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Stephen F. Mitchell, Chairman At 7:00 p.m., a quorum determined to be present; Mr. Mitchell called the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Greater Hartford Transit District (the "District") to order in the District's Multipurpose Room at the Union Station Transportation Center (the "Center"), One Union Place, Hartford, Connecticut. The following Directors were present: Marilyn Pet; East Hartford, James B. Brislin (arrived at 7:18pm) and Stephen F. Mitchell, Enfield; Russell G. St. John (arrived at 7:01pm), Granby; Jason Barone-Cichocki, Frank Lord, Melvin Pettigrew and Jesse Smith; Hartford; James R. McCavanagh and Paul McNamara (arrived at 7:01pm), Manchester; Kevin Chick and William G. Hall, Newington; Ferguson R. Jansen, Jr., Simsbury; David A. Giordano (arrived at 7:14pm) and Richard F. Messenger, West Hartford; Brendan T. Flynn and Martin Walsh, Wethersfield, and Mark Etre; Vernon. District staff present were Vicki L. Shotland, Executive Director; Kimberly A. Dunham, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services; DJ Gonzalez, Operations Administrator; Sandra Sheehan, Director of Grants and Contract Administration, and Patricia M. Williams, Director of Paratransit Services. Also present was Bradshaw Smith, a resident of the Town of Windsor. Mr. Mitchell then asked if there were any members of the public who wished to be heard. There were none. The Chairman next asked for consideration of the Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting of March 6, 2008, as amended by the following: The fourth (4th) paragraph on Page 1 on the Minutes should read, “Jason Barone-Cichocki from the City of Hartford.”. The first (1st) paragraph on Page 3 on the Minutes should read, “Mr. Mitchell said, it was a good idea as several board members expressed concerns with potential aesthetic issues.” The eighth (8th) paragraph on Page 3 on the Minutes should read, “The operator will be advised of a purchase price per bus, at 80% of the FMV because local match had been paid by the towns when the vehicles were initially purchased.” The fifth (5th) paragraph on Page 4 on the Minutes should read, “Mr. Mitchell did ask if there were any volunteers to replace Ms. Cassidy who no longer served as the District’s representative on the Transportation Committee. Mr. Brislin, Mr. Jansen and Mr. Hayes expressed interest in the open position.” The seventh (7th) paragraph on Page 4 on the Minutes should read, “Mr. Jansen suggested that the District consider driver training for teenagers as a growth vehicle since the motor vehicle rules are changing and becoming more stringent.” (Corrections are in bold type.) Mr. Messenger moved adoption of those Minutes as amended. Upon seconding by Mr. Flynn, the motion passed by a vote of 32.62 yea, 0.00 nay, and 3.82 abstention (Messrs. Giordano and Mr. Jansen who were not in attendance thereat). The Chairman next asked for the report from the Nominating Committee which was distributed to all Directors on March 18, 2008. Mr. McCavanagh, Chair of the Nominating Committee, reported the slate of Officers proposed by the Nominating Committee as follows: Chairman Stephen F. Mitchell Mr. McCavanagh pointed out that under the By-Laws there must be two separate votes taken at the meeting; one for the express slate of officers and the other for the regular slate of officers. The Nominating Committee in its report expressly recommended that the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer be nominated for an additional term. Mr. Pettigrew then moved the election of the entire express slate as proposed by the Nominating Committee. Mr. Baron-Cichocki seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously (36.44 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention). The Nominating Committee in its report then recommended that the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary be elected for one term. Mr. McCavanagh also reported that the District office had received one new nomination; that for the office of Assistant Secretary as permitted by the By-Laws, the fact of which effectively closes any further nominations. Mr. Messenger moved the election of the entire regular slate as proposed by the Nominating Committee. Mr. St. John seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously (36.44 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention). Because of the unanimous vote, ballot voting was not necessary. Chairman Mitchell requested that the Monthly Financial Report be presented. Ms. Dunham indicated that most funds are within budgetary projections and that one final revision to the current year budget is expected at fiscal year end. She briefly discussed various fund activity and indicated that the agency is on track for year end net revenue nearing $100,000. This is due in large part to interest income earned under the agency’s new cash management strategy as well as vehicle sale proceeds. Upon motion made by Mr. Flynn and seconded by Mr. Pettigrew, the Monthly Financial Report was