Jan 21, 2025 | HTMMTS Agenda, HTMMTS Boards
Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System (HTMMTS)
Board Meeting Agenda
GRAND HAVEN CHARTER TOWNSHIP HALL
13300 168TH AVE.
JANUARY 22, 2025 AT 4:30 PM
1. Meeting Called to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of November 20, 2024 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
4. Additions/Corrections to the Agenda
5. Public Hearing:
a. PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of the Harbor Transit’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget
6. Close Public Hearing
7. General Business / Call to Audience
8. Consideration for Approval of Consent Agenda
A. Discussion/Action on Payable Warrant
B. Receive/File Financial Statements
9. New Business
A. Discussion/Action of 2025-26 Fee Schedule
B. Discussion/Action of 2025-26 Uniform Millage Rate Determination
C. Discussion/Action of Final FY Budget 2025-26
D. Discussion/Action of 2025-26 FY Resolution of Intent
E. Discussion/Action of 2025-26 Contract Clauses Certification
F. Discussion/Action on Hard Caps Resolution No. 2025-0122
10. Marketing Update Annelise Walker
11. Operations Update – Scott Borg
12. Transportation Director’s Report – Scott Borg
13. Board Members Comments:
Craig Bessinger
Bill Cargo
Ashley Latsch
Gordon Gallagher
Brady Selner
Bill Cate
Cathy Pavick
Joel TePastte
Kevin Mclaughlin
Deanna McIntyre
Will Whittemore
Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting will be held on March 26, 2025 at 4:30 PM at Spring Lake Township Office, 102 West Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456
Jan 10, 2025 | HTMMTS Boards, HTMMTS Meeting Minutes
Regular HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
November 25, 2024
City of Grand Haven
1. Meeting called to order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:30 PM.
2. Roll Call:
Present: Craig Bessinger, Bill Cargo, Bill Cate, Gordon Gallagher, Ashley Latch, Deanna McIntyre, Brady Selner, & Joel TePastte
Absent: Kevin McLaughlin, Cathy Pavick, & Will Whittemore
Also Present: Dana Appel, Scott Borg, Andrea Dumbrell, Annelise Walker, & Carrie Uthe (Local Advisory Council)
3. Additions/Corrections to the Agenda: Bessinger noted that Item 6, New Business, should be Item 7 and that Item 7, Old Business, should be Item 6.
4. General Business/Call to Audience Opened at 4:31 PM: Carrie Uthe addressed the Board on topics from the Local Advisory Council (LAC):
• Concerns about future plans for connections to other locations and transit systems, particularly Allendale and Holland.
• The need for a community liaison position within HTMMTS.
• A desire for extended HTMMTS operating hours up to 11:00 PM on weekdays.
• Openings on the LAC.
Closed at 4:37 PM
5. Consideration for Approval of Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of Sep 25, 2024 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
b. Approval of Regular agenda (as amended — see item 3)
c. Approval of Payable Warrant
d. File/Receive Financial Report
e. Approval of FY2025/26 Estimated Budget
f. EEO Data
g. Approval of Updated Operations Policy to Include Code of Ethics
h. File/Receive Local Advisory Council Meeting Minutes
Motion by Cargo, second by TePasste to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried.
6. Old Business: Discussion on Harbor Transit Laker Trolley Loop:
The board discussed the effects of fare reinstatement on ridership, the HTMMTS contract with the Village of Fruitport, route optimization efforts, exploration of ways to condense the deviated fixed route (Laker Loop), and marketing and outreach efforts.
7. New Business
a. Resolution to Approve 2027/29 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Projects. Motion by Gallgher, second by Cargo to approve. Motion carried.
b. Resolution to Approve Safety Management System (SMS):
• Borg advised that SMS includes data analysis and measures for the safety of the bus operators.
Motion to approve by Cargo, second by TePastte. Motion carried.
