Greg Watkins

The board meeting centered on a workshop presentation regarding the regional transportation plan and sustainable community strategies. Key topics included an overview of the planning process, the identification of federal and state-mandated requirements for transportation planning, and the proposal of updated goals for the 2050 plan. The board discussed performance-based planning, the safe systems approach, and the timeline for the development process, including project list updates, public reviews, and the adoption of the final draft.

The board elected a new Chair and Vice Chair and appointed members to the Fiscal and Policy Committee. The meeting included the approval of several administrative and financial items, such as the authorization of signatories for agency accounts, the approval of technical services agreements for annual audits and the GoShasta Regional Active Transportation Plan, and the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Caltrans. The board also received reports regarding federal and state transportation legislation and reviewed amendments to the policy on meeting minutes. Additionally, the board provided direction on the planning budget for the upcoming fiscal year and approved updates to the project scope of work for the Regional Early Action Planning program.

The council meeting addressed various transportation-related initiatives and updates. Discussions included a railroad crossing study, the setting of future meeting schedules, and recommendations regarding unmet transit needs to be presented to the Board of Directors. The council reviewed active transportation program project support letters, updates on the aging adult program, and bus stop amenities and placement policies. Additionally, the council received updates on intercity bus routes, transit general manager reports, and identified potential future meeting topics, including housing collaboration, active transportation grant applications, and rider fare policies.

The council discussed transit operations updates, including service integration, route boundary adjustments, and future plans for consolidated demand response services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Members reviewed results from a transit customer satisfaction survey, discussed potential intercity service expansion between Redding and Sacramento, and received updates on state transit plans and grant-funded projects. The committee also finalized upcoming meeting dates, approved a new membership appointment, and identified potential topics for future meetings, such as housing needs and bus stop infrastructure.

The committee reviewed and recommended changes to the Regional Early Action Planning 2.0 program subrecipient agreement. Discussion occurred regarding proposed amendments to the policy on meeting minutes, with requests for increased detail on public comments. A status update was provided for the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Single Audit of Federal Awards. The committee evaluated investment performance for the period of December 2025 through January 2026 and requested future recommendations on investment portfolio strategies. Legislative updates were shared concerning potential assembly and senate bills. During a closed session, the committee considered and supported the appointment of an auditor, directing staff to initiate contract negotiations.