Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg Public Transportation Advisory Commission met Dec. 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

MEMBERS PRESENT

VIA PHONE: Linda Miller, John Hanlon, Mark Lee, Stephanie Grimes, Rose Miller, Josh Kilpatrick, Kyle Kelley, 7

MEMBERS ABSENT: 0

OTHERS PRESENT

VIA TELEPHONE: Ryan Berger, Director of Community Development.

OTHERS PRESENT

PHYSICALLY: Pamelyn Usher-Miller, Transit Manager, Dedra Mannon, Operations Manager and Mary Foutch, Transit Assistant.

Chairman Kelley declared a quorum present.

Public Transportation Advisory Commission members introduced themselves as did Pamelyn Usher-Miller, Dedra Mannon and Mary Foutch.

There were no Public Comments received.

Approve Minutes of the April 17, 2020 meeting

Member Miller moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Member Kilpatrick.

Minutes were approved by voice vote.

PT-20-1201 CARES ACT Grant Information

Pamelyn Usher-Miller, Transit Manager, provided the Commission information on the Cares Act Grant application and execution of the application. She informed the Commission that on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the City of Galesburg was sent notification we would be getting the funding.

PT-20-1202 CITY OF GALESBURG ADVERTISING POLICY

Mary Foutch, Transit Assistant explained that the City has never really had a policy in place that provides guidelines for advertising on the Galesburg Transit vehicles. She explained to be able to enforce any issues the City of Galesburg Transit needed to have a policy in place. The fee structure is the same as it was the previous years.

Member Grimes wanted clarification that this was a new policy. Dedra Mannon, Operations Manager, explained that in the past the City of Galesburg paratransit has had policies in place but since combining services a new policy needed to be created.

There were no other comments or questions.

Member Miller asked if the Commission should approve each item or wait until the end to approve everything at once. Dedra Mannon recommended waiting until the end and approve all the items as once. Chairman Kelley agreed.

PT-20-1203 SERVICE CONTRACT WITH CARL SANDBURG COLLEGE

Dedra Mannon, Operations Manager talked about how the City had a contract with Carl Sandburg College to allow currently enrolled CSC students, faculty, and staff unlimited access to all City of Galesburg Transit routes during all City of Galesburg Transit operating hours between September 2020 and August 2021. This is a renewed contract between CSC and the City of Galesburg Transit.

Member Miller asked for clarification on the charges. Mary Foutch, Transit Assistant explained the numbers were verified from the previous contract and the first 3 months what will be the new contract to come up with the numbers. The numbers are and will be substantially lower due to COVID-19.

Member Grimes asked about safety measures taken. Dedra Mannon suggested waiting until the end of the meeting when she will be giving an update on the COVID situation.

PT-20-1204 BUS TRANSFER CHANGES

Dedra Mannon, Operations Manager spoke on the changes the City of Galesburg Transit would like to make concerning the transfers. Dedra explained how the Transfer process works. Dedra also mentioned the misuse of transfers by passengers. She also explained how 60% of our riders take advantage of our Senior or Disability passes and ride the bus for free with unlimited rides. It is the goal of staff to get things to where our drivers are just driving. Drivers are having to fill out these transfer slips which creates more work for them. Not just writing out the ticket but tracking to be sure they are not being misused. The City of Galesburg Transit works with organizations like the Salvation Army and General Assistance to help those who need assistance with transportation in the City.

Member Grimes agreed to the elimination of the transfer to help get the drivers to a place where they are just driving.

Member Miller asked about lower income housing locations, would they have to pay double. Dedra explained they would if they needed to do a transfer. She again mentioned a lot of our riders already use the monthly pass, senior pass or disability pass that allows for unlimited rides.

Member Grimes asked if other groups could be involved in helping those in need. Pamelyn Usher-Miller, Transit Manager expressed to the Commission that she is hoping to begin working with more organizations in helping the community with their transit needs.

PT-20-1205 CITY OF GALESBURG TRANSIT LOGO AND BRANDING

Pamelyn Usher-Miller talked to the Commission about the vision behind the new logo presented. She explained this logo represents the opportunities of linking our programs to the community.