8. Reports
a. Marketing Report (Annelise Walker)
• HTMMTS continues to offer a free rides promotion to encourage non-riders to try Harbor Transit.
• Community engagement efforts include visits to Four Pointes, participation in the annual Boomerang Career Fair and the Haunted Haven Halloween event.
• In December HTMMTS will use one of the Lakeshore Trolleys to provide weekend park-n-ride service for the Spring Lake Sparkle Festival.
• In January 2025 HTMMTS will provide a shuttle for the Grand Haven Winterfest.
b. Operations Report (Scott Borg)
• Total ridership continues to be down; currently by 18% from last year, 11% YTD.
• Trinity at the Lakes ridership is down in comparison to last year, but up from 2022.
• Monthly on-time ratings for pick-ups and drop-offs is at 93% and 92% respectively.
• No-shows continue a downward trend, thanks to improved rider communication and accountability.
• A Harbor Transit bus collided with a passenger vehicle, causing property damage but no injuries. There were no vehicle road calls.
c. Transportation Director’s Report (Scott Borg)
• Harbor Transit is scheduled for an FTA Triennial Review in 2025.
• Harbor Transit and the ASC Environmental Group submitted our Joint Permit Application on July 26, 2024, and we met with EGLE to review the project details on Oct 23. We are waiting further direction from EGLE regarding the next steps before submitting the final application to proceed with construction.
• The Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment was updated on Oct 17; the draft Archaeology and Above Grounds Reports were submitted to FTA on Nov 11; and ASC estimates the NEPA Review will be ready to submit to FTA by Feb 2025.
9. Board Member Comments: None
10. Meeting Adjourned at 5:07 PM.
11. Next Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting: 4:30 PM, Jan 22, 2025, Grand Haven Township, 13300 168th Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Jan 10, 2025 | HTMMTS Boards, HTMMTS Meeting Minutes
Regular HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
September 25, 2024
City of Grand Haven
1. Meeting called to order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:30 PM.
2. Roll Call:
Present: Craig Bessinger, Bill Cate, Ashley Latch, Kevin McLaughlin, Cathy Pavick & Will Whittemore
Absent: Bill Cargo, Gordon Gallagher, Deanna McIntyre, & Joel TePastte
Also Present: Dana Appel, Scott Borg, Tom Burghardt Jr., Annelise Walker, & Jim Koens (Muskegon Area Transit System)
3. Approval of July 24, 2024 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes.
Motion by Pavick, second by McLaughlin to approve the minutes of the July 24, 2024 meeting minutes. Motion carried.
4. Additions/Corrections to the Agenda:
• Correct Item 7c to FY2024 and Item 7d to FY2024/25. Change the title of Item 9a to “Discussion/Action on Executive Director Performance Appraisal.”
5. Approval of Regular Agenda:
Motion by Pavick, second by McLaughlin to approve the regular agenda as corrected. Motion carried.
6. General Business/Call to Audience: None.
7. Consideration for Approval of Consent Agenda:
a. Discussion/Action of Payable Warrant
b. File/Receive Financial Report
c. Approval of FY2024 Final Amended Budget
d. Review FY2023/24 Budget pre-implementation review of budget.
i. Capital Projects
ii. COLA-Wage Scale
d. Approval of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Bi-Monthly Regular Meeting Dates
Motion by McLaughlin, second by Cate to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried.
8. Old Business
Discussion on Harbor Transit Laker Trolley Loop at the November Meeting
9. New Business
a. Discussion Action on Executive Director Performance Appraisal
• Dumbrell reported that Borg’s review was completed on Sep 10 and thanked all review participants. The Board approved an evergreen agreement last year so the Board will not have to approve an employment agreement any longer. The appraisal was a 360-degree appraisal and Scott received high scores from all. Scott is at the top of the wage scale, and he will receive a COLA increase beginning October 1.
