HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02-08-2011 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
February 8, 2011
Mayor Slavik called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:43 p.m. in the
Medicine Lake Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on February 8, 2011.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Stein, Murdock, Willis, Black, and
Johnson and Bildsoe .
COUNCILABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Administrative Services Director Portner, Public
Works Director Cote, Community Development Director Juetten, Recreation Superintendent
Evans, Transit/Solid Waste Manager Hellekson, Transit Coordinator Maciej, and Deputy City
Clerk Tiegs-Roussell. Also present was Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit Chair Jeffiy
Wosje.
Discuss Transit System
Public Works Director Cote led the Council in a discussion regarding the transit system,
specifically the history of the system, current fleet and facilities, ridership, funding, budget, and
performance of the system. He stated in January 2011, the Minnesota Office of the Legislative
Auditor (OLA) released the Evaluation Report: Governance of Transit in the Twin Cities
Region." Due to the governance structure in the metropolitan area, the OLA has determined that
funding, coordinating, planning and logistics have become cumbersome and unpredictable.
Motor Vehicle State Tax (MVST) is the largest source of funding for transit systems, but the
revenues aren't increasing as projected. The OLA found that the legislature should restructure
Metropolitan Council governance to increase credibility, accountability and effectiveness as a
regional transit planner. The OLA listed 18 recommendations, but in reference specifically to
Plymouth, they recommended that "smaller city -run suburban transit providers should consider
consolidating. Those suburban providers that remain should work collaboratively with the
Metropolitan Council to improve bus transit service in the region." He stated staff has identified
the following areas that the Council may wish to consider and direct further study and analysis:
1. Eliminating routes that don't meet performance measurements and don't service
alternative purposes.
2. Targeting schools and businesses in downtown Minneapolis with Plymouth employees
and businesses in Plymouth with employees from downtown Minneapolis.
3. Increasing the frequency of trips downtown Minneapolis. In order to spur an increase in
ridership between Plymouth and downtown Minneapolis, Plymouth Metrolink would
need to increase the frequency of trips to at least 15 minutes apart during rush hour from
Adopted Minutes 1 of 3 Special Meeting of February 8, 2011
the three park and ride lots. This would involve reducing the number or frequency of
local routes.
4. Increasing advertising revenue with options such as bus wrap, posters, online advertising
wi-fi), and facility advertising.
5. Merging with other transit providers in the western suburbs. Discussions have been held
with the City of Maple Grove as both cities have similar facilities and express and dial -a -
ride programs. The City of Minnetonka is currently doing a study to determine whether
to exercise their option to provide their own transit service.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked what happens if MVST funding continues to decrease and the
City would need to cut expenses. Public Works Director Cote replied the funding could stop.
Transit and Solid Waste Manager Hellekson added the City is projected to receive MVST
funding only until 2015. She noted that in 2009 and 2010 the City didn't receive funding.
Counciirnember Bildsoe stated 'the City can maintain services as long as practicable and look for
ways to increase revenues. He stated the discussion of dial -a -ride also needs to be on the table.
He noted that this is a great opportunity to look at transit options with the cities of Maple Grove
and Minnetonka. Mayor Slavik agreed.
Councilmember Willis agreed with the above comments, and he questioned whether the Council
would be willing to raise property taxes to support transit in the future if there is no funding. He
stated the City has essentially four years, until 2015, to find ways to maintain the system.
However, the legislature will impact that decision.
Councilmember Johnson agreed and stated the City needs to solidify its position in the market
place so when the time comes, the City can approach other communities.
Councilmember Stein asked what the City of Minnetonka does for dial -a -ride service. Transit
and Solid Waste Manager Hellekson replied they utilize Transit Link. Transit Link will transport
anyone further than a quarter mile to a bus stop.
Councilmember Johnson asked what are the age demographics of the transit users. Transit and
Solid Waste Manager Hellekson replied with the fixed route, the average age is 40 years old and
older. Dial -a -ride ages vary with school children and working residents.
Mayor Slavik stated that fares aren't collected on shuttle routes. Councilmember Stein added
that perhaps the shuttles could be cut.
Transit and Solid Waste Manager Hellekson stated according to their survey, the ridership would
decline. She noted that the City could increase downtown Minneapolis trips if the shuttles were
eliminated. She stated the downtown Minneapolis routes average 800 passengers with the
reverse commute passengers averaging 800 passengers to the suburbs.
Mayor Slavik stated she's very disappointed with Station 73 usage. She voiced her concern with
the $26 subsidy for the 774 route passengers.
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A discussion was held regarding merging opportunities with the cities of Maple Grove and/or
Minnetonka.
Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit Chair Wosj e stated staff and PACT evaluated the
efficiencies of the Plymouth Transit system in 2010.
Councilmember Johnson requested staff to analyze highly subsidized routes within the City and
begin the discussions to merge the system with other communities. Councilmember Black
agreed and stated due to the economic times changing, communities may be more open to
merging services.
Public Works Director Cote asked the Council if they would be comfortable in extending the
current provider's contract, and the majority of the Council stated that they would like to see the
bidding process proceed. They also agreed that advertising may be another opportunity to
increase revenue.
Set Future Study Sessions
No study sessions were scheduled.
Adiournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 6:54 p.m.
Diane Tiegs-Ro se Deputy City Clerk
Adopted Minutes 3 of 3 Special Meeting of February 8, 2011