Melissa Blankenship

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several operational and financial items. The Board received reports on the agency's financial profile, ridership, on-time performance, and committee meeting minutes. Significant actions included the authorization to award agreements for facility janitorial services, the installation of fiber-optic internet circuits, the purchase of ten trucks, and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. Additionally, the Board discussed a potential adjustment to board member compensation and conducted a closed session regarding security personnel.

The board discussed the role of the Customer Information Center in enhancing the customer experience, including trip planning and bilingual support. Legislative updates were provided regarding state bills concerning vehicle lien sales and DMV practices, as well as e-bike legislation and local traffic control projects. The agency reported on ridership growth for the current fiscal year and promoted the ongoing Youth Ride Free initiative. Community representatives shared updates on various regional infrastructure projects, road improvements, and community events.

The meeting featured a presentation on a new travel training program for university students to enhance confidence in navigating public transportation. Legislative updates were provided regarding a new legislative package from a state senator, a forthcoming bill package from an assemblywoman, and an upcoming budget townhall. Transportation and ridership updates included data on ridership trends for local transit agencies and university shuttles, information on fare promotions, and announcements regarding free ride days for Earth Day. Additionally, discussions touched on campus micromobility safety and planning for future agenda items, including transit history presentations and updates on city planning efforts.

The committee authorized staff to submit a quarterly list of CEO-approved contracts ranging between $100,000 and $250,000 and recommended updating the Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual to include this reporting requirement. The Board discussed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and reviewed potential adjustments to Board member compensation, with staff tasked to bring an amendment to the Procedures of the Board of Directors for future consideration. Additionally, the Board moved to award Agreement No. S26014 to Allied Universal Security Services for security services at transit properties, which includes a base term and four one-year options with a contingency fund.

The committee meeting addressed several administrative and operational items. The members adopted an updated Drug and Alcohol Policy and reviewed personnel reports for the preceding month, including staff data on workforce diversity, applications, and disciplinary actions. The committee also reviewed the monthly report for the Transportation Center, noting call volume statistics across customer information and dial-a-ride services. Additionally, the committee authorized the award of an agreement to Charter Communications Operating, LLC for the installation of fiber-optic internet circuits to support network infrastructure upgrades.