Jan 21, 2025 | Uncategorized
HARBOR TRANSIT MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
LOCAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
November 13, 2024 at 1:15 P.M., Central Park Place
1. Meeting called to order 1:18pm by Carrie Uthe, Chairperson
2. Roll Call by the Board Chair
Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – Present
Norman Cunningham – Present
Christina Shannon – Absent
Carrie Uthe – Present
Angie Devries – Absent
Lisa Greenwood – Present
Heather Phillips – Present
Sarah Wheeler – Present
John Phillips – Present
Rebecca Hop – Absent
Kim Sibilsky – Present
Harbor Transit Staff Present:
Scott Borg
Dana Appel
Tom Burghardt
Brian Woline
Annelise Walker
Shonda Walski
Andrea Dumbrell
3. Approve or Change Agenda – Sibilsky motioned to approve agenda as submitted, Greenwood seconded. Motion passed
4. Call to Audience – No Comments
5. General Business
a. Approval of the August 14, 2024 Meeting Minutes – Sibilsky motioned to approve, John Phillips Seconded. Motion passes.
b. Discussion/Action, 2025 LAC Meeting Schedule – Burghardt commented that the 2025 meeting dates closely match the current 2024 meeting dates. Moelter-Gray motioned to approve the dates as listed, Sibilsky seconded. Motion passes.
c. Discussion/Action, FY2026 Vehicle Accessibility Plan Update(VAP) – Burghardt requested the LAC to review the updated VAP then comment and either approve/not-approve each section.
1. Total D-R Fleet anticipated for application year? 29 – 2 deviated fixed route and 27 dem resp
• Carrie Uthe – Asked if it would be helpful to identify the trolleys, Approve
~Burghardt responded informing Carrie that the deviated fixed route represents the 2 trolleys.
• John Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Christina Shannon – Absent
• Sarah Wheeler – No Comment, Approve
• Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – No Comment, Approve
• Heather Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Rebecca Hop – Absent
• Kim Sibilsky – No Comment, Approve
• Angie DeVries – Absent
• Lisa Greenwood – No Comment, Approve
• Norman Cunningham – No Comment, Approve
2. Total Anticipated D-R Fleet Accessible or lift-equipped? 29 – 2 deviated fixed route and 27 dem resp
• Carrie Uthe – No Comment, Approve
• John Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Christina Shannon – Absent
• Sarah Wheeler – No Comment, Approve
• Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – No Comment, Approve
• Heather Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Rebecca Hop – Absent
• Kim Sibilsky – No Comment, Approve
• Angie DeVries – Absent
• Lisa Greenwood – No Comment, Approve
• Norman Cunningham – No Comment, Approve
2.A If your agency is operating inaccessible revenue vehicles, is equivalent service being offered to riders? NO
• Carrie Uthe – No Comment, Approve
• John Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Christina Shannon – Absent
• Sarah Wheeler – No Comment, Approve
• Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – No Comment, Approve
• Heather Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Rebecca Hop – Absent
• Kim Sibilsky – No Comment, Approve
• Angie DeVries – Absent
• Lisa Greenwood – No Comment, Approve
• Norman Cunningham – No Comment, Approve
3. Has the agency made any changes in vehicle inventory described in No. 1 and No. 2 above since the last accessibility plan update was submitted? NO
• Carrie Uthe – No Comment, Approve
• John Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Christina Shannon – Absent
• Sarah Wheeler – No Comment, Approve
• Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – No Comment, Approve
• Heather Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Rebecca Hop – Absent
