Apr 2, 2025 | HTMMTS Boards, HTMMTS Meeting Minutes
Regular HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
March 26, 2025
Spring Lake Township
1. Meeting called to order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:30 PM.
2. Roll Call:
Present: Craig Bessinger, Bill Cate, Gordon Gallagher, Cathy Pavick, Brady Selner, & Will Whittemore
Absent: Bill Cargo, Ashley Latch, Deanna McIntyre, Kevin McLaughlin, & Joel TePastte
Also Present: Scott Borg, Brandon Bucek, Michelle Bucek, Andrea Dumbrell, Carrie Uthe, Annelise Walker, & Michael Vredeveld
3. Approval of January 22, 2025 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes: Motion by Pavick, second by Whittemore to approve as written. Motion carried.
4. Public Hearing: Discussion of trolley fare rate increases opened at 4:31 PM.
5. Public Hearing closed without comments at 4:32 PM.
6. Additions/Corrections to the Agenda: None.
7. General Business/Call to Audience Opened at 4:33 PM: No comments; closed at 4:33 PM.
8. Consideration for Approval of Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of FY2025 Capital Grant Projects
b. Approval of Payables Warrant
c. File/Receive Financial Statements
d. File/Receive LAC meeting minutes
e. Approval of updates Harbor Transit’s DBE program
f. Approval/Appointment Brandon Bucek LAC Board Member
Motion by Gallagher, second by Cate to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried.
9. New Business
a. Discussion/Action on Harbor Transit 2024 Financial Audit & Request for Improvement of Deficiencies-CAP (Presented by Michael Vredeveld of Vredeveld Haefner CPA’s LLC).
Motion to approve by Gallagher, second by Whittemore. Motion carried.
b. Discussion/Action on Increase in Trolley Fares. Motion to approve by Pavick, second by Whittemore. Motion carried.
c. Discussion/Action on Contract with Village of Fruitport. Motion to approve by Gallagher, second by Selner. Motion carried.
d. Discussion/Action on EEO Program Amendments – Resolution 2025-0326-01: Motion to approve by Gallagher, second by Whittemore. Motion carried.
e. Discussion/Action on Personnel Manual Amendments – Resolution 2025-0326-02: Motion to approve by Whittemore, second by Pavick. Motion carried.
f. Discussion/Action on Contract Amendment with Progressive A/E: Borg advised that $225,000 is needed to extend the contract to Aug 1, 2027 due to delays in the NEPA study on the new HTMMTS property. Motion to approve by Gallagher, second by Cate. Motion carried.
10. Reports
a. Marketing. Walker reported on:
• The “Squishy Bus” campaign to celebrate Harbor Transit’s 50th Anniversary.
• The Harbor Transit partnership with Ferry Voyager Elementary School.
• The winners of the bus wrap art contest for the 50th Anniversary of Harbor Transit.
b. Operations Report. Borg reported on:
• Total ridership for Jan-Feb 2025 was down from 2025 by 9%, but Trinity Lakes ridership is up slightly.
• Monthly on time performance for Jan-Mar 2025 was up slightly for both pick ups and drop offs over the same period last year.
• No-shows continue a significant downward trend.
• There were no reportable crashes, injuries, or road calls.
c. Transportation Director’s Report. Borg reported on:
• The FTA Triennial Review: Harbor Transit has completed the Recipient Information Request (RIR) as required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Review Team. The next phase of the review process includes an on-site visit scheduled for May 13-14, 2025.
• Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE): On March 4, 2025, Harbor Transit officially notified the EGLE Water Resources Division that the current conceptual design for the project does not impact any existing wetlands on the property. This notification successfully addresses concerns previously raised by EGLE regarding potential environmental impacts.
• National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) Compliance: The ASC Group continues to make significant progress in completing the required National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) study for the ongoing project. The study is expected to be submitted to the FTA for review within the week.
11. Board Member Comments:
a. Pavick asked if HTMMTS could consider extending hours to include early evenings and full weekends. Borg explained that they want to expand, but finding qualified job candidates is a problem.
b. Cate advised that he will not be available for the May 28, 2025 meeting and asked that someone record the minutes. Any signatures required of the Secretary will have to be completed electronically.
