Lori Caron Silveira

The agenda for the meeting includes the annual election of officers and various discussions and votes regarding project contracts and financial matters. Key items include the toll systems services task order, a resolution to authorize the issuance of motor fuel tax refunding revenue bonds, a pilot agreement for a vessel collision warning system, and multiple task orders for rehabilitation and miscellaneous repairs for the Mount Hope Bridge, as well as routine underwater inspections for the Sakonnet River Bridge and the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge. Additionally, the agenda covers an interoperability agreement, status reports on capital projects, financial reports, an executive director’s report, and an executive session to discuss a potential lease of real property and ongoing litigation.

The board meeting focused on several key items including the motor fuel tax refunding of revenue bonds, approval of various task orders for pavement crack sealing, inspections of road bridges and wildlife arches, a vessel collision warning system pilot agreement, and the construction contract for pier bearings replacement. The board also reviewed capital projects status reports, financial performance summaries, and an executive director's job performance review in executive session. Additionally, the meeting included updates on tolling operations, the Pell Bridge vessel strike vulnerability assessment, and discussions regarding community project funding and future administrative space needs.

The Board addressed public comments regarding inspection reports and transparency for the Mount Hope Bridge. Financial actions included the approval of underwriters for the refunding of Motor Fuel Tax Revenue Bonds and task orders for strategic plan update services, backup power design for the Toll Equipment Building, and design modifications for the Newport Pell Bridge deck rehabilitation contract. The Board reviewed a study on the Customer Service Center, discussed updates on various capital projects including bridge inspections and repairs, and received a financial summary report for the first six months of the fiscal year. Additional discussions covered an IRS audit of revenue bonds, community project funding opportunities, and general operational reports regarding tolling and bridge safety.

The board discussed several items, including public concerns regarding transparency and bridge safety. Actions taken included the appointment of bond counsel for a motor fuel tax revenue bond refunding, approval of a task order for pavement crack sealing and striping, and approval of a contract for routine bridge inspections. The board also reviewed a pilot agreement for a vessel collision warning system, requesting a briefing with the developer before final approval. Finally, they approved a contract for bearing replacement on the Newport Bridge and received an update on ongoing capital projects, including dehumidification efforts and the status of grant agreements and environmental processes.

The Board discussed public concerns regarding the Mount Hope Bridge inspection reports, confirming adherence to federal legal processes for sensitive information. Financial actions included the selection of underwriters for refunding outstanding Motor Fuel Tax Revenue Bonds and the approval of various task orders for strategic planning, backup power systems, and bridge deck rehabilitation projects. The Board also reviewed a study on customer service operations, discussed ongoing capital project statuses including work on the Newport Pell and Mount Hope bridges, and received a financial summary reporting solid performance for the first six months of the fiscal year. Additional updates included audit results, community project funding opportunities, and preparations for hosting upcoming E-ZPass Group meetings.