Raymond R Barrera

The meeting included approval of consent calendar items (11A through 11K). Key discussions in the regular calendar involved awarding a bench contract for IT Staff Augmentation Services (Contract No. SP614-25) not to exceed $7,386,120. The Board also authorized a sole source purchase order (MTL2606717) to Progress Rail Locomotive Inc. for a C175-20 Locomotive Engine, not to exceed $1,100,000, necessitated by overhaul schedules for the F125 locomotives. A legislative update covered the state budget deficit, the Transit Transformation Taskforce final report, and appropriations bills. The Board reviewed the FY26 monthly report for November 2025 covering ridership, revenue, and financial results, along with quarterly updates for Grants, Internal Audit activities, and compensation. Further consent actions included approving the purchase of Signal Maintainer and Mechanic Trucks, awarding the Fire Alarm and Switchgear Replacement Project contract, and awarding contracts for oils, coolants, and lubricants. A workshop section focused on legislative initiatives from state and federal advocates, an operations briefing detailing challenges like vandalism, parts shortages, and F-125 overhaul needs, and a financial update regarding FY27 budget development, including potential service reductions due to anticipated OCTA funding changes. An update was also provided for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games planning.

The Regular Board Meeting covered several key actions and discussions. The Board approved the execution of a Construction and Maintenance Agreement with DesertXpress Enterprises, LLC, d/b/a Brightline West, authorizing the CEO to negotiate and execute the agreement for construction support services funded by DesertXpress. A Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Glendale for the Glendale Water and Power Temporary Spur Track was also approved for execution, utilizing City funding for construction and support services. The Board authorized the CEO to negotiate and execute an agreement with the Peterson Ranch Mitigation Bank to purchase wetland mitigation credits for the Arroyo Simi Bridges Scour Protection Project. Approvals were also granted for the agreement with the City of Laguna Niguel for the Crown Valley Parkway Overpass Widening Project and the adoption of the 2026 Federal, State and Local Legislative Program. Reports received and filed included the Contract Expiration Performance Audit, the Quarterly KPI Report for FY26 Q1, the FY2025-26 Preliminary Working Capital Fund Report, the FY26 Monthly Report for October 2025, the December Legislative Update, and the System Safety, Security, and Compliance Department Activities Update for Q1 FY26. The Chief Executive Officer provided an update addressing a recent train incident on November 28 involving a catastrophic failure and passenger self-evacuation, noting plans to implement better communication protocols and consider backup locomotive procedures. The CEO also highlighted the 2026 World Cup schedule and record-breaking student mobile accounts.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics, such as awarding merit pay to the Director of Audit, amending the Authority's 457(b) Plan, and amending a cooperative funding agreement for the San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project. The board also discussed and approved a contract for the Orange Subdivision Track Rehabilitation Project and reviewed a fare restructure pilot evaluation. Additionally, the board received updates on grants, compensation, internal audits, fuel purchase programs, investments, and accounts receivable. A legislative update was provided, and the CEO reported on the San Juan Creek Bridge replacement and ridership records.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as a proposal to rebuild locomotives to meet Tier IV emissions, recognition of Jaime de la Vega for his service to the Authority, and an update to fare policies regarding complimentary/trial ride tickets. The Board also discussed obtaining financial assistance from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, updates to human resources policies, and an update on the Personal Care Attendant Identification Card program. Further discussions included the FY2014-15 budget, an update from the Internal Audit Department, and the Chief Executive Officer's report covering on-time performance, Wabtec updates, and the strategic plan logo. The board also covered contract awards and amendments, legislative updates, investment analysis, and updates on system safety and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various contracts, including increasing the contract contingency for the Van Nuys North Platform Project, modifying contract funding authorization for On-Call Professional Engineering Design Services, and exercising an option and increasing contract funding authorization for Insurance Brokerage Services. The board also approved a revised procurement and contracting policies. A pilot program for holiday trains was approved, along with the 2020 board and committee meeting schedule and the removal of the teleconferencing reimbursement policy. Additionally, the board discussed and approved travel for a board member to attend California Transit Association events and received updates on legislative matters, capital grants, marketing, accounts receivable, investments, and fuel hedging.