MST HIGHLIGHTS

FEBRUARY 13, 2006 BOARD MEETING

 

JANUARY EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

 

The MST Board adopted Resolution 2006-13 recognizing Dan First, Purchasing/Inventory Control Officer, as MST Employee of the Month for January 2006. He is directly responsible for overseeing the purchasing of many materials, supplies, contracts and services for MST and is recognized as the official procurement expert and provides valuable guidance to MST to insure we meet state and federal purchasing requirements.

 

FEBRUARY EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

 

The MST Board adopted Resolution 2006-14 recognizing Jose Rojas, Coach Operator, as MST Employee of the Month for February 2006 for making himself available and taking on extra assignments at a moments notice.

 

BUS AIR, FUEL AND OIL FILTERS PURCHASE

 

The MST Board awarded a one-year $35,000 contract to Vehicle Maintenance Program, Inc. to furnish bus air, fuel and oil filters; and authorized staff to extend the contract for up to two consecutive one-year option periods under the same terms and conditions provided the supplier has provided satisfactory service.

 

SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT SYSTEM

 

The MST Board awarded a $25,968 contract to Walsh Electronics Systems Technology Corporation to furnish surveillance equipment system for the Wright Division and the Salinas Transit Center.

 

Upgrading the camera system will improve MST’s overall system security by monitoring of suspicious activities, packages, devices and substances. The upgrade will also promote safety by preventing all levels of crime against customers, employees and property. In addition, video images can provide time and location of events, positive identification and proof that may be instrumental in deciding fault-reducing liability.

 

CHARTER BUS SERVICE RULEMAKING COMMITTEE

 

The MST Board authorized the General Manager/CEO to apply for membership to serve on the charter bus service rulemaking committee.

 

In response to direction provided by Congress in the passage of the Transportation Equity Act of 2005, FTA is establishing a committee to develop, through negotiated rulemaking procedures, recommendations for improving the regulation regarding prohibition of FTA grant recipients from providing charter bus service. The committee will consist of persons who represent the interests affected by the proposed rule, i.e., charter bus companies, public transportation operators, and other interested parties.

 

MINI-BUS PROCUREMENT

 

The MST Board authorized the $508,859 purchase of seven mini-buses from El Dorado National, with an option to purchase up to three additional vehicles, through the State of California, Department of General Services Procurement Division.

 

MST has seven 1999, Aerotech mini-buses. These 17-passenger vehicles are operated by MV Inc., for DART and other fixed route service.  The new replacement vehicles will replace seven of the oldest mini-buses in the fleet.  The new vehicles will be used for existing and new services requiring this special sized vehicle.  The remainder of MST’s DART and fixed route mini-bus fleet are model year 2002 vehicles.

 

DESIGNING FOR TRANSIT

 

The MST Board awarded a $33,975 contract to PerTeet, Inc. to revise MST’s Designing for Transit handbook.

 

MST’s Designing for Transit handbook provides information about transit-friendly design of communities, developments and other facilities.  Additionally, it provides schematic drawings and exact roadway geometrics illustrating requirements for bus stops, shelters and other passenger amenities. To give the public greater access to the handbook, it will be made available electronically on MST’s website as a part of this project.

 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

 

The MST Board of Directors held their election of officers and re-elected Director Fernando Armenta as Chair and Director Tom Mancini as Vice-Chair. Other staff appointments remain the same.