• Kim Sibilsky – No Comment, Approve
• Angie DeVries – Absent
• Lisa Greenwood – No Comment, Approve
• Norman Cunningham – No Comment, Approve
4. Has the agency made any changes in the following since the last accessibility plan update was submitted?
A. Fare structure No
B. Service area information No
C. Service availability information No
D. Service Hours/days of operation No
E. Local advisory council membership Yes
• Carrie Uthe – No Comment, Approve
• John Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Christina Shannon – Absent
• Sarah Wheeler – No Comment, Approve
• Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – No Comment, Approve
• Heather Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Rebecca Hop – Absent
• Kim Sibilsky – No Comment, Approve
• Angie DeVries – Absent
• Lisa Greenwood – No Comment, Approve
• Norman Cunningham – No Comment, Approve
5. Has the agency made any other changes in its vehicle accessibility plan since last submission of an accessibility plan or annual update? No
• Carrie Uthe – No Comment, Approve
• John Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Christina Shannon – Absent
• Sarah Wheeler – No Comment, Approve
• Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – No Comment, Approve
• Heather Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Rebecca Hop – Absent
• Kim Sibilsky – No Comment, Approve
• Angie DeVries – Absent
• Lisa Greenwood – No Comment, Approve
• Norman Cunningham – No Comment, Approve
6. How frequently does the agency’s LAC meet? Quarterly
• Carrie Uthe – No Comment, Approve
• John Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Christina Shannon – Absent
• Sarah Wheeler – No Comment, Approve
• Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – No Comment, Approve
• Heather Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Rebecca Hop – Absent
• Kim Sibilsky – No Comment, Approve
• Angie DeVries – Absent
• Lisa Greenwood – No Comment, Approve
• Norman Cunningham – No Comment, Approve
7. LAC MEMBER LIST (See list on the FY2026 VAP)
• Carrie Uthe – No Comment, Approve
• John Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Christina Shannon – Absent
• Sarah Wheeler – No Comment, Approve
• Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – No Comment, Approve
• Heather Phillips – No Comment, Approve
• Rebecca Hop – Absent
• Kim Sibilsky – No Comment, Approve
• Angie DeVries – Absent
• Lisa Greenwood – No Comment, Approve
• Norman Cunningham – No Comment, Approve
8. General VAP Comments/Approvals
• Carrie Uthe – No Comment, Approve
• John Phillips – Commented that either a lift style bus or a ramp style bus is adequate with a properly trained bus operator, Approve
• Christina Shannon – Absent
• Sarah Wheeler – No Comment, Approve
• Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – No Comment, Approve
• Heather Phillips – Commented that she felt the newer ramp style buses need a larger area for wheelchair securement and stated when she is secured in the left wheelchair location other passengers/mobility devices struggle to get by her in the isle. – Approve
• Rebecca Hop – Absent
• Kim Sibilsky – No Comment, Approve
• Angie DeVries – Absent
• Lisa Greenwood – Commented that the Ramp buses are difficult to enter/exit during winter- Approve
• Norman Cunningham – No Comment, Approve
~Vehicle Accessibly Plan approved by the LAC.
d. Discussion/Action, Members with term expirations – Seven members have terms expiring in November 2024.
• Discussion focused on reelection of these members.
• The LAC will need absent member Christina Shannon to communicate her intentions regarding her continued service on the committee.
• Uthe discussed with the group that member Angie Devries has not attended any of the 2024 LAC meetings, citing the attendance requirements stated in the By-Laws.
• Cunningham motioned to remove Angie Devries from the LAC, John Phillips Seconded. Motion passed.
• Norm Cunningham~ verbally expressed his willingness to continue serving on the LAC and was verbally acknowledged by the other LAC members present.
• Carrie Uthe~ verbally expressed her willingness to continue serving on the LAC and was verbally acknowledged by the other LAC members present.
• Chrysteen Moelter-Gray~ Verbally resigned from the LAC and thanked the members for their hard work to help the community.
• Lisa Greenwood~ verbally expressed her willingness to continue serving on the LAC and was verbally acknowledged by the other LAC members present.
• Heather Phillips~ verbally expressed her willingness to continue serving on the LAC and was verbally acknowledged by the other LAC members present.
5. Reports
a. Operations Report – Tom Burghardt
• Burghardt reviewed ridership showing total October ridership was 14,747, with strong on-time performance (Pick-ups: 93%, Drop-offs: 92%) and high customer satisfaction (4.9 average rating).
• Burghardt reported a notable decline in no-show rates for October, with a total of 324, marking a significant improvement compared to historical peaks.
