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November 15, 2023 Board Meeting Minutes

Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System (HTMMTS)
Regular Board Meeting Minutes
City of Grand Haven

1. Meeting Called to Order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:30 p.m.

2. Roll Call
Present: Craig Bessinger, Bill Cargo, Bill Cate, Bill Cousins, Gordon Gallagher, Ashley Latch, Deanna
McIntyre, Cathy Pavick, Joel TePastte, & Will Whittemore
Absent: Kevin McLaughlin
Also Present: Scott Borg, HTMMTS Director; Dana Appel, Finance and Compliance Director; Andrea Dumbrell, Human Resources Director; Trina Robinson, Consultans; Annelise Walker, Marketing Coordinator; and Brian Woline, Accounting Supervisor.

3. Additions/Corrections to the Agenda.
None.

4. General Business/Call to Audience
None

5. Consideration for Approval of Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of Sep 27, 2023 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes
b. Approval of Regular Agenda
c. Approval of Payable Warrant
d. File/Receive Financial Report
e. Approval of FY2024/25 Estimated Budget
f. EEO Data
g. Approval of Updated Fare Policy
h. Approval of Cash Management Policy
Motion by Cargo, second by Gallagher to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried.

6. New Business:
a. Approval of Website and App Terms of Use Policy. The transition to the Lakeshore Go App requires the institution of a terms of use policy. Among other things, this policy limits Harbor Transit’s liability, protects Harbor Transit’s content, prevents abuse, and declares governing law. Motion by Cargo, second by TePasste to approve the Website and App Terms of Use Policy. Motion
carried.
b. Approval of Website and Mobile Application Use Privacy Policy. Similar to the above, this policy reduces legal penalties, lawsuits, repetitional damage, and cybersecurity risks related to Harbor Transit’s website and app. Motion by Pavich, second by Latch to approve the Website and Mobile Application Terms of Use Policy. Motion carried.
c. Resolution to amend the Financial Institutions
Motion by Cargo, second by Gallagher to approve Resolution No. 2023-1115 amending the list of financial institutions with which Harbor Transit does business as presented by Borg. Motion carried.
d. Resolution to amend the Personnel Manual
Motion by TePasste, second by Cousins to approve Resolution No. 2023-1115.1 amending the Personnel Manual to remove credit history reviews and add service awards and retirement gifts as presented by Dumbrell. Motion carried.
e. Resolution to amend Harbor Transit’s No-Show Policy
Motion by Cargo, second by McIntyre to approve Resolution No. 2023-1115.2 amending Harbor Transit’s No-Show Policy requiring all passengers to pay for missed rides as presented by Borg. Motion carried.

7. Reports
a. Marketing Report: Walker updated the board on recent current marketing efforts, highlighting the introduction of the Lakeshore Go App to the community. A new advertiser, Little Red House has purchased a bus wrap and two interior panels.
b. Operations Report: Borg reported that ridership is still down when compared to pre-COVID numbers, but continues to improve. No-shows continue to be a concern, but based on the experience of the Traverse City transportation system, the implementation of Lakeshore Go should cut the rate of no-shows dramatically. There have been no bus crashes or injuries since the last HTMMTS regular meeting. Two complaints and two compliments were received.
c. Transportation Director’s Report: Borg shared highlights of his report, including his appointment to the Four Pointes Board of Directors, the implantation of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software, the current status of the Environmental NEPA study for the new property, and the receipt of four new buses. (Five were shipped, but one was returned because of damage in shipping.)

11. Board Member Comments:
• Borg introduced the new HTMMTS Accounting Supervisor, Brian Woline.

12. Meeting adjourned. Meeting adjourned by Bessinger at 4:53 PM.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is Jan 24, 2024, at Grand Haven Township, 13399 168th Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.

September 27, 2023 Board Meeting Minutes

Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System (HTMMTS)

September 27, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Minutes

1. Meeting Called to Order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:30 p.m.

2. Roll Call
Present: Craig Bessinger, Bill Cargo, Bill Cate, Ashley Latch, Deanna McIntyre, Joel TePastte, & Will Whittemore.
Absent: Chris Burns, Gordon Gallagher, Kevin McLaughlin, & Cathy Pavick.
Also Present: Scott Borg, HTMMTS Director; Dana Appel, Finance and Compliance Director; Tom Burghardt Jr., Operations Superintendent; Andrea Dumbrell, Human Resources Director; Annelise Walker, Marketing Coordinator; Trina Robinson, Consultant; Matt Guinn, Safety Coordinator; and Shonda Walski, Dispatch Mobility Supervisor.

3. Additions/Corrections to the Agenda.
None. Motion by TePastte, second by McIntyre, to approve the agenda as submitted. Marion carried.

