Yep. >> Okay, we'll call the uh transportation advisory committee meeting to uh to uh call the meeting to order. Sorry. Um approval of the last um June 11th
meeting. >> Make a motion to accept. >> Second motion >> first and second. Thank you. Um, some of the things we're going to be talking about today is the result of our no low and no emission grant program. Uh, we were awarded uh was that about two weeks
ago, Ann, that we got word that we got we're be getting the two propane buses. Um, and the infrastructure will be included with that at no cost. Um, and that will be for the Herman Express program. Um, so we were pretty excited
about that. um because obviously we decided against going with the electric buses since the the buses weren't going to be able to perform very well. Um so uh that'll be um a timeline I'm not sure
of. Um we were just awarded and uh so there's some things to work through for that uh that we'll be working on where to put up the um infrastructure for that. Uh which kind of leads us into our next um update.
And maybe Scott, you can speak to this again about the elixir building or a future home for us. Um, you know, >> rather than any any >> further discussion. >> Okay. So, at this point, >> okay, >> we the last time we discussed anything,
we just had said, you know, there's space in the back there that's >> basically very low heat or whatever in there. And uh we talked about the highway department might have some >> options there that we would put that in there temporarily or >> Sure. >> Sure.
>> But yeah, there hasn't been any we I think more than anything we've been waiting to know, >> are we going to get propane buses or not? >> Yeah. Yeah. cuz I got word the other day I need to come up with a plan of where I want to put the infrastructure for the
propane buses and I'm kind of Larry on where to do that at since the highway department is kind of in flux too with what they could possibly doing in the future. Um so um I I'm kind of leaning towards going with a temporary storage
um where it'd be more of a movable tank you know wouldn't be anything that you know we could move it in the future. Um, which is something they said they could do. Um, so >> I'm not familiar with that, I guess. So, >> it'd be more like a house
>> through a considerable amount of propane, >> right? Yeah. Yeah. It'd be a It would be quite a large tank and they'd probably have to build some sort of retaining wall around it to, you know, so nobody would run into it. But I'm not sure if we'd want to do that at the highway department or or where we'd
>> have a logical place, I guess, but we haven't discussed that, >> right? Yeah. So, we'll have to >> would imagine there's room probably behind the elixir building in the back part back there, too. That >> right. If that's if that's what we want to do. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> But if it's portable, we could put it and take it out down the road if we needed to. >> Yeah. Maybe it would something. Would you like me to have get it like on the agenda for the for the commissioners and maybe have some discussion about it with Sam and and
>> so maybe we can work on that and then and see what what comes what >> you know they they would like a decision you know sooner rather than later because when they put in the application they have to do sites you know have to have sight stuff and so >> what timeline are we looking at for this
whole process? >> I asked him about that and he wasn't real clear. He said, you know, he said it's not like a today or tomorrow thing, but I would say probably I would want to know something by uh by February. Um >> okay. >> If possible. Um that word just came to
me yesterday. So I thought as long as we're having the meeting, I would just discuss it in an open forum with you. So >> shouldn't be a problem. I've been >> Yeah. Do you think that it makes more sense to try and get it squeezed into a meeting in December or um a meeting at
the end of January? >> I think we can do January if that's if you guys that gives us some time to kind of >> Do you think that it would be needed to have somebody come and just kind of look at both locations or do you
feel like it's not necessary? And >> yeah, I mean I think it's the most important part probably is just um for us to decide and then at that point move forward, you know. >> Okay. >> So have to make sure you know follow safety regulations and all that kind of
thing. So >> Right. Right. Yep. For sure. For sure. So um so the next item is uh Sarah Berg update and we'll wait on her to to get here. Um, one of the things that got
brought up by Greg Peterson, um, was that the National Guard members aren't able to ride, uh, for free. We do offer free, uh, rides for the veterans, uh, but National Guard members don't fall under that. Um, so Greg asked that we
bring this to you guys to see if it was something you guys would be interested in doing. if if you would be, he would have to give National Guard members a a card because right now a Guardsman doesn't have any proof that they were in
