The AACT Executive Board meeting will meet from 10 AM to Noon and the Membership meeting will be conducted from 1:00 PM to 3 PM on the fourth Wednesday of the month except when noted.
AACT has a page on the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) website at www.bostonmpo.org; click on “Get Involved” then scroll down to “Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA.” Links can be found there for the following items: agendas, upcoming meetings, past meeting minutes, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MBTA and AACT, and the AACT bylaws, and ADA regulations. There are also links to the MPO’s newsletter, TRANSREPORT, and information on accessibility at the MBTA. This page includes the contact information for the AACT Coordinator.
Comments and questions concerning AACT should be directed to the Interim Chairman James White by contacting the AACT Coordinator, Ms. Janie Guion, at 617-973-7507 (voice); 617-973-7089 (TTY); 617-973-8855 (fax); AACT@ctps.org (email); or at c/o CTPS, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA 02116 (mail).
The AACT meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities and is near public transportation. Upon request (preferably two weeks in advance of the meeting), every effort will be made to provide accommodations such as assistive listening devices, materials in accessible formats and in languages other than English, and interpreters in American Sign Language and other languages. Please contact the MPO staff at 617.973.7100 (voice), 617.973.7089 (TTY), 617.973.8855 (fax), or publicinformation@ctps.org.
The MPO complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal and state non-discrimination statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. The MPO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, English proficiency, income, religious creed, ancestry, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or military service. Any person who believes herself/ himself or any specific class of persons has been subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI, ADA, or other non-discrimination statute or regulation may, herself/himself or via a representative, file a written complaint with the MPO. A complaint must be filed no later than 180 calendar days after the date on which the person believes the discrimination occurred. A complaint form and additional information can be obtained by contacting the MPO (see above) or at www.bostonmpo.org.
Members needing service information or wanting to inquire about MBTA services should do so through the MBTA Marketing and Communications Department at 617-222-3200 or 800-392-6100, TTY 617-222-5146, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Sat/Sun from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, or the MBTA website at www.mbta.com/customer_support/feedback/.
Announcements are always welcome. Please be prepared to give as many details as possible: date, time, location, contact person, and phone number. A written notice is always appreciated.
The meeting opened at 10:07 A.M.
Interim Chairman Jim White, Ian Perrault, Mary Ann Murray, Beverly Ann Rock, Rick Morin, and Alan Karon
MassDOT Staff: Michael Lambert and Carol Joyce-Harrington
THE RIDE Eligibility Center, Marilyn Cole
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Lisa Weber
MPO Staff/Coordinator: Janie Guion, Pam Wolfe, Matt Archer, Intern
The April 24, 2013, Executive Board Meeting Minutes were approved.
He then asked for questions.
BA Rock/MA Murray asked who would be accompanying him to meet with the MBTA General Manager; they asked that he choose one of the Board Members since R Morin will be away.
IC White stated that R Morin was to accompany him but now he will be attending alone with the AACT Coordinator. He stated that he wasn’t sure if he could bring someone else in place of R Morin and that he would only be discussing two items; he indicated he could handle the meeting alone.
BA Rock stated it should not be a problem to let another Board member accompany the Chair on June 5.
IC White asked that the General Manager’s office be notified that BA Rock will be attending in place of R Morin.
MA Murray stated that having a member of the Board accompany the Chair to the June 5 meeting is not unreasonable.
IC White asked for a motion to present a letter to the MBTA General Manager expressing the Board’s agreement that a representative from In-Person Assessment should attend the monthly AACT meetings here.
MA Murray made a motion that the AACT Board compose the letter to Dr. Beverly A. Scott, MBTA General Manager, saying that a representative from In-Person Assessment should attend the monthly meetings here. (A spirited discussion ensued.)
BA Rock stated that a motion is not necessary; the information explained in the meeting request form should be enough. She stated that the Board should direct the Coordinator to update the Request for Meeting form to indicate who will be attending the meeting along with the Chair and send a copy to Dr. Scott.
