Nene Israel

The board discussed several items including the consent agenda, general business updates regarding fixed route operations, ridership statistics, staff training, and bus stop placements. The meeting also addressed operational performance metrics, the conclusion of the Northstar Link service, and planning for upcoming service changes to improve ridership and efficiency. Additionally, the board scheduled a future meeting date due to a scheduling conflict and held a closed session regarding personnel matters.

The committee reviewed ridership data for January and February, noting trends across fixed routes and Dial-a-Ride services. Key updates were provided on the Metro Bus Forward project, specifically regarding the complex process of schedule creation and rostering, as well as the designation of bus stops. The committee discussed the newly established Code of Conduct designed to enhance safety and customer experience. Additionally, the meeting covered plans to recognize Transit Employee Appreciation Day and addressed inquiries regarding the current service limitations at the regional airport.

The board meeting addressed the consent agenda items 5 through 8, which were approved. General business included a review of the annual audit results, where an unmodified opinion was issued, although the final report was pending receipt of PARAH information which affected pension disclosures. Key discussions during the audit presentation included management's responsibilities, the lack of segregation of accounting duties, and confirmation of no findings related to federal transit cluster testing or Minnesota legal compliance. The financial analysis showed an increase in cash balances and total net position, despite an increase in expenses primarily related to salary, benefits, and wages. The board also considered and unanimously approved an update to the Metro Bus 2026 Public Transit Agency Safety Plan, noting changes such as the removal of Northstar Link language and performance targets review. The training and safety manager provided an update highlighting a 100% CDL exam passing rate for new and returning employees and ongoing safety initiatives, including quarterly walkthroughs with insurance partners, noting a decrease in liability claims.

The meeting agenda was amended to include item eight, a recognition of service for Sean Pierce, who was retiring after 40 years of exemplary service, including being named a Bus Operator of the Year. The Board adopted the consent agenda with the exception of item 8. A key general business item involved the adoption of a change in the Transit Asset Management Plan to reflect the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) revised guidelines, increasing the asset recognition threshold from $5,000 to $50,000 to reduce paperwork for small dollar items. The Board also considered and approved the final Fiscal Year 2020 Program of Projects after public comment yielded no significant feedback. Human Resources provided updates on 2019 activities, including hiring statistics, a 24% turnover rate (compared favorably to national averages), and recruitment efforts utilizing wrapped buses, banners, shelter decals, and planned radio spots. Extensive work on standardizing and reviewing all job descriptions in preparation for an upcoming 2020 classification and compensation study was detailed. Employee benefits updates included the introduction of voluntary life and disability options in 2019 and the launch of an employee-funded wellness initiative in 2020, supported by a grant. Training efforts included annual operator training (OTA), professional development on maintaining a positive work environment, strengths finder training for supervisors, reasonable suspicion training, and the development of remedial training standards following incidents or accidents.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda items 5 through 8. During the open forum, there were no speakers. General business included the consideration and approval of the final fiscal year 2026 program of projects, following a public review period without feedback. A key discussion involved the consideration and subsequent approval of proposed changes to HR policy six regarding employee compensation, specifically to introduce flexibility in addressing internal and external candidate qualifications during hiring and promotion processes. Additionally, the Board authorized travel for two individuals to engage with Church Associates, based on recommendations from their lobbyists, for lobbying efforts related to state and federal representation.