January 27, 2021 Remote Board Meeting Minutes

Jan 28, 2021 | HTMMTS Boards, HTMMTS Meeting Minutes

Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System (HTMMTS) Regular Board Meeting Minutes

JANUARY 27, 2021 VIA ZOOM

Meeting Called to Order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:30 p.m.

Roll Call

Present: Craig Bessinger (Ferrysburg, MI), Bob Monetza (Grand Haven, MI), Joanne Marcetti (Grand Haven, MI), Bill Cargo (Grand Haven, MI), Pat McGinnis (Grand Haven, MI), Cathy Pavick (Spring Lake, MI), Gordon Gallagher (Spring Lake, MI), Joel Tepaste (Inglewood, FL), Chris Burns (Spring Lake, MI), Mike DeWitt (Ferrysburg, MI), Pete Lamourie (Bradenton FL)

Absent: None

Also Present: Scott Borg, Harbor Transit Director, Andrea Dumbrell, Grand Haven Township Human Resources Manager, Dana Appel, Senior Accountant and Compliance Manager

Approval of the November 18, 2020 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes

Motion by Mike, second by Pete, to accept the minutes from the Meeting held November 18, 2020.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Additions/Corrections to the Agenda

Scott asked to add the following item to today’s agenda: Item 9M Harbor Transit Fare Policy.

Motion by Pat, second by Joanne, to approve the agenda as amended.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of the Harbor Transit’s Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget
No comments on Facebook Live feed or via telephone.
Close Public Hearing at 4:36 p.m.

General Business / Call to Audience: No comments.

New Business:
Discussion/Action of Final FY Budget 2021-2022.
Scott Borg did a review of revenues proposed in the 2021/2022 budget. From federal, state, fare and local sources. Scott conducted a similar review of the expense side of the budget.
Budget includes a 1.4% increase in wages. Recommendation is to approve the budget as presented.
Gordon asked if the ridership and fares have an impact on state or federal revenues. Scott will get an answer and advise the Board accordingly.
Bob asked about unfunded accrued liabilities and whether it is covered in the budget. Scott acknowledged that it was not yet finally resolved, that there were discussions ongoing with others and that a budget amendment would be offered later to cover these obligations.

Motion by Joanne to approve the budget as presented, second by Cathy.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action of 2021/2022 Fee Schedule

Scott presented a proposal to increase same day, trolley and beach express rates to $2.50 per ride (from $1.50). We have not yet finalized the touchless payment systems and do not know when we will have the new system in pace. In the meantime, Harbor is not charging any fee for ridership. Board discussion followed about the merits of a fee increase. There was consensus that we could consider this rate increase and make an informed decision following the proposed public hearing.

Motion by Bill to set a public hearing to consider transit ridership and advertising rate increases as proposed for March 24, 2021, second by Bob.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action of 2021/2022 Uniform Millage Rate Determination

Staff proposal is set at .6 mills for the coming year.

Motion by Bill, second by Joel, to submit a request of .6 mills to each of the five governing units.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action of 2021/2022 FY Resolution of Intent

This is an annual process that is required by MDOT to secure $3,881,303 in public funding for the agency.

Motion by Bill Cargo to approve the Resolution of intent, second by Chris.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action of the 2021-2022 Contract Clauses Certification

Annual approval of required, standard language in regard to our contracts with the State and Federal Governments.

Motion by Bill Cargo to approve the contract clauses certification as presented, second by Gordon

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action of Calendar Year 2021 Resolution to Adopt the Annual Exemption Option

PA 152 of 2011 requires us to either fall under a capped cost or pass an annual resolution exempting the agency form paying lower rates or requiring higher employee contributions. Tonight’s recommended action allows us to comply with the exemption request requirement.

Motion by Pat to approve the exemption from PA 152 or 2011, second by Joel.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action of Accounts Payable and the Financial Statements

Motion by Pat to accept financial statements as submitted, second by Joanne.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action on the Harbor Transit Professional Conduct and Anti- Harassment Policy

Motion by Bill to approve Professional Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy, second by Joel.

Joanne suggested an amendment to include a statement regarding the toxic political environment. That amendment dies for lack of a second.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action on Harbor Transit Growth and Expansion Facility Update

The building committee discussed possible locations for new facility on January 13, 2021. The Progressive AE recommendation is that the existing site is not suitable for long-term growth.

Bob explained that the committee was seeking board approval of continuing with the process to seek further study and real estate guidance.

Motion by Bill to approve the direction proposed to move forward with an RFP for additional study, real estate advice and development of a site plan, second by Mike.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Approval of the Harbor Transit FOIA Policy

Motion by Bill to approve the FOIA policy as proposed, second by Gordon.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Old Business – 18 Month Comprehensive Wage Study

Scott reported that he was working on selecting a consultant to conduct a wage study.

Added Item: Harbor Transit Fare Policy

Scott presented this policy and noted it is currently in effect. It is an outline of how fare decisions are made by the agency.

Motion by Pat, second by Bill, to adopt the fare policy as presented.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Transportation Director’s Report – Scott Borg

Not charging for fares since onset of Covid. Are continuing full measures of protective face coverings and social distancing.
Looking at expanded fixed route trolley – both geographic and hours of operation – in 2021.

