Advisory Board
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority Advisory Board met Friday, November 2, 2017 at 9:15 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), June Manning (Aquinnah) and Lou Paciello (Edgartown). Also present were Angela Grant (VTA) and Lois Craine (VTA). Absent was Jay Grande, (Tisbury).
The meeting was called to order at 9:17AM
Draft Financial statements through September 30, 2017
Draft Financial reports through September 30, 2017 with prior year comparisons were distributed and Ms. Grant advised that revenue and expenses are both up slightly. Additional service hours and equipment were deployed to help with traffic and capacity issues. Fuel which has been down due to bulk purchasing may see a rise for diesel at the next purchase due to market price increases. $7,600 of additional State funding has been secured and an additional supplemental budget to restore State funding is being pursued at the State House
FY 2017 Audit presentation Bruce Norling via telephone
Ms. Grant and Ms. Craine left the room at 9:25AM as Bruce Norling, Auditor, addressed the Board by telephone. Notes taken during the presentation by Ms. Butler are attached. Ms. Butler noted Mr. Norling reported that the VTA is doing well financially, grants are in order and OPEB payments current. Internal monetary and inventory controls are sufficient.
Ms. Grant and Ms. Craine returned at 9:38AM.
Mr. Jason asked about the amount of parts the VTA has in inventory. Ms. Grant replied that some are High School parts that are billed out when used and many are for different systems on each manufacturer’s buses. The maintenance department now has inventory scanning capabilities and a full inventory count will be made 12/31/2017 as the VTA works toward a paperless shop.
Ridership through September 2017
Ms. Grant advised the Board that passenger fares and ridership so far for FY 18 are down slightly due to inclement weather inclement weather in July and August.
Capital Projects Update
Ms. Grant reported that a total of six electric buses are on order. The Department of Energy and Resources is expected to award energy storage grants within the next four to six weeks. The solar RFP awaits permission to proceed with the changes from the MV Airport.
VTA/MV Airport lease changes and possible renewal
Ms. Grant reported that the MV Airport sees the VTA solar and storage plans as a trigger to change land lease terms more than two years before the lease is due to be renegotiated resulting in about a $180,000 lease increase for the VTA, about a $1.00 more per square foot than the current rate of 38 cents. Ms. Grant will meet with the MV Airport Commission on November 9, 2017 to ask that they wait until the present lease is up in two years and asked Board members to attend.
Cape Area Medivan
Ms. Craine reported that the group met and wanted the Board to consider extending the time until operation begins now tentatively Monday December 4th. The MV Commission and Healthy Aging Task Force have renewed efforts to help with planning and fund raising. Ms. Grant said she is not satisfied that there is administrative support in place for the service which was proposed to be at the Center 4 Living or that the grant requirements can be satisfied. The Board asked that a letter be sent notifying the MV Center 4 Living that the VTA is taking the vehicle back, recognizing the efforts so far and encouraging them to return when they have a comprehensive plan.
The meeting adjourned at 10:23A
Documents
- FY 2017 Audit and Management Letter
- Audit presentation notes as recorded by Ms. Butler
- Ridership report through September 2017