M I N U T E S
VRE OPERATIONS BOARD MEETING
PRTC HEADQUARTERS – PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA
MARCH 15, 2013
VIRGINIA RAILWAY
EXPRESS
BOARD MEMBERS
PAUL SMEDBERG
CHAIRMAN
PAUL MILDE
VICE-CHAIRMAN
JONATHAN WAY
TREASURER
JOHN COOK
SECRETARY
SHARON BULOVA
MAUREEN CADDIGAN
WALLY COVINGTON
JOHN JENKINS
MATT KELLY
SUHAS NADDONI
KEVIN PAGE
GARY SKINNER
BOB THOMAS
CHRIS ZIMMERMAN
ALTERNATES
MARC AVENI
THELMA DRAKE
BRAD ELLIS
JAY FISETTE
FRANK JONES
TIM LOVAIN
MICHAEL MAY
JEFF McKAY
MARTIN NOHE
BENJAMIN PITTS
SUSAN STIMPSON
DOUG ALLEN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
1500 King Street, Suite 202
Alexandria, VA 22314-2730
MEMBERS PRESENT
Sharon Bulova (NVTC)
Maureen Caddigan (PRTC)
John Cook (NVTC)
Wally Covington (PRTC)
Matt Kelly (PRTC)
Paul Milde (PRTC)
Suhas Naddoni (PRTC)
Kevin Page
Gary Skinner (PRTC)
Paul Smedberg (NVTC)
Jonathan Way (PRTC)*
Christopher Zimmerman (NVTC)
JURISDICTION
Fairfax County
Prince William County
Fairfax County
Prince William County
City of Fredericksburg
Stafford County
City of Manassas Park
DRPT
Spotsylvania County
City of Alexandria
City of Manassas
Arlington County
MEMBERS ABSENT
John D. Jenkins (PRTC)
Bob Thomas (PRTC)
JURISDICTION
Prince William County
Stafford County
ALTERNATES PRESENT
Thelma Drake
JURISDICTION
DRPT
ALTERNATES ABSENT
Marc Aveni (PRTC)
Brad Ellis (PRTC)
Jay Fisette (NVTC)
Frank C. Jones (PRTC)
Tim Lovain (NVTC)
Michael C. May (PRTC)
Jeff McKay (NVTC)
Martin E. Nohe (PRTC)
Benjamin T. Pitts (PRTC)
Susan Stimpson (PRTC)
JURISDICTION
City of Manassas
City of Fredericksburg
Arlington County
City of Manassas Park
City of Alexandria
Prince William County
Fairfax County
Prince William County
Spotsylvania County
Stafford County
STAFF AND GENERAL PUBLIC
Doug Allen – VRE
Gregg Baxter – Keolis
Donna Boxer – VRE
Nancy Collins – Stafford County
Rich Dalton – VRE
Rob Dickerson – Prince William County
John Duque – VRE
Patrick Durany – Prince William County
Rhonda Gilchrest – NVTC staff
Tracy Gordon – Prince William County
Claire Gron – NVTC staff
Al Harf – PRTC staff
Chris Henry – VRE
Christine Hoeffner – VRE
Angela Horan – Prince William County
Ann King – VRE
Uriah Kiser – Potomac News
Mike Lake – Fairfax County DOT
Lezlie Lamb – VRE
Bob Leibbrandt – Prince William County
Steve MacIsaac – VRE counsel
Betsy Massie – PRTC staff
Sirel Mouchantaf – VRE
Joseph Pasanello – citizen
Dick Peacock – Citizen
Lynn Rivers – Arlington County
Mark Roeber – VRE
Scott Shenk – Free Lance Star
Brett Shorter – VRE
* Delineates arrival following the commencement of the Board meeting. Notation of exact
arrival time is included in the body of the minutes.
Chairman Smedberg called the meeting to order at 9:37 A.M. Following the Pledge of
Allegiance, roll call was taken.
Approval of the Agenda – 3
Ms. Bulova moved, with a second by Mr. Kelly, to approve the agenda. The vote in
favor was cast by Board Members Bulova, Caddigan, Cook, Covington, Kelly, Milde,
Naddoni, Page, Skinner, Smedberg and Zimmerman.
Approval of the Minutes of the February 15, 2013 Operations Board Meeting – 4
Ms. Caddigan moved approval of the minutes and Ms. Bulova seconded. The vote in
favor was cast by Board Members Bulova, Caddigan, Cook, Covington, Milde, Naddoni
and Page. Mr. Kelly, Mr. Skinner and Mr. Zimmerman abstained.
