11/07/22 – Authority Meeting Minutes

River Valley Transit Authority

Meeting Minutes

November 7, 2022

Members Present: Noah Bower, Max Moore, Chuck Crews, Richard Staiman and Trisha Marty.
Administration Present: Todd Wright, Nicole Farr and Renee Smith.

Others: Jill Nagy with Summers Nagy Law Firm, Bethany Jones, Steve Smith, Adam Winder, Lynn
Montague, James Montague, Brett Kelley, Chris Smith, Sam Polys, Cameron Serafini, Brenda Wright,
Dorn Johnson, Tim Garman, Duane Forrest, Justin Dymeck, Allison Staiman, Joanne Hawk, Ken Hawk,
Jamie Gilbert, Garry Phillips, Josh Warfel, Skip Cochran, Kate Vornhold and Chris Clark.

Mr. Bower called the meeting to order at 5:30pm.

Item # 1: Approval of October 18, 2022 meeting minutes:

Mr. Staiman made a motion to accept the minutes with one correction, seconded by Mrs. Marty, with
all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 2: Resolution #2022-034 – Professional Services Agreement Definiti (Defined Benefit Pension
Plan & Actuarial Plan Administration services):

Mr. Wright stated that this agreement is for pension services along with actuarial plan
administration for RVTA. These services will extract all RVTA employee information from the city
and establish our own database for RVTA and pension calculations. This agreement is for years two
years with the initial year of 2022. The initial fee of $5,500 was for the preparation and
continues with a bi-annual agreement for 2023 and 2024. The fees set forth in the agreement are
$10,000 in the even years and
$5,000 for the odd years. There is also an additional expense of $350 per benefit calculation.

Mrs. Marty made a positive motion to approve this agreement, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes
the motion carried.

Item # 3: Resolution #2022-035 – Approval of 2023 RVTA Board Meeting dates:

Mr. Bower asked if there were any questions on the proposed meeting dates for 2023. Mr. Moore
made a positive motion for recommendation, seconded by Mr. Crews, with all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 4: New Business:
N/A
Item # 5: Old Business:

Five (5) Year Strategic Plan – Mr. Bower presented each member with a strategic plan outline from
the consultant STV and reviewed the plan with the board. Ms. Nagy stated that STV is the
consultant
River Valley Transit Authority

that PennDot is supplying to conduct this plan and will be fully funded by PennDot. This will take
a couple months to complete and will encompass a comprehensive plan for the next five years.

Item # 6: Public Comments:

Mr. Bower indicated that anyone who would like to speak with public comment to please state your
name and you will have three (3) minutes to speak, with a maximum time for comments of thirty (30)
minutes. Ms. Nagy confirmed this is correct.

• Mr. Duane Forrest, President of the Local 1496 union would like to set up a time to
meet with the board members.

• Mrs. Hawk expressed her concerns relating to a personnel matter at RVTA.

• Mr. Dymeck also expressed his concerns for a personnel matter at RVTA.

• Mr. Hawk expressed his concerns for a personnel matter at RVTA.

Ms. Nagy stated that there will be a RVTA Board Executive session following this meeting,
pertaining to a personnel matter.

Mrs. Marty made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Crews. The meeting adjourned
5:45pm.

 

Minutes 11-07-2022 Download

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10/18/22 – Authority Meeting Minutes

River Valley Transit Authority

Meeting Minutes

October 18, 2022

Members Present:  Noah Bower, Max Moore, Chuck Crews Richard Staiman and Trisha Marty.

Administration Present:  Adam Winder, Todd Wright, Nicole Farr and Renee Smith.

Others: Jill Nagy with Summers Nagy Law Firm, Bethany Jones, Ray Johnson, Steve Smith, Lynn Montague, Jamie Gilbert, Garry Phillips and Chris Clark.

Mr. Bower called the meeting to order at 5:31

Item # 1: Approval of September 20, 2022 meeting minutes:

Mr. Moore made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Crews, with all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 2: Resolution #2022-032 – Authorization to negotiate and execute contract for the purchase and implementation of transit scheduling and run-cutting software (Optibus):

Mr. Warfel explained that this new software ties into our Avail System and will allow us to make changes and input data. Mr. Warfel sat on a statewide committee , who put out a RFP for this software and Optibus scored the highest and was highly recommended. RVTA’s operations department reviewed this software and also thought this was the best software for RVTA.
Mr. Warfel also stated that is funded through the infrastructure grant and we would receive a 2% discount for prepayment. RVTA would receive training and support for the software for five (5) years.
Mr. Crews asked what are we currently using? Mr. Warfel explained that CSched is the current scheduling provider and right now we are paying approximately $1,000 every time we make any type of changes to a route and it takes about a month to two months. With this new software, RVTA would be ale to make these changes.
Mr. Crews asked if PennDot was also changing to this software? Mr. Warfel indicated that all agencies, statewide have the option to go to this program. As of right now, there is a protest going on about this from CSched, Ms. Nagy said. Ms. Nagy was the solicitor on this matter and Monday, October 24, 2022 is the end of the protest.
Mr. Crews asked if this would provide information more detailed reporting for us? Mr. Warfel stated that this program is “input” only. We will continue to use our Avail system for retrieving reports and such. Pricing for this program is based on our, per active vehicles in the fleet. EMTA is not included in this.
River Valley Transit Authority
Mr. Crews made a positive motion to approve this resolution, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 3: Resolution #2022-033 – Setting the Fee Schedule for RVTA:

