Advisory Board Meeting - April 22, 2024

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Advisory Board Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2024

The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) Advisory Board met on Monday, April 22, 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; Kevin McCabe/Dover; Michael Tusino/Framingham; Carole Mullen/Hopedale; Kristina Johnson/Hudson; Ryan Egan/Marlboro; Michael Walsh/Milford; Robert Wolff/Sherborn (left meeting at 10:40 AM); Debra Galloway/Sudbury, Clerk; Joseph Nolan/Wayland, Chair; Colette Aufranc/Wellesley; and 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, 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

Not participating:  Linda Marshall/Holliston, Mary Jo Lafreniere/Hopkinton, Morgan Griffiths/Natick, and Sam Stivers/Southborough

With a quorum declared present, the meeting was called to order at ­­­­10:02 AM with Mr. Nolan presiding.

Public Questions/Comments:  No public comments were presented.

Discussion and Approval – Meeting Minutes February 12, 2024:  A motion was made by Mr. Burman of Ashland: Approval of minutes from the Advisory Board Meeting of February 12, 2024.  Second by Mr. Walsh of Milford. The motion carried: Mr. McCabe of Dover and Ms. Johnson of Hudson abstained.

Report of Audit and Finance Subcommittee:  Ms. Aufranc of Wellesley, Audit and Finance Committee Chair, summarized the April 12, 2024 Audit and Finance Committee meeting.

• The FY2025 budget will be consistent with the FY2024 budget, given recent increases in funding. Major sources of revenue and notable expenses influenced the FY2025 budget development.
• MWRTA is drafting a scope of work for a cybersecurity review, focusing on threats and vulnerabilities.
• The Authority is currently undergoing several audits from agencies including MassDOT and FTA. A final consolidated report discussing these audits will be provided to Board members upon their completion later in the calendar year. The FY23 Financial Audit is currently underway and going well.
• Financial Statements dated June 30, 2023, will be released pending a final audit of the MWRTA’s pension system.

Discussion and Approval – Preliminary FY25 Budget:  Mr. Glynn stated that the MWRTA is projected to self-generate $1.4 million in transportation revenue. He noted that operating expenses generated by the number of fixed route trips are expected to increase. MWRTA has budgeted approximately $17 million for the upcoming fiscal year, including a 3% reserve for potential future expenses. This figure is offset by various grants and sources of revenue. Mr. Nolan inquired about the duration of the current contract for intermodal parking at the Framingham Commuter Rail Station. Mr. Moynihan stated the MWRTA is currently in year two (2) of a five (5) year operating contract with the MBTA for the station. There was also a discussion surrounding MWRTA’s allotment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which must be expended by December 31, 2026. Mr. Nee stated MWRTA will utilize all one-time, COVID Era Federal Funds by the 2026 deadline, and it is the agency’s goal going forward to utilize as little federal operating funds post-ARPA funds as possible in order to prioritize capital improvements.

A motion was made by Mr. Burman of Ashland:  to approve the preliminary FY25 budget, as presented.  Second by Ms. Aufranc of Wellesley. The motion carried.

Administrator’s Report:  Mr. Nee reported to the Board on the following items:

