Sarah Pressprich Gryniewicz

The Board discussed several key operational and administrative items. Staff provided updates on service restoration, presented a new strategic plan focusing on fiscal responsibility and mobility, and detailed the progress of the Michigan Multimodal Facility and vehicle conversion projects. The Board approved the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan and authorized several contracts and purchase orders, including legal services with APEX Law, radio communication services with Spectrum Wireless, warehouse storage with Luthern Brothers Commerce Center, wheel set maintenance with ORX, parts management with Easton Railcar Service, and professional services with WSP Michigan. A resolution regarding the fiscal year operating budget was tabled for a future meeting.

The Board approved an amendment to the 457 Plan to include SECURE Act 2.0 provisions for penalty-free withdrawals for victims of domestic abuse. They also passed a resolution to not renew the transit police services contract for the Detroit Department of Transportation after June 30, 2024. The General Manager's report covered significant ridership increases, potential sale of excess property at 1259 Broadway, a upcoming presenting sponsor press conference, and the receipt of transit parts from the Toronto Transit Commission. Public comments addressed concerns regarding the transition of police services.

The board discussed and authorized several resolutions related to the acquisition and upfitting of rail vehicles, including agreements for transportation with Anderson Haulage, storage and upfitting services with Easton Railcar Services, and a service agreement with Hitachi Rail GTS USA for conversion assessments. Additional actions included authorizing the purchase of surplus assets from the Toronto Transit Commission. A resolution regarding server upgrades was tabled for further review. The General Manager provided updates on the ongoing rail replacement project, system reopening schedules, and recent public engagement initiatives. The board also convened in a closed session to discuss pending litigation and subsequently approved a confidential matter.

The board authorized a new three-year service agreement for power washing, approved an annual resolution of intent to apply for state financial assistance for fiscal year 2025, and adopted updates to the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan. Further actions included updating the procurement manual to incorporate DBE and safety language, awarding a contract for train wrap installation services, and authorizing a purchase order for station platform edge nosings. The General Manager provided updates on the administrative office relocation, potential sale of excess property, transit police transitions, an FTA ECHO draw audit, and ongoing negotiations for acquiring used rail cars and spare parts from Toronto.

The board discussed and authorized several action items, including agreements for physical and specimen collection services, a closed-caption television network maintenance contract, painting and electrical services for facility maintenance, and a multi-year rail replacement project. Additionally, the board approved the purchase of rail lifting jacks, power distribution inspection services, an extension for IT management services, and an increase in excess liability insurance coverage. The board also authorized station elevator and escalator support for upcoming events, employee engagement surveys, a compensation study analysis, the relocation of administrative offices to the Guardian Building, and wage increases for non-represented transit police employees. The General Manager provided updates on service improvements, maintenance progress, marketing initiatives, and the board held a closed session regarding a pending legal action.