CENTRE AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
REGULAR BOARD MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
March 28, 2005
4:00 PM
STATE COLLEGE BOROUGH BUILDING
Room 241, 243 S. Allen Street
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BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
John Spychalski, Chairman
Joe Davidson, Vice-Chairman
Richard Kipp, Treasurer
Gary Powers
Kathryn Bittner

STAFF PRESENT:
Hugh Mose, General Manager
Judith Minor, Director of Administration
Eric Bernier, Service Development Manager
Jacqueline Sheader, Marketing Manager
Terri Quici, Executive Assistant
Joe Gilbert, Director of Transportation

OTHERS PRESENT:
Tim Geibel, CRPA, Transportation Planner
Craig Humphrey, State College Borough Liaison

I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Spychalski called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.

II PUBLIC COMMENT
None

III. OLD BUSINESS

A. Approval of Minutes of March 2, 2005 Public Hearing and Board Meeting
Chairman Spychalski entertained a motion to approve the minutes. Richard Kipp moved to approve the minutes of the March 2, 2005 Public Hearing and Board Meeting as presented. Gary Powers seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

B. Approval of Minutes of March 9, 2005 Board Work Session
Chairman Spychalski entertained a motion to approve the minutes. Joe Davidson moved to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2005 Board Work Session as presented. Richard Kipp seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

C. Approval of February 2005 Finance Reports
Chairman Spychalski entertained a motion to accept the February 2005 Finance Reports. Gary Powers moved to accept the February 2005 Finance Reports as presented. Kathryn Bittner seconded.

Hugh Mose asked Judi Minor to explain why the investment earnings are at 95% of budget already. Ms. Minor indicated that we received an increased interest rate with Citizens Bank and a special 6-month introductory rate that was very good. Chairman Spychalski asked Ms. Minor about the fuel outlook; she indicated that although she had had to purchase April gas at a rate higher than expected, prices have been declining, and she expects that final year-end totals to be close to her projections. Hugh Mose commented on the Ridership report and how patronage continues to increase on campus while it declines an equivalent amount on Centre Line.

With no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously.

IV. NEW BUSINESS

A. FY 2005/2006 DRAFT Budget
Judi Minor reported that few changes were made to the DRAFT Budget since the Work Session, noting that some are calculation errors and some are changes as a result of receiving the state operating assistance funding information. Hugh Mose explained the application procedure for new state funding; Judi and her staff had to complete a detailed questionnaire which calculated the amount of funds that would be required to retain current services. The questionnaire was completed with the assumption that we would maintain a carryover for FY 2006-2007 equal to 3% of our operating budget. Mr. Mose also noted changes to the benefits line.

Mr. Mose next discussed the FY 2005/2006 Capital Improvement Program. He reviewed projects, including vehicles, facilities, technology, and equipment, that are expected to be addressed in the coming year.

It was moved, seconded and passed to adopt the FY 2005/2006 DRAFT Budget.

B. April Board Meeting Date Reschedule
Mr. Mose stated that due to the PPTA Annual Conference in Hershey on April 25-27, staff members will not be available to attend the Board Meeting scheduled for April 25. Joe Davidson moved to reschedule the April 25 Board Meeting to April 28. Gary Powers seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

V. OTHER BUSINESS

A. General Manager’s Report
Mr. Mose stated that Bob Martin, CATA’s attorney, would be joining the Board during the Executive Session. Mr. Mose also reported that Pete Gettig, Operations Supervisor, is on Medical Leave. Mr. Mose will be meeting with Bob Jacobs of the Centre County Planning Office to discuss long-term plans to coordinate services between County Transportation Office and CATA. Hugh Mose and Jackie Sheader will meet next week with Teresa Sparacino and Dave Wells regarding the Park ‘n Ride program. Mr. Mose reported that CATA provided a bus for evacuation in the Beaver Canyon area due to a gas leak. Mr. Mose stated that Eric Bernier is working on a photo ID card for employees of each municipality and Emergency Management employees. Mr. Mose also reported that he had a lunch meeting with Joe Banks as follow-up to his Public Hearing testimony concerning vehicle options that CATA should consider.

B. Service Development Report
Mr. Bernier gave a brief recap of his written report included in the Board packet. Of particular note, Mr. Bernier discussed the requested bus stop at the new County Jail in Benner Township, apartment pass negotiations and interior bus advertising.

VI. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to discuss, Chairman Spychalski adjourned the meeting at 4:45 PM.

VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board recessed to Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.