City of Lawrence

Public Transit Advisory Committee

Carnegie Building, Room 200

Nov 1, 2016 minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Alan Black, Heather Thies, Mark Hurt, Lyle Hettinger, , James Pavision, Zach Kelsay, John Augusto

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Jane Huesemenn

STAFF PRESENT:

Robert Nugent, Serena Pearson, Ashley Myers, Danny Kaiser, Mike Sweeten

PUBLIC PRESENT:

None

 

 

1. Call to Order

Lyle Hettinger, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:15. Quorum met.

 

2. Approval of Minutes (Action Item)

Minutes from September PTAC meeting were presented to PTAC members for approval. There was a motion from Mark Hurt to approve minutes. Heather Thies seconded, all in favor, no opposed.

 

3. Transportation Commission Appointment (Action Item) – Bob Nugent explained that back in the summer of 2014, the City Commission formed a task force to look at non-motorized transportation. They came back with recommendations, one of which was to form a transportation commission. One member from PTAC would be part of the group that will begin having meetings in January 2017. Tonight, we need to make a decision on one person from PTAC to represent the transportation commission.

 

Lyle Hettinger, Chair, accepted nominations for the committee. Mark Hurt spoke up and volunteered to be on the transportation commission. He works in transportation and works for KDOT so he feels he would be qualified. Alan Black said that he would fit under items F & G on the resolution since he has a background in planning. He might get appointed to the transportation commission in addition. He will talk to the Mayor to see if he can appoint him. The group voted on Mark Hurt to be appointed to the transportation commission, all in favor, no opposed.

 

4. Updates:

a. Transit Center- Bob Nugent gave an update on the Transit Center. There is really nothing new to report. There is still the one location at 21st and Stewart and that is the only location that we have as an option right now. Lyle Hettinger asked why we don’t just use the current location. Bob Nugent explained that we don’t have enough space. We are going back to look at the original study to see if there are any other locations. Alan Black asked about 9th and Iowa. Bob Nugent explained that the owner of the property is not interested.  Jim Pavision asked if we could reapply for another grant. Bob Nugent said that if there is another opportunity, we may try to get our foot in the door at another location.

b. Comprehensive Operational Analysis- Ashley Myers explained that representatives from Nelson\Nygaard were here last week to do public meetings. There is a survey being conducted right now that shows a couple of different scenarios. They received 66 surveys so far. There is a video and a PDF on the website www.lawrencetransitstudy.com. he study will be wrapping up in December.

c. Tax Referendum Subcommittee – Bob explained that this item needs to be put on the ballot in November 2017. There may be other departments such as Public Works and Parks and Recreation included as well. We are not sure what the question on the ballot will be yet. We would like to be prepared in advance.

d. Annual Kansas Bus Roadeo – Wendy Koerner reported that we hosted the 2nd Annual Kansas Transit Roadeo in Lawrence on September 25. We had 20 participants from all over the state, including a few from Lawrence Transit. It was raining that day, but it was a good competition with lunch and awards. Bob Nugent said that these events really help with morale and build comradery. Next year it will be held in Topeka.

 

5. Election of Officers (Action Item) – Lyle Hettinger, Chair, opened the floor for nominations for Chair and Vice Chair for 2017. Alan Black recommended that Lyle continue as Chair. Bob Nugent told Lyle that he is at the end of his second term, so he will be off PTAC at end of year. Jim Pavision suggested Mark Hurt as Chair. Mark Hurt nominated Alan Black for Chair and himself as vice-chair. Jim Pavision made a motion to nominate Alan Black as Chair and Mark Hurt as Vice-Chair. John Augusto seconded. All in favor, no opposed.    

 

6. Public Comment – No public comment.

 

7. Next Meeting - January 10, 2017

 

8. Adjournment - 5:10 pm

 

 

-Submitted by Serena Pearson