4. Public Hearing: Review of public comments about reinstatement of fares.
Opened at 4:32 PM. Walker shared an overview of the results of on-line surveys and comments regarding the reinstatement of fares. Surveys and comments were in favor of fare reinstatement overall. There were no members of the public present for the meeting.

5. Close public hearing at 4:37 PM.

6. General Business/Call to Audience
None

7. Consideration for Approval of Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of Aug 31, 2023 HTMMTS Special Board Meeting Minutes
b. Approval of Regular Agenda
c. Approval of Payable Warrant
d. File/Receive Financial Report
e. Approval of FY2023 Final Amended Budget
f. Review FY2023/24 Budget pre-implementation review of budget.
i. Capital Projects
ii. COLA-Wage Scale
iii. Goal Targets
g. Approval of FY2023/24 Bi-Monthly Regular Meeting Dates
h. Approval of MERS HCSP agreement amendment and contribution addendum
i. Approval of John Phillips LAC representative At Large Member
Motion by Cargo, second by Latch to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried.

8. Old Business
a. Discussion/Update on 172nd Ave Property: Borg reported that HTMMTS closed on the purchase of the property and he anticipates that environmental studies will be complete in November 2023. He also reported that SHAPE Corporation may be interested in purchasing part of the property.
b. Discussion on Harbor Transit/Muskegon Area Transit meeting point at Trinity at the Lakes: Borg reported that ridership is trending up for this year. This location is 1.6 miles outside of Harbor Transit’s service territory and the cost per mile to pick up at Trinity at the Lakes is $5.26 per mile. “Justice 40” is a USDOT program that makes grants available, but it not available in northwest Ottawa County. HTMMTS’s service to Muskegon County may make Justice 40 grants available. HTMMTS is also working with the Tri-Cities
Chamber of Commerce in an effort to engage local corporate human resource departments to encourage use of the Harbor Transit/Muskegon Area Transit connection.
c. Discussion/Action of reinstatement of passenger fares.
Motion by Cargo, second by TePasste to approve the reinstatement of passenger fares. Motion carried.

9. New Business:
a. Discussion/Action on Executive Director Pay Increase
Motion by TePasste, second by Whittemore to approve the Transportation Director’s salary increase by one step, effective Sep 21, 2023, and include any Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA), when provided to Harbor Transit’s employees. Motion carried.
b. Discussion/Action on Executive Director Employment Agreement
Motion by Cargo, second by Latch to approve the proposed 2023 Employment Agreement with Director Borg and authorize the agreement be executed by President Bessinger. Motion carried.
c. Discussion/Action to elect or re-elect HTMMTS Board Officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Cargo declined another term as Vice President, suggesting Latch as Vice President and Latch agreed. Motion by Cargo, second by Whittemore to elect/re-elect Bessinger as President, Latch as Vice President, Cate as Secretary and Gallagher as Treasurer. Motion carried.
d. Discussion/Update on Aug 16, 2023 LAC Meeting
Borg summarized the last meeting of the LAC, pointing out that there is an opening on the council for a resident of Ferrysburg

10. Reports
a. Marketing Report: Walker updated the board on recent current marketing efforts, including the heavy use of the Coast Guard Festival Park-N-Ride service on Aug 1, the growth in social media (Facebook) advertising and the upcoming Boomerang Career Event on Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023.
b. Operations Report: Borg reported that ridership is still down when compared to pre-COVID numbers, but improving. There has been one bus crash since the last HTMMTS regular meeting. Two complaints and two compliments were received.
c. Transportation Director’s Report: Borg shared highlights of his report, including Coast Guard Saturday ridership, shuttle transportation for the Folds of Honor Golf Tournament, and the 48th anniversary of Harbor Transit. Of special note is the anticipated delivery of new buses, three (3) of which have been on order for nearly three years. Delivery of a total of eight (8) new buses is expected in Oct.

11. Board Member Comments:
• TePastte thanked Borg for his leadership.
• Whittemore welcomed new HTMMTS employees Guinn and Walski

12. Meeting adjourned.
Motion by Cate, second by TePastte to adjourn at 5:02 PM. Motion carried.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is Nov 15, 2023, at Grand Haven City Hall, 519 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.

