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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-26-13 Streamline / Galavan Board MinutesStreamline Advisory Board Minutes February 26, 2013; HRDC Board Room 8:30 to 10:00 Board Members Present: Colleen Lindner, Chris Budeski, David Kack, Merle Phipps, Vicky York, Seth Ward, Billy dove Board Members with excused absence: Patty Gunderson Board Members not present: Scott Birkenbuel, Suzanne Winchester Others Present: Lee Hazelbaker, Sunshine Ross, Jeff Rupp, Dan Martin, Jack Lee Approval of Previous Minutes: Chris B. called the meeting to order @ 0830. A motion to approve the minutes was made by David K. seconded by Colleen L. The motion carried, the minutes were accepted as written. Public Comment: None Presentation(s): Jeff R and David K. put for the names of Seth Ward and Vicky York for the two remaining vacant board seats. Seth and his wife are owners of the Sweet Pea Bakery (Hmmm) and Seth also works at Print for Less in Livingston. Vicky York is retired from MSU and a frequent Streamline rider. Colleen L. made a motion to accept Seth and Vicky to the Streamline Board, seconded by David K. Motion carried. Welcome Seth and Vicky. Discussion Items: Grant Application Lee H. brought us up to speed on the 44 page grant application for MDT funds due Friday, March 1. Next year’s application includes $150,000 in addition to past request. Includes funds for a Gillig transit bus. The Gillig is typically rated as a 12 year bus. It is generally considered better built and would be anticipated to have less maintenance costs. They are more comfortable and would potentially make access easier when the door ramp needs to be extended. David mentioned that the TAC (transit advisory committee) approved the application. The Paratransit sub-contract was increased from $86,000 to $91,000. Lee feels this gives Galavan a chance to balance the budget. Includes an increase in salary ($70,000 for a transit planner). At this point there was some discussion around pro and con of switching to the Gillig bus: Gillig match at $75,000 is double what we pay now. We struggled to meet matching last year. Some concern in terms of moving our branding to a box style bus. We can have 45 degree North due a mock up to see what it looks like. Some dialog around the benefit of a 12 year life vs. a 10 year life in the current buses we use? How do we fund the increase in matching funds? Again 40,000 current style to $75,000 for the Gillig. Dan M. brought up the Maintenance is supposed to be less with the Gillig, Ride of the bus was a factor in recent survey’s (especially on longer runs). Chris B. brought up the question of researching like communities that have made a transition to Gilligs. Chris also mentioned that our current maintenance expenditures have been quite good in relation to peer groups. Jeff suggested we submit the larger $ figure and we can always change the order later. MDT will need to review the request. There is a request for increased funds for an additional Galavan Bus (# 4 on priority list). Chris brought new members up to speed on how Galavan works: Galavan has to run whenever Streamline runs. Expansion has to be equal in time. Jeff mentioned rides being denied can become an issue. Door to door rides are required for ADA certified riders (certified by MD). Not required for seniors. If we can better market Streamline we can ask non-certified riders (potentially seniors) to move to streamline. Lee mentioned that Galavan requests have decreased some. We are doing ok with 4 buses but can run into problems when running 3 buses. Jeff R. suggested the implementation of route match scheduling software will help. David K. made a motion to approve the submission of application, 2nd Merle P. Motion carried. Karst Contract: Chris brought up the current contract with Karst will be expiring. Some comments as to what a nice job Dan and the team at Karst are doing. A motion was made by Chris to direct staff to renegotiate a 1 year contract, seconded by David. Motion passed. Reports: Directors/Coordinators report- Lee Hazelbaker Please also refer to the attached Directors Report. We have a new Galavan bus with some minor issues. The Grand application to MDT will be complete with signatures from Chris and Jeff. Lee received an invitation to attend CTAA (Community Transportation Association of America) in June, would be paid for by a grant. Nice Job Lee! Treasurer’s report- David Kack Galavan: Galavan has utilized 58% of the budget in the current fiscal year. Projecting a $6000.00 deficit at year end. The goal here is to try and break even. The purchase of a new bus has eaten into some of the reserves. Streamline: Streamline has a forecast of an operating surplus in the $90,000 range; this will cover match obligation s for 2 buses and radio upgrades. Colleen brought up the question of bike rack repair. Currently we do not have a local match for the $5000.00 available. The bus shelter repair on Oak has been paid by insurance. A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made by Merle, seconded by Colleen. Motion carries. Secretary’s report- Merle Phipps There was some discussion as to how to proceed with missing board members without an excused absence. David was going to follow up on this. Late Night report – Jack Lee Jack mentioned the DUI task force has been handing out Streamline coasters at local bars. The buses have been full on weekends The attendants will be having a meeting next week (high stress job) Subcomitte Reports: Operations- Interim Chris B. Operations have met 3x since the last board meeting. Next meeting in April. They plan a few minor changes to stops. Marketing – Colleen Lindner David brought up the possibility of a fold down in the schedule book (might be more expensive). Colleen asks that everyone take a look at the current schedule and contact her with ideas please. Paratransit – Suzanne Winchester David brought up the question of adding another Galavan vehicle in the future, the 10-2pm time slot has been a little tough. Budget – Nothing more Bylaws – Merle Phipps Merle will email the oath of office ahead of time and bring copies to next meeting. Nominations – Colleen Lindner Question on Scott B’s position. Colleen will send a list to Merle Public Stakeholders – Jeff Rupp Jeff was contacted by a firm that works with transit providers to build shelters. The make $ off of advertising on the structure We need to check with the City in regards to the sign ordinance. There are a lot of regulations e.g. no phone number or address. For the Good of the Bus Next Meeting – Tuesday March 26 0830