Capital District

Transportation Committee                     December 12, 2005

 

 

Administrative & Financial Standing Subcommittee

 

Meeting Minutes

October 19, 2005

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING

 

Steve Bland, Capital District Transportation Authority

Charles Houghtaling, Albany County

Mayor John McDonald, City of Cohoes (Chairman)

Bob Phillips, Saratoga County (Vice-Chairman)

John Poorman, Capital District Transportation Committee

Mayor Mark Pratt, City of Rensselaer

Tom Werner, NYSDOT Region 1

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

Minutes of the March 15, 2005 Meeting

 

Chairman McDonald called the meeting to order at approximately 3:05 p.m.  Members approved the minutes of the March 15, 2005 meeting as written.

 

Staff Director’s Travel

 

John Poorman reported that he had not traveled to California for the climate change conference as previously requested; he presented the Colloquy results at the AMPO conference in October.  Upcoming is the annual TRB meeting in Washington, at which he has several presentations.  Members approved the travel.

 

FINANCIAL

 

Status of Cash Flow

 

Mr. Poorman reported that there is a net cash flow level of $271,000.  Billings and payment timing will continue to be monitored for timeliness.

 

Health Insurance Practices Update

 

Mr. Poorman noted that steps are being taken to have the new practices in place by January 1, 2006.  This will involve initiating employee deductions (on a pre-tax basis) for a portion of health insurance premiums; establishing a pre-tax program for non-reimbursable medical expenses and dependent day care; and initiating dental coverage and vision coverage.  Members agreed to a simple $150 annual reimbursement limit per employee for vision coverage.  Dental coverage will be through CDTA’s carrier.  Discussion ensued regarding offering to employees other insurance products provided by AFLAC, who is administering the pre-tax program.  Steve Bland agreed to check to see if CDTA has any concerns with offering more than the cancer policy that AFLAC offers to CDTA employees.

 

Mr. Poorman also distributed a current copy of the “Administrative Procedures for the CDTC Staff” which reflects the new health care practices.

 

Draft Annual Audit Report

 

Mr. Poorman distributed draft copies of the annual audit report which had been received earlier in the day.  Members quickly scanned the document which contains no findings or requested actions.  After further review, action will be scheduled for the next meeting.

 

Implications of SAFETEA-LU on CDTC operations

 

Mr. Poorman noted that a full discussion of the implications of the new federal authorization act will occur at the Policy Board meeting on October 20.  Specifically related to CDTC’s staff operations, the act provides sufficient funds to maintain operations at roughly current levels; an approximate 20% increase in funding will allow continuation of the Linkage program that has been supported by “carryover” funds in recent years.

 

OTHER

 

SAFETEA-LU and the Transportation Bond

 

Mr. Poorman noted that Cliff Thomas will be making a presentation at the October 20 meeting regarding New York transportation finances, including the upcoming bond.

 

October 20 Policy Board meeting

 

A CDTC resolution on the bond is on the agenda for the meeting.  There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:55 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

 

John P. Poorman

Staff Director