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Transportation Committee
October 4, 2007
Commissioners in attendance: Chairperson Hans Walther, Fred Hopfensperger, Elbert Rackow, Bob Woehr, Joe Kanter, Amy Heart
Excused: Jeremy Slowinski
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 September 6, 2007 Transportation Commission meeting.
2. Bus Shelters
3. 2008 Budget
4. Manager's Report: 3rd Quarter Report; Trolley Update
5. Next meeting date
6. Adjourn
1. Approval of the minutes from the September 6, 2007 Transportation
Commission meeting.
Elbert Rackow moved to approve the minutes of the September
6, 2007 Transportation Commission meeting.
Fred Hopfensperger seconded. Bob Woehr requested clarification on agenda item #2. Bob questioned whether the Freedom
Pass would need to be placed on the agenda in February for approval of continuation of the program since the motion
read, "Elbert Rackow moved to continue the program subject to annual evaluation of the program." Fred
Hopfensperger explained the main reason for placing it on February's agenda was so we could work at getting information
out to schools early in 2008.
Ayes all; Nays None; Motion carried.
2. Bus Shelters
Chairman Walther recently met with Mayor Halverson
regarding the shelter project. Mayor Halverson indicated he strongly supported the poly hip roof shelter vs. the
metal roof shelter due to the increased cost for the metal roof shelter. Chairman Walther met with Manager Lemke
following his meeting with the Mayor and both Manager Lemke and Chairman Walther feel it is imperative the shelter
project move forward and remain a top priority for the department. Chairman Walther indicated the Transportation
Development Plan which was concluded in 2003 stated the importance of updating the shelters in the City.
The Commission also reviewed a memo from John Schlice dated October 3rd in which John explained the current financial
restraints the City is under and requested the Commission work toward a compromise to reduce the local levy impact
of the shelters.
Manager Lemke stated she spoke with a shelter manufacturer
who stated replacement of a poly-roof would cost between $1,200 and $1,400 depending on the size of the shelter.
The poly-hip roof would need to be replaced in approximately 10 years.
Bob Woehr stated, "Getting the poly roof would not be a good decision. In the long run the metal roof is more
economical and secondly we already have a bus plaza with a metal roof, we have the building directly west of the
bus plaza with a metal roof, the farmers market on the square is a metal roof. You can tie it also to the eco-municipality
drive that this City is heading into, poly is not poly it is poly carbonate, it comes from petroleum products,
metal roofs are 85-90% created through recycled metal. The indication in the minutes which the council received
indicated we all favored the metal roof. There is a reason for that."
Manager Lemke presented a draft document which she felt was an appropriate compromise given the current restrictions
on local share funds. Manager Lemke stated the estimated costs in her proposed compromise are for shelters only
and do not include the cost for shelter placement/installation. A request for bid for placement and installation
will follow at a later date. Manager Lemke has secured $130,000 of 5311 federal funds for the entire project which
was part of a 2005 capital request. Amy Heart asked if the funds could be held beyond the initial purchase to allow
for multiple year projects. Manager Lemke indicated the state recommends the funds be used within three years,
however if the project is ongoing she anticipates the WISDOT will work with the City until the project has been
completed. The document reflects the original shelter placement plan and the reduced shelter plan. The draft includes
estimated costing for both poly-hip roof shelters and metal roof shelters. (See attachment)
Fred Hopfensperger noted it appeared after reviewing John Schlice's email the Mayor will consider other options
such as reducing the number of metal shelters. It appears he is willing to consider a recommendation in which we
reduce the number of metal roof shelters if we stay within a 10,000 budget. Therefore the plan would need to reflect
a reduction of approximately two more shelters which would be placed at a later date. The commission reviewed the
recommended placement locations and felt the Doolittle Apt. shelters could be put on hold. Hans agreed stating
the email from Mr. Schlice states they recognize there are long term benefits to metal roofs; however the problem
lies with the levy constraints. Mr. Schlice suggested we look at the possibility of reducing the amount of shelters
or spreading the project out over multiple years. Mr. Hopfensperger stated, "It is our turn to compromise
with the number of requested metal roof shelters. Yes it is esthetically wise, as it will match better in the city
but we also thought it was the best decision to go with the metal roof for durability and longevity of the product."
Elbert Rackow stated he agreed with Mr. Hopfensperger and supports his recommendation to reduce the amount of shelters
to keep the local share close to $10,000 which would mean dropping two more shelters from the plan. Elbert recommended
the shelter project be revisited next year to determine if it would be feasible to request more shelters next year.
The following is the suggested shelter reduction plan as determined by the Transportation Commission. Manager Lemke
will discuss the compromise option with the Mayor for his input and bring back suggestions to the Commission at
the next meeting.
Commission Revised/Reduced Shelter Option / Metal Roof Shelters
|
Location |
Qty. |
Shelter Size |
Cost |
|||
| St. Michael's |
1 |
12-14 person |
|
|||
|
1 |
3-4 person |
|
||||
| Evergreen/Northpoint Apts. |
1 |
12-14 person |
|
|||
| Plover Connection |
1 |
12-14 person |
|
|||
| County Market |
1 |
5-6 person |
|
|||
| Minnesota/5th |
1 |
12-14 person |
|
|||
| Totals |
|
|||||
| 80% Federal Funds |
|
|||||
| Local Share |
|
Manager Lemke presented Transit's 2008 City and
State operating budget, total operating budget being $1,426,899 of which 65% will be reimbursed by State and Federal
funds, approximately $927,484. The Village of Whiting subsidy will be $18,250, the Village of Plover $18,394, UWSP
$110,000, estimated fares $90,000, advertising revenues $12,000, leaving an estimated local share cost of $250,771
(17.57% of the budget).
