The meeting is getting started! For the first time since the start of the pandemic, some members of the board are gathered in-person for this meeting at the @RTA_Chicago offices. Due to the partial online and partial in-person nature of the meeting, they anticipate tech hiccups.

Want to follow along?

Those tech issues seem to already be popping up… the meeting is currently stalled due to audio issues that began during the pledge of allegiance. All remote attendees can communicate, but not with the in-person room.

The roll call is beginning. All Directors are in attendance.

The Executive Director’s Report is currently being a announced. The RTA recently had an in-depth look at their agency by a federal organization, the Executive Director applauds the agency for their organization and persistence. The audio quality is quite poor at the moment.

The Executive Director is now giving an update on their Three-Step Recovery strategy. Today’s vote on the approach is vital for the strategy to move forward. https://t.co/c56i7Y0TID

The Board is now reviewing the federal changes happening in DC and their impact on the infrastructure in this region. https://t.co/O0IkooiMIW

Now, reviewing state delinquency figures. This concludes the Executive Directors report. https://t.co/sS9QH1MQyY

Director Mary Beth Canty requests the members participating in-person move closer to the speaker to improve audio quality for the remote listeners.

The board is now doing another roll call before moving forward to information items. Multiple remote Board members are reporting audio issues.

Moving onto recovery statistics. The board predicts ridership to increase by the end of the year, hopefully returning closer to usual data. https://t.co/07n3BTm00c

The board is having a lot of audio issues. Some Directors coming through inaudible. Meeting paused for the moment to figure it out.

the CFO is covering the chart. The current budget assumes that ridership will continue to recover as individuals return to in-person activities.

Now the CFO is reviewing the sales tax from tickets. https://t.co/hrwnYiVcgE

https://t.co/ErhyVaX3sV

CFO reports total revenue is lopsided due to too much sales tax and unfavorable operating costs. The red in the operating revenue chart is due to the relief funds coming from these funds. https://t.co/2ZVSs0AfxD

Moving onto action items. The first is an ordinance authorizing the Performance-Based Capital Allocation Process. The process is confused on capital funds. https://t.co/rfWWXyW1Uv

Now reviewing public comment in response to the ordinance. The board requested comments be sent in advance. Three letters were received raising issues — I believe, audio is rough — with the project. The letters will be considered in part three of the recovery. https://t.co/1mw20xGTXi

They acknowledge that the plan isn’t perfect, but it would allow them to make a few steps forward. This concludes the presentation. https://t.co/KJBLnxiJMl

Director Melvin brings up the “state of good repair” as an ongoing issue. Asks that the issue be considered in three ways — ridership, they want a comfortable experience, operationally, it will be better in the long run, and competition, ie remaining attractive as a region.

Director Melvin expresses support for the ordinance.

Also— another slide from the presentation. Forgot to attach above, oops… https://t.co/uD9aS9dUsZ

Director Canty is expressing concern for the letters and the issues they brought up. Says that the letters should be used when moving forward from this point, but shouldn’t “let perfection get in the way of progress” and so expresses support for this step.

All audio has been lost again for the remote participants. Stand by!

We’re getting started again! The Board announced that they are planning to have a conversation between stakeholders and other players in the transportation space this fall to discuss best ways to improve the organization.

This model has been in the works since 2019. All comments by the board have been in support of approval, with minor disagreements based on the importance of the “state of good repair” and the innovations that are being made.

The board will formally (in writing) respond to all of the comments after the meeting.

The ordinance 7A has been approved unanimously.

Now moving onto ordinance 7b authorizing a contract with ADP for payroll services. This is the fourth amendment, they’re asking for it to improve their interface and this ordinance will cover them for the remaining contact.

Director Andalcio moves to approve.

Ordinance 7b is approved unanimously.

Moving onto item 7c - the approval of travel expense reimbursements.

Quickly moving forward to a vote — the ordinance unanimously approved.

Moving onto item 8, new business. There is none. Moving on!

The next meeting for the RTA Board of Directors is scheduled for Thursday, August 19 and the board anticipates it to be fully in-person.

They’ll continue to be live steamed, despite being conducted in-person, so that the public can tune in. https://t.co/k0i6xVBZ79

Motion to adjourn has been seconded and approved! Meeting over at 10:10 am CST.

That’s all from me today! #Chidocumenters @CHIdocumenters

ICYMI - The RTA is charged with financial oversight, funding and regional transit planning for CTA, Metra and Pace.

In-person meetings are usually at Willis Tower, and the next will be August 19th at 9 am CST.