Mr. Winder reviewed the fee schedule with the board and explained that Mrs. Smith is the person who manages/oversees the Michael Ross Event Centre. This actually sets the fees for bus/trolley rental rates etc. These fees are set with actual costs to run the buses/trolleys.
Mrs. Marty made a positive motion for recommendation, seconded by Mr. Staiman, with all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 4: Updates on the following:

• RVTA Financial Report
RVTA Financial Report – Mrs. Farr gave the board a comprehensive breakdown of all finances and reviewed each status accordingly with the board.
Mrs. Marty asked how much RVTA had to pay for the new storm water bill and if RVTA has a contingency plan for that? Mr. Winder indicated that we have not received that information yet.
• RVTA Ridership Report
RVTA Ridership Report – Mr. Wright reviewed the ridership reports with the board. He stated that there was an uptick in ridership over last year. During the Little League World Series, we transported approximately 140 people a day.
Mr. Wright indicated that Token Transit should be going public in November 2022, which will allow passengers to purchase bus passes virtually in the app-based program. This information will be pushed out to the public in the next couple of weeks.
Mr. Crews asked how Optibus will help us? Mr. Wright explained that our current software system will work hand in hand with this program and will allow us to expand our reporting process with demographics and other data. We will be able to optimize our bus routes.
Mr. Wright stated that he will be starting on the 2022-2023 Local Match’s with the surrounding municipalities as soon as possible.
Mr. Crews made a positive motion to accept the financial report/ridership reports as submitted, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 5: New Business:

• STEP Service Agreement Extension
Mr. Wright reviewed this agreement with the board and stated that this will just be an extension of the current agreement for this year and we will have a new agreement for 2024. STEP is fine to continue this on their end and are anticipating a fare increase at the next agreement.
Mrs. Marty made a motion to approve this extension, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
• FY23 Unconstrained Capital Plan
Mr. Winder stated that this plan outlines what items have met its useful life and are the items that we are looking to replace in FY 2022-2023. Once this report is submitted to the state; they will then determine what we can/cannot fund through our CCA. Once we receive this report back, we will present a resolution before the board. The state will have sole approval on this and there are procurement guidelines for us to follow.
Mr. Staiman asked about the new buses, Mr. Winder stated that it’s a 85/15 grant, the state will pay 85% and we will pay the remainder.
Ms. Nagy stated that we will not see any electric buses, per the state, due to the funding amounts.
Mr. Winder also said that we can go back to the state and adjust the CCA if things change on our part.
• MOU for IT Services
Mr. Winder stated that this MOU is a general MOU, that we have the ability to use the cities IT department if needed, for any matters and vice versa for the city.
Mr. Moore made a positive motion for approval, seconded by Mr. Staiman, with all ayes the motion carried.
• Bus Wash Replacement
In our 2021/2022 CCA we had budgeted for this and the state had approved $400,000 for this project and to highlight the Rose & White company, they are a fully automated system and will allow us to wash a bus all the way down to car. The other systems were not able perform like this one.
Mr. Marty made a positive motion for approval, seconded by Mr. Crews, with all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 6: Old Business:

Mr. Bower had mentioned about appointments for new board members and what is the proper process to go through? Ms. Nagy stated that the proper process would be to send a letter to the mayor and he will then review the applications and seek city council approval for his recommended candidate.
Mr. Staiman asked about the 5-year strategic plan. Ms. Nagy mentioned that this was awarded by the state, but has not been fully implemented to start with specific agencies. We should keep this on the agenda…. Forthcoming meetings etc.

Item # 7: Public Comments:

Were all good….
Ms. Nagy stated that there will be a RVTA Board Executive session following this meeting, with no action taken.
Mrs. Marty made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Crews. The meeting adjourned at 6:09pm.
RVTA Board Executive Session began at 6:15pm

Meeting Minutes REVISED with change – 10-18-2022

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10/18/22 – Authority Meeting Minutes

River Valley Transit Authority  

Meeting Minutes

September 20, 2022

Members Present:  Noah Bower, Max Moore, Chuck Crews Richard Staiman and Trisha Marty.

