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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTransportation Coordination Committee - Minutes - 10/2/2023 K:\Agendas and Minutes\Transportation Coord Committee\TCC Minutes\TCC minutes 2023\TCC meeting minutes-2023-10-02-final.docx 1 BAYFIELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE VIRTUAL MEETING 10/02/2023 3:00 – 4:00 PM Committee Members Present: Carla Becker, Mary Dougherty, Jeremy Oswald, Jeff Benton, Carrie Linder, Perri Campbell Staff/Others Present: Sarah Traaholt, Elizabeth Skulan, Pat Daoust Call to Order and Introductions Chairperson Dougherty called the meeting to order at 3:02 PM and introductions were made. Dougherty requested that items requiring action be addressed first. Linder suggested #5, #4 and lastly #3 agenda items be addressed in that order. No objections to the change in order by the group. 2. Discussion and Possible Action – Review and approval of the August 16, 2023, meeting minutes Motion by Oswald, seconded by Benton, motion carried. 3. 2024-2028 Transportation Coordination Plan Presentation Linder called the committee’s attention to pages five through seven of the 2019-2023 Ashland, Bayfield and Price Counties Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan. Linder noted that the assessment of needs and gaps, and goals are where committee suggestions are needed to update the 2024- 2028 Transportation Coordination Plan. Linder tasked the committee to provide input about these items at the public meeting that will be held at the BART main office at 1:30 p.m. on November 6th. Committee members who are unable to attend November 6th should provide feedback to Linder so it can be shared at the meeting. Dougherty asked if the committee could help with any of the outreach. Linder stated that Sheldon with Northwest Regional planning is working on updating information and taking the lead on getting the word out. Linder will share the flyer as it is made available so others may share. 4. 2024 s85.21 Project Planning Linder reviewed items from the previous meeting. Linder had some concerns about how to fit them all in with local match for Door2Door. Linder states that DHS can provide up to a 25% match. However, ridership needs to be closely monitored. Elder and disabled population must have a usage in line with the percentage of funding to fulfill s85.21 grant obligations. Daoust reviewed federal and state funding that BART receives. Daoust is unsure what the allocation will be available to BART next year. Linder noted that Mark Ables-Allison, County Administrator, stated that if there is a funding gap, some ARPA funds may be available for one more year to see if this is a viable service for Bayfield County. Linder is unsure if two years of data has been enough to make this determination. More information is needed from Daoust. Linder noted that Bayfield County is looking at the Find Your Own Driver Program that has been implemented by a few counties in Wisconsin. This may be a way to backfill and create more comprehensive transportation options. FINAL: Approved at 6/10/24 TCC meeting K:\Agendas and Minutes\Transportation Coord Committee\TCC Minutes\TCC minutes 2023\TCC meeting minutes-2023-10-02-final.docx 2 Linder has filled in while Transportation Coordinator, Michele Reiswig, is on vacation. Linder notes that Bayfield County doesn’t have a lot of volunteer drivers available currently and it is a process to contact the drivers and set up the logistics for participants. Linder was able to make connections for the riders who called but noted that finding your own driver may would eliminate some of that coordination by empowering the rider to get their needs met. Linder notes that conversations need to happen with corporation council on legalities before it moves forward. Dougherty liked the idea of expanding on the Find Your Own Driver Program. Dougherty notes that trust is often a barrier for requesting rides. Dougherty also states that a person without financial means would then have something to offer those they wish to ride with. The next TCC meeting will be the public hearing for the 85.21 grant application and will take place at 2:30 p.m., a half-hour prior to the A&D Advisory Committee at 3:00 on November 28th. Meetings cannot be held concurrently, so Linder asked committee members to check their calendars for availability. 5. Discussion and Possible Action-Review and possible recommendation of Door2Door (D2D) replacement vehicle Bay Area Rural Transit (BART) has placed an order for an electric twelve passenger transit van to be used for the D2D project. Van is expected to be delivered in 2024. Daoust reviewed specs of the van and answered questions posed by the committee. Linder notes that a portion of the local share can be covered but questioned if the vehicle suited the needs of operating D2D. Becker stated that it doesn’t necessarily make sense to have a larger vehicle especially when considering the rural communities of Bayfield County, however, having electric vehicle would be a huge asset for the many miles that will be needed. Becker shared with the group that Pathways Transport is closing as of Friday. Becker anticipates that since Pathways is closing it is a possibility that D2D may get busier. Linder notes that the portion of the ridership for medical appointments if Medicaid is involved would fall to Veyo. Total match for this purchase is $21,975. Bayfield County discussed contributing $15,000 as this is what the match would be if a van was ordered. Linder is asking the Transportation Coordination Committee for recommendation for $15,000 to be used from the trust fund to be used towards the D2D replacement van. Motion by Oswald, seconded by Benton, motion carried. Linder will take the recommendation, along with required information on the vehicle, from the Committee to the DOT for final review and approval. Oswald questioned when the replacement van is expected to arrive. Daoust noted it is a 2024 model year and is unsure at this point but is not expecting a delay like the electric bus. It should be delivered in 2024, pending the strike. Future Meeting Date - Linder stated representation at the public input and public hearing meetings is needed. Linder notes that the Transportation Coordination Committee group will not need to meet again as a group before the two upcoming November meetings as long as information is reviewed independently, and feedback is provided. Public Input Meeting – November 6th, 2023, 1:30 p.m. at BART main office. K:\Agendas and Minutes\Transportation Coord Committee\TCC Minutes\TCC minutes 2023\TCC meeting minutes-2023-10-02-final.docx 3 Public Hearing - November 28th, 2023, 2:30 p.m. Bayfield County. ADAC meeting to follow at 3:00 p.m. Adjournment- Meeting adjourned by Dougherty at 3:43 p.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Sarah Traaholt.