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5. Advisory Board Meeting - April 7 2026

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes of April 7, 2026

The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) Advisory Board met on April 7, 2026, at 9:30 AM at the call of Michael Tusino, Advisory Board Chair/Framingham.

A roll call of members present was conducted; in attendance were: Kevin McCabe/Dover, Michael Tusino/Framingham-Chair, Debbie Dupois/Holliston (arrived 9:41 AM), Kristina Johnson/Hudson, Morgan Griffiths/Natick, Robert Wolff/ Sherborn, Sam Stivers/Southborough, Nickole Boardman/ Sudbury, and Sheila Page/Wellesley.

Also in attendance: Jim Nee/Administrator, Mark McClanan/Deputy Administrator of Operations, Nelson Mui/Deputy Administrator of Administration and Finance, John Glynn/CFO, Patrick Moynihan/General Counsel, Linda Murtagh/Executive Assistant/HR Manager, Paula Doucette/Accounts Payable, Tyler Terrasi/Government Affairs Officer, Cameron Sullivan/Procurement Specialist, Zack Jones/Route Planner, Jordon Tong/IT, Sadie Simone/MetroWest Center for Independent Living (MWCIL), and Robert Weiss /Millis.

Board members absent: Ed Burman/Ashland-Vice Chair, Shahidul Mannan/Hopkinton, Carole Mullen/ Hopedale, Heather Gutierrez/Marlborough, Michael Walsh/Milford, Joseph Nolan/Wayland-Clerk, and Jean MacQuiddy/Weston.

 

With a quorum declared present, the meeting was called to order at 9:37 AM with Mr. Tusino presiding. Mr. Tusino reviewed the meeting agenda.

 

Public Questions/Comments: No public comments were presented.

 

Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes – February 3, 2026:  A motion was made by Mr. Stivers of Southborough: Approve the minutes of February 3, 2026, pending the correction of a typographical error on page 3. Second by Ms. Page of Wellesley. The motion carried by a majority vote.

 

Administrator’s Report – Discussion:  Mr. Nee reported the following items:

·         Ridership continues to increase throughout all MWRTA services; the Authority expects to serve one (1) million passengers in FY27.

·         MWRTA will receive $25 million in federal funds awarded through the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which will support required land acquisition and construction activities for a state-of-the-art Heavy-Duty Vehicle Maintenance and Fueling Facility. The Authority hopes to receive an additional $15 million from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). This first-of-its-kind facility will enable the pilot of low- and no-emissions propulsion types, including hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric.

·         MWRTA will soon conclude the second phase of its fixed-route redesign project. Phase 3, which will include a Title VI analysis, will occur in the summer of 2026. The Authority continues to receive feedback from members of the public and will release its finalized redesign plan prior to the end of the calendar year.

·         Ms. Dupuis of Holliston expressed her enthusiasm for the recent deployment of trolleys throughout key routes. Mr. Nee acknowledged that these vehicles have increased the visibility of local public transit services.

·         The Authority is closely monitoring potential reductions in federal public transit funding, but remains in a strong financial position thanks to support from the Boston MPO and the Commonwealth’s Fair Share Amendment. MWRTA is well-positioned to adapt to federal funding adjustments as required.

 

Discussion/Approval of MWRTA Membership – New Town – Millis, MA:  Mr. Nee reported that the Town of Millis, which borders several MWRTA member communities but is unserved by a public transportation system, has expressed interest in joining the Authority. The Millis Board of Selectmen unanimously voted in February 2026 to have the town join as an MWRTA member municipality. Mr. Moynihan confirmed that the town meets all eligibility requirements under the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 161B, section 3. Robert Weiss, the town’s anticipated Advisory Board representative, affirmed that there is strong public interest in expanding mobility for seniors, people with disabilities, and other underserved populations within the community.

The Millis Council on Aging intends to collaborate with the MWRTA to implement Dial-a-Ride Demand Response Service beginning later this year. Mr. Nee acknowledged that the town’s current lack of public transit resources, coupled with the combined leadership of MWRTA and community officials, makes this partnership beneficial to the community’s residents and stakeholders. MWRTA’s budget will not be significantly impacted; the Authority may also become eligible to receive increased state and federal funds and legislative representation.

A motion was made by Mr. Stivers of Southborough: Approve the request of the town of Millis to join the MWRTA under the provisions of MGL c. 161B, Section 3. Seconded by Ms. Page of Wellesley. The motion carried by a majority vote.

Mr. Tusino welcomed Millis as a MWRTA member community; Mr. Weiss stated he looked forward to collaborating with the Authority to accelerate mobility within the community.

 

Discussion of FY26 YTD Budget to Actuals:  Mr. Nee reported that the MWRTA remains in a strong financial position. Mr. Glynn highlighted a $400,000.00 positive variance from initial projections stemming from a $280,000.00 federal compressed natural gas rebate program and $120,000.00 in cost savings for the Mathworks and MassBay Commuter Shuttles. Vehicle maintenance and snow removal expenses exceeded expectations, but were offset by favorable fuel and administrative costs. Mr. Nee noted that MWRTA has invested in mail marketing campaigns for new services, which generate extensive community response. Per a board member's suggestion, the MWRTA will explore the possible implementation of the USPS Every Door Direct Mail service to reduce marketing-related expenses.

 

Discussion/Approval of FY27 Initial Budget: Mr. Nee presented the draft FY27 budget to board members. MWRTA develops its draft budget based on current and anticipated service levels for the upcoming fiscal year and incorporates funds received via state contract assistance, local assessments, and operational grant programs. Mr. Nee commended CFO John Glynn for ensuring the responsible and compliant expenditure of all COVID-era funds. He noted that support for the Commonwealth’s fare-free regional transit authority (RTA) initiative remains strong. The Authority is prepared to address potential future modifications to the program as required. MassDOT continues to support the 495 Connector pilot commuter shuttle. Mr. Glynn noted that the Authority’s budget is primarily driven by payroll and operating expenses.

A motion was made by Mr. Stivers of Southborough: Approve the FY27 Initial Budget as presented. Seconded by Ms. Page of Wellesley. The motion carried by a majority vote.

 

Discussion/Approval FY25 Financial Statement, UG Statement, Management Letter:  Mr. Nee summarized the MWRTA’s finalized audited financial statements developed in partnership with MassDOT and prepared by its auditor, Bruce D. Norling, CPA, PC. Mr. Glynn noted that coordination with the Framingham Retirement Board played a pivotal role in the development of a clean audit. Mr. Nee acknowledged Mr. Tusino’s role in bringing stakeholders together, facilitating productive discussions, and implementing corrective actions to resolve findings.

A motion was made by Mr. Stivers of Southborough: Approve the FY25 Financial Statement, UG Statement, and Management Letter as presented. Seconded by Mr. Griffiths of Natick. The motion carried by a majority vote.

 

Board Member Comments:  No board member comments were presented.

 

Scheduling of Next Meeting:  Mr. Nee stated that the Advisory Board will meet in June 2026 to finalize the MWRTA’s FY27 budget.

 

Adjourn:  The meeting adjourned at 10:29 AM.

 

Certificate

The undersigned, being the duly qualified clerk of the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board, acknowledges that the foregoing minutes accurately reflect the actions taken at a legally convened meeting of the Advisory Board held on April 7, 2026.

 

____________________________

Joseph Nolan, Clerk

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