Elaine Bartoldson

The meeting covered the budget report and financials, which showed a positive year-to-date cash flow, although vehicle maintenance costs were slightly elevated. In Old Business, updates were provided for the EPTA Multimodal Transit Center Project, including the status of the roof subsurface and administrative building roof, and the issuance of a unilateral construction change directive for the stormwater bypass, capped at $637,000. A furniture update indicated that costs for desks and chairs came in significantly under budget. The Public Agency Safety Plan update required Board approval, which was subsequently granted. Under New Business, the Director reported securing $70,000 for local match funding for MARC plus an additional $2,500 for trash pickup assistance provided to the Division of Multimodal Transportation Facilities. Training and certification updates were noted, including planned discussions in March regarding ADA compliance and conflict mediation, and preparations for Transit Day at the capitol in February 2026. The first draft of the budget is currently being developed.

The key discussion points included a correction to the October 2025 meeting minutes regarding a dollar amount. The Budget Report and Financials were presented, showing the agency in positive cash flow at 33% of the Fiscal Year budget; the financials were subsequently approved. Under Old Business, the Multimodal Transit Center Project update detailed progress on the Maintenance building electric work and floor pouring, ongoing negotiations with Myers regarding a by-pass, and coordination with WVDOH concerning road widening impacting the Transit Center scope near Race and Raleigh Street. Furniture discussions involved meeting with a vendor to finalize purchases for the Administrative Building and Maintenance facility via state contract. An FTA Update confirmed local match funds availability for two grant pots. New Business included the approval of a revised Employee Handbook policy concerning introductory versus probationary periods for promotions, a staffing update indicating a search for drivers, updates on upcoming WVPTA training sessions, planning for a Q2 Employee Staff Meeting, and a review of the Public Transit Agency Safety Plan revisions slated for December approval. A resolution was introduced to grant the City of Martinsburg access to an easement for a Stormwater Drain Bypass construction. The Directors Report covered hosting a Government Affairs Meeting, a presentation on transit services to the Region 7 Workforce Development Board, a meeting with Jefferson County Ministries, and scheduling driver/maintenance training for new electric buses at Harpers Ferry.

Key discussions during the meeting included the EPTA Multimodal Transit Center Project, noting difficulties reaching terms with a consultant for the bypass and seeking FTA guidance on the 'By America Build America' requirement for the fire alarm system. The Workers Comp Audit status was reported as complete pending the final report, and October NTD reporting was underway. For new business, planning for the 2025 50th Anniversary commenced, involving logo redesign and challenge coin creation. Updates included confirmation that FTA funds remain available despite a potential government shutdown, final invoicing for Harpers Ferry National Park services, and the withdrawal from the STraffic pilot program for card acceptance on buses. Furthermore, funds from a recently retired WVDPT Director were secured to support the building project, specifically for the stormwater bypass A&E and the water meter vault. During executive session, the board approved revising titles from Executive Director to Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Deputy Director to Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer (COO), which included adjusting salaries and establishing a three-year employment contract for the Deputy Director/COO.

The meeting included updates on the EPTA Multimodal Transit Center Project, including negotiations for the bypass and FTA guidance on the By America Build America requirement. There were also discussions on the Workers Comp Audit, National Transit Data Reporting, and FFY Reporting for Grants. The board discussed planning for the 50th Anniversary in 2026 and received a director's report covering topics such as the government shutdown, Harpers Ferry National Park contract, committee meetings, WVPTA Managers Meeting, Drug & Alcohol Program Manager training, and the Mobility Coordinator interviews. The board also revised the titles of Executive Director and Deputy Director and adjusted salaries accordingly.

The 2025 Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA) Transit Development Plan evaluates existing transit services and reassesses the operating environment. It aims to reimagine the transit network by incorporating a new Multimodal Transit Center, simplifying routes, aligning weekday, evening, and Saturday services, and expanding coverage and frequency in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. Key goals include improving marketing and communication, exploring new transit infrastructure locations, and enhancing systemwide service efficiency and the availability of weekend and evening services.