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.