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    TOM MENZEL
May 28, 2009

Menzel eyes shake-ups at BATA

By SHERI McWHIRTER

TRAVERSE CITY -- Tom Menzel has steered the Bay Area Transportation Authority for less than a month, but already has a laundry list of plans and shake-ups in store for the public transit system.

Job performance evaluations, closer looks at route structures, incident communication procedures, updated work rules and more are in store for BATA employees and their customers, including potential job losses for those who fail to make the grade.

"We'll be re-evaluating everyone in terms of their role and value to the organization," Menzel said. "We need to look at the organizational chart and re-evaluate job descriptions, core competencies required for those jobs and get the right people in those jobs."

That means under-qualified employees may have to hit the road.

"Everyone must take personal responsibility to pull their own weight within BATA for the organization to be successful," Menzel said.

Menzel took his post as BATA's executive director as transit system officials wrestled during the last year to analyze the agency's finances and operations, including a budget deficit and a series of accidents that injured bus riders.

"There is a real need for leadership and structure to either improve or develop systems and procedures that will improve the BATA brand in the community," Menzel said.

First on the agenda is to develop a vision statement, a mission statement and a strategic plan for the agency, none of which currently exist, he said.

"It's a very challenging environment from what most people would be used to. But there's nothing that can't be corrected with planning, organization and hard work by the board and every employee of the organization," Menzel said.

It's all about improved operations, brand association and strategy, he said.

Menzel detailed his agenda for BATA at the Wednesday meeting of the agency's board members.

BATA has about 110 employees and an annual $6 million budget.

Menzel will earn $1 per month through July and thereafter an annual $75,000 salary, according to his contract. He also receives five weeks of paid vacation and a monthly $417 payment instead of health insurance.

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