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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022-07-19 minutesAPPROVED 2022 PUBLIC TRANSIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 19th, 2022 Boone/Bancroft Conference Room, City Hall 320 East McCarty Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Committee Member(s) – Present Mrs. Angela Hirsch, Chair Ms. Susan McCurran Mr. Glenn Bonner Mr. Joshua Hale Ms. Sara Eichholz Committee Member(s) – Absent Mr. Wayne Lee Mr. Ian Shadrick Council Liaison Councilman Hensley – absent Councilman Lester- present Staff: Mr. Mark Mehmert Mr. Gerry Stegeman Ms. Glenna Vernon Guest(s): 1. Introductions: The meeting was called to order by Chair Angela Hirsch at 3:30p.m. Self-introductions were completed by all attendees. 2. Approval of Agenda Mr. Joshua Hale moved to accept the agenda as presented; Ms. Sara Eichholz seconded the motion. The motion carried. 3. Approval of Minutes Ms. Susan McCurran, moved to accept the May 17th, 2022 minutes as presented; Mr. Joshua Hale seconded the motion. The motion carried. 4. Public Comments (Limited to 5 minutes per individual) None APPROVED 2022 5. Committee Discussion (Roundtable Discussion) Notes regarding July 12, 2022 discussion The Public Transit Advisory Committee (P-TAC) meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 did not have a quorum. Those in attendance were Chair Angela Hirsch, Joshua Hale, and Glen Bonner. The individuals informally discussed and drafted a written/signed statement to the Public Works and Planning Committee, noting the signatories did not support the suspension transit fares proposed by Councilman Deeken in recent Public Works and Planning Committee and City Council meetings. In attendance at the gathering on July 12th, 2022 were Mayor Carrie Tergin as well as Councilmen Spencer and Deeken. General discussion(s) were held during this time. No official minutes were recorded. P-TAC Chair Angela Hirsch asked to schedule a meeting, tentatively scheduled for July 19th, 2022. (See attached signed statement). After a brief update regarding the July 12 individual discussions, Chair Angela Hirsch reminded members to give their best effort to attending P-TAC meetings. She noted achieving consensus is vital to the work of the committee as it works to provide essential input to the Public Works and Planning Committee as well as the City Council as a whole. City Councilman Deeken had proposed a suspension of transit fares at a Public Works and Planning Committee meeting and at a City Council meeting. The stated goal was to give a break to citizens in light of higher gas prices and relief from inflation issues faced by citizens today. The proposal was referred to the P-TAC. P-TAC Chair Hirsch expressed misgivings about the stated overall goals. She indicated that in her opinion, the temporary reduction could be used as a means of arguing for a reduction in the Transit Division budget. She expressed concern that if council were to suspend fares and ridership did not result in an expected level of increase during the suspension period, the suspension could be negatively interpreted and used to advocate for a reduction in the Transit Division’s budget. Ms. Hirsch indicated Transit is a valuable resource to Jefferson City and Cole County and noted that Transit facilitates essential economic activity, which results in economic growth. Ms. Susan McCurran moved the P-TAC committee decline to endorse the suspending of fares at this time. Mr. Joshua Hale seconded the motion. The motion carried without objection. A roundtable discussion took place on how to best advocate for transit. Discussion ranged from incentives to riders, marketing efforts (including radio ads in a cooperative project with MoDOT and the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission), social media, local advertising, etc. Transit Director Mehmert reported on monthly transit revenue including regular and paratransit fares. Transit facility conditions were also briefly discussed. Overall, Mehmert indicated grant applications must be approved by the city council. APPROVED 2022 Potential fare increases were discussed, and the group agreed this discussion should take place at future meetings as well. Chair Hirsch reminded the group that many social service providers use transit, and their voices will need to be heard if a fare change is proposed. Director Mehmert indicted the FY23 transit budget may garner significantly more attention (and perhaps be tighter as well) due to the depletion of CARES and ARPA funds in previous budget years. Mr. Mehmert encouraged P-TAC members to visit the transit facility, take a tour and ride the buses. Mr. Mehmert indicated the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) had conducted a study in 2019 in order to quantify the impact of public transit on the state as well as regional economies. Mr. Mehmert will provide a copy of the study to the committee. Ms. Hirsch reminded the committee that it is their role to speak publicly about the value transit provides to the community. In weeks ahead, Hirsch indicated that as P-TAC Chair, she will attend City Council meetings and Public Works and Planning Committee meetings, and encouraged the entire P-TAC committee to consider attending. Next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, October 11th, 2022. 7. Adjourn Mr. Joshua Hale moved to adjourn at 4:30 p.m., seconded by Mr. Glenn Bonner. Meeting adjourned.