Minutes_Transit Advisory Board 11 17 11Minutes
The Dubuque Transit Advisory Board Meeting
Thursday, November 17, 2011
4:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Federal Building
Second Floor, Room 223
Transit Advisory Board members:
Z Joel Lightcap
Chair
❑ Matt Esser ❑ George Enderson
❑ Rhonda Knight ❑ R.R.S. Stewart
Others Present
® Barbara Morck
The Jule Transit Director
® Gail Kuhle
ECL4
Public Present
_any Eudaley
❑ Dave Heiar
Czti• of Dubuque
n Kelley Deutmeyer
ECL4 Executive Director
® Candace Eudaley ® Michelle Huseman
ECL4 AssustantDErector Jule Mobility Coordinator
Call to Order
The Dubuque Transit Advisory Board meeting was called to order by the Chair. Joel Lightcap at 4:26 pm.
Review /approve the agenda for the Thursday, December 8, 2011 Dubuque Transit Advisory Board
meeting
Motion by Esser, second by Stewart to approve the agenda for the Thursday. December 8, 2011 Dubuque
Transit Advisory Board meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Review /approve the minutes of the Thursday, November 17, 2011 Dubuque Transit Advisory
Board meeting
Motion by Esser, second by Stewart to approve the minutes of the Thursday. November 17, 2011
Dubuque Transit Advisory Board meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Manager's Report
Review and approve of statistical and financial data
Morek indicated that she did not have the ridership report ready for print but she was able to provide
ridership numbers. She noted that total ridership at this time in 2010 was 171.000 rides, and for the
same time period in 2011 the ridership was 184.000 rides. This reflects an increase of approximately
8°0 in ridership. She noted that she will have up -to -date financials and stats at the January meeting.
Motion by Esser, second by Stewart to approve the stats as presented. The motion passed
unanimously.
Electronic Signs
Morek reported that several of the Eldorado buses are still having some issues with the electronic
signs /head signs and the company is working on making those repairs. In he meantime and at the
suggestion of one of the drivers, colored plaques will be added to the back windows of the buses that
will indicate the route.
Shopping Circulator
Morek noted that there has been mixed feedback regarding the Shopping Circulator Route. Staff is
working on making adjustments and fine tuning the route.
MV -1
Morek explained that the MV -1 vehicle has been ordered. Morek noted that the MV -1 is built similar
to an English taxi with the capabilities to handle two wheelchairs. It will be used as a replacement for
the mini-van that The Jule is currently using.
ITS Equipment
Morek indicated that the Request for Proposal (RFP) has been released for the ITS equipment on the
buses. The RFP includes automatic vehicle location (AVE), automatic voice announcement (AVA),
scheduling software for para- transit operations, electronic fare boxes, and a public notification
announcement (web- based). She noted the deadline for the RFP is January 6, 2012.
Discussion regarding grant for the Intermodal Center
Morek stated that the City of Dubuque has been awarded $8 million from the State of Good Repair Grant
for Phase I of the Intermodal Facility. Phase I will includes funds to build the Center, which includes
ticketing and passenger waiting area for Burlington - Trailways and Lamers bus lines and Amtrac
Passenger Rail, public and staff restroom facilities, a meeting area, offices for The Jule, the parking ramp,
and the passenger rail platform.
Morek noted that the City has applied a TIGER III grant for additional funding for Phase II. Phase II
includes the construction of the bus maintenance and storage facility.
Discussion regarding Iowa Public Transit two year funding
Morek explained that within the next week the City will find out if the Jule will receive funding through
the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program grant (ICAAP) for the VMT travel program and the MidTown
Loop/Feeder and Night Rider routes. The grant will be for approximately $1.6 million, with $1 million
going to IBM for the VMT Study and the remaining $600.000 for the new route service. Morek
explained that her one concern regarding the grant is the possibility that the grant would be funded for
only one year rather than the normal two years, and if this should occur the financial cost that would bring
to The Jule. She indicated that if the grant was funded for only one year, then staff would have to reapply
for a second year of funding.
Other Business
Preliminary Budget
Morek reviewed the preliminary budget with the Board members, noting that there was a slight
increase in the budget from the previous year due to the increase in driver's salaries (2.5 °o per
contract agreement). She also noted that because of budgetary issues on the federal level she is
planning for (up to) a 10 °o decrease in Federal and State operating funding.
January meeting
Ruble referred to the 2012 Transit Advisory Board meeting schedule to note that the January meeting
will be held on Thursday. January 12 at 4:15 p. m. in Room 223 of the Federal Building.
Board member comments
Lightcap asked about plan for clearing the bus stops of snow in the winter. Morek noted that in the
previous year The Jule staff cleaned the bus stop. She stated that she would like to create an "Adopt a
Bus Stop Program" in which businesses and residential properties that have a bus stop in front of or near
them. that the businesses or property owners would agree to clean and maintain the bus stop area in the
winter. Discussion followed.
Public Comments
Amy Eudaley suggested placing notices on the bus for the holiday schedule. Morek indicated that staff
would take care of posting notices on the buses and notifying the nursing homes and dialysis of the
holiday schedule. Discussion followed about Public Service Announcements (PSA) for changes in routes
due to weather and road conditions.
Amy Eudaley asked if there were extended warranties purchased for the new buses. Morek stated that
The Jule will be purchasing 2 -year extended warranties for the Sprinters before the end of year. and that
the extended warranties for the remaining buses would be purchased by May 2012.
Adjournment
Motion by Stewart. second by Esser to adjourn the December 8. 2011 Dubuque Transit Advisory Board
meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
These minutes passed. approved and adopted on this day of January 2012.
Joel Lightcap. Chairperson
Dubuque Transit Advisory Board