CENTRE
AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
REGULAR
BOARD MEETING
MINUTES
June
22, 2009
4:00
PM
STATE
COLLEGE BOROUGH BUILDING
Room
241, 243 S. Allen Street, State College, PA
BOARD MEMEBERS PRESENT: John Spychalski, Chairman
Joseph L. Davidson, Vice Chairman
Richard Kipp, Treasurer
Gary Powers
Kathryn Bittner
STAFF PRESENT: Hugh Mose,
General Manager
Judi Minor, Director of Administration
Mark
Kutzer, Director of Maintenance
Eric
Bernier, Service Planning Manager
Jackie Sheader, Marketing Manager
Marsha Kyper, Assistant to the General Manager
Chairman Spychalski called the
meeting to order at 4:05 pm.
There
were no public comments.
Chairman Spychalski made note of
three additions to the agenda under New Business:
Item C. Resolution for Execution
of DOTGrant Agreements
Item D. Exchange of Buses with
IndiGO (Indiana, PA)
Item E. Underground Diesel Tank
Issues
A.
Approval of June 1, 2009 Regular
Board Meeting Minutes
Chairman Spychalski entertained a
motion to approve the June 1, 2009 regular Board Meeting Minutes with the
following corrections to typographical errors: Old Business, Section B, second
page, second paragraph, second to the last line, change seat to seats; Section
C, Policy Adoption, first paragraph, delete
the after that in the fourth line; third paragraph change Judy to Judi; fourth paragraph, last sentence Joe not Richard inquired. New Business, Section A, first paragraph, change
Plane to Plan; change none to non-represented.
Richard Kipp moved to approve the
minutes with the corrections noted and Gary Powers seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
Note that Joe
Davidson joined the meeting at 4:12 pm.
B.
Receipt of the May 2009 Financial
Report
Judi Minor commented that federal
operating assistance may come in lower than budgeted and everything else is
unremarkable. Chairman Spychalski
commented that Revenue Vehicle Maintenance is 43% over budget which is to be
expected with an older fleet of buses.
Judi responded that the figure will go even higher. Chairman Spychalski noted the need for a
minor correction on the balance sheet; line three temporty should be temporary. Hugh Mose commented that CENTRE RIDE paratransit
is down slightly, individual One Pass sales are up 35 percent, Ride-for-Five
numbers have not fallen off, and token sales declined for the month but are up 34percent
overall. CENTRE LINE showed a decline
for the first month in a long time, which is due to having seven Full Service days
compared to six last year. Hugh then referred
everyone to Greg Kausch’s Red-Green Report for details.
Chairman Spychalski entertained a
motion to receive the May 2009 Finance Report with the correction noted. Kathryn Bittner moved and Richard Kipp seconded. With no further discussion, the motion
carried unanimously.
C.
Summer Meeting Schedule
Hugh Mose noted that although the
Board typically does not meet during one of the summer months, and that it was
confirmed at the June 1 meeting that the Board would need to meet in July, he
was not ready to recommend cancelling the August meeting. Hugh stated that the August meeting may be
necessary due to procurements and other activities, and that by the July 27
meeting there will be a recommendation for Board consideration.
A.
Rebranding Project – Bus Design
Recommendation
Jackie Sheader provided a recap on
the progression of the Rebranding Project from its introduction to the Board six
months ago until the present. Jackie
referred the Board to the memo in their packets from the Rebranding Committee
that included photocopies of mock ups for the final bus color scheme
recommendation, as well as photocopies of the top three designs from which the
final recommendation evolved. Jackie
reminded the Board that it would be necessary for a decision to be made tonight
if the color scheme recommendation is to be in use by the start of Full Service
on August 22.
Hugh Mose commented that Jackie
Sheader, Gary Powers and a South Hills student tried hard to provide 3-D images
of the recommended color scheme for the Board to see, but that did not work
out. Chairman Spychalski made a
historical observation that Richard Kipp’s wife Phyllis, helped to develop the current
color scheme. Jackie Sheader went on to
explain how the Rebranding Committee came up with its final recommendation,
including the fact that committee members did not like the consultant’s designs
better than the current color scheme.
Richard Kipp commented that our
buses have a lot of window and CNG tank area, which dictates color scheme
options, and that the committee’s recommendation represents the best solution given
all the parameters that needed to be considered. Chairman Spychalski asked whether it was
necessary to include the 100% Clean
Compressed Natural Gas versus simply Clean
Natural Gas. He also inquired whether
there would be a change in the shade of orange or whether the color on the
photocopies was due to the computer printer’s lack of ability to duplicate our
current color scheme. Jackie Sheader
responded that we could delete the 100%
Clean Compressed portion of the wording, which was added in response to the
Committee’s desire to have the wording appear more prominently on the gas tanks. She further responded that the printer could
not duplicate our current shade of orange on the photocopies, and that the
current CATA orange will continue to be used.