School service expected to begin in the fall of 2021.

Board Members Comments:

Joanne Marcetti – if public meeting is held in person, Joanne will not be able to attend.

Next regularly scheduled Electronic Remote Board Meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2021 at 4:30 pm.

Meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m.

November 18, 2020 Board Meeting Minutes

Dec 15, 2020 | HTMMTS Boards, HTMMTS Meeting Minutes

NOVEMBER 18, 2020 VIA ZOOM

Meeting Called to Order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:30 p.m.

ROLL CALL
Present: Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt, Pete Lamourie (arrived at 5:30 p.m.)
Absent: None
Also Present: Scott Borg, Harbor Transit Director, Andrea Dumbrell, Grand Haven Township Human Resources Manager, Dana Appel, Senior Accountant and Compliance Manager, Amy Bessinger, City of Grand Haven Finance Director, Mike Dora, City of Grand Haven Council Member, Zac VanOsdol, City of Grand Haven Human Resources Manager

Approval of the September 23, 2020 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
Motion by Mike, second by Bob, to accept the minutes from the Meeting held September 23, 2020.
Yes: Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt
Motion carries

Additions/Corrections to Agenda
None

Approval of Regular Agenda
Moved by Mike, second by Chris, to approve the agenda for the Regular Meeting of the Harbor Transit Multi Modal Transportation System Board for Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Motion carries.
Yes: Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Mike DeWitt, Chris Burns
Motion carries

General Business Call to the Audience
None

Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System (HTMMTS) Adoption of Electronic Meeting Procedures during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Motion by Gordon, second by Chris, to approve Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System (HTMMTS) Electronic Meeting Procedures.
Yes: Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Mike DeWitt, Chris Burns
Motion carries

Discussion on Estimated Budget FYE 2021/2022.
Scott explained that he was providing updated information to more accurately reflect activity.
Motion to approve MERS Defined Contribution Plan Adoption Agreement Addendum.
Moved by Mike, second by Gordon to approve MERS Defined Defined Contribution Plan Adoption Agreement Addendum
Yes: Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Mike DeWitt, Chris Burns
Motion carries

Motion to Approve Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) per FTA Requirements.
Motion by Gordon, second by Joanne, to approve the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan per FTA requirements.
Yes: Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Mike DeWitt, Chris Burns
Motion carries

Motion to Approve Public Transportation Grant Request for a Touchless Fare System.
Motion by Mike to approve the Public Transportation Grant Request for a touchless fare system, second by Chris.
Joanne expressed concern that those without needed technology could be overlooked. Scott replied that he had competent staff and others who would make sure we covered all populations and no one is left behind.
Yes: Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Mike DeWitt, Chris Burns
Motion carries

Discussion/Action to receive and File the Bills from the Payable Warrant, and to Receive and File the GL Distribution Report.
Motion by Chris to receive and file the bills from the payable warrant and to receive and file the General Ledger Distribution Report, second by Mike.
Yes: Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Mike DeWitt, Chris Burns
Motion carries

Discussion/Action to Receive and File the Harbor Transit Financial Reports for Period ending for period ending October 31, 2020.

Motion by Mike, second by Chris, to receive and file the Financial Reports for the period ending October 31, 2020.
Yes: Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Mike DeWitt, Chris Burns
Motion carries

Discussion/Action on issue of City of Grand Haven/HTMMTS responsibility for Retirement and Health Care Expenses after July 1, 2020.
Bill, Craig and Pat had met twice since the June meeting to discuss outstanding issues and had not come up with a recommendation to be shared with the Board. The matter is returned to the agenda tonight to discuss responsibilities and hopefully resolve any disagreements.
Following extensive discussion, Board members collectively acknowledged that there was considerable disagreement on the Board over this issue and that the professional managers should be able to forge some sort of compromise.
Motion by Joanne to have five managers connect with our Director and Ron Bultje who serves as attorney for four of our members and come up with a proposed solution that is fair and equitable to everybody. Second by Mike.
Yes: Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Mike DeWitt, Chris Burns, Pete Lamourie
Motion carries

Transportation Director Comments
I am pleased to announce that we have placed our two recent New Hires:
Our Customer Care Supervisor Corey Davis who comes to us from Muskegon Area Transit and has a vast amount of experience in Public Transportation.
Our Operations Director Stephanie Tilford who has an extensive background in Logistics and Public Transportation. I am excited to have this Team take Harbor Transit into the future.
In reference to the next Board Meeting scheduled for January 27, 2021 I have the time listed as 4:30 PM. If we are meeting in person the time should be 5:30 PM. If it is a Zoom meeting it will be listed as 4:30 PM unless there is any objection from the Board Members.

Board Members Comments
Joanne Marcetti wished everyone a safe and healthy holiday season.
Gordon thanked Scott for keeping the Board informed of Harbor Transit activities.
Bob would like to get the building committee back together, Scott will reach out to he and Cathy to get something on the calendar.

Next regularly scheduled Electronic Remote Board Meeting (or at Grand Haven Township Hall) is scheduled for January 27, 2021 at 4:30 pm.

Meeting adjourned at 5:56 p.m.