Administration Present:  Adam Winder, Todd Wright, Nicole Farr, Bethany Jones and Renee Smith.

Others:  Jill Nagy with Summers Nagy Law Firm (via Zoom), Ray Johnson, Garry Phillips and Chris Clark.

Mr. Bower called the meeting to order at 5:29

Item # 1:  Approval of August 16, 2022 meeting minutes:

Mrs. Marty made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 2:  Resolution #2022-030 – Approving the purchase of two (2) Dodge Ram pickup trucks from Hondru Dodge:

Mr. Winder stated that this is a resolution to purchase two (2) Dodge Ram pickup trucks with snow plows from Hondru Dodge.  This was previously emailed to all board members for an email vote and this is just to solidify that vote.

This purchase will be made using the monies allocated in the 2021/2022 CCA with a 4% Local match being applied as well.   

Mr. Moore made a positive motion to approve this resolution, seconded by Mr. Crews, with all ayes the motion carried. 

Item # 3:  Resolution #2022-031 – Approving the purchase of two (2) Chevrolet trucks (a service truck and a dump body) from Blaise Alexander Chevrolet:

Mr. Winder stated that this is a resolution to purchase two (2) Chevrolet pickup trucks, one being a service truck to assist the maintenance and the other a dump body style truck, also to assist the maintenance department to help with vehicle breakdowns.  This was also emailed out to the board and to solidify the vote. 

This was also previously approved in the 2021/2022 CCA with a 4% Local match to be applied as well. 

The reason for purchase is that if we did not get these trucks now (they are on site at the dealerships) we would not be able to get any other until at least 2024, due to the demand and back log at dealerships.

Mr. Staiman asked for the reasoning behind the dump truck?  Mr. Winder indicated that it will assist the maintenance department with landscaping/snow removal needs as well as assist in the hauling of large items (i.e., scrap metal, tires, mulch etc.).

Mr. Crews asked if it was better to lease?  Mr. Winder stated that we are unable to lease the vehicles, due to the state setting the life expediency of said vehicles and they are funding this through our CCA’s. 

Mr. Crews made a positive motion for approval, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 4:  Memorandum of Understanding – Between RVTA and ATU, Local 1496:

Mr. Winder stated that a couple of years ago the AFSCME union had approached some employees about joining their union.  Long story short, the ATU said that those employees work in transit, so therefore the employees voted to join the ATU union.  At that time the Finance department was not part of the contract.  Since then, positions have been added for said employees, if they in fact wanted to join the union.  Any benefit would be that of Union representation.  The employees also have to pay Union dues.

Mrs. Marty made a positive motion to approve this MOU, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 5:  Updates on RVTA Financial Report and RVTA Ridership Report: 

Financial – Mrs. Farr gave the board a comprehensive breakdown of all finances and reviewed each status accordingly with the board.  Mrs. Farr also stated that we have drawdown from the line of credit to cover payroll and insurance costs.  The state should be reimbursing us this week or the beginning of October.  Ms. Nagy stated that this is customary for delays as this.

Ridership – Mr. Wright reviewed the ridership reports with the board and went over the report on the “Revenue per hour” and “Cost per Passenger” information.

Mr. Wright stated that he will be starting on the 2022-2023 Local Match’s  with the surrounding municipalities this week.

Mr. Crews made a positive motion to accept the financial report as submitted, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 6:  New Business:

  • Intergovernmental Vehicle Release – 2002 Chevy 3500
  • Letter of Disposition

Mr. Winder reviewed the vehicle release and stated that this vehicle has more than met its useful life and therefore we request to release this vehicle to the Streets and Parks Department for the City of Williamsport.  Both RVTA and the Streets department work very well together and help each out as needed and they are in dire straights for vehicles.  This would benefit them as if we were to place this in Public Surplus, I’m not sure if we would even be able to get rid of it.  Mr. Clark stated that it has electrical issues and severe manifold/exhaust leaks etc.  The current liftgate that is on the truck will be installed on one of the new trucks.

Mr. Staiman made a motion for recommendation, seconded by Mr. Crews, with 4 ayes and 1 opposed the motion passed.

Item # 7:  Old Business:

  • Update on Pension/Empower Information
  • Update on Health Equity

 Mr. Winder indicated that the pension is “live”.  All monies and information have been uploaded and are ready to go.  We will be meeting with each employee to make sure that everything is completed on their end (i.e., beneficiaries, contact information) is complete and correct. 

Health Equity is going good, employees seemed pleased so far with the service.  All monies are there and Mr. Johnson said that he has not heard anything from the employees on any matters pertaining to this.

Item # 8:  Public Comments:

Mr. Winder invited any RVTA board member to attend the PPTA Trainings in Harrisburg on November 15th, 16th & 17th.  RVTA Board members might find meeting with Legislators interesting, or maybe even the expo, where vendors showcase all the newest transit related items.