Richard Kipp commented that other
systems whose color schemes are very dramatic use window wraps, but that the
Committee decided the windows were off limits due to maintenance concerns. Chairman Spychalski asked Mark Kutzer
whether the final design being recommended is the most functional. Mark responded that it was, because wraps are
very difficult to remove, and that the gradation in color shown on one of the
three final designs would be challenging to replicate from bus to bus and have
it look the same.
Jackie Sheader commented that the
final design recommendation took into account the cost of maintenance. Kathryn Bittner inquired whether a gradation
in color might be easier to repair than anticipated because most damage would
occur below where it was shown on the photocopy mock-up. Mark Kutzer responded that damage does occur
where the gradation is shown, and that it would be difficult to match repaired
areas with the existing paint. Jackie
added that the design with the color gradation was by far the most popular with
Committee members, but that the vinyl wrap required for this scheme would need
to be ordered at different times over the years, and therefore color tones
would vary.
CATA Board members and staff
discussed the details of the proposed paint scheme.
Hugh Mose stated that the next
step would be to paint one of our new LYNX buses with the recommended color
scheme, and attempt to incorporate some of Joe Davidson’s ideas that wouldn’t
impact the rub rail. Mark Kutzer
responded that the LYNX buses did not have a rub rail. Jackie Sheader responded that we would be
mixing bold and non-bold type styles, and that she prefers one or the other on
all the lettering. Joe Davidson
responded that he is okay with larger letters that are either bold or not
bold. Chairman Spychalski commented that
there would be a trade off if all of the white space were filled up with
lettering and the logo. Jackie responded
that there could be an issue with making the lettering larger because the logo
is already larger.
Chairman Spychalski entertained a
motion to accept the Rebranding Committee’s final bus paint color scheme recommendation,
with Jackie Sheader working to incorporate some of Joe Davidson’s suggestions
for larger and bolder lettering. Jackie
Sheader noted that a CATA LYNX bus would be painted with the final bus scheme
and available outside for the Board to see at the July meeting. Joe Davidson inquired whether the options
could be shown on the LYNX bus due to the lack of rub rail. Mark Kutzer responded that a stripe could be
painted on to mimic a rub rail. Kathryn
Bittner asked if we could use the design as presented, and adjust it for each
bus type. Mark responded that, due to
the cost involved, it would be best if any stencils and decals ordered were the
same and not modified for different bus types.
Richard Kipp asked whether the
Committee had considered solid orange from the top down to the bottom of the
windows with no gradation, and whether there was a practical reason not to try
that option. Chairman Spychalski
responded that the timetable for having the buses painted by Full Service on
August 22 was a big factor. Hugh Mose
passed around a colored in sketch of that option. Chairman Spychalski responded
that he thought that it made the buses look top heavy and Judi Minor commented
that it did not look good. Others agreed
that the idea of trying a solid orange top to the bottom of the windows should
not be pursued.
Chairman Spychalski repeated the
call for a motion to accept the Rebranding Committee’s
bus paint color scheme recommendation,
with Jackie Sheader working to incorporate some of Joe Davidson’s suggestions
for larger and bolder lettering. Joe
Davidson moved and Gary Powers seconded.
With no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
B.
Extension of the Current CENTRE
RIDE Contract with Handy Delivery, Inc.
Hugh Mose commented that the
current CENTRE RIDE contract with Handy Delivery, Inc. expires at the end of
June. The development of an RFP (Request
for Proposal) has been slowed by Sherry Snyder’s limited work schedule and Joe
Gilbert’s absence. Therefore, an
extension of the current contract would allow more time to refine the RFP, and
for Handy Delivery and other interested vendors to respond, as well as time to
thoroughly review all competitive proposals and enable a new vendor, if one
were chosen, to mobilize and effect a smooth transition. Judi Minor commented that when Handy Delivery
was asked for new rates, the owner had proposed a 5% increase, which had been
accepted. Judi also noted that the owner
had mentioned adding a 50% surcharge for Stormstown trips, which was not
approved.
Chairman Spychalski called for a
motion to extend the current contract with Handy Delivery through December 31,
2009 at the rates of $10.15/$15.70 per ambulatory/non-ambulatory trip.
Kathryn Bittner moved and Gary
Powers seconded. With no further
discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
C.
Resolution for Execution of
DOTGrant Agreements.
Judi Minor noted that there has
been a change from the old system, with many agreements now being done online
and consequently that a new Resolution is needed to authorize the General
Manager to execute grants. Joe Davidson
inquired whether payments on grants have been regular. Judi responded that those online are received
a little faster than those not online.
