Minutes - Port Authority of Allegheny County

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2011
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Port Authority of Allegheny County was held on Friday, February
25, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at the Authority’s Administration Offices, 345 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, 15222-2527, pursuant to due public notice given as required by law.
Board Members:
John A. Brooks, Chairman
Guy A. Mattola
Jeff Letwin
Joan Ellenbogen
Richard Taylor
Mavis Rainey
Eddie Edwards (via phone)
Dr. Charles Martoni (via phone)
Joel L. Lennen, General Counsel
Media:
Lauren Daley, City Paper
Walt Golden, KQV
Jim Lokay, KDKA-TV
Tom Fontaine, Tribune Review
Kathy Driscoll, WTAE-TV
Len Barcoushy, Post-Gazette
Jeff Roupe, KDKA-TV
Port Authority Staff:
Stephen Bland, chief executive officer, Ellen McLean, chief financial officer, Tawnya Moore-McGee,
assistant general management Human Resources, Winston Simmonds, Rail Operations/ engineering
officer, Bill Miller, Bus Operations officer, Wendy Stern, assistant general manager Planning and
Development, Mike Cetra, Legal counsel, Tony Trona, director Purchasing and Materials
Management, Judi McNeil, communications officer, Jim Ritchie, director Public Relations, Tom Noll,
director Technical Support & Capital Programs, Dan DeBone, director Government & Civic Affairs, Ed
Typanski, director Grants and Capital Programs, Heather Pharo, Public Relations representative,
Dottie Buchanan, supervisor Customer, Kim Henderson, Legal secretary, Denise Henderson, director
Bus Operations, Charles Reeves, assistant manager Bus Operations, Chris Visconti, associate
service planning, Cathy Haddock, schedule maker A, Fred Mergner, assistant manager Scheduling,
Darrell Baldwin, schedule maker A, Julie Leistner, administrative assistant, Margaret Smith,
administrative assistant, Diane Williamson, executive assistant
Others:
Jonathan Robison, ACTC, Patty Houck, Speaker, Mark Pifher, County Council, Jeff DiPerna, ATU
Local 85, Patrick McMahon, ATU Local 85, Joe Catanese, County Council, Steve Palonis, ATU Local
85, Annette Kroll, Joe DeFiore, Tom Conroy, ATU, Local 85, Mike Lutules, Allegheny County, Randy
Shaffer, ATU, Local 85, Robbie Gouch, ATU, Local 85, Ronald Zawacki, ATU, Local 85, Tom Witner,
Darrin Kelly, Pittsburgh Firefighters, Jack Shea, ACLC AFL-CIO, Tim Bell, ATU, Local 85, Joe
Kleppick, Joe King Pittsburgh Firefighters, Don Swickline, Pittsburgh Firefighters, Jeff Rager, ATU,
Local 85, James Love, ACTC, Jon Smith, ACTC, Ken Zapinski, Allegheny Conference, Donna
Kaminski, ATU, Local 85, Greg Turzak, ATU, Local 85, Jim Lewis, UWUA, Joe Hill, IW3, Jim Bonner,
ATU, Local 85, Frank Kalsek, Rider, Jim Haney, ATU, Local 85, Charles Farkas, ATU, Local 85, Jim
Panik, ATU, Local 85, Mike Ranick, ATU, Local 85, Mike Long, ATU, Local 85, Ray Fleishauser, ATU,
Local 85
The Chairman called the meeting to order and recommendation was made for approval of the
minutes of the January 28, 2011 Regular Board Meeting. The motion was moved, seconded and
passed.

The Chairman announced that we will be opening with public comment and reminded the speakers
that they have a maximum of three minutes and will be timed.
The Chairman called on Ms. Patricia Houck. Ms. Houck is a regular Port Authority rider on the 50
Spencer Route. She explained that on September 5, Route 50 was merged from 51B and 51D.
These were two routes that had full service throughout the week and on weekends. At that time, 90
percent of the service was cut when the routes were merged. Right now, the riders only have nine
trips inbound and nine trips outbound on weekdays, 6:00 to 9:00 in the morning and 3:00 to 6:00 in
the afternoon. This service is used by Baldwin, Brentwood and Carrick residents who work downtown
or go to school in Oakland by transferring on the South Side.
