Robert Messer

The regular Board Meeting agenda covered several key actions. Discussions and possible approvals included executing a State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) Loan Agreement and a Toll Equity Loan Agreement with TxDOT for Toll 49 Segment 3B, along with related promissory notes and trust agreements. The Board also considered approvals for a Project Development Agreement and an Interim Operations and Maintenance Agreement with TxDOT for Toll 49. Other significant items involved authorizing the Project Director for Toll 49 development expenditures, selecting a Toll System Integrator and a Trustee, approving multiple GEC Work Authorizations for Toll 49 Segment 3B oversight, and declaring a public necessity for acquiring property parcels in Smith County for Toll 49 Segment 3B via potential condemnation. Additionally, the agenda included consideration of approving a NET RMA Investment Policy and the formation of a NET RMA Bicycle Committee. The meeting also featured an update on the 82nd Legislative Session and a discussion regarding the requirement for Board members to file Financial Disclosure Statements with the Texas Ethics Commission.

The meeting included a public forum and introduction of board members. A key component was a public meeting providing input on the implementation of the Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) for the Small MS4 regulated under Toll 49. The Chair reported on Christmas board gifts and survey status, noting the swearing-in of a new member. Significant discussion surrounded a successful bond refunding to refinance 2016 debt and fund $20M in improvements, resulting in substantial savings. Committee reports covered the timeline for Segment 6 updates, including public interactions and consultant review of public comments, and updates on rail initiatives including NETEX engagement. The board reviewed and accepted unaudited financial statements, noting a positive net income variance against the budget. Action items approved included a work authorization for Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) for the Segment 3B Overlay Project, a cost estimate for updating NETEX Rail Facilities, approval to issue an RFP for Financial Advisor Services, an extension to the maintenance agreement with DCC Construction, and support for the Multi-State Future Interstate Highway Formula Funding Program. An overview of the 89th Legislative Session highlighted transportation funding details.

The NET RMA Board of Directors convened to discuss and resolve matters related to the operation and maintenance of Toll49. Key discussion points included Change Order No. 7.0 to the Agreement with IIPL USA, LLC, for erosion control and repair services on Toll 49, with a maximum amount of $400,000.00. The board also reviewed and considered the financial implications of the Renewal, previously approved Change Orders, and the proposed Change Order No. 7.0, ensuring that all work performed is subject to the Agreement between the NET RMA and IIPL.

The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) Board of Directors approved Work Authorization No. 1.0 with HNTB Corporation for engineering services. These services are required for the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) to add two additional lanes to the existing section of Toll 49 from SH 64 to SH 31, creating a four-lane divided section, including the northbound Toll 49 overpass at SH 31, spanning approximately 4.25 miles. The approved work authorization is for an amount not to exceed $1,396,370.17.

The meeting centered around the approval and adoption of the NET RMA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020. The resolution authorized the Chair or her designee to file the Annual Report with the Commissioners Court of each county of the NET RMA, in compliance with section 370.261 of the Texas Transportation Code.