Mr. Staiman wanted to confirm that if someone wanted to be appointed and or re-appointed to the RVTA board, what was the order of events?  How does one go about this?  Mr. Winder indicated that said person or people need to submit a letter of interest to Mayor Slaughter and then he decides and then would take said person to City Council for approval.

Mrs. Marty made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Moore.  The meeting adjourned at 6:18pm.

Meeting Minutes 9-20-2022 Download

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08/16/22 – Authority Meeting Minutes

River Valley Transit Authority  

Meeting Minutes

August 16, 2022

Members Present:  Noah Bower, Max Moore, Chuck Crews Richard Staiman and Trisha Marty.

Administration Present:  Adam Winder, Todd Wright, Nicole Farr, Bethany Jones, Josh Warfel, Gary Phillips and Renee Smith.

Others:  Jill Nagy with Summers Nagy Law Firm (via Zoom), Ray Johnson and Dwayne Forrest.

Mr. Bower called the meeting to order at 5:32

Item # 1:  Approval of June 8, 2022 meeting minutes:

Mrs. Marty made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 2:  Resolution #2022-029 – Accepting the following properties from the City of Williamsport to River Valley Transit Authority:

  • 1500 West Third Street – RVTA Main Office & Garage Facility
  • 11 West Church Street – Parking garage
  • 100 West Third Street – TTC I
  • 144 West Third Street – TTC II
  • 127 West Fourth Street – Laurel Street

Mr. Winder stated that this is a transfer of properties from the City of Williamsport to River Valley Transit Authority.  These properties need to be transferred back to us (RVTA) because of the State and Federal interest in the buildings.  This is a requirement by the state and federal government that they be transferred back to RVTA.

Mrs. Marty asked why is it only one parking garage?  Mr. Winder explained that the other parking garage is operated by WPA (Williamsport Parking Authority).  Mr. Crews asked if the city would give any pushback on this matter?  Mr. Winder indicated that there should not be any issues with this and Ms. Nagy is working hard to clarify all of the deeds and title work.

Mrs. Marty made a positive motion to approve this resolution, seconded by Mr. Staiman, with all ayes the motion carried. 

Item # 3:  RVTA Financial Report: 

Mrs. Farr gave the board a comprehensive breakdown of all finances and reviewed each status accordingly with the board.

Mrs. Farr stated that we have drawdown approximately $679,000 from the line of credit to cover payroll and insurance costs.  The state should be reimbursing us $458,000 in late September. 

We are going to be applying for 2020 apportionment to apply for but we needed to wait until everything had been transferred from the city to RVTA.  Once everything is completed, we will be applying for this and that should amount to approximately $2.5 million.  When we go to drawn down our funds, the federal government (due to how things have been in the past) they are requiring that RVTA submit invoices prior to getting the funds released.  Basically, we are on a “probationary status” with the federal government.

Mrs. Far stated that our state allocation is $5.4 million what we receive on a monthly basis.  Normally we get July, August and September in the month of September. 

This fiscal year (July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023) each department was given a budget.  Mr. Crews asked how many different departments are there?  Mrs. Farr stated that there are twenty (20), however some of them are non-transit.  Non-transit expenses are TTC leases (Uptown and CTL), the fueling station, CNG public fueling station, Church Street parking garage etc. 

Mrs. Marty asked if we had started the 2022-2023 Local Match’s  with the surrounding municipalities?  Mr. Wright stated that we should be starting this process in September, after Little League. 

Mr. Crews asked if the audit has been completed?  Mrs. Farr stated that she is still working on this and should be submitted soon.

Mr. Crews made a positive motion to accept the financial report as submitted, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.

Item # 4:  New Business:

  • RVTA Board Training Workshop – August 23rd  (Lunch starting at 12:30pm) & Training from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. 

Mr. Winder and Mrs. Smith reviewed with the board about the upcoming training and that this will be done by Jill Nagy and Michael Noel.

Item # 5:  Old Business:

  • Update on Pension/Empower Information
  • Update on Health Equity

Mr. Winder indicated that starting September 1, 2022 the pension should be all set and ready to have transfers made to get us up and running.  We have been meeting with Empower on a weekly basis to make sure that we have everything covered.  All existing employees with pension still with the city will have their pension calculations in September for review and then those will go to the O&E Pension board.

Mr. Winder also stated that Health Equity should be ready to go by the end of the week.  I just spoke them right before the meeting and they told me that cards and information should be going out to each employee by week end.  Everything from Prime Pay has been transferred over the Health Equity.

Mr. Wright reviewed the Ridership report with the board and have an overview of ridership from 2019-2022.  You can see the trend due to COVID and we are starting to bounce back, but some programs have not returned.  We report to PennDot Quartey on our ridership.  Mr. Wright asked Ms. Nagy if our senior ridership counts toward our 1513 allocation?  Ms. Nagy stated that yes it does.