November 15, 2023 Local Advisory Council Meeting Minutes

HARBOR TRANSIT MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
LOCAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
November 15, 2023 at 1:15 P.M., Central Park Place

1. Meeting called to order. Carrie Uthe, Chairperson

2. Roll Call by the Board Chair
Chrysteen Moelter-Gray
Norman Cunningham
Christina Shannon
Carrie Uthe
Angie Devries
Lisa Greenwood
Heather Phillips
Sarah Wheeler
John Phillips

3. Call to Audience

4. General Business

• Introduction of new LAC member John Phillips
• Introduction of new Harbor Transit Staff, Shonda Walksi
• Approval of the August 16, 2023 Meeting Minutes
• Discussion/Action of 2025 Vehicle Accessibility Plan
• Discussion/Action of 2024 Meeting Dates

6. Reports

• Operations Report
• Finance Report
• Transportation Directors Report
• Board Members’ Comments

7. Adjournment

Attachments:
• (1) Local Advisory Council Meeting Minutes from (August 16,2023)
• (2) FY 2025 Accessibility Plan
• (3) Operations Report
• (4-a) October Finance Report
(4-b) October Revenue & Expense Report
(4-c) October Balance Sheet
• (5) Marketing Report
• (6) Directors Report
• (7) Proposed Local Advisory Council 2024 Meeting Schedule
• (8) HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes

August 16, 2023 Local Advisory Council Meeting Minutes

Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System
Local Advisory Council Meeting Minutes

August 16, 2023, at 1:15 P.M., Central Park Place

1. Meeting called to order at 1:15 p.m. by Carrie Uthe, Chairperson

2. Roll Call by the Board Chair

  • Norman Cunningham – present
  • Angie Devries – absent
  • Lisa Greenwood – present
  • Ray Harz – absent
  • Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – present
  • Heather Phillips – present
  • Warren Roosen – absent
  • Christina Shannon – present
  • Carrie Uthe – present
  • Sarah Wheeler – present

3. Amend Agenda – Motion by Moelter-Gray to amend agenda to discuss the passing of Council Member Warren Roosen, Greenwood second.

4. Call to Audience – No comments.

5. General Business:

a. Approval of the May 17, 2023, Meeting Minutes – Motion by Greenwood, second by Wheeler.

b. Discussion/Action, Status of Mr. Ray Harz – Burghardt cannot reach

Harz regarding his status as a council member. Motion to remove
Harz from Local Advisory Council by Cunningham, second by Moelter-Gray.

c. Discussion/Action, Status of Mr. Warren Roosen – Burghardt shared the passing of Roosen. Motion to remove Roosen from Local Advisory Council by Greenwood, second by Shannon. Uthe requested Harbor Transit recognize both Harz and Roosen for their years of service to the LAC. Burghardt will begin recruitment for the open council seats. Borg notified Council of interest by John Phillips’, former Safety & Training Coordinator of Harbor Transit. Uthe will reach out to City Manager Bessinger regarding open Ferrysburg seat.

d. Discussion, Viability of HTMMTS connection with MATS – Burghardt and Borg shared progress and ridership numbers for the MATS connection. Discussion occurred – Trinity Health does not charge for stop location; Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF) does not currently assist, Appel will contact GHACF; Justice 40 population in Muskegon County; support letter for connection site will be sent to Senator Victory’s office; Greenwood noted concerns that the connection was too hard for her; Phillips noted she would like to try the connection; Uthe noted she does not want to see the connection ended, as it is too new.

e. Discussion, Notice of Public Hearing to Reinstate Fares – Burghardt shared the public notice information regarding reinstating fares, approximate start date in November. Walker further discussed the public hearing information and survey. Appel noted the Board will take action in September. Uthe asked about the new, electronic dispatching system. Borg estimated implementation date of system in mid-November. No comments made on fare reinstatement.

6. Reports

a. Operations Report – Burghardt shared operation numbers and report. Borg shared Coast Guard weekend ridership numbers. Burghardt complimented staff on great service provided during the Coast Guard Festival. Greenwood, Wheeler, and Uthe noted use of Harbor Transit during Coast Guard week and positive experiences. Cunningham shared positive interaction with bus operator and how much the operator likes the work he does for Harbor Transit. Greenwood shared that she was no-showed twice, as the operator went to wrong location for pickup. Phillips shared concerns with a frequent rider’s hearing and the same rider trying to board busses without scheduling a ride.

b. Marketing Report – Walker shared initiatives and marketing updates. Uthe shared Nextdoor app consideration.

c. Finance Report – Appel shared financial update: healthy position, expect expenses to end year up by 4%, and no concerns with negative net position.

d. Transportation Directors Report – Borg shared updates on grants and new dispatch software. Further discussion occurred regarding what agencies use the dispatching software Via. Uthe asked about property purchase. Borg noted an update would be provided soon.

e. Board Members’ Comments
• Moelter-Gray noted that the return to fare collection was to be expected. Moelter-Gray also noted she would hate to see the MATS connection dropped, as it needs to be nurtured.
• Wheeler noted agreement with Moelter-Gray and stated she does not want to disenfranchise people who use the MATS connection site, adding it would be a disservice to end it.
• Phillips noted that getting out into the community is what keeps her going and less depressed.

• Uthe will speak on the MATS connection site, during public comments, at the next Spring Lake Township meeting.

Motion by Wheeler for the LAC to support the MATS connection site, second by Moelter-Gray.

