The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) Advisory Board met on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the call of Joseph Nolan, Advisory Board Chair/Wayland.
A roll call of members present was conducted; in attendance were: Ed Burman/Ashland-Vice Chair, Michael Tusino/Framingham, Carole Mullen/Hopedale, Mary Jo Lafreniere/Hopkinton, Kristina Johnson/Hudson, Ryan Egan/Marlborough, Michael Walsh/Milford, Morgan Griffiths/Natick, Robert Wolff/Sherborn, Sam Stivers/Southborough, Joseph Nolan/Wayland - Chair, Colette Aufranc/Wellesley, Jean MacQuiddy/Weston.
Also participating: Jim Nee/Administrator, Eva Willens/Deputy Administrator, John Glynn/CFO, Patrick Moynihan/General Counsel, Daniel Fitch/IT Consultant, Linda Murtagh/Executive Assistant-HR Manager, Bruce Willens/Fleet Director, Joy Glynn/Grants Manager, Tyler Terrasi/Government Affairs Officer, Paula Doucette/Financial Assistant, Cameron Sullivan/Procurement Specialist, Emily Van Dewoestine/ Director of Fixed Route, Intermodal and Marketing, Zach Jones/Route Planner, and Manuela Evans/Manager of Travel Training and Community Outreach.
Not participating: Kevin McCabe/Dover, Linda Marshall/Holliston, and Debra Galloway/Sudbury-Clerk With a quorum declared present, the meeting was called to order at 10:05 AM with Mr. Nolan presiding. Public Questions/Comments (2 minutes individual limit): No public comments were presented.
New Board Member Introductions: Mr. Nee, MWRTA Administrator, introduced Mr. Ryan Egan of Marlborough and Ms. Morgan Griffiths of Natick as new MWRTA Advisory Board representatives. Mr. Nolan welcomed the new representatives, stating that participation on the Board is an excellent way to connect with other towns in the MetroWest region. He noted that the relationships shared by board members have helped address the transportation needs of the region.
Paul W. Spooner Community Room: Mr. Nolan noted that just prior to the Advisory Board meeting, the MWRTA’s third floor community/meeting room was dedicated in honor of the late Mr. Paul W. Spooner, former Executive Director of the MetroWest Center for Independent Living (MWCIL). He stated that Mr. Spooner was a highly respected leader who worked tirelessly to expand available resources and services for individuals with disabilities throughout the community.
A motion was made by Mr. Burman of Ashland: for Approval of minutes from the Advisory Board Meeting of October 2, 2023. Second by Ms. Aufranc of Wellesley. The vote was unanimous.
FY2024 Financial Report – CFO: Mr. Glynn provided an overview of actual revenue and expenses for the first six (6) months of FY2024, as compared to projected figures. He stated that the budget was revised in October 2023, reflecting the increase in state contract assistance by the legislature. Overall, revenue was slightly higher due to the MassDOT Ashland T Commuter Rail Station Shuttle service that was provided during its closure. Expenses were under budget by 1.7 percent; this will likely close up in the next six (6) months due to new planned activities.
Administrator’s Report: Mr. Nee reported to the Board on the following items:
A. New Staff Members: Mr. Nee introduced three (3) new additions to the MWRTA staff:
· Cam Sullivan, Procurements Officer/Assistant to Grants Department
· Zach Jones, Fixed Route Planner
· Manuela Evans, Manager of Travel Training and Community Relations
Mr. Nee also stated that Tyler Terrasi, was recently promoted to the role of Government Affairs Officer. Mr. Terrasi will represent the Authority at numerous public meetings and forums, including the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
B. New Vehicle Procurement: Mr. Nee noted that the Authority is exploring the purchase of larger capacity low-floor vehicle types through a phased approach. Newly procured vehicles will serve to promote the use of low/no emissions technology, enhance accessibility and increase capacity throughout popular routes. Vehicles will also serve to update the overall look of the fleet to resemble those utilized on other traditional fixed route systems. In addition, these vehicles will last longer than current cut vans, satisfying federal requirements.