We will bring before the board at the next meeting a new agreement with RVTA and Step, Inc for ADA ridership.

Mr. Wright stated that after little league RVTA will be rolling out a new program called Token Transit, which is a mobile app that riders will be able to purchase their passes to ride and then show it to the bus drivers.  As far as the cost for this RVTA will consume the initial costs and then we can re-evaluate after we have seen some data to determine the best way to move forward.  Token Transit will get 5% of the total sales for this program.

Item # 6:  Public Comments:

Mr. Forrest asked about the DROP allocations and if the employees are able to roll that money over into the new RVTA pension plan?  Mr. Winder indicated that he is still awaiting on that answer.  Ms. Nagy stated that they had discussed this but, have not heard anything back as of yet.

Mr. Bower thanked RVTA for inviting them to the RVTA Picnic and also for including them in the Grand Slam Parade.  This was a great time.  The new bus is sweet and judging by the look on people faces they loved it, lots of pictures being taken.

Mr. Moore made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mrs. Marty.  The meeting adjourned at 6:05pm.

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09/21/22 – DBE Public Meeting Notice

River Valley Transit Authority  

Public meeting notice for RVTA Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

As a recipient of federal funds, River Valley Transit Authority (RVTA) has developed a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. Under our approved program, RVTA has established an annual goal for federal funds to be expended with DBE (minority or woman-owned) firms including small business participation as part of our commitment towards establishing a level playing field for participation in RVTA’s procurements. RVTA is seeking input at a public meeting concerning the availability of DBE and non-DBE businesses to provide services used by RVTA.
A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 beginning at 10:00 AM in the Trade &Transit Centre II Building, Third Floor, Michael Ross Room, 144 West Third Street, Williamsport.
All interested businesses are encouraged attend this public meeting or contact Todd Wright, River Valley Transit, 1500 West Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701, (570) 326-2500, or email twright@rideRVT.com regarding contracting opportunities

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06/08/22 – Authority Meeting Minutes