IC White presented the motion and took the vote. The motion passed. The vote was as follows: 3-in favor, 0-opposed, 1-abstension
IC White asked that each Board Member give him a ninety-day written notice of their personal schedule as a courtesy.
R Morin was not in favor of that request. He stated that he has been dealing with personal family issues that will often make it impossible for him to attend meetings. He would like more consideration given to scheduling meetings that everyone is able to agree on.
MA Murray stated that she is available to attend meetings if she is notified by telephone.
IC White asked that a list of meetings be sent monthly to each member so that he can coordinate who will attend which meeting.
The above portion of the meeting was closed.
Michael Lambert, Assistant to the General Manager and Deputy Administrator for Rail and Transit
Michael Lambert attended the meeting to discuss his new role at Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). He has been named Special Assistant to the MBTA General Manager and Deputy Administrator for Transit. He currently has two functions: he oversees the Regional Transit Authorities outside of Boston which covers, to name a few, Worcester, Brockton, Berkshire, and Haverhill and he is also overseeing the implementation of the recommendations that came out of the Governor’s Executive Order 530 Commission. He has just hired a State-Wide Mobility manager for a new position at MassDOT and will have her attend a future meeting. He will also be the lead person in charge of THE RIDE during the transition from Operations Department to his division to tie in with the statewide mobility management aspect of things. He stated that he is happy to be back with THE RIDE and the OTA staff. He discussed his new role as the person who is responsible for implementing recommendations of the Governor’s Executive Order 530 Commission, and he is looking forward to working with AACT in the future.
IC White stated that he is looking forward to the roundtable event that will be coordinated by AACT. He thanked Mr. Lambert for giving him the idea. He also noted the he attended the City of Boston, Community Forum on Disability Issues and mentioned that one of the issues addressed by so many people is the closing of the Government Center Station. He stated that there is a real concern for many about their transportation needs.
He then answered questions.
R Morin asked about the recent Memorandum of Understanding that was just signed with MassDOT regarding the 530 Commission.
M Lambert stated that the MOU establishes sharing of the next phase of the Governor’s Executive Order 530 Commission. The top recommendation from the Commission is to create a state-wide coordinating committee to set guidelines and implementation.
R Morin asked about the two open positions on the committee.
M Lambert stated that there are two advocates and two customer positions.
IC White commented that he was surprised to know that the 530 Commission did not include a representative from AACT, considering the long history that the MBTA has with AACT.
M Lambert stated that AACT meets monthly and is directly involved with the MBTA while the members of the Commission will only meet quarterly. He also stated that he is the connection for AACT.
BA Rock asked Mr. Lambert to explain his vision for THE RIDE or did he see it as being the same as the MBTA Operations when he takes charge.
M Lambert stated that he will be focusing on THE RIDE exclusively. He went on to say that his charge is broader and noted some examples would be providing funding to local non-profits, and local governments, for accessible vehicle purchases, and for THE RIDE.
IC White asked if he would make sure that vehicles meet standards before transporting persons with disabilities and that each driver has a significant liability policy such as that of THE RIDE.
M Lambert answered yes to the liability policy and stated that he has contacted the state legislature to push for change in the state law.
MA Murray asked why consumers in Lynn and Salem pay different prices for rides in senior vehicles.
M Lambert commented it may be due to the criteria set by the agency.
BA Rock thanked Mr. Lambert for attending the meeting.
IC White commented he and R Morin are looking forward to the upcoming seminar this fall and the guidance of Mr. Lambert.
MA Murray is concerned that the MBTA Board of Directors meeting is in conflict the AACT meeting making it impossible for members to attend the meeting.
M Lambert stated that he will do THE RIDE Eligibility Center presentation in June for the AACT Executive Board meeting and that it will be much more detailed.
R Morin asked about the status of the In-Person Assessment representative attending AACT meetings to make monthly reports.