7. Adjournment – meeting adjourned at 2:28 p.m.

Next regularly scheduled Harbor Transit Local Advisory Committee meeting will be held on November 15, 2023, at 1:15 p.m., at Central Park Place.

July 26, 2023 Board Meeting Minutes

Regular HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes July 26, 2023
Village of Spring Lake

1. Meeting Called to Order by President Craig Bessinger at 4:33 p.m.

2. Roll Call
Present: Craig Bessinger, Bill Cargo, Bill Cate, Ashley Latch, Kevin McLaughlin, & Cathy Pavick..
Absent: Chris Burns, Gordon Gallagher, Deanna McIntyre, Joel TePastte, & Will Whittemore.
Also Present: Scott Borg, HTMMTS Director; Dana Appel, Finance and Compliance Director; Andrea Dumbrell, Human Resources Director; & Annelise Walker, Marketing Coordinator.

3. Additions/Corrections to the Agenda: None

4. General Business/Call to Audience: None

5. Consideration for Approval of Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of May 24, 2023 HTMMTS Board Meeting Minutes.
b. Approval of Regular Agenda.
c. Discussion/Action Payable Warrant.
d. File/Receive Financial Report.
e. File/Receive FY2023 Estimated Final Budget.
Motion by Cargo, second by Pavick, to approve the agenda. Motion carries.

6. Old Business: Discussion/Update on 172nd Ave Property:
Shape Corporation has made an offer on the property. It is unclear whether the buyer or the seller can get out of the purchase agreement. There are 29 acres, but HTMMTS only needs 10 acres. See item 6a (attached) for details.

7. New Business: Completed Regional Transit Study Final Report:
Discussion regarding the viability of HTMMTS connection with Muskegon Transit at Trinity at the Lakes; it may not be worth the expense. Cargo emphasized focusing on our core issue: our local population.

8. Reports:
a. Marketing Update (Annelise Walker): Reviewed the June and July marketing reports and answered questions from board members. See report, Item 8a (attached)
b. Operations Report (Scott Borg): See report, Item 8b (attached).
c. Transportation Director’s Report (Scott Borg): See report, Item 8c (attached).

9. Board Member Comments: Pavick commented on the number of drivers; Borg stated that the number of drivers is now at pre-pandemic levels.

Meeting adjourned by President Craig Bessinger at 5:07 PM.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the City of Grand Haven, 519 Washington Ave, Grand Haven.

May 17, 2023 Local Advisory Council Meeting Minutes

HARBOR TRANSIT MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
LOCAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES

May 17, 2023 at 1:15 P.M., Central Park Place

1. Meeting called to order @ 1:19pm by Carrie Uthe, Chairperson

2. Roll Call by the Council Chair
Chrysteen Moelter-Gray – present
Warren Roosen – absent
Ray Harz – absent
Norman Cunningham – present
Christina Shannon – present
Carrie Uthe – present
Angie Devries – present
Lisa Greenwood – present
Heather Phillips – absent
Sarah Wheeler – present

3. Call to Audience: Sarah Wheeler shared The Rapid’s Go Bus information flyer and Norman Cunningham questioned where the property is located for the new construction (between Hayes and Comstock on 172nd)

4. General Business:
A. Introduction of New Harbor Transit Staff
1. Tina Hawley, Dispatch Office Administrator
2. Matt Guinn, Safety and Training Coordinator
B. Approval of the February 15, 2023 Meeting Minutes, motion made
by Norman Cunningham and 2nd by Lisa Greenwood.
C. Review of Ridership: Including No-Show’s – see Tom Burghardt’s
Operations report.
D. Ridership Recommendations/Concerns/Complaints – see Tom
Burghardt’s Operations report.

6. Reports
A. Operations Report – Tom Burghardt discussed ridership, on time
performance, no shows, complaints and compliments.
B. Finance Report – Dana Appel discussed revenue and expense, interest
revenue and the balance sheet.
C. Marketing Report – Tom Burghardt reviewed the customer survey on the
CASPR units, also the recent and ongoing projects and social media
numbers.
D. Transportation Directors Report – Scott Borg shared his report. He
discussed the new build property, the NEPA study, new scheduling
software called VIA and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten’s visit to Harbor
Transit.
E. Council Members’ Comments – Lisa Greenwood asked about the signs
on the buses – No Eating or Drinking. She also brought up a meeting at
Momentum that discussed how to use narcan. Charging of fares was also
discussed and Scott Borg said that fares would probably be start being
collected in September 2023.

7. Adjournment at 2:02pm by Carrie Uthe, Chairperson

Next regularly scheduled Harbor Transit Local Advisory Council meeting will be held on
August 16, 2023, at 1:15 PM. A possible new location will be announced prior to the
meeting.