[Mr. Way arrived at 9:40 A.M.]
Chairman’s Comments – 6
Chairman Smedberg welcomed Matt Kelly back to the VRE Operations Board. Mr.
Kelly represents the City of Fredericksburg replacing Mr. Howe.
Chairman Smedberg also gave an update on the Alexandria Street Tunnel project. CSX
has fully embraced the project since it is critical to relieve congestion at the choke point
at the Alexandria station. DRPT has also been very supportive of this project. VRE,
CSX, the City of Alexandria and DRPT will all be working together to advance this
project forward.
Chairman Smedberg reminded the Board that a contract was awarded to The Segal
Corporation to conduct a joint compensation study for VRE and PRTC. Segal
representatives will conduct employee interviews as well as attend the next two VRE
Operations Board and PRTC meetings. Final recommendations should be made by
June 14, 2013. He also reported that the Capital Committee has conducted two
meetings and Mr. Way is leading that effort. The two previous committee meetings
included discussions of financial and debt management principles and the long-range
life cycle maintenance plan for rolling stock. Today’s meeting will focus on debt
parameters.
Chairman Smedberg stated that in response to House Bill 2313, NVTA issued a letter
proposing several technical amendments for the Governor’s consideration. He urged
Board Members to contact their General Assembly representatives to ask for their
support of these amendments. Mr. Zimmerman explained that these technical
amendments are particularly relevant to VRE dealing with the legislation’s language in
which funds can only be spent in NVTA’s jurisdictions. A question arises if VRE could
use NVTA funding to purchase rolling stock although technically the trains run in other
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jurisdictions. It is the same issue if additional storage is purchased in Washington, D.C.
or Spotsylvania County, which is technically outside of NVTA boundaries. Ms. Bulova
noted another example would be if VRE wants to make any improvements to switches
or tracks outside of NVTA boundaries. Mr. Zimmerman also stated that the “poison pill”
provision in the Governor’s legislation says that if any jurisdiction misspends funds for
anything other than transportation, all the funding goes away. NVTA is requesting an
amendment that if a jurisdiction misspends the funds, their funding goes away and the
other jurisdictions are not penalized. Mr. Zimmerman noted that overall funding for
transit has increased but observed that if the federal Marketplace Equity Act does not
pass, it could result in less transit funding. This could be problematic.
Chief Executive Officer’s Report – 6
Mr. Allen reported that overall on-time performance (OTP) for the month of February
was 97 percent (98 percent on the Manassas Line and 95 percent on the
Fredericksburg Line). Ridership remains strong at over 19,000 average daily riders and
there were nine days in February that ridership exceeded 20,000. Staff has been
monitoring ridership trends for each day of week, which reflects that Friday’s ridership
drops 20-30 percent. It will also be important to monitor the federal sequestration and
how it could affect ridership. Staff is prepared to make adjustments if necessary to keep
operating costs down.
Mr. Allen also reported that the Amtrak step-up fare reduction from $5 to $3 went into
effect. This is part of a mitigation effort for the HOT Lanes Construction project on I-95
using DRPT funding. Sales for step-up fares are 60 percent higher compared to a year
ago.
Mr. Allen reported that VRE has put together a list of projects for potential NVTA
funding, which includes the Alexandria Street Tunnel project, more rolling stock, more
parking, and longer platforms. He also reported that VRE has conducted two of its
public hearings on the proposed fare increase. The hearings in Burke and Stafford
were lightly attended, but there was good dialogue with riders, who seem to understand
the need for an increase. The remaining public hearings will continue through the end
of March. In response to a question from Mr. Skinner, Mr. Allen stated that the hearing
in Fredericksburg is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. on March 27th at the Rappahannock
Regional Library. The Meet-the-Management program is scheduled to begin again but
will be done slightly different this year. VRE staff will focus on conducting them at the
primary destination stations (Union Station on April 3rd, L’Enfant Station April 17th, and
Crystal City and Alexandria in May).
Mr. Allen also reviewed several key meetings he attended, including a meeting with
Amtrak regarding Washington Union Terminal operations, the APTA Legislative
Conference, and a meeting with VRE staff regarding system operational planning.
Mr. Allen reported that Caroline County has expressed some preliminary interest in
joining VRE/PRTC. In response to a question from Mr. Milde, Mr. Allen stated that there
are VRE riders that currently come from Caroline County. Ms. Drake explained that
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there is an 800+ housing development being planned in the Carmel Church area. The
landowner and developer contacted DRPT about developing a train stop at this location.
