Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority

The board meeting addressed several key business items including the disposal of equipment, a performance evaluation for the General Manager, and a request for a credit card limit increase. Operational reports covering ridership statistics, financial performance, and budget status for the Big Bear Valley and Crestline areas were presented and filed. Previous discussions from earlier meetings included the selection of a Member-at-Large, a review of the Conflict of Interest Code, and the adoption of a resolution for Section 5311 funding.

The board meeting included a closed session regarding the performance of the General Manager and subsequent approval of a contract amendment providing a car allowance. The board approved the disposal of a damaged transit vehicle in accordance with federal guidelines and authorized an increase in credit card limits to facilitate online payments and operational needs. Key reports were presented on RIM School District transportation services, Oktoberfest shuttle ridership, winter resort service planning, and transit marketing surveys. Additionally, updates were provided regarding personnel hiring, facility renovations, and property studies.

The board meetings included a closed session conference with labor negotiators regarding the General Manager position and a regular meeting that featured a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating and capital budgets. Key business items addressed included the approval of certifications and assurances for LCTOP, authorization to access criminal history information, updates to cash handling, asset inventory, and procurement policies, and the disposal of specific agency vehicles. Additionally, the Board received reports on operational performance and financial status for March and April 2026.

The board discussed several items, including the approval of a two-year demonstration trolley project to trails in the Big Bear Lake area, an amendment to increase the fiscal year 2026 operating budget, and the approval of a sole source bid justification for a retention basin at the Big Bear maintenance facility. Additionally, the board approved a free parking shuttle for the Pine Cone Festival. The General Manager provided updates on various capital projects, including the status of new maintenance and administration facilities and the progress of the Short Range Transit Plan.

The meeting, which included both a closed session and an open session, addressed several key items. The Closed Session involved a labor negotiation conference with the General Manager designated as the unrepresented employee. In the Open Session, the Board introduced a new Board Director. Discussions included reports on system performance for November and December 2025, along with the corresponding budget reports. Key new business items included the approval of the amended Personnel Policy Manual and the amended Procurement Policy. The Board also approved the Purchase and Sale Agreement for Mountain Transit Owned Property located at 41939 Fox Farm Road to the Bear Valley Unified School District for $1,466,000.00, and approved resolutions for the disposition of property located at 42132 Big Bear Boulevard. Furthermore, the Board unanimously approved the amended General Manager's Employment Contract with Sandra Benson, extending the term through December 31, 2027. During discussion items, the Board identified the Trolley to Trails seasonal service as the first choice for proposed new services, directing the General Manager to develop it for review.