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