Board Meeting
April 4, 2003
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2424 IH 35 South 78704
Austin, Texas

I. Call to Order

Notice was duly posted and a meeting of the Austin-San Antonio Intermunicipal Commuter Rail District Board was held on April 4, 2003. Chairman Wells called the meeting to order at approximately 11:09 a.m.

Participants:

• Gonzalo Barrientos
• Dave Marsh
• Mariano Camarillo
• Al Notzon
• Sid Covington
• Shelton Padgett
• Gerald Daugherty
• Carroll Schubert
• Gus Garcia
• Tullos Wells
• Fred Harless

Other participants were Bill Bingham and Ross Milloy. Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, Mr. Sam Barshop and Senator Jeff Wentworth were unable to attend.

II. Chair and Member Comments

Chairman Wells discussed the status of actions by the Board in the first 60 days. He asked the group for any thoughts/comments before beginning with the first item of business – approval of the meeting minutes for the March 07, 2003 meeting.

Mayor Garcia advised the Board that he received a call from a Harris County Judge regarding a high-speed system they were working on. He briefly discussed the conversation.

Mr. Marsh brought a copy of a magazine titled “Railrdquo; for each of the member and invited them to review the magazine to see that there are other locations in the same situation.

III. Approval of Minutes of March Meeting

Chairman Wells asked the Members for thoughts/comments regarding meeting minutes for March 7, 2003 meeting.

Al Notzon made a motion to amend the minutes as follows:

• A. Page 7, Second Paragraph, Second Sentence – “Mr. Notzon confirmed…” was changed to, “Mr. Notzon stated…”
• B. Page 7, Fourth Paragraph, First Sentence – “Mr. Notzon confirmed that…” was changed to “Mr. Notzon asked if…”

Dave Marsh seconded Mr. Nozton’s motion.

The minutes were adopted as amended.

IV. Report from the Finance Committee

Chairman Wells advised the Board that packets were distributed as regards to the Finance Committee in order to show the members the status of the Finance Committee’s efforts. The packets were for informational purposes and therefore did not require approval.

V. Discussion of organizational infrastructure required

Chairman Wells advised the members that he would like to discuss infrastructure issues and what to do moving forward. The floor was opened for discussion.

A suggestion regarding providing some sum to the Corridor Council to provide staff services was made. A discussion ensued regarding the idea of the Corridor Council becoming project manager, as well as funding issues surrounding staffing.

The members generally agreed that there was no desire to create a large staff to act as project manager. Ross Milloy advised the group that this idea would need to be reviewed further as he did not know what the numbers would be. Mr. Milloy committed to advising the group at the next meeting about actual numbers/feasibility.

A suggestion regarding the formation of a sub-committee to provide a clear understanding of how the monthly payments/money would be utilized was made. A discussion ensued regarding the possible formation of such a sub-committee.

Chairman Wells requested Mr. Milloy to prepare a scope of work. Chairman Wells also stated that he would also appoint a committee to take a look at the proposed scope of work and selection of a staffing program.

VI. Approve letter to TXDOT on toll credit approach, project management

Mr. Milloy inquired about 2 pending issues:

• 1. Did the Members want to adopt toll credit approach; and
• 2. Did the Members want to turn this project over to TXDOT management?

Mr. Milloy advised that the Members must submit a letter to TXDOT accordingly. Mr. Milloy also stated that he needed the answers so that he could draft a letter to TXDOT to follow-up on both issues.

A brief discussion followed regarding asking TXDOT to formally manage the project study selection and process. A discussion followed regarding the utilization of the toll credit option and TXDOT management of the study process.

Mr. Notzon moved to approve the preparation of a letter to TXDOT requesting the toll credit approach, as well as to keep the project management position within the CRD. Sid Covington seconded Mr. Notzon’s motion. The motion was unanimously approved.

VII. Approve letters to funding partners per Finance Committee

Mr. Milloy advised the Members that this issue was moot because of the approval of the motion regarding the utilization of the toll credit approach.

VIII. Legislative, Washington update from staff (Krusee bill, TEA-3)

In order to preserve the option, it was necessary to file a marker for federal funding for the Commuter Rail. Mr. Milloy also discussed the introduction of the “Lipinski Bill.” He stated that the bill sets aside approximately $3 billion in funding for commuter project (packets were distributed).

A discussion then ensued regarding a new bill introduced by Mike Krusee. Wells stated that he had met with Chairman Krusee on his rationale for his propose changes in the structure of the Board.

Senator Barrientos suggested that he and Senator Wentworth visit with Mr. Krusee for possible resolution.

Barrientos’ Legal Counsel, Graham Keaver, advised the Members that there is a constitutional problem with extending the term of the positions of the Members. In order for the terms to be extended, a constitutional amendment was necessary.

Senator Barrientos advised the Members that he wrote the legislation so there would be accountability and he believes it is working. He also stated that he and Senator Wentworth’s offices would check further into this issue.

IX. Discussion of Requests for Qualifications for project management

Mr. Milloy stated that he would like to prepare a draft Request-for-Qualifications. Mr. Milloy asked the Members to either advise him of specific things they want included during the meeting, or contact his office and speak with his secretary accordingly. Mr. Milloy also stated that he had received some comments/requests from Mr. Daugherty.

X. Scheduling of Next Meeting

Mr. Milloy advised the Members that the next meeting was scheduled during a time in which the Corridor Council would be hosting an annual conference. It was agreed that the meeting would take place in San Marcos.

XI. Public Comments

There were no public comments.

XII. Adjourn

There being no further items of business brought before the Board, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Daugherty. Mr. Notzon seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:21 p.m.