Consuelo Espinosa

Key discussions for this regular meeting included the review and potential approval of staff responses concerning findings from the 2008-2009 Fiscal and Compliance Audit. The board was also scheduled to review, discuss, and direct staff regarding the amendment of the HTA Salary Manual to include a new staff position necessary due to organizational growth. Further agenda items included reviewing the Financial Statement and Ridership Statistics for various transit services and a staff presentation on PTMISEA Corrective Action Plans. A closed session was planned to discuss a personnel matter.

The February 4, 2026, meeting agenda included several key items for discussion and potential action. The reports section covered updates from Caltrans District 1, draft November 2025 statistics and financial statements, a general HTA projects update, and the Deputy General Manager's report. New Business centered on a Paratransit Update, reviewing performance statistics since HTA took over direct operation in July 2025, and the Redwood Transit System Streamlining and Increased Frequency Concept aimed at reducing travel times and increasing headways.

The meeting included a review of the annual Fiscal and Compliance Audit by the CPA firm, noting findings related to excess TDA funds received by some entities and inadequacies in HTA's accounting software. The board directed staff to prepare responses to these findings for the February meeting. The Consent Agenda was skipped because financial and statistical information was not ready. Under the discussion agenda, the board unanimously approved an amendment to the vehicle lease agreement between HTA and City Ambulance of Eureka (CAE), transferring routine maintenance responsibilities for three dial-a-ride vehicles to CAE. The board also discussed amending the HTA Salary Manual to add an Administrative Assistant II position and review pay increases, directing staff to provide further financial justification regarding new revenues from Southern Humboldt transit services. An update was provided on the initial weeks of the new Southern Humboldt services. Finally, the annual election of officers for 2010 was conducted, naming new Chairman and Vice Chairman, and members for the Finance & Operations Committee.

The Regular Board Meeting agenda included several items for consideration and action. Key topics involved approving the General Counsel Contract Amendment for Nancy Diamond, extending the contract term and increasing the hourly rate. Amendments were also proposed for Whitchurch Engineering contracts related to an interior office remodel and bus stop sign installation projects due to expanded scope. Furthermore, the Board was asked to approve amendments to the Personnel Policy, Classification Plan, and Salary Schedule, specifically to add a full-time Marketing Coordinator position (grant-funded) and a full-time mechanic position to maintain the growing fleet. Under New Business, the Board planned to accept the General Manager's retirement, effective in May 2026, and appoint the Deputy General Manager as the successor. Additionally, the Board was set to approve a Side Letter Agreement with AFSCME regarding a modified work schedule. The meeting also included a Public Hearing on Unmet Transportation Needs for FY 2025/26 and conducted Board elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and committee assignments.

The agenda includes community member communications, and a Caltrans District 1 report. The board discussed HTA project updates, including progress on the Eureka Transit Center, hydrogen fueling station, and hydrogen bus fleet. The board will also discuss a side letter agreement between HTA and AFSCME regarding a reduced work schedule for represented personnel. Additionally, there will be a public hearing for unmet transportation needs for FY 2025/26, and elections for new officers for the upcoming calendar year.