Metropolitan Council City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Story
Metropolitan Council approves new vision and transit procurement agreements
2027 General Purpose Levy Strategy and Preliminary Regional Administration Budget Allocation
Attorney Client Privilege Issues Related to Pending Litigation
Votes (2)
Voluntary Vision Plan Services (Business Item 2026-119)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:09] · Seconded by Unknown [00:09]
Michelle Murray, Senior Manager of Benefits, presented the need for a new voluntary vision services contract (26P 032) due to the expiration of the current one. Approximately 4,800 employees are eligible for vision coverage, with premiums paid by employees. Negotiated enhancements for the new contract effective January 1, 2027, include a 5% price reduction, 5-year rate caps, and new performance guarantees. The proposed action was to authorize the regional administrator to negotiate and execute the contract.
Joint Powers Cooperative Agreement with Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (Business Item 2026-132)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Ligan [00:18] · Seconded by Yasine [00:18]
Jody Takovi, Chief Procurement Officer, presented an updated joint powers agreement with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES). This agreement, allowed by Minnesota statutory authority 471.59, updates terms from a 2022 agreement following a new solicitation by Washington. Key changes include expanding the definition of 'rolling stock' to include electrification equipment, moving to an indefinite term (until terminated with 30-day notice), eliminating pre-approval for purchases, and removing annual purchase forecasting. The agreement, which is FTA-approved and includes federal terms, has provided significant administrative savings and leverage in pricing, with 109 buses purchased this year alone.
Notable Quotes (3)
Therefore, we are asking that the Metropolitan Council authorize the regional administrator to negotiate and execute contract 26P 032 with vision service plan to provide voluntary vision services for all eligible council employees in an amount not to exceed 2,598,739.
This latest solicitation has broader authorization that expands the definition of rolling stock to include uh electric electrification equipment and chargers and other related equipment to the rolling stock not just specifically the rolling stock.
This year alone, we've purchased 109 buses off it. We find that has given us really significant administrative savings just from the procurement perspective uh with time and with scope. Um, and it gives us a lot of leverage in the market with good pricing.
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
Contract for voluntary vision plan services with Vision Service Plan
Authorizes two or more government units to enter into joint or cooperative procurement agreements
Joint Powers Cooperative Agreement with Washington State Department of Enterprise Services for rolling stock purchasing