Minutes - Monterey-Salinas Transit

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
MONTEREY-SALINAS TRANSIT
June 11, 2012
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Armenta called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. in the MST Conference
Room. Roll call was taken and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. Chair Armenta called
a Moment of Silence in memory of Army Spc. Vilmar Galarza Hernandez, 21, of
Salinas, CA, who died in the service of his country on May 26, 2012, in Afghanistan's
Zharay, Kandahar province.
Present: Fernando Armenta County of Monterey
Victoria Beach City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Kristin Clark City of Del Rey Oaks
Alan Cohen City of Pacific Grove
Libby Downey City of Monterey
Alvin Edwards City of Seaside
Frank O’Connell City of Marina
Maria Orozco City of Gonzales
David Pendergrass City of Sand City
Sergio Sanchez City of Salinas
Patricia Stephens City of Soledad
Absent: Susan Kleber City of King
John Huerta, Jr. City of Greenfield
Staff: Carl Sedoryk General Manager/CEO
Zoe Shoats Marketing Analyst
Kathy Williams General Accounting & Budget Manager
Michael Hernandez Asst. General Manager/COO
Rosemary Bayles Human Resources Generalist
Mike Gallant Planning Manager
Kelly Halcon Director of Human Resources & Risk Management
Hunter Harvath Asst. General Manager/Finance & Administration
Tom Hicks Mobility Manager
Deanna Smith Executive Assistant to the GM/CEO
Robert Weber Director of Transportation Services
Sonia Bannister Office Administrator
David Bielsker Transit Scheduler
Dave Laredo General Counsel/De Lay & Laredo
Others: Lance Atencio MV Transportation
Cecilia Gable Del Rey Oaks Resident
Megan Tolbert CSUMB
Sheila Tracy MST Rider

Apology is made for any misspelling of a name.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
2-1. Review highlights of Agenda. (Carl Sedoryk)
Mr. Sedoryk read the highlights of the agenda.
2-2 Adopt Resolution 2012-25 recognizing Deanna Smith, Executive
Administrative Assistant, as Employee of the Month for June, 2012.
2-3 Disposal of property left aboard buses.
2-4 Minutes of the regular meeting of May 14, 2012.
2-5 Financial Report – April, 2012.
2-6 Claim Rejection – Sae Byoul Sun.
2-7 Authorize the sole source purchase of three security gates from Wallace
International for MST’s security fence project at MST’s Salinas bus
maintenance facility.
2-8 Authorize the purchase of passenger benches and bike racks from
Forms+Surfaces for MST’s Bus Rapid Transit project.
2-9 Adopt Resolution 2012-26, Public Transportation Modernization,
Improvement, and Service Enhancement Account (PTMISEA) Bond
Program.
2-10 Fremont-Lighthouse BRT modifications to contract with Kimley-Horn &
Associates for construction support and related tasks plus contingency.
Director Downey requested Agenda Item 2-9 be pulled from the Consent
Agenda.
Public Comment – None
Director Downey stated she was reluctant to approve Resolution 2012-26 as a
Consent Item because of the Bond Fund amount of $4,563,000, and the resolution
language which allows the General Manager/CEO to spend the funds without further
approval by the Board.
Mr. Harvath explained that this is a regularly approved resolution with boiler plate
language supplied by Caltrans and that MST Bylaws do not allow the General
Manager/CEO to authorize expenditures over $25,000 at any time. Mr. Laredo advised
against changing the language, but stated that MST could add “upon Board approval”