11. Meeting Adjourned at 5:23 PM.
12. Next Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting: 4:30 PM, May 28, 2025, City of Ferrysburg, 17250 Ridge Ave, Ferrysburg, MI 49409
Mar 28, 2025 | HTMMTS Boards, HTMMTS Meeting Minutes
Regular HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2025
Grand Haven Township
1. Meeting called to order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:34 PM.
2. Roll Call:
Present: Craig Bessinger, Bill Cargo, Bill Cate, Gordon Gallagher, Cathy Pavick, & Brady Selner
Absent: Ashley Latch, Deanna McIntyre, Kevin McLaughlin, Joel TePastte & Will Whittemore
Also Present: Dana Appel, Scott Borg, Tom Burghardt Jr., & Andrea Dumbrell
3. Approval of November 20, 2024 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes: Selner noted that the date was incorrect (Nov 25). Motion by Gallager, second by Pavick to approve as amended. Motion carried.
4.Additions/Corrections to the Agenda: None.
5.Public Hearing: Adoption of Harbor Transit’s FY 2025-26 Budget. Opened at 4:35 PM; no comments; closed at 4:35 PM.
6. General Business/Call to Audience Opened at 4:36 PM: No comments; closed at 4:36 PM.
7. Consideration for Approval of Consent Agenda:
a. Discussion/Action on Payable Warrant
b. Receive/File Financial Statements.
Motion by Cargo, second by Gallagher to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried.
8. New Business
a. Discussion/action on 2025-26 Fee Schedule: Motion to approve by Pavick, second by Gallagher. Motion carried.
b. Discussion/action on 2025-26 Uniform Millage Rate Determination: Motion to approve by Cargo, second by Gallagher. Motion carried.
c. Discussion/action on Final FY 2025-26 Budget: Motion to approve by Cargo, second by Gallagher. Motion carried.
d. Discussion/action on FY 2025-26 Resolution of Intent: Motion to approve by Cargo, second by Selner. Motion carried.
e. Discussion/action on 2025-26 Contract Clauses Ceritification: Motion to approve by Cargo, second by Gallagher. Motion carried.
f. Discussion/action on Hard Caps Resolution No. 2025-0122: Motion to approve by Cargo, second by Pavick. Motion carried.
9. Reports
a. Marketing. Borg reported on:
• VIA marketing campaigns to retain and attract riders.
• The bus wrap art contest for the 50th Anniversary of Harbor Transit.
• Community engagement efforts, including the Spring Lake Sparkle Festival Shuttle, the Grand Haven Jingle Bell Parade, Wine about Winter, and Winterfest.
b. Operations Report. Borg reported on:
• Total ridership for 2024 was down from 2023, but better than 2022, as is Trinity Lakes ridership.
• Monthly on time performance was down slightly in Dec due to poor weather conditions.
• No-shows are down significantly.
• There was one crash caused by another vehicle pulling out in front of a bus and one bus was towed to the Ford dealership for a warranty repair after a transmission failure.
c. Transportation Director’s Report. Borg reported on:
• The current status of the NEPA study: Documentation should be complete by the end of Feb 2025. A 30-day review period follows the study. Assuming no significant issues arise during the review, HTMMTS anticipates being able to obligate project funding by Apr 1, 2025.
• The FTA is conducting a Triennial Review of HTMMTS. The review should be complete by mid to late summer 2025.
• HTMMTS notified the City of Grand Haven of the official two-year notice of intention to vacate the existing facility on Ferry St.
