Sep 1, 2023 | HTMMTS Meeting Minutes, Local Advisory Council
Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System
Local Advisory Council Meeting Minutes
August 16, 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
- Norman Cunningham – present
- Angie Devries – absent
- Lisa Greenwood – present
- Ray Harz – absent
- Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – present
- Heather Phillips – present
- Warren Roosen – absent
- Christina Shannon – present
- Carrie Uthe – present
- Sarah Wheeler – present
3. Amend Agenda – Motion by Moelter-Gray to amend agenda to discuss the passing of Council Member Warren Roosen, Greenwood second.
4. Call to Audience – No comments.
5. General Business:
a. Approval of the May 17, 2023, Meeting Minutes – Motion by Greenwood, second by Wheeler.
b. Discussion/Action, Status of Mr. Ray Harz – Burghardt cannot reach
Harz regarding his status as a council member. Motion to remove
Harz from Local Advisory Council by Cunningham, second by Moelter-Gray.
c. Discussion/Action, Status of Mr. Warren Roosen – Burghardt shared the passing of Roosen. Motion to remove Roosen from Local Advisory Council by Greenwood, second by Shannon. Uthe requested Harbor Transit recognize both Harz and Roosen for their years of service to the LAC. Burghardt will begin recruitment for the open council seats. Borg notified Council of interest by John Phillips’, former Safety & Training Coordinator of Harbor Transit. Uthe will reach out to City Manager Bessinger regarding open Ferrysburg seat.
d. Discussion, Viability of HTMMTS connection with MATS – Burghardt and Borg shared progress and ridership numbers for the MATS connection. Discussion occurred – Trinity Health does not charge for stop location; Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF) does not currently assist, Appel will contact GHACF; Justice 40 population in Muskegon County; support letter for connection site will be sent to Senator Victory’s office; Greenwood noted concerns that the connection was too hard for her; Phillips noted she would like to try the connection; Uthe noted she does not want to see the connection ended, as it is too new.
e. Discussion, Notice of Public Hearing to Reinstate Fares – Burghardt shared the public notice information regarding reinstating fares, approximate start date in November. Walker further discussed the public hearing information and survey. Appel noted the Board will take action in September. Uthe asked about the new, electronic dispatching system. Borg estimated implementation date of system in mid-November. No comments made on fare reinstatement.
6. Reports
a. Operations Report – Burghardt shared operation numbers and report. Borg shared Coast Guard weekend ridership numbers. Burghardt complimented staff on great service provided during the Coast Guard Festival. Greenwood, Wheeler, and Uthe noted use of Harbor Transit during Coast Guard week and positive experiences. Cunningham shared positive interaction with bus operator and how much the operator likes the work he does for Harbor Transit. Greenwood shared that she was no-showed twice, as the operator went to wrong location for pickup. Phillips shared concerns with a frequent rider’s hearing and the same rider trying to board busses without scheduling a ride.
b. Marketing Report – Walker shared initiatives and marketing updates. Uthe shared Nextdoor app consideration.
c. Finance Report – Appel shared financial update: healthy position, expect expenses to end year up by 4%, and no concerns with negative net position.
d. Transportation Directors Report – Borg shared updates on grants and new dispatch software. Further discussion occurred regarding what agencies use the dispatching software Via. Uthe asked about property purchase. Borg noted an update would be provided soon.
e. Board Members’ Comments
• Moelter-Gray noted that the return to fare collection was to be expected. Moelter-Gray also noted she would hate to see the MATS connection dropped, as it needs to be nurtured.
• Wheeler noted agreement with Moelter-Gray and stated she does not want to disenfranchise people who use the MATS connection site, adding it would be a disservice to end it.
• Phillips noted that getting out into the community is what keeps her going and less depressed.
• Uthe will speak on the MATS connection site, during public comments, at the next Spring Lake Township meeting.
Motion by Wheeler for the LAC to support the MATS connection site, second by Moelter-Gray.
7. Adjournment – meeting adjourned at 2:28 p.m.
Next regularly scheduled Harbor Transit Local Advisory Committee meeting will be held on November 15, 2023, at 1:15 p.m., at Central Park Place.
Aug 9, 2023 | HTMMTS Boards, HTMMTS Meeting Minutes
Regular HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes July 26, 2023
Village of Spring Lake
1. Meeting Called to Order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:33 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Present: Craig Bessinger, Bill Cargo, Bill Cate, Ashley Latch, Kevin McLaughlin, & Cathy Pavick..
