[0:00] It's 9:02. I call the Camino Rail
[0:04] Regional Mobility Authority Board
[0:05] meeting to order. Um, the first item on
[0:09] the agenda is roll call.
[0:12] >> Yes, ma'am. Uh, Miss Pettis
[0:14] » Yes, ma'am. Uh, Miss Pettis
[0:14] >> here.
[0:14] » here.
[0:14] >> Miss Masters
[0:15] » Miss Masters
[0:15] >> here.
[0:16] » here.
[0:16] >> Mr. Mroy
[0:17] » Mr. Mroy
[0:17] >> here.
[0:17] » here.
[0:17] >> Miss Ortega
[0:18] » Miss Ortega
[0:18] >> here.
[0:18] » here.
[0:18] >> Mr. Lindner
[0:19] » Mr. Lindner
[0:19] >> here.
[0:20] » here.
[0:20] >> Miss Wilson
[0:22] » Miss Wilson
[0:22] >> here.
[0:22] » here.
[0:22] >> Mr. Palasios
[0:25] » Mr. Palasios
[0:25] >> here.
[0:26] » here.
[0:26] >> We have a qu.
[0:28] » We have a qu.
[0:28] >> Any public comment? No matter.
[0:30] » Any public comment? No matter.
[0:30] >> Number two, adoption of minutes for the
[0:32] » Number two, adoption of minutes for the
[0:32] CRRMA board meeting of December 10,
[0:35] 2025.
[0:37] >> I'll move to approve.
[0:38] » I'll move to approve.
[0:38] >> Second.
[0:40] » Second.
[0:40] >> Any discussion?
[0:43] » Any discussion?
[0:43] All those in favor?
[0:44] >> I.
[0:45] » I.
[0:45] >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Number
[0:48] » Any opposed? Motion carries. Number
[0:48] three. Presentation, discussion, and
[0:51] action on the fiscal year 2025 audited
[0:54] financial report.
[0:56] >> Good morning. Robert Tututor, director
[0:58] » Good morning. Robert Tututor, director
[0:58] of finance for the record. Uh very
[1:00] excited to share with you our audited
[1:01] financial report. You've got it in your
[1:03] backup. You have the report itself and
[1:05] you have the management letter from
[1:07] Gibson Rodic Patterson, our auditors.
[1:08] With us today, we have Vanessa Alaron
[1:10] and Sonia Sanchez. Uh and they will
[1:12] provide an update to you all.
[1:17] » Good morning.
[1:19] We have a summary prepared on page 46 of
[1:23] the report, the hard copy. I believe if
[1:25] if you're in the PDF, it's going to be
[1:27] about page 48. In there, we go ahead and
[1:30] we report that we have an unmodified
[1:32] opinion on the audit, which means it's a
[1:34] clean opinion. Uh there are no
[1:36] significant deficiencies or material
[1:38] weaknesses uh reported and we have not
[1:41] identified any material non-compliance.
[1:43] So, we don't have any findings to
[1:45] report. We also conduct a federal single
[1:48] audit and a state single audit since the
[1:51] authority does receive those funds. And
[1:53] we also don't have any findings to
[1:55] report there. And we also have an
[1:57] unmodified opinion on the two major
[2:00] programs that we tested, which were the
[2:02] highway planning and construction and
[2:03] the John Hayes road project.
[2:06] We also issue a management letter. We
[2:08] don't have any current year comments um
[2:11] in there. And so pretty much when Sonia
[2:14] does the the review and our staff, we
[2:16] pretty much get the qu the questions
[2:18] answered accurately. And so we don't
[2:21] have anything formal to include in our
[2:23] management letter. There were a few
[2:24] discussions in the finance committee.
[2:26] Some verbal um items to discuss
[2:30] administratively and to revisit in next
[2:32] year's audit. Um but there's nothing
[2:34] formally to report.
[2:37] For the financials, I will um take you
[2:41] over to page 14, which is the statements
[2:44] of net position. And you'll see overall
[2:47] um the the entity here. I I know we've
[2:49] got some new board members or new board
[2:51] of directors and the entity here is more
[2:54] of a projectbased entity and so our
[2:58] revenues aren't always in line with our
[3:00] expenditures and what happens a lot of
[3:02] the times is the authority fills in
[3:05] whatever is needed by the partner. And
[3:08] so a lot of the times that's the the the
[3:10] debt. And so the authority while it's
[3:14] it's constructing these projects,
[3:16] designing, constructing, the authority
[3:19] takes on the debt, but then that asset
[3:21] gets transferred out to the owner to the
[3:24] project owner and we're left with the
[3:26] debt. And so that's why we have this
[3:28] unrestricted net position that is a
[3:31] deficit. And if you if you work in any
[3:33] business, that's that's a big um flag,
[3:36] red flag. But for here, um, what's
[3:38] important to understand is that the
[3:40] funding to fund the future debt
[3:43] payments. And so there's a note, um, in
[3:46] your financials if you go to, uh, note
[3:48] 8, and it's at page,
[3:51] let's see,
[3:57] page 31 of the hard copy. You'll see in
[4:00] there uh the the authority gets monies
[4:04] from the special vehicle registration
[4:06] fees and it'll show how many of the fees
[4:08] were received. So in 2025 we received
[4:10] 6.9 million of fees and our debt service
[4:14] payment was we were responsible for 4.3
[4:17] million in payments. So that's
[4:18] sufficient. The fees that are coming in
[4:20] are sufficient to pay the debt that's
[4:22] coming in. And so as a as a member of
[4:25] the the board or the a director of the
[4:27] board, that's important to understand is
[4:30] that flow and to make sure that the
[4:33] authority can continue to meet its debt
[4:35] payments. And as you can see in both
[4:36] years, it was it was sufficient. Um and
[4:39] then the other um situation is as we
[4:42] continue to pay down any existing debt,
[4:45] that unrestricted net position improves.
[4:47] And so, um, as we made, uh, we finished
[4:50] paying off some debt, um, this last year
[4:53] as well. And so, that's where you see
[4:55] that improvement of your unrestricted
[4:57] net position by another 10 million where
[4:59] we were unrestricted of a deficit of
[5:02] 53.5 million in 2024 and now we're at
[5:05] 44.3 million this year. So, it it
[5:08] continues to improve, but it just
[5:09] depends on what projects are going on,
[5:12] what's on our side, and then what once
[5:14] we transfer it. Um but the thing is to
[5:16] always ensure that there is funding um
[5:19] there's funding mechanisms, funding
[5:21] streams for um any debt that's incurred
[5:25] and all of that revenue has been pledged
[5:27] to the authority for the purposes of
[5:30] paying off that debt.
[5:32] and um the the
[5:36] on your statement of revenues, expenses,
[5:38] and changes in net position. The thing
[5:40] there's two things that I wanted to
[5:41] point out because they're a little bit
[5:42] different from what we've seen in the
[5:44] past. And the first is under your
[5:46] operating expenses, and this is under
[5:49] contracted management. You'll see that
[5:51] there's a zero amount reported in 2025.
[5:55] And the reason for that is because the
[5:58] um the contracted management services,
[6:01] which are the services that Raymond and
[6:02] Robert provide, those costs have been um
[6:06] attributed to certain projects. And so
[6:08] instead of being expense, they've been
[6:10] capitalized for those projects. So,
[6:13] there's a note that we added in your
[6:14] financials and it'll include what we had
[6:19] gross um before we capitalize the
[6:22] contracted services versus what we
[6:25] capitalize and why it's zero in 2025.
[6:30] The other item on there has to do with
[6:32] the gain on termination of border west
[6:35] agreements and you'll see that that's a
[6:37] gain of 3.5 million. back I believe in
[6:40] 2019 there was an agreement to
[6:42] extinguish the debt but it was all
[6:45] verbal. We didn't have official
[6:47] agreements in writing. So uh on August
[6:50] 27th before the fiscal year ended uh uh
[6:53] Robert and Raymond were able to get
[6:55] those executed and signed and so we were
[6:57] able to um finally recognize that inflow
[7:01] and and report the gain on your
[7:03] financials. So, it was debt that didn't
[7:05] have to get paid repaid and so we had to
[7:08] um hold off till we had that officially
[7:11] in writing and we could recognize that
[7:13] on your books.
