Minutes_Transit Board of Trustees 12 14 09
MINUTES
Dubuque Transit Trustee Board
Date: December 14, 2009
Time:
4:15 p.m.
Place:
Public Works Facility Conference Room
925 Kerper Court, Dubuque, Iowa
Members Present:
Joel Lightcap, Matt Esser, Ruth Scharnau, Thomas Croissant, Jr
Members Absent:
George Enderson, Jr
Others Present:
Jon Rodocker-Joanne Kiefer / Keyline
Public Present:
Linda Robinson
December
Lightcap called the meeting to order at 4:17 p.m.
Agenda Approval
Rodocker announced that Thomas Croissant, Jr will be joining the
Board, and would like to add his Oath of Office to the agenda.
Lightcap asked the Board if there were any other changes or additions to
the agenda. Scharnau moved to approve the agenda with the addition of
.
the Oath of Office. Esser seconded. All ayes.Motion carried
Rodocker announced that Thomas Croissant will be replacing John Curtis on
the Board. Croissant was sworn into Office and introduced himself to the
Board members. Croissant had been an Administrative Assistant for the
Getting Ahead Program. He is living in Dubuque for the past two years and
is going to school. He is from Sheboygan Wisconsin, but likes Dubuque and
considers it home. Lightcap asked if he rides the bus and Croissant
responded, “Yes.” Scharnau asked if Croissant is dependent on the bus and
he said, “Yes.” Lightcap welcomed Croissant to the Board and introduced
the other members.
Nov 12, 2009
The Board reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Minutes
Esser moved to approve the minutes as presented. Scharnau seconded.
All ayes. Motion carried.
Minutes - 2
Scharnau asked about an article in today’s Telegraph Herald regarding a
grant awarded to the City of Dubuque and KeyLine Transit. Rodocker
responded the grant is through the JARC (Job Access Reverse Commute)
Program. Lightcap asked if there are funding stipulations for the money.
Rodocker explained the funding may be used toward only two purposes,
either the West-End Tripper Service, to serve the West Side Industrial Park;
or extending hours of operation for KeyLine.
Croissant asked how the trolleys perform in bad weather, and Rodocker
replied just fine. Lightcap asked if the trolleys are equipped with a lift.
Esser responded that the trolleys do have lifts that work really nice and he
has ridden the trolley several times.
Scharnau asked if the trolleys are used by KeyLine now. Rodocker explained
the trolleys are used for the summer traveling a route throughout downtown
Dubuque and the Port area. Currently, the trolleys are used for IBM
Downtown Shuttle service in the morning and the afternoon.
Managers
Rodocker reminded the Board members this meeting is both the
Report
December Board meeting as well as a Work Session regarding the
Comprehensive Operational Analysis. The primary focus of the meeting
will be to discuss the final chapter submitted by the consultants,
Chapter 16, and to draft a recommendation for the City Council on the
Board’s vision for Transit’s future growth. Consequently, Rodocker will
e-mail the financial summary for the month of November, usually
presented at this time, to the Board in the next few days.
Comprehensive Operational Analysis, Chapter 16 – Rodocker provided
the Board members with a copy of Chapter 16. He explained this
chapter outlines suggestions for changes that could be implemented in
the near future with a smaller cost than the overall recommendation for
KeyLine presented by the consultants to the City Council in November.
Rodocker feels this is the basic question, “What can we do with what
we have?” Considering that premise, he has developed improvement
packages that focus on several concepts addressed in Chapter 16.
The Orange Line Route – Rodocker noted that over two years ago
KeyLine management had proposed changing the Orange Line Route to
a more flexible Demand Response alternative. This is also the
recommendation that is being made by the consultants at this time.
The Orange Line service would not be eliminated, but would be
changed to a more flexible and responsive route for the needs of the
customers. The route would offer thirty (30) minute service to Mercy
Hospital, Finley Hospital, and the HyVee Grocery Store at South Locust.
These three locations would serve as anchors for the South End
Demand Response Area as shown on the map in Chapter 16. There
would be specific times the bus would be at these locations every thirty
minutes. This route could also serve the relocated DMV office in Key
West. In addition, the bus could travel to pick-up customers in the
Minutes - 3
area and transport them to these locations or the Delhi Transfer point.
