Transportation Committee
September 6, 2007

Commissioners in attendance: Chairman Hans Walther, Jeremy Slowinski, Bob Woehr, Fred Hopfensperger, Elbert Rackow, Amy Heart, Joe Kanter

Others present: Susan Lemke

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Hans Walther.

Index of these Minutes:

1. Approval of the minutes from the August 9, 2007 Transportation Commission meeting.
2. Freedom pass summation
3. 2008 draft budgets
4. CTAA Transportation Coordination training report, to include vision statement, 3 to 5 year goals, 90 day and 1 year timelines for implementation plan.
5. STRAP Discussion and possible action
6. Shelter roof style change
7. Next meeting date
8. Adjourn

1. Approval of the minutes from the August 9, 2007 Transportation Commission meeting.

Elbert Rackow moved to approve the minutes from the August 9, 2007 Transportation Commission meeting. Bob Woehr seconded. Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried.

2. Freedom pass summation.

Thirty (30) Freedom Passes were sold. Youth ridership increased by approximately 147 rides from 2006 during the months of May through August. The increased ridership in the youth category is attributed to the convenience of the Freedom Pass.

Hans Walther stated he feels the numbers are good and would like to see the Freedom Pass continued next year. Fred Hopfensperger suggested earlier marketing of the Freedom Pass. Bob Woehr suggested it be placed on the agenda in February to assure continuation of the program.

Elbert Rackow moved to continue the program subject to annual evaluation of the program. Fred Hopfensperger seconded. Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried.

3. 2008 draft budgets

This item was tabled until next month.

4. CTAA Transportation Coordination training report, to include vision statement, 3 to 5 year goals, 90 day and 1 year timelines for implementation plan.

Manager Lemke reported on the Transportation Coordination training she attended through the National Transit Institute in Washington D.C. the end of August. In addition to Manager Lemke the Portage County team consisted of Jim Riggenbach from Portage County Health and Human Services, Carrie Placeway with ADRC and Jane Spencer with DWD.

Manager Lemke felt the training was excellent and a perfect follow up to working toward the goals/recommendations outlined in the final STRAP (Supplemental Transportation Rural Assistance Program) report, which was concluded in July.

The course focused on identifying a vision statement and transportation goals for the next 3-5 years and then narrowing the focus to identify the one area that the team felt needed to be addressed first. Development of a full time Mobility Manager was identified as the key component that needed to be addressed first for our county team. Manager Lemke stated, "It became apparent as we worked through the process that a position dedicated to mobility management needed to be established. Current team members do not have additional time in their positions to devote to mobility management". 90 day and 12 month timelines were then developed to begin the process of fulfilling the need for a Mobility Manager. (Please see attachments) Once a Mobility Manager is in place, that person will lead the process of working toward other identified goals specified in both the STRAP recommendations as well as the identified goals established at the institute training. CTAA, Community Transportation Association of America will offer one follow up site visit as part of the training. The team has asked for assistance from CTAA in the area of leveraging funding sources to best meet the transportation needs of all residents in the county. Arrangements will be made for the on site visit as the team moves forward in this area within the next 12 months.

Manager Lemke stated since returning from the institute Carrie Placeway with the Aging and Disability Resource Center has written a STRAP implementation grant for 10 additional hours to be added to her current part time position with the County. The additional hours will focus on mobility management and will begin in January of 2008 if the grant is awarded. Carrie has indicated the local share will be paid through United Way. Continued efforts will be made to move toward a full time Mobility Management Position for 2009.

Hans Walther moved to accept the CTAA Institute Training report and place it on file. Joe Kanter seconded. Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried.

5. STRAP Discussion and possible action

Chairman Walther stated due to the discussion as per item #4, no further discussion or action is needed at this time.

6. Shelter roof style change

Manager Lemke explained to the Commission, Mayor Halverson has made a recommendation to purchase the Poly Hip roof shelters verses the Ridge Roof shelters due to the cost difference.

A lengthy discussion ensued in which concern was expressed by Commission members regarding the change. Bob Woehr feels a metal roof would provide more years of service than a poly roof. He indicated a poly roof will fade and a metal roof will not. Amy Heart stated the style of roof the Commission recommended looks much better than the poly hip roof. She stated looks are important as the shelters represent the Transit department and therefore we want the most attractive shelter we can have. Jeremy Slowinski stated there is a reason the cost of the poly hip shelters is cheaper and you get what you pay for. Hans Walther expressed concern regarding durability and stated you may end up paying more in maintenance over time with the poly roof. Elbert Rackow stated the poly roof would allow more light within the shelter however. Fred Hopfensperger expressed concerns regarding maintenance and stated,"a lot of thought went into the initial decision to purchase the metal roof, the decision was not taken lightly and respect should be given to the Commission's initial decision."

Elbert Rackow moved the item be tabled until next months meeting. In the interim the Transit Manager should explore both shelters and report back to the Commission regarding durability, snow load, vandalism, estimated life, and replacement cost comparables. Bob Woehr seconded. Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried.

7. Next meeting date

The next meeting is scheduled for October 4, 2007 at 6:00 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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