[7:16] Um are there specific questions on the
[7:18] financials? I know we met with the
[7:20] finance committee last week. They had
[7:22] very good questions. It was a very good
[7:24] discussion. I really did enjoy um the
[7:26] back and forth, but I'm I'm happy to
[7:29] answer any questions.
[7:32] Um,
[7:35] in the audit, did you look at all at
[7:37] what or did the Pelicano project affect
[7:40] your opinion at all? Because I think
[7:42] there's $138,000 in expenses there for
[7:46] 2025 with a large piece still sort of
[7:49] outstanding unnegotiated potential risk
[7:52] whether they can agree on an amount or
[7:54] not. Does that affect the audit opinion
[7:56] at all? So, there is a contingency
[7:58] contingency disclosure as far as um
[8:01] what's going on. But my understanding is
[8:03] there's a takeover agreement and so that
[8:05] takeover agreement is paying off what
[8:08] the current expenses are and then
[8:11] whatever beyond the costs of that are
[8:13] being kicked in by the county.
[8:15] >> But there's no agreement on the second
[8:16] » But there's no agreement on the second
[8:16] part yet, right?
[8:18] >> Because they don't we don't even have
[8:19] » Because they don't we don't even have
[8:19] the cost.
[8:19] >> Correct. Not yet.
[8:22] » Correct. Not yet.
[8:22] >> But that's that's included in the
[8:24] » But that's that's included in the
[8:24] contingency statement that that she
[8:25] referenced.
[8:28] Yeah, the contingency statement notes
[8:30] the lawsuit, but that we don't have a
[8:32] good number to record as a a future
[8:35] liability.
[8:36] >> Your contingency amount wouldn't cover
[8:38] » Your contingency amount wouldn't cover
[8:38] the cost of construction or potentially
[8:40] even the gap,
[8:41] >> right? Okay.
[8:45] » But it is addressed. I can't remember
[8:47] which note it is off the top of my head,
[8:48] but it's like 12 or 13, I think.
[8:50] >> Note 11.
[8:51] » Note 11.
[8:51] >> Note 11.
[8:55] Any other questions?
[8:56] >> Been in there since the end of I believe
[8:58] » Been in there since the end of I believe
[8:58] fiscal year 23.
[9:03] » Any other questions?
[9:06] >> Miss Masters, do you have anything from
[9:07] » Miss Masters, do you have anything from
[9:08] the finance committee?
[9:09] >> No, I think um when we had back and
[9:11] » No, I think um when we had back and
[9:12] forth during the finance committee
[9:13] meeting and I believe everything was
[9:16] addressed to our satisfaction. So I
[9:18] appreciate everything you all did and
[9:20] all the time and effort that you all put
[9:21] into it.
[9:25] Mr. Tega
[9:28] >> just s a quick question was do you all
[9:31] » just s a quick question was do you all
[9:31] make a recommendation or not on
[9:33] something like this in terms of to
[9:36] approve the the report as or let me
[9:39] check whether we have to an action yeah
[9:42] we have to take action on it. Do you as
[9:44] a committee do that making a
[9:46] recommendation? Yes, we did. And we uh I
[9:49] mean after all the questions were
[9:51] answered to our satisfaction, then we
[9:54] made a um a recommendation to approve it
[9:56] and to bring it to you all.
[9:57] >> Okay. Thank you.
[10:02] » Any other questions?
[10:04] >> I would just like to thank Vanessa and
[10:07] » I would just like to thank Vanessa and
[10:07] Sonia for their their help and and
[10:09] support and uh their timeliness. As as
[10:11] you may or may not know, the city, we're
[10:13] a component unit. They need to have this
[10:16] by now, which is why we move the
[10:18] meeting. So, thank you all for being
[10:19] flexible with your schedules. But thank
[10:20] you especially to them for for moving on
[10:22] this quickly so that we could get it
[10:24] done and meet the city's timelines.
[10:26] >> Yes. Thank you.
[10:27] » Yes. Thank you.
[10:27] >> But with that, I would ask for uh
[10:29] » But with that, I would ask for uh
[10:29] approval of the report and as mentioned
[10:31] by Miss Masters, the finance committee
[10:32] did review and and does recommend
[10:34] approval.
[10:35] >> Move to approve.
[10:37] » Move to approve.
[10:37] >> Any second?
[10:38] » Any second?
[10:38] >> We'll second it.
[10:40] » We'll second it.
[10:40] >> All those in favor? I
[10:42] » All those in favor? I
[10:42] >> I
[10:43] » I
[10:43] >> any opposed?
[10:46] » any opposed?
[10:46] The um audited financial report is
[10:49] adopted.
[10:51] Number four, presentation, discussion,
[10:53] and action on board resolutions for the
[10:55] following CRRMA procurements. A Fabins
[10:59] airport field farm improvements and B
[11:02] Alamo Alto Trail project phase one and
[11:05] phase two.
[11:06] >> Good morning. Ray Mateas, executive
[11:08] » Good morning. Ray Mateas, executive
[11:08] director of the Camino Rail Regional
[11:09] Mobility Authority. We've got a a couple
[11:12] of powerpoints for you. I'll go through
[11:13] them pretty quickly as you'll you'll
[11:15] recognize the format. This one deals
[11:17] with item 4A, which is the Fabins
[11:19] airport uh fuel farm project.
[11:22] Uh so this is part of your backup as
[11:25] well. So again, I I will move pretty
[11:27] quickly. Um
[11:30] so this project was let back on December
[11:32] 11th of 2025. This is using Texas ramp
[11:36] grant funds. Those are grant funds that
[11:37] come out of Texot to the county. In
[11:40] addition, uh we intend to use some
[11:42] county funds for this project as well.
[11:44] The RMA had managed the design uh and
[11:46] the procurement for this one and will
[11:48] also manage the construction uh once we
[11:50] get into that into that phase. We used
[11:52] uh GEC teams for this one. Atkins realis
[11:56] completed the design and H&TB is
[11:58] providing the the oversight.
[12:00] Here's a the location.
[12:05] Sorry, it's very sensitive. So the the
[12:07] point of this project is is to remove
[12:09] the existing fuel tank that's out there
[12:12] and then come back with two new tanks.
[12:14] One uh with aviation gas and the second
[12:17] with jet A gas. So this will expand the
[12:19] the usage of the facility. We believe it
[12:22] will also uh add self-service fuel uh
[12:25] option for uh for the for the fuel tanks
[12:29] uh and then some concrete pads to uh to
[12:31] support as well as new illumination.
[12:34] So this is part as a Reminder, this is
[12:36] part of the overall improvements that
[12:38] we're doing at Fabins as part of the
[12:40] county's relationship with UTEP.
[12:43] Here's some photos. On the left side
[12:45] shows the existing tank. On the right
[12:47] side, you'll see uh in gray uh where the
[12:50] new tanks will go.
[12:52] So, the county is the ultimate owner.
[12:54] They'll provide the funding. The RMA is
[12:56] doing everything that I talked about
[12:57] before, design, procurement, and
[12:58] construction management.
[13:00] Here's the timeline. uh first advertised
[13:03] back in October. Second in November,
[13:06] December, we opened bids and we're here
[13:08] before you asking for authority uh to
[13:11] award to the low bidder and then
[13:13] authorize staff to negotiate a
[13:15] construction contract. We'll talk a
[13:16] little bit more about that. Uh and then
[13:18] we hope to be back in March at our March
[13:20] meeting. As a reminder, uh because our
[13:22] January meeting is so late, we probably
[13:24] will not need a February meeting. So
[13:26] we'll be back in March to authorize the
[13:28] uh execution of the construction
[13:31] contract plus all the uh interlocal
[13:33] agreement amendments and work
[13:35] authorization amendments to actually
[13:36] implement.
