Monterey-Salinas Transit

Key actions taken by the MST Board included the adoption of Resolution 2008-10 recognizing Scott Taylor as the MST Employee of the Month for December 2007, citing his integral role in IT projects such as the Marina Transit Exchange and FAMIS system implementation. The Board authorized staff to adopt the CalPERS pre-tax payroll deduction plan for service credit purchases. Furthermore, authorization was given for the General Manager/CEO to sign a lease for office space in Monterey for the Mobility Management Center and a satellite customer service center. The Board also authorized the purchase of one new AeroTech mini-bus and the disposal of a retired vehicle. Finally, the Board moved to discontinue Line 53 due to poor ridership and amended the fixed-route fare policy to allow MST RIDES registered passengers to ride free on all MST fixed route and on-demand response transit services.

Key discussions and actions taken by the Board included recognizing staff members Luis Morales and Belem Cruz as Employees of the Month for July and August 2007, respectively, and presenting 20-year service awards to Charles Armbruster and Fernando Manansala. The Board also presented appreciation resolutions to departing representatives Gary Wilmot and Michael Cunningham. Financial actions involved authorizing a $35,000 expenditure for an injury prevention program with Future Industrial Technologies, approving $25,269 for American Public Transit Association (APTA) dues for fiscal year 2007-2008, authorizing insurance renewals, and awarding contracts for bus washer repairs and passenger/non-passenger surveys. Additionally, the Board amended the Monterey Bay BRT Study Contract by $58,000 and adopted a Property Development Policy. Finally, the Board adopted a proposed amendment to the Monterey-Salinas Transit Joint Powers Agreement concerning the allocation formula for County of Monterey Local Transportation Funds.

Key discussions during the regular meeting included the adoption of a resolution recognizing Ernie Sanchez as the Employee of the Month and the approval of the disposal of property left aboard buses. The consent agenda also approved the renewal of a contract with the City of Monterey for RTA Taxicab driver and vehicle permitting services and the disposal of retired vehicles. A special presentation addressed potential emergency service reductions, causing debate regarding public outreach effectiveness and requests for additional public workshops in various cities. The board received an update on Bid #13-07 regarding Bus Rapid Transit Traffic Prioritization and appointed a hearing officer for the bid protest appeal, with the provision that the officer would report findings to a subcommittee for final action. Consideration was given to forgiving a portion of RTA administrative start-up costs incurred by MST, resulting in a motion to continue the item until all jurisdiction responses are received. New business involved authorizing staff to negotiate a contract with Greyhound to sell tickets and process baggage at the Salinas Train Station to enhance passenger services. Finally, the board approved the General Manager/CEO's performance pay during the closed session.

The regular meeting agenda included several items for consent approval, such as adopting resolutions recognizing an Employee of the Month (Victor Williams) and a retiring employee (Kathleen Bertrand) for years of service, approving the January 2009 Financial Report, discussing board committee meeting dates, approving a mid-year budget update, and authorizing the sale of retired vehicles. Key discussions outside the consent agenda included public comments, committee reports, the awarding of a contract for federal legislative consulting services to Thomas Walters, Inc., authorizing the purchase of up to four medium size buses from Bus West, and authorizing staff to pursue legislative changes to the Public Utilities Code to create the Monterey-Salinas Transit District, which would allow for the potential levy of local taxes. The Board also authorized filing a grant application for Homeland Security funds to cover safety and security capital projects.

The Board convened for a Regular Meeting where key actions were taken. The consent agenda included adopting a resolution recognizing an Employee of the Month, approving the disposal of property, receiving the Financial Report for April 2010, recognizing a Vice-Chair, rejecting a claim, scheduling a public hearing for a military discount fare, and approving capital budget transfers. A special presentation recognized Thomas Mancini for his service as Vice-Chair. The Board accepted and filed several committee minutes from March and April 2010. A contract was authorized to Moore & Associates for the South County Area Service Analysis. During a public hearing on the Program of Projects, the Board adopted the FY 2010 Program of Projects and authorized grant applications. The Board adopted the FY 2011-2013 Strategic Plan, referring the Monterey-Salinas Transit District By-Laws back to committee. Discussions addressed the Fremont/Lighthouse Bus Rapid Transit Project collaboration with the Monterey Jazz Festival. Regarding the FY 2011 Budget, the draft budget was referred to the Finance Committee for further review amidst significant revenue reductions. The Board directed the General Manager/CEO to send a letter to TAMC jurisdictions requesting full allocation of Local Transportation Funds to MST to prevent transit service reductions. Finally, the Board held a Closed Session to discuss litigation and labor negotiations, subsequently authorizing the General Counsel as lead negotiator for labor negotiations upon returning to open session.