Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners public meetings in 2021

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners will consider approving the 2022 proposed budget, a purchase order adjustment, and an amendment to the Intueor contract. They will also canvass election results for a 10.6 mills ad valorem tax renewal in Baton Rouge and Baker to fund transit improvements. Additionally, the board will consider authorizing a settlement in a pending lawsuit.

• Consideration of approval of the CATS 2022 proposed budget
• Resolution canvassing returns for 10.6 mills ad valorem tax renewal in Baton Rouge (2022-2031)
• Resolution canvassing returns for 10.6 mills ad valorem tax renewal in Baker (2022-2031)
• Consideration of approval of the P&N Purchase Order Adjustment
• Consideration of authorization to settle Chekita White claim (Suit No. 678,662)

The Board of Commissioners approved the proposed 2022 budget and authorized purchase order and contract amendments. The board also passed resolutions declaring the results of November 13, 2021, elections to renew 10.6 mills ad valorem taxes in Baton Rouge and Baker for 10 years.

• Approved CATS 2022 proposed budget (8-0)
• Approved P&N Purchase Order Adjustment (8-0)
• Approved amendment of the Intueor Contract (8-0)
• Approved resolution for 10.6 mills tax renewal in City of Baton Rouge (7-0)
• Approved resolution for 10.6 mills tax renewal in City of Baker (7-0)
• Authorized general counsel to settle claim with Chekita White (7-0)
• Approved minutes of November 16, 2021 meeting (Unanimous)

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners will consider and vote on multiple action items, including the purchase of six 30-foot BYD buses, approval of the 2022 health benefits contract, and renewal of a contract for Hitachi two-way message services. They will also review committee reports and approve minutes from the October 19, 2021 meeting.

• Purchase of six 30-foot BYD buses
• Approval of 2022 health benefits contract
• Unarmed security services contract
• HDR Feasibility Study Operations/Administration/Maintenance Task Order
• Atlas Technical Consultants, LLC Task Order 3

The Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of six 30-foot BYD buses and awarded contracts for unarmed security and 2022 health benefits. Other approved actions included a feasibility study task order and a contract renewal for two-way messaging services.

• Approved Diamond Security Service for unarmed security services (Unanimous)
• Approved Blue Cross Blue Shield as 2022 health benefits provider (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of six 30-foot BYD buses (Unanimous)
• Approved HDR Feasibility Study Operations/Administration/Maintenance Task Order (Passed; Mr. Lambert abstained)
• Approved insurance for lease buses (Unanimous)
• Approved extending CATS Boarding to 6:30 pm (Unanimous)
• Approved 2nd year contract renewal for Hitachi two-way message services (Unanimous)
• Approved Atlas Technical Consultants, LLC Task Order 3 amended to $110,000 until February 15, 2022 (4-2-2)

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners will consider approving a Microtransit Pilot Project and the disposal of non-revenue supervisor vehicles. The meeting also includes reports on finances, planning, and community relations.

• Consideration of approval for the CATS Microtransit Pilot Project
• Consideration of approval for the Disposal of Non-revenue vehicles (supervisor vehicles)

The Board of Commissioners approved the launch of the CATS Microtransit Pilot Project and the disposal of non-revenue supervisor vehicles. The meeting also included operational reports detailing the impact of Hurricane Ida on ridership and on-time performance.

• Approved CATS Microtransit Pilot Project (7-0)
• Approved disposal of non-revenue supervisor vehicles (7-0)
• Approved minutes of September 21, 2021 meeting (unanimous)

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners will consider adopting ad valorem tax millage rates for 2021: 10.06 mills for Baton Rouge and 9.6 mills for Baker. They will also vote on a contract with Rockit Science, general liability insurance, and lease bus insurance. Committee reports and approval of previous minutes are also on the agenda.

• Adopt ad valorem tax millage rate of 10.06 mills for Baton Rouge (2021)
• Adopt ad valorem tax millage rate of 9.6 mills for Baker (2021)
• Consider approval of Rockit Science Contract
• Consider approval of General Liability Insurance
• Consider approval of Lease Bus Insurance

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2021 ad valorem tax millage rates for the City of Baton Rouge and the City of Baker. The Board also approved the renewal of the Rockit Science contract. No action was taken regarding General Liability or Lease Bus Insurance.