the Guard. So, um again, it would be a free ride. >> Um you know, if it's something you want to table and maybe we take up at the next meeting, but um he did approach me. I remember was that shortly after our last meeting within a couple of months. So, >> wonder what kind of numbers we'd be
looking at with that. It's probably not huge to be honest. >> Just in my opinion too. And I mean these are veterans that served. I would be I would personally be comfortable with it. But >> yeah, >> I don't know where the rest of the board sits. I >> think given the volume it probably isn't
>> too much. But >> does the city have any thoughts on it, Joe? Are you >> Oh, concerns. >> Okay. It's something we want to move forward with then and I can let Greg know that >> I think so >> any National Guards member can
>> can show up and get a card from him and he can maybe promote it a little bit too. >> Mhm. >> Um so uh thank you for that. Um the holiday hours we will be closing at noon on Christmas Eve. Uh though it is a all
day county holiday. We do uh run uh the H Heartland and Herman till noon that day and then close Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Um and then uh I'm going to leave the Emerson bench idea for Sarah cuz she's kind of been dealing with that
a little bit more than I have. Um the additional advertising for Herman Express. Um you know, our numbers have been pretty decent. Um, you know, we've never really done any radio advertising or anything. Um, wondering if that is
anything that that uh the board or the commission would be opposed to um to doing some extra advertising. Uh, we do have it in our budget. Um, but you know, again, that would be a Herman Express expense. So, um wondering if if the
commission is is would like to explore that option or in the winter time our wrership does kind of decrease >> um >> more than it does, you know, during the nicer months of the year. So, >> I think radio ad would be pretty fair. I
think that would get to a lot of our riders or people that would be potential riders or what would we be looking at for costs or what >> and we would have to go real crazy with it. Just maybe do a little blitz for a couple of you know months or couple
weeks and see how we what we >> What about any newspaper? Do you think it's worth it in the newspaper too or not necessarily? >> I don't know. Print print ad is difficult nowadays who it's getting to. Can you tell if it's getting to them? >> Yeah,
>> we are we are in >> Facebook is always we have a Facebook. >> Weird as that is. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um we are in the community um the the one that goes out for visitors. Um it has the map in there. So, you know, I'm
not sure how much visitors use it, but you know, it's it's >> the nice thing in there. It's in there throughout the whole year. It's not just a oneanddone thing. So, >> I don't know what a billboard would cost, but that seems to me that that would maybe be effective. That >> never thought about that.
>> They're they're driving, >> riding, whatever. And right, you know, >> would be up for some time. >> Let me add that to my uh >> You guys have billboards? >> Yeah. >> 1,200 to 2,000 is what I've seen for some bids. So, it's they're pretty high
depending on location. >> Okay. >> Do you guys do any with I work with Sarah a lot on that, but >> Okay. Yeah, that's we can look into that. Uh, thank you, Commissioner.
Um, as long as Sarah is here and she's ready to go, maybe you want to kind of take over. We've kind of discussed We went past you already. >> Oh, okay. Yeah. So, the ridership again um just
starting out here in the month of December. It's it's been a little lower than the past couple months, but surprisingly this morning people were out. So, um can't always base it on weather, I guess. Anyway, um since our
last meeting, we did increase every month. um 479 in June, 579 in July, 514 in August, 621 in September, and then on October we had 707. So that's our
highest um month so far. And then 580 in November. So compared to last year at this time, we're up 1,54 rides. So, more rides this year than the same time frame last year, January to end of November.
>> How many rides were last month? >> Last month, um, in November, 580 >> was when was 700? >> October. >> October. >> Mhm. Yep. >> And November probably is lower because we were closed uh four days for the Thanksgiving holiday.
>> Yes. >> About three days for you. >> Three days. And so far this month, we we've given 167 rides as of yesterday. >> Nice. >> Um, let's see. Staffing, you probably
touched on that, too, but we're continuing to train the newly hired H Heartland drivers for Herman Express. So just the issue we run into with that and they and these drivers have said it is okay you train us and then we don't do it you know or you don't need us and
then all of a sudden so then it's like kind of retrain or at least go another couple loops with us just so they get familiar with it. But um at least we're getting that initial training into in for them. So that's been positive too.
