MINUTES
MassDOT BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 5, 2012
At the call of the Chair, a Meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Massachusetts
Department
of
Transportation
was
held
at
the
State
Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, MassDOT Board Room, Suite 3830,
Boston, MA on Wednesday, December 5, 2012.
There were present:
Messrs. Jenkins, Alvaro, Davey, Bonfiglio,
Macdonald, Whittle and Miss Loux, being the full Board of Directors of the
Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
Also present were Acting General Manager and Rail and Transit
Administrator Davis, Frank DePaola, Administrator of the Highway Division,
Rachel Kaprielian, Administrator of the RMV Division, Christopher Willenborg,
Administrator of the Aeronautics Division, Rachael Rollins, MassDOT and MBTA
General Counsel, 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 and presented the
order of business.
Chairman Jenkins opened up the meeting for public comment.
The first couple of speakers were Nancy Murray and Cathy Roberts from
BCPR, Ms. Schotten and Ms. Aggash. They commented on Veolia and their
involvement in the West Bank. They would like MassDOT to refrain from signing
a new contract with MBCR.
The next speaker is Margaret Crowdis. Ms. Crowdis commented on the
Salem Garage. She would like the garage to be more geared toward pedestrians
and not just cars.
The next speaker is Bernard Doherty, part of DAG. Mr. Doherty is against
taking down the Casey Overpass. He would like a new bridge component.
The next speaker is Jeffrey Ferris from Bridging Forest Hills. Mr. Ferris
would also like to see a new bridge instead of an at grade solution put in.
The next speaker is Marilyn MacNab. Ms. MacNab thanked Acting
General Manager Jon Davis for his service. She said what stood out the most for
her was when Mr. Davis went to every Fare Increase and Service Cuts public
hearings. She noted that there were many other things that impressed her as
well.
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Next Director Loux gave an award to Jonathan Davis for his time as Acting
General Manager. Director Loux noted that Mr. Davis stepped up to assist when
the transit system really needed him when the Governor appointed Rich Davey
Secretary. She stated that Jon represents leadership to everyone. She too was
very proud of him during the fare increase and service cuts hearing attending all
the meetings and really showing the riding public compassion and respect. She
also noted his kindness and patience with employees and customers. He is also
a teacher to so many even if they didn’t realize he was teaching them. She
ending saying he is one of the nicest, smartest people she knows and he is
understated in his work. The MBTA has been so fortunate to have Mr. Davis step
up to the task of Acting General Manager when the Transit system needed him
most.
Mr. Davis thanked everyone. He noted that he had fun and it was a great
learning experience. He ended with that he couldn’t have done it without the
support of the Secretary, the Board, the Customers and the Senior Managers.
Next Chairman Jenkins announced the approval for the minutes of the
October 3, 2012 and November 7, 2012 Board meeting.
On motion duly made and seconded; with Director Whittle abstention;
VOTED: To approve the minutes of October 3, 2012 Board meeting.
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On motion duly made and seconded; with Director Alvaro abstention;
VOTED: To approve the minutes of November 7, 2012 Board Meeting.
Next Secretary gave his report. The Secretary noted the Your Vision
meetings are still in progress with a meeting tonight in Lynn. He noted that
the meetings have prompted serious and thoughtful discussions about the big
picture of transportation financing challenges. He added while there is bad news
there is also common themes they’ve heard since the first meeting and all
revolve around the link between transportation improvements and economic
growth, job creation, and quality of life. The Secretary also recognized Oscar
Epstein for his 63 years as a MassDOT Employee. Mr. Epstein is 89 years
young. He also recognized Phil Shoemaker, Green Line Repairer for he has
been an instrumental figure in communicating with MBTA vendors in sourcing
electronic subcomponents and as a result he has been successful in replacing a
lot of the old components on boards that have been discontinued. Next the
Secretary announced recent awards given to MassDOT. The Fast Fourteen was
awarded The Engineering News Record New York’s Best Project of 2012 for the
Northeast Region. Also awarded for the Fast Fourteen project was the CMAA’s
(Construction Management Association of America) 2012 Construction
Management Project Achievement Award, and AASHTO’s Safety Leadership
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Award for their efforts to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on our highways.
(Full Report Attached)
Chairman Jenkins allowed a couple more speakers for open comment period.
The next speakers were Representative Keenan and Salem Mayor
Driscoll. The Representative and Mayor both expressed their support for the
Salem Parking Garage.
The next speaker John McQueen wanted to address the Longfellow
Bridge item on the agenda. He would like to have a larger pedestrian access to
bring added life to GreenDOT and the healthy transportation compact. He would
like the bicycle lane to be protected and choose option B3.
Next Frank DePaola, Administrator of Mass Highway gave his report. Mr.
DePaola announced the opening of the fourth travel lane on Route 128 between
Randolph and Norwood. Mr. DePaola gave out a report on the new snow and ice
reporting system.
