In a memorandum to Committee, Auditor-Controller Joseph Wire and General Manager Celia Kupersmith outlined commitments, disbursements and investments made on behalf of the District. A copy of the staff report is available in the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site.

At the meeting, Nancy Jones described the latest economic news and current interest rates for the District’s portfolio. She distributed a handout to the Committee entitled, “Fed Funds Target Rate Forecasts,” which depicted forecasts by economists from two leading Wall Street investment firms regarding the Federal Reserve Bank’s benchmark interest rate for 2007. She explained the widely diverging predictions made by the two economists, noting that such differing opinions regarding interest rate trends underscore the recent uncertainty in the investment market.

Ms. Jones highlighted a chart in her report depicting yields for two-year U.S. Treasury Notes, which during December 2006 were trading at 4% to 4.5%. She stated that, according to recent economic indicators, there appears to be a slight recovery in process, with inflationary trends in employment, housing and retail sales. She noted that the District’s Portfolio Manager has adjusted the investment strategy for the District’s portfolio to meet changing market conditions, by moving more of the District’s portfolio into longer-term securities. She further noted that the Portfolio Manager recently purchased $5 million worth of securities at 5.22%, which is the highest rate that has been available in the investment market in several months.

Staff recommended and the Committee concurred by motion made and seconded by Directors COCHRAN/EDDIE to forward the following recommendation to the Board of Directors for its consideration:

RECOMMENDATION

The Finance-Auditing Committee recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the following actions by the Auditor-Controller:

b.

PURCHASE

DATE

PERCENT

YIELD

d

Accept the Investment Report for December 2006 prepared by Public Financial Management.

Action by the Board - Resolution
CONSENT CALENDAR

This item was referred to the Finance-Auditing Committee from the Building and Operating Committee meeting of January 25, 2007, for concurrence with a budget adjustment. In a memorandum to Committee, District Engineer Denis Mulligan and General Manager Celia Kupersmith reported on staff’s recommendation relative to the award of Contract No. 2007-FT-5, Larkspur Ferry Terminal Fuel Pipeline Replacement, to Stephens Construction, Inc. The report stated that this project is included in the FY 06/07 Ferry Division Capital Budget in the amount of $650,000, and is 100% District funded. The report further stated that a budget adjustment in the amount of $68,000 is necessary in the FY 06/07 Ferry Division Capital Budget, in order to fully fund the estimated total project cost of $718,000 for Contract No. 2007-FT-5. A copy of the staff report is available in the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site.

Staff recommended and the Committee concurred by motion made and seconded by Directors EDDIE/COCHRAN to forward the following recommendation to the Board of Directors for its consideration:

RECOMMENDATION

The Finance-Auditing Committee recommends that the Board of Directors authorize a budget increase in the amount of $68,000, in the FY 06/07 Ferry Division Capital Budget, to be funded with a transfer from the FY 06/07 District Division Operating Budget relative to the award of Contract No. 2007-FT-5, Larkspur Ferry Terminal Fuel Pipeline Replacement, to Stephens Construction, Inc.

Action by the Board – Refer to the
Building and Operating Committee Meeting of January 25, 2007

In a memorandum to Committee, Auditor-Controller Joseph Wire and General Manager Celia Kupersmith provided a schedule comparing categories of Bridge traffic for six months ending December 31, 2006. A copy of the report is available in the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site.

Action by the Board – None Required

At the meeting, Mr. Wire reported that in the financial statement entitled, Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District, Budget to Actual ¬ Summarized, for Period Ending 12/31/2006 (Bus Division), the line item previously listed under “Operating Assistance,” relative to the Marin County Transit District (MCTD) agreement for local bus service, is now being listed as a line item under “Operating Revenues. He stated that this change was made at the direction of the Independent Auditor to better reflect the source of this revenue. Mr. Wire noted that the District is required to furnish reports to state and federal agencies, on behalf of the MCTD, identifying the sources of operating assistance funds received by the MCTD for local bus service.

Action by the Board – None Required

In a memorandum to Committee, Auditor-Controller Joseph Wire and General Manager Celia Kupersmith provided a financial statement entitled, Statement of Capital Programs and Expenditures for Six Months Ending December 31, 2006. A copy of the report is available in the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site.

• At the meeting, Ms. Kupersmith informed the Committee that she is working with staff to improve project delivery of capital projects that have been budgeted in any given fiscal year. She noted that at a District staff workshop scheduled for February 7, 2007, staff will discuss several topics, including ways to create a more realistic capital plan.

Discussion ensued, including the following:

• Chair Stroeh stated that managing capital expenditures can be challenging, and that the Board of Directors should be mindful of staff’s time commitments to scheduled capital projects before embarking on new projects. Ms. Kupersmith noted that the District’s budget document now includes a work plan that helps staff balance new projects with ongoing projects listed in the 10-year capital plan.

• Director Eddie noted that the District should be realistic about which capital projects can be accomplished, and that capital budget should reflect the work that needs to be done.

Action by the Board – None Required

In a memorandum to Committee, Auditor-Controller Joseph Wire and General Manager Celia Kupersmith provided a report summarizing budget adjustments and budget transfers authorized by the Board of Directors during the three-month period from October 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006. A copy of the report, including attached charts outlining applicable budget adjustments and transfers, is available in the Office of the District Secretary.

Action by the Board – None Required

In a memorandum to Committee, Auditor-Controller Joseph Wire and General Manager Celia Kupersmith provided a report summarizing all contracts and change orders executed under the General Manager’s procurement authority, as set forth in the Rules of the Board, during the three-month period from October 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006. A copy of the report, including attached charts outlining applicable contracts and change orders, is available in the Office of the District Secretary.

Action by the Board – None Required