SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5366

BYSenators Nelson and Bender; by request of Legislative Transportation Committee

Revising administration of public transit authorities.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 24, 1989; February 16, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5366 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Conner, McMullen, Murray, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

                  February 22, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 16, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Statutes governing public transportation benefit areas (PTBA) provide minimal reference to the hiring, qualifications and removal of a general manager of the agency.  The relationship between the governing authority, the PTBA, and county transportation authorities, and the agencies' general managers and staff is not well defined.

A Joint Subcommittee on Public Transportation of the House and Senate Transportation Committees reviewed public transportation system operations during the interim and recommended that legislation be developed to address these concerns.

SUMMARY:

The process for appointment and removal of a general manager by a public transportation benefit area authority is set forth.  The manager must be chosen solely on the basis of executive and administrative qualifications.  The manager may serve an indefinite term with a specific process for removal, or the authority may contract for the services.  Persons serving on the authority are prohibited from becoming general manager for a period of one year after their term of office.

The duties of a general manager are set forth.  The division of responsibility between the legislative authority and the executive functions of the general manager is prescribed.  The authority is to elect a chairman each February, and the chairman's duties are set forth.  Provision is made for filling a vacancy of the chair.

The legislative authority and general manager provisions established for public transportation benefit areas also apply to county transportation authorities.

Public works and contract requirements related to optional municipal code cities, and personal service contract statutes applicable to the state are applied to public transportation benefit areas and county transportation authorities.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Application of public works and contract requirements related to cities and state personal service contracts are deleted.  Personal service contract requirements based on state personal service requirements are prescribed.

Provisions relative to the relationship between the governing authority and the general manager are modified to reflect current industry practices.  Removal of a general manager requires 60 days notice, including a 30-day period for the manager to request a public hearing.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 23, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Steve Lindstrom, WSTA