Vivien Avella

The board discussed and adopted amended bylaws to re-establish a single standing committee. The board considered the transmission of the FY2026-27 Metrolink Capital Budget and the Arrow Service Budget, ultimately continuing the former and approving the transmittal of the latter. Discussions were held regarding a forecast of financial results for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and the board authorized amendments to law enforcement service contracts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to ensure operational continuity through the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, the board authorized a contract award for the rehabilitation of out-of-service railcars, received a quarterly update on the fuel purchase program, and reviewed a legislative update.

The Board discussed significant budgetary challenges, including a projected shortfall and the necessity of a three-month continuing appropriations resolution to delay FY2027 budget adoption. Key topics included service reduction scenarios, the potential impact on agency operations and staffing, and member agency financial contributions. The Board authorized a one-year contract extension for security services and received updates on World Cup and LA28 Olympic planning, capital programs, legislative advocacy, and internal audit activities. Additionally, the Board approved the purchase of specialized maintenance-of-way equipment and revisions to the fixed assets finance policy.

The Board discussed a critical temporary service reduction due to mechanical issues and parts shortages, along with an update on the FY27 budget development. Additional topics included the approval of revisions to the Contracts and Procurement Policy, the awarding of a contract for the FY24 Valley Track Project, and the approval of multi-year agreements for an as-needed rideshare voucher program. Reports were provided on System Safety, Security, and Compliance activities, ridership and financial results, and a legislative update. Furthermore, the Board reviewed and approved updates to the Internal Audit Charter and Internal Audit Policy.

The Board adopted the Investment Policy 2026 and designated the Chief Financial Officer as Treasurer. A mid-year budget amendment for fiscal year 2026 was approved to address maintenance needs, rolling stock challenges, and rising costs. Additional contract authority was granted for the rebuild of Bombardier rail cars to ensure program continuity. The Board authorized a contract award for the replacement of the cab camera and locomotive digital video recorder system to comply with federal regulations. Legislative updates included taking an oppose position on SB 667 regarding mandatory wayside detector systems and receiving status reports on the Service Growth Development Plan and ridership demographics. Various consent items were approved, including contracts for business enterprise compliance, communication and signal installation services, and bridge replacement project contingency increases, alongside several finance and fuel purchase policy updates.

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.