Absent: Chris Burns, Gordon Gallagher, Deanna McIntyre, Joel TePastte, & Will Whittemore.
Also Present: Scott Borg, HTMMTS Director; Dana Appel, Finance and Compliance Director; Andrea Dumbrell, Human Resources Director; & Annelise Walker, Marketing Coordinator.
3. Additions/Corrections to the Agenda: None
4. General Business/Call to Audience: None
5. Consideration for Approval of Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of May 24, 2023 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Regular Agenda.
c. Discussion/Action Payable Warrant.
d. File/Receive Financial Report.
e. File/Receive FY2023 Estimated Final Budget.
Motion by Cargo, second by Pavick, to approve the agenda. Motion carries.
6. Old Business: Discussion/Update on 172nd Ave Property:
Shape Corporation has made an offer on the property. It is unclear whether the buyer or the seller can get out of the purchase agreement. There are 29 acres, but HTMMTS only needs 10 acres. See item 6a (attached) for details.
7. New Business: Completed Regional Transit Study Final Report:
Discussion regarding the viability of HTMMTS connection with Muskegon Transit at Trinity at the Lakes; it may not be worth the expense. Cargo emphasized focusing on our core issue: our local population.
8. Reports:
a. Marketing Update (Annelise Walker): Reviewed the June and July marketing reports and answered questions from board members. See report, Item 8a (attached)
b. Operations Report (Scott Borg): See report, Item 8b (attached).
c. Transportation Director’s Report (Scott Borg): See report, Item 8c (attached).
9. Board Member Comments: Pavick commented on the number of drivers; Borg stated that the number of drivers is now at pre-pandemic levels.
Meeting adjourned by President Craig Bessinger at 5:07 PM.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the City of Grand Haven, 519 Washington Ave, Grand Haven.
Mar 3, 2023 | HTMMTS Boards, HTMMTS Meeting Minutes
Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System (HTMMTS) Special Board Meeting Minutes
March 1, 2023
Ferrysburg City Hall
Meeting Called to Order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:33 p.m.
Roll Call:
Present: Craig Bessinger, Cathy Pavick, Bill Cargo, Gordon Gallagher, Ashley Latsch, Deanna McIntyre
Absent: Kevin McLaughlin, Joel TePastte, Chris Burns, Don Reiss, Bill Cate
Also Present: Dana Appel, Finance and Compliance Director, Trina Robinson, Consultant
Approval January 25, 2023 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
Motion by Gordon Gallagher, second by Ashley Latsch, to approve the minutes of the January 25, 2023 meeting. Motion carries.
Approval of Regular Agenda
Motion by Cathy Pavick, second by Gordon Gallagher, to approve the March 1, 2023, agenda as presented. Motion carries.
General Business/Call to Audience
None
Discussion/Action of contract services for grant writing.
Motion by Bill Cargo, second by Ashley Latsch, to approve a contract with HDR Michigan, Inc., for grant writing services. Motion carries.
Board Member Comments: None.
Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting will be held on March 22, 2023 at 4:30 PM at Spring Lake Township Hall, 102 West Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Craig Bessinger, Acting Secretary
Nov 21, 2022 | HTMMTS Boards, HTMMTS Meeting Minutes
Regular HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes November 16, 2022
Grand Haven City Hall
1. Meeting Called to Order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:31 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Present: Craig Bessinger, Chris Burns, Bill Cate, Gordon Gallagher, Ashley Latch, Kevin McLaughlin, Cathy Pavick, Joel Tepastte
Absent: Bill Cargo, Don Reis
Also Present: Scott Borg, Harbor Transit Director; Dana Appel, Finance and Compliance Director; Annelise Walker, Marketing Coordinator; Molly Hruskach, Human Resources Director; Trina Robinson, Consultant; Tom Burghardt, Operations Manager; and Joan Brzozowski, Accounts Payable Specialist
3. Approval of the September 28, 2022, HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
Motion by Chris Burns, second by Gordon Gallagher, to accept the minutes from the Meeting held September 28, 2022. Motion carries.
4. Additions/Corrections to the Agenda
No changes or additions
5. Approval of Regular Agenda
Motion by Cathy Pavick, second by Gordon Gallagher, to approve the agenda. Motion carries.
6. General Business/Call to Audience
None
7. New Business:
A. DiscussiononEstimatedBudgetforFY2023/2024.
Scott Borg reported that the budget will be finalized soon and ready for the next HTMMTS Board Meeting (January 23, 2023).