[13:38] Timeline we're thinking uh April we
[13:40] could start construction. It'll take
[13:41] about three months for this one and
[13:43] we'll be done in summer.
[13:45] So here are the the bid results. We had
[13:48] one bidder uh that provided a complete
[13:50] responsive bid at $1.4 million. Now,
[13:54] you'll note the engineers uh probable
[13:56] cost of construction, the estimate is
[13:57] lower. So, we do have an issue there. Uh
[14:00] and so that leads us into uh the motion.
[14:03] So, what we're looking for from from the
[14:05] board today is authorization to a to
[14:08] award to the low bidder, which is in
[14:10] this case Jordan Foster, but then also
[14:12] to authorize staff to negotiate a
[14:14] construction contract with the low
[14:16] bidder. So, the idea here is we've got
[14:18] to look back at the scope, see if
[14:19] there's anything we can pull out, and
[14:20] see if we can come to agreement with the
[14:22] contractor. So, that's what we're asking
[14:23] for you uh today. Asking from you today.
[14:27] >> I think it came in 400,000 higher than
[14:29] » I think it came in 400,000 higher than
[14:29] the estimate, right?
[14:31] >> That's correct. Now, we do have some
[14:32] » That's correct. Now, we do have some
[14:32] ideas as to how we can get get down to
[14:34] where we need to be. Uh so, we we think
[14:36] there's we're optimistic about coming
[14:38] back in in March with with contracts.
[14:44] » M Ortega,
[14:46] >> in a situation like that, when you only
[14:49] » in a situation like that, when you only
[14:49] have one uh bidder that submitted a
[14:52] complet bid. Do you ever go back and and
[14:56] uh request additional bids? Is that is
[15:00] that ever something that's considered or
[15:03] done?
[15:03] >> We have uh in fact um I believe this is
[15:06] » We have uh in fact um I believe this is
[15:06] the one that we went back and retoled
[15:09] the the way that we put this procurement
[15:11] out. So originally the procurement
[15:13] required uh text dot certification that
[15:16] limits the pool of of applicants or
[15:19] biders that could could come in on this
[15:20] one. We actually retoled that to to make
[15:22] it broader uh with specifically a couple
[15:26] of different u uh types of firms that
[15:28] could come in and and and bid on it. So
[15:30] we retoled this in order to to cast a
[15:33] wider net. Unfortunately, we only got
[15:34] two biders and and one was not
[15:36] responsible.
[15:37] >> And are you happy with the the bid that
[15:40] » And are you happy with the the bid that
[15:40] they made other than it's above the what
[15:43] you wanted?
[15:43] >> Other than the amount, the rest of it is
[15:45] » Other than the amount, the rest of it is
[15:45] is in line with what we're looking for?
[15:47] Yes, ma'am.
[15:47] >> Okay. So, I I'll tell you in March, you
[15:50] » Okay. So, I I'll tell you in March, you
[15:50] will likely see either uh a bunch of
[15:53] contracts with us having having figured
[15:55] out a way to to advance or u a rejection
[15:59] of bids and probably some sort of
[16:01] authorization to retool and re and put
[16:03] it back out there again.
[16:06] >> Thank you.
[16:07] » Thank you.
[16:07] >> Question.
[16:07] » Question.
[16:07] >> Yes,
[16:08] » Yes,
[16:08] >> Ray. when
[16:11] » Ray. when
[16:11] given that the cost is so much higher,
[16:14] was was there a bust in a particular
[16:17] particular line item or was it pretty
[16:19] much across all of the cost components?
[16:21] >> We'll ask uh Mr. Feno from Atkins to
[16:23] » We'll ask uh Mr. Feno from Atkins to
[16:23] share.
[16:25] >> Good morning, uh Madame Chair. Uh board
[16:27] » Good morning, uh Madame Chair. Uh board
[16:28] members Edgar Fino Atkins Realis on on
[16:30] the review there, Matthew. It uh there
[16:33] was nothing that stood out in regards to
[16:35] to a bust in regards to an overrun. It
[16:37] was it was line items. Yes. Yes.
[16:42] Now, just as a reminder, uh the low bid
[16:45] contractor Jordan Foster is already
[16:47] working out there. They're on the hanger
[16:49] job. So, they've got crews out there.
[16:52] That that makes
[16:54] >> exactly. Yes.
[16:57] » exactly. Yes.
[16:57] >> Correct.
[16:59] » Correct.
[16:59] >> And we we are seeing that as a trend on
[17:02] » And we we are seeing that as a trend on
[17:02] most bids that are coming in these days.
[17:05] And in fact, unfortunately, you're going
[17:06] to see on the very next item as well,
[17:08] >> even if they're already on site.
[17:11] » even if they're already on site.
[17:11] >> Yes, ma'am.
[17:13] » Yes, ma'am.
[17:13] Yeah, it looks like the material pricing
[17:15] and that sort of thing is is the
[17:16] increase.
[17:19] So, I think if you'd like, I can jump
[17:21] into the next item and we can take them
[17:22] both together. So, if we can bring up
[17:25] the the slide deck for 4B.
[17:37] Okay. So, this one deals with Alamo Alto
[17:39] Trail. This is phase one and phase two.
[17:43] Uh same idea here. All of this is part
[17:45] of your backup, so I'll breeze through
[17:46] it. Um we're using uh transportation
[17:49] alternatives funding out of text for
[17:51] this one. uh and county funds. We, the
[17:54] RMA, manage the design and procurement
[17:56] and ultimately once we get to
[17:58] construction, we'll manage that as well.
[17:59] We use one of our IDC firms, AECOM, uh
[18:02] for this one to develop the design plans
[18:05] and Atkins Realis provided the
[18:07] oversight. Here's a project location.
[18:09] Again, this is part of your backup. So,
[18:11] this one uh includes the two phases that
[18:14] I mentioned. Phase one, which includes
[18:16] uh the trail portions that are found
[18:18] within Fabins, Texas. And phase two is
[18:21] the trail within Torneo. Now, as as a
[18:23] reminder, uh we also are developing
[18:25] phase three, which is the piece that
[18:27] connects Favven to Toronto. So, we're
[18:29] really excited about these pieces that
[18:30] are all part of the Pasadon trail that
[18:32] the Pasanote Health Foundation is
[18:34] putting together. So, it's over 60 miles
[18:35] worth of trail uh within El Paso County.
[18:38] So, we're excited to be part of that.
[18:39] But, it's the usual things that you
[18:40] would expect on a trail like this uh
[18:43] full shared use path with all of those
[18:45] improvements that you see there.
[18:48] County is ultimate owner, provides
[18:50] funding, RMA manages and and provides
[18:52] all those services we've talked about.
[18:54] Here's the timeline on this one. Uh
[18:56] November, uh we put out the
[18:59] advertisement first and 2 and then uh
[19:01] bids were opened on the 16th of
[19:03] December. And again, we're looking to
[19:06] the board for authorization to award and
[19:08] then authorization to negotiate a
[19:10] contract and come back in March. That's
[19:12] the goal.
[19:16] Uh this one we think is going to take
[19:18] about 12 months. So if we start in
[19:19] April, we'll be done sometime in spring
[19:21] of 27.
[19:24] All right. So this one again, you're
[19:26] going to see the same issue. The low
[19:27] bidder on this one was Horizon Zone. Uh
[19:30] they came in at 4.7. The engineers
[19:32] probable cost of construction was 3.9.
