Kessia Harris

The committee meeting covered updates on the millage rate and service levels for the agency. A report from the Forward Pinellas Citizens Advisory Committee provided information on federal funding for the transit authority and details regarding the State Road 60 Memorial Causeway Bridge study. Additionally, the committee received a presentation on the upcoming launch of the Connected Community Bus Network, including live demonstrations of the transit application and new on-demand route features.

The key discussions for the Planning Committee meeting included a presentation regarding a proposed bus donation to Pinellas Technical College, requiring Board approval to proceed under the PSTA Vehicle Donation Policy. Additionally, an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the City of Dunedin for the installation and cost-sharing of two new bus shelters was reviewed, noting that Dunedin will be responsible for ongoing maintenance. An information item covered a presentation on ridership trends and system performance following the implementation of the Connected Community Bus Network (CCBN).

The Legislative Committee meeting addressed several action items, including the election of a new Committee Chair and Vice-Chair. Key discussions involved an update on state legislative matters, noting the upcoming session start and the filing of PSTA's appropriation request for $800,000 for the Clearwater Marina ferry docks. Property tax reform was identified as an issue to monitor. Updates on federal legislative matters included progress on appropriations bills and potential reforms to Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance programs. Under other business, the committee discussed concerns regarding a vessel purchase contingent upon unfreezing federal grant funding, with assurances given that alternative plans would be pursued if the sale did not proceed.

Key discussions during the meeting included recognizing an outgoing board member and welcoming two incoming members. A significant action item involved the approval of a one-time waiver of the Vehicle Donation Policy to donate a bus to Pinellas Technical College to support their training program. Public comments raised concerns regarding bus stop removals, route timing, payment systems, and the use of Flamingo cards. The Board unanimously approved an amendment to the CEO contract modification (Item 5B). Following a request for more information regarding the Vanpool Program (Item 5D), the Board voted to defer that item to the next month. The remainder of the Consent Agenda was approved, including the approval of December 2025 minutes, a Landscaping Contract, an FDOT sidewalk easement, committee appointments, and system upgrades. An action item approved a cost-sharing agreement with the City of Dunedin for new ADA-compliant bus shelters, funded by the FTA. Information items covered the certification of general administrative expenses, noting a 3.61% cost growth for FY 2026, and a review of February service changes following a temporary ridership drop in November which subsequently increased in December.

The Finance Committee meeting addressed several action items requiring recommendation for approval. Key discussions included the cost-effectiveness of contracting landscaping services, leading to a recommendation to approve a two-year contract with renewal options not to exceed $260,000. An extension for the Vanpool Program contract with Enterprise was recommended to allow sufficient time for a subsequent procurement process, noting that riders pay a portion of the cost and a grant covers lease costs. The committee also recommended approving a sidewalk easement agreement to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the Clearwater Transit Center project, granting FDOT liability for the sidewalk maintenance. Furthermore, the committee recommended authorizing the CEO to exercise the second five-year option for the Access paratransit operations contract, ensuring service continuity without additional funding impact. An upgrade for nine INIT (APOS) Customer Service workstations was recommended for an amount up to $113,000, including contingency. Finally, the settlement of a claim from an incident in January 2023 for $50,000 was recommended for approval. Reports included the November Monthly Financial Report, a summary of PSTA Contracts, and a presentation on the Certification of General Administrative Expenses, confirming costs are within the five percent goal.