Present: Chairman Hans Walther, Elbert Rackow, Fred Hopfensperger, Joe Kanter, Alderperson Marge Molski

Excused: Richard Fossen, Roger Eck

Also Present: Jami Gebert, Chief Morris, Al Pascutti, Mike Horgan, Susan Lemke

Index of these Minutes:

1. Approval of the minutes from the April 7, 2005 Transportation Commission meeting.
2. Discussion on late night bus service as requested by the Leadership of Portage County group. No action will be taken, discussion only.
3. Next meeting date.
4. Adjourn.

1. Approval of the minutes from the April 7, 2005 Transportation Commission meeting.

Fred Hopfensperger moved to approve the minutes of the April 7, 2005 Transportation Commission meeting. Joe Kanter seconded.
Ayes All; Nays None; Motion Carried

2. Discussion on late night bus service as requested by the Leadership of Portage County group. No action will be taken, discussion only.

The discussion was facilitated by Chief Morris, who is a member of a Leadership of Portage County group. This group consists of citizens of Portage County who applied for and were chosen to be a part of this group in an effort to learn more about Portage County. As part of the learning experience project ideas are discussed and four projects are selected to move forward. The late night bus service project was selected as a public safety issue.

Chief Morris stated that statistically the current downtown late night situation is safer than it has been in the past; however there are continued safety and nuisance issues that are problematic to the community.

Chief Morris indicated that he has had conversations with the UWSP Chancellor and that she feels the issues related to student's alcohol consumption are a huge issue that she is willing to work with the City on.

From the neighborhood perspective, people living between the downtown and campus areas have issues with the foot traffic of students on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The purpose of the Leadership group in researching this topic was to gather information, hold discussion sessions with key players and bring attention to the issue. Chief Morris stated that the group met with Chairman Walther, the Transit Manager, and Student Government Association Students in Manager Lemke's office on March 15th. In addition to that meeting they wanted to get input from the Transportation Commission.

Fred Hopfensperger stated that he has worked at the university for 22 years and has also driven charter bus. He stated that his main concern is the safety of the Bus Operator.

Chief Morris responded that security is an issue that would certainly be addressed. He has spoken with Bill Rowe in the university security division, and is also working with the Landlord Association on solutions to security issues. The City PD will be deeply involved with freshman orientation in an attempt to prevent issues from occurring. Two way radio contact will be available. The driver and an additional staff person would be on the bus at all times. Manager Lemke indicated that security cameras would also be installed on the buses prior to implementing this type of service.

Fred Hopfensperger stated that he can see this service working but has concerns regarding budget issues and where the funding would be coming from.

Chief Morris explained that the local share funding for a project of this nature would need to come from the students, similar to the current U-Pass program. Student fees would need to cover the local share cost. The Student Government Association could research outside funding sources that could assist them in covering costs such as the Tavern League, or sponsorship through beer distributors etc.

Elbert Rackow asked if the Point Plus Service would need to be available during the late night service. Manager Lemke stated that whenever fixed route service is operating Point Plus Service must also be available.

Joe Kanter asked if there would be a central gathering point in the downtown area for pick-up and drop-offs. The answer was yes, it would be important for the consistency to avoid confusion.

Chief Morris requested that Manager Lemke compile a list of conditions that would need to be met if this project was to be considered.

Chairman Walther stated that it is important to note that if this project were to move forward it would be 2-3 years out. He indicated that he would like to receive a recommendation from the Police Department which would include statistics regarding problems related to downtown alcohol consumption issues and or complaints. Chairman Walther also stated that it would be imperative that public hearings be held to offer the community the opportunity to offer input. Mr. Walther stated that it is important to keep the safety of the students in mind, as that is main goal of a project such as this.

Chief Morris suggested that if this project does move forward in the future, that consideration be given to start the program in the winter or second semester as an introduction. The winter months can be dangerous to the students who are walking back to campus in below zero temperatures.

Fred Hopfensperger was concerned that there may be complaints of the bus noise late in the evening. However he stated the University and the City have good relations and he feels this program is a win - win.

Al Pascutti stated that he feels the program has great potential and was glad the Commission agreed to meet and discuss it with the Portage County Leadership group.

Both Mike Horgan and Al Pascutti agreed to stay involved with the project if it moves forward.

Chairman Walther stated that he would welcome their involvement as well as community involvement at that point in time.

3. Next meeting date.

The next meeting of the Transportation Commission is scheduled for May 4, 2005 at 4:30 p.m.

4. Adjourn.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:50 p.m.
The meeting minutes reproduced on this website are derived from the computer files used to produce the official minutes for the City of Stevens Point, but are unofficial. The minutes on this web site cannot be certified under s. 889.08, Wis. Stats., and cannot be considered prima facie evidence under s. 889.04, Wis. Stats. Certain tables, maps, and other documents that are a part of the official minutes are not included in the files reproduced on this website. Please consult the printed minutes, available in the City Clerk's Office, for the official text. The decisions made by City of Stevens Point boards, committees, and commissions (other than the Police & Fire Commission) are advisory only and are not binding on the City until affirmed at a meeting of the Common Council. Some of the minutes on this web site might not be approved by the Common Council as of today.

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