The Administrator requested Board approval to procure three (3) 29-foot compressed natural gas (CNG) Gillig buses for use on the highest capacity routes. Board members presented questions regarding the training of vehicle operators, insurance costs, and the need for additional storage space. Mr. Nee stated that the MWRTA will take a phased approach to training vehicle operators, noting that analyses will be performed to determine if there are specific routes and locations where the vehicles cannot travel. All vehicle maintenance would be performed in-house. Insurance costs and facility needs may change over time as additional larger vehicles are procured, but there is no immediate need for facility retrofitting or cost adjustments to insurance.
A motion was made by Ms. Aufranc of Wellesley: To authorize the purchase of three (3) 29’ CNG Gillig buses at a total cost of $1,897,686. Seconded by Mr. Burman of Ashland. The vote was unanimous.
C. MWRTA Trolley Procurement: Mr. Nee stated that he is also seeking approval to purchase three (3) trolley style vehicles under a contract bid through the state of Georgia. These light duty, low floor trolley style buses, will allow for increased capacity on routes where demand is growing. Mr. Nee stated that while these vehicles are currently only available as gasoline-powered, fully electric options are being developed and should be available for purchase in the future. He noted that board approval would not be required for this purchase inasmuch as the cost would be less than 5% of the annual budget and, as such, can be authorized by the Administrator under the MWRTA By-laws.
D. Management Consulting Contract: Insight Strategies: Mr. Nee stated that MWRTA is planning to procure the services of Insight Strategies, which will assist with improving the Authority’s organizational processes. The consultant would recommend ideas to improve management strategy and workplace culture, and may also provide executive coaching for senior staff. Mr. Nee stated that he would provide any interested Board member with names of specific team members assigned to the project by Insight Strategies, once their work is underway.
E. Boston Region MPO Board Membership: Mr. Nee stated that the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has formed a committee charged with exploring the involvement of regional transit authorities (RTAs) on its board. As part of its 2022 recertification review of the Boston MPO, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recommended that the MPO find a means by which to formalize RTA representation on its board. Mr. Nee pointed out that MWRTA has long advocated for an RTA seat on the board, and he is optimistic that the Boston MPO will establish such a seat in the coming months. Mr. Nolan suggested that the MWRTA Advisory Board provide a letter to the MPO staff in support of this seat. Mr. Moynihan, General Counsel suggested that such a letter from Mr. Nee may be premature, and recommended holding off to a later date to determine whether such a letter will be necessary.
F. Ongoing Audits: Mr. Nee reported that the MWRTA is currently undergoing its USDOT Federal triennial audit, as well as the biennial audit by MassDOT. He stated that there may be a future audit involving cybersecurity.
G. Grants: Mr. Nee reported that the Authority is currently undertaking several grant seeking processes at this time. Mr. Nolan pointed out that MWRTA has been well-served by its local, state, and federal partners.
H. FY2024 RTA Funding: Mr. Nee noted that improved state funding has allowed the MWRTA to increase benefits for its frontline workers and administrative staff, while also improving service on all routes. He stated that fixed route service was recently expanded to Sundays and would further expand to weeknight evenings in the coming months. Frequency of service would also be expanded, beginning in FY2025, pending the acquisition of additional vehicles.
I. MARTA Legislative Luncheon: Mr. Nee reported that the Massachusetts Association of Regional Transit Authorities (MARTA) would hold its annual legislative luncheon at the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston on Tuesday, March 5. Numerous members of the state and federal delegation would be in attendance.
MWRTA Fare Structure and Deferment: Mr. Nee reported that the MassDOT “Try Transit” grant program has, up to this point, allowed the MWRTA to suspend the collection of fares on its fixed route and demand response services through March 30, 2024. Due to current revenue sources and projections, the Administrator recommended that this fare free policy be extended by the Board through June 30, 2024.
A motion was made by Ms. Aufranc of Wellesley: To continue to run MWRTA service fare free through June 30, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Burman of Ashland. The vote was unanimous.
