MOUNTAINEER TRANSIT COMPANY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS QUARTERLY MEETING
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 9:00 a.m.
In Person at Palisades Tahoe Lodge, 201 Shirley Canyon Road, Olympic Valley
Additional location: 8989 North Gate Blvd., Colorado Spring, CO 80921
DRAFT Minutes pending Board approval
1. Call to Order and Establish Quorum
Chair Mike Martin called today’s meeting to order at 9:08 AM. A quorum was established
Board members present
Mike Martin
Pat Fraser
David Stepner
Danielle Poret
Keith Fountain
Stephanie Holloway
Jacob Estrada
Ginger Karl
Rick Pendleton (arrived after 9:08)
Board members not in attendance
None
Others attending
Joy Doyle, Executive Director
Patrick Dobbs
Sara Van Siclen
2. Adopt Agenda
It was moved by Martin and seconded by Poret to adopt today’s agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Approve September 25, 2024 Annual Meeting Minutes
It was moved by Poret and seconded by Stepner to approve the September 25, 2024 meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Public Comment
There were no comments on items not on today’s agenda.
5. Board Member Comments
There were good comments about the look of the “wrapped” van parked outside the meeting space. Doyle explained that she is holding Downtowner accountable for improving the ski racks for the season too.
Holloway acknowledged Pat Fraser and Palisades for being good partners with the County to enhance transportation in the area, including his and Doyle’s involvement in the Truckee North Tahoe Transportation Management Association (TNT TMA). It was noted Fraser has been elected as TNT/TMA Board Chair.
New Board member and General Manager at OVI, Ginger Karl, introduced herself.
6. MTC support Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan
Martin, Fraser, and Stepner recused themselves from this item.
Fountain noted the Placer County Board of Supervisors will be voting on this item at its November 19 meeting. The Planning Commission has recommended approval. Fountain described what he sees as benefits to transportation in the Plan and recommends MTC submit a formal letter of approval. The Plan and draft letter was included in today’s meeting packet. Discussion followed.
It was moved by Fountain and seconded by Poret that MTC submit a formal letter in support of the Village at Palisades Specific Plan and provide public comment at the November 19, 2024 Board of Supervisors meeting. Motion carried with Karl abstaining and Martin, Fraser, and Stepner recusing.
7. Chairman’s Report
Martin reported Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows are gearing up for the season. Room reservations at the Village are fairly soft, but owners are reserving for the holidays. The plan is to open the ski area on November 27, but given the predictions for unsettled weather, that date could be pushed up.
The parking reservation system will basically be the same as last year’s, but the technology has been updated based on user feedback. Palisades Tahoe will continue working with Placer County on parking enforcement.
Fraser has submitted a TOT grant request to expand the Park & Ride program. The Sherwood Shuttle will also operate, depending on road and weather conditions. Holloway added that because Homewood will not be open this winter, the County is evaluating service needs.
8. Treasurer’s Report
a. Approve September 2024 Financial Statements
Pendleton presented the financial reports as of September 30, 2024.
It was moved by Stepner and seconded by Holloway to approve the September 2024 financial statements as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
b. FY 2023-24 Year-End Summary
Pendleton noted the fiscal year ended with approximately $1.148 million in assets. He explained how the funds are distributed and invested.
Specific line items, variances, and streamlined procedures were clarified. Doyle described the transition to Quickbooks Online and the checks and balances for finance oversight.
c. Laddered CD update
Pendleton said approximately $800,000 is invested in CDs. About $200,000 will be liquidated for the next Downtowner payment.
9. Executive Director’s Report
Doyle’s report as of September 30, 2024 was included in today’s meeting packet. She reviewed collections since June 30, 2024 and thanked Revenue Services for their efforts.
There have been no unbudgeted expenses since the last Board meeting. Doyle is working with Downtowner to provide improved ski racks and vehicle wraps. A vehicle was parked in front at today’s meeting. Driver uniforms and Board shirts are in production.
Doyle said new this winter on ride request cancellations and wait times during peak demand will be collected and included in Ridership Reports.
Doyle received the new marketing materials yesterday. They will be distributed with Sara Van Siclen who will distribute the winter TART and TART Connect collateral to send the clear message that MTC is coordinating efforts.
Holloway raised the issue of integration of Mountaineer and TART Connect. Doyle provided a brief history of integration discussions to date. Because Downtowner is providing service around the lake, there is an opportunity to work with them to develop the technology to allow this and leverage all the region’s microtransit contracts with Downtowner. Holloway agreed to lead this effort as outlined in MTC Placer County agreement.
The MTC Annual Report has been submitted to Placer County.
Downtowner has hired 20 drivers and recruiting to fill another 10 or 12 spots.
10. Workforce Vanpool Program & Commuter Survey Results - Sara Van Siclen
Van Siclen described the Workforce Vanpool Program, which is funded in part by 3-year TBID and TOT grants. There is funding for 20 vanpools and there are currently 14 in service. Van Siclen provided stats on the benefits of the program realized to date.
The grant requires a regional commuter survey be conducted for both summer and winter. The summer survey was open from the end of July to September 6 and 354 responses were received. Van Siclen reviewed the results, noting most were from Truckee zip codes. The winter survey will be conducted this season.
11. Next Quarterly Board Meeting - Thursday, February 13, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:58 AM.
Comments