Roger Higgins

The committee discussed the Authority Budget Office requirements for an Annual Board of Commissioners Self-Evaluation and authorized the process for completion. The committee reviewed its charter, the Authority's mission statement, performance measurements, and the annual report on its activities. It was noted that no changes were recommended for the committee charter, by-laws, or existing management policies for the year.

The board approved several engineering projects, including the North Span catwalk and cable tray replacement for the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, North sidewalk lighting for the Mid-Hudson Bridge, a system-wide traffic study, and steel repair design for the Walkway Over the Hudson. Additionally, the board approved a change order for office furniture and partition replacement, authorized payments and a power purchase agreement for a solar project at the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, and accepted the monthly engineering progress report. Financial items included approval of the investment transaction report and the determination of the 2017 Maintenance Reserve Fund balance. The board also renewed the Microsoft licensing program, re-authorized funding and operating procedures for the Historic Bridges of the Hudson Valley, rescheduled the September board meeting, and approved a new five-year collective bargaining agreement.

The meeting included an employee recognition and adoption of an amended agenda. Key discussions covered the extension of the contract with Kapsch for E-ZPass equipment and maintenance, an increase in funding for the standby readiness repair contract with I. & O.A. Slutzky, and acceptance of the monthly engineering and investment reports. The board reviewed insurance policy renewals, established standard workdays for appointed officials, and received updates on IT project procurements and progress. Additionally, the board awarded contracts for IT consulting and software upgrades related to Project Nightwatch, reviewed traffic and revenue reports, rescheduled the upcoming board meeting, and tabled resolutions regarding toll increases and bond statements.

The board discussed several engineering and operational items. Key actions included approving a change order for construction inspection services for steel repair and catwalk lowering projects, authorizing an increase for the steel repairs contract at the Mid-Hudson and Newburgh-Beacon Bridges, and approving biennial bridge inspection services for three consultants. The board also approved an increase for a standby readiness contract, awarded a construction contract for the I-84 over Route 9W bridge rehabilitation, and authorized a supplemental agreement for design support services for the same project. Additionally, the board extended the contract for an ITS engineering consultant, accepted the monthly engineering progress report, approved an investment transaction report, and authorized an executive director to enter into a multi-year membership agreement with TRANSCOM. The meeting concluded with reports on executive director activity, traffic and revenue analysis, E-ZPass sales, and historic bridge activities.

The board discussed and approved several engineering and operational initiatives. Key actions included authorizing contracts for railroad flagger services for the deck replacement project, extending an IT service contract with Transdyn, and purchasing replacement toll gates. The board also addressed financial matters, including the approval of an investment transaction report and the determination of the Maintenance Reserve Fund balance. Furthermore, the board approved payments for Employee Assistance Program invoices, annual assessments for the Transcom Open Reach program and general membership dues, and E-ZPass expenses. Finally, the board adopted a formal Code of Conduct in accordance with state guidelines and reviewed reports concerning bridge traffic, revenue trends, and E-ZPass tag sales.