Minutes 04 11 02
MINUTES OF THE WILMINGTON TRANSIT AUTHORITY April 11, 2002 MEMBERS PRESENT Mr. Dick Scott, Chairman Ms. Rosa Webb Ms. Laura Padgett Mr. William Boyd Mr. Mike Saylor Mr. Harry Forden
MEMBERS ABSENT Mr. Howard Capps STAFF PRESENT Mr. Gary Miller Mr. Albert Eby GUESTS PRESENT Lawless Bean, TDM Coordinator, City of Wilmington CALL TO ORDER Chairman Scott called the
meeting to order at 12:11 p.m. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Forden made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 14, 2002 meeting, Mr. Saylor seconded and approval of the minutes
was unanimously approved. 2. REPORT FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER Front Street Free Trolley Mr. Reported that the lease on the Trolley was due to expire in June. Mr. Eby requested that
the Trolley lease be extended another year. I In order to prepare for the upcoming summer season, Mr. Eby requested that if the Trolley were to be utilized this summer, another air
conditioner be added to the Trolley. The manufacturer could do this, while the vehicle is passed through customs. The cost of the air conditioner would be approximately $12,000.00. Of
that, the WTA would be asked to pay $4,000. The lease cost would remain the same as it was in 2002, and the manufacturer would provide a replacement vehicle during the time the Trolley
is being repaired. Ms. Padgett revisited the issue concerning signage both on the Trolley an on the street. Mr. Eby suggested that some thought be given to use advertising funds in
the upcoming year to hire a marketing company to help promote the Trolley. Mr. Eby reported that he had attended a Downtown Parking Commission meeting earlier in the week with Rich
& Associates. The study was an update of the 1999 study. Mr. Eby gave a brief presentation to the consultants outlining the methodology and route of the Trolley, and asked the consultants
if some study of the Trolley and how it fits into the downtown parking scheme could be looked at. The consultants were agreeable to this request. Mr. Forden made a request that a study
be undertaken in order to look at Trolley service to the North Fourth Street area. Mr. Scott explained that the five-year
plan currently under study by Kimley-Horn and Associates would address this issue. Ms. Padgett explained that the Downtown Parking Study would also briefly look at the service provided
by the Trolley. New Bus Purchase Update Mr. Eby informed the Board that there were three demonstration buses on display for their viewing. Rides were available and manufacturer representatives
were on hand to answer their questions. Mr. Eby reported that the city of Wilmington Finance Director had requested that the new buses be purchased over a period of two years in order
for the city to adequately provide its matching 10% share. Mr. Eby reported that this would not adversely affect the WTA. Azalea Festival Passenger Statistics Mr. Eby that the WTA
transported 1,341 passengers on the Azalea Festival Shuttle. This represented a 0.22% increase over 2001. Mr. Eby informed the Board that the shuttles ran very smoothly although some
traffic tie-ups were encountered. 3. PRESENTATION OF THE 2002-2003 WTA BUDGET Mr. Eby Eby presented the 2002-2003 budget. The total budget is $2,470,000.00. Ms. Padgett requested
that in the future the budget be mailed out with the agenda. Ms. Padgett voiced concern over the city being asked only to contribute the minimum required by the FTA. She felt the WTA
should be given increased funding annually and grow to meet the needs of the city. Some discussion ensued concerning the study and there was agreement that the WTA would need increased
funding in order to meet its goal of providing better service and becoming more than a mediocre system There was discussion concerning the advertising revenues. Mr. Eby informed the
Board that he would seek their guidance concerning contractual changes in regards to the wrapping of any new equipment. Mr. Boyd questioned whether Corning was interested in continuing
their lease given their financial situation. Mr. Eby stated that the discussions had been favorable for continuing the lease. Ms. Bean stated that Corning was working on a contract for
for continuing the process. A motion to approve the budget was made by Mr. Forden. The motion was seconded by Mr. Saylor and approved unanimously. 4. REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN Consolidation
Study Update Chairman Scott asked the Board to think about their idea for the future of public transportation in Wilmington. He spoke of the merger study stating that the consultant
felt consolidation was unlikely due to labor constraints. The recommendation by the consultant was for WTA to provide fixed-route service in the county and NHTS to provide paratransit
in the county. Chairman Scott asked where is transit in the area going and how does the WTA fit in to these plans? Chairman Scott talked of the surrounding counties desire for public
transportation into Wilmington, but he felt that the WTA needed to improve on the services currently offered before taking on new challenges. Chairman Scott stated that the WTA needed
to be leaders in improving public transportation to the area.
Chairman Scott said that many areas of service delivery by the WTA need to be examined including headways, service areas and amenities. These changes would ultimately cost more, but
if the WTA is committed to providing the best possible service, additional costs were warranted. He reiterated that this process must be undertaken reasonably and responsibly. Mr.
Scott called for a work session in order for the Board to re-examine the mission and priorities for the WTA. Vice-Chairman Boyd stated that as a member of the study oversight committee,
he felt that a merger was possible. Vice-Chair Boyd stated his desire for the WTA to have service to area beaches. Board member Padgett pointed out that costs of a better system
were critical. She pointed out that she felt that the merger was possible and savings derived from fewer accidents would offset the additional labor costs. WTA demonstrated a far better
safety record than NHTS. Ms. Padgett felt that the consultants spent too little time on the merger issue and she felt that the issue was more legally challenging than the consultant
was willing to undertake. Board member Webb suggested that surveys be a part of the study. Ms. Bean stated that surveys would be employed in the study and that the details of the survey
were still in development. Board member Forden made a motion to set up a Board work session. Board member Padgett seconded and the motion to have a work session was unanimously approved.
5. OTHER BUSINESS, SCHEDULING OF NEXT MEETING Other Business Mr. Boyd asked if staff was aware of the closing of the Sun Mart on Shipyard and Carolina Beach Road. Mr. Eby stated
that staff was aware of this and that many passengers used this market for groceries. The closing meant that many passengers would have to transfer downtown to get to a grocery store.
Mr.. Eby said that staff would monitor the situation and possibly offer some route deviation or shuttle service if the store was not reopened. Ms. Bean informed the Board that a public
information and involvement session concerning the study would be on May 13, 2002 at the Town Hall on Castle Street. Chairman Scott passed out a letter he had written to Mayor Peterson
concerning the mayor’s discussions with CFCC to move the proposed multimodal center from its agreed upon location. Chairman Scott fielded suggestions on having future meetings at the
noon hour. All agreed that this would better than 5:30pm. Scheduling of next meeting The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday May 9, 2002 at 12:00pm in the WTA conference room.
Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Albert Eby General Manager