However, this future development is too close to Ashland and Fredericksburg to
become an Amtrak stop, so DRPT suggested VRE might be a better option.
VRE Riders’ and Public Comment – 7
Dick Peacock stated that he is pleased to see the Spotsylvania Station project moving
forward. He asked about when the contract will be awarded and when construction will
begin. Mr. Allen stated that action is being requested in a later agenda item but the
short answer is that the intent is to award the contract in May with construction
beginning as early as late May or early June 2013. Mr. Peacock observed that this is a
very aggressive schedule. Mr. Skinner agreed but observed that the cooperation
between VRE, DRPT, CSX and PRTC has been phenomenal.
Joseph Pasanello of Haymarket, Virginia voiced his opposition to VRE’s fare evasion
policy. He unwittingly did not validate for his return trip and was given a summons. He
feels that VRE’s policy is harsh and draconian. He has no other recourse in the process
but to go to court. He stated that he has worked in the transit industry for 38 years in
New York and Connecticut and believes that VRE’s policy is very anti-customer.
Chairman Smedberg directed staff to talk with Mr. Pasanello regarding this issue after
the meeting.
Consent Agenda – 8A
Mr. Milde moved, with a second by Ms. Bulova, to approve the following consent
agenda items:
Resolution #8A-03-2013: Authorization to Issue an IFB for Construction of the
Spotsylvania Station.
Resolution #8B-03-2013: Authorization to Issue an IFB for Construction of the
Crossroads to Hamilton Third Track Project.
The Board then voted on the Consent Agenda. The vote in favor was cast by Board
Members Bulova, Caddigan, Cook, Covington, Kelly, Milde, Naddoni, Page, Skinner,
Smedberg, Way and Zimmerman.
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Authorization to Issue a Task Order to STV for Engineering and Oversight Work for PTC
Implementation – 9A
Mr. Allen explained that the VRE Operations Board is being asked to authorize him to
issue a Task Order to STV, Inc., under the MEC V contract, to provide for engineering
and oversight work for Positive Train Control (PTC) in the amount not to exceed
$550,645, plus a 10 percent contingency, for a total contract value of $605,710.
Resolution #9A-03-2013 would accomplish this.
Mr. Allen explained that VRE needs to start the next phase of PTC implementation with
the procurement of the necessary on-board PTC equipment and other coordinated
activities. STV will provide the necessary engineering services and oversight to perform
the task order. VRE staff will return to the Operations Board with an additional task
orders once the scope of work is completely defined.
Mr. Milde moved, with a second by Ms. Caddigan, to approve Resolution #9A-03-2013.
The vote in favor was cast by Board Members Bulova, Caddigan, Cook, Covington,
Kelly, Milde, Naddoni, Page, Skinner, Smedberg, Way and Zimmerman.
Authorization to Award a General Engineering Consulting Services Contracts – 9B
Mr. Zimmerman stated that he will recuse himself from the discussion and action of this
agenda item. While it may not prohibit his participation in the consideration of this
action, he has provided occasional consulting services for a subsidiary of one of the
firms listed in the resolution. [Disclosure statement attached.] Mr. Zimmerman stepped
away from the table and did not participate in the discussion.
Mr. Allen explained that Resolution #9B-03-2013 would authorize him to award general
engineering consulting (GEC) services contracts to five firms: AECOM, STV, Gannett
Flemming, Michael Baker, and Parsons Brinkerhoff. The cumulative contract terms
would be limited to five years or $5,000,000.
Mr. Covington moved, with a second by Ms. Bulova, to approve the resolution.
Mr. Milde asked if task orders will be brought back to the Operations Board for action.
Mr. Allen explained that any task order over $50,000 must come before the Operations
Board for action. It is expected that almost all of the task orders for this contract will
need to come before the Board.
The Board then voted on the motion and it passed. The vote in favor was cast by Board
Members Bulova, Caddigan, Cook, Covington, Kelly, Milde, Naddoni, Page, Skinner,
Smedberg and Way.
Mr. Zimmerman returned to the table after the vote.
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Authorization to Award a Contract for Insurance Brokerage Services – 9C
Mr. Allen stated that the VRE Operations Board is being asked to recommend that the
Commissions authorize him to enter into a three-year contract, with two additional oneyear options, with Aon Risk Services, Inc. of Maryland for the provision of insurance
brokerage services. The total contract value will not exceed $645,000 over the five-year
period, including a $5,000 contingency for any requested consulting services not
specifically covered under the agreement. Resolution #9C-03-2013 would accomplish
this.