Chairman Spychalski called for a
motion to authorize the resolution for Execution of DOTGrant Agreements. Gary Powers moved and Joe Davidson
seconded. The motion
carried unanimously.
D.
Exchange of Buses with IndiGO
(Indiana, PA).
Hugh Mose apologized for the
lateness of several additions to the agenda and stated that there had been a
new development in the exchange of two 35’ LYNX buses for two IndiGO’s (Indiana,
PA) 40’ buses. Hugh then asked Mark
Kutzer to provide background information on the exchange. Mark explained that IndiGO’s Director of
Transit Operations, John Kanyan, had visited CATA to look at our 35’ buses, but
did not seem optimistic about the possibility of IndiGO’s Board agreeing to the
exchange, because they had just had their buses refurbished. He further commented that the motivation for
the exchange is based on the fact that Indiana doesn’t really need 40’ buses and
CATA has a few too many 35’ buses. Mark
went on to report that he visited IndiGO to see the buses and followed up with a
letter to John Kanyan, a copy of which was provided at tonight’s meeting, offering
that in exchange for two 35’ IndiGO buses CATA would paint the two 35’ buses,
pick up the 40’ IndiGO buses, swap various items to the 35’ buses and deliver
them to IndiGO.
Hugh Mose mentioned that the
Indiana buses started out at BARTA (Berks Area Reading Transportation
Authority) and that their mileage is comparable to our new LYNX buses, which is
roughly 180,000 miles. Mark Kutzer
stated that one of the 40’ IndiGO buses involved in the exchange had blown an engine
which was replaced, and that bus has never been run since. Gary Powers inquired whether the tires would
match. Mark responded that the tires
would be swapped.
Richard Kipp commented that it is
a sensible plan and Hugh Mose agreed.
Joe Davidson inquired about whether there were more 40’ CNG buses in Reading. Mark Kutzer responded that there were not.
Gary Powers inquired whether the engines are the same as what CATA mechanics
are used to working on. Mark responded
that they are the same. Richard Kipp
inquired whether the interiors were in good condition. Mark responded that the interiors and
exteriors are in good shape.
Joe Davidson inquired about the
man hours required to paint two buses.
Mark Kutzer responded that it would take 40 – 50 hours per bus, and that
it would be easier to paint our LYNX buses to Indiana’s colors which are darker
than to paint their buses to CATA colors, which are lighter. Joe further inquired about whether the buses
would be transported over the road. Mark
responded that they would be, after appropriate title and notary work was
completed. Joe inquired whether the CNG
tanks had the capacity to get the buses to Indiana without a refill. Mark responded that they do. Hugh Mose added that the buses were driven to
Indiana, PA from Reading, which is a longer trip. Judi Minor stated that the exchange could not
occur until the FTA gave its approval, because the CATA LYNX buses have one year
left on the grant, but that she did not anticipate any problems.
Richard Kipp inquired whether the
GPS (Global Positioning System) would need to be removed from the 35’ LYNX
buses and reinstalled in the 35’ IndiGO buses.
Mark Kutzer responded that the GPS system had not been installed in two
of the LYNX buses in anticipation of the possible bus exchange.
Chairman Spychalski called for a
motion to authorize staff to move forward with the exchange of two 35’ CATA
buses for two 40’ IndiGo (Indiana, PA) buses.
Joe Davidson moved and Gary Powers seconded. With no further discussion, the motion
carried unanimously.
E.
Underground Diesel Oil Tank
Issue.
Hugh Mose stated that this agenda
item was for information only, and that no Board action was required. He went on to inform the board that CATA has
two underground diesel fuel tanks which are periodically tested as required by
the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection), and that one tank did not
pass testing in May. He stated that the
tank does not have a leak, but its corrosion protection is no longer
functioning adequately. He further
stated that DEP requires that the situation be addressed or fines will be
levied.
Gary Powers inquired whether the
issue was corrosion. Mark Kutzer
responded that the test failure involved the sacrificial anode on the side of
the tank. He went on to list the
options for dealing with the failed tank, which were provided by DEP staff
during an on-site visit: 1) Abandon the
tank in-ground, which is the least expensive option. (Abandonment requires that core samples be
taken from around and under the tank after which, if no leaks are detected, the
tank is filled with sand and left in the ground.) 2) Dig up and remove the tank.
3) Repair the tank, which could still develop a leak.