[19:35] We do have some ideas on this one as
[19:37] well in terms of how we can reduce that
[19:39] cost. So again uh and I'll I'll bring
[19:42] you back to this, but the motion would
[19:43] be twofold. one to select Horizon Zone
[19:46] uh construction limited as the lowest
[19:49] responsible bidder and then also to
[19:51] authorize staff to negotiate a
[19:52] construction contract with the low
[19:53] bidder and but more importantly to come
[19:55] back. So we will be back in March if
[19:57] we're able to figure it out. We'd be
[19:58] back in March with the construction
[20:00] contract with interlocal amendments to
[20:02] provide the funding from the county and
[20:05] then work authorization amendments for
[20:06] our design team and the oversight team
[20:08] as well. So same idea as the as the last
[20:12] one. low bid came in high. So, we're
[20:14] going to try to negotiate to to get to
[20:16] something. If we can't, very similar to
[20:18] the last one, we'll be back with a a
[20:20] motion to reject and authorize some sort
[20:23] of way forward that we work out with the
[20:25] county. Both of these projects are with
[20:27] the county, so we're working with them
[20:28] very closely to identify the way
[20:30] forward.
[20:34] Happy to answer any questions.
[20:35] Otherwise, we would recommend
[20:36] >> I do have a question on when there's
[20:38] » I do have a question on when there's
[20:38] when it says incomplete, what is what
[20:40] does that mean? In other words, they
[20:42] started it and then they just didn't
[20:43] finish it or what does that mean?
[20:45] >> Uh, on these, I'll ask Edric to speak on
[20:48] » Uh, on these, I'll ask Edric to speak on
[20:48] on specifics, but generally that means
[20:50] they were missing a form. They were
[20:51] missing some sort of documentation
[20:53] that's required to be a complete
[20:55] submitt. Ed, do you remember the
[20:57] specifics on this one?
[20:58] >> Good morning, Edino. again. Uh, no, not
[21:01] » Good morning, Edino. again. Uh, no, not
[21:01] the specifics, but but usually it's it's
[21:03] a it's a document that's required that
[21:06] there's no signature or there's a
[21:08] missing document that's required that
[21:12] that's not included in the contractor
[21:14] package. Uh, some examples are um are um
[21:19] >> insurance.
[21:20] » insurance.
[21:20] >> Well, usually that the uh the um
[21:24] » Well, usually that the uh the um
[21:24] >> Yeah, I know. Child,
[21:26] » Yeah, I know. Child,
[21:26] >> child support.
[21:26] » child support.
[21:26] >> Yeah, child support. child support that
[21:29] » Yeah, child support. child support that
[21:29] document usually well it's it's needs to
[21:32] be included and some of the contractors
[21:34] do not
[21:35] >> provide that document as far as being
[21:37] » provide that document as far as being
[21:37] signed and acknowledging that they will
[21:40] support the child support in regards to
[21:43] making sure their employees are are
[21:45] following what they're supposed to be
[21:46] paying out. So, they're important
[21:48] documents that that are part of the
[21:50] front end of the package and and it's
[21:53] it's our job as far as the the uh the
[21:57] the GEC to review to to make sure that
[21:59] the documents are provided that are
[22:02] called for on the on the bid package.
[22:04] >> So, then you go back to them and you
[22:06] » So, then you go back to them and you
[22:06] say, "We're missing X, Y, and Z." And
[22:09] they just don't respond.
[22:11] >> No.
[22:11] » No.
[22:11] >> No ma'am. So there it depends on the
[22:13] » No ma'am. So there it depends on the
[22:13] type of documentation or the type of
[22:14] item that's missing. But things like uh
[22:17] like we were discussing right now, if
[22:18] that's not submitted, that's an
[22:20] incomplete bid and it cannot be
[22:21] supplemented later.
[22:22] >> Oh, okay.
[22:23] » Oh, okay.
[22:23] >> There are some very minor items that
[22:24] » There are some very minor items that
[22:24] could be supplemented or clarified.
[22:26] >> Uh but there's a a fine line there that
[22:28] » Uh but there's a a fine line there that
[22:28] the lawyers get involved in.
[22:30] >> Okay.
[22:31] » Okay.
[22:31] >> Yeah.
[22:35] » So when when you come back, I'll move to
[22:38] approve. When you come back with for
[22:40] both of them, when you come back with
[22:41] these, given that you're talking about,
[22:43] you know, over 20% differences, will you
[22:47] describe what the change in the scope is
[22:48] if you're able to negotiate for each of
[22:50] the two contracts?
[22:51] >> Yes, definitely. In fact, the scope that
[22:53] » Yes, definitely. In fact, the scope that
[22:53] was described in these PowerPoints was
[22:54] the original scope. And we know if we
[22:56] come back, we're going to have to pull
[22:57] stuff. So, that would be part of the
[22:58] presentation next month.
[22:59] >> Okay. I'll move to approve both items.
[23:02] » Okay. I'll move to approve both items.
[23:02] >> I'll second.
[23:04] » I'll second.
[23:04] Any further discussion?
[23:06] All those in favor? I any opposed?
[23:11] >> Both motions carry.
[23:14] » Both motions carry.
[23:14] And item five, discussion and action on
[23:17] board resolution to authorize the ex
[23:19] execution of an advanced funding
[23:21] agreement with the Texas Department of
[23:23] Transportation for the Sunycle Bike
[23:26] Share Fleet Enhancement Project fiscal
[23:28] year 2026.
[23:30] >> Okay, this is a a good news item. As you
[23:33] » Okay, this is a a good news item. As you
[23:33] may recall, we've gone after grant
[23:35] funding for uh for for the Suncycle
[23:38] program for the last few years. We've
[23:39] received it over fiscal year 24 and 25.
[23:43] And we've also received it we received
[23:45] word last year that we would receive
[23:47] funding for fiscal years 26, 27, and 28.
[23:51] We're using those funds each year to
[23:54] slowly replace the red bikes, the
[23:55] original bikes with the electric assist
[23:57] bike. So, uh, Robert's going to have
[23:59] some really good news on the on the
[24:00] update, the quarterly update for
[24:02] Suncycle in terms of what we think those
[24:04] new bikes are doing, uh, in terms of
[24:07] usage and and revenues. But, uh, for
[24:09] item five, this is seeking authorization
[24:13] for staff to negotiate and ultimately
[24:15] execute the the advanced funding
[24:17] agreement with Tex to implement this
[24:20] fisc year 26 fleet enhancement project.
[24:23] So, what we're looking at is roughly
[24:25] $100,000 coming from um the the grant
[24:28] program matched by $25,000 of RMA funds.
[24:31] And that that amount was built into the
[24:33] the most recent budget. So, I would ask
[24:36] for approval of this item. I did include
[24:38] a copy of the fiscal year 25 advanced
[24:41] funding agreement so you could see a
[24:42] sample of what's coming uh as part of
[24:44] your backup, but uh happy to answer any
[24:46] questions. Otherwise, I would recommend
[24:47] approval.
[24:49] >> I move to approve.
[24:51] » I move to approve.
[24:51] >> Second. Any discussion?
[24:54] » Second. Any discussion?
[24:54] All those in favor?
[24:56] >> I I
[24:57] » I I
[24:57] >> Any opposed? Motion carries.
[25:01] » Any opposed? Motion carries.
[25:01] Item six, discussion and action on a
[25:03] board resolution authorizing the
[25:05] submittal of a grant application to the
[25:07] Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for
[25:09] the Wiler Aerial Tramway project and the
[25:12] negotiation and execution of the
[25:13] resulting agreements.
[25:15] >> Okay, this one is a little bit odd. Uh
[25:18] » Okay, this one is a little bit odd. Uh
[25:18] we've I've been be I've been back to you
[25:20] all uh I want to say several months back
[25:23] asking for authorization to execute an
[25:25] an interlocal agreement amendment to
[25:27] pull down the the $7 million that were
[25:29] allocated to the project from the
[25:31] legislature in this last session.