B. Discussion/ActiononPayablesWarrant
Motion by Chris Burns, second by Gordon Gallagher to approve the payables warrant and financial statements as presented. Motion carries.
C. File/Receive Financial Statements
Reviewed and received the financial statements as presented.
D. Discussion on COLA Wage Study
HR Collaborative began the study on Monday, November 14, 2022 and is anticipated to be completed the first full week of February 2023. Results could lead to a recommendation for a one-time payment to part-time and full-time employees.
E. Discussion/Action Approval of Propane Contract
Motion by Joel TePastte, second by Chris Burns to approve Wesco as propane supplier at $1.24/pound. Motion carries.
F. Discussion/Update on Fare Schedule
Motion by Gordon Gallagher, second by Chris Burns to approve a single tier fare schedule of $0.75 and $1.50. All fare collections will be via smart-phone with no fare collection equipment on the buses. New software will allow riders to track their bus and reduce dispatch hours. Motion carries.
G. Discussion/ActionApprovalofPublicTransportationAgencySafetyPlan(PTASP)
Motion by Kevin McLaughlin, second by Joel TePasste to approve the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP). Motion carries.
H. Discussion/ActionApprovalofBusAirPurificationSystemContract.
Motion by Gordon Gallagher, second by Cathy Pavick to approve the purchase of CASPR (Continuous Air & Surface Pathogen Reduction) systems for each bus; total of $39,525. Motion Carries.
Staff Reports
8. Human Resources: Molly Hruskach reported that they continue to interview and hire drivers
and dispatchers. Most positions are part-time. Three more interviews are scheduled.
9. Operations: Scott Borg reported that the ridership comparison shows a slight increase over September, but still down compared to pre-COVID numbers. Ridership to/from Mercy at the Lakes is down. There was one bus crash in which an HT vehicle was sideswiped in a hit-and- run accident, two minor injuries, no vehicle road calls, and five ridership complaints.
10. Director: Scott Borg commented the local advisory committee met, but there was no quorum. There is still one at-large position to be filled on the HTMMTS Board.
11. Board Member Comments:
A. Cathy Pavick thanked Scott Borg for the board packets.
B. Scott Borg introduced Joan Brzozowski, Accounts Payable Specialist
Meeting adjourned by President Craig Bessinger at 5:02 PM. The next meeting is Scheduled for Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Grand Haven Township, 13300 168th St, Grand Haven.
Nov 16, 2022 | HTMMTS Boards, HTMMTS Meeting Minutes
Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System (HTMMTS)
Regular Board Meeting Minutes September 28, 2022 Grand Haven Community Center
Meeting Called to Order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Craig Bessinger, Bill Cargo, Gordon Gallagher, Chris Burns, Joel TePastte, Bill Cate, Don Reis
Absent: Ashley Latch, Cathy Pavick, Kevin McLaughlin
Also Present: Scott Borg, Harbor Transit Director, Dana Appel, Finance and Compliance Director, Molly Hruskach, Human Resources Director, Trina Robinson, Financial Consultant, Tom Burghardt, Operations Manager. Carrie Uthe Local Advisory Council Chairperson
Approval May 25, 2022 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
Motion by Gordon Gallagher, second by Joel TePastte, to approve the minutes of the July 27, 2022 meeting. Motion carries.
Additions/Corrections to the Agenda – None Scott Borg
Approval of Regular Agenda
Motion by Joel TePastte, second Bill Cate, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carries.
General Business/Call to Audience – Craig Bessinger
None
Discussion/Action to file and receive Financial Statements.
Motion by Bill Cargo, second by Gordon Gallagher, to approve the financial statements as presented. Motion carries.
Discussion/Action of Payables Warrant.
Motion by Bill Cargo, second by Joel TePastte to approve the payables warrant as presented. Motion carries.
Discussion/Action on Final Budget Amendments FYE 2022.
Motion by Chris Burns, second by Joel TePastte to approve the final budget amendments FYE 2021/2022 the payables warrant as presented. Motion carries.
File/Review FY 2022/23 budget pre-implementation review of budget
No action necessary.
Discussion/Action regarding amendments to the Personnel Manual
Motion by Joel TePastte, second by Chris Burns, to approve the amendments to the Personnel Manual as presented. Motion carries.
Discussion/Action regarding MERS HCSP Agreement Amendment and Contribution Addendum.
