Jeannette Ezell

This joint meeting convened the Executive Board and the Regional Advisory Council (RACK). Key actions included the approval of the meeting agenda and the consent agenda. Discussions on the Executive Board action items involved proposing the April meeting agenda, which included performance and customer service reports, cash balance, budget variance reports, updates to the public involvement and notifications policy, and the updated holiday schedule. Action items covered the review of pay and staff scales, nominations for secretary treasurer, and updates to contracts for beyond access services and web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG), as well as the Napault transit development study. Significant focus was placed on reviewing and updating the RACK bylaws and handbook, including changes to governance succession policies, membership composition to include disability representation, defining subcommittee structure and governance, and updating how meeting calendars are published. Information items included a scheduled board training on Transit 101 and a report on supplemental services.

The meeting involved the approval of the consent agenda. Key discussions centered on the proposed agenda for the upcoming January meeting, where policy updates, primarily formatting and terminology changes, would be addressed. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recommending approval of the Web Content and Accessibility Policy, aligning with ADA Title 2 guidelines (WCAG 2.1 level AA standards). This policy aims to ensure equal access to digital services, build accessibility into content creation and procurement, and establish clear accountability. Financial implications were briefly discussed, anticipating minimal budget impact from in-house implementation, with potential savings via improved SEO. Additionally, a legislative update was provided regarding draft legislation being worked on with a Senator, seeking to grant the Regional Public Transportation Authority levy authority, defining service boundaries, establishing procedures for special elections on levies (limit not to exceed 1 mil), and specifying general obligation bond issuance parameters. The board was asked to recommend this draft legislation forward for discussion with legislators.

The Transit Asset Management Group Plan, sponsored by Valley Regional Transit, aims to assist the Valley Regional Transit Board of Directors in achieving and maintaining a state of good repair for all public transportation assets in Ada and Canyon counties. The plan is structured around four core components: asset inventory portfolio, condition assessment, management approach, and reporting. It focuses on the strategic and systematic practice of procuring, operating, inspecting, maintaining, rehabilitating, and replacing transit capital assets to manage their performance, risks, and costs over their life cycles, ultimately providing safe, cost-effective, and reliable public transportation services by optimizing funding decisions based on regional needs, capital preservation, maintenance, safety, operations, and workforce.

The January 8, 2024, meeting agenda for the Board of Directors included a consent agenda covering the approval of minutes from previous Board of Directors and Executive Board meetings (October 2, 2023, and December 4, 2023), review and acceptance of multiple payment registers spanning September through December 2023, approval of the Quarterly Performance Report for Fiscal Year 2023, and consideration of several contract modifications and purchases. Specific action items included a public hearing and subsequent action on the FY2024 Budget Amendment #1, Executive Board elections for 2024, approval of addenda to the State Street Traffic and Transit Operations Plan, and approval of the Title VI Plan update for 2024-2026. Information items included a presentation by Boise State University students on joint development for transit funding and a discussion on Proterra's bankruptcy filing.

This strategic plan for Valley Regional Transit outlines a vision for comprehensive public transportation choices that support livable, healthy, and sustainable communities with adequate funding. Its mission focuses on leveraging and managing transportation resources for efficient delivery of choices. Key priorities include securing and leveraging funding for a regional public transportation system in Ada and Canyon counties, and increasing public support for transportation options. The ValleyConnect 2.0 initiative aims to provide safe, reliable, and multi-modal transit, invest in efficient fixed-route services, and ensure comprehensive access to support economic growth and quality of life.