• Approved 10.06 mills ad valorem tax rate for City of Baton Rouge for 2021 (Unanimous)
• Approved 10.06 mills ad valorem tax rate for City of Baker for 2021 (Unanimous)
• Approved Rockit Science Contract renewal (5-2)
• Approved minutes of August 17, 2021 meeting (Unanimous)
• No action taken on General Liability Insurance
• No action taken on Lease Bus Insurance

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners is meeting to review executive and financial reports. The board will consider approvals for increased audit fees and a contract renewal for tire leasing.

• Approval to increase fees for CYE 2020 Audit & Reporting Services
• Approval for 2nd year renewal of Bridgestone Tire Lease contract

The Board of Commissioners approved an increase in fees for CYE 2020 Audit & Reporting Services and a second-year renewal for the Bridgestone Tire Lease. The meeting also included reports on July 2021 ridership, operational performance, and the status of the Tyler Munis ERP system implementation.

• Approved increase in fees for CYE 2020 Audit & Reporting Services (Unanimous)
• Approved 2nd year renewal for Bridgestone Tire Lease (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the July 20, 2021 meeting (Unanimous)

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting to receive reports and consider six action items, including approval of a task order for Atlas Technical Consultants, renewal of a website hosting contract with Covalent Logic, an upgrade to Angel Trax cameras, disposal of bus shelters, adoption of the agency's Title VI Policy, and designation of The Advocate as the official journal. The meeting also includes committee reports and approval of prior minutes.

• Consideration of approval of Atlas Technical Consultants Task Order 2
• Consideration of approval for the renewal of website hosting and support services contract with Covalent Logic
• Consideration of approval for the Angel Trax camera upgrade
• Consideration of approval for the disposal of bus shelters
• Consideration of approval of the CATS Title VI Policy

The Board of Commissioners approved the CATS Title VI Policy and designated The Advocate as the official journal. Several operational contracts and equipment upgrades were approved, including website hosting and camera upgrades. The board also authorized the disposal of bus shelters.

• Approved Atlas Technical Consultants Task Order 2 (5-2)
• Approved website hosting and support services contract renewal with Covalent Logic
• Approved Angel Trax camera upgrade
• Approved disposal of bus shelters
• Approved CATS Title VI Policy
• Designated The Advocate as the official journal of CATS
• Approved June 14, 2021 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 15, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The board will consider six action items including a contract for a contactless fare collection system funded by a COVID-19 mitigation grant, approval of a comprehensive operational analysis, an 18-month extension for Atlas Technical Consultants, an HVAC system update, a firewall replacement purchase, and a renegotiated RouteMatch warranty cost. Committee reports and prior meeting minutes are also on the agenda.

• Consideration of authorization to negotiate and enter into contract with Cubic Transportation Systems for contactless fare collection system as part of COVID-19 Mitigation Research Grant
• Consideration of approval of HNTB Task 3-Comprehensive Operational Analysis
• Consideration of approval of Atlas Technical Consultants Task Order 2–18-month extension
• Consideration of approval to update the HVAC System at 2250
• Consideration of approval of renegotiated RouteMatch Annual Warranty Cost

The Board of Commissioners approved a contract for a contactless fare collection system and authorized the disposal of surplus vehicles. The board also approved HVAC updates, a firewall replacement, and a warranty cost for RouteMatch. A request for Atlas Technical Consultants was amended to $100,000.

• Approved disposal of surplus vehicles
• Approved Atlas Technical Consultants Task Order 2 amended to $100,000 (6-2)
• Approved HVAC System update at 2250
• Approved purchase of ASA 5505 Firewall Replacement
• Approved renegotiated RouteMatch Annual Warranty Cost
• Approved authorization to negotiate and contract with Cubic Transportation Systems for contactless fare collection
• Approved June 14, 2021 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 15, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved the authorization of tax elections for the Capital Area Transit System in the City of Baton Rouge and the City of Baker.

• Authorized tax election in the City of Baton Rouge (carried)
• Authorized tax election in the City of Baker (carried)

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a resolution to call an election for a 10.6 mills property tax renewal for ten years (2022–2031) to fund transit improvements in Baton Rouge and Baker. Following the hearing, the regular meeting will consider action items including approval of the HNTB Task 3 Comprehensive Operational Analysis, updating the HVAC system at 2250, and authorization of the tax election.