Next Rachael Kaprielian, Registrar of the Registry of Motor Vehicles gave
her report. She discussed the dashboard and noted that wait times were up
about 24 minutes. They have six new road test examiners doing road tests
alleviating the booking out of tests. She noted that they will be launching the
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Jan/Dec school bus inspections. The Registry noted that they are working very
hard on reimaging the RMV and she will speak more about it later on one of the
items.
Next Chris Willenborg, Administrator of Mass Aeronautics began his
presentation by noting that Aeronautics and the Volpe Center kicked off their
carbon neutral airport project. They are working on establishing the very first
carbon neutral airport. The statewide pavement analysis is completed with all of
the airports done. The information will be put into a software program so
performance management can track the maintenance. Lastly, Mr. Willenborg
noted they are working on replacing their AMES program because they are
beginning to fail but they would like to move to a web based program.
Next Jon Davis gave his report for the Rail and Transit Division (attached).
Mr. Davis updated the board on the Green Line Trolley accident on November
29, 2012. Approximately 30 customers and 3 employees sustained moderate to
minor injuries. The investigation is complete and it concluded that there were no
issues with the infrastructure or the machines. The driver of the second train was
solely responsible for the accident. Next, Mr. Davis sadly announced the death
of Hyundai Rotem’s CEO M. H. Lee. He sends his condolences to Mr. Lee’s
family and Hyundai Rotem.
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Chairman Jenkins allowed one final speaker to the podium for public
comment. Ms. Jo Hart from Worcester wants MassDOT to start thinking about
the Western part of the State not just the Eastern part of the state.
Chairman Jenkins closed public comment period.
The next item on the agenda is presentation on the Positive Train Control
(PTC) presented by Ed Hunter, Assistant General Manager for Design and
Construction. He went through a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the project
goals, why we would implement the PTC on the Green Line, key findings,
maintaining the Service on the Green Line while using PTC, the costs, next steps
and the schedule. Mr. Hunter noted that with the 2008 Green Line accident the
NTSB stated that if we had the PTC we would have been able to stop the train in
that accident. Director Loux stated that she understands the reasons why we
don’t have PTC, because the stops are too short. She asked if there was a
cheaper technology that could at least alert a driver and why can’t we put those
in now and continue to work on the long term option as well. Mr. McGuiness from
HNTB answered that there is technology out there but it wasn’t what they were
looking at in this scope. Director Loux asked if we could get the cheaper
alternatives now. Chairman Jenkins asked what the next best alternative is. The
Secretary noted that the challenge is the station spacing and cars berthing at the
same time with a collision avoidance system. Mr. Hunter added that the
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technology of the system works on train indicators which would be going off all
the time because the Green Line trains are in such close proximity that there
would ultimately be an impact on service. Director Alvaro asked for a list of the
alternatives along with the cost and implementation period. Roma McKenzie
Campbell, Project Manager, noted that they did give them a cheaper model in an
earlier presentation but it wasn’t efficient costing us more in the long run. Director
Whittle asked where the price tag went up between the options. Ms. Campbell
stated that there is a cost for PTC and a cost to become PTC ready. Director
Loux stressed that she would like to look into getting some sort of technology
now for the safety of the drivers now. Chairman Jenkins asked Mr. Hunter to take
the information given to him and come back to the Board. Director Alvaro asked
that they be given all the alternatives so they can make an informed decision.
The next item on the agenda is the selection of a Board member to serve
on the Police Association Retirement Plan. Chairman Jenkins nominated
Ferdinand Alvaro.
On motion duly made and seconded, it was;
VOTED: The Board of Directors hereby appoints to the
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Police Association
Retirement Plan Board of Directors, Mr. Ferdinand Alvaro, Jr., as the
Board of Directors member.
The next item on the agenda is the presentation on the Longfellow Bridge
project presented by Mike O’Dowd. Mr. O’Dowd wanted to bring the Board up to
speed of where they currently stand with the project. It has been has been a role
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model with the integration of MassDOT between MBTA and the Highway
Division. He noted it is structurally deficient and is being funded under the
Accelerated Bridge Project and will be bid out as a design build project. Ms.
Gorzyca gave the board update on the procurement and how the utilize the best
value procurement. Director Alvaro asked if we are using the best materials
while keeping the integrity of the bridge. Mr. O’Dowd stated that they will be
replacing everything with new steel. Director Whittle noted that it sounds like a
good compromise from what he has heard so far. Director Whittle asked about
Charles Circle. Mr. O’Dowd stated that they are trying to refine the signals but it
will be the same. Chairman Jenkins asked about the community input. Mr.
O’Dowd stated that it will be continually ongoing. They continue to meet with
ABC and with Mass Eye and Ear and other officials. Before any major work
begins MassDOT will reach out conducting public meetings and reaching out to
groups.
Chairman Jenkins asked that we take a ten minute break at 3:31 p.m.
