Minutes - Port Authority of Allegheny County

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.
6