• Public hearing on resolution for October 9, 2021 election to renew 10.6 mills ad valorem tax for ten years
• Consideration of approval of HNTB Task 3-Comprehensive Operational Analysis
• Consideration of approval updating the HVAC System at 2250
• Consideration of authorization of tax elections for Capital Area Transit System

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The Capital Area Transit System Board will vote on disposing surplus vehicles, renewing a fuel and oils contract with Mansfield Oil Company, and authorizing a new legal services contract with Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, which may be discussed in executive session. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and committee reports.

• Disposal of surplus vehicles
• Renewal of automated fuels and oils dispensing services contract with Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville, Inc.
• Authorization of new legal services contract with Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP (possible executive session)

The Board of Commissioners approved the disposal of surplus vehicles and the renewal of a fuel dispensing contract with Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville, Inc. The board also authorized a new legal services contract with Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP. Additionally, the agency announced that fare collection will resume on May 16, 2021.

• Approved minutes of March 16, 2021 meeting (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 30, 2021 retreat (Unanimous)
• Approved disposal of surplus vehicles (Carried)
• Approved renewal of automated fuels and oils dispensing services contract with Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville, Inc. (Carried)
• Denied motion to authorize Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP for litigation services at up to $300 per hour for one month (Failed)
• Approved new legal services contract with Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP (Carried)

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The board received updates on pandemic impacts, including a $16 million grant from the ARP Act. Members discussed the plan to resume fare collection with 30 days' notice and the preference for a tax renewal referendum on the October 9, 2021 ballot.

• Strategic Plan approved (at March meeting)
• Preferred tax renewal referendum date set for October 9, 2021

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners will meet to review executive and financial reports. The board will consider several action items including vehicle purchases, contract renewals, and the adoption of a strategic plan.

• Approval to purchase five support vehicles
• Renewal of MV Transportation paratransit services contract
• Authorization to negotiate a contactless fare payment solution contract with Acumen Building Enterprise
• Consideration of approval for MV Transportation equitable adjustment request
• Adoption of the CATS Strategic Plan

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting to elect officers for the coming term, approve previous meeting minutes, and receive committee reports. The board will also consider adopting the 2020 Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire and hear initial audit communications from Postlethwaite & Netterville.

• Nomination and election of board officers
• Approval of minutes from January 19, 2021 meeting
• Executive and financial report by Bill Deville and staff
• Introduction and initial audit communications by Postlethwaite & Netterville
• Consideration of adoption of 2020 Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire

The Board of Commissioners elected a new slate of officers and approved the 2020 Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire. The board also received financial reports showing a January operating deficit of $515,012 and a 52% reduction in ridership compared to January 2020.

• Elected Erika Green (President), Kahli Cohran (Vice-President), and Antoinette Pierre (Secretary)
• Approved minutes of the January 19, 2021 meeting
• Adopted the 2020 Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire and authorized officers to execute it

Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners

The Capital Area Transit System Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial reports and committee updates. The board is also considering several insurance renewals and a bus procurement authorization.

• Authorization to purchase seven 35-foot Gillig diesel buses
• Renewal of property and general liability insurance with Stone Insurance
• Renewal of executive liability insurance with Stone Insurance
• Renewal of government entities liability insurance with Stone Insurance
• Amendment of the February board meeting date

The Board authorized the purchase of seven 35-foot Gillig diesel buses to be delivered in 2023 and 2024. The Board also renewed several insurance policies with Stone Insurance and rescheduled the February board meeting.

• Approved purchase of seven 35-foot Gillig diesel buses not to exceed $3,489,166 (Unanimous)
• Approved renewal of property and general liability insurance with Stone Insurance not to exceed $64,762.74 (Unanimous)
• Approved renewal of executive liability insurance with Stone Insurance not to exceed $48,672.42 (Unanimous)
• Approved renewal of government entities liability insurance with Stone Insurance not to exceed $2,200 (Unanimous)
• Moved February board meeting date to Tuesday, February 23, 2021 (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 15, 2020 meeting (Unanimous)