A 5311 Federal Capital request for 2008 is being submitted for A & E services and a Transit office and maintenance
facility in the amount of $2,500,000 of which the federal share will be 80%, leaving a local share of $500,000.
Manager Lemke explained Streets, Parks and Transit have all outgrown their facilities at the current location,
thus the need for added facility space. The Transit department has the ability to apply for federal funding to
build a new facility where the other departments do not. Once we move out of our current facility the available
space would then be utilized by the Streets and Parks divisions. The new facility will be constructed in the area
of the current recycling center. This approach in addressing the current facility space issues is the most affordable
option for the City. Previous research conducted by the DPW Director and his staff indicated the cost to build
an entirely new facility for all departments would be in the range of $8,000,000 without federal funding for streets
and parks which would result in a much greater financial impact to the City.
An appraisal of the current Transit facility will be obtained. Once the appraisal is complete WISDOT will determine
if there is federal interest remaining in the property and if so what that amount will be. The land for the new
facility will also be appraised to determine the value which can be used toward the local share of the project
as in-kind.
4. Manager's Report
3rd Quarter Report
The Adult, Senior, Youth, and Disabled ridership
increased by 1,373 rides over the 3rd Quarter in 2006. UWSP increased 224 rides. Point Plus decreased by 35 rides.
Transfers increased by 181 rides.
Revenue generated was $17,589.45
Trolley Update
Manager Lemke stated there have been false reports
that "Millie" the Trolley was spotted in the community broken down, as well as accusations that Manager
Lemke has tried to hide maintenance costs associated with the Trolley. Manager Lemke stated if there was a trolley
broken down in the community it was not "Millie". There are other Trolleys in the area that can be rented
for special events.
In an effort to stop negative rumors regarding the mechanical aspect of the trolley Manager Lemke presented a list
of repairs made since its purchase. Manager Lemke reminded the Commission the initial mechanical inspection of
the trolley conducted by the transit mechanic did reveal minor maintenance issues. The owner of the trolley agreed
to reduce the cost of the trolley from $25,000 (which had already been reduced from $32,000) to $24,500 to compensate
for some of the repairs. (Note the total local share cost of the trolley itself following 80% federal funding and
$2,450 from the ADB results in a local share cost to the city of $2,450.) Manager Lemke did share this information
with the Commission as documented in the minutes of the July 12, 2007 meeting minutes.
The following is a list of repairs/costs/explanations for the trolley as of 10/3/07.
Trolley Costs to date:
(4)Tires = $670.08 (Upon closer inspection of the trolley it was noted there were some areas on the tires that
did not meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations as specified in section 393.75 which requires a tread
depth groove pattern of at least 4/32 on the front tires and 2/32 on all rear tires. The entire tire must meet
the requirements and when our mechanic discovered they did not the tires were replaced.
Radiator= $280.00 (The mechanic did suspect a small leak upon his initial inspection of the trolley. This was discussed with the owner, thus resulting in a reduction of purchase price.)
Steering Column= $275.00 (This repair was not mentioned in the initial inspection report. Following purchase of the trolley and a more in-depth inspection the mechanic discovered there was a need to upgrade the steering column to assure the vehicle was as safe a possible.)
Carpet= $21.99 (The decision was made to replace a piece of carpet inside the trolley on the drivers deck which was part of the clean up of the trolley.)
Steel= $23.39 (This is a yellow reflective piece of steel that runs between the drivers deck and passenger deck to give notice that there is a difference in the levels of the two decks, thus a safety issue.)
Transmission Cooler = $55.90 (When the mechanic removed the transmission cooler during the process of replacing the radiator he noticed it was in very bad shape and replaced it. A $55.90 part will save the transmission which would cost a great deal more.)
Wiper Blades = $55.81(The entire wiper assemblies needed replacement as well as wipers. Vehicle has three wipers.)
Bushings = $38.68
Tail Lights = $60.30(The hazard warning lights would stop flashing when the brakes were applied. In public transportation they need to flash constantly for safety thus the needed upgrade.)
Wiring = $46.85 (Part of the hazard and side directional costs)
Paint = $9.38 (touch up)
Side Directional Signal parts = $84.74 (Did not
have side directional indicators, added for safety.)
Manager Lemke noted the actual local cost for the repairs was $392.74 based on the following:
Total cost = $1622.12
Reduction in asking price= $500.00
State/Federal reimbursement 65% = $729.38
Local Share= $392.74
Fred Hopfensperger stated, "Any vehicle put into municipality service, the guidelines for maintenance, guidelines
for any of this is much stricter than what it would be for the private sector and people need to realize we need
to abide by these regulations."
Manager Lemke noted "Millie" was officially introduced to the community for the first time on September
27th, when it was enjoyed by riders on the University Connection routes. "Millie will be providing free rides
during Harvest Fest on October 6th, in the UWSP Homecoming parade, and on display at Sentry Theater when the Community
Theater presents "Meet Me in St. Louis", October 25-28th. The cast of "Meet Me in St. Louis"
has requested a photo opportunity on "Millie" and will take place on October 10th. Manager Lemke also
stated she has contacted the North Pole and is making arrangements for Santa to ride on the Trolley during the
City Christmas Parade.
Elbert Rackow suggested free ride passes for our fixed route bus system be distributed along with a bus map/schedule
to individuals who ride the trolley during special events.
Amy Heart was excused at approximately 7:40 p.m.
Elbert Rackow moved to accept the Manager's report and place it on file. Fred seconded. Ayes all; Nays none; Motion
carried.
5. Next meeting date
Thursday, November 1, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
6. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:50 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.