after “$4,563,000” in the last paragraph of the resolution to provide the clarity Director
Downey was looking for.
Director Clark made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, with
additional language added to Resolution 2012-26, and was seconded by Director
Stephens. The motion carried unanimously.
3. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
3-1 June Employee of the Month – Deanna Smith, Executive Administrative
Assistant.
Mr. Sedoryk recognized Deanna Smith, Executive Administrative Assistant, as
the June Employee of the Month for her positive contribution to MST and the entire
community, and for her exceptional time management and thoroughness. She has
streamlined the Board agenda process, and is working to develop a Record Retention
Policy and improved filing system for the agency.
3-2 Transit 101: Emergency Response: Monterey County Disaster Planning &
Response – MST Challenges & Responsibilities.
Item 3-2 was postponed to the July Board meeting.
3-3 35 Years of Service – Michael Hernandez, Asst. General Manager/COO.
Mr. Sedoryk recognized Michael Hernandez, Asst. General Manager/COO, for
his 35 years of service to MST. Mr. Hernandez began his career at MST as a Coach
Operator, and provides thoughtful consideration of all issues and a historical knowledge
of MST that is invaluable to those on the Executive Leadership Team.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Cecilia Gable stated that Del Rey Oaks currently has a gap of 7 hours between
its morning and afternoon bus service. She requested a 12:50 p.m. service be added.
Sheila Tracy stated that she rides the MST bus for her daily commute from
Pacific Grove to Monterey. She stated that she has difficulty making convenient
transfers to Sand City on Sundays at the Monterey Transit Plaza as well as on both
Saturdays and Sundays to the Line 5.
5. COMMITTEE REPORTS
5-1 Finance Committee Minutes from May 14, 2012.
5-2 Nominating Committee Minutes from May 14, 2012.
5-3 Finance Committee Minutes from May 30, 2012.

6. BIDS/PROPOSALS
6-1 Award leases for three MST accessible taxis to Associated Taxi, Coastal
Yellow Cab, and Serra Yellow Cab each in the amount of $150 per month
for five years.
Mr. Hicks discussed the RFQ process with the Board and requested approval to
award leases to the three companies recommended by Staff. He stated that until last
year, there was not one wheelchair accessible taxi in Monterey County. The vehicles
are very expensive to purchase, and the lease provides qualifies taxi companies the
opportunity to provide the valuable service. He explained that in addition to the $150
per month lease fee, the companies are required to maintain appropriate insurance and
provide all federally-required maintenance. All recommended lessees serve all RTA
jurisdictions, with one company providing service predominantly on the Monterey
Peninsula, and the other two providing service predominantly in the Salinas area.
Public Comment – none.
Director Sanchez made a motion to award leases for 3 MST accessible taxis
to Associated Taxi, Coastal Yellow Cab, and Serra Yellow Cab and was seconded
by Director Edwards. The motion carried unanimously.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7-1 Conduct Public Hearing on Fall Service Adjustments.
Mr. Harvath provided a presentation detailing the proposed service adjustments
to Salinas area bus routes. The changes are a result of the recently presented Salinas
Area Survey Analysis-II and are expected to increase productivity and on-time
performance, streamline service, and reduce associated service costs. He directed the
Board to the public comments received at the two public hearings held at locations in
Salinas.
Public Comment
Megan Tolbert of CSUMB thanked MST for the analysis and supports the
changes to Line 25 as beneficial to the students of CSUMB.
Close Public Comment
Director Sanchez made a motion to approve the proposed service changes
as presented and was seconded by Director Edwards. The motion carried
unanimously.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8-1 Adopt FY 2013 Operating and Capital Budget.
Mr. Sedoryk directed the Board to page 73 of the agenda, which includes the
Detailed Budget and Strategic Goals. He stated that it has been over 970 days since