River Valley Transit Authority  

Meeting Minutes

June 8, 2022
Members Present: Noah Bower, Max Moore, Chuck Crews and Trisha Marty. Absent: Richard Staiman.
Administration Present: Adam Winder, Todd Wright, Nicole Farr and Renee Smith.
Others: Jill Nagy with Summers Nagy Law Firm and Deb Schneider with Wells Fargo.
Mr. Bower called the meeting to order at 5:36
Item # 1: Approval of May 17, 2022 meeting minutes:
Ms. Marty made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 2: Resolution #2022-015 – Pension plan for RVTA employees:
Mr. Winder reviewed the information presented to the board and stated that this resolution would allow him to sign and keep moving forward with the pension information for RVTA. Each employee has met with Deb Schneider of Wells Fargo to go over their options to best determine which plan they should select. Don Boetger with Definiti, is the actuary that we have been working with to finalize this information.
Ms. Nagy stated that this plan is identical to the current city plan that all employees are under. Monies will be moved from the cities plan to RVTA and vice versa to help facilitate this.
Ms. Schneider stated that we are behind the eight ball with the time frames set forth and we are working with Empower to help set up these plans. This process normally takes 60-90 days to complete and we are trying to expedite it. We need authorized individuals to approve the paperwork/signature sheets. We are trying to keep this process going as fast as we can and streamline all aspects and complete it as soon as possible, thus having Mr. Winder sign all paperwork accordingly.
Mr. Winder said that the employees have some options to consider and that decision determines which program they will be in.
Ms. Marty made a positive motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 3: Resolution # 2022-016 – Money purchase pension plan for RVTA employees:
Mr. Winder stated that this pension is in design to have the employee still contribute the 5.5% and have RVTA contribute 7%. Ms. Schneider indicated that this is similar to 401K/403B plans with investment options and plan designs for each employee. R iver V alley T ransit A uthority
All new employees hired after July 1, 2022 will automatically be enrolled into this plan.
This plan gives each employee a five (5) year vested option. Under the cities plan you have to be vested for 12 years.
Mr. Crews made a positive motion for recommendation, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 4: Resolution # 2022-017 – 457(B) Plan for RVTA employees:
Ms. Schneider stated that this is an added benefit for each employee. No contribution from RVTA, strictly employee-based contribution.
Ms. Marty made a positive motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 5: Resolution # 2022-018 – RVTA as a designated recipient:
Mr. Winder stated that under Federal Transit law we are required to submit this for approval in order to continue to receive our FTA funding.
Mr. Moore made a positive motion, seconded by Ms. Marty, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 6: Resolution # 2022-019 – MOU between RVTA and ATU Local 1496:
Mr. Winder indicated that this resolution is to transition the current ATU contract from RVT to RVTA. Thus, allowing the transfer without opening the contract.
Mr. Moore made a positive motion for recommendation, seconded by Mr. Crews, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 7: Resolution # 2022-020 – Assignment agreement between RVTA and the City of Williamsport:
Mr. Winder indicated that agreement is to transition the union itself over to RVTA from the City of Williamsport. Ms. Nagy stated that we need to do this as a formality to acknowledge the union under RVTA.
Ms. Marty made a positive motion, seconded by Mr. Crews, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 8: Resolution # 2022-021 – Travel policy:
Mr. Winder stated this is mainly for travel procedures. When we go out of town for trainings, this is how they get reimbursed etc.
Mr. Crews made a positive motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 9: Resolution # 2022-022 – Credit card policy:
Mr. Winder stated that this outlines how/what employees can do to use credit cards with RVTA.
Ms. Marty asked if the credit cards that we use either get cash back or travel/air miles? Mr. Winder stated that as RVT, we have no credit cards, but once we have the account set up, we will look into that as RVTA.
Mr. Crews made a positive motion for recommendation, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 10: Resolution # 2022-023 – Professional services contract with AssetWorks for a Fuel Management system:
Mr. Warfel stated that this resolution is for a fuel management system. This is also in conjunction with the fleet management system as outlined in the following resolution. Both of these resolutions are similar and with the same company. The fuel management system proposal includes four (4) years of maintenance, same for the fleet management. This project was budgeted for in the CCA and this request was approved as an expenditure and we as RVT moving to RVTA are allowed to spend these funds. These are our systems for life, we just pay for the software. Our current system has outlived its current useful lifespan and this would replace our current system.
Mr. Crews asked if other transit agencies are using this system? Mr. Winder indicated that yes, (York) Rabbit and CAT are using this and we actually watched Rabbit Transit “go-live” with the program.
Mr. Warfel stated that this is under the GSA contract which means that the vendors have submitted their information to the state/federal and they have already competitively bid this item.
Mr. Winder stated that we included the mechanics on this program to get their thoughts and they like this. They believe that it will work for them.
Reports can be tallied on a daily, weekly monthly basis. Mr. Crews asked who currently does this job. Mr. Warfel stated that this helps to automate the streamline the process for the mechanics, finance and anyone who inputs information into the current system.
Ms. Marty made a positive motion for recommendation, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 11: Resolution # 2022-024 – Professional services agreement with AssetWorks for a Fleet Management system:
Mr. Warfel stated that this program will be able to tell us who fueled the vehicle, the mileage etc. and will also provide us with a breakdown of what needs to be completed for each vehicle in our fleet.
Mr. Crews made a positive motion for approval, seconded by Ms. Marty, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 12: Resolution # 2022-025 – Procurement policy:
Mr. Winder stated that this outlines the procedures when purchasing items. Under FTA guidelines anything under $3500 does not require 3 quotes. Anything over the $3500 does then require the 3 documented quotes and a purchase order.
We are in the process of creating a procurement officer position within RVTA to make sure that only one person is handling this process.
Ms. Marty made a positive motion, seconded by Mr. Crews, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 13: Resolution # 2022-026 – Adopting the FFY23 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal:
Mr. Wright reviewed this information with the board and stated that we must have a goal/plan in place, because we are a direct recipient of Federal Transit dollars. We currently give 2% back to any DBE’s.
This is necessary for our triannual reviews and they will look at this and our position and participation/goals.
Ms. Marty made a positive motion for adoption with minor administrative staff changes and/or corrections, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 14: Resolution # 2022-027 – Authorizing RVTA’s Title VI program:
Mr. Wright reviewed this information and stated that we are direct federal recipients of transit dollars and we are required to have this comprehensive plan in place and this plan is submitted to the FTA for approval.
Ms. Marty made a positive motion for approval with minor administrative staff changes and/or corrections, seconded by Mr. Crews, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 15: Resolution # 2022-028 – Naming authorized credit card users/signors on the Woodlands Bank account:
Ms. Marty made a positive motion to approve the listed individuals as presented, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 16: New Business:
Mr. Winder brought forth an emergency resolution for signatures for the DOT Grants program that we have with the state. This document existed with RVT but we needed to define the positions and signors for RVTA.
Ms. Marty made a positive recommendation for approval, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Mr. Winder presented to the board the new RVTA logo. This logo is more feasible to utilize on the clothing for all staff employees.
Item # 17: Public Comments:
N/A
Mr. Moore made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Crews. The meeting adjourned at 6:13pm.

