HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 06-26-2012 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
June 26, 2012
Mayor Slavik called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. in the
Medicine Lake Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on June 26, 2012.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Wosje, Willis, Bildsoe, Stein, and Black.
ABSENT: Councilmember Johnson.
PACT MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Kedzuf and Member Bliss.
ABSENT: Members Gustafson, Scherschligt, and Britton.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Administrative Services Director Callister, Parks and
Recreation Director Evans, Transit/Solid Waste Manager Hellekson, Transit Coordinator Maciej,
and City Clerk Engdahl.
Transit Report from Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit (PACT)
City Manager Ahrens stated the Council conducted a joint meeting with PACT on September 27,
2011, and at that meeting, PACT and staff were directed to analyze the current transit system.
This review included many areas including defining alternative funding for 2012 and beyond,
prioritizing elimination of services, and increasing frequency between park and rides and
downtown.
PACT Chair Kedzuf stated since the September 27, 2011 meeting, their committee has had
monthly study sessions. They prioritized the transit system in order of services to be eliminated:
1. Dial -A -Ride
2. Local shuttle service (neighborhood route, no fare box)
3. Express tails (local route which is complete connected to an express route)
4. Express Service
The committee identified six proposed service scenarios:
Plan 1: Service elimination
Plan 2: Service reduction
Plan 3: Dial -A -Ride elimination; modest Express Service expansion
Plan 4: Targeted Express Service expansion
Plan 5: Express Service expansion
Adopted Minutes 1 of 3 Special Meeting of June 26, 2012
Plan 6: Long range service expansion
She stated PACT voted to recommend Plan 4, and they discussed an option to modify Plan 4 and
consider long range service expansion (Plan 6) should the system become more successful in the
future. Plan 4 would increase the frequency of service between Station 73 and downtown during
peak rush hour service to 15 -minute frequency, which is the minimal regional standard. It also
meets the expectation of transit users for minimal frequency of service and could assist to
minimize congestion between Plymouth and downtown. This plan would cost an estimated
additional $100,000 above the current operating budget annually. The total 2012 current
operating budget for fixed route and Dial -A -Ride is $4,460,850 (fixed route is 75% of the
operating budget).
Paul Buharin of First Transit discussed the transit report in detail, specifically, the six service
scenarios noted above.
PACT Chair Kedzuf commented the express tails are so valued by the residents. She spoke of
the need to market Station 73 and the need for improving its signage. She noted the close
proximity of 394/Hopkins Crossroad transit facility that's at capacity.
Councihnember Wosje stated one of the real issues is frequency which is causing a lack of
ridership. He asked how much ridership is necessary for a break even point. Mr. Buharin replied
the City needs to maintain half full buses.
Councihnember Stein stated what would be ideal is adding two buses to the Plan 4 option for
service at Station 73 for an increase of 10 minute frequency versus 15 minute frequency.
Councihnember Willis stated that the City will know the baseline to see what's gained from
increased marketing.
The question was raised as to the transit fund reserve balance. Transit Coordinator Maciej
replied the fund had a balance of approximately $4.5 million at the end of 2011. Mayor Slavik
asked if those funds could be used for capital projects such as extending the transit service to
Northwest Plymouth. Transit and Solid Waste Coordinator Hellekson replied yes.
Mayor Slavik noted that she frequently hears comments from residents that buses are half empty
the majority of the time. Mr. Buharin stated it could appear that way at times, but it depends on
the time of the day for certain routes.
Discussion was held on marketing efforts by utilizing mailers, the City's newsletter and website,
and informing Plymouth riders that might be using the 394/Hopkins Crossroad facility how easy
and convenient it is to use Station 73.
Mayor Slavik stated when the Council met with PACT on September 27, 2011, she didn't think
the City was looking to expand transit. She noted that with the recent survey, 98% of the riders
are satisfied with the current service. Therefore, she doesn't see a $100,00 solution which is the
Adopted Minutes 2 of 3 Special Meeting of June 26, 2012
additional yearly cost of Plan 4. She stated the problem is that Station 73 isn't full. There's no
need to add more buses.
Councilmember Wosje stated PACT isn't looking for a permanent change, but looking to increase
frequency at Station 73 which could increase the ridership. Plan 4 is a 18 -month concept and
will be reviewed to determine if it's successful in increasing ridership and use of Station 73.
Mayor Slavik presented an award to Tim Baldwin from First Transit who is leaving First Transit.
She thanked him for his years of service.
Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe to
approve Plan 4.
Councilmember Willis asked if this plan can be discontinued prior to the end of 18 months if it's
not a success. Transit/Solid Waste Manager Hellekson replied this plan would begin January 1,
2013 and the staff would provide quarterly reports to the Council. Staff will begin marketing
efforts later this summer.
With all members voting in favor but Slavik, the motion carried.
The Council thanked PACT for their work on the report.
Future Study Sessions
No future study sessions were scheduled.
Adiournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m..
Sandra R. Engdahl, joity Clerk
Adopted Minutes 3 of 3 Special Meeting of June 26, 2012