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Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System (HTMMTS) Regular Board Meeting Minutes

JANUARY 27, 2021 VIA ZOOM

Meeting Called to Order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:30 p.m.

Roll Call

Present: Craig Bessinger (Ferrysburg, MI), Bob Monetza (Grand Haven, MI), Joanne Marcetti (Grand Haven, MI), Bill Cargo (Grand Haven, MI), Pat McGinnis (Grand Haven, MI), Cathy Pavick (Spring Lake, MI), Gordon Gallagher (Spring Lake, MI), Joel Tepaste (Inglewood, FL), Chris Burns (Spring Lake, MI), Mike DeWitt (Ferrysburg, MI), Pete Lamourie (Bradenton FL)

Absent: None

Also Present: Scott Borg, Harbor Transit Director, Andrea Dumbrell, Grand Haven Township Human Resources Manager, Dana Appel, Senior Accountant and Compliance Manager

Approval of the November 18, 2020 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes

Motion by Mike, second by Pete, to accept the minutes from the Meeting held November 18, 2020.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Additions/Corrections to the Agenda

Scott asked to add the following item to today’s agenda: Item 9M Harbor Transit Fare Policy.

Motion by Pat, second by Joanne, to approve the agenda as amended.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of the Harbor Transit’s Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget
No comments on Facebook Live feed or via telephone.
Close Public Hearing at 4:36 p.m.

General Business / Call to Audience: No comments.

New Business:
Discussion/Action of Final FY Budget 2021-2022.
Scott Borg did a review of revenues proposed in the 2021/2022 budget. From federal, state, fare and local sources. Scott conducted a similar review of the expense side of the budget.
Budget includes a 1.4% increase in wages. Recommendation is to approve the budget as presented.
Gordon asked if the ridership and fares have an impact on state or federal revenues. Scott will get an answer and advise the Board accordingly.
Bob asked about unfunded accrued liabilities and whether it is covered in the budget. Scott acknowledged that it was not yet finally resolved, that there were discussions ongoing with others and that a budget amendment would be offered later to cover these obligations.

Motion by Joanne to approve the budget as presented, second by Cathy.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action of 2021/2022 Fee Schedule

Scott presented a proposal to increase same day, trolley and beach express rates to $2.50 per ride (from $1.50). We have not yet finalized the touchless payment systems and do not know when we will have the new system in pace. In the meantime, Harbor is not charging any fee for ridership. Board discussion followed about the merits of a fee increase. There was consensus that we could consider this rate increase and make an informed decision following the proposed public hearing.

Motion by Bill to set a public hearing to consider transit ridership and advertising rate increases as proposed for March 24, 2021, second by Bob.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action of 2021/2022 Uniform Millage Rate Determination

Staff proposal is set at .6 mills for the coming year.

Motion by Bill, second by Joel, to submit a request of .6 mills to each of the five governing units.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action of 2021/2022 FY Resolution of Intent

This is an annual process that is required by MDOT to secure $3,881,303 in public funding for the agency.

Motion by Bill Cargo to approve the Resolution of intent, second by Chris.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action of the 2021-2022 Contract Clauses Certification

Annual approval of required, standard language in regard to our contracts with the State and Federal Governments.

Motion by Bill Cargo to approve the contract clauses certification as presented, second by Gordon

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action of Calendar Year 2021 Resolution to Adopt the Annual Exemption Option

PA 152 of 2011 requires us to either fall under a capped cost or pass an annual resolution exempting the agency form paying lower rates or requiring higher employee contributions. Tonight’s recommended action allows us to comply with the exemption request requirement.

Motion by Pat to approve the exemption from PA 152 or 2011, second by Joel.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action of Accounts Payable and the Financial Statements

Motion by Pat to accept financial statements as submitted, second by Joanne.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action on the Harbor Transit Professional Conduct and Anti- Harassment Policy

Motion by Bill to approve Professional Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy, second by Joel.

Joanne suggested an amendment to include a statement regarding the toxic political environment. That amendment dies for lack of a second.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Action on Harbor Transit Growth and Expansion Facility Update

The building committee discussed possible locations for new facility on January 13, 2021. The Progressive AE recommendation is that the existing site is not suitable for long-term growth.

Bob explained that the committee was seeking board approval of continuing with the process to seek further study and real estate guidance.

Motion by Bill to approve the direction proposed to move forward with an RFP for additional study, real estate advice and development of a site plan, second by Mike.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Discussion/Approval of the Harbor Transit FOIA Policy

Motion by Bill to approve the FOIA policy as proposed, second by Gordon.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Old Business – 18 Month Comprehensive Wage Study

Scott reported that he was working on selecting a consultant to conduct a wage study.

Added Item: Harbor Transit Fare Policy

Scott presented this policy and noted it is currently in effect. It is an outline of how fare decisions are made by the agency.

Motion by Pat, second by Bill, to adopt the fare policy as presented.

Yes: Pete Lamourie, Craig Bessinger, Bob Monetza, Joanne Marcetti, Bill Cargo, Pat McGinnis, Cathy Pavick, Gordon Gallagher, Joel Tepaste, Chris Burns, Mike DeWitt

Motion carries

Transportation Director’s Report – Scott Borg

Not charging for fares since onset of Covid. Are continuing full measures of protective face coverings and social distancing.
Looking at expanded fixed route trolley – both geographic and hours of operation – in 2021.

School service expected to begin in the fall of 2021.

Board Members Comments:

Joanne Marcetti – if public meeting is held in person, Joanne will not be able to attend.

Next regularly scheduled Electronic Remote Board Meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2021 at 4:30 pm.

Meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m.