James Royal

The Board meeting included presentations on key performance indicators for dial-a-ride and microtransit services, maintenance, and operations. Legislative updates regarding state and federal bills and budgets were provided. Actions taken included the amendment of the agency's classification and salary schedule, the election of Board officers for the upcoming fiscal year, and the authorization of a land purchase from the City of Lancaster. Additionally, the Board authorized a 25-year power purchasing agreement for solar farm development, approved preliminary budget assumptions, and directed staff to develop a plan regarding jurisdictional contributions and potential payment reductions.

The board received several special reports and presentations, including legislative updates from Senator Valladares' and Assemblymember Lackey's offices, service awards for employees, and various performance indicator reports for Dial-A-Ride, Microtransit, and maintenance operations. Key business items included the review and approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 draft operating and capital budget, direction on jurisdictional capital contributions, and authorization for the purchase of three ADA van replacements. The board also addressed financial reports, sheriff department monthly reporting, and the adoption of a resolution regarding investment funds for the next fiscal year. A closed session was held to discuss significant litigation exposure.

The Board discussed various public concerns regarding Dial-A-Ride and Microtransit service operations, including booking difficulties and scheduling reliability. Special reports included legislative updates on transportation bills, awards for operators of the month, and presentations on key performance indicators for Dial-A-Ride, Microtransit, maintenance, and overall operations. Additionally, the Board received and filed financial reports, the sheriff's monthly report, the marketing and communications log, and authorized the destruction of certain agency records. A public hearing was conducted regarding recruitment and retention efforts, which were accepted by the Board.

The board discussed public concerns regarding Dial-A-Ride service safety and operational improvements. Legislative reports were provided covering various state bills, and presentations recognized transit operators for their performance. Key operational reports included KPI metrics for Dial-A-Ride, Microtransit, and maintenance. Financial deliberations focused on Fiscal Year 2027 jurisdictional operating contributions and a capital needs forecast, leading to a decision to pause the High Desert Clean Connector project. The board also authorized contracts for maintenance bay upgrades and the purchase of a new platform lift, and approved an amendment to the Executive Director's employment agreement.

The board meeting included reports on legislative updates at the state, federal, and regional levels, and reviewed performance indicators for transit operations and fleet maintenance. Board members discussed and authorized a land purchase agreement with the City of Lancaster and the development of a solar farm project. Additionally, the board approved an amendment to the agency's classification and salary schedule, reviewed preliminary budget assumptions for the upcoming fiscal year, and addressed jurisdictional contributions for capital replacements. Financial and sheriff department reports were received and filed.