[25:33] However, uh when and that that had been
[25:36] negotiated with Texas Parks and
[25:37] Wildlife. However, parks uh I guess they
[25:40] re they were re-evaluating the the
[25:43] source of those funds. Apparently the
[25:44] legis legislature when they allocated
[25:46] those funds, it went into a grant
[25:49] program that Texas Parks and Wildlife
[25:50] manages. So that means the RMA actually
[25:53] has to apply for the funds even though
[25:55] we're the only ones that are eligible
[25:56] for it and that sort of thing. But what
[25:59] you see here is is more um kind of a
[26:02] hurdle we have to go through and that is
[26:03] seeking authorization from the governing
[26:05] board uh for the submittal of a grant
[26:07] application for that $7 million. So
[26:09] that's what you see before you. I would
[26:11] ask for approval of this item.
[26:15] >> Any question? So, is this grant
[26:18] » Any question? So, is this grant
[26:18] application something that's complicated
[26:20] or is it is it a simple
[26:23] >> Well, it it's it's not simple because
[26:26] » Well, it it's it's not simple because
[26:26] well, I should say it's it's pretty
[26:28] straightforward, but what we're doing
[26:30] doesn't fit into the format that they
[26:32] have. So, they're having to tweak it.
[26:33] So, I've already gone in. We are now an
[26:35] eligible applicant. Uh, but in order for
[26:38] me to complete the form, they have to
[26:39] fill in some blanks that that don't
[26:41] really fit for the project that we're
[26:43] that we're trying to complete. So, it's
[26:45] a little bit of a it just doesn't fit
[26:48] well. So, it's it has been a little more
[26:51] cumbersome than it than it should be.
[26:53] But, it's not difficult. There's not
[26:54] there's not a whole lot of heavy lifting
[26:56] to do. It's just trying to make it work
[26:58] for for the funds that we're trying to
[26:59] pull. And when the funds were allocated,
[27:03] is it a sure thing or if somehow
[27:06] something goes wrong with the grant
[27:08] application, the monies won't be
[27:10] released?
[27:11] >> No, I I've been assured that this is
[27:13] » No, I I've been assured that this is
[27:13] just a procedural step we have to take.
[27:15] >> Yeah, it's a it's a bit of a
[27:18] » Yeah, it's a it's a bit of a
[27:18] bureaucratic step we have to do,
[27:20] >> but uh I've been assured along the
[27:22] » but uh I've been assured along the
[27:22] entire along the entire process that
[27:24] that we will receive these funds. We
[27:25] just have to do this extra step and
[27:28] >> Okay. And so we'll so I'll be back to
[27:30] » Okay. And so we'll so I'll be back to
[27:30] you. I I'm assuming well actually I
[27:32] think I I sorry I asked for
[27:34] authorization to execute any resulting
[27:36] agreement. So I think parks is leaning
[27:39] towards an interlocal amendment that
[27:41] would match up with with the prior
[27:43] interlocal amendments that we've pulled
[27:44] down for the prior funding that we
[27:46] received in addition to a grant
[27:48] agreement that would then be an appendix
[27:50] to the interlocal agreement. So again,
[27:53] it's a little more convoluted than I'd
[27:55] like than anybody would like, but but
[27:57] apparently according to their attorneys,
[27:58] the funding source dictates this.
[28:01] >> Okay. So move
[28:04] » Okay. So move
[28:04] >> second.
[28:06] » second.
[28:06] >> Any additional discussion?
[28:08] » Any additional discussion?
[28:08] All those in favor?
[28:10] >> I. Any opposed?
[28:13] » I. Any opposed?
[28:13] >> Motion carries. Item seven, discussion
[28:16] » Motion carries. Item seven, discussion
[28:16] and action on a board resolution
[28:18] authorizing the execution of an
[28:20] amendment to the interlocal agreement
[28:22] with the University of Texas at El Paso
[28:24] on behalf of its Hunt Institute for
[28:26] Global Competitiveness for the Tornne
[28:28] Guadalupe port of entry study.
[28:31] >> Okay, this is a a pretty straightforward
[28:33] » Okay, this is a a pretty straightforward
[28:33] one. We're just extending the term on
[28:34] this one for Hunt, the Hunt Institute.
[28:37] Uh the original agreement had an earlier
[28:39] ending date. However, some of the
[28:41] engagements and um and uh u site visits
[28:46] that were originally planned in this
[28:47] program have been pushed out. So, we're
[28:49] extending the date out to October of 26.
[28:52] Uh no cost impact whatsoever. So, I
[28:54] would recommend approval.
[28:56] >> I move to approve.
[28:58] » I move to approve.
[28:58] >> Second.
[28:59] » Second.
[28:59] >> Any discussion? All those in favor?
[29:03] » Any discussion? All those in favor?
[29:03] >> I
[29:03] » I
[29:03] >> I Any opposed? Motion carries.
[29:07] » I Any opposed? Motion carries.
[29:08] Item eight, discussion and action on a
[29:10] board resolution authorizing the
[29:12] execution of a memorandum of
[29:13] understanding with the El Paso County
[29:15] for the Pelicano Drive widening project.
[29:19] >> Okay. Uh very briefly, I'll I'll use
[29:21] » Okay. Uh very briefly, I'll I'll use
[29:21] this opportunity to just mention that
[29:22] Pelicano is the construction is underway
[29:24] and and doing really well. Uh a lot of
[29:27] progress happening out there. In fact,
[29:29] um they are are uh laying asphalt uh the
[29:35] in the section from Loop 375 down to
[29:38] Sunfire. They're laying asphalt uh this
[29:41] week and into next week depending on the
[29:42] weather and then they'll start laying um
[29:45] rebar on top of that asphalt in February
[29:48] and then we'll move to cons to concrete
[29:50] placement uh shortly thereafter. So
[29:52] really excited about that that first
[29:54] piece down to Sunfire. This is showing
[29:56] some great progress. We have a great
[29:58] partner in the county on this one. As
[29:59] you know, they are are shooting some uh
[30:02] video and and uh and uh photographs uh
[30:05] through one of their drones. So, I'm
[30:07] hoping to get my hands on that and I'll
[30:08] share that with you as soon as we have
[30:09] it. So, making a lot of progress. Very
[30:11] excited about that. Uh but for the item
[30:14] before you which is item eight, uh there
[30:16] is an an adjacent uh developer
[30:20] uh in the area uh Faith Technologies um
[30:24] that is is I guess they they've
[30:27] negotiated an agreement with the county
[30:28] where they're going to add some traffic
[30:30] lights, they're going to add diesel
[30:31] lanes and some other improvements along
[30:32] Pelicano. Normally when that happens,
[30:34] the developer uh pays for that. Um and
[30:38] that is the agreement that has been
[30:39] structured between the county and the
[30:41] developer. However, since the RMA is out
[30:43] there, the county is asking that that we
[30:45] roll those improvements into phase two
[30:47] of the project. As you know, we're
[30:49] currently building phase one, then we'll
[30:50] come back with phase two. So, what you
[30:52] see before you under item uh eight is a
[30:55] memorandum of of understanding laying
[30:56] out uh the idea that the improvements
[31:01] that the county is required of the
[31:02] developer will be rolled into phase two
[31:05] as an ad alternate. Uh again the intent
[31:08] is just to lay out the the idea and the
[31:11] the concept here. The funding would be
[31:13] pro provided entirely by the developer
[31:16] and ruled into the project and managed
[31:18] by the army. So that's what item eight
[31:20] is. Happy to answer any questions. Uh
[31:22] but I would recommend approval of this
[31:24] item
[31:25] >> to approve
[31:27] » to approve
[31:27] second.
[31:27] >> Any questions or discussion?
[31:30] » Any questions or discussion?
[31:30] All those in favor?
[31:32] >> I
[31:33] » I
[31:33] >> I.
[31:33] » I.
[31:33] >> Any opposed?
[31:35] » Any opposed?
[31:35] Item eight carries. Uh, item nine,
[31:39] Raymond, with
[31:40] >> So, this one, unfortunately, we're gonna
[31:42] » So, this one, unfortunately, we're gonna
[31:42] have to I'm gonna have to ask you to
[31:43] delete it. Um, Horizon City is
[31:45] re-evaluating their options on this
[31:47] project, so I would ask for a deletion.