accepted by a vote of 36.44 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention. The Chairman then requested a motion to recess the Annual Meeting, which was provided by Mr. Pettigrew, seconded by Mr. Barone-Cichocki, and accepted by a vote of 36.44 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention. The Annual Meeting was then recessed at 7:15 p.m. and the Public Hearing called to order as related to the Adopted Fiscal Year 2008 and Proposed Fiscal Year 2009 Budgets. Ms. Dunham stated that there were no revisions to the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget at this time and that the agency enters the next fiscal year with expectations of significant overall revenue. An overview of the budget by fund was then presented. The Special Revenue Fund includes continued Connecticut Department of Transportation grant funding of the ADA Paratransit Service, Dial-A-Ride Operating Grants, and Administration of both the Insurance Consortium and Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Consortium Administration programs are being treated as a “fee for service” contract commencing this year. CT DOT has also committed local share funding of vehicle procurement and Union Station capital projects. Ms. Dunham also discussed expected FTA funding in the upcoming year, with a more detailed overview provided by Ms. Shotland later in the meeting. Within the General Fund, interest income is expected to remain high, and disposed vehicle revenue should be significant as the agency continues to sell the Section 5307 vehicles to municipalities and non-profit operators. The member town contributions have been assessed at $.10 per capita as agreed upon by the Board. Minimal inter-fund transfers are anticipated and net revenue in this fund is expected to be retained as a contingency. The Enterprise Fund, which consists of the Spruce Street Parking Lot and both Public and Private portions of Union Station, was then reviewed. Projections for parking income remain consistent with the current fiscal year earnings as there are no large expected revenue increases. Rental revenue for Union Station includes the newly executed Peter Pan lease as well as numerous leases up for renewal during Fiscal Year 2009. Rental income continues to grow and now exceeds that received two years ago by more than $150,000. Expenditures for Union Station were discussed; Real Estate Taxes and Utilities account for more than 70% of building operational costs and new leases include a specific pass-through for a tenant’s proportionate share of those costs. $2,400,000 is expected to be utilized for Union Station major mechanical and other capital needs. Mr. Mitchell asked twice if there were any comments from the public. As there were none from the public nor any board member related to the Proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed and requested a motion to reconvene the Annual Meeting, which was provided by Mr. McCavanagh, seconded by Mr. Pettigrew and voted unanimously by a vote of 36.44 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention. The Annual Meeting was reconvened at 7:26 p.m. Mr. Mitchell again offered the opportunity for questions regarding the budget, and hearing none, upon motion by Mr. Flynn and seconding by Mr. Barone-Cichocki, the Proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget was unanimously approved by a vote of 41.86 yea, 0.00 nay and 0.00 abstention. The Chairman next asked for consideration to renew the contract with ProPark America., Hartford, CT, for the provision of parking lot management services under the terms of the budget submitted by that firm for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2009. After brief discussion and questions from Mr. St. John, Ms. Pet, and Mr. Pettigrew, Mr. St. John moved to retain the firm under the terms of its contract. Upon seconding by Mr. Lord, the motion was approved unanimously 41.86 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention. The Chairman next asked for consideration to continue to retain the auditing firm, Blum, Shapiro and Company, P.C., West Hartford, Connecticut, under the second year provision of its contract with the District for FY 2009. Mr. Brislin asked if we were satisfied with the firm. Mr. Flynn stated that Blum, Shapiro is competitive and responsive to the District’s needs. Mr. Lord pointed out that the District has saved money because some of the tasks that the accounting firm use to perform are now handled by the District. Mr. Hall asked that the District be cautious in their efforts to oversee the accounting firm based on information that he provided from another Board that he serves on. Mr. Brislin also stated that the District should be vigilant in efforts to oversee the firm. Mr. Barone-Cichocki moved to retain the firm under the terms of its contract. Upon seconding by Mr. Pettigrew, the motion was approved unanimously 41.86 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention. The Chairman next asked for consideration to continue to retain the firm of Day, Pitney, LLP, Hartford, CT, as