Ms. Houck explained that the communications she received from Port Authority recently stated that
some customers will be able to take alternative routes that travel on Brownsville Road. Ms. Houck
referred to a map that showed the number of people in this community that are stranded [making
people walk over two miles to the bus]. In conclusion, she urged Port Authority not to strand this
community. She feels that Port Authority is not connecting people to life, but disconnecting people to
life.
The Chairman called on Mr. Jonathan Robison, President of Allegheny County Transit Council. Mr.
Robison reported that the critical issue for public transportation is can we get adequate funding to
keep our transit system running. On that issue, we are all on the same side. Mr. Robison reported
that he just came from a fine rally against cuts. Some harsh words were spoken, but we ultimately
need to work together on this. Allegheny County Transit Council voted to recommend against the 15
percent cut and against stretching out the Governor’s funding for the next year and almost a half on
the theory that the legislature and the new Governor aren’t going to do anything by June.
Mr. Robison concluded his report by saying that we have to stand together, both labor and
management, on the transit funding fight.
The Chairman called on Mr. Patrick McMahon, president and business agent ATU, Local 85. Mr.
McMahon introduced himself and stated that he represents the drivers [and the maintenance]
employees who safely drive 200,000 people to their jobs every day. He announced that he is not
here today to plead with this Board any longer because they simply are not listening to the public or
representatives of the union.
Mr. McMahon stated that he, along with his general counsel, was scheduled to meet with the Board of
Directors today to present a fiscally, viable alternative plan to the drastic, painful and unnecessary
cuts that the Board is about to implement on March 27. Unfortunately, the Board denied them and
thousands of people that are going to suffer the burden of their actions and the opportunity to be
heard by canceling the meeting.
He continued saying that in our campaign to stop these cuts, we have made every effort to make the
voice of the affected transit riders heard including publicly providing contact information for Mr. Bland,
an elected official and every Board member so their voices could be heard. He stated, as Board
members, you are public servants. You have a responsibility to hear the voice of the citizens that you
serve and you cannot hide from that. You have deliberately silenced the voice of the public. You
have taken their voice out of the process. Public hearings were not held and the process has moved
so swiftly with virtually no input from anyone, but Steve Bland and his team, who have concocted this
brutal scheme in the first place. As a public agency, you have an obligation to hold those public
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hearings and allow the citizens an opportunity to be heard. Furthermore, the Board also has an
obligation to meet and hear from any party that may have a viable, alternative plan to these
devastating cuts.
Mr. McMahon continued saying that he has addressed this Board two times in January and made the
member aware of significant savings in the current fiscal budget. According to Mr. Mattola, Port
Authority has said that my numbers are incorrect and that the Board has made their decision and is
not willing to change [quote/unquote]. You are accepting the financial opinion of Steve Bland’s team
who has a long history of poor decision making including just last week with a loss of $39 million of
taxpayer money, which they have gambled and lost on a risky pension fund investment scam.
He continued saying that what is even more troubling is Port Authority’s misleading explanation to the
public about how they pay that debt. They pay that debt with taxpayer money. Whether capital or
operating, but very clearly, the message to the public was we are not using operating funds and that
is false. He continued saying that $16 million a year goes directly to pay off this debt service that they
want the public to believe doesn’t matter and will not affect the budget. He stated that they want to
blame the previous administration. “Well, you know what, Steve Bland and his administration have
been here since 2005. They could have cleaned up that stuff and cut their ties, but they didn’t. They
gambled with public money.”
He continued saying that this is not about fixing the state budget on March 27, this is about getting
the money with the intent of stopping these cuts and the Board is making the decision not to do that.
That’s wrong. You should balance this budget with the Governor’s money as it was intended, and live
to fight another day and do exactly what you did last year.
He stated that Port Authority decided to make the decision to take the money that they were given to
balance this budget and stop these cuts and change that pattern without public input. They don’t
have a right to do that. They don’t have the right to just pick and choose what neighborhood
succeeds and which neighborhood fails. The Board, or this management team, does not have the
right to make those kinds of decisions. They have the money. Their job is to put out the service and
deal with the next budget next year. It is simple, but they need to start listening.
Mr. McMahon concluded his report by saying, “You, the Board of Directors, have taken the financial
advice from Steve Bland and his team without question. I think it’s time you get a second opinion.”
We are going to get you second opinions, thousands of them. We are going to make every effort to
engage the taxpaying public in this fight. Maybe it makes sense to consider some of these opinions
when you consider renewing Steve Bland’s employment contract. He’s making these kinds of
decisions and he’s destroying transit. He has an alternative plan, you have an alternative plan, and if
you would like to meet with us, we will still do that. We will be the people to break that budget down
for you and show you where these savings.
