Frank Flowers

The Board meeting included unanimous approvals for several financial actions: purchasing two new Portable Changeable Message Signs, approving a task order with Michael Baker International (MBI) for Capital Improvement Plan development services, approving another task order with MBI for federal grant support services related to the BUILD Grant Program for the Mount Hope Bridge project, and approving a task order with GM2 for the routine inspection of the Fishing Pier Access Road Bridge. A significant discussion involved a no-cost, 3-month pilot program offered by Roebling Labs LLC for a vessel collision warning system on the Newport Pell Bridge, following recent NTSB hearings on bridge strikes. The Director of Engineering provided a status report on multiple capital projects, including scaffolding installation beginning for the Mt. Hope Bridge cables and the Newport Pell Bridge INFRA project moving forward. The CFO reported solid financial performance for the first five months of fiscal year 2026, noting higher traffic and revenue compared to budget and prior year, and lower operating expenses compared to budget. The Executive Director reported on traffic increases and customer service initiatives, including reduced phone wait times and efforts against smishing texts. Public comment focused on concerns regarding the safety and transparency of information related to the Mount Hope Bridge, including requests for the release of inspection reports and an updated Strategic Plan.

The meeting covered several agenda items, including the renewal of the production copier lease with Rego USA, which was recommended due to reliable service and the non-response from an alternative vendor; the approval of purchasing new Cisco core routers for $113,299 to replace end-of-life equipment, securing interoperability with existing systems; and the approval of task orders for consulting services related to the Mount Hope Bridge deck replacement and rehabilitation study, which will assess replacement versus rehabilitation options over an estimated 1 to 1.5-year period. Additionally, the board approved executing a task order for WSP, not to exceed $190,936, to design and support the replacement of rocker bearings at Pier 10 of the Newport Pell Bridge due to excessive tilt movement. Updates were provided on capital projects, noting that the dehumidification component of the PEL deck rehab may be deferred due to cost escalation, while essential preparatory work continues. The status of HBAC unit installation and the progress on incorporating comments into the Vessel Strike Vulnerability Assessment report were also discussed.

The meeting included a motion to move public comment to the bottom of the agenda. Key discussions involved the purchase order for two Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS), following the rejection of the lowest bid due to missing options, and the subsequent award to the next responsive bidder. The board also addressed the need to update the Capital Improvement Plan, recommending the execution of a task order with Michael Baker International for development services not to exceed $58,157. Furthermore, a task order for Federal Grant support services was recommended to be executed with Michael Baker International for $13,000, related to securing funding for the Mount Hope Bridge deck rehab/replacement effort. A routine biannual bridge inspection for the Fishing Pier Access Road Bridge was approved for $13,275. A discussion only item concerned a no-cost, three-month pilot program for a Vessel Collision Warning System on the Newport Pell Bridge. The Capital Project Status Report detailed progress on several projects, including scaffold installation for the main bridge dehumidification, final commissioning for HVAC, and the status of vulnerability assessments and other bridge repairs. Additionally, the board discussed a decision from the Attorney General's office regarding the release of inspection reports under the Access to Public Records Act.

The agenda for the upcoming Board Meeting includes discussions and potential votes on Portable Changeable Message Signs purchase orders, Capital Improvement Plan updates via task orders, Federal Grant Support Services task orders, and routine inspection of the Fishing Pier Access Road Bridge task order. Further discussions are scheduled for the Vessel Collision Warning System. Status reports will be provided by the Director of Engineering regarding Capital Projects, the Chief Financial Officer on Financial Reports, and the Executive Director covering Customer Service Initiatives, Tolling Operations, and the next Board Meeting date.

Key discussions during the meeting included public comment from East Bay stakeholders regarding safety concerns and requests for the release of the November 2024 Bi-Annual Inspection Report for the Mount Hope Bridge. The Board approved a task order with Modjeski & Masters for design and construction support services related to deck evaluation, repairs, and sealing for the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge and Newport Pell Bridge. Another task order was approved with ATANE for the Mount Hope Bridge Interim Inspection. A construction contract was approved with Atlantic Elevator South Co., Inc. to replace the traveler cable for the Newport Pell Bridge west tower elevator to restore service immediately, pending future rehabilitation under INFRA grants. Management also presented the need to secure modular space to expand the customer service center due to increased operational demands following the transition to all-electronic tolling. The Director of Engineering provided status updates on capital projects, including scaffolding erection for the Mt. Hope Bridge Suspension Cables investigation and details on the INFRA Projects for the Newport Pell Bridge. The CFO reported solid financial performance for the first four months of fiscal year 2026, noting higher traffic and revenue compared to budget, and substantially higher net income due to investment gains. The Executive Director addressed customer service initiatives aimed at reducing customer contact and discussed plans to outsource the mail function.