James Frendt

The board meeting addressed several key operational and financial matters. Key discussion topics included the authorization of a contract with OpenGov Inc. for a new procurement software platform, the presentation and acceptance of the fiscal year 2025 financial statements and audit report, and a detailed budget update outlining potential service scenarios based on funding availability. The board also recognized recent grant awards for local development projects and reviewed reports on monthly ridership, fuel expenditures, and the activities of the CATA One community initiative.

The board meeting included a request for board member attendance at an upcoming seminar, a chief executive officer's report regarding the upcoming budget process, community reports, and participation in Juneteenth events. Key discussion items centered on the Comprehensive Operations Analysis, which involves a deep dive into existing transportation network efficiencies, route concepts for system improvements, demand response services, and future project scheduling for network redesign.

The agenda includes the review of the Treasurer's report, approval of the Fiscal 2020 Annual Report, authorization for a contract with Trapeze Software Group for a transit software upgrade, and the approval of addenda to cross-boundary agreements with Clinton Transit and EATRAN. Additionally, the meeting includes an executive session to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining negotiations with the union.

The board conducted a public hearing on the fiscal year 2022 budget and the 2021 property tax levy. Key action items included approving the extension of a student housing transit services agreement, authorizing an insurance brokerage and consulting service agreement, and awarding a contract for hoist preventative maintenance and service. Additionally, the board appointed a member to the local advisory committee, approved the 2021 property tax levy of 3.007 mills, and formally adopted the operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2022. The meeting also included an executive session regarding a union labor agreement.

The agenda for the Board of Directors meeting includes the review of the Treasurer's report for April 2021, featuring the interim income statement, cash summary, and investment reconciliations. The Board will consider authorizing the execution of the Seventh Amendment to the Michigan State University Contracted Transportation Services Agreement. Furthermore, the meeting includes an executive session to conduct a strategy session regarding collective bargaining agreement negotiations with the ATU Union, Division 1039.