the District’s Legal Counsel, under the second year provision of its contract with the District for FY 2009. Mr. St. John asked if the District was satisfied with the manner in which the firm handled the two Freedom of Information Act complaints. Mr. Mitchell responded and addressed the question; also notifying the Board that the District was going to receive an $8400.00 credit from Day, Pitney toward future work that they perform. Mr. McNamara asked if there was an appeal process that a company could use if they disagree with a Freedom of Information Commission decision. Mr. Mitchell stated that there was, but it was not in the District’s best interest to pursue that course of action because appeals are very difficult to win. Ms. Shotland mentioned that she was very satisfied with the way that the firm handles various other legal matters for the District. Mr. Messenger moved to retain the firm under the terms contained in its contract. Upon seconding by Mr. Flynn, the motion was approved unanimously 41.86 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention. Mr. Mitchell next asked for consideration of Resolution No GHTD-09-FTA-1 Authorizing Filing and Acceptance of Federal Grants. Upon motion made by Mr. Flynn and seconded by Mr. Barone-Cichocki, the motion passed unanimously by a vote of 41.86 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention. The Chairman then asked for consideration of Resolution No. GHTD-09-STATE-1 Authorizing Filing and Acceptance of State Grants. Upon motion made by Mr. McCavanagh and seconded by Mr. Pettigrew, the motion passed unanimously by a vote of 41.86 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention. Mr. Mitchell then asked for Program Presentations. Ms. Shotland explained that the ADA Paratransit & Dial-A-Ride Monthly Ridership and Statistical Review Report would be provided to the Board next month due to a current discrepancy that must be corrected. Next she discussed the final report released by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) from the Triennial Review audit and expressed how pleased she was with the results. There were three findings that will be corrected to the satisfaction of the FTA within the next ninety days. She next discussed the 5307 Capital Funding for FY 2008 that will provide the District with additional funding for; Union Station facility, ADA Paratransit vehicles, AVL/GPS hardware and software for the vehicles, and an updated two-way radio system. She also said that the capital budget for FY 2009 was submitted for consideration to the Connecticut Department of Transportation. In regard to Vernon, Ms. Shotland explained to the Board that there will be an informational meeting that the public is invited to attend on May 27, 2008 for discussion on a newly proposed intermodal location for that Town. Mr. Etre noted one reason for the suggested change was due to a concern that the Town had in the selection of the original site. Ms. Shotland stated that the Town must make a final decision shortly and commit to this project so that they do not jeopardize the earmark funding. Ms. Shotland then requested that Ms. Sheehan address the current status of the Enfield intermodal earmark. Ms. Sheehan stated that the Town of Enfield recently completed the process of selecting an architectural and engineering firm to prepare a feasibility study and environmental assessment of the site selected for the intermodal center in Thompsonville. The Town is currently in the negotiation phase of this procurement. The study is expected to be completed by the first week in August. The information provided will assist the District in obligating the balance of the earmarked funds. Ms. Dunham provided an update on leasehold activity. The District has just executed a new lease with Peter Pan Bus Lines which includes transfer of electric bills, proportionate share pass-through of Real Estate Taxes and Utilities, and increased rental fees for the bus bays. Expected yield of additional income annually is $45,000. The agency is pursuing the possibility of a second ATM located on the Spruce Street side of the building with a targeted user audience of the club patrons. Preliminary lease negotiations have also begun with Propark as their lease expires July 31, 2008. There was no new update from the Transportation Committee meeting this past month. Mr. Mitchell mentioned that Gilbert Hayes was selected to replace Jennifer Cassidy on that committee. Mr. Mitchell asked if there was any new business that any Director would like to raise; Mr. Hall mentioned that the next Regular Board Meeting would be held on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 7:00 pm. There being no further business brought before the Board, Mr. Flynn moved that the Meeting be adjourned. Upon seconding by Mr. St. John, the motion passed by a vote of 41.86 yea, 0.00 nay, and 0.00 abstention. The Annual Meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________ JAMES R. McCAVANAGH
Adopted: 06/05/08 |
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