Once again, he said that he is not here to plead with the Board because they are not listening. He
stated, “You have lost the message in the messenger. You have never, on this Board, worked with
Local 85 and your intent is not to work with Local 85, and Steve Bland’s intent was to never work with
Local 85.”
In regards to what is going on in this country today, the attack of public workers, this economy is not
our fault. It is not our fault, but yet you’ve joined that crowd. You’ve joined Wisconsin and Indiana in
attacking the very workers who keep this system running.”
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The Chairman called on County Councilman Nick Futules.
Councilman Futules reported that last night he started reading his packet and to tell you the truth, he
fell asleep about the second paragraph. He then stated [after ripping up his speech], that he would
like to speak from his heart.
Councilman Futules took office on December 4, 2007, and that night was asked to vote for the
biggest tax increase in the history of Allegheny County, the drink tax. The drink tax was passed
[which he voted against], but noted that he did vote for the car rental tax that was passed to support
Port Authority and the people who ride the buses.
Councilman Futules believes this is an important issue and invited the Board to attend the Regular
meeting of County Council on Tuesday, March 1 where he will be introducing a motion urging Port
Authority to devote the entire $45 million in flex funding received in December 2010 to FY 2010-2011.
He believes these cuts would devastate Allegheny County and create widespread hardship for our
citizens.
The motion being introduced on Tuesday evening advises Port Authority to follow their own resolution
suggesting that if funding became available the organization would utilize it for its budget shortfalls.
Councilman Futules commented that he feels that if Port Authority does not use the money that was
given to them, it is sending the message that the money is not needed.
The Chairman called on Mr. Bland for a report.
Mr. Bland started his report by addressing a lot of misinformation that is out there. The information
that we’ve seen in recent flyers and newspaper ads is not only inaccurate, but it is disingenuous and
frankly, it’s become very dangerous. It only spreads misinformation and false hope that the problems
we face, our riders face and our employees face can be solved at this table or even on Grant Street.
Before going on, Mr. Bland thanked Councilman Futules for his comments because Port Authority
really enjoys our working relationship with the Allegheny County Council.
He continued by saying that the fact of the matter is, this problem [as Mr. Robison alluded to], lies in
Harrisburg not Pittsburgh. The solutions lie with our community as a whole, not with some magic vote
that this Board might conduct today or in a future meeting. There’s a fundamental problem with how
Pennsylvania pays for transportation. It’s true of roads and bridges; it’s true of transit; it’s true in
Philadelphia; and it’s true in Pittsburgh. Frankly, no amount of public pressure on him, this Board,
County officials or other elected officials can change that simple fact.
Mr. Bland reiterated what we’ve been saying for a long time to riders, employees, communities and
neighborhoods that are affected by these disastrous cuts, is that we agree with you. You’re angry,
you’re hurt, you’re frustrated, you’re tired of it, and so are we. The $45 million provided by former
Governor Rendell was a one-time gift. Governor Rendell acknowledged that when he provided it to
us and the most responsible thing we can do is to make that gift last as long as possible to benefit as
many people as possible. Now, as much as we appreciate that gift, it doesn’t solve our funding or
financial crisis. It merely postpones it to allow reasonable people time to work out an affective
solution. Frankly, if we waste our time fighting amongst ourselves, we lose precious time and we lose
precious money. We could use these funds to prolong service to July, but beginning July 1, 2011,
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about four months from now, we are facing a $55 million budget deficit. Unless another gift falls from
the sky, we would have to reduce service to a level even more damaging than what we are looking at.
Likely more than the 35 percent this Board originally approved last November. If this Board was to
keep service the way it is now, and doesn’t reverse the cuts, it only postpones them and expands
them.
As Mr. McMahon alluded to, we are seeing this around the county and even the world. Here in
Pennsylvania, our new Governor and legislators are facing a $4.5 million budget deficit going into
next year. In states around the nation, we are seeing service being slashed.
Mr. Bland noted that it would be a gamble [a word he has heard used this morning] at best to spend
all of this money now and then adopt an unbalanced budget in June without a hint of hope that
something might be resolved in Harrisburg some time later in the year. If that gamble did not pay off,
we’d be facing service cuts even larger than the 35 percent originally envisioned.
