MINUTES
MassDOT BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 3, 2012
At the call of the Chair, a Meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Massachusetts Department of Transportation was held at the North Adams City
Hall, 10 Main Street, North Adams, MA on Wednesday, October 3, 2012.
There were present:
Messrs. Jenkins, Davey, Alvaro, Bonfiglio,
Macdonald and Miss Loux, being a quorum of the Board of Directors of the
Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
Also present were Acting General Manager and Rail and Transit
Administrator Davis, Rachael Rollins, MassDOT and MBTA General Counsel by
phone, Frank DePaola, Administrator of the Highway Division, Rachel Kaprielian,
Administrator of the RMV Division, Christopher Willenborg, Administrator of the
Aeronautics Division, Owen Kane, Senior Counsel to the Board, and Paula
Fallon, Recording Secretary.
The Chairman, Mr. Jenkins, presided.
Board of Directors
Chairman Jenkins called the Open Meeting to Order at 1:05 p.m. and
presented the order of business. The Chairman thanked Mayor Alcombright from
North Adams and Mayor Bianchi from Pittsfield for hosting us. He introduced
Mayor Alcombright as the first speaker.
Mayor Alcombright welcomed the Board to North Adams. He also
thanked MassDOT, the MBTA, Pan AM and anyone else responsible for bringing
the Veterans Coach and he noted that he was impressed that the coach had
already had the star of 21 year old Michael DelMarsico who was tragically killed
in Afghanistan. He was the first soldier lost in the City of North Adams since the
Vietnam conflict. The Mayor also thanked the Governor, Secretary, the Board for
their swift and complete response to our Route 2 issues after Hurricane Irene.
The Mayor also thanked the Aeronautics Division, the Registry, Rail and Transit
and the Highway Division.
Next Mayor Bianchi from Pittsfield said a few words. The Mayor
thanked the Secretary for all of their help and he appreciated how he hears
Pittsfield and the Berkshires in the talks when discussing transportation. He also
noted how closely his offices work with District One office on projects. He
finished thanking the Board for being there.
The next speaker was Gary Shepard from the Berkshire Regional Transit
Authority. Mr. Shepard also thanked the Board for coming to the North Adams.
Mr. Shepard discussed the routes of the BRTA. He stated that they provide six
day a week service and Saturday service. They provide no transportation on
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Sunday. He noted that 65% of their customers do not own a car and most use
the buses on weekly basis to go to work, medical appointments and shopping.
They want seven days a week service and later evening service along with more
timely service. He would like the Berkshires to be thought of as a four season
destination not just two seasons because they have people who work and live
there year round that have transportation needs as well. Director Loux asked
about the Berkshire Rides program and asked if they are tasked with getting
people to and from work. Mr. Shepard stated that it only provides service in
Northern Berkshires and not in Central Berkshire.
Next Representative Farley made a few comments. She thanked the
Board for coming to the Berkshires. The Representative noted that she tried to
take the bus here but would have had to leave at 10 am for a 1 pm meeting from
Pittsfield. She is very interested in working with MassDOT and the
Commonwealth on figuring out a solution on getting more transportation to the
area.
Chairman Jenkins opened up the meeting for public comment.
The first speaker was Mark Germanowski from the Pittsfield Municipal
Airport. Mr. Germanowski is the airport manager, he mentioned that the Board
back in 2010 approved a $13.5 million toward a $22.5 million project to make a
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safer and more operable airport, adding safety grids and setting the runway.
They are looking to completion in December 2012.
The next speaker is Jen Crous. Ms. Crous is a local resident and she
asked that when projects are designed to include it to be standard to have
designs that are pedestrian friendly and not just automobiles.
The next speaker was Jim Stakenas from the Massachusetts College of
Liberal Arts. He noted that the better the transportation in the more likely
students in Berkshire County can get to their college and to be a part of the
county itself.
Next Secretary gave his report. He noted that September kicked off their
series of public meetings around the Commonwealth entitled “ Your Vision, Our
Future.” These meetings will allow us to meet directly with our customers and talk
about our initiative and other priorities, but more importantly, to listen to what
their priorities and suggestions are noting that our biggest challenge is how we
will fund our system, noting that it has become clear, the system we have, we
cannot afford. The Secretary welcomed the new Rail and Transit Administrator
and General Manager Beverly Scott and he also thanked Jon Davis for the
outstanding job he did and is still doing as General Manager. Mr. Davis’s
contributions have been absolutely invaluable in the past 12 months and we are
thankful he will remain with the MBTA. The Secretary also gave an update on
Employee Recognition announcing Robert Willoth as the winner. In the
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Employee Innovation Campaign the winner was Eileen Mattis for her idea for the
“Hotel Driven Sales” and Alexy Belov came in second for her idea of “Cut the
Cord.” The Secretary gave updates on the Small Bottleneck Grant Program, the
annual Car Free Week. He also announced that on September 14 th MassDOT
dedicated a stretch of Route 53 in Weymouth for the late Stephen T. O’Donnell
who was a long time MassDOT employee. Also in September Lt. Governor
Murray released the “Transforming the Rail Network for Economic and
Community Development,” outlining the achievements and the positive impacts
we are already seeing as a result of our historic agreement with CSX. The
Secretary ended with thanking the people who brought the Gold Star Coach and
coordinated the train ride through the Hoosac Tunnel and also Peter Niles for the
tour of Route 2. He also thanked Gary Shepard for his comments today. Director
Loux appreciated the Board coming to the Western part of the state noting that it
is often hard to get attention out in this part of the State.
