City of Lawrence

Public Transit Advisory Committee

City Commission Room, First Floor of City Hall

October 9, 2017 minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT:	Alan Black, Heather Thies, Mark Hurt, John Augusto, Lance Fahy
MEMBERS ABSENT:	James Pavision, Sarah Trumble, Zachary Kelsay
STAFF PRESENT:	Robert Nugent, Wendy Koerner, Mike Sweeten, Serena Pearson, Danny Kaiser, Ashley Myers
PUBLIC PRESENT:	Phyllis Lafferty

1. Call to Order

Alan Black, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:10. Quorum met.

2. Approval of Minutes (Action Item)

Minutes from the September 11, 2017 PTAC meeting were presented to PTAC members for approval. There was a motion from Mark Hurt to approve the minutes, Heather Thies seconded, all in favor, no opposed.

3. Advisory Board Policy – Bob Nugent stated that the City Commission passed a resolution on boards and advisory committees, resolution no. 7224. He gave an overview of the resolution to the committee. Section 2 under appointments discusses the terms of appointment which says terms are limited to two consecutive three year terms. Section 3 says we should have an orientation within 30 days after the appointment which is consistent with what we are doing. Section 4 discusses attendance which was an issue a couple of years ago. Section 8 - City employees should not be on boards, as well as commissioners.

Bob mentioned that PTAC members should read over the resolution and get familiar with the policies.

4. Use of Public Funds to Advocate – Bob Nugent explained that we can educate and inform people about the upcoming vote, but we cannot advocate. He read letter from Toni Wheeler, City Attorney regarding use of public funds to promote or advocate a position on a matter which is before the election.

He mentioned that there are a series of meetings going on at neighborhood associations and various groups in regards to the tax referendum proposals. So far, there have been six meetings. These meetings have been designed to be informative and factual and not advocating.

Bob explained that you should use neutrality and not use your position as a PTAC member to say what you think should happen, unless that was decided by the entire group.

5. Tax Referendum – Lance Fahy said that he wants to make sure that the people understand that this is a renewal of an existing tax and not a new sales tax. He is concerned that this has not been communicated clearly.

Alan Black made the point that since we are funded through a sales tax, people coming from out of town that are spending money are helping to fund transit. Should it have been funded through a property tax? Bob Nugent explained that it was decided to be put on the ballot as a sales tax.

Bob explained that there are different advocacy groups on each ballot issue. Early voting starts October 18^th.

6. Updates:

a. Transit Center – Bob explained that there is a short survey on Lawrence Listens regarding the Transit Center Study. There were a lot of questions answered after the last survey but there was a need to confirm a few things, therefore a 2^nd survey was recommended. We will probably hear more around the end of November.

7. Public Comment– Phyllis Lafferty commented that she moved here to Lawrence in May and was surprised to find out that there was no bus service at night or Sunday. She said that she is retired and likes to go places and do things. She no longer owns a car. She thinks that we need expanded service until 10pm and Sunday service. She came to tonight’s meeting to give her input.

A detailed explanation on the Night Line and the fixed route service was given to her. The Night Line service runs from 8pm to 6am during the hours that the fixed route service does not. This curb-to-curb service requires a reservation to be made in advance and the fare is $2.00. There is no Sunday service at this point. She was also informed of the yearly public meetings where her input is also welcomed.

No other public comments.

8. Next Meeting – November 13, 2017

11. Adjournment - 5:20 pm

-Submitted by Serena Pearson