9. Board Member Comments: Gallagher thanked Borg for the good job by HTMMTS during the recent bad weather.
10. Meeting Adjourned at 5:04 PM.
11. Next Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting: 4:30 PM, Mar 26, 2025, Spring Lake Township, 102 W. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456
Mar 26, 2025 | HTMMTS Agenda, HTMMTS Boards
Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System (HTMMTS) Board Meeting Agenda
Spring Lake Township
102 West Savidge Street
Spring Lake, MI 49456
March 26, 2025 AT 4:30 PM
1. Meeting Called to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approve January 22, 2025, HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
4. Public Hearing discussing trolley fare increases
A. Public comments on trolley fares
5. Close Public Hearing
6. Additions/Corrections to the Agenda
7. General Business / Call to Audience
8. Consideration for Approval of Consent Agenda
A. Approval of FY2025 Capital Grant Projects
B. Approval of Payables Warrant
C. File/Receive Financial Statements
D. File/Receive LAC meeting minutes
E. Approval of updates Harbor Transit’s DBE program
F. Approval/Appointment Brandon Bucek LAC Board Member
9. New Business
A. Discussion/Action of Harbor Transit 2024 Financial Audit & Request for Improvement of Deficiencies-CAP (Presented by Michael Vredeveld of Vredeveld Haefner CPA’s LLC)
B.Discussion/Action of Increase in Trolley Fares
C. Discussion/Action of Contract with Village of Fruitport
D. Discussion/Action on EEO Program Amendments – Resolution 2025- 0326-01
E. Discussion/Action on Personnel Manual Amendments – Resolution2025-0326-02
F. Discussion/Action on the Contract Amendment with Progressive A/E.
10. Marketing Update – Annelise Walker
11. Operations Update – Scott Borg
12. Executive 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 May 28, 2025, at 4:30 PM City of Ferrysburg Administrative Office, 17290 Roosevelt Road. Use the Ridge Ave Entrance.
Feb 21, 2025 | Uncategorized
HARBOR TRANSIT MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
LOCAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
November 15, 2023 at 1:15 P.M., Central Park Place
1. Meeting called to order at 1:15 p.m. by Carrie Uthe, Chairperson
2. Roll Call by the Board Chair
Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – absent
Norman Cunningham – absent
Christina Shannon – present
Carrie Uthe – present
Angie Devries – present
Lisa Greenwood – present
Heather Phillips – present
Sarah Wheeler – present
John Phillips – present
3. Call to Audience – No Comments
4. General Business
a. Introduction of new LAC member John Phillips – Burghardt introduced former Harbor Transit John Phillips to the Local Advisory Council
b. Introduction of new Harbor Transit Staff, Shonda Walksi – Burghardt introduced the new Dispatch/Mobility Supervisor Shonda Walksi
a. Approval of the August 16, 2023 Meeting Minutes – Motion by Greenwood, second by Phillips.
b. Discussion/Action of 2025 Vehicle Accessibility Plan – Motion by Shannon, second by Phillips.
c. Discussion/Action of 2024 Meeting Dates – Motion by Phillips, second by Wheeler.
6. Reports
a. Operations Report – Tom Burghardt discussed ridership, on time performance, no shows, complaints and compliments.
b. Finance Report – Dana Appel discussed revenue and expense, interest revenue and the balance sheet.
c. Transportation Directors Report – Scott Borg gave updates on the new CAD software, new bus orders, and property for new operations center.
d. Board Members’ Comments – None
7. Adjournment – meeting adjourned at 2:00pm by Carrie Uthe, Chairperson
Next regularly scheduled Harbor Transit Local Advisory Council meeting will be held on February 14, 2024, at 1:15 PM at Central Park Place.
Feb 21, 2025 | Public Notice
Notice of Public Hearing to Increase Trolley Fares
The Board of Directors of Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 4:30 PM to receive public input regarding a proposed increase of trolley fares. The hearing will be held at Spring Lake Township, 101 S Buchanan Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456.
Any person wishing to present testimony related to the proposed trolley fare increase may appear and be heard or may submit written comments to Harbor Transit, 440 North Ferry Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417, email; customerservice@harbortransit.org or on the website; harbortransit.org for inclusion in the official record of the hearing.
Written comments will be received until 5:30 PM the day before of the hearing, Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the following address:
Harbor Transit, 440 North Ferry Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417
The proposed trolley fare increase will become effective May 1, 2025.
Harbor Transit Trolley Passenger Fares – Deviated Route Proposed unlimited daily fare
19-59 years old – $2.00
18 years & under, 60 years & older – $1.00
Persons with a disability – Federal Definition – $1.00
Children under 2 years Free
Lakeshore Trolley season is the day after Memorial Day through Labor Day.