The next item items on the agenda are procedural items. The first item we
have is election of the officers of the Board. The first is to nominate Janice Loux
as Vice Chair of the Board for the next year.
On motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously
VOTE: To appoint Janice Loux as Vice Chair of the MassDOT Board of
Directors for a term of one year.
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Next Chairman Jenkins nominated Joseph Bonfiglio to serve as Secretary
to the Board for the next two years.
On motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously
VOTED: to appoint Joseph Bonfiglio as Secretary to the MassDOT Board
for a term of two years.
Next Chairman Jenkins nominated Alan Macdonald for the position of
Treasurer.
On motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously;
VOTED: to appoint Alan Macdonald as Treasurer to the MassDOT Board
of Directors for a term of two years.
Next Frank DePaola, Administrator of Mass Highway gave his report. Mr.
DePaola began by welcoming everyone to District One where Peter Niles is the
District Highway Director. He noted that the Route 2 project the Secretary
mentioned in his report is a great example of the dedication of the staff in Mr.
Niles’ office. He added that this project has been nationally recognized by the
American Public Works Association as the project of the year. Director Loux gave
Mr. Niles and his group appreciation for all the work they did in the amount of
time they completed the project. Mr. DePaola also announced that they will be
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declaring the Neponset Avenue Bridge reconstruction substantially complete.
Also in November they expect to have a groundbreaking event for the Fore River
Bridge in Quincy. Me. DePaola ended with an update on the Federal fiscal year.
Next Rachael Kaprielian, Registrar of the Registry of Motor Vehicles gave
her report. She discussed the dashboard and noted that wait times were up in
September because traditionally it is typically a busy month as well as dealing
with some staffing shortages. She noted that they also had some managers from
the bigger branches go to other parts of the state to get some good management
advice out it. She gave an update on the road test noting that they are behind but
working on adding Saturday which will save the Commonwealth some money by
having the examiners work schedule be from Tuesday to Saturday adding that
they do have tests on Sundays when they are particularly busy. Next the
Registrar gave an update on ALARS the Registry modernization plan; she stated
that they are working to come to the Board in December but they are still
negotiating.
Next Chris Willenborg, Administrator of Mass Aeronautics began his
presentation by giving an update on the three public-use general aviation airports
that serve the Berkshire region and play an essential role in the statewide system
of airports throughout the Commonwealth. He began with Harriman-and-West
Airport located in North Adams. He stated it is municipally owned airport facility
that is characterized as a corporate business airport in our Massachusetts
statewide airport system plan with approximately 30 based aircraft. The airport
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largest tenants include Turboprop East, an aircraft maintenance facility. Next he
talked about Pittsfield Municipal Airport also characterized as a corporate
business airport with two intersecting runways. The airport can accommodate a
wide range of aircrafts including business jets. He noted that Line Aviation is the
fixed based operator at this airport that provides aircraft fueling and maintenance,
flight training, tie-down hanger storage and other ancillary ground support
services. Mr. Willenborg ended talking about the Walter J. Koladza Airport also
known as the Great Barrington Airport which is privately owned and operated by
Berkshire Aviation Enterprises. The airport is a community business airport with
over 40 based aircrafts.
Next is the Report from the Rail and Transit Administrator Jon Davis. He
began with noting that the final two bridges of the MassDOT clearance work to
accommodate double stack trains into Massachusetts were cleared in
September. This project will increase freight capacity and reduce the cost to ship
freight and provide Massachusetts companies better access to national and
Asian markets.
In the Transit Division the Worcester Regional Transit Authority received a
Federal Clean Fuel’s Competitive Grant for $4.4 million. The grant with be used
to purchase three all electric transit buses, a charging station, shop equipment,
and installation.
Mr. Davis gave an update on his trip to Korea noting that it was very
informative and the discussions were productive. He stated he had two meetings
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with Hyundai Rotem’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. M. H. Lee
where at both meetings he reiterated his commitment to deliver the coaches on
in accordance with the most recent schedule. He stated that he made it very
clear to Mr. Lee that the commitment of resources need to continue in Korea and
Philadelphia. Mr. Davis ended with thanking the Board and the Secretary with the
opportunity to serve as Acting General Manger. He stated that he is a believer in
that you are only as good as the people that support you.