• Pavick and McLaughlin thanked and congratulated Borg.
b. Discussion/Action to elect or re-elect HTMMTS Board Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Pavick moved that all current officers be nominated and elected to serve another year, second by McLaughlin. Motion carried.
c. Discussion/Action on Propane Contract
• Borg reported that Wesco submitted the lowest bid for propane for FY2024/25/26 at $1.1385 per gallon.
• Motion to approve by Latch, second by Pavick. Motion carried.
d. Discussion/Action on Construction Manager at Risk
• Borg recommended awarding the Christman Company the contract as Construction Manager at Risk for Harbor Transit’s new facility project and to instruct the Harbor Transit Executive Director to being contract agreement as presented.
• Motion to approve by McLaughlin, second by Pavick. Motion carried.
10.Reports
a. Marketing Report (Annelise Walker)
• HTMMTS is offering a free rides promotion to encourage non-riders to try Harbor Transit.
• HTMMTS is now advertising in the Four Pointes monthly newsletter.
• All municipalities within our service area will include information about HTMMTS in their newsletters.
• HTMMTS will participate in the Boomerang Career Event at Grand Haven High School.
• The new rate for bus wraps will be $200 beginning Oct 1, 2024 (up from $100).
b. Operations Report (Tom Burghardt Jr.)
• Total ridership continues to be down; currently by 22% YTD.
• Trinity at the Lakes ridership is comparable to previous years.
• Monthly on-time ratings for pick-ups and drop-offs is at 89% and 94% respectively.
• No-shows are down considerably, thanks to improved rider communication and accountability.
• There were no safety incidents since the last board meeting.
c. Transportation Director’s Report (Scott Borg)
• Rides on Coast Guard Saturday totaled 5,016, an increase of 823 over 2023.
• Rides for the Folds of Honor Golf Tournament totaled 1,307, a slight decrease from 2023 (1,371), but higher than 2022 (516).
• Aug 18 was Harbor Transit’s 49th Anniversary.
• The ASC Group is currently working on the NEPA Study for the 172nd Ave. property. The FTA granted a Categorical Exclusion (CE), but the property must still undergo a review to ensure no extraordinary circumstances exist that could lead to significant environment issues. ASC estimates that the NEPA will be completed by Apr or May 2025, so ground breaking could take place by May or June.
• The Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for GHAPS sent an email to parents advising that they don’t believe Harbor Transit is a viable transportation option for elementary and intermediate school students. Borg estimates this caused a reduction in ridership of about 50. Borg and Appel are working with GHAPS to mitigate this situation and assure GHAPS that Harbor Transit want to continue working with them.
9. Board Member Comments: None
10. Meeting Adjourned at 5:05 PM.
11. Next Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting: 4:30 PM, Nov 20, 2024, City of Grand Haven, 519 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Nov 19, 2024 | HTMMTS Meeting Minutes, Local Advisory Council
HARBOR TRANSIT MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
LOCAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
August 14, 2024 at 1:15 P.M., Central Park Place
1. Meeting called to order at 1:15pm by Carrie Uthe.
2. Roll Call
Norman Cunningham – Present
Angie Devries – Absent
Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – Present
Lisa Greenwood – Absent
Heather Phillips – Present
John Phillips – Present
Christina Shannon – Present
Sarah Wheeler – Present
Carrie Uthe – Present
Rebecca Hopp – Present
Kim Sibilsky – Present
Also present – Scott Borg, Andrea Dumbrell, Brian Woline, Annelise Walker
3. Approve or Change Agenda
– No changes. Motion to approve by John Phillips, Cunningham seconds.
4. Call to Audience
– No comments.
5. General Business
a. Approval of the May 15, 2024 Meeting Minutes
– Motion to approve by Shannon, Moulter-Gray seconds.
b. Discussion/Action Members with upcoming term expirations
– Uthe reminds members that some terms are coming to an end in November 2024, and asks them to consider whether or not they would like to continue with the committee.
c. Discussion, HT LAC delegates-roles in community
– Borg expresses appreciation for the LAC members and the different skills, experiences and connections they offer to assist Harbor Transit.