IC White commented that that issue will be discussed with General Manager Scott on June 5.
Committee Report(s)
Rider Oversight Committee
I Perrault reported the following: Charles Planck discussed the new mobile ticketing App and said it is very popular. He also discussed the state of the Orange and Red Lines.
He also attended the System-Wide Accessibility System Orientation hands-on training and stated that it was very well received by all participants.
Regional Transportation Advisory Council
MA Murray reported on the following: Freight Committee concerns for accessibility; limited Stryker Chairs distribution; and that bike paths are not wheel-mobility friendly.
IC White asked if she had seen the new double-decker commuter train. I have a requested that the AACT Executive Board be able to see the new trains.
MA Murray responded that she had only seen pictures.
Sub-Committee on Draft Report on the No-Show/Cancellation Policy
R Morin and BA Rock
BA Rock presented a discussion on recommendations they would like to see incorporated in the MBTA’s draft No-Show/ Cancellation Policy. She also recommended language changes, more clarity and more detail to the policy.
Bylaws Discussion
IC White would like to add to the language in the AACT Bylaws in Article lV, Section 6, “Replacement of Officers” provisions for the Vice-Chairman to become Chairman should the Chairmanship be vacated for any reason. Currently, the Interim Chairman has no back up should that seat become vacant. He was notified by Tyler Terrasi that he will be unable to commit to serve on the Executive Board due to his attending college full-time.
BA Rock stated that she would like to take time to clearly understand the Bylaws and that a less crowded agenda to do that would make more sense. She also noted that if the vote to amend were taken today she would have to abstain. She noted that there is no rush to amend the Bylaws at this time. She also stated that there should not be individual accolades; this is an executive board and that everyone should be working to help one another.
IC White stated that it is important to have a Vice-Chairman who can help when the IC is not available. He noted that it has been very difficult serving as the IC without a Vice-Chairman. He noted that a person serving as the interim chairman is limited; he commented that R Morin has been invaluable at helping out when he is available. He also wanted to make sure that he be acknowledged for his service.
R Morin stated that he doesn’t see it as recognition for him since the Bylaws clearly define the role of the Vice Chairman; the way the Bylaws are written now there is no one to fulfill that role. He also commented that the Bylaws were probably written to force an interim election which was not done; he too suggested that an Executive Board meeting agenda to discuss AACT Bylaws be prepared.
IC White stated that what is decided on with the Bylaws must be presented to the full membership for a vote. He also thanked everyone for their help over the last eleven months.
Motion
BA Rock made a motion that the AACT Bylaws be placed on the Executive Board agenda when more time can be devoted to only the Bylaws.
IC White presented the motion and took the vote as follows: 4-in favor, 0-opposed, 0-abstension.
The motion passed unanimously and was tabled for a later date.
Open Discussion
He also addressed the issue of holding several spring-time meetings from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. He commented that he would like to get feedback from membership and others.
MA Murray would like to have AACT more visible to THE RIDE consumers.
L Weber is from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC). She works there as a staff liaison to the transportation subcommittee which deals with transportation issues for persons with disabilities. She noted that the group meets quarterly and reports to the MRC; she commented that she learned about AACT through IC White attending the MRC subcommittee transportation quarterly meeting. She has received permission from her direct supervisor to attend AACT meetings.
IC White is looking to conduct public outreach to seek new members. He is still learning how best to communicate with the AACT Board.
BA Rock stated that he is free to speak with individual members but not to have a conference call.
IC White noted that he will be discussing with the new MBTA General Manager the possibility of getting compensation for THE RIDE on AACT meeting day.
MA Murray would like to be compensated for attending other committee meetings that she was assigned.
IC White stated that he will only be advocating for the AACT meeting to be covered since it deals directly with MBTA’s business.
MA Murray strongly advocated that the meetings she attends be compensated also.
Meeting adjourned at 12:00 PM