Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
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January 8, 2008 |
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Present
Members: President Mark Pangborn, Vice President Heather Ornelas (via phone), Treasurer Elaine Wells, Julie Brown, Cynda Bruce, Olivia Clark, Mary Jo Carpenter (via phone), John Helm, Doug Pilant, Allan Pollock, and Julie Stephens.
Guests: Aaron Deas, Steve Dickey, Tara Sue Salusso, Chris Shultz.
Staff: Roger Martin and Kelsey Wilson
Meeting was called to order at 10:36 AM.
Announcements from the Chair
Introduction of Tara Sue Salusso from South Lane Wheels. She has come to observe and see what the board and association are all about.
Approval of Agenda
Approved.
Approval of Minutes
Approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Approved.
Executive Director’s Report/Roger Martin
- Legislature going into supplemental session beginning February 5th. Some of the senior lobby sent letter to all legislators requesting that all Legislators and lobbyist work together in bipartisan way. Nobody know exactly what to expect, but appears to be pretty scripted.
- Chris Shultz working to form a Liability Reform Coalition in Oregon similar to those coalitions formed in California and Washington. Roger raised the question of coverage among transit districts. May want to review if Transit Association or individual transit organizations want to get involved. Chris gave a brief overview of the coalition. Chris will e-mail information about initiatives likely to be on November 2008 ballot with regards to Tort Reform.
- Clarke vs. OHSU was recently ruled on by the Oregon Courts and may have a significant impact on liability of public agencies.
Elderly & Disabled Grassroots Update
- Dear Provider and A Grassroots Effort Handout distributed
- Staff updated the board on the progress of the Budget Note Working Group. Kelsey Wilson, Aaron Deas and Linda Lynch are representing OTA and transit on the working group. ODOT and DHS are in process of firming up contract with Association of Oregon Counties to manage the project. AOC is finalizing contract with Portland State University consultants to do the needs assessment and put the report to be submitted to LFO and DHS together. The details are being worked out and without any money to back the budget note; the extent of the study will be constrained by time and money.
- OTA Task Force met and decided to begin its grassroots effort. The two handouts are the first of the effort. The intention is that all OTA members will receive these documents and call or meet with their legislator January 22-25 before the transit lobby team hits them at the capitol during the February Session.
- The transit lobby team will attempt to meet before the February session to discuss their plan of attack.
- It was also discussed that during the session, transit has a "lobby day." Staff mentioned that since we don’t know what to expect in terms of how the session will go and how the capitol will be set up due to massive construction it will be hard to plan. However, if folks are in town for the February board meeting, that would be a great time to meet with your legislator on their turf.
Board of Directors Officer Nominations
It was discussed that the bylaws give no clear definition of when nominations are made and when terms begin and end. It was decided that some clarifying language be added to the bylaws so that nominations are made in January of even-numbered years and officers can serve no more than two consecutive full terms. Staff will send a notice of the changes to all membership 14 days prior to the next board meeting (per the bylaws). It was also decided that Article X, Section 2 be changed so that distributions of amendments to bylaws may be e-mailed.
Other Business
Two open positions on Oregon Transportation Commission. Central Oregon is very interested in seeing someone on the OTC. Lynn Lundquist has also been mentioned to fill Central Oregon seat. Julie Brown mentioned a couple names from Southern Oregon, both of whom are transit advocates. Julie will keep track of Southern Oregon. Mike Kelly is candidate from Eugene area. Governor has list of about 30 names, but has made it clear he is very interested in Southern and Central Oregon areas. One has to be at least Republican or Independent.
Agency Updates
RVTD — Management has buckled down and optimistic won’t have to do service cut next year. Conversations about becoming service district or going out for a payroll tax are underway. Looks like will go for increase of property tax in November 2008. Looking at partnerships. Looking for a few decent vehicles to pick service that they had to pull.
Issues with Assisted Living Facility Transportation… The group went into discussion about assisted living facility transportation and their lack of cooperation with transit providers. Frustrations were expressed and it was decided that the OTA would further discuss this subject and see if there might be legislative or other fix to the problem.
City of Sandy — 23% increase in ridership last year. Facility coming along. Ordered a Gillig bus. Got a $400,000 earmark from Congress.
Salem-Keizer Transit — Board meeting next week for work session and expect 2008 property tax initiative. Looking at restructuring fares.
John Helm — Governor’s commission working on long-term care issues. Rep. Cowan appointed as new Legislative Rep. to commission.
OHAS — Negotiating ATU contract for Canby operations; finally settled last week. Discovered that binding arbitration law doesn’t apply to non-profit or privates.
Lincoln County — Had first injury accident on Dec. 31 because of ice in East County.
TriMet — Groundbreaking for Tualatin Commuter Rail Station tomorrow.
RideConnection — Getting ready to start expanding service in Beaverton with some Freedom Funds.
LTD — Ridership up 17% over last year. Having a problem with accommodating too many wheelchair riders.
City of Bend — Council and Chamber looking at future of transportation in Bend area. Working to get first contract with ATU.
Community Connection of Baker County — Ridership up about 20%.
Conclusion
Meeting adjourned at 12:28 PM. Next Meeting Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at Salem-Keizer Transit.