Ross Aguilar

The board meeting included a safety presentation regarding workplace eye wellness. Recognition was given to transit operators who achieved million-mile safety milestones. The board adopted a resolution to reaffirm the Transit Asset Management plan and discussed revisions to the General Manager job description, including qualifications and physical requirements.

The meeting commenced with a safety minute presentation focusing on the Smith safe driving system, specifically emphasizing the importance of elevating eye lead time to a minimum of 15 seconds for proactive driving. Following public comment, where a speaker expressed concerns about safety and community member well-being, the board unanimously approved the consent calendar. The primary action item involved accepting the shared micromobility feasibility study. Key discussions centered on the study's findings, which recommended a privately owned and operated docked or hybrid bike share system with approximately 250 bikes (50% e-bikes), a 24/7 availability model, and a potential operating subsidy from Cherriots to ensure affordability. The recommended pilot service area focuses on high-demand clusters in downtown and West Salem over a 24-month period, with future phases dedicated to expansion.

The primary meeting documented is scheduled for February 26, 2026, which includes reviewing consent calendar items, notably the approval of minutes from the January 22, 2026 Board Meeting, the February 12, 2026 Board Executive Session, and the February 12, 2026 Board Work Session. Key action items for the February 26 meeting include accepting the Shared Micromobility Feasibility Study and reviewing informational reports such as the FY26 Q2 NTD Reportable Assault Data, Strategic Plan Report, Performance Report, and Finance Report. The January 22, 2026 meeting involved approving the 2026 Legislative Agenda and Board Priorities, and adopting a resolution for free transit service on Transit Equity Day. The February 12, 2026 Work Session focused on discussions regarding the South Salem Transit Center final design concepts (Option C1, C2, and C1 Plus) and an update on the District Board and Business Coalition Task Force. The February 12, 2026 Executive Session addressed deliberations regarding real property transactions.

The meeting focused on several objectives for the newly formed Business Coalition Task Force. Key discussions included reviewing and discussing the draft Meeting #1 Summary and Operating Principles, seeking consensus on group agreements, and reviewing the District Financial Structure and Forecast. A presentation was also given regarding the current Salem Business Climate. The task force members were briefed on the Transit Services Overview and the Long-Range Transit Plan, covering topics like existing services, financial forecasts, unmet transit needs (including the prioritization methodology using the Core Network Policy), and the District's Top Messages and Strategies. Discussion also touched upon rider safety statistics and service goals.

The board meeting commenced with opening formalities and a safety moment focused on Halloween precautions, including COVID-19 safety tips. A key discussion point involved an update on the anticipated federal vaccine mandate and the organization's plans to comply with Oregon OSHA guidance. Action items included the authorization to execute a contract with Gillig for the purchase of five compressed natural gas vehicles for the fixed route service, costing up to $2,895,685, to replace aging Orion 7 models. Another action item approved a contract with Northwest Lift and Equipment for in-ground lift construction services not to exceed $229,118, necessary for replacing 32-year-old lifts. Finally, a proposal was presented to approve a project budget of $228,600 for Bus Stop Improvement Project Group Number Four to upgrade bus stops to meet ADA standards.