MARCH 13, 2025 | QUARTERLY BOARD MEETING | MINUTES
- Joy Doyle
- Mar 25
- 6 min read
MOUNTAINEER TRANSIT COMPANY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
March 13, 2025
Via Zoom and In Person at Palisades Tahoe Lodge
201 Shirley Canyon Road, Olympic Valley
Additional location: 1150 West Magic Way, Anaheim, CA (Director Karl)
DRAFT Minutes pending Board approval
1. Call to Order and Establish Quorum
Chair Mike Martin called today’s meeting to order at 9:03 AM. A quorum was established
Board members present
Mike Martin
Danielle Poret
Keith Fountain
Stephanie Holloway (until 11:10 AM)
Rick Pendleton
Pat Fraser (until 9:45 AM)
Ginger Karl (9:42-10:10 AM)
Board members not in attendance
David Stepner
Others attending
Joy Doyle, Executive Director
Ryan Meinzer
Joseph Shipman
Sara Van Siclen
Kendall Galka
2. Adopt Agenda
It was moved by Poret and seconded by Fountain to adopt today’s agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
3. Approve November 13, 2024 Quarterly Meeting Minutes
It was moved by Poret and seconded by Fountain to approve the November meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
4. Public Comment
There were no comments on items not on today’s agenda.
5. Board Member Comments
Holloway said that at last week’s TNT TMA meeting, reports on Placer and Truckee TART mainline service and TART Connect indicated a significant decrease in ridership over the past few months compared with the same period last year. Mountaineer ridership was up for the same period. Doyle noted the TART Connect schedule was reduced because of the lack of funding from Washoe County. As far as Mountaineer goes, the January numbers were strong with a limited year-over-year increase, but February numbers show decreases; more during agenda item 9b.
Holloway had asked if all three services can report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Doyle had suggested that a few years ago but maybe now is the time to revisit it so comparisons are “apples to apples.” Holloway will work on some standardized reporting.
Fountain suggested including data from Northstar for a more comprehensive picture of the region.
6. FlyTahoe Presentation
Meinzer described the electric “flying” ferry boat manufactured by Candela, who is operating similar boats in Sweden. FlyTahoe is proposing 30-minute service between north and south Lake Tahoe on 30 passenger boast. The environmental impacts are much less than vehicular travel, there are no emissions, there is no wake, and it is quiet because the boats are electric.
Bringing this to Tahoe includes identifying parking, charging stations and marinas, last mile transit service, and funding, including public-private partnerships. He is focused on operations on the California side for now and is engaged in conversations with marinas, TRPA, and the counties.
Discussion followed as the service was clarified and potential for growth considered.
7. Chairman’s Report
a. Board Seat vacancy
Martin noted Jacob Estrada has moved from the area, creating a vacancy on the Board. Joseph Shipman is interested in filling the vacant seat. Shipman introduced himself. He will meet with Martin and Fountain and the Board will vote on the appointment at the June meeting.
Martin reviewed the arrival strategies and goals Palisades Tahoe identified for FY 2024/25 and results as of February 9, 2025. During this reporting period, Palisades Tahoe had three record-breaking skier days and the reservation system and supplemental transit opportunities worked well. Overall traffic flows and the guest experience have been improved and the programs will continue. Martin answered questions and the Board congratulated Palisades Tahoe on the remarkable program results.
8. Treasurer’s Report
a. Approve Oct, Nov & Dec 2024 Financial Statements
Pendleton presented the financial reports as of December 31, 2024, which were included in today’s meeting packet. He noted account balances and clarified specific line items.
It was moved by Fountain and seconded by Poret to ratify receipt and review of the October 2024, November 2024, and December 2024 financial reports. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
b. Rev Expense Summary update including CD Laddering
Pendleton reported the Rev Expense Summary tracks monthly forecast to actual. He noted the variances that can be expected, but does not anticipate many moving forward to the end of the fiscal year. He anticipates ending the year with a surplus and an account balance of close to $1 million.
Pendleton reviewed balances in the laddered CD accounts and said he will transfer additional funds in July, keeping enough in the Operating account as needed.
c. Ratify Wire Transfer Policy
Pendleton said the insurance company requires a policy outlining procedures for wire transfers in order to increase the Fidelity/Crime policy limit to $1M. A proposed policy was included in today’s meeting packet.
It was moved by Pendleton and seconded by Fountain to ratify the Wire Transfer Policy as presented. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
d. Ratify FY 23-24 Financial Review by McClintock Accountancy
Kendal Galka from McClintock Accountancy presented the results of the Financial Review. She explained the components included and established guidelines. Based on the results of this Review, Galka believes having a review or compilation done every three years should be adequate, unless there are significant changes in the organization or operations. There are good policies in place and a system of checks and balances. This document will be included in the Annual Report to the Board of Supervisors.
It was moved by Fountain and seconded by Martin to ratify receipt and review of the FY 2023-24 Financial Review. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
9. Executive Director’s Report
a. ED Report
Doyle presented her report of activities since November 13, 2024 meeting. The only unbudgeted expenses was $181.96 for Board t-shirts. The dollar amount and number of delinquent businesses has increased. Placer County Revenue Services continues to work to get those numbers down.
After much investigation, it was determined that MTC does not need general liability insurance because it does not have exposure and if necessary, is covered under Downtowner’s policy. Fidelity and crime policy coverage limits are in the process of being increased from $100,000 to $1M, pending the new Wire Transfer Policy. Doyle estimates $660 additional cost, which once confirmed, she will approve within her authority to do so, or will consult with the Finance Committee.
The Operations Committee recommends sticking with the original April 20 ending date for this season.
b. February 2025 Ridership Reports
The Ridership Reports and Executive Summary were included in the meeting packet. The statistics of the number of passengers, rides, and wait times were considered, comparing these numbers with those of 2024.
c. Driver Bonuses
Doyle noted there is $5,000 allocated in the budget for driver bonuses. Bonuses have been distributed since the big winter of 2022/23. The Finance Committee had differing opinions about automatically granting bonuses. Discussion followed as the pros and cons were considered. There was consensus to bonus drivers through Downtowner, accompanied by a letter, as in the past.
d. 2024-25 Passenger Survey
Doyle presented the recommended survey questions in the meeting packet and noted recommendations from the Executive Committee. She asked Board members to contact her with recommended changes or additions.
e. Contingency Plan and approve amended Records Policy
A Contingency Plan, included in the meeting packet, has been developed in the case that the Executive Director is unavailable. The Contingency Plan has been approved by the Executive Committee. As a result of the Contingency plan, the amended Records Policy, included in the meeting packet with tracked changes, was up for Board approval.
It was moved by Martin and seconded by Fountain to approve the amended Records Policy that includes the Contingency Plan. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
10. Workforce Vanpool Program
Van Siclen presented a high-level overview of the Vanpool program. Seventeen vanpools are in operation and there is funding available for three more. Outreach continues to employers to get those three active. A survey of users indicates the program is valuable and influenced their employment decisions.
Doyle noted 11 of the 17 in operation are with Olympic Valley employers. There was a brief discussion about strategies to increase the program.
Van Siclen said the Winter Commuter Survey has been completed and findings will be shared at the June meeting. It was noted that there is interest in programs such as this, but more education is needed so employers and commuters understand how it works.
11. Next Board Meeting - Thursday, June 12, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
12. Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 11:22 AM.