Public Transit Advisory Committee Minutes

February 19, 2004, 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm

Public Transit Division Office

Members present: Chairman Danny Kaiser, Rob Tabor, Alan Black, Jo Ann Garrett, Melodie Christal, Marian Hukle, Marc Epard.

Members excused: Andy Stahmer, Tim Akright.

Staff members present: Karin Rexroad, BJ Edgemon, Wendy Koerner.

Call to Order

            Chairman Danny Kaiser called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.  Introductions were made around the table for the benefit of new board member, Marc Epard.

Public Comment

James Peek thanked the board for the new bus stops and shelters going up around town.  He said passengers are using and enjoying them.

Agenda Review

            Item #10 on the agenda was removed as it was a duplicate of item #7.

Public Transit Administrator Update

            Ridership Report

Administrator began by passing out a report prepared by Alan Black that compared ridership between 2002 and 2003.  Administrator updated PTAC on the December 2003 and January 2004 Ridership Reports as well as the 2003 Annual Ridership Report.  Staff also presented board members with an additional report that is used by the Route Review Committee to determine the amount of ridership during the week as opposed to Saturdays.  Alan Black noted that paratransit ridership had shown an increase and inquired as to the cause since it had remained fairly constant for the past year.  Some thought the increase may be related to weather.

            PTAC Membership List

Administrator asked that members review the current information on the list and to notify her of any changes.

By-laws Amendment

Before discussion began, Administrator pointed out an error on page 2, Article 4, section 1.  It should read the third Thursday of every other month, instead of Tuesday.  Chairman Kaiser asked for public comment before the committee approved the By-laws as amended.  No public comment presented.  By-laws were approved unanimously. 

Election of Officers

Melodie Christal nominated Danny Kaiser as Board Chairman.  Rob Tabor moved that nominations be closed and Danny Kaiser be appointed as Board Chairman; Jo Ann Garrett seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Alan Black nominated Rob Tabor as Vice-Chair. Melodie moved to close nominations and to appoint Rob Tabor as Vice-Chair; Jo Ann Garrett seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Amenities Committee Update

Melodie provided the update on the committee to PTAC.  Members met with Downtown Lawrence, Inc. in regard to their proposal to build decked parking between the library and the senior center.  Members liked the idea, so Danny Kaiser and the Administrator met with Bruce Flanders, Public Library, to discuss further.  All parties are interested in exploring further.  Administrator has received direction to proceed with federal earmark application based on this proposal.  The approximate $497,000 would be used for feasibility or design.  Committee also discussed whether system could benefit from cameras on the vehicles.  At this time, it was felt that the cost was too prohibitive.  Administrator met with Lynne Zollner, Planning Department, about downtown building criteria.  Ms. Zollner is preparing information related to guidelines – both state and local, and locating examples from other locations where shelters have blended with the historic area.

Student Pass

Administrator had contacted the Aquatics Division in regard to a partnership between transit and aquatics.  It involved selling T stickers with pool passes in the same manner we offer T stickers with KU on Wheels passes.  Administrator introduced Jimmy Gibbs, Aquatic Supervisor, who addressed the board.  The Aquatics Division will have the outdoor pool open from Memorial Day through Labor Day which is the traditional outdoor swimming season.  They typically sell 1,000 new memberships a year with a total membership of 2,700.  The Aquatics Division is willing to try this as a pilot project and extend if successful.  Aquatics staff have the expertise with point of purchase sales so this project will not tax their staff.  After much discussion, it was felt that this was an excellent way to increase ridership on the fixed routes and to provide additional transportation opportunities for children and families for the summer.

Alan Black moved to approve the sale of T stickers with pool passes on a trial basis for the summer pool season, for $20 with no age restrictions; Jo Ann seconded.  Chairman requested public comment before the vote.  James Peek mentioned the stickers are sometimes hard for the bus drivers to read.  He said he usually drives Route 5 and has about 5 students that he has assisted in using the system.  Administrator said education of students would be the next step in the process.  PTAC voted and the motion passed unanimously.

Route Review /Scheduling Committee Update

Administrator provided an overview of route changes the committee will propose and additional changes that are still being discussed.

Committee requested a March meeting be scheduled so the finalized proposal can be reviewed by PTAC.  If approved at the March meeting, proposal could be taken out for public hearing in April and be on track for implementation in July/August.

Performance Standards Discussion

Discussion of performance standards was deferred until the April meeting to allow time for all PTAC members to review them.  Danny Kaiser, Melodie Christal, Marian Hukle, and Marc Epard agreed to serve on a committee to make recommendations to the full PTAC.

Along with the additional PTAC meeting scheduled for March 18, Danny Kaiser requested the April meeting be rescheduled for April 15, 2004.  Board members agreed.

Public Comment                

Steve Cochran voiced his concern to PTAC that he has been the victim of discrimination and harassment by MV staff and bus drivers.  He was not allowed to stay on the bus to take pictures during the recent snowstorm. He feels that if someone pays their fare, they should be allowed to ride the bus indefinitely.  He also asked for written parameters on of the one-way destination rule which he thinks is unfair.   Chairman Kaiser said the board and staff will look into his concerns. 

Next Meeting

March 18, 2004.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 5:17 pm, per Chairman Kaiser.

            Submitted by Wendy Koerner

            Approved via email