Mr. Bland noted that it would be a very popular decision if this Board was to vote to reinstate services
scheduled for elimination at the end of March, but it would also be thoroughly irresponsible. We all
share these frustrations and the desire to keep on as many routes as we possibly can, but we cannot
gamble with this public asset. It is simply too important to too many people and our region as a
whole. He stated that we and he believes that he speaks for the Board in this regard, will work with
anyone, any group, any individual, any elected official and any elected body who wishes to fight for
public transportation and who may have viable solutions to the statewide transportation funding crisis.
Mr. Bland said, “I for one, hope that some of the folks who have been directing their energy against
this Board, would redirect their energies and join with us in this fight.”
He continued reporting that for the individuals who are most affected and frankly caught in the middle
of this, we feel for you, we hear you and we are going to continue to work with you and other interests
in this community to reinstate those services.
Mr. Bland noted that many people have lost track of the fact that in January when this Board adopted
the current service plan, the original resolution was amended to call these temporary service
reductions pending resolution of the statewide transportation crisis. My suggestion to people who
may feel motivated to direct their anger against Port Authority, let’s direct our collective energy, not
anger, and our creativity toward working with state legislators and Governor Corbett who have all
expressed the opinion that transportation and infrastructure is critically important to the success of
this Commonwealth and come up with real solutions.
For the 200 or so employees of Port Authority that we are being forced to lay off, it is one of the
issues that we take most seriously. We look forward to circumstances that will hopefully allow for
your speedy recall.
Mr. Bland ended his report by saying that as he continues to tell staff, even as we reduce the size of
our system, it does not relieve us of the responsibility to continue to improve the quality of our service,
the effectiveness of our service; the efficiency of our service and how we respond to our customers.
One organization this month recognized the efforts to improve the overall quality of public
transportation in Pittsburgh. Earlier this month, a number of Port Authority staff was privileged to
attend the annual meeting of Bike Pittsburgh, the regional advocacy group for bicyclists and
pedestrians in the region. Bike Pittsburgh, not always the biggest fans of Port Authority, in
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ecognition of the steps we’ve made to improve the accessibility of our system to bicyclists, named
Port Authority “Organization of the Year.”
Mr. Bland added that he even hears criticism of why are we spending money on bike racks, and
answers, “We have an obligation to make our system better even as we make our system smaller.”
The funds put toward this project were funds identified by the bicycle community working in
collaboration with Port Authority and provided by organizations like the Richard King Mellon
Foundation, who would not be spending it on any other process within the Authority.
Mr. Bland concluded his report by saying that it may be a very small example, but quite frankly, it is a
great example of how when former advocacies come together, we can accomplish great things.
The Chairman called on Mr. Letwin for a report of the Performance Oversight Committee.
Mr. Letwin reported that a meeting of the Performance Oversight Committee was held on
Wednesday, February 16, and notes from the January 19 meeting were circulated and approved by
the committee.
The operating budget results for the month of January were presented. Total revenue for January
was unfavorable to budget primarily due to passenger revenues. Year-to-date revenue was favorable
to budget primarily due to advertising revenue and other income. Expenses for the month and yearto-date
were favorable primarily due to employee benefits, materials and supplies, purchased
services, other expenses and timing differences with capitalizations.
There were five resolutions reviewed at the meeting and are being recommended by the committee.
The committee first reviewed five procurement actions in the amount of $1,213,710.00. The
committee found these bids to have been submitted in accordance with the Authority’s procurement
policies and procedures, the prices to be fair and reasonable, and the bidders to be responsive and
responsible. The Performance Oversight Committee recommends these items for award for a total
cost of $1,213,710.00.
On behalf of the Performance Oversight Committee, Mr. Letwin respectfully requested approval of the
resolution as presented.
Regarding the bid for coach replacement parts for air conditioning, Mr. Taylor noted that the bid is 33
percent lower than our previous bid price two years ago. He was curious to how we were able to
achieve that significant reduction, and what steps we can take for future purchases.
Mr. Tony Trona, Port Authority’s director Purchasing and Materials Management, responded that we
continue to do the things we’ve done with the air conditioner parts in the past by evaluating different
types of products. The Maintenance team evaluated different air conditioning brands and products
over the past two years, so the work we did on this particular procurement was a two-year effort.
We’ve done it in the past on other products and we continue to look for these opportunities. Mr.
Taylor noted the great results and good work.
It was moved by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Ms. Ellenbogen and unanimously agreed that the resolution
be approved as presented.
