Christine Feng

The meeting agenda included the ceremonial calendar with employee recognition for longevity of service. Key discussion items covered the General Manager's Report, which detailed recent activities such as passing the annual CHP inspection, unveiling the Holiday Bus theme, and staff participation in the California Transit Association Fall Conference where the General Manager received an award. The Consent Agenda involved receiving and filing financial reports (Expenditures for November 2024, October 2024 Actual vs. Budget Financial Analysis, and Contracts Awarded report) and approving the minutes from the November 6, 2024, meeting. Formal items included considering and approving the Board of Directors Meeting Calendar for 2025, the election of Board Officers for Calendar Year 2025, receiving a presentation and considering approval of the Final 2025-2030 Short Range Transit Plan, and receiving a presentation on the Clean Mobility Options Nyeland Acres Community Transportation Needs Assessment Report.

The 2025 Fleet Management Plan for Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) outlines the current and future needs of its fleet over the next ten years. The plan focuses on the efficient management, growth, and replacement of non-revenue, demand response, and fixed-route vehicle assets. A central theme is the strategic transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2040, aligning with the Innovative Clean Transit Rule, through the adoption of technologies like hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, while also addressing critical funding requirements.

The agenda for the meeting covered several items, including general public comment and board/general manager reports. The consent agenda included consideration of approval for the minutes from the September 1, 2021 meeting, as well as the approval of expenditures, Treasurer's Report, and Budget Income Statement for June 2021. Formal items involved consideration for the adoption of an updated job description for the Director of Human Resources, approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) for the Electric Vehicle Ready Blueprint, the adoption of a resolution declaring 'Clean Air Day,' and consideration for the approval of the GCTD's Passenger Conduct Policy and Procedures. Informational items included updates on new California laws SB 9 & SB 10, the status of the 301 East 3rd Street Property, and a monthly update on Operations and Maintenance. The session concluded with a Closed Session to discuss labor negotiators and public employee appointment for the General Manager position.

The board meeting focused on receiving an update on Paratransit Integration and considering the approval of new job descriptions for the integration process. The update included a projected timeline for the merger, estimated to take approximately 9 months to one year, with the goal of a seamless transition of service. Key agenda items included the board's consideration of approval for four proposed new GCTD job descriptions (Operations Manager -- DR, Assistant Operations Manager -- DR, Dispatcher/Reservationist, and Bus Operator - Demand Response) which correspond to comparable MV Transportation positions, and offering these positions to current MV Transportation employees providing demand response services.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and recognition for several employees celebrating service milestones, including one member joining the Million Mile Club. Following general public comment, the General Manager welcomed a new class of bus operators and provided updates on the upcoming Annual Health & Wellness Fair, the introduction of passenger surveys on all buses, and a partnership with SCAG for the Go Human campaign focused on pedestrian and cyclist safety. Key formal actions included the approval of the SB1 STA State of Good Repair Priority Projects List and the adoption of Resolution 2018-08 concerning Certifications and Assurances for the California State of Good Repair Program. Reports were received and filed regarding Senior/ADA Boarding & Seating Policies, the Fourth Quarter FY 2017-18 Performance Report for Fixed Route and ACCESS Paratransit, and a construction update for the GCTD Operations and Maintenance Facility, which indicated a revised completion date of mid-January 2019. The Board also authorized the General Manager to enter into an agreement with Southern California Gas Company for a high-pressure gas service, up to a value of $450,000, for the new Administration & Operations Facility. The meeting concluded with a Closed Session concerning labor negotiations.