Lewis County Public Transportation Benefit Area Authority

The meeting covered construction updates for three projects: the POC H2 Project (slabs poured, backfill complete, overhead work pending holidays), the Mineral project (layout complete with a change order for utility pole adjustment), and the Exit 77 project (awaiting city approval before RFP issuance). Operations updates included the addition of a new stop at Scammon Creek Apartments. The finance discussion reviewed the budget versus actual report, noting the entity is 1% under budget overall, despite overages in specific categories like fuel costs (due to DARTT and Brown East route usage) and consulting fees related to hydrogen fueling. The Board discussed the continuation of the hydrogen consultant into 2026. An update was provided on fixed-route ridership, which increased by 15% in October compared to the previous year, and the receipt of the first two New Flyer hydrogen buses. Key actions included the finalization of the line of credit, the approval of financial warrants totaling $913,650.03 for October expenditures, and the approval of a $1.5 million purchase request for a Plug hydrogen 1MW electrolyzer to replace the Ohmium unit. Further actions involved approving the Lewis County Public Utility District Agreement, which utilizes an annual bond instead of a cash deposit, and adopting Resolution 2025-04 for the 2026 Budgets, which incorporates finalized insurance premiums, funding for two new positions (mechanic apprentice and hydrogen program FTE), and anticipated construction costs for the electrolyzer project extending into 2026. The Board also approved the first reading of policies POL 405, 220, and 221.

Key discussions included construction updates for the POC H2 and Mineral projects, confirming the POC H2 project remains on schedule. The Finance review indicated the budget is on track, with expenditures within 1% of the budget including REVIT costs, though leasing agreements, professional services, and fuel costs are running above budget. The Executive Director presented the preliminary 2026 budget, which is approximately 90% complete and introduces a separate Hydrogen budget, projecting $9.6 million in revenue against $8.3 million in expenses. Action items approved the purchase of a Hydrogen Vehicle Maintenance Service Bay, the purchase of a Hydrogen Tube Trailer expected by mid-January, the construction contract for the Mineral e-Transit Station, and the purchase of three Ram ProMaster vans for Demand Response service. The Board recessed into Executive Session to review public employee performance and subsequently voted to uphold the Executive Director's decision regarding a Union grievance.

The meeting agenda included approval of the meeting agenda. The Board planned to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss matters relating to potential litigation with legal counsel and to review the performance of a public employee. Following the executive session, a subsequent action item involved taking final action upon the review of the performance of a public employee and personnel determinations.

This Transit Development Plan for the Lewis Public Transportation Benefit Area (Twin Transit) outlines the organization's strategic direction and planned service enhancements from 2022 to 2027. The plan focuses on several key strategic pillars: promoting economic vitality, preserving and extending infrastructure life, ensuring safety and security, improving mobility and connectivity, protecting the environment, fostering stewardship, and strengthening community relations and outreach. The overarching vision is to achieve a world-leading, innovative, and customer-centric transit system that provides equitable access to education and employment, stimulates economic growth, and supports the community, with a long-term goal of a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2030.

The meeting included discussions on updating the coordinated public transit, human services transportation plan, parking lot improvements, the parts room status, and the hydrogen fueling station progress. The board also discussed a bus pull-out at Borst and Scheuber, the Mellen Street restroom, grant opportunities, summer events, and changes to the demand response software. Additionally, there were updates on fleet, finances, CDL training, and the Transit Development Plan. The board approved financial warrants, resolutions voiding a warrant and authorizing fixed route service to Castle Rock, an agreement to lease the Exit 77 property, and public works contracts for a transit bus pullout and a prefabricated restroom. The board also discussed and approved policies related to cost recovery, business continuity, shop equipment maintenance, and ADA compliance.