[31:49] >> And we need a motion.
[31:50] » And we need a motion.
[31:50] >> Yes, please.
[31:52] » Yes, please.
[31:52] >> I'll move.
[31:54] » I'll move.
[31:54] I'll second. All those in favor?
[31:58] >> I. Any opposed?
[31:59] » I. Any opposed?
[31:59] >> I
[32:00] » I
[32:00] >> Okay. Item nine is deleted. Uh, item 10,
[32:03] » Okay. Item nine is deleted. Uh, item 10,
[32:04] discussion and action on a board
[32:05] resolution authorizing the execution of
[32:07] an amendment to work authorization
[32:09] number 40 with Atkins Realis USA, Inc.
[32:11] for the Valley Chile Road Reconstruction
[32:13] Project.
[32:14] >> This one is also pretty straightforward.
[32:17] » This one is also pretty straightforward.
[32:17] Originally, when we were putting this
[32:19] program together, Atkins Realis intended
[32:21] to self-perform some of the construction
[32:23] management activities on this project.
[32:25] However, between when we planned this
[32:27] project and actually got to
[32:28] construction, uh their crews have been
[32:31] assigned to other projects. So, Atkins
[32:33] is bringing on a third party JMT to
[32:36] provide these construction management
[32:37] services. So, there's no cost impact. Uh
[32:39] what you see as as the amendment is
[32:41] simply swapping out the exhibit that
[32:44] identifies uh instead of being
[32:45] self-performed by Atkins, it's being
[32:47] provided by GMT. Again, no cost impact.
[32:49] So, I would recommend approval of this
[32:50] item.
[32:53] Second.
[32:54] >> Any discussion?
[32:56] » Any discussion?
[32:56] >> Okay. All those in favor?
[32:58] » Okay. All those in favor?
[32:58] >> I
[32:58] » I
[32:58] >> I. Any opposed?
[33:01] » I. Any opposed?
[33:01] >> Item 10 carries number 11, discussion
[33:04] » Item 10 carries number 11, discussion
[33:04] and action on a board resolution
[33:06] authorizing the execution of an
[33:08] amendment to work authorization number
[33:09] two with ACOM Technical Services, Inc.
[33:12] for the Alamo Alto phase 3 project.
[33:16] >> I mentioned this one earlier. Phase
[33:17] » I mentioned this one earlier. Phase
[33:17] three is the piece of the trail that
[33:19] connects uh Fabins to Thornneo, which
[33:21] were phases one and two. This one is a a
[33:24] small amendment to add some design
[33:26] activities necessary to relocate uh
[33:29] illumination poles that are in the in
[33:31] the uh the clear zone of the roadway.
[33:34] So, uh this is normally when you have as
[33:38] explained to me, normally illumination
[33:40] poles are owned and moved by the
[33:43] electric company. These are actually
[33:44] owned by the county. So, this was a bit
[33:46] of an oversight at the front end. Uh,
[33:48] but you see an an amendment before you
[33:50] for about $11,000. I would recommend
[33:52] approval of this item.
[33:54] >> Is that cost covered by the county?
[33:56] » Is that cost covered by the county?
[33:56] >> Additional 11,000. Okay. Yes, sir.
[33:59] » Additional 11,000. Okay. Yes, sir.
[33:59] >> I'll move.
[34:01] » I'll move.
[34:01] >> I'll second. All those in favor?
[34:03] » I'll second. All those in favor?
[34:03] >> I
[34:04] » I
[34:04] >> I Any oppose?
[34:08] » I Any oppose?
[34:08] Number 11 carries. Number 12. We were
[34:12] going to delete that.
[34:13] >> Yes, ma'am. there's been a a change on
[34:15] » Yes, ma'am. there's been a a change on
[34:16] on the proposed change or so I would ask
[34:18] that this item be deleted as well.
[34:22] >> So moved.
[34:23] » So moved.
[34:23] >> Second.
[34:25] » Second.
[34:25] >> All those in favor to delete item 12.
[34:28] » All those in favor to delete item 12.
[34:28] >> I.
[34:29] » I.
[34:29] >> Any oppose? Item 12 to be deleted.
[34:33] » Any oppose? Item 12 to be deleted.
[34:33] Number 13, discussion and action on a
[34:35] board resolution authorizing submission
[34:37] of an annual compliance report to text.
[34:40] >> Okay, this is a pretty straightforward.
[34:42] » Okay, this is a pretty straightforward.
[34:42] This one we do every year. Uh text
[34:44] requires certain compliance
[34:45] requirements. One is an annual report
[34:47] that we provide at the end of December
[34:49] of each year that was completed. And
[34:51] then this compliance report uh relates
[34:54] to various other requirements that we
[34:56] have to do including the annual audit.
[34:58] So we can't do this until we accept the
[35:00] annual audit. So that's why you see this
[35:02] one before you today. I would recommend
[35:04] approval. I believe everything is
[35:06] included in your backup including the
[35:07] form, the letter, and the resolution. So
[35:10] would recommend approval.
[35:12] >> So move.
[35:14] » So move.
[35:14] >> Second.
[35:16] » Second.
[35:16] >> Any discussion, questions? All those in
[35:18] » Any discussion, questions? All those in
[35:18] favor?
[35:19] >> I
[35:20] » I
[35:20] >> I
[35:20] » I
[35:20] >> I.
[35:21] » I.
[35:21] >> Any oppose? Item 13 passes. Number 14.
[35:26] » Any oppose? Item 13 passes. Number 14.
[35:26] Discussion and action on the following
[35:27] reports for the first quarter of fiscal
[35:29] year 2026. A interim financial
[35:32] statement. B investment report. C El
[35:35] Paso Bike Share Sun Cycle Program. and D
[35:38] general engineering consulting team's
[35:40] use of local resources.
[35:42] >> So I the finance committee reviewed all
[35:44] » So I the finance committee reviewed all
[35:44] the reports and did recommend uh that
[35:46] the board accept reports. So I'm not
[35:47] going to go through them one by one, but
[35:49] I did want to provide a couple of of key
[35:51] highlights that Mr. Tea uh mentioned. So
[35:53] on the interim financial statement,
[35:55] usually the first quarter we don't have
[35:56] a lot of activity just due to the nature
[35:58] of of uh invoicing and timing. So
[36:00] there's not a lot of activity. We didn't
[36:01] spend a lot of time at the board. On
[36:03] item B, the investment report, I I would
[36:06] point out that the Fed is meeting today.
[36:08] They have they did cut rates a few times
[36:10] in the fall. That impacts our investment
[36:12] returns as we are uh constrained on on
[36:14] what we can invest in. And then the
[36:16] treasury services coordinator for the
[36:18] city, Lewis Meyer, who is named as one
[36:20] of our investment officers, retired in
[36:22] November, and the interim is a woman
[36:25] named April Shammy. I've got a great
[36:26] relationship with her and and we've no
[36:28] no issues there whatsoever. um she may
[36:31] get the job, they may hire somebody
[36:33] else, but we'll continue to work with
[36:34] that person uh overseeing our
[36:36] investments. On item C, the bike share
[36:39] program. This is the one Mr. TA alluded
[36:41] to. We saw fantastic numbers in the
[36:44] first quarter.
[36:46] Every one of our stations outperformed
[36:49] the prior first quarter of of the year
[36:52] before and and we are seeing just uh
[36:55] that that's not happened previously.