Um, did you touch on the bench update then? >> We wanted to leave that for you, Sarah. >> Okay. So, with the Emerson Union bench update, I had submitted the funding request to the Optimus Club and then some things came up and we weren't able
to resolve them in a timely manner. So, unfortunately, I sent an email back to the Optimus Club. Thank you very much for being willing to fund us, but at this time I can't get the bill ready by the time you need it. So, um, I asked them to go
ahead, you know, spend the money where they see fit and then I would when we get to resolving all the issues that we had, um, I would resubmit our request. and they were very appreciative that at least we kept the lines open and said,
"Yep, they certainly would take a look at it again when that happens." So, um, >> expand on what the issues were. Maybe there was >> um, so we didn't discuss enough with the city
who was putting it in and the placement of it. And so then when it came time where we thought we would have be able to do it, um then they kind of backed up a little bit and said, "Well, where do you want to put it?" And they didn't
really the city didn't want the responsibility or you'd have to do a easement. Was that right, Joe? >> Yeah, Mr. Chair and commission members, the issue is city forces can't install um public infrastructure on private property. So that that was the issue we
ran into where the location that was picked was on Emerson Union property and without an easement, we can't as a city install that infrastructure. So if it was placed within the rightway, we we could work through that. But on private property, it would either need to be a
private contractor installing it or um without some easement documentation allowing city forces on that property to do the install. we uh had to just say we weren't able to do it. So, >> and then in talking with um Emerson
Union, you know, just trying to figure out the spots where we thought it would work well and then they weren't sure and I I don't know where the exact property lines were right away. So, yeah. And then it just like I said between having
to have a bill submitted to the Optimus Club, you know, by the end of September and then going into the winter months, we just said, "Eh, we let's just put this on hold for right now." So that's what happened. Um, I did get a Bob Beck
with the New Bike Group did reach out to me asking about bike parking stands at each of our stops, if they would be needed at our bus stops. And at this time, I told him, as far as I know, I
haven't had anybody like ride their bike to a bus stop and then want to park it. But um at least that contact that he reached out to us and the new alm bike group they would be willing to fund that from what I understand. And so when I
shared that with Pat um we said well that's something you know when we start looking at putting the um different shelters in that then that's maybe something we could you know go back to them with too. So, but at least that they reached out. I thought
that was very, very nice of them to do that. >> You'd have to, you know, do some kind of a load unload on what a bus to haul that bike around here. >> Well, and that's it wasn't for that reason. It was just simply that, you know, somebody just rides a bike to the
bike stop and they wanted a one of those like you see the heart of New Alm where they could then, you know, lock their bike to that until they came back around to pick it up. So, >> kind of the last mile thing they talk about. So, maybe they live six blocks
away, they'd ride their bike to the stop, lock their bus bike up, and then when the bus dropped them back off, they'd be able to go back home. So, >> I on the other hand had someone reach out to me asking why they don't have bike racks on the buses. So, the exact same thing he was asking or mentioning
was that there potentially could be more riders if they knew that they could bring their bike with them, but we've never seen that, but we've never offered it. So, it's hard to tell if it would be used or not. >> Yeah. And the problem with a bike rack on a bus like those is that in order to
check the oil, you have to basically take the entire rack off every time and you have to crawl up on that rack to check the oil. So it become and then >> that sounds awful. >> Yeah. And it's and also when you turn, you got to account for that extra
>> feet on the bus as you're making the turns. And a lot of lot of systems big buses are fine cuz there you know there nothing they need to do but small bus buses are it's a real kind of a pain to to to do that. I think it would be could
be useful, but I think it'd be more of a hindrance, you know, for the amount of riders we'd possibly >> and timing too. >> And then yeah, then they have to put the bike on and you know, and then if it they don't do it correctly and we run it over or >> you know, then it's our responsibility.
So, um, so that's that's where where the bike rack issue is. >> So, regular bike racks would be more realistic thing to pursue just at the stops, >> right? Very good. Did you uh I'm looking farmers market.
