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Transportation Committee
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Commissioners in attendance: Chairman Ald. Hans Walther, Elbert Rackow, Fred Hopfensperger, Bob Woehr, Ald. Amy Heart, Judy Bablitch, Renee Gehrke
Others present: Susan Lemke
Chairman Walther called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
Index of these Minutes:
1. Approval of minutes from the August 20, 2008 Transportation Commission meeting.
2. Discussion and possible action in regard
to public art interface with public
transportation.
3. Request to change the Crossroad
Commons agreement to a 3 year agreement
with the option to extend an additional 2 years.
4. Manager's Report: Regional Transit Authority Update; Shelter update; Budget
Update
5. Next meeting date.
1. Approval of minutes from the August 20, 2008 Transportation Commission
meeting.
Elbert Rackow moved to approve the minutes of the August 20, 2008 Transportation Commission
meeting. Fred Hopfensperger seconded. Ayes
all; Nays none; Motion carried.
2. Discussion and possible
action in regard to public art interface with public transportation.
Chairman Walther briefed the Commission indicating
at the August 20th Transportation Commission meeting the Arts Alliance of Portage County presented information
in regard to public art for discussion purposes only. Following the presentation Commission members requested the
topic be placed on the September agenda to be addressed as an action item.
A lengthy discussion followed in which the Commission explored potential ideas for public art/ public transportation
partnerships.
Elbert Rackow moved to direct the Transit Manager to investigate the cost of a display case to be installed in
the downtown shelter in which the Arts Alliance could display various types of art projects. Bob Woehr seconded.
Following continued discussion Elbert Rackow withdrew his motion, Bob Woehr withdrew his second.
The downtown transfer center shelter was identified by the Commission as their first choice for a future project.
In 2004 the HUB Plaza Renovation Project was completed and the Commission felt addition of art to the HUB shelter
or surrounding area could enhance what was accomplished in 2004. Bob Woehr indicated he is opposed to spending
transit funds on such projects, as our budget has specific purposes for all line items within it and we should
adhere to that. Fred Hopfensperger and Amy Heart agreed but felt that consideration should be given to the possibility
of the Alliance finding funding or sponsors for projects. Renee Gehrke felt art displayed inside the buses in available
advertising spaces would be welcomed by the passengers. She went on to say from a rider's perspective she would
enjoy seeing art on the buses and there would be no cost to the system.
Elbert Rackow moved to direct the Transit Manager to approach the Portage County Arts Alliance and offer them the
opportunity to display art work inside the bus on available advertising racks, where space is available, and invite
them to bring back to the Commission any other proposals, ideas or concepts for future projects with an emphasis
on the downtown transfer shelter and surrounding area with a recommended funding proposal. Bob Woehr seconded.
Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried.
3. Request to change the
Crossroad Commons agreement to a 3 year agreement with the option to extend an additional 2 years.
Manager Lemke reviewed an email from Dan Mahoney, Administrator for the Village of Plover, in which Mr. Mahoney
indicated the village has expressed interested in a three year agreement for the Crossroad Commons service with
an option to extend another two years. Bob Woehr noted the agreements will need to reflect rate increases reflective
of system cost increases from year to year.
Bob Woehr moved to authorize the Transit Manager to work with the City Attorney to develop a three (3) year cost
neutral agreement for Crossroad Commons bus service with an option to extend an additional two (2) years.
Judy Bablitch seconded. Ayes all; Nays none: Motion carried.
4. Manager's Report:
- Regional Transit Authority Update
- A legislative council committee consisting of 22 members has been formed to work on developing legislation to allow Regional Transit Authorities in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Urban and Rural Transit Association spearheaded this project and have three (3) members on the committee. The committee is meeting monthly and will present their report mid January. Legislators will then reconvene and introduce a bill shortly thereafter.
- Shelter update
- The bus shelters are being manufactured and expected to arrive within 2 weeks. Altmann Construction was the lowest responsible bidder for the construction phase of the project and was awarded the contract.
- Budget Update
- Manager Lemke is currently preparing the local, state and federal budgets for 2009. The preliminary budget is being reviewed by the Mayor and Comptroller at this time. Following their review the state and federal operating budget will be submitted to WISDOT. 5311/85.20 funding for 2009 is expected to remain stable at 65% state/federal reimbursement.
- The 2008 Transit Operating budget expenditures as of September 12, 2008 were at 56.23%.
Chairman Walther moved to accept the Manager's report
and place it on file. Fred Hopfensperger seconded. Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried.
5. Next meeting date.
October 16, 2008 at 4:30 p.m., Aging and Disabilities
Resource Center
The meeting was adjourned at 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.