[36:56] usually get some that go up, some that
[36:58] go down, but we we think the ubiquity of
[37:00] the ebikes being placed throughout the
[37:02] system as we added 73 um during the the
[37:05] prior year through this the the grant
[37:07] program that was item six, I believe
[37:09] that is just helping and growing
[37:11] ridership. We've also got a handful of
[37:13] annual, monthly, and semester members
[37:16] that are really using the system and so
[37:18] we are thrilled to see that that kind of
[37:20] growth. Um but the bike share is doing
[37:22] well. On item D, no real comments. Uh
[37:24] but but we do have data from both H&DB
[37:26] and Atkins in there now. And and again,
[37:29] uh the finance committee reviewed the
[37:31] reports in depth and did recommend
[37:32] approval. And with that, I would
[37:34] recommend the board uh accept the
[37:35] reports.
[37:37] >> Miss Masters, anything from the finance
[37:39] » Miss Masters, anything from the finance
[37:39] committee?
[37:39] >> We we like uh Robert said, we didn't
[37:42] » We we like uh Robert said, we didn't
[37:42] spend a whole lot of time on it, but
[37:44] because there wasn't a lot of action,
[37:45] but we're very very pleased with the the
[37:48] way the performance is for the Sun City
[37:50] Bike program.
[37:52] And I move to approve.
[37:55] >> Second.
[37:57] » Second.
[37:57] >> All any discussion or questions? All
[38:00] » All any discussion or questions? All
[38:00] those in favor?
[38:01] >> I
[38:03] » I
[38:03] >> I.
[38:03] » I.
[38:04] >> Any opposed? Items 14 A through D, uh,
[38:08] » Any opposed? Items 14 A through D, uh,
[38:08] carry. Item number 15, staff reports. A,
[38:12] new CRMA employee. B, reminder of
[38:16] officer elections. and C annual project
[38:19] report 2025.
[38:21] >> Okay, a couple of quick reports. The
[38:24] » Okay, a couple of quick reports. The
[38:24] first one notes uh the new employee. So,
[38:26] as you know, we've been we've been
[38:28] looking for an employee for a little
[38:29] while. We received quite a bit of of
[38:31] interest. I believe we in the end we had
[38:33] 26 different uh resumes for this for
[38:36] this uh position. I'm happy to report
[38:38] that we have uh offered and uh Mr. Sal
[38:42] Alonso has accepted the position. So
[38:44] some of you all may remember S. He was
[38:47] with the county for I want to say over
[38:49] 10 years. Most recently he's been with
[38:51] Texat. So he's got a lot of local
[38:53] experience in transportation and
[38:55] certainly state and federal uh
[38:57] experience as well. So we're really
[38:58] excited to bring S into the fold. He his
[39:01] start date is uh next Monday in fact. So
[39:04] very excited about that. Um and we'll
[39:06] introduce you to him at the March
[39:07] meeting.
[39:09] Uh item B then uh is just a a quick
[39:13] reminder. Our bylaws require us to do
[39:16] officer elections each year and that
[39:18] happens in February as we're not meeting
[39:19] in February. That'll push it to March.
[39:21] So keep that in mind as we move forward.
[39:23] If you're interested, uh perhaps you
[39:24] could reach out to the chair and and we
[39:27] can discuss that in March. That's just a
[39:29] a brief reminder. And part of your
[39:30] backup includes that section of the
[39:31] bylaw so you can review that if you're
[39:33] interested. And then lastly, we've got a
[39:35] a brief PowerPoint with just a couple of
[39:37] slides
[39:38] at at the chair's request. We've been
[39:40] doing this uh at the end of each year or
[39:42] the beginning of of the year to review
[39:44] the prior year. Uh so we've got some new
[39:46] maps for you. Uh this is intended to
[39:49] show you all of the different projects
[39:50] that we've been involved in to date. So
[39:52] uh the green ones are those that are
[39:54] already completed and I guess the it's
[39:57] an orange color maybe. This show the
[39:59] active ones, the ones that we were
[40:01] involved in in 2025. So it shows quite a
[40:04] bit of activity over the last year. The
[40:06] the column over on the left shows some
[40:08] interesting uh details for you as well.
[40:10] Uh we had more than 50 active projects
[40:12] uh in this this last uh calendar year.
[40:16] And then 12 different partner agencies
[40:18] and that's really important. We've been
[40:19] partnering at the direction of the board
[40:22] with with some of the smaller
[40:23] communities, but then you also see Tex,
[40:25] Texas Parks, UTEP, MCA, some of the
[40:27] larger entities in the region as well.
[40:29] Certainly El Paso County is our our
[40:31] largest partner for sure. So you see a
[40:33] lot of a lot of u coordination and
[40:36] cooperation among agencies to get these
[40:37] projects done. Then the last point there
[40:39] is that uh we're we are multimmodal as
[40:42] as required by the board as well. So
[40:44] we're looking at road, transit,
[40:46] pedestrian, uh bike and aviation
[40:48] projects as well. So a lot of variation
[40:51] and certainly a lot of work completed
[40:53] over the last year. So that's kind of a
[40:55] snapshot. I'll I'll touch uh very
[40:57] briefly on a couple of of projects that
[40:59] I think are are of of interest. U there
[41:02] on the left side the box that says Rick
[41:04] Francis Street. You may recall that's
[41:06] the uh grant program that we went after
[41:09] certain funding from Texot for to
[41:12] develop an underpass on at Rick Francis
[41:15] Street within the MCA. Uh that one was
[41:18] submitted uh I want to say uh LA a
[41:21] couple weeks back. So we're very excited
[41:23] about that one and we're really hopeful.
[41:25] Uh beyond that, Wiler of course we talk
[41:28] about regularly. That's a big project
[41:29] for us. And the street car was actually
[41:31] completed in 2025 and that's a project
[41:33] close out. So, a couple of highlights
[41:35] there and I'm happy if any of these
[41:37] catch your attention, you want to dive
[41:39] in into the details. Please stop me
[41:40] along the way, but uh this is now part
[41:42] of your backup. I added it uh just last
[41:45] night or this morning. So, it's a late
[41:46] addition. I apologize for that, but
[41:48] we're tweaking it up until this morning.
[41:50] Uh but it's part of your backup. Feel
[41:52] free to review it and and I'm happy to
[41:53] tweak it going forward. Um, so on the
[41:57] east side, here's a map that focuses in
[42:00] on on some of our our important
[42:01] projects. Belcono we talk about
[42:03] regularly, so I'll skip that for now.
[42:05] Uh, but the EPATS transit facility is a
[42:07] really big big project for uh the El
[42:10] Paso area transit system. Uh, that's the
[42:12] one where we are we have completed the
[42:15] rideway acquisition for them. We we um
[42:18] acquired a parcel for a little over $1.5
[42:20] million. Uh we also did a needs
[42:22] assessment for them to identify what
[42:24] their transit operation system would
[42:26] need and from there we've actually begun
[42:28] the design. So we're we're at about I
[42:30] believe 30% of the design for that
[42:32] project. It's a really important project
[42:34] for them as they expand their system uh
[42:36] and they develop their first maintenance
[42:38] and operation uh facility. So we're
[42:40] excited to be part of that one.
[42:44] uh down in the lower valley. Uh focus
[42:46] there is on the the Fabins airport. Uh
[42:50] and and of course we've talked about a
[42:52] few of those projects. The box hangers
[42:53] is essentially done. We're just waiting
[42:55] for the electric company to connect to
[42:57] the facility so we can do some final um
[43:00] checks on some items and close out that
[43:02] project. Very excited to be involved in
[43:04] that one. The AWAS system, the automated
[43:06] weather and observing system is up and
[43:08] running now. Excited to announce that.
[43:10] So, a lot of improvements we've made out
[43:12] there that is going to help the county
[43:13] and UTP uh partnership. So, uh that's
[43:16] going really well. And then another one
[43:18] I'll note is the Don O'Neal port of
[43:19] entry uh study that we're doing. We
[43:22] talked about that one earlier today, but
[43:24] that's a really important um uh
[43:26] initiative that the county is pursuing
[43:28] to increase usage of the Thornia port of
[43:31] entry. So, we're excited to be part of
[43:32] that as well.
[43:34] And I guess that's it.
