridership reports were distributed and Ms. Grant pointed out solid growth through the year with July and August at capacity. A wet Labor Day brought a slight decrease but October and November were strong.
Mr. Smith and Mr. Townes left the meeting at 9:45A
FY 18 Budget
Ms. Grant advised the Board that the Audit and Finance Subcommittee met and approved the Budget of $5,921,562. for FY 2018. Mr. Jason moved to accept the Budget and Mr. Paciello seconded. M/s/c
Capital Plan Review and Electric Bus Planning
Ms. Grant reported that one of the buses ordered to be delivered by June 30th may not be built in time and would be cancelled if that happens. A Capital Plan for FY 18 to 22 has been submitted for approximately 2 to 3 million dollars each year to accomplish the change to an electric fleet., as well as other VTA projects. A grant proposal for electric infrastructure money from the Volkswagen diesel settlement was submitted in January. A conference call with the Assistant Secretary of Energy, Mass DEP and the Department of Energy Resources brought support at the State level from all participants. Eversource will be looked at for some funding through the State. The initiative was well received by the Edgartown and West Tisbury Selectmen and at the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. Ms. Grant will present to all towns.