|
|
|
Please read our disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
|
|
|
Transportation Committee
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Commissioners in attendance: Chairperson Hans Walter, Fred Hopfensperger, Jeremy Slowinski,
Bob Woehr, Elbert Rackow, C.J. Robinson
Commissioners excused: Joe Kanter
Others present: Jim Riggenbach, Susan Lemke
Index of these Minutes:
1. Approval of the minutes from the December 5, 2006 Transportation Commission Meeting.
2. Supplemental Transportation
Rural Assistance (STRAP) Grant update.
3. Reduced fare request from Portage County Health and Human Services.
4. Manager's Report: Year End Ridership and Revenue Reports; New Bus Maps/Schedules
5. Next meeting date.
6. Adjourn.
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson
Hans Walther at 6:00 p.m.
1. Approval of the minutes
from the December 5, 2006 Transportation Commission Meeting.
Elbert Rackow moved to approve the minutes from
the December 5, 2006 Transportation Commission Meeting. Bob Woehr seconded.
Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried
2. Supplemental Transportation
Rural Assistance (STRAP) Grant update.
Manager Lemke stated the STRAP grant awards have
not been announced. Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation has informed her they are behind due to the Governor's inauguration.
3. Reduced fare request from
Portage County Health and Human Services.
Jim Riggenbach representing Portage County Health
and Human Services (PCHHS) was introduced. Manager Lemke explained to the Commission that Mr. Riggenbach was invited
to the meeting as per request from the Commission at last months meeting. The issue of a reduced fare for PCHHS
was discussed last month and the Commission had a number of questions they wished to address to Mr. Riggenbach
prior to making a decision on the matter.
Mr. Riggenbach indicated that the current individual pass system began informally years ago. Case Workers present
individual passes to clients who cannot afford transportation. The Case Worker initials the pass and indicates
which account to charge the pass to. The client can then use the pass as their fare when boarding the bus. Transit
personnel submit invoice/s to PCHHS Dept. for the passes on a monthly to bi-monthly basis. Mr. Riggenbach stated
that the funds for transportation costs come from community aids, the county tax levy, W2 and food stamp/employment
related services accounts. He indicated a variety of low income people use the passes; not all are disabled. Mr.
Riggenbach indicated that while funding sources remain steady costs continue to rise and therefore he is looking
for ways to cut costs if possible.
A lengthy discussion ensued in which Bob Woehr questioned whether the CCPC program also contributes funding for
transportation costs. Mr. Riggenbach explained that CCPC is its own department and is no longer part of the Health
and Human Services division. In the past CCPC did purchase individual ride passes through PCHHS however they will
no longer be doing so.
C.J. Robinson asked what exactly Mr. Riggenbach is requesting in regard to a reduced fare. Mr. Riggenbach stated
that he analyzed the cost of the current E-Z passes and found that the cost per ride is $.91 to $.96 per ride.
He also stated that monthly passes allow for unlimited rides therefore depending on the number of rides used the
cost could be even lower. Mr. Riggenbach stated he certainly does not wish to hurt Transit in anyway and recognized
that Stevens Point transit is significantly cheaper than using volunteer drivers who receive $.45 per mile or a
taxi cab which typically costs between $7-9 per ride. He stated due to the high number of individual rides purchased
by PCHHS he was hoping to work with the Transit system to receive a discount but he did not place a perimeter on
it.
Fred Hopfensperger suggested a good way to justify a discount would be to establish a plateau of 1500 rides and
once that amount of passes is reached consideration would be given to reducing the cost of passes sold after that
point.
Jeremy Slowinski explored the idea of having separate categories and distributing them based on the client. Manager
Lemke expressed concern regarding this process as it could potentially create problems for Operators and Administrative
staff. Hans Walther cautioned, "Based on what Manager Lemke and Mr. Riggenbach have stated the system we are
using currently is working well, we do not wish to change something that is working."
Elbert Rackow felt that based on the discussion the Commission should establish a threshold for the passes. He
suggested that after 1500 passes are sold to PCHHS per year that a reduction of $.10 per pass be allowed. He stated
that he felt it is important to work with PCHHS while also promoting public transportation.
C.J. Robinson moved to offer special pricing to all non-profits who utilize the bus service at a rate of $.72 per
ride.
No second was offered; therefore the motion died for lack of a second.
Bob Woehr moved to deny the request for a reduced fare.
No second was offered; therefore the motion died for lack of a second.
Elbert Rackow moved that Portage County Health and Human Services be charged the regular adult fare for passes
up to 1000 per year then PCHHS will receive a 15% reduction. Hans Walther seconded. Ayes all; Nays none; Motion
carried.
4. Manager's Report:
Manager Lemke reported the Transit system provided 198,459 rides in 2006; 25,371 more rides than in 2005. The university ridership increased 18,697, the Point Plus system was up 1,296 rides, and the remainder of the ridership categories were up 5,378 rides over 2005. The total revenue generated from fares and pass sales was $171,396.20.
New bus maps/schedules are now available which include the recent route changes into Crossroads Commons. Anyone who would like copies of the new map/schedule should contact the Transit Office at 341-4490 or email the Transit Manager. The Transit website has also been updated to reflect the changes.
C.J. Robinson moved to approve the Manager's report
and place it on file. Bob Woehr seconded. Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried
5. Next meeting date.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February
8, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
6. Adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned by Chair Hans Walther.
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.