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05/17/22 – Authority Meeting Minutes

River Valley Transit Authority  

 

Meeting Minutes

May 17, 2022
Members Present: Richard Staiman, Noah Bower, Max Moore, Chuck Crews and Trisha Marty.
Administration Present: Adam Winder, Todd Wright, Nicole Farr and Renee Smith.
Others: Jill Nagy with Summers Nagy Law Firm, Michael Pontious with USI Insurance Services and Rich Kuczawa of Woodlands Bank.
Item #1: Ms. Nagy called the meeting to order at 5:30pm.
Ms. Nagy stated that an Executive Session held on May 17, 2022 from 4:30pm to 5:20pm for the RVTA Board members to discuss personnel matters.
Item # 2: Ms. Nagy made the call for the RVTA Board Chairperson. Mr. Staiman made a motion to nominate Noah Bower, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried and Mr. Bower took over running the meeting.
Item # 3: Approval of RVTA Board Bylaw’s:
Ms. Nagy called for approval of the River Valley Transit Board Bylaws, motion made by Mr. Bower, seconded by Mr. Moore and with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 4: Election of Officers:
Ms. Nagy called for a nomination for Chairperson of the River Valley Transit Authority Board for the remainder of this term. Mr. Staiman made a motion to nominate Noah Bower, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Mr. Crews made a motion to nominate Max Moore as Vice-chairperson, seconded by Mr. Staiman, with all ayes the motion carried.
Mr. Moore made a motion to nominate Richard Staiman, as the secretary of the board, seconded by Mr. Crews, with all ayes the motion carried.
Mr. Staiman nominated Chuck Crews as the Treasurer for the River Valley Transit Authority, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Renee Smith was appointed and nominated as the Recording Secretary and Right to Know officer for RVTA.
Item # 5: Appointment of Executive Director of RVTA:
R iver V alley T ransit A uthority
Mr. Staiman made a motion to nominate Adam Winder as the Executive Director of RVTA, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 6: Appointment of RVTA Solicitor:
Mr. Winder made a motion to nominate Jill Nagy of Summers Nagy Law firm. Mr. Staiman made a motion to approve Jill Nagy of Summers Nagy Law Firm as the solicitor for RVTA, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 7: Appointment of RVTA Auditor: Refer to attached letters from RKL
Mr. Winder stated that before you are the objectives and scope of financial audits, statements and correspondence for matters with a plan scope of timing of RVTA, with auditing ending on June 30, 2023. This is in the amount of $38,850 dollars. RKL has been the auditing firm for the past two (2) years and with the current situation we felt that this was best to continue to use the same firm. Mr. Staiman made a motion to approve RKL as the auditing service, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 8: Resolution #2022-001 – to adopt the 2022-2023 RVTA Operating Budget:
Mr. Winder stated that before you is the 2022-2023 Operating budget in the amount of $10,044,477 and does include salaries, fringe benefits, all maintenance and facility costs and we receive a Federal Operating Grant of $2,570,058, revenue in the amount of $8,612,447 and also include the Local Match and Nicole Farr, Chief Financial Officer is here as well with any questions.
Ms. Marty asked how Ms. Farr got the total? Ms. Farr explained the section above shows the deficit and then added in the revenue.
Mr. Staiman asked if a sub-total can be provided, like it is on the other pages for the DOT grants.
Mr. Crews made a motion to accept the 2022-2023 RVTA operating budget, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 9: Resolution # 2022-002 – approving a Professional Services Agreement with Geisinger Health, Guardian and Health Equity:
Mr. Winder stated that this is a resolution to approve a professional services agreement with Geisinger Health, Guardian and Health Equity for RVTA, which is the healthcare package for all employees. Going with Geisinger was a significant savings (under half million dollars) for a complete cost of $1,574, 059.20 and savings of 21.24%. This savings is better than the current healthcare price.
The Local ATU 1496 voted unanimously to accept this new insurance program. Mr. Pontious with USI will be our broker for all insurances programs.
Mr. Staiman asked if this was USI’s first year with the city? USI has not worked with the city in past, just RVTA.
Mr. Crews made a motion to approve this agreement, seconded by Ms. Marty, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 10: Resolution # 2022-003 – approving the revising of the River Valley Transit Authority Hiring and Maintenance of Essential Requirements (Retention) and Employment Qualifications/Driver Policy:
Mr. Winder stated that this is the polices that the board is required to adopt to start the WC insurance and gives us the opportunity to start the drug screening.
Ms. Marty made a motion to accept this as presented, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 11: Resolution # 2022-004 – authorizing approval of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program:
Ms. Marty made a motion to approve, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 12: Resolution # 2002-005 – authorizing approval of SAFTI required RVTA Policies:
• Personnel Policy Manual
• Hours of Service Compliance Policy
• Modified Duty/Light Duty Policy
• Vehicle Maintenance Policy
• Driver Medical Qualification Policy
• Environment Health and Safety policy
• Prohibiting Workplace Harassment Policy
• Accident Reporting and Investigation Policy
• FMLA Policy
• Policy Sign off Sheets
