Public Transit Advisory Committee Minutes
February 10, 2005, 4:10 pm – 5:30 pm
Public Transit Division Office, 933 New Hampshire
Members Present: Vice-Chair Robert Tabor, Alan Black, Blake Huff, Marc Epard, Jo Ann Garrett, Richard Heckler, and Marian Hukle.
Members Excused: Chairman Danny Kaiser and Andy Stahmer.
Staff Present: Public Transit Administrator (PTA) Karin Rexroad, Mike Sweeten, and Wendy Koerner.
Call to Order
Vice-Chair Rob Tabor called the meeting to order at 4:12 pm.
Public Comment
Public comment was requested. Saunny Scott thanked MV staff for all of their help and assistance.
Agenda Review
Marc Epard requested that staff update the board on the factors leading to the decision to close at 6:00 pm on February 8, 2005. This topic will be addressed in the Public Transit Administrator’s Update. No other changes were made to the agenda.
Public Transit Administrator Update
System Closure Due to Weather
Administrator updated the board on factors and conditions that led to the decision to end service at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, February 8, 2005. In the past, portions of the system had been closed down due to inclement weather, but this was the first time the whole system was closed. Due to the large amount of snow that had fallen, the streets, especially those with hills, were hazardous. Traffic on 23rd Street was down to 2-3 MPH and there were questions about the duration of the storm. A transit vehicle was in an accident at 9th & Massachusetts Street due to the slippery conditions. Two vehicles were on duty a little after 7:00 pm to help with stranded passengers. As soon as the decision to close was made, the media outlets were notified and an e-route was sent out to subscribers. Marc Epard suggested that in the future we add information for stranded passengers to the e-route notification. Blake Huff added that KU on Wheels had canceled their evening buses, too.
Ridership
Ridership consistently continues to increase. The average monthly fixed route ridership in December, 2004, was 1,104, and in January, 2005 it was 1,149. TLift average daily ridership was 158 in December, and 154 in January. Administrator updated the committee on a new version of the monthly reports. She explained some of the categories that have been added to the report. Performance standards were built into the new spreadsheet and which may assist the Performance Standards Committee in the future as they develop benchmarks for the system.
Upcoming Training
Staff will be attending the Triennial Review Workshop which is scheduled for March 14-15. The Triennial Review covers 23 categories of oversight and is scheduled for June, 2005. A new administrator should be in place by this time. In addition, staff will also be attending Disadvantaged Business Enterprise training in May. Staff takes advantage of FTA training courses whenever possible, especially if the classes are scheduled in the Kansas City area. The courses are free to transit agencies and we only pay for travel expenses.
Transition Plan
The Administrator’s last day will be February 24, 2005. Staff is meeting with Mike Wildgen, Dave Corliss, and Debbie Van Saun next week to get the actual transition plan. Administrator will forward this information to PTAC. Board members can direct any questions or concerns to staff. The administrator
position has been advertised and the closing date is March 11, 2005. One or two PTAC members may be asked to be on the interview panel for the new PTA. Rob asked if Mike Wildgen will name an interim administrator but that is not known until we meet with him next week.
The Marketing Coordinator has several marketing events that are coming up. She may be in contact with board members for assistance with the events such as Earth Day, which is April 23. Richard asked what our participation in the Earth Day would entail. Administrator responded that LTS normally has a bus in the parade and a table with transit information.
Committee Member List
A Committee Member List was distributed. Board members are asked to review and alert staff if any changes need to be made.
Committee Structure/Meetings
Handout was distributed that showed which subcommittees PTAC members are assigned. Forward any discrepancies to the Administrator. Sub-committee members may be called upon if something big comes up during the time between PTA’s.
2005 Major Tasks
Administrator distributed a handout that outlines major projects and their current status and plans for activities during the transition to a new administrator.
Election of Officers
Chairman
For the benefit of the newest board member, Richard Heckler, Vice-Chair Rob Tabor gave an overview of PTAC’s purpose and went over the nomination procedure. Chairman and vice-chairman positions are the only official positions as transit staff functions as secretary and no treasurer is needed because there are no fiscal activities beyond the system. In addition, the city develops the budget for the system. Chairman responsibility includes conducting PTAC meetings, occasionally approaching the City Commission with recommendations, appeal committees, and public hearings.
Nomination proceedings commenced and Alan Black nominated Danny Kaiser for board chairman; Jo Ann Garrett seconded. No other nominations were made. Richard Heckler moved to nominate Danny Kaiser as chairman; Alan Black seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Richard Heckler nominated Marian Hukle for vice-chairman; Marc Epard seconded. No other nominations were made. Marc Epard moved to nominate Marian Hukle as vice-chairman; Alan Black seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment
Public Transit Administrator thanked the board for their hard work over the years and wished them well in future development of the system. Board members thanked PTA and wished her well.
Next Meeting
The next PTAC meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2005 if a new PTA has been hired and started with the City.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 5:12 pm.
Submitted by Wendy Koerner Approved via email