Kent Turner

The committee reviewed the status of ongoing audits, including the New Flyer Post-Delivery Buy America audit and corporate compliance reporting. Financial performance was discussed, noting budget variances in operating revenues and expenses, as well as an update on the quarterly capital project report and cash management. The committee received a safety report regarding workplace injuries and sustainability efforts. Legislative updates were provided on federal and state government affairs, and a local Erie County gas tax proposal was reviewed. Grant and development activities included authorization for NYSDOT capital agreements and reports on competitive grants awarded and not awarded. Additionally, the committee reviewed media and community engagement metrics, and received an update on the annual performance report and strategic roadmap initiatives.

The committee meeting focused on community engagement and outreach efforts, an overview of the light rail and rail fastener assembly replacement program, and several metro capital projects including station rehabilitation, shell construction, and elevator improvements. Performance goals and measures were reviewed, highlighting ridership statistics, on-time performance metrics, and complaint/commendation data. Additionally, the meeting covered updates from the Citizen Advisory and Accessibility Advisory committees and received a transit police public safety report detailing service calls, arrests, and incident management.

The committee reviewed progress on several infrastructure projects including the Luis F. Kahl Way rehab, terminal standby power expansion, building demolition, and air traffic control tower replacement. A presentation was provided regarding the winter season review and the impact of reduced Canadian traveler demand. The committee also examined financial and business updates, including enplanement trends, operating revenues, and flight activity statistics for both Buffalo Niagara and Niagara Falls International Airports. Additionally, the committee discussed and prepared four resolutions for board approval concerning construction contracts, consultant services, and procurement of equipment.

The Board meeting included a report from the Executive Director regarding an upcoming anonymous Board self-evaluation and the introduction of a new Director in Engineering. Financial highlights for the fiscal year were presented, covering operating revenues and expenses. Several corporate resolutions were approved, including the election of officers for both the Authority and Metro, the adoption of a mission statement, and the approval of various policies such as Whistleblower, Harassment in the Workplace, 2026-2027 Investment Guidelines, and the Master Liability Management Policy. Additionally, the Board authorized several agreements and lease agreements, including a Smartnet renewal, a maintenance service agreement for copier systems, the procurement of road salt, and lease agreements for property at 485 and 247 Cayuga Road. Aviation and Surface Transportation reports were reviewed, and authorizations were granted for various service agreements, traffic counts, improvement planning, software renewals, and a transit expansion project.

The board discussed key operational and financial matters, including the adoption of revised operating and capital budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, as well as the approval of five-year operating and capital plans. Key corporate actions included the authorization of a software agreement for Microsoft Office and permissions for consultants to utilize existing IT and engineering contracts. Additionally, the meeting covered project awards for construction and monitoring at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the Metro facility, including paving maintenance, roof replacement, and emergency backup generator installations. Operational reports provided updates on diversity spending, employee awards, and recognition for retiring staff, alongside a review of current financial performance and budget variances.