• Burghardt provided a safety update, which included one instance of minor property damage, as well as no reported injuries and road calls.
• Cunningham expressed satisfaction with the decrease in no-show rates compared to the previous year’s figures.
b. Marketing Report
• Walker shared marketing initiatives, focusing on attracting new riders through a $3 ride credit promotion and a rider survey conducted by Via Technologies.
• Walker discussed outreach initiatives aimed at promoting Harbor Transit, including highlights in newsletters from Four Pointes and municipal sources. Additionally, there are plans to initiate collaborations with auto repair shops and dealerships.
• Walker reviewed recent community engagements including events such as a vaccine clinic at Four Pointes, a Halloween event, and an informational workshop, with plans for Park-n-Ride services during the Sparkle Festival and a shuttle for Winterfest
• Walker shared advertising updates that noted the completion of the Four Pointes Bus Wrap and progress on the Pomona Park Wrap.
• Cunningham expressed gratitude to Walker for successfully proceeding with advertising initiatives in collaboration with local municipalities.
• Cunningham proposed collaborating with local visitors’ bureaus and grocery stores for advertising opportunities. He recommended the addition of Harbor Transit pick-up signage at high-traffic locations. Furthermore, he suggested promoting our services through local radio and television stations, as they often conduct interviews at no cost.
• Cunningham volunteered to distribute brochures to various businesses.
• Sibilsky shared an email from 4 Points praising the new bus wrap and highlighting its impressive appearance.
• Uthe proposed distributing brochures at local coffee shops, courthouses, and community colleges.
• Wheeler suggested distributing brochures to local motels and hotels.
c. Finance Report
• Appel presented the Balance Sheet Highlights, which included an overview of Total Assets, Total Liabilities, and the Fund Balance.
• Appel discussed the Revenue and Expenditure Report, which included the following key figures: Year-to-Date Revenue, Year-to-Date Expenditures, and Net Revenue.
• Appel reviewed the alignment of insurance, memberships, and software expenses with the budget in light of the year-end fiscal adjustments. The budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 indicates a 6% reduction compared to the prior year. Year-end account adjustments are currently underway.
d. Transportation Directors Report
• Borg provided an update on the Folds of Honor Tournament, noting that 1,307 rides were successfully provided.
• Borg also highlighted the 49th Anniversary, celebrating nearly five decades of service across 55 square miles with a fleet of 29 buses since 1975.
• Borg informed everyone about the progress of the NEPA Study for the new operations center, indicating that the review of 172nd Ave is ongoing and the groundbreaking is scheduled for mid-2025. He announced that Christman Construction has been selected as the project manager for this initiative.
• Borg addressed the issues surrounding GHAPS, reporting that miscommunications have been resolved and collaboration with the school is improving.
• Sibilsky questioned the rationale behind the school’s decision to send an email indicating that Harbor Transit was not a viable option for students. In response, Borg referenced the absence of on-site school supervision before and after school hours.
• Sibilsky proposed that Harbor Transit establish bus enclosures at local schools and businesses.
e. Board Members’ Comments
• Uthe inquired about the impact of passing on credit card fees to riders. Woline stated that the transition has been smooth, and passengers are now purchasing ride credits to avoid these fees.
• Uthe expressed her concerns regarding specific members of the Spring Lake Township board during the discussion on public transit at the board meetings and advocated for increased community involvement.
• Uthe informed the group that the “Friends of Harbor Transit” group has been renewed and discussed current members.
• Sibilsky read an email concerning the requirement for transportation services for a local juvenile program. Borg mentioned that he is in communication with the program manager and is actively working with them to find a solution.
• Greenwood expressed concerns about a recent extended wait time for pick-ups, particularly regarding elderly passengers who have appointments. She requested consideration for later service hours and highlighted the difficulty in seeing the bus arrive at Meijer.
6. Meeting adjourned at 3:05pm.
Next regularly scheduled Harbor Transit Local Advisory Council meeting will be held on February 12, 2025 at 1:15 PM, at Central Park Place.
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