Chairman Jenkins noted that he wanted to recognize that Rachael Rollins
is joining us via telephone.
The next item on the agenda is the approval of the Administrator’s salary
presented by Secretary Davey. The Secretary referenced a memo from Bill
Perez outlining the Patrick/ Murray Administration’s 3% cost of living adjustment
to managers in the state government which they haven’t had a raise in five to six
years. He noted that he can’t give it to the Administrators without the approval of
the Board.
On motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously;
VOTED: That the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation hereby approves the salary of Highway Division Administrator
Frank DePaola in the amount $149,350.00, Registrar Rachel Kaprielian in the
amount $137,253.94 and Aeronautics Division Administrator Christopher
Willenborg in the amount of $102,485.00 per year, as determined by the
Secretary pursuant to M.G.L. c.6C,§29(c).
The next item on the agenda is the review of the MBTA audited financial
statements for fiscal year 2012 presented by Joe Connolly. Mr. Connolly
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introduced himself along with Brock Romano from KPMG, the firm that conducts
the MBTA’s annual financial audit. Mr. Connolly gave a brief review and
explaination of differences between the audited financial results for fiscal year
2012, and the quarterly results presented to the Finance Committee throughout
the year. He then allowed Mr. Romano to go into more detail about the audit. He
did mention that the staff had done very well with accelerating the process so
they would be able to present to them today. He stated that they will focus on the
financial statements and his discussion. Mr. Romano highlighted a couple of
significant areas in the audit. Director Loux asked if the initial letter to the Board
is considered the management notes. Mr. Romano noted that they are not done
with the management letter yet. He stated it will focus on our observations of the
Authorities internal controls. Director Alvaro asked Mr. Romano to go over some
of the issues in the management letter. Mr. Romano stated that the management
letter will not contain any material weaknesses which are the most severe. It will
include their comments on items that they just discovered during the audit,
including past comments on interest rate assumptions. There will also be some
comments on the manual controls on cash reconciliations, reconciling of the AFC
system data, as well as some comments on the IT security that has been
mentioned before. Chairman Jenkins asked that they come back when they have
the management letter ready. Director Loux requested to see the original version
of the management letter before things are sorted out with management.
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On motion duly made and seconded, it was with Director Loux abstention;
VOTED: To approve the MBTA audited financial statements for fiscal
year 2012.
The next item on the agenda is the update on the Commuter Rail Positive
Train Control (PTC) presented by Brad Kessler. Mr. Kessler went through his
presentation reviewing their goals, timeline, work plan, methodology, the
progress and the funding. He noted that PTC is the latest version of how trains
will operate, how trains will move. He stated that after a deadly crash in California
FRA mandated PTC for passenger railroads, freight railroads that are signaled,
and anywhere you’re going to move Hazmat chemicals. There are two types of
PTC systems, ACSES, which is advanced Civil Speed Enforcement Systems
which we currently have, and then you have IETMS, which a majority of the
freight railroads have. The difference is that ACSES is designed for highspeed
rail. He noted that all MBTA rolling stop is currently equipped for ACSES. They
have already turned in the implementation plan which was approved by FRA,
then they turned in the development plan which came back with a number of
comments. He noted that the deadline for the PTC is December 31, 2015. The
estimated cost is between $300 and $500 million. Chairman Jenkins asked who
is going to pay for this FRA? Mr. Davis answered that they don’t have the money
for the project yet. The Secretary stated that this is an unfunded mandate from
Congress. Mr. Davis noted that they have set some money aside to start the
project and to look at what type of technology we would use. The Secretary
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noted that technology isn’t the issue , it’s a question of, you’d have to cease our
entire capital program for the entire MBTA for two years except install PTC which
is required by Congress. Chairman Jenkins noted the obsticals to overcome,
especially the funding.
Secretary Davey stepped out for the next subject on Commuter Rail.
Next Mr. Kessler gave an update on the Commuter Rail Procurement. Mr.
Kessler updated the Board on where we are and where we are going. He
referenced the briefing paper that was passed out which goes over the
differences, improvements, changes, along with the draft RFP. He noted the draft
RFP was set to go out the next day. He stated that three weeks from today
comments are due back from the bidders, noting that if they stay on schedule the
bids will be due in February 25, 2013.
On motion, duly made and seconded it was unanimously;
VOTED: to adjourn.
Documents relied on in meeting:
Staff Summaries for items 7-11
Minutes for July 11, 2012
Officer Election Descriptions
Administrator Salary Memo
MBTA Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal 2012
Commuter Rail PTC Powerpoint
Commuter Rail Memo
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