Gary Powers inquired whether
abandonment resulted in the loss of a location for new tanks. Hugh Mose responded that our use of diesel is
so limited that it is likely we would not utilize underground storage tanks,
but could either make a deal with Ferguson Township or the UniMart for off-site
fueling or install an on-site above ground tank. Mark Kutzer stated that if we replace the underground
tanks, removal of the canopy and footer will be issues and the piping to the
dispenser would need to be upgraded. Hugh
went on to state that a decision will need to be made soon in order to begin
the RFP (Request for Proposals) for the project.
Judi Minor inquired whether the
off-site fuel sources provide the same grade fuel as we store on-site. No one had an answer to that question. Joe Davidson stated that he preferred custody
of our own fuel products and indicated his support of the “abandon and replace”
option. Gary Powers inquired whether CATA
had capital funds for the project. Judi
responded that we have $30,000 for the dispenser and piping. Hugh Mose added that the estimate for
abandonment was $15,000, and to install a new tank, including site preparation,
would cost approximately $25,000.
Kathryn Bittner commented that it
could end up costing less to remove the tanks now rather than abandoning them
in place, because as DEP regulations change we might end up being required to remove
them at a later date anyway. Joe
Davidson inquired whether we have a cost estimate on removal. Mark Kutzer responded that we do not, but
perhaps we should get one. Joe inquired
whether Ferguson Township zoning regulations have been considered regarding
above ground tanks. Mark responded that
Ferguson Township’s own tanks are above ground.
Richard Kipp inquired about the
schedule for mitigation set by the DEP.
Mark Kutzer responded that we have 60 days, or until mid-August. Joe inquired whether that is sixty days to
develop a plan or to have one implemented.
Mark responded that as long as we are making progress on a plan of
action, the DEP will be satisfied.
Chairman Spychalski inquired if
it was the consensus of the Board to have the tanks removed. Hugh Mose suggested that we look at total
removal, which may be complicated by the canopy and footer. Kathryn Bittner agreed to provide the names
of firms for Mark Kutzer to contact regarding removal. Joe Davidson inquired if it is the consensus
of the Board that we keep our diesel supply on-site. Gary Powers commented that we need to move
forward to avoid a fine.
Judi Minor inquired as to why we
were considering an RFP versus seeking bids for removal. Hugh Mose responded that we would seek bids
if that makes more sense. Hugh went on
to state that staff will contact firms regarding tank removal and further
information will be provided to the Board.
OTHER BUSINESS
A.
General Manager’s Report
Jackie Sheader reported that Dump
the Pump Day brought many visitors to the Downtown Office outdoor display,
which had included food and giveaways, and that there was a definite increase
in ridership, but no figures were available due to issues with capturing
data.
Hugh Mose reported that James
Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee released
his proposal for the next surface transportation authorization bill, and it is very
different from what is currently in place.
The new proposal eliminates the Bus and Bus Facility Program, which is the
account from which we have received earmarks. The proposal also eliminates the Small Transit
Intensive Cities (STIC) program, which would be replaced with a new approach to
formula funding utilizing miles, hours and passengers.
Hugh went on to report that ten
new Drivers and a third shift Mechanic had started employment at CATA
today. Joe Davidson inquired whether the
new Mechanic came from Cleveland Brothers and John Spychalski inquired whether he
would provide night shift coverage. Mark
Kutzer responded that he was working with the Union to develop a four day, ten
hour shift to cover Friday through Monday to help with the backlog of vehicle maintenance
issues that build up over the weekend.
Hugh Mose stated that the first
Assistant General Manager interview had been held last week, there was another
candidate in town today, and a third candidate would be interviewed on
Friday. The plan is to bring one or perhaps
two of the candidates back to meet the Board, after which a final candidate
would be selected.
Hugh Mose reported that the bus
refurbishment RFP (Request for Proposals) appeared in Passenger Transport today.
Money from the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) stimulus
appropriation will be used for this project.
We will hold our own Bus Roadeo on Sunday morning, July 26 at the PTI Test
Track near the airport. Our three top
scorers will go on to compete in the Statewide Roadeo in Westmoreland County in
August.
Hugh Mose went on to report that
Jackie Sheader is working on CATA promotions with the Spikes Baseball Club
which will include staff hosting an informational table at five home Tuesday
games and the All Star game. Terri Quici
is working on the annual CENTRE COMMUTE celebration at the August 2 Spikes game. Joe Davidson commented that he had attended a
Spikes game and noticed the CATA advertisement in the program.
B.
Service Development Report
Because Eric Bernier had to leave
the meeting early, Chairman Spychalski referred Board members to the copy of
the Service Development Report in their packets.
V.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Spychalski called for a
motion to adjourn the meeting. Gary
Powers moved to adjourn the meeting and Kathryn Bittner seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 5:28 PM.
VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Spychalski stated that an Executive Session would not be necessary.