John Hodson

The meeting featured a comprehensive operational update regarding the agency's recovery efforts following a significant cyber attack. Key discussion topics included the status of outstanding external audits, the resolution of FTA triennial review findings, and strategic efforts to protect grant funding and maximize reimbursements. The Board discussed initiatives to rebuild relationships with local partners and municipalities, the future of the fleet inventory including zero-emission bus technology, and the assessment of the retirement program. Additionally, the Acting CEO provided an analysis of post-pandemic ridership trends and established immediate executive priorities focused on organizational stability, financial transparency, and regulatory compliance.

The Board of Directors held a special meeting to address several key agenda items. These included a public hearing regarding RTD vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts, a state legislative presentation, and an update from the Interim CEO. Financial and marketing reports were provided, including an update on the Tap N' Ride launch. The Board approved updates for travel expenses, the Fiscal Year 2027 strategic plan, cost-of-living adjustments for non-represented employees, and fiscal year operating and capital budgets. Additional actions included authorizing signatories for financial accounts, adopting meeting disruption procedures, executing an interagency agreement with the City of Lathrop, and approving a contract for security guard services. Closed session items involved discussions on legal counsel, labor negotiations, and public employee appointments, followed by the ratification of a labor agreement addendum.

The board meeting included the recognition of employees of the quarter, an update on the recovery from a recent cyber attack, and the initiation of a forensic audit to ensure transparency and public trust. The board authorized the interim CEO to execute on-call professional services contracts for construction management and engineering support and approved a revised operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year due to grant funding shortfalls. Additionally, the board discussed future financial recovery strategies, including the reallocation of capital project funds to stabilize reserves.

The committee held a special meeting to discuss options for investing district reserve funds and to formulate recommendations for the Board of Directors.

The board meeting agenda included several key topics: recognizing Employees of the Quarter, receiving an update from the Interim CEO, and reviewing marketing, financial, federal legislative, state legislative, and paratransit operations status reports. Action items included the authorization of contracts for construction management support services and the approval of a revised fiscal year operating budget to address revenue shortfalls. Additionally, several consent items were slated for board approval, including the authorization of a contract for a pedestrian collision avoidance system, the transfer of commuter buses, the designation of authorized account signatories, and updates to the Title VI Program.