Ms. Caddigan moved, with a second by Mr. Skinner, to approve Resolution #9C-032013. The vote in favor was cast by Board Members Bulova, Caddigan, Cook,
Covington, Kelly, Milde, Naddoni, Page, Skinner, Smedberg, Way and Zimmerman.
Consideration of Revised Bylaws – 10A
Mr. Allen reported that the Bylaws have been updated and it is VRE’s practice that any
changes to the Bylaws must be made available a month in advance of any action taken.
No action is being requested at this meeting. He stated that although there will need to
be further changes to the Bylaws next year to reflect the recent legislation regarding
weighted voting, these minor changes are needed now. Chairman Smedberg
encouraged Board Members to review the revisions and contact staff with any questions
or concerns before the April 2013 meeting.
Mr. Kelly observed proportional voting is becoming more and more of an issue and he
suggested “25 percent” on page 2 be clarified since it is listed at “15-25%” and “25% or
more.” He also suggested a minor wording change on page 4 from “he” to “chair.” Mr.
Zimmerman requested a summary report on why this action is being requested and if
they are simply editorial changes versus more substantial changes. Mr. MacIsaac gave
a brief overview of the changes, which are primarily editorial changes. The main
change is VRE’s voting process and the wording is taken directly out of the Master
Agreement. He agreed to provide a list of the changes. Mr. Page suggested that the
Bylaws include the Executive Committee process, including membership, as well as
scheduling and advertising of meetings.
Operations Board Member’s Time – 9
Mr. Naddoni stated that at a past meeting, the Operations Board discussed smoking on
the VRE platforms, which is a real problem at the Manassas Park station. Mr. Dalton
explained that VRE received public comments about the smoking policy and those
comments were provided to the individual jurisdictions. Mr. Skinner expressed his hope
that VRE can leave the smoking policy on platforms up to the jurisdictions. Mr. Milde
agreed.
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Mr. Kelly thanked Mr. Allen for coming to Fredericksburg to discuss VRE’s commitments
to Fredericksburg and tour the city and parking facilities. Mr. Milde asked for a report
regarding any financial commitment VRE may have made to the City of Fredericksburg.
Mr. Covington asked for an analysis of parking capacity at the Broad Run Station. Mr.
Allen stated that staff is looking at long-term and short-term solutions for this station.
Mr. Way observed that parking at the Manassas Station is eight percent over capacity,
but he cannot figure out where those eight percent are parking their cars. Mr. Naddoni
observed that the VRE report lists Manassas Park at 90 percent parking capacity.
However, he rides VRE on a daily basis and the lot is full after the third train. He asked
staff to look into this.
Mr. Skinner gave a detailed report on the progress being made on the Spotsylvania
station and parking lot. All the participants, including VRE, CSX, PRTC, DRPT and
Spotsylvania County, are working hard to get the station open by December 2013.
Ms. Bulova announced a new express Fairfax Connector Bus service from the Lorton
VRE station to Tysons using the HOT Lanes will begin next week. She encouraged
Board Members to advertise this service. In response to a question from Mr. Cook, Mr.
Allen stated that VRE has been looking at some options for a joint fare to encourage
ridership. Board Members discussed the importance of finding ways to target riders
from the Tysons area and outer jurisdictions. Ms. Bulova also announced that Ms.
Kelley Coyner has been named NVTC’s new Executive Director.
Mr. Way requested an updated schedule and cost estimates for the
Gainesville/Haymarket extension project. The Governor’s legislative program may
generate new funds which could be used for this project. He observed that funding is
usually directed to well-thought out projects which are ready to begin work right away.
He would like VRE to have information ready if NVTA funding is available. Mr. Allen
stated that the key is to get Norfolk Southern to participate in the study.
Adjournment
On a motion by Ms. Caddigan and a second by Mr. Naddoni, the Board unanimously
voted to adjourn. Chairman Smedberg adjourned the meeting at 10:39 A.M.
Approved this 19th day of April, 2013.
_____________________________
Paul Smedberg
Chairman
_____________________________
John Cook
Secretary
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CERTIFICATION
This certification hereby acknowledges that the minutes for the March 15, 2013 Virginia
Railway Express Operations Board Meeting have been recorded to the best of my
ability.
Rhonda Gilchrest
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