>> No, go ahead. >> So with farmers market for the first year, I I think things um went I feel that things went well once we figured out the load and unload spot for H Heartland Express. Um Herman provided 21
subsidized rides and Hartland provided nine subsidized rides. And I my personal feeling is it's worth trying again if the chamber has the funding is able to get that funding again. And when I reached out to May at the chamber, she
she did feel the same that she felt it would be worth trying again as long as the funding can be secured. So we'll see when when the new year rolls around. Um, Herman Express made it into the parade of lights again and um had the
opportunity to do a little more decorating. So, that was fun. More lights and um some big uh stockings on the side. So, people seem to appreciate seeing us. And then, um as far as that,
I think cuz you talked about the propane buses, right? >> I did. Okay. >> Yep. Yep. >> All right. Um, moving along then, the funding for 2026 will be again a 10% match like it was this year. Uh, the state is asking us to prepare for going
up to 15% after 26. So, um, just something that we'll have to um keep keep reminding ourselves that uh we do have that match there and that the city is is responsible for anything over the the the
match doesn't allow. So, um, so that's just something to keep, uh, keep in mind. Um, some other discussion if, uh, has anyone got anything? I know Tom, you just got here. We can fill you in after the meeting about the bench. >> I thought it started at 1:30.
>> Oh, and I haven't gotten any notices. >> Okay. >> U, so >> we'll make sure that you get on there. Lisa can usually sends out the the the uh agenda like a >> I think it went out late last week,
didn't it? >> Yeah. >> So, >> I'm off the list. >> Am I off the committee? Maybe. >> No, you're not. No, you're still on. And actually, that's our next discussion if we have no further discussion. >> I I do have something here. >> Sure. >> And they was just at this speed meeting
yesterday that they put on at MC. Um, they were talking about buses and the the problems with people having to have a CDL to run these buses and whatnot and and brought up that, you know, use a van, but then one of the counties brought up that they said, "Well, we use
buses, but they're they're the is it weight or passenger that's still a bus, >> right?" Yep. And that's remember the last bus that we ordered. Um, excuse me, not the last one, the one before that. We got We have one non CDL buses and
everything going forward. uh will be this will be that um just because it's it's getting harder uh to find staff. >> Go get the CDL start from start to finish is about 1,200 bucks. >> Yeah. >> It's very expensive. >> Now you got you don't have that expense
at all. So >> Right. Yep. Yep. So everything going forward uh even with the Herman Express, it's just actually um from a 15 passenger to uh No, I'm sorry. 15 is allowable cuz that's what our van at the human services that you
bought >> can haul. So 15 and under is no CDL. So but 16 and over is so >> and that's what those other buses were. >> That's what Right. Yep. Yep. with with the wheelchair positions and um you know
I don't think Sarah you don't think that just having two or three less passengers on the Herman Express bus would make any difference do you with as far as to capacity? I mean, you've probably Have you seen that you've had every seat full? >> Twice.
>> Twice. >> Twice. >> Okay. >> But, >> but yeah, so it's it's not very often. And I think we could and and you can stand in in a bus. I mean, we have Brown County has the policy we need to be seat belted. So, we may have to relax relax
that, but it is not against Minnesota law to stand on a bus. You can because they have the grab rails. Um so for a short while um we'd again we'd have to change policy about the seat belt requirement um you know if we get to
that point um but uh it is not against the law to to stand on a bus >> our propane buses then or non-suit no CDL >> we'll make those non that that'll be our choice. Yep. So we will do the same for that. That's what I'm kind of suggesting here that we um you know we may again we
may have to relax that seat belt rule that Brown County has in place um that all passengers have to be seat belted but um so yeah. Yeah, that's definitely I think uh Commissioner I remember when I first
started you were a big proponent of why are we getting these big buses when we don't need them? Let's get a something smaller so we can So this is kind of moving in that direction. So you had the foresight years ago to and we didn't follow your directions. So right there
>> it got a lot it got a lot more difficult to get a CD out because now you have to have this entry level driver training that just makes it almost >> and the value of the bus should be greater to to train to resell because you don't have >> church groups can buy it and Yep. Yeah.
I remember we had actually sold one of our buses to a church group in Wisconsin and when they found out they thought they could just take a seat out but if the bus was manufactured that it has that that you have it have to have a class you know to drive the bus you taking a seat out doesn't matter so as
long as it was manufactured that >> creativity though >> so they actually end up backing out because the church couldn't >> so um yeah any other discussion about anything. >> Go ahead.
