2021-06-17 Commissioners of Trust Funds Minutes

Home Browse Search

°`" RECEIVED Town of Reading TOWN CLERK Meeting Minutes READING, MA ,q' '" �w°"`r� 2621 JUL -8 AM 8, 251' Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Commissioners of Trust Funds Date: 2021-06-17 Time: 6:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Lower Level Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: Specific Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Neil Cohen, Mark Dockser, John Daly, Elizabeth Klepeis, and Endri Kume Members - Not Present: Others Present: Steve Skiffington and Kevin Bohmiller Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Endri Kume Topics of Discussion: Mr. Cohen called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Cohen asked Mr. Kume to provide an update on the Open Meeting Law changes. According to recent legislative updates, Mr. Kume informed the Commissioners that the Zoom meetings could continue until April 2022. Discussion about RFP: Ms. Klepeis asked Mr. Cohen to take the "Discuss the RFP"agenda item out of order and allow Mr. Skiffington to make his presentation. Mr. Skiffington introduced himself as the COO of Alternative Transportation Systems LLC. He provided an overview of the services his company offered and went over the proposal. Ms. Klepeis explained that the Trust Funds transfers funds to the Elderly Services for the purpose of managing the Reading Response Program including the screening of all of the clients for eligibility. Mr. Bohmiller expressed that he was excited about the service and was eager to restart the program. He mentioned a need for this service, and Elderly Services has made all the necessary adjustments in staffing to accommodate for anything that this program will need. The online portal that ATS offers is an excellent tool as it shortens the time required to book an appointment. Ms. Klepeis asked how long the contract can be locked, and Mr. Skiffington answered that the company prefers one year; however, that was an item that they are willing to work out with the Commissioners. A few topics were discussed for clarification only, such as no shows and how they are charged, how long the driver waits for a client, and the multiple certification and qualifications that the drivers have. There was a question from Ms. Klepeis if there was an extra charge for a relative or an escort that would go along with the client. Mr. Skiffington explained that due to regulation, they have to have an extra seat for each client taking a ride. Mr. Kume informed the Commissioners that he had received a response from MassTran on the RFP; however, it was after the deadline. Mr. Cohen mentioned that the appropriate action was to respond to the MassTran proposal and reject the bid. Ms. Klepeis suggested rejecting the bid based on the fact that the prices were not competitive and there was no service for the past year at all. Mr. Cohen asks Mr. Kume to share the original contract from Page 1 1