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TO:
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H-GAC Board of Directors
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SUBJECT:
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Board Report
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FROM:
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Chuck Wemple
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DATE:
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September 10, 2018
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I’m looking forward to seeing you at our Board of Directors Meeting next week. The meeting agenda and Board packet are attached for your study and consideration. A summary of the Board packet is included below.
Consent Agenda—The consent agenda includes ten items that are routine, continuation of ongoing activities, and/or opportunities to expand our service to the region. The combined items represent nearly $750,000 in contracts.
Five items are part of our HGACBuy Cooperative Purchasing Program which provide purchasing opportunities for local governments and certain non-profits. Product lines up for approval this month include: current model cars and light trucks; modular buildings and shelters, trailers, street maintenance equipment, and automated vehicles.
The Board-appointed Regional Homeland Security Coordinating Council has proposed changes to their bylaws. The revisions will increase participation across the region and provide clarity on the committee charge.
We have two transportation items on the consent agenda. Our Clean Vehicles program is prepared to fund six school buses for Humble ISD. The transportation planning group is seeking approval to contract with TxDOT on a multimodal pilot project that will look at connectivity of our transportation network for walking and biking.
Additional items include approval of the August 2018 Board Meeting minutes and a minor update to our procurement policies and procedures.
Finance and Budget Committee—will meet at 9:20 a.m. in conference room D to consider the monthly financial report, and finance-related items on the Board agenda.
Transportation Planning—We are seeking approval to transmit comments to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding the State’s approach to allocating settlement funds associated with Volkswagen’s deceitful practice of evading US emissions standards. The nationwide settlement would result in $209 million being sent to Texas for allocation. The State’s current proposal short changes the H-GAC region and does not fairly represent the distribution of Volkswagen vehicles across the State. Staff recommendations include: fairly allocating funds based on proportions of affected vehicles; maximizing flexibility; expanding local government participation; and administering funds for our region through H-GAC.
We are seeking approval to continue our successful DWI Task Force activities. This will mark our seventh year of assisting local governments in the fight against alcohol-related traffic fatalities and injuries. The program provides funding for overtime shifts during holiday breaks and has resulted in nearly 1,000 arrests and improved public safety.
Hurricane Recovery—We will have an update on the H-GAC Method of Distribution which allocates approximately $241 million in Harvey recovery funds. The Texas General Land Office has reviewed the Board-approved Method of Distribution and required that H-GAC seek additional input on the summary form which pertains to affirmatively furthering fair housing, supporting long-term recovery, and addressing unmet housing needs. We will complete the additional input period before the upcoming Board meeting. I will update you on our efforts next week.
Committee Appointments—We have appointments to seven Advisory Committees for your consideration next week. The list of committees underscores the variety of programs and services we offer to our region and emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and participation in our activities.
I appreciate your engagement and deliberation as we move forward with the action items before us. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the agenda items.
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