Heart Of Texas Rural Transit District

The meeting focused on reviewing the results from a January workshop where needs were prioritized. Discussion centered on the draft interim plan, which primarily consists of Tech Memo #1 and Tech Memo #2, along with an executive summary. The committee requested specific modifications to the draft plan, including updating the Target Audience to 'general public,' removing 'HOTMHMR' due to its replacement by 'HOTBHN,' and correcting several entity names on the RCC Representative List, specifically for McLennan Rural, Waco Transit, and Meals on Wheels -- Waco. Participants were asked to submit final comments by February 23, 2026. The committee approved the draft plan with noted corrections. The final Interim Plan is scheduled for submission to TxDOT by February 27, 2026. Tuesday update meetings will pause until feedback is received from TxDOT, with an anticipated resumption in April. The next RCC meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2026.

The meeting focused heavily on securing funding, which was identified as the number one priority for implementing recommended changes. Discussion also covered various methods to secure additional funding and marketing strategies. A lack of participation from dialysis centers and local businesses was noted. An in-meeting survey was conducted regarding the prioritization of transportation and mobility needs. Key next steps identified include adopting the prioritized list of needs and methodology at the next RCC meeting, submitting an Interim Coordinated Plan to TxDOT, holding a second RCC Workshop in June 2026, conducting public review of the Draft Final Plan in August/September 2026, and adopting the Final Plan in late September 2026.

The committee meeting agenda includes determination of a quorum, proof of posting notice under the Texas Open Meetings Act, introduction of guests, and introduction of a new member, Patty Donaldson. Key discussion items involve program business updates for Fiscal Year 2026 across the AAAHOT, HOTADRC, and HOT211 programs, followed by council and public comments.

Key discussions during the meeting included sub-committee reports, specifically from the communications subcommittee and an update on the forthcoming CERT Sub-Committee Meeting. Staff reports covered the status of SHSP Funding, which is on hold due to federal government issues, and an update on SERI Projects, including the Penelope Tower Project and ongoing activity in Bosque County. New business focused on the discussion and subsequent approval of the preferred vendor for the ENS 2026 Contract, where Civic Plus was selected by majority vote over other options like Everbridge. A hazardous materials exercise involving Freestone, McLennan, and Waco was also mentioned.

The meeting included a review of Technical Memorandum #1 provided by Moore & Associates. Key requests included obtaining the names of the ten gift card winners and clarification on Question 19 of the stakeholder survey, with both survey points deferred to the November 25, 2025 meeting. The committee also requested that Moore & Associates provide a formal copy of the final report to each county representative for educational purposes regarding transportation needs. Members were advised to review the full report prior to the update scheduled for November 25, 2025, and noted that an RPTCP update workshop is scheduled for January 15, 2026.