HVBF Monthly Meeting - Facilities, Security, Transportation Roundtable
Wednesday, January 18, 2006, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Host:

The Graduate Center at Loyola College

Attendees:

Buddy Alves, MTA
Lynn Argenbright, RSM McGladrey Insurance Services, Inc.
Lynda Balins, Safeguard Maintenance
Ben Bartlett, CB Richard Ellis
Clare Berrang, Mackenzie Commercial Real Estate
Tyson Byrne, Baltimore Metropolitan Council
Brian Cain, Dunbar Armored
Mark Demski, Baltimore County Homeland Security/Emergency Mgmnt
Emery Hines, Baltimore County Dept Public Works
Jay Huff, Brooks-Huff Tire & Auto Center
Marty Janka, McCormick & Company
Kelly Kosino, State Highway Administration
Capt. Marty Lurz, Baltimore County Police Dept.
Capt. David Marzola, Maryland Transit Police
Karen Medairy, High View at Hunt Valley
Judy Phillips, High View at Hunt Valley
Doug Porter, Wegmans Food Markets
Mark Renbaum, Greenberg Gibbons Commercial Corporation
Steve Roth, Constellation Energy
Ketch Secor, CB Richard Ellis
Shelton Stewart, Maryland Transit Administration
John Wasowicz, Bay National Bank
Rick Webb, Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union
Tracey Zerhusen, e4e

Buddy Alves of MTA Maryland led our discussion on Commuter Choice Maryland Benefits Program.

Employers have an opportunity to impact traffic congestion and air pollution while saving employees the high cost of driving to work. Commuter Choice Maryland is an incentive program with a goal to encourage those driving to work to use public transportation. The program provides financial benefits to both employee and employer. Employees receive up to $ 105 per month in tax free benefits that lower employee monthly transit costs. Employers get federal and state tax deductions as a normal business expense. Employees purchase MTA monthly passes with a pre-tax salary deduction. Employee federal, state and FICA are reduced against the pre-tax deduction. Employers save 7.65% on the pre-tax FICA amounts. Also, employers may claim a 50% tax credit up to $ 52.50 per participating employee. This credit applies to expenses for passes, Vanpool programs, Guaranteed Ride Home programs and Cash in Lieu of Parking Programs.

This is a win/win program that no employer should ignore. The ultimate benefit is less traffic congestion and cleaner air, a benefit to us all.

For more information and help in getting involved in the program, contact Buddy Alves at balves@mtamaryland.com

Capt. Marty Lurz reported on public safety issues in Precinct 7. Laptops are still the favorite target for business thieves. Be sure you know who is in your facility.

Kelly Kosino gave the SHA update. For timely information on road construction, visit www.mdroads.com.

Light rail service is due to resume to Hunt Valley on January 24. Capt David Marzola reported on public safety issues concerning the re-opening and the cooperation with Precinct 7 to assure seamless security. Riders to a Hunt Valley destination will de-train in Timonium and board a separate train to Hunt Valley. Employees and employers should be aware of this.

Mark Demski of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management distributed information on NOAA Weather Radios, Sheltering in Place, Preparing for Disaster and a Hurricane Preparedness Guide. NOAA Weather Radios will become the method of warning businesses and residences alike about any natural or man made disaster. They are inexpensive and easy to program.