Minutes 10 11 01
MINUTES OF THE WILMINGTON TRANSIT AUTHORITY 11 October 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT Mr. Howard Capps, Chairman Mr. Dick Scott Ms. Laura Padgett Mr. William Boyd Mr. Harry Forden MEMBERS ABSENT
Mr. Mike Saylor Ms. Rosa Webb Mr. Steve Stein, Alternate STAFF PRESENT Mr. Albert Eby Mr. Corey Johnson GUESTS PRESENT Bill Austin, Senior Transportation Planner CALL TO ORDER Chairman
Capps called the meeting to order at 5:47 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Dick Scott made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 19, 2001 meeting. Mr. Forden seconded and the motion
was approved. Report from General Manager Funding Update State Transportation Improvement Plan Mr. Eby went over the State Transportation Improvement plan that was included in the
agenda packet. The Board directed Mr. Eby to request an update from NCDOT about funding for the Multi-Modal Center. Institute for Transportation Education (ITRE) grant
Mr. Eby Reported that the WTA will be filing a grant proposal with ITRE for the purchase of technologies. The technologies include a computer server, and maintenance software. A copy
of the plan by year has been included. Legislative Transit Funding Mr. Eby updated the Board on the NC Legislature’s 2002 transit budget. The budget includes increased transit funding
for the next three years. Fiscal year 2002 FTA grant Mr. Eby stated that he had filed the 2002 FTA grant. The grant included operating assistance and capital purchases including shelters,
a service truck and additional monies for the master plan study. The grant is making its way through the FTA approval process and should be completed by mid-December. Fiscal year 2001
FTA grant In an effort to leverage the maximum grant appropriations, Mr. Eby asked the Board to allow an amendment to this grant. The amendment would reprogram $86,400.00 in FTA funds
originally targeted for operating expenses, and use them for capital purchases including a van for future TDM initiatives, and maintenance equipment. The Board directed Mr. Eby to make
this amendment. The amendment will be placed on the next TAC agenda for inclusion in the TIP. If approved by the TAC, the amendment will be forwarded to NCDOT for inclusion in the STIP.
If approved by the State Board of Transportation, the amendment will be entered into the FTA system for their approval. Operations Update Operator Training Mr. Eby Reported that
Mr. Johnson was going to attend a USDOT course on how to train Bus operators and that upon his return management will be implementing a new training system for bus operators. The new
training will include classroom training for all new operators. The training will include components from the above course, Passenger Assistance Technique training, which teaches operators
how to transport the disabled, and instruction from an updated employee handbook. The new training is expected to be implemented in the early part of 2002. This updated program will
ensure a safer environment for our passengers.
Front Street Free Trolley Mr. Eby reported that he had discussed the downtown trolley with the City and if the Board is in agreement, we will continue the service through the holiday
season, provided the ridership numbers are at an acceptable level. Staff will then look at the service again in January. Mr. Eby reported that WTA staff and City staff were collaborating
on a video to help to the public recognize the free trolley and how to use it. The problems of lack of signage and ways to increase public awareness were also discussed. An Open Letter
to Downtown Merchants to address the Boards concerns is included in this packet. Merger and master plan study Mr. Austin reported that the contract for consulting services for the
study was at NCDOT awaiting state approval of the chosen consultant. WTA Priorities The priorities of the WTA were discussed including the need for a new facility, new buses, TDM,
technology and the Multi-modal facility. Report from the Chairman Other Business, Scheduling of next meeting Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6.45 p.m. Respectfully
submitted, Albert Eby General Manager