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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. Adopted Minutes 2 of 3 Special Meeting of February 8, 2011 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