Motion by Bill Cargo, second by Joel TePastte, to approve MERS HCSP Agreement Amendment and Contribution Addendum as presented. Motion carries.
Discussion/Action to elect or re-elect HTMMTS Board officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer
Motion by Bill Cargo, second by Gordon Gallagher, to approve election or re-election of HTMMTS Board officers as follows: President – Craig Bessinger, Vice-President – Bill Cargo, Secretary – Bill Cate, Treasurer – Gordon Gallagher. Motion carries.
Discussion/Action on Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Bi-Monthly Regular Meeting Dates
Motion by Chris Burns, second by Bill Cargo, to approve the fiscal year 2022-2023 Bi-Monthly regular meeting dates as presented. Motion carries.
Discussion/Action on Transportation Director 2022 Evaluation.
Motion by Chris Burns, second by Gordon Gallagher to approve Transportation Directors salary increase by one step effective September 21, 2022, and include any cost of living adjustments (COLA) when provided to Harbor Transit employees . Motion carries.
Discussion/Action appointing Sarah Wheeler as the LAC Representative for Spring Lake Village.
Motion by Chris Burns, second by Joel TePastte to appoint Sarah Wheeler to the LAC Board. Motion Carries.
Marketing Report Scott Borg
Scott Borg reviewed the Marketing Objectives.
1. Promote MATS and Harbor Transit connection at Trinity Health Village Lakes.
2. Communicate the benefits of Harbor Transit’s On Demand Service to increase the motivation to
ride.
3. Increase digital presence to reach more of the local population outside of the Facebook users.
Human Resources Update Mollie Hruskach
Mollie Hruskach explained that Harbor Transit has a RFP for a wage study to be completed. Chris Burns asked if the study would look beyond the bus operators and would the study take into account the wages of North West Ottawa County. Chris Burns recommended that request be a part of the wage study.
Staffing 12 open operator positions. 1 – fulltime dispatch position. We currently have a posting out for an Accounts Payable Specialist.
Operations Update Scott Borg
Scott shared ridership statistics going back to 2016, and reviewed Ridership by Municipality. 98.93 Ridership performance.
5 Crashes since the last Board Meeting.
0 Injuries since the last meeting.
4 Customer Complaints since the last Board Meeting.
1 Road call since the last Board Meeting.
Summer Trolley rides were 14,069 rides for the season.
Beach Express rides were 235 rides for the season.
Coast Guard Saturday had 3,423 rides, and 2,536 miles traveled.
EEO Applicant Data Mollie Hruskach
Scott Borg explained the FTA requires Transit Agencies to monitor and report this data to their Transit Boards Annually.
Harbor Transit had a total of 57 applicants, 27 males and 30 females for the open positions of bus operators, HR Director, and Dispatchers. The applicants were identified by race and gender.
Director’s Report Scott Borg
Scott reported that Harbor Transit had 1-Covid Case in the months of July and August.
Harbor Transit has 3 buses on order through the MDOT Pilot Program. We are hoping delivery is before the end of the year. Chassis and Chips are delaying the bus orders. Harbor Transit has since ordered 3 buses and will expect delivery in calendar year 2024.
Borg reviewed the Trinity at the Lakes Ridership to Muskegon. The rides have increase monthly since the start of the project in March 2022.
Harbor Transit provided transportation for the Folds of Honor Collegiate 54 Hole Individual Golf event. 272 rides on Monday and 172 rides were provided on Tuesday.
Potential location for the new facility is in Grand Haven Township on 172nd Ave. There is a Memorandum of Understanding with the owner.
Coast Guard Festival 2022 was successful due to the excellent work by the Harbor Transit Employees. Harbor Transit has 1 Bus Operator participating in the 2022 Bus Rodeo in Frankenmuth, MI.
Scott reviewed the open Board positons. The Harbor Transit Board currently has an Open At-Large Board Member Position.
Board Member Gordon Gallagher said he liked seeing the crash reports and expressed he had interest in knowing what the Trolley mileage was for the year.
Board Member Chris Burns talked about the narratives on the trolley and said she would work on a volunteer to narrate for the Spring Lake Trolley.
Board Member Bill Cargo expressed a concern over the Beach Express not being a good use of Harbor Transit resources.
Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting will be held on November 16, 2022 at 4:30 PM at The City of Grand Haven 519 Washington Avenue Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Aug 15, 2022 | HTMMTS Boards, HTMMTS Meeting Minutes
Regular Board Meeting Minutes July 27, 2022
Spring Lake Village Hall
Meeting Called to Order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Craig Bessinger, Ashley Latch, Cathy Pavick, Bill Cargo, Gordon Gallagher, Chris Burns, Joel TePastte, Bill Cate, Kevin McLaughlin
Absent: Don Reis
Also Present: Scott Borg, Harbor Transit Director, Dana Appel, Finance and Compliance Director, Annelise Walker, Marketing Coordinator, Molly Hruskach, Human Resources Director, Trina Robinson, Consultant
Approval May 25, 2022 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
Motion by Chris Burns, second by Joel TePastte, to approve the minutes of the May 25, 2022 meeting. Motion carries.
Approval of Regular Agenda
Motion by Chris Burns, second by Joel TePastte, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carries.
General Business/Call to Audience
None
Discussion/Action of Payables Warrant and Financial Statements.
Motion by Chris Burns, 2nd by Kevin McLaughlin, to approve the payables warrant and financial statements as presented. Motion carries.
Discussion on Estimated Revised Budget.
No action necessary.
Discussion/Action on Revised Harbor Transit Policy and Procurement.
Motion by Bill Cargo, second by Chris Burns, to adopt the Revised Harbor Transit Policy and Procurement as presented. Motion carries.
Discussion/Update on Revised Harbor Transit Grant Management Policy
Motion by Bill Cargo, second by Joel TePastte, to approve the Revised Harbor Transit Grant Management Policy as presented. Motion carries.
Discussion/Action on Revised EEO Plan
Motion by Cathy Pavick, second by Joel TePastte, to approve the Revised Harbor Transit EEO Plan as presented. Motion carries.
Discussion/Action on RFP Proposal for Property and Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
Motion by Chris Burns, 2nd by Bill Cargo, to approve Land Matters as the Land Acquisition Consultant for HTMMTS. Motion Carries.
Discussion/Action on Revised Advertising Policy
Motion by Bill Cargo, second by Joel TePastte, to approve the Revised Harbor Transit Advertising Policy as presented. Motion carries.
Discussion Review of the 2022 Triennial FTA Review
Scott and his Team have completed the Triennial review with only 3 deficiencies being noted, all of which have been rectified to the FTA. Board Members thanked Scott and his Team for their work on the Triennial Review.
Marketing Report Annelise Walker
Annelise reviewed the Billboards that are promote Harbor Transit’s Beach Express and Lakeshore Trolley Services for the months of May, June, July and August. Billboards are located at the Intersection of M- 104 and 148th Street and North of Van Wagoner Road on US-31.
Annelise reviewed the Social Media Account growth with Facebook a 13.8% increase with 1,095 followers.
Advertising Bus Wrap from St. John’s Lutheran School was reviewed.
Human Resources Update Mollie Hruskach
Mollie discussed the need for Harbor Transit to put on 20 drivers before August 31, 2022. We have currently hired and retained 3 Bus Operators.
Harbor Transit is using BS & A Software for Applicant Tracking.
Human Resources is also looking at a retention program for current employees.
Operations Update Scott Borg
Scott shared ridership statistics going back to 2016, and reviewed Ridership by Municipality. Reviewed Mercy at the Lakes Ridership.
98.26 Ridership performance.
4 Crashes since the last Board Meeting. 3 Customer Complaints since the last Board Meeting.
Director’s Report Scott Borg
Scott reported that Harbor Transit did not have any COVID-19 cases for the months of May and June 2022.
Scott reviewed that Routematch was sold to Tripspark and Harbor Transit was looking to complete an RFP for new Software.
Harbor Transit has 3 buses on order through the MDOT Pilot Program. We are hoping delivery is before September 1, 2022.
MDOT/Michigan State University Survey is being redone as the original survey was lost by the USPS. Coast Guard 2022 plans are in place and we anticipate a successful Coast Guard Festival.
Harbor Transit has 1 Bus Operator participating in the 2022 Bus Rodeo in Frankenmuth, MI.
Scott reviewed the open Board positons. The Harbor Transit Board currently has an Open At-Large Board Member Position and (LAC) Local Advisory Council Positon. We are looking for a LAC Member from the Village of Spring Lake.
Board Member Chris Burns asked if there has been any discussion on purchasing Electric Buses. Board Member Burns thanked Scott for having a concise agenda packet.
Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting will be held on September 28, 2022 at 4:30 PM at The City of Grand Haven 519 Washington Avenue Grand Haven, MI 49417.