Pamelyn said with the combination of the two services it is a chance to rebrand our services to bring them together as one. Pamelyn is hoping this logo will help train the community to get away from dividing services. We are now the City of Galesburg Transit.

Member Grimes asked how staff came up with the logo, what the symbolism is behind it. Dedra talked about how the logo symbolizes how all services connect. It does not just connect residents from Galesburg but those who come to visit Galesburg. Galesburg Transit, Connecting Galesburg will get people to the places they need to go. Dedra said to her it is the coming together for the good in the middle, our community.

Pamelyn asked the Commission if they ride the bus. Member Rose does and Member Miller has used the paratransit services in the past. Pamelyn talked about how there will be changes in the future and she encouraged the Commission members to ride the bus. She talked about Earth Day and how Galesburg Transit will be encouraging the community to try transit for free that day. She asked the Commission to involve themselves more in the operations of the transit. She wants them to give honest input and explained to do that they need to ride the bus.

Dedra expressed to the Commission how excited the staff is to make transit something our community is proud of.

Member Grimes accepted and appreciated the challenge given by Pamelyn and agreed they need to do their part and experience it for themselves as well.

PT-20-1206 TRANSIT GRANTS MANAGEMENT MANUAL

Pamelyn talked about how the Galesburg Transit Grants Management Manual policy and procedures is something the state requires the City has in their possession for accountability of Federal and State funds, property and other assets awarded to the City of Galesburg Transit.

Chairman Kelley called for a motion to approve all items PT-20-1201 through PT-20- 1206.

Member Miller motioned to approve all items, seconded by Member Morris.

All items were approved by voice vote.

Chairman Kelley moved to discussion items.

COVID-19 UPDATE:

Dedra discussed the necessary measures Galesburg Transit has taken to keep our staff and passengers safe. Transit has reduced numbers on the buses and added additional buses to still provide transportation to all who need it. She explained we may need to turn people down for a bus, but we reassure them a van is come right behind the bus to help with rides. Transit has purchased face shields, masks for drivers and riders, heavy type of rubber gloves and providing extra sanitizing and cleaning of the buses. Management is working with staff to be sure they know they are not to come in if they do not feel well.

SERVICE CONTRACT WITH VNA:

Pamelyn, talked about possible service contract with the VNA for those who qualify for Medicare. She explained to the Commission the City of Galesburg Transit is already doing the work we will just be following up to be sure we gain revenue from the services we are providing to the VNA.

2021 PLANS:

Pamelyn discussed plans for 2021. She talked about how we are a family connecting Galesburg. She talked a little bit about how staff is working on the routes. She said right now some of our routes take an hour. Her goal is to cut down the time on the routes. The idea is being tossed around to rename the routes. Use the school mascot names. Silver Streaks, Chargers, etc. Pamelyn discussed wanting to establish more secure bus stop structures, also investigate solar power heaters for the bus shelters.

There are hopes to change the image of the buses. Give the buses a fresh appearance by adding the new logo to the buses. She also mentioned that included the cleanliness of the buses and the presentation of our drivers when it comes to uniforms.

Pamelyn said she is working hard on getting the App up and working. Still no date determined but moving forward.

Member Miller asked about the mobile app and why is taking so long. Dedra explained to the Commission that staff wants to be sure we are getting the best product out to the community and we are now realizing this app (AVL) offers a lot more than what we thought at the beginning of the process.

Member Miller asked about other services through the app. Pamelyn explained that we were looking at providing other services. An example would be the ability to use the app to upload funds to cards, locate buses, get notifications of bus locations, etc. This upgrade in operations will allow the drivers to just drive. We are wanting the app to work harder, not our drivers.

Member Grimes said she appreciated all the information.

Member Kelley agreed with Member Grimes and appreciates what Pam is trying to do. Member Kelley told Pamelyn he will advocate for Galesburg Transit anyway he can.

Pamelyn provided her direct number to the Commission if they wanted to reach out to her for anything.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.

https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/assets/1/20/12102020_Meeting_Minutes1.PDF