Minutes Transit Board of Trustees 2 14 08MINUTES
Dubuque Transit Trustee Board
Date: February 14, 2008
Time: 4:15 p.m.
Place: Carnegie Stout Public Library Auditorium
Eleventh & Bluff Streets, Dubuque, Iowa
Members Present: George Enderson, Jr; Joel Lightcap; Sarah Davidson;
Don Stedman
Members Absent: Ruth Scharnau
Others Present: Jon Rodocker /Keyline; Dave Heiar/City of Dubuque
February Lightcap called the meeting to order at 4:17 p.m. He asked
Agenda Approval the Board if there were any questions regarding the agenda. The
Board reviewed the agenda and had no questions. Enderson
moved to approve the agenda. Stedman seconded. All ayes.
The Board members approved the agenda with no changes or
additions.
January The Board reviewed the minutes from the January 10th meeting.
Minutes Stedman moved to approve the minutes. Enderson seconded.
All ayes. Motion carried
Managers Mini-bus Operations
Report Ridership -Rodocker provided an overview of the ITN
America program. Heiar outlined the City of Dubuque's
perspective, and the partnership aspect of the program.
A discussion of ITN America followed.
Maintenance -Rodocker mentioned that he is researching
the purchase of extra mini-buses for back-up vehicles. Two
of the current mini-bus vehicles are quite old and only hold
one wheelchair. In addition, over half the fleet are 2005
vehicles that have ongoing mechanical problems. Rodocker
hopes to secure used vehicles through First Transit that will
be less expensive and have a good mechanical history.
Minutes - 2
Fare Structuring -Rodocker reviewed the JARC (Job
Access Reverse Commute) program and reimbursement
process. He outlined an updated reporting process that has
been developed by management staff, and is now being
used by KeyLlne with favorable reviews by the IDOT. A
discussion of the JARC program followed.
Davidson had not heard about the JARC service and was
interested in an explanation of how it works and what the
service does. Heiar explained the JARC process and
provided an overview to the Board. He also discussed the
Project HOPE program. Heiar felt the City of Dubuque
would be supportive of the JARC service. Davidson was
interested in assisting with funding and marketing for JARC.
Fixed Route Operations
Passenger Shelters -Rodocker discussed the Marywood
shelter that had been damaged in a recent automobile
accident. The shelter will be repaired and reinstalled after the
completion of the JFK sidewalk program.
Labor Issues -Rodocker noted that negotiations continue in
the process for a new union contract. The negotiations are
expected to be completed by August.
Student Rides -The Free Rides for Students Program
continues to demonstrate positive results. KeyLine has
experienced a 49 % increase in student riders from the last
school year to the current school year, comparing the same
time period, August -December 2006, to August -December
2007. Due to the increasing number of students utilizing
KeyLine bus service, an additional route was created to
serve the students of Washington Junior High. KeyLine
staff and the Dubuque Community School District have
worked together as a team to foster a more positive
atmosphere on the buses.
Heiar noted that the schools are putting together a student
handbook to outline school and community services.
Davidson asked how the operators are coping with the
increasing number of student riders. Heiar responded that
overall the operators have continued to maintain a positive,
helpful attitude.
Rodocker added that KeyLine would like to continue their
partnership with the school district into the next school year
and renew their agreement for free rides for students. The
increasing number of riders will help create a foundation for
possible future funding assistance from the state of Iowa.
Heiar mentioned that the budget for KeyLine includes
installing security cameras on all KeyLlne fixed route buses.
Minutes - 3
The cameras would act as a deterrent to help reduce
problem behaviors, as well as provide a visual record both
for the passengers' and operator's safety.
Davidson expressed concerns about the general public
riding the buses during school dismissal and peak times for
student riders.
A discussion of possible changes to the school district
boundaries proposed for the upcoming school year, and the
impact of those changes on KeyLine bus routes followed.
Fixed Route Bus Maintenance -Rodocker stated that
KeyLine had purchased six new leather operator seats for
the older buses. Rodocker had negotiated a deal with a
local vendor, Truck Country of Dubuque, for the seats at
$595.00 each instead of the $2,200.00 price tag for seats
from Prevost - by using a local vendor KeyLine was able to
save $9,630.00.
In addition, when the older buses are no longer in use, the
seats could be removed and placed in other buses as needed.
General Transit
Federal Transit Administration -Rodocker noted that the FTA
certifications were submitted on schedule. This documentation
allows KeyLine to submit a request for an operating grant to the
Federal Transit Administration.
Budget Status -Rodocker encouraged all Transit Board
members to attend the upcoming Budget Hearings for Transit
on Tuesday evening, March 4, 2008.
KeyLine Facility Maintenance -Rodocker mentioned that new
mailboxes are in use for all operators, both fixed route and mini-
bus. In addition, posted information is now only placed in
designated areas. These steps are designed to help improve
communication to all operators.
East Central Intergovernmental Association - A draft copy of the
regions Passenger Transportation Development Plan has been
submitted to the State.
Heiar asked if Rodocker could present a summary of the PTDP
(Passenger Transportation Development Plan) to the Transit
Board. Rodocker responded he could include KeyLine's
document, about 14 pages, of the PTDP in the next Board
packet.
Board Comments Rodocker discussed some proposed changes for the fixed route
bus service. Heiar thought it would be helpful to provide the
board with a handout outlining the route changes. Davidson
Minutes - 4
suggested using large format signs, and handing out brochures
about the changes to the general public.
Lightcap stated he has had some bad experiences in the past
when KeyLine has made changes to the bus routes. He felt that
changes in the bus routes seem to have negative results.
Public Comments None
Adjournment Enderson made a motion to adjourn. Stedman seconded.
All ayes. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2008.
Respectfully submitted,
Jon Rodocker
Transit Manager
These minutes passed, approved and adopted on this day of February, 2008.
George Enderson, Jr.,Vice Chairman
Dubuque Transit Trustee Board