• Operating Metrics:  Fixed route ridership is up by an average of 10-20 percent thanks in large part to recent evening and weekend service expansion initiatives. It is anticipated that additional gains in ridership will result from increased frequency of service throughout multiple routes during weekday hours.
• FY25 State Budget Process:  The state budget process is ongoing, MWRTA remains optimistic regarding the Commonwealth’s FY2025 budget development process, and is hopeful that a final version of the budget will be voted on by the legislature by August 1, 2024.
• Boston MPO Board Membership:  The Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Board recently voted unanimously to add a regional transit authority seat to be shared by MWRTA and the Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA). The new shared board seat will become effective this fall. Mr. Nolan acknowledged that the MWRTA has fought very hard for a seat on the Boston MPO Board.
• Transit Transformation Funding:  MWRTA was recently designated for funding through the MPO’s new Transit Transformation Program. $2 million will be utilized for the purchase of three (3) heavy duty vehicles. An additional $2.5 million will support the Blandin Hub Back Entrance/Maintenance Facility Expansion project. These funds will become available to the Authority pending full Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) endorsement in June.
• Operations Contractor:  MWRTA’s fixed route and demand service contractor, Kiessling Transit Inc. (a division of National Express Transit, LLC), will be rebranded as WeDriveU. Mr. Nee stated that National Express is in the process of aligning its North American shuttle and transit services under this WeDriveU branding and marketing scheme.  The demand response drivers have entered into a memorandum of understanding with the newly branded WeDriveU to join its existing labor union. These drivers will join the collective bargaining agreement between the union and the operator with MWRTA fixed route drivers during the next round of negotiations.
• Grants:  MWRTA will soon be submitting grant applications to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) FY2024 5339(b) & (c) grant programs.
• Service Updates:  Mr. Nee provided a list of current pilot programs being undertaken by the MWRTA, noting that the Authority will be launching additional pilots in the near future. Per the Commonwealth’s FY2024 budget guidelines, MWRTA is diligently working to expand service hours and frequency.
• Bus Network Redesign:  MWRTA’s Route Planner, Zach Jones, will lead a multi-year bus network redesign project. There will be numerous opportunities for public engagement and board member involvement during this process throughout both FY25 and FY26.
• Bus Stops:  MWRTA will collaborate with its member municipalities to develop a strategic vision for improving bus stop quantity, location, and quality throughout its system.
• System Map:  MWRTA plans to redesign its system maps to improve clarity for customers.

MWRTA Ad Hoc Fare Committee – Discussion: Mr. Nee recommended the Board form a temporary ad hoc committee to review and propose revisions to MWRTA’s fare structure. The committee would also develop a draft plan which would be followed by pending changes to fare policies and requirements at the state and federal level. The committee would present their ideas and draft policies to the Board for discussion and approval at a future meeting. Board members expressed support in the formation of this ad hoc subcommittee. Mr. Nolan stated that he would draft an email to the Board soliciting volunteers to serve as committee members.

General Counsel Appointment Process – Discussion and Approval:  Mr. Nee stated that the MWRTA board approval is required regarding a recommended change in the upcoming General Counsel appointment process. The current general counsel contract with Mr. Moynihan expires on June 30, 2024. Mr. Nee noted that that in prior years MWRTA issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the selection of counsel, but that MGL c. 30B exempts such an appointment from this statutory procurement process. Following a brief discussion, board members agreed that it is unnecessary for the MWRTA to undertake an RFP process in this case and that Mr. Nee should proceed with direct contract negotiations with Mr. Moynihan to maintain his services. The proposed contract would be presented to board members at the next meeting.

Administrator’s Contract – Discussion and Approval:  Mr. Nolan stated that a subcommittee charged with negotiating the extension of the Administrator’s contract determined that the Board would be required to discuss the status of the contract negotiations.

A motion was made by Mr. Burman of Ashland at 10:53 AM to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the status of contract negotiations with the Administrator, and to reconvene in Open Session following the discussion. Second by Mr. Tusino of Framingham. Upon roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously; Ms. Mullen stated that she was not in a secured place and therefore could not participate in the Executive Session.

The Board resumed Open Session at 11:08 AM. Mr. Moynihan summarized his April 19, 2024 memorandum to the Board containing the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee formed by the Board to negotiate a new contract with the MWRTA Administrator. Mr. Moynihan updated the recommendations as discussed by the Board in Executive Session and highlighted the following major provisions:

• Term: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2028;
• Salary: Increase from $146,016.00 to $154,440 for Term Year 2024 -2025, with 5% increases for each Term Year thereafter;
• Personal Leave: Provide two days per Term Year;
• Auto Allowance: Increase from $6,500.00 to $7,500.00;
• Performance Evaluation: Revision to procedure.

A motion was made by Mr. Eagan of Marlborough:  To approve the Administrator’s revised contract as presented. Second by Ms. Aufranc of Wellesley. The motion carried   

Board Member Comments:  No board member comments were provided.

Scheduling of Next Meeting:  Mr. Nee stated that the next meeting will take place prior to the end of the fiscal year, for the purpose of finalizing the MWRTA’s Preliminary FY25 Budget.

Adjourn:  The meeting adjourned at 11:16 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 22, 2024.

________________________________

Debra Galloway, Clerk

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