The customer would need to request the ride at least one hour in
advance. One of the newly acquired pre-owned mini-bus vehicles
could be used for this route. Esser asked if the bus would be at certain
places at fixed times, and Rodocker responded that would be correct.
But it would also be able to pick up customers much nearer their
homes. This would not be door-to-door service, but could pick up at a
corner or nearest intersection to the customer’s home. Lightcap noted
that he works with people doing vocational rehabilitation and job
training. He is often asked about bus service to the Technological Park
south of Dubuque. It would be great to be able to provide service to
this area. Rodocker agreed this area would be included in the South
End Demand Response Area. The Board discussed how this route
could be implemented, and Rodocker explained KeyLine has done
considerable research on timing and customer needs in the South End
Area. The Board members agreed that this would be their First
Recommendation.
The Green Line Route – Rodocker reviewed the consultant’s
suggestions regarding the Green Line Route. The members were
uncertain regarding this proposal. Concerns were expressed regarding
service to the Washington Area Neighborhood, an area with higher
transit needs. Lightcap asked if the consultants had completed any
test scenarios for timing runs and location pick-ups on the West End
Demand Response. Rodocker responded not to his knowledge.
Lightcap is concerned about heavy traffic in those areas and how that
would affect service. He also asked how the West End Demand
Response Tripper could accommodate such a large area with only one
bus. Rodocker noted that probably two buses would be needed. The
Board members felt this option would need considerably more research
and discussion.
The Gray Line Route – Board members expressed concern about
reducing service to Kennedy Mall. The suggestion from the consultant
is to have the Gray Line stop serving Kennedy Mall. Lightcap
commented that there are several regular riders for the Mall, and feels
we need to extend service to that location, not reduce it. Croissant
agrees that anywhere people could be employed that need bus service
should be considered a priority.
Industrial Park Tripper – Rodocker explained that the vehicle he plans
to assign to this route is an International medium duty bus, almost like
a large mini-bus, and could seat up to thirty passengers. This service
has also been proposed by Rodocker as an improvement package in
the past. Of course, the timing for this service depends on the opening
of the Hormel plant. Lightcap asked if we knew the opening date for
Hormel. Rodocker does not know if that date has been set. In
addition, KeyLine is still researching the various schedules of other
plants in the West Side Industrial Park, including flex times. Lightcap
asked Rodocker to review the number of buses available in the KeyLine
Minutes - 4
fleet at this time. The Board discussed vehicle usage for a variety of
routes. Rodocker reminded the Board that when the consultants refer
to Demand Response that is not door-to-door service. The bus would
stop at the nearest location as needed during the time period
requested.
Asbury Tripper – The Board members discussed this service as outlined
and felt that one trip in the morning and one in the evening would not
be sufficient for the Goodwill location on Holiday Drive or for Asbury
Plaza. Rodocker agreed with the members. The current service need
has regular riders who work at Goodwill traveling there at two different
times in the morning, and several times throughout the afternoon. In
addition, the public riders to that area have increased. The Board feels
more information is needed regarding how the Asbury Tripper would
operate.
Downtown Shuttle Service – Rodocker stated that the trolley is
currently used throughout the summer months and into the autumn to
provide service throughout the Port of Dubuque and the downtown
historic area. This proposal would expand the current service area by a
few blocks so that it would be more feasible for individuals who work
downtown to use the service. It would not be aimed just at visitors
and tourists. This proposal has also been part of an Improvement
Package submitted by Rodocker in the past.
Esser asked if the trolley would have enough seats to meet the greater
demand. Rodocker responded the seating should be adequate, and of
course, there is standing room available. Both trolleys could be used to
increase the frequency and meet greater demand if needed.
Extending Operating Hours – Rodocker explained this could be very
costly, but longer hours or equalizing hours could be phased in so that
the impact on the budget would not be so dramatic. KeyLine
management is in the process of researching what routes have the
greatest need to begin sooner, or stay on road longer. For example,
the Gray Line Route would have the least expense staying out longer,
since it is already the latest bus on the road. The Green Line Route
would have the greatest expense in starting earlier, since it currently is
one of the later buses to begin each morning. Rodocker feels changes
need to be made in this area, and it is a priority for better customer
service.