Board Discussion: Mr. Nee responded to Board member inquiries regarding ridership and signage on buses and stated that ridership has generally increased thanks to suspended fares. He also mentioned that MWRTA would look into placing promotional signage on buses regarding fare free transportation. Mr. Nee noted that the MWRTA is seeking to simplify its future fare structure and offerings. He requested that Board members provide feedback regarding a simplified fare structure at the next meeting.
Service Updates – Discussion: Mr. Nee reminded Board members that MWRTA’s future route and service changes will require a Title VI analysis, a 30-day period of public review/comment, and Board approval.
Responding to inquiries regarding MWRTA’s social media/public engagement, Ms. Van Dewoestine stated that the MWRTA maintains a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Deputy Administrator Contract Amendment: Mr. Nee explained to the Board that when the contract with the Deputy Administrator/COO was approved, no provision was made for a cost of living adjustment. Since that time, due to additional state contract assistance, such adjustments were granted to all non-contract MWRTA staff. Mr. Nee recommended that that the Board approve such an adjustment for the Deputy Administrator/COO through an amendment to her contract.
A motion was made by Ms. Aufranc of Wellesley: To approve an amendment to the Deputy Administrator/COO’s contract, allowing for a 3.5% cost of living adjustment effective January 1, 2024. Second by Mr. Burman of Ashland.
Agency PTASP Update - Discussion/Approval: Mr. Fitch summarized the MWRTA’s 2024 agency safety targets, which will be implemented as part of the Authority’s federally required Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP). He pointed out that targets have been lowered for fixed route injuries, fixed route safety events, as well as demand response safety event metrics, to allow for fewer events per year in these categories. Reductions in targets are in line with actual performance data from the prior year.
A motion was made by Ms. Aufranc of Wellesley: To approve the Agency PTASP Update. Second by Mr. Burman of Ashland. The vote was unanimous.
Route Planning Software Contract - Discussion/Approval: Mr. Nee reported that the MWRTA requires board approval for a proposed fixed route scheduling and planning software, support and service contract for up to five (5) years. Mr. Nee explained that this contract was procured through an RFP issued on November 23, 2023 and will allow the Authority to utilize the software and work alongside the successful service provider to improve fixed route service based on operational data. The Administrator recommends, and Mr. Fitch concurs, that the contract should be awarded to Remix Technologies, LLC of New York for a term of three years, with two 1-year extension options to be exercised by the Authority.
A motion was made by Mr. Walsh of Milford: To approve the fixed route scheduling and planning software, support and service contract to Remix Technologies, LLC for a 3-year term, with two (2) 1-year extension options. Second by Mr. Stivers of Southborough.
Administrator Contract – Discussion: Mr. Nolan stated that the Administrator has requested that the Board consider renegotiating and extending his contract this year, which is one year prior to the end of his current contract term. If the Board is willing to consider this request, Mr. Moynihan recommended that, consistent with past practice and the MWRTA By-laws, Mr. Nolan form a subcommittee and charge it with undertaking renegotiation of the Administrator’s contract and, thereafter, presenting its recommendations to the Board for final approval. The general consensus with the Board was that such a subcommittee be formed. Mr. Nee stated that it is his goal and rationale for requesting contract renegotiation at this time is so as to maintain a long-term relationship with the MWRTA.
Board Member Comments: Mr. Burman of Ashland pointed out that the Keefe Tech Remote Area Medical Clinic would take place again this year and is schedule for August 10th and 11th. He noted that interpreters and providers are needed for this year’s event. He also thanked the MWRTA for providing
transportation last year’s for children who recently migrated to the area and required vaccinations.
Mr. Tusino, of Framingham thanked the Administrator for his involvement with recent activities throughout the city.
Scheduling of Next Meeting: Mr. Nee stated that the next meeting will take place in early April 2024.
A motion was made by Mr. Burman of Ashland: To adjourn the meeting. Second by Ms. Aufranc of Wellesley.
The meeting adjourned at 11:26 AM.
The undersigned, being the duly qualified acting 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 February 12, 2024.
Ed Burman of Ashland, Vice Chairman
Advisory Board Meeting - April 22, 2024
Advisory Board Meeting - October 2, 2023
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