Draft Memorandum for the Record
Regional Transportation Advisory Council Meeting
November 13, 2024, Meeting Minutes
2:30 PM–3:30 PM, Zoom
Any Reker, Vice Chair, representing the City of Cambridge
Meeting Agenda
1. Introductions
Andy Reker (City of Cambridge) called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM. Members and guests attending the meeting introduced themselves. (For attendance list, see page 4.)
2. Public Comments
Sarah Lee (Massachusetts Port Authority) expressed appreciation for Advisory Council members’ engagement with the Massachusetts Port Authority throughout the years and her hope to continue to work together in the future.
3. Approval of October 9, 2024, Meeting Minutes
A motion to approve the minutes of the October 9, 2024, meeting was made by the American Council of Engineering Companies (Fred Moseley) and seconded the MBTA Ridership Oversight Committee (Lenard Diggins). The motion passed and the minutes were approved.
4. Remarks—Lenard Diggins, Chair, MBTA Ridership Oversight Committee
L. Diggins expressed gratitude for members of the Advisory Council and his experience serving as the chair. L. Diggins extended his gratitude to past chairs Tegin Teich and David Montgomery for encouraging him to run for chair of the Advisory Council and sharing their knowledge.
5. Reflections and Recognitions—MPO Staff and Advisory Council members
Tegin Teich (Executive Director, MPO staff) reflected on her experience as a member and chair of the Advisory Council and as the executive director of MPO staff. She expressed appreciation for the members of the Advisory Council and the important role the group has had in supporting the MPO planning and decision-making process. T. Teich reflected on the Advisory Council’s impact on MPO work, including supporting the development of the Destination 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan and providing thoughtful input on the development of the MPO’s discrete studies. T. Teich discussed how members’ commitment and focus is reflected in the Advisory Council’s impact on the MPO. T. Teich expressed hopes to continue to engage with members as the Advisory Council is restructured and expressed gratitude for members’ support of the exploration of new structures to bring new and underrepresented voices into the MPO’s planning process.
A. Reker shared reflections and appreciation for the experience of participating in the Advisory Council. A. Reker used the words iterate, integrate, and inclusive to describe the values of the Advisory Council and its impact on the MPO planning process.
Franny Osman (Acton resident) discussed the significance of the Advisory Council in elevating geographically diverse perspectives and addressing the priorities of all communities. F. Osman reflected on the valuable learning experience gained from participating in the Advisory Council.
Ethan Lapointe (MPO staff) expressed gratitude for the Advisory Council’s advice and impact on the development of the Transportation Improvement Program and the Long-Range Transportation Plan.
Ana Cristina Fragoso (Boston Society of Civil Engineers) discussed the value of the learning experience from participating in the Advisory Council and the importance of the public’s voice in the decision-making process.
Sean Rourke (MPO staff) discussed the significance of the Advisory Council’s impact in bringing the public’s voice into the MPO’s planning process by highlighting communities’ needs and priorities. S. Rourke highlighted Stella Jordan’s efforts in managing the Advisory Council for over two and a half years.
AC Fragoso and S. Jordan discussed the timeline of the planned restructuring of the Advisory Council. S. Jordan stated that staff are planning to kick off a new advisory body in spring of 2025 with a new structure and membership. In the meantime, staff are finalizing plans related to membership, application processes, governance, and meeting structure. Details of the restructuring, including background, goals, and expected timing, were shared and discussed at the September 11, 2024, Advisory Council meeting and the October 9, 2024, Advisory Council meeting.
Fred Moseley (American Council of Engineering Companies) shared how participating in the Advisory Council has given him a well-rounded perspective and understanding of the transportation planning process.
6. Closing Remarks— Stella Jordan, Public Engagement Program Manager, MPO Staff
S. Jordan thanked members for their reflections and discussed how the experiences and comments members shared will help inform the restructuring efforts. S. Jordan discussed the impact of the Advisory Council on the Public Engagement Program and highlighted key areas that members’ advice has influenced. These include encouraging staff to ensure that engagement input is representative of the diverse perspectives in the region and advising staff on effective analysis and reporting of engagement data. S. Jordan also discussed members’ role in helping staff develop the Community Planning Lab and supporting public education efforts to bring more people into the planning process.
S. Jordan stated she will be reaching out to members to set up one-on-one or small group meetings to discuss their experience participating in the Advisory Council and gather feedback to help shape the restructured group. S. Jordan also previewed certificates of appreciation staff will provide to members in recognition of the time and involvement in the Advisory Council.
7. Adjourn
A motion to adjourn was made by the Boston Society of Civil Engineers (Ana Cristina Fragoso) and seconded by Acton resident (Franny Osman). The motion carried.
Attendees
|
Member Municipalities |
Representatives and Alternates |
|
Cambridge |
Andy Reker |
|
Weymouth |
Owen MacDonald |
|
Citizen Advocacy Groups |
Attendees |
|
American Council of Engineering Companies |
Fred Moseley |
|
Boston Society of Civil Engineers (BSCES) |
Ana Cristina Fragoso |
|
MBTA Ridership Oversight Committee (ROC) |
Lenard Diggins |
|
MoveMassachusetts |
Jon Seward |
|
Acton resident |
Franny Osman |
|
Agencies (Non-Voting) |
Attendees |
|
Massachusetts Port Authority |
Sarah Lee |
|
Other Attendees |
Affiliation |
|
Steve Olanoff |
Town of Westwood, Three Rivers Interlocal Council (TRIC) Subregion Representative |
|
Tyler Terrasi |
MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) |
|
Logan Casey |
Town of Marblehead |
|
MPO Staff/Central Transportation Planning Staff |
|
Tegin Teich |
|
Stella Jordan |
|
Jia Huang |
|
Ethan Lapointe Sean Rourke |
|
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