>> For oh, over a year now. For over a year now, we've been working with routing software application companies. Our our routing app that we use, it's called Route Match. We've had it since 2011. Um price continues to go up. Uh their
customer service is not the best. There's other options out there now. um newer, cheaper, um more uh more aimed at Herman, um where we
could have a mode for the the doortodoor H Heartland buses and have a separate screen for for Herman that would uh make life easier for the driver and eliminate all the button pushing needed to to have a fixed route ability on the tablet in
there. So, um, Hartland and Herman with with, uh, Sarah and our dispatchers were currently shopping for a new routing app that, um, just user friendly. It's another technology grant through through
Mindot Transit. Uh, so we got to the end of 26. >> Um, we've had online meetings, inerson meetings with uh, multiple different options. So, we're going to put another RFP out and see if we can attract some more some more attention.
>> Yeah, cuz right now it's very cumbersome when the drivers use the route match system we have right now because we just kind of made it to work for us. We didn't want to buy the extra program. Um, so Sarah and her group are having to push multiple but buttons each time they
make a pickup or a drop or actually every stop. Correct. Okay. >> Um, which we're hoping will eliminate a lot of that. So, uh, with the new software. So, thanks for bringing that up, Nate. >> And that's paid for by Mind. >> So, we'll be responsible for the 20%
but, you know, it'll be a small percentage, you know, of the cost. So, um, I think the grant goes up to $60,000 and we haven't seen anything with that price tag yet. So, it won't be that much. So >> that grant also would include new
tablets and tablet holders in the buses >> which are >> two to three years out of them before they start to fade. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, for sure. Um any other discussion? >> Well, I've been on our buses quite a bit. Not the Hartman.
>> Not the Herman. Um so uh filling the vacancy for the following members. The city has a person that we need to have as a city representative and we need someone for the county representative. Um our person uh her work schedule changed so she is
not able to be on the commission anymore. And I think that you guys had Michelle and she bowed out about a year ago it looks like. Um, so just wondering if how we want to move forward with that if the city wants to take care of finding somebody to be on the commission
or maybe we could visit with Sarah about some riders. Um, >> that maybe would be someone we could approach. Um, we can maybe talk about that Sarah about uh we could fill two two birds with one stone with two
different folks that are frequent riders of the bus or >> um is I think sometimes we're missing that piece. >> I do always like hearing input from a rider, right? We had that in the past or just citizen. >> Yeah. So, we'll kind of work on that and then we'll bring that uh before
hopefully we get that somebody uh talked to and on the on the on the board or in the commission for the next meeting um in June. So, um which um if there's any other discussion um setting our next meeting date for
June 3rd, 10th or 17th. They're all they're all the same dates. Uh, same Wednesdays, same 12:00. So, >> don't What's the date? >> Uh, the the 3rd. >> Yeah. >> The 10th or the 17th? >> Which one of those?
>> Okay. Okay. >> I think um I don't really have a preference. Well, >> yeah, I don't. I didn't either. >> No preference. >> Okay. >> No. >> What day? What day of the week is it? >> They're always Wednesdays. Wednesdays at noon. Okay. Here.
>> Yeah. >> I don't >> If we go with the 10th, it'll be exactly six months from now. >> Perfect. >> That sounds great. >> Until June. >> It's much easier on your note taker, too. >> What's that? >> It's one less thing I have to change my
meeting minutes, too. >> Wednesday. >> So, Wednesday, June 10th at noon here in the city chamber office. Um, >> January. What's that? >> June June >> January meeting regarding LP paint
place. >> Um that'll be at the Brown County Commissioners. >> Okay. >> So, >> what's the subject of um the U benches on the >> Yeah, we'll discuss that at the end of when we get down here because we've discussed that and Sarah can go over
that with you, Tom. >> Okay. >> If that's okay. >> It's where I get the most questions. >> Sounds good. Um any other discussion? Otherwise we'll call the meeting adjourned. Do I have a first and second? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second.
>> Motion adjourned. >> Thank you.