Mary Harlan

The meeting addressed several key items, including the approval of an agenda and the election of Board Officers for 2026, with Greg Poschman confirmed as Chair and Alyssa Shenk as Vice-Chair. The Board approved Resolution 2026-05 to amend the CDOT Master Lease Agreement, which updates premises descriptions, incorporates the 27th Street Underpass, and clarifies maintenance responsibilities. Additionally, Resolution 2026-06 was approved to execute a new commercial lease agreement with Pitkin County for the Brush Creek Park-N-Ride property, featuring a 10-year term and a one-time rent payment of $100.00. Discussions during Board Member Comments focused on the Entrance to Aspen project re-evaluation, the use of trail cameras for micro-mobility device monitoring on the Rio Grande Trail (RGT), and representation on external boards. The presentation segment included a review of the 2025 Year in Review and the 2026 Work Plan, with significant discussion dedicated to the Zero Fare Pilot Program, trade-offs associated with fare elimination, and the need for updated regional travel pattern studies and community surveys targeting non-riders. CEO updates noted a recent decline in systemwide ridership in November and December, attributing it partly to broader economic factors and operational readiness due to delayed operator classes.

The meeting included public comment regarding the potential removal of arbitrary rules preventing bicycle transport on buses, with comparisons made to other transit systems that permit bikes at all times. Another public commenter proposed traffic flow improvements near the Aspen entrance, specifically suggesting timed pedestrian crossings to mitigate delays to bus traffic. The board also heard updates regarding the unfrozen federal grant funds. Board members discussed concerns about the utilization of the electric bus charger in Aspen and the upcoming presentation on increased mid-valley bus service frequency. Additionally, there was a discussion about the Rio Grande Trail, including safety upgrades from recent repaving efforts and potential encroachments, as well as efforts supporting mobile home park purchases for residents.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and roll call. Public comment included union representatives detailing an impasse in negotiations with RFTA regarding contract agreements, and a resident discussing the importance of resident values in infrastructure planning for the entrance to Aspen, particularly concerning federal infrastructure funds and greenhouse gas reduction goals. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring a departing member, Dan Blankinship, for 35 years of dedicated service and leadership, noting accomplishments such as the creation of VelociRFTA, acquisition of the Rio Grande Corridor, and introduction of electric buses. Board members expressed deep gratitude for his leadership, vision, and instrumental role in building RFTA into a premier Regional Transportation Authority and securing major funding grants. Another board member announced her resignation from the Glenwood Springs City Council, effective mid-October, which necessitates finding a new chairperson for that body. Discussions also covered recent grant awards totaling approximately $33 million for infrastructure improvements in Glenwood Springs and $15 million for the purchase of ten electric buses and charging equipment, with plans to use on-route charging to support the increased electric fleet on valley routes.

The meeting covered the approval of the minutes from November 14th and the discussion of the Consent Agenda, which included a housing program resolution and intergovernmental agreements concerning Garfield County Senior Programs. The primary focus was the presentation and formal adoption of Resolution 2024-24, approving the three-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1774, effective January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027. Key terms of the CBA include increasing the annual bonus for capped employees to $2,500, setting wage scales for 2025, 2026, and 2027, and reducing the steps to reach the top wage from seven to six. Subsequently, the board held a public hearing to adopt the 2025 Roaring Fork Transportation Authority budget, which involved three resolutions: budgeted 2025 revenues (approximately $155 million), budgeted 2025 appropriations (approximately $158 million), and the certification and leveling of the 2025 mil tax levy. Budget highlights included provisions for the third year of the Regional Bike Share Plan, funding for 13 bus replacements via lease purchase, the ongoing implementation of the ERP/HCM portion, and incorporating the CBA wage increases.

The agenda for the Board of Directors meeting included several key items. Consent agenda items involved the designation of a location for posting public notices (Resolution 2026-01). Action items covered the review and discussion of the 2025 Year in Review and the 2026 Strategic Work Plan, and an update on the Zero Fare Pilot Program. Governance items included the election of 2026 Board Officers (Resolution 2026-02) and appointments of a Board Director to the Western Mountain Regional Housing Coalition (Resolution 2026-03) and the Garfield Clean Energy Board (Resolution 2026-04). The minutes from the preceding December 11, 2025, meeting were also included, detailing discussions on wildfire evacuation planning, trail safety concerning e-bikes and horses, the adoption of the 2026 Budget (Resolution 2025-41), appropriation of sums (Resolution 2025-42), and property tax levies (Resolution 2025-43).