DeKalb Times

DeKalb Transit Subcommittee met Sept. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the subcommittee:

ATTENDANCE

• City of DeKalb (1 votes): Tim Holdeman

• City of Sycamore (1 votes): Adam Orton

• DeKalb County (1 vote): Kathy Ostdick

• NIU (1 vote): John Heckmann

• NIU SA (1 vote): not present

• VAC (1 vote): Paul LaLonde

• Kishwaukee College (1 vote): not present

• DSATS Staff: Brian Dickson

• Transit Staff: Sabrina Kuykendall

• TAC Committee (non-voting): Nathan Schwartz

• Others Present: none

(BOLD indicates main voting member. Italics indicates proxy voting member.)

CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Holdeman called the meeting to order and established a quorum at 10:00 a.m.

1. Introductions

Introductions were made.

2. Approval of Agenda

Motion #TS0918-01: Motion made by Mr. Heckmann and seconded by Mr. Orton to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

3. Approval of Minutes

Motion #TS0918-02: Motion made by Mr. Heckmann and seconded by Mr. LaLonde to approve the minutes from the regular July 5, 2018 Transit Subcommittee meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

4. Public Comment

There was no public comment.

5. DSATS FY 19-23 TIP Revision 1

Mr. Dickson explained that the grants funds allocated to purchasing extra buses for VAC had a significant cost savings. The budgeted amount was already within the grant line items. Staff spoke with VAC and found there was a need for rear cameras, destination signs and radios for the buses. Instead of purchasing 2 Super Medium Duty buses, staff was able to purchase 3 Super Medium Duty buses. The purchasing of the extra Super Medium Duty bus, destination signs, rear cameras and radios were done as an administrative action. These purchases have already been submitted to and approved by the FTA.

Mr. Dickson discussed a Vehicle Master List this list also includes maintenance and equipment. The new Transit Manager for the City of DeKalb will also begin to work on a Master List as he gets onboarded into his new role.

Mr. Dickson explained that the FTA wanted to close out the grant, so those funds would have been lost if the funds were not allocated to the purchasing of new vehicles or equipment.

Mr. Heckmann questioned if there is an appropriate approval process. The current procedures on TIP modifications allow any changes in an existing line-item on the TIP, which does not change the amount of funding in that line-item can be processed by staff as an administrative action. Mr. Heckmann asked if that type of approval process should be reviewed to require approval by the committee when the use of transit funds in a grant is modified.

Mr. Holdeman stated that intent of purchases should be sent to the Transit Subcommittee. He also went on to suggest a Master Plan for Capital and Equipment for the next 5 years should be completed and brought to the meeting in October.

6. Core Network Transit Changes Update

Mr. LaLonde stated that the transit route change transition was nearly seamless. There were some concerns about the new fare prices that were implemented but other than one incident, there has not been an issue to date. VAC experienced great communication with Huskie Line. Both lines had assistants on board.

Mr. Heckmann inquired if the new weekend service was going well. Mr. LaLonde stated that the “Dial-A-Ride” service was booked solid and that ridership is steady.

Mr. LaLonde went on to state that staff will always have to market the system. Mr. Holdeman said that the new Transit Manager for the City of DeKalb will also be leading the marketing effort.

Mr. Schwartz brought up technology issues that are present for the bus systems. Mr. LaLonde mentioned that Route Match will be moving to a cloud-based system, so riders are able to download an app to view locations of buses.

7. Bus Shelter Update

Mr. Holdeman stated that the City of DeKalb received at least 3 bids for the construction of the bus shelters. Irving Construction was the lowest bidder. Staff will be making the recommendation to City Council on Monday September 10th. There are a few change orders. Irving Construction is going to try to get concrete pads poured near the intersection of the Wildflower and Dresser and the DeKalb County Health Department before it gets cold. There is also a priority of Sycamore pads to be done before Pumpkin Fest. The DeKalb County Health Department location has not been determined yet.

8. Staff and Project Updates

Mr. Dickson gave an overview of the reporting that staff has been working on. Staff is still waiting on the final IDOT approvals and SFY19 DOAP Contract.

Mr. Holdeman explained that General Managers from Target, Panduit, 3M and Nestle have reached out to the City of DeKalb to discuss transit service to Park 88.

Ms. Kuykendall gave an update on where staff is at with the RFP. Staff has collected questions during the question period and redistributed answers to all interested contractors. Proposals are due to staff by 1:00 pm on Friday September 7th.

9. What’s new with our State and Federal Partners

There was no one present to give updates.

10. Additional Business

Mr. LaLonde discussed the Asset Management Plan. He also mentioned that the IPTA Conference was beginning that night on September 5th. City staff will also be attending.

11. ADJOURNMENT

Motion #TS0718-03: Motion made by Mr. LaLonde and seconded by Mr. Heckmann to adjourn.

The motion passed unanimously. The September 5, 2018 meeting was adjourned at 10:38 am.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09052018-1434