Nicole Ramos

The Administrative & Finance Committee meeting agenda included several discussion items. Key topics involved the approval of the previous Administrative & Finance Committee Minutes from April 9, 2015, and recommending the Board of Directors receive and file Construction Progress Report No. 37 for the sbX E Street Corridor BRT Project through May 31, 2015. The committee also discussed receiving and filing the Director of Finance's report on Forward Fuel Purchases for May 2015, which noted a net loss on the hedge position but overall below-budget savings year-to-date. Further items included recommending approval for two new personnel positions and the re-evaluation of one existing position, and recommending the adoption of proposed Personnel Policy Manual changes. Finally, the committee recommended the Board receive and file the audit engagement and responsibility letters for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015.

The Administrative and Finance Committee meeting on February 9, 2017, included several discussion items. Key topics involved recommending the Board of Directors receive and file Construction Progress Report No. 55 for the sbX E Street Corridor BRT Project, which detailed work completion in areas like 10th to Highland, PA system installation, and Vehicle Maintenance Facility modification progress. The committee also recommended receiving and filing the Director of Finance Report concerning the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), noting that pipeline fueling infrastructure was delayed until March 2017, leading to costs exceeding the budget for January 2017. Additionally, the committee recommended receiving and filing the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2016 Audit Reports, including the SAS 114 letter, NTD report procedures, and other financial compliance reports. The committee was also scheduled to review the minutes from the December 15, 2016 meeting and recommend approval of the re-evaluation of the Office Administrator position to Office Manager, effective January 2, 2017.

The Board of Directors meeting focused on several contractual matters and significant legislative changes. Consent calendar items included authorizing the release of Invitations for Bids (IFBs) for a Bus Tire Lease and Services, the Elevator Modernization Project, and the Active Transportation Program (ATP) Safe Routes to Transit Project Supplemental Package of Work for Corona Avenue Sidewalk construction. Awards were authorized for contracts related to Pre-Employment Background Checks, Hydraulic Hoist Inspection and Repair, Vehicle Up-fitting Services, and Sole Source Purchase Orders for Supervisor Vehicle Equipment Transfer. In discussion items, the Board addressed the CEO/General Manager's report, which included updates on mobility dialogues, the Leadership Development Academy, energy cost reduction initiatives with 'Engie,' and a spike in mobile fare sales attributed to students returning to school. The Board also considered proposed special legislation to transition Omnitrans from a Joint Powers Authority to a Statutorily Created Special Transit District, including the approval of a related Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority concerning taxation authority.

The Board of Directors meeting included several key items handled under the Consent Calendar. These actions involved approving prior Board Minutes from June 5, 2019, receiving and filing Administrative & Finance Committee Minutes from May 9, 2019, and adopting Resolution No. 314-19 to approve an amendment to the California Transit Systems Joint Powers Authority (CalTIP) Agreement. The Board also adopted a resolution amending Omnitrans' Conflict of Interest Code and authorized the CEO/General Manager to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with the City of Ontario for a Transformative Climate Communities Grant. Further actions included approving updates to Policy 701 regarding Substance Abuse, approving the reorganization of the Human Resources Department, and authorizing the award for Paint and Body Shop Supplies contracts. Discussion items included the CEO/General Manager's report, an update on AB 1457 legislation, and approvals related to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program goals and contract awards for Transit Bus Parts. A public hearing was held to close the hearing concerning the Federal Transit Administration Fiscal Year 2020 Section 5307, 5310 and 5339 Funds. The Board also entered into a closed session to confer with the Labor Negotiator regarding negotiations with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local No. 1704.

The Board of Directors meeting agenda covered several operational and project updates. Key discussion points included authorizing the Interim CEO/General Manager to execute funding agreements related to the Downtown San Bernardino Passenger Rail Project and the Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Formula Grant Program with San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG). Other authorizations included executing a Bus Bridge Agreement with SCRRA, approving additional spend authority for sbX E Street Corridor BRT and Vehicle Maintenance Facility Projects scheduling services, and awarding a purchase order for an sbX Service Truck. The agenda also involved ratifying an award for a Tape Backup Library System, and authorizing awards for Personal Protective Equipment and Bus Tire Lease/Services contracts. A public hearing was scheduled concerning Federal Transit Administration Section 5307 and Section 5339 Funds for Fiscal Year 2014. The Board also entered into executive sessions to discuss labor negotiations with Teamsters Local Union No. 166 and Amalgamated Transit Union Local No. 1704.