[43:38] Um, so I'm happy to answer any
[43:39] questions. Hopefully that was useful to
[43:41] you. It's part of your backup. If you
[43:43] have any questions, please uh review it
[43:44] and and uh Yes, ma'am.
[43:47] >> Are you and I know you've discussed this
[43:49] » Are you and I know you've discussed this
[43:49] in the past, but you're the one that
[43:51] does all of the grant writing or or do
[43:53] you get people to assist on that?
[43:56] >> So, on the on the uh Rick Francis uh
[44:00] » So, on the on the uh Rick Francis uh
[44:00] grant application, there were two steps.
[44:02] There was a preliminary that was pretty
[44:03] straightforward and I handled that one
[44:05] on my own. But then the the more
[44:07] detailed the second step is called the
[44:08] detailed application and that one we
[44:10] brought on H&TB. In fact, um I meant to
[44:13] do this and I I just realized I didn't.
[44:15] I'll share with you a copy of that
[44:16] application so you can see everything
[44:18] that was put into it, but H&TB did the
[44:20] heavy lifting on that one. Uh H&TB has
[44:22] also done grant writing for us on the
[44:24] Howard Low project which is in Horizon
[44:27] City and that's a a pedestrian uh
[44:30] improvements to a
[44:32] a section down there that will connect
[44:33] to their trails system. Uh did a great
[44:36] job on that one. In fact, we were uh
[44:38] Horizon City was awarded those funds and
[44:40] we're hoping to bring uh a design and
[44:42] construction contract back to you for
[44:44] that one. And H&TB also did a grant
[44:46] application for phase four of the the
[44:50] positive north trail system and the
[44:52] county was successful on that one using
[44:54] H&TB's application. So generally the
[44:56] answer is we'll use a consultant to do
[44:58] it. But if it's pretty straightforward,
[44:59] pretty easy like Texas Parks and
[45:01] Wildlife Grant application that we
[45:03] talked about earlier or the the first
[45:05] step on the on the um the other one we
[45:09] just talked about, uh Rick Francis, then
[45:12] I I will handle that.
[45:13] >> So when you hire a consultant to
[45:15] » So when you hire a consultant to
[45:15] actually do the grant writing, uh is it
[45:18] paid by the entity depending on who
[45:20] you're working with?
[45:21] >> It it is. Yes, ma'am.
[45:22] » It it is. Yes, ma'am.
[45:22] >> Okay. All right. Thank you. with with
[45:24] » Okay. All right. Thank you. with with
[45:24] the exception of Rick Francis. So So
[45:26] that one was brought to you all asking
[45:28] if you wanted to participate in. So So
[45:29] that one is done uh is paid for by the
[45:32] army. Outside of that, Horizon City has
[45:34] paid for Howard Low. The county paid for
[45:37] Pasar,
[45:39] etc.
[45:44] » That's all I have for you.
[45:45] >> Any other questions?
[45:47] » Any other questions?
[45:47] >> And there's no action on item 15?
[45:49] » And there's no action on item 15?
[45:50] >> No, ma'am.
[45:50] » No, ma'am.
[45:50] >> Okay. Item 16, discussion and action
[45:53] » Okay. Item 16, discussion and action
[45:53] regarding right-of-way acquisitions and
[45:55] the potential use of eminent domain for
[45:57] the Montwood Drive extension project,
[46:00] including consultation with attorneys
[46:02] and deliberation regarding real estate
[46:04] in executive session.
[46:06] So, it's 9:48.
[46:09] >> Excuse me. Can I can I get you to read
[46:10] » Excuse me. Can I can I get you to read
[46:10] that uh read item 18 as well? Okay,
[46:13] please.
[46:15] The CRMA board will recess regular
[46:17] session and convene an executive session
[46:19] to deliberate on agenda items pursuant
[46:22] to Texas government code chapter 551
[46:24] section 551.071
[46:27] consultation with attorney and section
[46:29] 551.072
[46:31] deliberation regarding real estate
[46:33] regarding ride-of-way acquisitions for
[46:35] the Montwood Drive extension project
[46:37] including the use of eminent domain but
[46:39] will reconvene in regular session to
[46:41] take any associated actions. Yeah, if I
[46:43] could give a little back a little bit of
[46:45] background. So, we are uh we are asking
[46:47] that we go into executive session on
[46:48] item 16 and 18 uh to discuss some
[46:52] right-of-way acquisitions that we're
[46:53] we're doing on behalf of the city of El
[46:55] Paso for the Montwood project. Item 17,
[46:57] this is the first time we've done uh
[46:59] we've used executive session for
[47:00] right-of-way acquisitions. And I so
[47:02] we're doing it a little bit different. I
[47:03] think I could do it better next time.
[47:05] Item 17 is a is a general item that's
[47:08] always included in the agenda that
[47:09] allows us to go into executive session
[47:11] for any items that are accounted for on
[47:13] the agenda. However, our our attorney
[47:15] that's that's assisting us with the
[47:17] imminent domain item has asked that we
[47:19] put a specific executive session item
[47:21] for this, which is item 18. So, in
[47:23] truth, what I should have done is
[47:24] deleted 16. We could have had no action
[47:27] on 17 and then moved to 18 and moved
[47:30] into executive. So, I apologize for the
[47:31] confusion uh first time. So, I beg your
[47:34] pardon on that.
[47:35] >> It's okay. I was just
[47:37] » It's okay. I was just
[47:37] a little
[47:38] >> Yes, ma'am. A little confusing. So, so
[47:40] » Yes, ma'am. A little confusing. So, so
[47:40] with that, um, if there's no questions,
[47:42] then I would ask the chair to read, uh,
[47:45] the the executive session script into
[47:47] the into the record.
[47:49] >> So, um, the time is now 9:49
[47:53] » So, um, the time is now 9:49
[47:53] a.m. on January 28, 2026, and the CRM
[47:56] board of directors will now retire into
[47:58] executive session pursuant to Texas
[48:01] Government Code sections 551.071
[48:04] and 552.072 072 for the purpose of
[48:08] consultation with an attorney and
[48:09] deliberation regarding real property. We
[48:11] will reconvene the open meeting upon
[48:13] conclusion of the executive session.
[48:29] Uh, it is now 10:24 a.m. on January
[48:33] 28th, 2026, and the board of directors
[48:36] of the CRMA is reconvening its open
[48:38] meeting after deliberations in executive
[48:40] session pursuant to Texas government
[48:42] code sections 551.071
[48:45] and 551.072.
[48:48] The board consulted with its attorney
[48:50] but took no action in executive session.
[48:53] And so now we're seeking a motion on
[48:57] item
[48:58] 16
[49:00] >> and 18.
[49:01] » and 18.
[49:01] >> Oh 18 uh to approve board resolutions to
[49:05] » Oh 18 uh to approve board resolutions to
[49:05] acquire parcels 214A
[49:08] and 14B by a minute domain if necessary
[49:12] for the Montwood Drive extension
[49:14] project.
[49:18] Motion second.
[49:20] >> Any further discussion? All those in
[49:23] » Any further discussion? All those in
[49:24] favor?
[49:25] >> I.
[49:25] » I.
[49:25] >> Any oppose?
[49:28] » Any oppose?
[49:28] Motion carries.
[49:29] >> Yes, ma'am. That's all I have for you.
[49:32] » Yes, ma'am. That's all I have for you.
[49:32] >> And then 17 is no action.
[49:34] » And then 17 is no action.
[49:34] >> No action. Correct.
[49:35] » No action. Correct.
[49:36] >> Um and so just a motion to adjurnn.
[49:38] » Um and so just a motion to adjurnn.
[49:38] >> Yes, ma'am. I'll move to adjourn.
[49:40] » Yes, ma'am. I'll move to adjourn.
[49:40] >> Second.
[49:41] » Second.
[49:42] >> Any discussion? All those in favor?
[49:45] » Any discussion? All those in favor?
[49:45] >> I. Any opposed?