The next item on the agenda presented by Registrar Kaprielian is the
authorization to award a contract for a new Registry of Motor Vehicles
Operational system with Deloitte Consulting LLC for an amount not to exceed
$76,785,465. Director Loux and Director Alvaro stated that the Registrar and her
team did a great job on the procurement.
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On motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously;
VOTED: That the Secretary/CEO be, and hereby authorized to
execute, in the name and on behalf of the Massachusetts
Department of Transportation and in a form approved by the
General Counsel, a contract with Deloitte Consulting LLC for the
development and implementation of a new Registry of Motor
Vehicles Operational system for an amount not to exceed
876,785,465 for a duration of sixty-three (63) months including
warranty.
The next item on the agenda presented by Ed Hunter is the authorization
to enter into a contract with Consigli Construction Co. for the Salem Station
Improvements and Parking Garage, Salem, Massachusetts at a sum not to
exceed $32,467,761. Director Macdonald asked about the bathrooms in the new
station. Mr. Hunter stated that if they put them in they would have to put in a
heated area because the expenses would be about $500,000 to $1 million. He
also added that we usually don’t include those with commuter rail stations.
On motion duly made and seconded; it was unanimously;
VOTED: That the Secretary/CEO be, and hereby is, authorized to execute, in
the name and on behalf of the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation and in a form approved by the General Counsel, the
execution of an Interagency Service Agreement (ISA) amendment between
MassDOT and the MBTA for a value of $31,965,435.00 to support MBTA
Contract No. CMR-92, entitled "Salem Station Improvements and Parking
Garage, Salem, Massachusetts" with Consigli Construction Co., Inc.
FURTHUR VOTED:
That the Acting General Manager and Rail & Transit Administrator be and
hereby is, authorized to execute in the name and on behalf of the Authority,
subject to the approval of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation
(MassDOT) and in a form approved by the General Counsel, Owner
(MBTA)Construction Manager Agreement for MBTA Contract No. CMR-92,
entitled Salem Station Improvements and Parking Garage, Salem,
Massachusetts" with Consigli Construction Co., Inc. for pre-construction
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services and Guaranteed Maximum Price construction contracts, awarded
pursuant to lawfully conducted public bidding process. Such construction
contracts may take the form, as approved by the General Counsel, of
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contracts, as described in the Staff
summary for a sum not to exceed $32,487,761.00 to be completed within
nineteen (19) months of the date of the Notice to Proceed.
The last item on the agenda presented by Claudia Russell was the
authorization to execute a contract with Midwest Bus Corporation for the Mid Life
Overhaul of 192 Neoplan Low-Floor Emission Controlled Diesel transit buses at a
total cost not to exceed $31,407,063. The scope of the project will allow the
MBTA to maintain bus service. Chairman Jenkins asked if we do the overhaul in
house and have we done it. Ms. Russell stated that we have the capability to do
it in house but with the resources focused on preventative maintenance we don’t
have enough resources to do both. Chairman Jenkins asked if in the future we
should think about doing it in house. Ms. Russell stated that it would cost 50%
more to do it in house than to send it out. Mr. Davis added that we are working
on a high level preventative maintenance program to get us out of doing mid-life
overhaul program. Secretary Davey asked about the letter they received today
from one of the bidders that didn’t win. Mr. Davis stated that one of the bidders
did send a letter but it wasn’t a protest it was just asking not to bring this item
before the board. He noted that they had a chance to file a protest in which they
hadn’t but they have other avenues if they feel it is warranted and they will be
debriefed once they contract is awarded. Ms. Rollins stated that there was ten
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days that the vendor could protest in which they didn’t and she stated she felt
comfortable going forward with the vote.
On motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously;
VOTED: That, subject to the approval of the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation, and the completion of FTA Buy America audit
requirements, the Acting General Manager and MassDOT Rail and Transit
Administrator be, and he hereby is, authorized to execute a formal contract,
in a form approved by the General Counsel, with Midwest Bus Corporation
of Owosso, Michigan for the Mid-Life Overhaul of 192 Neoplan Low-Floor
Emission Controlled Diesel (ECD) transit buses (model years 2004 - 2005),
including replacement parts and a hidden damage allowance, in
accordance with Technical Specification A.E.M. 11-010 at a delivered, notto-exceed cost of $31,407,063.
Chairman Jenkins closed open session and stated that we will be going
into executive session to discuss wage claims by an outside vendor and to
discuss the status of various collective bargaining agreements.
On motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously;
VOTED: to adjourn.
Documents relied on in meeting:
Minutes for October 3 and November 7, 2012
PARP Staff Summary
Longfellow Bridge Memo
Positive Train Control Presentation
ALARS Staff Summary
Salem Garage Staff Summary
Neoplan Low-Floor Emission Controlled Diesel Buses Staff Summary
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