Mr. Crews made a motion to approve, seconded by Mr. Staiman, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 13: Resolution # 2022-006 – authorizing the adoption of Substance Abuse/Zero Tolerance Policy:
Mr. Moore made a motion to approve, seconded by Ms. Marty, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 14: Resolution # 2002-007 – authorizing entry into the State Association for Transportation Insurance Worker’s Compensation Pool (effective July 1, 2022):
Mr. Crews made a motion to approve, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 15: Resolution # 2022-008 – to adopt and transfer all existing River Valley Transit (RVT) – Contracts, Professional Service Agreements and Proposals for transfer to River Valley Transit Authority (RVTA)
Ms. Marty made a motion to approve all the existing contracts and agreements, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 16: Resolution # 2022-009 – authorizing RVTA to enter into an Assumption Agreement with Bridgestone for Tire Leasing Services Contract:
Mr. Winder stated that this leasing program provides significant savings as well as TPMS monitoring system for all the buses. This agreement is good until September of 2023.
Ms. Marty made a positive recommendation, seconded by Mr. Crews, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 17: Resolution # 2022-010 – authoring RVTA to enter into a Professional Services contract with PayCor for Financial services:
Mr. Winder stated that this program will aide us with financial processing and tie into our new financial package. This can be used with smart phones, which all RVTA employees will receive, they will be able to do their own timecard, view and submit HR information, review and approve memos and provide electronic signatures.
Mr. Bower asked if this could be done in house? Mr. Winder stated that there would not be any savings by doing this in house at this time.
Mr. Crews made a motion to approve these financial services, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 18: Resolution # 2022-011 – between RVTA and Woodlands Bank:
Mr. Winder stated that Woodlands bank will provide a line of credit, on-line banking and also a credit card for RVTA. The board would have to assign members to the accounts and also to sign checks and also view account information.
Mr. Staiman made a motion to approve, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Mr. Staiman made a motion to approve Adam Winder, Todd Wright and Chuck Crews (treasurer) as the approved check signors for the Woodlands Bank account, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 19: Resolution # 2022-012 – committing the Local Match for FY 2022-2023:
Mr. Winder stated this commits the RVTA staff to meet with the local municipalities to meet with them to review the required local match. Mr. Crews asked if there were any issues in the past of people paying? Mr. Winder indicated that once all surrounding municipalities where educated, they understood and all were compliant in paying.
Ms. Marty made a positive recommendation, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 20: Resolution # 2022-014 – adopting official Safety Plan for RVTA:
Mr. Winder stated that this safety plan was approved by Williamsport City Council and Chris Smith, who is our Safety & Security Officer wrote this document, which is required by the FTA and is complete and thorough. Ms. Marty made a motion to adopt the safety plan, seconded by Mr. Staiman, with all ayes the motion carreid.
Item # 21: Authorize transfer of Petitions for Collective Bargaining Unit (ATU Local 1496):
This resolution is just to transfer the ATU from RVT to RVTA. Necessary step to go before Labor & Industry for approval.
Mr. Crews if there are any issues with the union and administration? Mr. Perchinski stated that there are no issues at all. The ATU and Mr. Winder work well together. No issues at all.
Ms. Marty made a motion to approve, seconded by Mr. Staiman, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 22: Authorize assignment acceptance of Transit Worker Protection Agreement:
Ms. Nagy stated that this is a federal agreement with the ATU and similar to the motion before.
Mr. Moore made a motion to approve, seconded by Mr. Staiman, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 23: Authorize submission of Request to be named the Federal Recipient for Transit Funds:
Mr. Winder stated that this is just a letter to transfer them from RVT to RVTA and moving forward.
Ms. Marty made a motion for approval, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 24: Resolution # 2022-013 – accepting the 2022 RVTA meeting dates:
Mr. Staiman made a motion to approve the dates and times, seconded by Mr. Moore, with all ayes the motion carried.
Item # 25: New Business:
Mr. Winder thanked the board for re-writing history. Mr. Staiman commended RVT staff for how well we are prepared and organized.
Item # 26: Public Comments:
Ray Johnson, vice president of the ATU, if there any issues in moving forward with the Executive Director, we need to come to the board. Ms. Nagy stated that typically it would go through the standard process and then sometime this summer in meetings there will be a personnel committee formed to deal with any grievances. Only as a last step would anything make it to the board.
Mr. Crews stated that we wanted to keep things as normal as possible as we go through this transition. Tonight, was about making sure that everybody’s family is covered, everyone eats, moving forward, us as the board would like to thank you all for what you do and will continue to do.
Mr. Perchinski thanked the board and “Together We Fight, Together We Win” that’s the motto of the ATU.
Mr. Staiman made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Moore. The meeting adjourned at 6:08pm.

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