– Borg discusses the FTA’s long term goal for regionalization of public transportation.
– Hopp mentions the importance of providing education to the municipalities we serve.
d. Discussion, HT liaison role
– Uthe suggests that as Harbor Transit grows, hiring a Community Liaison position may be helpful.
e. Discussion, Four Pointes to educate its members on riding Harbor Transit
– Sibilsky expresses desire to see more clear information and education about Harbor Transit services. She suggested a fixed sign in the lobby with information. Shannon explains the signage, and phone for member use, that is currently at Four Pointes, but is open to additional or larger signage.
– Uthe asks if there is a way for Four Pointes staff to assist riders waiting. Woline explains the process of using the Lakeshore Go web app.
f. Discussion, utilizing community newsletters/Social Media to inform others about Harbor Transit services.
– Hopp mentions Ferrysburg newsletter as an option for educating community.
– Uthe mentions Spring Lake Township and Village newsletters for other options.
g. Discussion, Identify/Utilize LAC member’s talents to assist with advocacy and other outreach when needed
– No additional comments at this time.
6. Reports
a. Operations Report – Scott Borg
– Borg mentions that ridership is down, Soccer in the Sand ridership was down as well due to poor weather.
– Lakeshore Trolley numbers were lower this year, likely due to the implementation of fares.
– Trinity at the Lakes stop ridership continues to increase.
– On time performance is good at 93%.
b. Coast Guard Report – Scott Borg
– Harbor Transit transported more riders during the 2024 festival than in 2023. Overall the operation was successful and things went smoothly.
– Harbor Transit also operated a shuttle throughout the week of the festival.
– Borg addresses the question of not using Harbor Island as a parking location on Coast Guard Saturday, explaining that traffic control is unmanageable.
c. Marketing Report – Annelise Walker
– Walker shares recent marketing initiatives, including community engagement at the Farmers Market, YMCA, and Coast Guard Grand Parade. Mentions Rider Survey going out through Via. Uthe suggests putting out an announcement letting riders know they may be getting an email or a pop-up in the app to take the survey.
d. Finance Report – Brian Woline
– Woline shares an update on Harbor Transit budget and expenditures, and funding for the new operations center.
e. Transportation Directors Report – Scott Borg
– Borg mentions the $16.2 grant award for the new facility.
– Bus order placed in 2021 has been fulfilled.
– The NEPA study at the new facility site will be given a Categorical Exclusion.
– Spring Lake Village/Township Millage renewal passed.
7. Board Members’ Comments
– John Phillips suggests putting out more information about the basic concept of Demand- Response rides.
– Wheeler – Suggests starting a “Travel Training” class on a regular basis.
– Uthe suggests handouts about Harbor Transit services for the courts to have on hand for people who lose their drivers license.
8. Adjournment: 2:51pm.
Next regularly scheduled Harbor Transit Local Advisory Council meeting will be held on
November 13, 2024, at 1:15 PM, at Central Park Place.
Nov 19, 2024 | HTMMTS Boards, Meeting Schedule
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Bi-Monthly Regular Meeting Dates
The Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System Board of Directors will regularly meet bi-monthly at the following dates and locations. The meetings will begin at 4:30 pm.
November 20, 2024* City of Grand Haven, 519 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417
January 22, 2025 Grand Haven Charter Township, 13300 168th Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417
March 26, 2025 Spring Lake Township, 102 West Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456
May 28, 2025 City of Ferrysburg, 17290 Roosevelt, (use Ridge Road entrance) Ferrysburg, MI 49409
July 23, 2025 Village of Spring Lake Administrative Offices, 102 West Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456
September 24, 2025 City of Grand Haven, 519 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417
(*) Denotes the Third Wednesday due to Thanksgiving