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The next resolution authorizes the Authority to file grant applications with PENNDOT to receive
additional capital assistance during FY 2011 through Section 1514 of Act 44. The Authority must
submit applications to PENNDOT throughout the year to obtain funds available for the Authority under
Section 1514, Asset Improvement Programs under the provisions of Act 44 of 2007. This resolution
authorizes the filing of grant applications to PENNDOT to receive an additional $1,509,161.00 in
capital assistance.
On behalf of the Performance Oversight Committee, Mr. Letwin respectfully requested approval of the
resolution as presented.
It was moved by Ms. Ellenbogen, seconded by Mr. Mattola and unanimously agreed that the
resolution be approved as presented.
The next resolution authorizes the Authority to amend the Standard of Conduct Policy. On December
20, 1980, the Board adopted a Standard of Conduct Policy for Port Authority employees, contractors,
consultants and agents. The policy was revised during September 2003.
At the Board’s direction, the policy has been reviewed by counsel and it has been determined that
certain amendments to the policy should be made to address and set standards for secondary
employment by the Authority’s non-represented employees. This resolution authorizes counsel to
finalize the foregoing amendments to the policy and to take any actions necessary to carry out the
purpose and intent of this resolution.
On behalf of the Performance Oversight Committee, Mr. Letwin respectfully requested approval of the
resolution as presented.
It was moved by Mr. Mattola, seconded by Ms. Ellenbogen and unanimously agreed that the
resolution be approved as presented.
The next resolution authorizes the Authority to enter into exclusive negotiations with The DASCO
Companies. The Authority is the owner of an approximately 6.43 acre parcel of property along
Village Drive in Bethel Park, Allegheny County.
On April 24, 2009, the Board authorized the Authority to enter into a long-term lease with Bethel Park
Medical Partners. On July 16 of last year, Bethel Park Medical Partners opted to exercise its right to
terminate the lease during the due diligence period. Later last year, The DASCO Companies
expressed its interest in pursuing a lease with the Authority to pursue the development and
construction of a transit-oriented joint development project, and further authorizes the execution of
contracts with PENNDOT for these funds upon approval of applications.
The Authority’s Legal and Real Estate personnel believe that DASCO’s proposal is a viable one and
that finalization of a new lease agreement of this project could provide a long-term stream of revenue
for the Authority.
On behalf of the Performance Oversight Committee, Mr. Letwin respectfully requested approval of the
resolution as presented.
It was moved by Mr. Mattola, seconded by Ms. Ellenbogen and unanimously agreed that the
resolution be approved as presented.
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The final resolution authorizes the Authority to continue engineering services with AECOM Technical
Services for the North Shore Connector project. On July 26, 2002, the Authority’s Board authorized
entering into an agreement with DMJM Harris, now known as AECOM USA, INC., to perform
architectural and engineering design and support services for the North Shore Connector project.
Previous amendments to the agreement authorized services for a not-to-exceed amount of
$48,680,277.00. The continuation of construction support activities is required through June 30,
2012, to support construction, prepare as-built drawings, start-up and revenue operation of the
project.
This resolution will authorize the Authority to continue services through that period, and to increase
the not-to-exceed amount by $1,500,000.00 for the additional services for the project. The total notto-exceed
amount of the agreement will be increased to $50,180,277.00.
On behalf of the Performance Oversight Committee, Mr. Letwin respectfully requested approval of the
resolution as presented.
It was moved by Ms Ellenbogen, seconded by Mr. Mattola and unanimously agreed that the
resolution be approved as presented.
The committee then received a presentation from Chief McCauley of Port Authority police. Mr. Letwin
stated that the presentation opened his eyes to see all of the things they do, and thought it might be
worthwhile to share it with the entire Board and the public.
A video was shown at this time.
After the video was shown, Mr. Letwin noted two community outreach projects that the police also
participated in. The projects included Adopt a School Program and the Polar Bear Plunge. Eleven
officers and their families jumped into the 39 degree river water to raise $2,300 for the Special
Olympics Event in December.
Mr. Letwin congratulated Chief McCauley and thanked him and all the officers for everything they do.
Next the committee heard a report of the Audit of Internal Controls for the Annual Physical Inventory.
It was reported that these observations were for FY 2010, and were conducted to ensure that
inventory is valued appropriately for financial statement purposes and to ensure that Transit
Operations is supported by having the parts and supplies available when needed. These objectives
were met and several recommendations for improving business processes were made and
implemented.
