Rockford Mass Transit District

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, noting the removal of item E-8 (c). Key discussions included the Executive Director's update regarding the upcoming FTA Triennial Review and the due date for the Recipient Information Request. The Finance section involved authorizing the payment of Accounts Payable Invoices totaling $4,020,035.52, approving the FY'25 Fixed Asset Final Inventory Review, approving the unaudited Financial Statements for November 2025, and a presentation on the Pension Portfolio Review. Operations reports covered ridership statistics for November and December 2025, vehicle maintenance statistics, and updates on facility expansion projects, including the installation of a new gas meter, water meter, and electric switch gear. The Paratransit/Demand Response Software (TripSpark) project received a 'go live' date for BCCA. Under New Business, the Board approved the annual Designation of Signature Authority required by the FTA and authorized an agreement with Windmill Hill LC for the maintenance of three bus shelters at North Towne Mall. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining and pending litigation matters.

The meeting included the approval of previous minutes, which were for the January 26th session. A planning session held the previous week was acknowledged. Key agenda items involved the finance section, specifically the payment of bills, including services rendered through January 31, 2026, and the approval of accounts payable invoices totaling $1,850,845.84. The 2026 annual pension evaluation report was presented, detailing asset values, liabilities, funded status (95.9% on an accounting basis), and recommending a minimum cash contribution of $842,000 for the 2025-2026 plan year. The board also reviewed the draft operations budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which proposed increased fixed route service hours and staffing levels, while budgeting for a reduced demand response paratransit hour projection. Budget changes noted included a 12% increase in salary and wages expenses and adjustments in fringe benefits due to projected lower pension liability payments, alongside increased utilities expenses due to facility expansion.

The meeting included the decision to pull agenda item 8 C regarding energy market fluctuations before awarding the supplier. The board was notified that the FTA will conduct a trial review this year, requiring documentation submission by February 27th. Financial discussions involved the payment of bills for November and December 2025, totaling $4,200,352, and approval of the unaudited financial statements for November 2025. The pension portfolio review for December 31, 2025, and January 20, 2026, was presented, noting strong fiscal and calendar year performance, and outlining portfolio rebalancing plans to shift assets from large-cap and small-cap into cash and international categories. Operations and Facilities reported that fixed route ridership was up 13% in December compared to the previous year, although paratransit numbers were down due to inclement weather. Key milestones achieved for the facility expansion included securing utility connections. The go-live date for BCCA's trip spark implementation was set for February 2nd. The Board also reviewed the hybrid bus performance data, showing a 43% improvement in fuel mileage over standard diesel buses, and discussed future fleet decisions. The claims history report showed fluctuations but no major spikes, and the safety report detailed ADA training conducted with RAMP.

The meeting began with public commentary from a rider expressing significant concerns regarding chaotic scheduling and delays with the paratransit service, specifically citing issues related to a new computer system, and requesting a meeting with the new operations contact, Mr. Troy Volante. Following this, the board agenda and the minutes from the October meeting were approved. The Executive Report detailed the passage of SB 2111, a transit reform and funding package, which significantly benefits downstate transit by changing the local share requirement ratio, potentially to 80/20, although a trailer bill is anticipated in the spring to address long-term solvency questions. The report also noted delays in federal capital program fund releases due to a government shutdown but confirmed no impact on the flow of funds. The financial report included an audit presentation confirming that financial statements are expected to receive an unmodified or clean opinion, with no significant compliance findings anticipated regarding grant funding, though a year-end journal entry control weakness consistent with prior years was noted. The audit highlighted consistent revenue increases over four years, with a decrease in local aid in 2025 due to revenue deferral, and noted that major expenses remain labor/benefits, with proactive additional pension contributions being made. The pension fund is also expected to receive a clean opinion, showing a strong funded position near 96% due to continual, often exceeding, actuary-suggested contributions.

Key discussions during the meeting included an update on Local, State & Federal government affairs and public comments regarding Paratransit ride scheduling. Finance matters involved the approval of accounts payable invoices totaling $2,085,792.93, approval of unaudited financial statements for October 2025, and a review of the Pension Portfolio through November 2025. Operations reports covered October 2025 ridership statistics, vehicle maintenance, and facility updates, noting delays in battery electric charger delivery. Business items included the recommendation to purchase eight replacement fareboxes using Federal 5339 funds, approval to apply for a $500,000 ComEd rebate for the Facility Expansion Project, and approval of a Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding for the RAISE grant project which commits additional local funds for inflationary cost increases on bus procurement. The Board also approved Service Level Agreements for ChargePoint and Heliox charging equipment, approved a five-year agreement for fiber internet service with Segra, adopted an update to the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP), and approved Change Order #76 for the 520 Mulberry Expansion & Renovation Project to address unforeseen conditions at the bus wash and fuel islands. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss collective bargaining and pending litigation matters.