Advisory Board

The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority Advisory Board met Friday, August at 9:00 AM at the offices of the Transit Authority, 11 A Street, Edgartown.  Present were Alice Butler (Oak Bluffs), Lenny Jason (Chilmark), June Manning (Aquinnah) and Lou Paciello (Edgartown) Elaine Miller (Tisbury).  Also present were Angela Grant (VTA), Lauren Thomas (VTA) and Suzanne Cioffi (VTA). Absent was John Alley (West Tisbury).

The meeting was called to order at 10:47 am by Ms. Butler.

Meeting Minutes August 13, 2018

Mr. Paciello moved to accept the minutes of the meeting of August 13, 2018 and Mr. Jason second.  M/S/C.  Angela Grant introduced new board member for Tisbury, Elaine Miller

Ridership

Ms. Grant gave ridership information back to 2005.  VTA had a significant change in schedule due to funding. In-season changed at the end of September and weather impacted ridership; revenue was in line with ridership. Performance Metrics were given back to 2001: revenue hours, required subsidiary

Cape Medical Van

Ms. Grant reported that the Cape Medical Van has been in service since October 10, 2018.  We have received positive feedback from the service. Discussion about sustainability after new Freedom Money expires next October.

Audit and Finance Committee Report

Ms. Grant, Ms. Thomas and Ms. Cioffi stepped out of the room as Bruce Norling, CPA, PC addressed the board via telephone conference call.  

Notes were taken by Ms. Butler and transcribed:  Pleased it is in November tremendous year financially; stated it was exciting. State and Federal money to finance vehicles, internal control is strong. Good job handling pension liability OPEB now part of it. Federal awards tested, operating money no problem. Sixty to seventy percent of grants tested, fuel sources tested. Bid process handled well. No problems this year. He stated Ms. Grant very strong and Ms. Thomas very good support.

OPEB

Ms. Manning asked how many employees were covered in the audit. Ms. Thomas stated 9 employees year round

Financial Update

Ms. Grant and Ms. Thomas presented draft financials through September 2018. Contract revenue is down by 7 percent due to less Human Service Transportation. Vehicle repairs are higher as the Maintenance Department is down a person and the VTA is using outside services of NEBR. The timing of the rent payments for the Edgartown Visitor Center and Registry of Motor vehicles reflect other differences in the financial statements.

VTA received another $1.75M Low or No Emissions Grant Funds: will be used for Church Street and WT Town hall inductive charging infrastructure; timeline Fall/Winter 2019.

Bank Account Rockland Trust: vote was taken to add Lenny Jason to accounts as signatory. Ms. Manning made a motion and Mr. Paciello seconded motion. Motion passed 4 votes. Mr. Jason abstained from voting

Capital Projects

Ms. Grant discussed the solar canopies for the VTA Base.  She stated will have a meeting with Eversource on November 29th regarding ownership of the wiring. Stated they will be breaking ground in January. Construction should be around $6 million dollars paid for by private investors

RTA Task Force

Ms. Grant updated the board that she has been attending weekly meetings; the report is due February 15, 2019. The tone of the meetings has been RTA’s need to seek other revenue sources and not expect the State to pay more every year. RTA performance is under heavy scrutiny and Ms. Grant is expecting that the RTA’s will have significantly more reporting to do

Administrative Update

Ms. Thomas presented board with a request from the Tactical Response Team (TRT) for donation of van 10, which is surplus equipment; Ms. Manning made a motion to donate vehicle, Ms. Butler second. Passed unanimously.

Ms. Manning inquired about military rate. Ms. Grant stated it is the reduced fare rate with a current military identification. She sated the Chief of the Tribe was denied military rate with identification. Ms. Manning was advised the operating company would be reminded about the rate.

The FTA Tribal grant that the Tribe and VTA were awarded was addressed. The tribe wanted to change the spirit of the agreement and currently funding is not being used as VTA and Tribe do not agree. The tribe wants bus charging to be on tribal land and deep discounts for tribal members.

Ms. Manning inquired what was going on with the Union. Ms. Grant advised negations are underway and understands the parties do not agree on much. Lisa Lemiuex, Union Representative, wanted to discuss a letter that was sent to Representative Keating’s Office; Ms. Grant advised the VTA has not received a letter. Mr. Jason asked if there was any contempt to the court order by the VTA and Ms. Grant said not that she is aware of. Ms. Grant explained MGL 161B that the Board has statutory requirements hire administrative, to set fares, serve and budget. She stated the operations go to a private operating company. She stated it goes out to bid every five years. Current contract expires January 31, 2019 with next three one year optional for renewal. Mr. Paciello inquired how we deal with it regarding Union Negotiations. Ms. Grant stated it is the responsbility of the operating company.

The board requested that a representative from TCI attend the next meeting

12:25 pm Ms. Jason made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Paciello seconded. Ms. Butler and Ms. Miller agreed and Ms. Manning did not agree to end meeting.  Meeting adjourned

Documents

• Bank Signatory Form
• Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 08.13.18
• Financials through September 30, 2018
• GSMLC Letter
• Minutes A&F Subcommittee 03.30.18
• Performance Metrics FY01-18
• VTA Financial Statements FY18
• VTA Ridership Summary FY 01-18