Congress has passed a Federal Transportation Bill, and State of California fuel tax
revenue remains volatile. Pages 91 and 92 details MST proposed staffing levels. 10
employees have received notices of layoffs according to the terms of their contracts and
as negotiated with the MSTEA and ATU bargaining units. Staff will provide employee
job search assistance for those who request it. The FY 2013 budget contains an
estimated $659,581 surplus to be used to rebuild the MST reserve fund. If itemized
unrecognized revenue is realized, the surplus could be $1,809,581. Staff budgeted
conservatively given the volatility of federal and state revenue.
Director Downey asked how much of the over $6,000,000 (six million) in Total
Benefits was retirement benefits. Mr. Harvath stated that the PERS line item was
retirement expense, and that the larger Insurance line item was for health insurances.
Mr. Sedoryk stated that the new MSTEA and ATU contracts contain a second tier
clause that requires new hires to pay more toward their PERS and Insurance benefits,
and they accrue less paid time off. For FY 2013, all administrative staff will be required
to take a total of 8 (eight) furlough days. Last year, staff was required to take 5 (five)
furlough days.
Director O’Connell stated that as a member of the Finance Committee, he had
recommended that the Board reduce their monthly stipend amount from $100 to $75.
He requested that the item be voted on separately.
Director Cohen asked if MST could increase its advertising revenue. Mr. Harvath
stated that the BRT bus shelters will not offer advertising, as their design is to promote
jazz history. MST will be offering advertising on the bus bike racks soon. Staff has
discussed raising ad rates to increase revenue, but since they do not sell all available
space on all sizes of ads, an across the board increase might not be justified.
Director Cohen asked if employees were taking a pay cut. Mr. Sedoryk stated
that the increased furlough days are the only pay cut being imposed at this time.
Employees will receive their negotiated 2% COLA.
Public Comment – none.
Director Stephens made a motion to approve items 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the FY
2013 Budget and was seconded by Director Downey. The motion carried
unanimously.
Director O’Connell made a motion to approve a Board stipend reduction
from $100 per Board meeting to $75. There was no second offered and the
motion died.
Director Cohen made a motion to keep the Board stipend of $100 per Board
meeting and was seconded by Director Edwards. The motion carried 10-1 with
the following vote:
Ayes: Directors Armenta, Beach, Clark, Cohen, Downey, Edwards,
Orozco, Pendergrass, Sanchez, and Stephens.

Noes: Director O’Connell
9-1 Conduct Election of Officers.
9. NEW BUSINESS
Director Cohen informed the Board that the Nominating Committee had met prior
to the Board meeting and had recommended Maria Orozco to serve as Board Chair for
FY 2013, and Director Downey to serve as Board Vice-Chair for FY 2013.
Director Cohen made a motion to approve Maria Orozco as Board Chair for
FY 2013 and was seconded by Director Downey. The motion carried
unanimously.
Director Cohen made a motion to approve Libby Downey as Board Vice-
Chair for FY 2013 and was seconded by Director Orozco. The motion carried
unanimously.
Chair Armenta passed the gavel to Director Orozco, and she presided as
Chair for the duration of the meeting. Chair Orozco thanked the Board for the
nomination and stated that she hoped to do as good a job as had Director
Armenta.
9-2 Approve the purchase of one low-floor suburban bus.
Mr. Hernandez stated that the bus purchase would not exceed $471,964.35, and
that funding for the vehicle was provided through a JARC grant ($320,000),
Transportation Development Credits administered through Caltrans ($80,000), and
MST’s FY 2013 Capital Budget ($71,964.35).
Public Comment – none.
Director Pendergrass made a motion to approve the purchase of one lowfloor
suburban bus from Gillig Corporation, not to exceed $471,964.35 and was
seconded by Director Clark. The motion carried unanimously.
10. REPORTS & INFORMATION ITEMS
10-1 General Manager/CEO Report – April, 2012.
10-2 TAMC Highlights – May, 2012.
10-3 Washington D. C. Lobbyist report – May, 2012.
10-4 State Lobbyist report – May, 2012.
10-5 Staff trip reports.
10-6 Correspondence.

Public Comment – none.
11. COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS
Director Downey received a phone call from a senior who is concerned with the
recent fare increases. The letter was not received by MST staff, and Mr. Sedoryk will
look into the matter.
Director Edwards asked if a date had been set to speak with representatives from
the Monterey County Board of Supervisors to discuss reimbursement of planning and
development fees incurred by MST for the Whispering Oaks project. Ms. Smith stated
that she had initiated contact with Supervisors Salinas and Calcagno and a date is
being determined.
12. ATTACHMENTS
12-1 Disbursement Journal for April 2012.
13. ANNOUNCEMENTS
14. CLOSED SESSION
15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
16. ADJOURN
There being no further business, Chair Orozco adjourned the meeting at
11:13 a.m.