University / College Shuttle – Rodocker explained he has been working
with the area colleges to develop a shuttle service, but there has only
been a limited response from students. This could be a method to
expand operating hours in the evening for at least Friday and Saturday.
Rodocker agreed with the recommended approach from the
consultants, the best method would be to obtain financial support from
the students at the participating colleges for this service.
Minutes - 5
Board Comments
Lightcap asked if KeyLine is a long way off from the ultimate
recommendation. Rodocker stated that to some extent KeyLine is a long
way off, especially based on the number of buses needed for that ultimate
plan and the increased cost. But he does believe several changes could be
made, and adjustments phased in to enhance service with limited cost.
KeyLine management will look at the highest service needs to be met at
this time, remembering the objective from the Board, to maintain service in
some manner for the passengers already riding KeyLine.
Lightcap asked what suggestions were priorities for the KeyLine operators.
Rodocker responded that he has heard the most requests for increasing
hours of operation, changing the Orange Line Route, and increasing
frequency. Of course, increasing frequency is one of the most expensive
changes, requiring increasing the fleet and the number of operators.
Lightcap asked if the Orange Line is the least productive route, and
Rodocker stated this is correct. Croissant commented he rode that route
once, and he was the only passenger on the bus for the entire route.
Lightcap asked Croissant, someone dependent on bus service, what he
thinks are the highest needs of KeyLine. Croissant responded extending
service hours, providing service to the West Side Industrial Park, and
installing more bus shelters.
Lightcap noted that in the past concerns have been expressed when bus
service and bus routes were expanded, and still KeyLine did not gain any
additional riders. Croissant wondered if KeyLine would offer more public
surveys, or a phone line dedicated to public ideas, if that would help the
public know more about the bus service. A discussion of past rider issues,
and possible marketing approaches followed
.
Lightcap asked what could be changed without adding considerable
additional cost. He would like the Board to make a recommendation that
the City Council could support. After some discussion, the Board agreed
on the following priorities: the first action would be enhancing the Orange
Line Route; the second action would be adding Downtown Trolley Service;
the third action would be expanding hours of operation; and the fourth
action would be improving KeyLine’s image to the community.
Public Comments
Robinson noted that people who have lived in a big city are used to
walking a few blocks for a bus. She feels Demand Response service
areas would be an asset to the citizens of Dubuque.
Also, Robinson said she thinks the trolleys are just beautiful; and so fitting
for a historic community like Dubuque.
Robinson wondered if the trolleys could be used during the holiday season
for Christmas light tours or to run through Murphy Park. She thought groups
would enjoy renting the trolley for such an event.
Rodocker explained there are commercial vendors in the area that offer
charter trolley service and with the new federal regulations regarding
charters KeyLine would not be able to offer such service. Rodocker did
mention the trolley is used by various City of Dubuque departments as
needed.
Minutes - 6
Scharnau moved that the Transit Board recommend the following to
Board
the City Council: The Transit Board moves to accept Chapter 16 as
Recommendation
submitted by the consultants, and suggests the following priorities for
Transit. 1) Develop a South End Demand Response Area and enhance
service with a route anchored by stops at Mercy Hospital, Finley
Hospital, and HyVee South Locust. 2) Create a Downtown Shuttle that
would increase trolley usage. 3) Expand hours of operation within
budget restrictions. 4) Implement a marketing strategy.
Esser seconded the recommendation. All ayes. The motion passed.
Adjournment
Lightcapthanked all the Board members for attending this meeting, and
for their participation in this Work Session. He appreciated their
willingness to meet beyond the regular scheduled day, especially with the
holidays quickly approaching.
Lightcap asked for a motion to adjourn. Esser so moved. Scharnau
seconded. All ayes. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 14, 2010. The
meeting time will remain at 4:15 pm, and KeyLine management will
investigate to determine if the Board Room at the Carnegie Stout Public
Library will be available at that time; or if the Library renovations will
limit the use of that room.
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Kiefer
Secretary
These minutes passed, approved and adopted on this _____ day of December, 2009.
___________________________________
Joel Lightcap, Chairperson
Dubuque Transit Trustee Board