The committee then received an update of the North Shore Connector project by the Project
Manager, Keith Wargo. It was reported that overall construction is 88 percent complete, still on
schedule and within the project budget, noting that this is amazing for a project of this size.
This concluded the report of the Performance Oversight Committee.
The Chairman called on Mr. Mattola for a report of the Planning and Development Committee.
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Mr. Mattola reported that although the Planning and Development Committee did not meet this
month, he wanted to report on the information being disseminated by staff regarding the upcoming
March 27 service changes. Brochures have been printed summarizing the route changes and
suggesting available alternatives. Also, individual route timetables will be available in print form in
early March. In addition, all of this information is currently available on Port Authority’s website. Mr.
Mattola wanted to emphasize, again, that Port Authority recognizes the impact these changes will
have on our employees, our riders and our community as a whole. We have seen the last two years
of making the system more efficient and productive through the Transit Development Plan, that there
were few underutilized routes left to cut. Unfortunately, many well-used routes will be discontinued or
scaled back. Mr. Mattola ended his report by reiterating that we are left with little choice until a
sustainable transportation funding solution is found.
This concluded the report of the Planning and Development Committee.
The Chairman called on Ms. Ellenbogen for a report of the Stakeholder Relations Committee.
Ms. Ellenbogen reported that the Stakeholder Relations Committee met on February 3, 2011, where
two resolutions were discussed in full, and the committee feels confident in recommending them for
the entire Board’s consideration today.
The first resolution provides authorization to amend our agreements for legislative consulting and
government relations services. Port Authority entered into Agreement No. R05-07-A with Buchanan
Ingersoll & Rooney, P.C., in April 2006 and Agreement No. R08-06-C with Greenlee Partners, LLC, in
July 2008 to provide certain legislative consulting and government relations services, including proper
and appropriate representatives of the Authority before all political units, subdivisions, public
branches and branches of government and their agencies, as directed by the Authority.
Agreement No. R05-07-A is set to expire on March 31, 2011. Agreement No. R08-06-C is set to
expire on June 30, 2011. The agreements have a total, current combined not-to-exceed amount of
$2,514,800.
Ms. Ellenbogen was pleased to report that these contractors have performed the required services to
the satisfaction of the Authority and within budgetary limits. In fact, as of the committee meeting, we
still had $1 million left in the budget and these contacts go back to 2006 and 2008. It has, therefore,
been determined that it is in our best interest to exercise our option to extend the term of agreement
with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney P.C., for two additional years to March 31, 2013, and with
Greenlee Partners for an additional 21 months also to March 31, 2013.
The proposed amendments to extend the terms will result in no increase to the previously authorized
total current combined not-to-exceed amount of the agreements. These agreements are a key part of
our efforts in keeping our elected officials informed of the importance of public transit to our county,
region and state. Perhaps more important, these firms provide interference for us on political
legislation that could hurt our funding and our ability to serve the public. So quite frankly, no one else
is going to go to bat for transit riders in this region or those who rely on a quality public transportation
system.
Ms. Ellenbogen continued reporting that the statewide transportation funding shortage is forcing us to
cut service and hindering us from meeting the full transit needs of this community, adding that there is
no solution to the statewide crisis in sight. It is vital that we remain engaged, through our lobbyists,
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with our elected leaders, officials and with other transportation providers who also are concerned
about this solution. We cannot afford to sit back and expect that someone else will represent transit
riders.
On behalf of the Stakeholder Relations Committee, Ms. Ellenbogen respectfully requested approval
of the resolution as presented.
It was moved by Mr. Mattola, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously agreed that the resolution be
approved as presented.
The next resolution provides authorization to adopt the Pennsylvania Public Transportation
Association’s (PPTA) 2011 Public Transportation Legislative Reforms Agenda. PPTA is a non-profit
professional trade organization that advocates for, and supports the interest of, public transit and
public transit agencies across Pennsylvania. Over the past several months, PPTA has collaborated
with its members and stakeholders, including the Authority, to develop a comprehensive legislative
reforms agenda to advance the needs and interests of public transit and public transit agencies with
Governor Corbett and the new legislature.
Appropriate staff reviewed the final Public Transportation Reforms Agenda, included in this resolution
as Exhibit A, which PPTA proposes to advance with the Governor and Pennsylvania Legislature this
year. Staff and the Stakeholder Relations Committee believe that the PPTA agenda addresses
issues and concerns that are critical and relevant to the long-term viability of the Authority and public
transit across Pennsylvania. While the reforms outlined in the agenda would not solve our annual
budgetary challenges, they would help stop the bleeding.
It is our recommendation that the Board adopts the PPTA agenda and authorizes the Authority staff
to support and advocate for adoption of the legislative reforms it proposes.
Ms. Ellenbogen wanted to make it perfectly clear that this resolution does not limit us to supporting
only the PPTA agenda, adding that we absolutely should support additional legislative initiatives
and/or reforms not included in this agenda that advance the interests and needs of the Authority and
public interest in Allegheny County and across the Commonwealth.
On behalf of the Stakeholder Relations Committee, Ms. Ellenbogen respectfully requested approval
of the resolution as presented.
It was moved by Mr. Mattola, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously agreed that the resolution be
approved as presented.
Ms. Ellenbogen continued reporting that the committee also received a presentation from Mr. Chris
Sandvig, project manager for the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group (PCRG). As many of
you know, Mr. Sandvig and PCRG have been very involved and active in the efforts to solve the
statewide transportation funding issue and restore funding for Port Authority. Mr. Sandvig has
addressed this Board on two occasions in that regard.
In his report, Mr. Sandvig explained that PCRG is a 22-year-old membership organization of
community development corporations and community-based organizations. PCRG’s vision
incorporates what he calls “the three E’s [economy, environment and equity]. PCRG works
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collaboratively with numerous community partners to bring economy, environment and equity to
neighborhoods.
Ms. Ellenbogen reported that the Stakeholder Relations Committee met with Chris to determine how
we can best work together on the transportation funding issue and on moving forward. Mr. Sandvig
stated in his report that quality public transit is an integral part of PCRG’s long-term strategic vision
for the communities they work with and that transit needs to be treated as a community asset.
He further explained that PCRG’s legislative agenda mirrors Port Authority’s and paves the way for us
to combine our efforts to strengthen public transit in our communities. Our transit system, riders and
citizens can certainly benefit from PCRG’s knowledge and community connections. Ms. Ellenbogen
finished her report by saying that the committee looks forward to working with Mr. Sandvig and PCRG
in this regard.
That concluded the report of the Stakeholder Relations Committee.
Under the Governance Committee, the Chairman made the following remarks. “It seems that every
year since I joined this Board, [that goes back to 1996] we have faced one daunting challenge after
another. Some of those challenges involved our capital projects such as the North Shore Connecter,
and others have involved negotiations of new labor agreements or the restructuring of our service in
our organization to make them more productive and efficient. Of course, we have faced many
challenges as a result of rising operating costs and reduced funding. Yet, despite limited options and
resources, I am proud to say we have met each and every challenge head on and we have acted
responsible in the best interest of our riders, our employees and the county.”
Mr. Brooks said that he thinks it is fair to say that the Board’s decisions and actions have not always
been popular. Rising fares, reducing service, laying off talented, dedicated employees, are not
actions that we have taken lightly. I doubt that there is a member of this Board who has not regretted,
at one time or another, the actions that we have been forced to take. This year will be no exception.
As we proceed in 2011, we will undoubtedly be required to make more difficult decisions that will
impact both transit riders and non-transit riders in Allegheny County, but if we are to be able to
continue to make the tough decisions and not shrink our responsibility as public servants, one thing is
certain, we will need to stick together a Board.
Mr. Brooks stated that, “As your Chairman, I will need the support of each and every one of you. I will
need your opinion and your input on every policy decision that we will have to make. I will need you
to consider the sacrifices that our riders and our employee will be asked and required to make. We
cannot afford to be disengaged on any issue. I will expect each of you to make every effort possible
to attend every committee meeting which you are assigned, and do your homework ahead of time.
Our riders, employees and Allegheny County taxpayers deserve nothing less.”
“No one has to agree with every decision that we make, but they have to understand and believe we
are deeply involved and thoroughly consider every option available to them. I know I can count on
you for your continued participation. If you are not committed to this organization and the survival of
public transportation in Allegheny County, you would not be here today. We are all here because we
believe in the service that we provide and the impact that we have on the health and wellbeing of this
community.”
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He ended his remarks by saying, Thank you, again, for your support of me, as your Chairman. I
congratulate all of my fellow officers and each of you for the service that you have provided and will
continue to provide for this organization.”
There was no new business.
The next Regular meeting will be Friday, March 25, 2011.
The meeting was adjourned.
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