MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
PORT HURON MUSEUM OF ARTS AND
HISTORY CARNEGIE CENTER
1115 SIXTH STREET, PORT HURON MI 48060
NOVEMBER 15, 2014

Members Present: Larry Krieg, Jim Wallington, Clark Charnetski, Chuck Merckel, Jeanie Merckel, Dan Platz, Bob Tischbein, Jim Hinkins, Richard Pekarek, Tim Backhurst, Clayton Farmer, Steve Sobel, Martha Benedict, Robert Hines, Barb Spaulding-Westcott, Doug Wilson, Roger Morrissett, JaeAnn Burgett, T. J. Gaffney, Steve Vagnozzi, Dan Platz, David Roberts, Cecilia Roberts, Robert Patterson, Diane Patterson, Kim J. Powell, Larry Sobczak, John Guidinger, Marilyn Guidinger

Guests: Anita Ashford, Celeste Shoulders, Paul G. Maxwell, Mark Hellckijaer

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by Chair Larry Krieg.

Membership Meeting Minutes: Minutes of the October 18, 2014 Membership Meeting in Grand Rapids were approved.

Appointment of East-Central Regional Chair: The Executive Committee, by electronic meeting, voted to appoint Steven Vagnozzi to fill the East Central Regional Chair position vacated by Rosemary Horvath’s resignation. The Membership received a biographical sketch of Mr. Vagnozzi at the meeting.

Future Meetings (Jim Wallington): January 10, 2015 at the former Grand Trunk station in Lansing. The February 2015 meeting is tentatively planned for Clara’s Restaurant in Battle Creek. The March 2015 meeting will be at the Kalamazoo Library or the transit authority headquarters in Kalamazoo.

Outreach (Chuck Merckel): Volunteers are needed for events. Mr. Merckel encouraged more members to participate in outreach. Krieg noted that outreach is one of the purposes of MARP as set forth in the Bylaws. The Wheels on Rails show is happening on November 30. Mr. Merckel strongly recommended outreach at shows that are not train-oriented because fewer people who attend are familiar with passenger train availability. He also reported that he is working toward participating with trips for senior citizens, after a successful outreach at the request of MDOT to the annual conference of travel and activity directors at senior housing and care facilities.

A sign-up sheet was circulated. Results of this recruitment effort:
• Delta Rocks: 4 interested
• Maple Syrup Festival: 1 person interested
• Michigan Earth Day: 4-5 people interested
• Fruitport Days: 1-2 people who indicated an interest previously but were not present

Treasurer’s Report: We received five new members and a $1,000 donation from America By Rail since last month’s report. Expenses for the month were $521. The MARP endowment (“Pratt”) fund has been invested as directed by Resolution of the Executive Committee. Acceptance of the report was moved by T. Backhurst and seconded by D. Wilson. The membership accepted the report unanimously.

Michigan Rail News
• Dearborn Station will be opening in December. Detroit Metro Chair Patterson has worked to get MARP invited to the opening ceremony December 15. MARP will have a table there. Trains will actually serve the station starting December 10. Shuttles will run from the old station for a while to assist people who may have parked at the old station before the move.
• Grand Rapids station is now open. MARP presented an award to U. S. Senator Carl Levin at the ceremony, in recognition of his long years of support for passenger rail service.
• The acquisition of Talgo trainsets by MDOT is uncertain at this time.

North America Rail News
• All Aboard Florida is making progress. Ground was broken for the West Palm Beach station; they are contracting with Siemens for the same model of locomotive selected recently by Amtrak.
• Texas Central Railroad is proposing a high speed rail connecting Dallas with Houston, a distance of about 240 miles. They are arranging entirely private financing in cooperation with Central Japan Railway, whose engineering and equipment they expect to utilize. They plan to be able to begin service in 2021.

Introduction of the First Speaker: T. J. Gaffney

Mr. Gaffney is owner of Streamline Historic Services, former Director of the Steam Railroading Institute, author of several books and articles. He served as volunteer curator at the Port Huron Museum, and lives in Capac, near Port Huron.

Presentation 1: Port Huron’s Transportation History

Mr. Gaffney emphasized at the outset how much less access to public transport Port Huron has now than it did 100 years ago in 1914. He gave several detailed examples with copious historic photographs and maps.

The Pere Marquette depot in Croswell is still standing. The PM line passed through Jeddo, Blaine, and Gratiot Center; its roundhouse was on 16th street. The bridge over the Black River still stands, but the one crossing the canal between Lake Huron and the Black River has been removed.

The Grand Trunk Western’s route through Canada and across the St. Clair River for some years served the second-largest number of immigrants to the United States. GTW’s lead to Dunn Paper was once part of the CD&CGT line.

Thomas A. Edison was raised in Port Huron and departed from the Fort Gratiot depot for his job selling newspapers and snacks on the train to Detroit.

In 1913 the Grand Trunk’s main Michigan locomotive servicing shops were destroyed by fire, and the railroad decided to rebuild them in Battle Creek. The Port Huron property was sold to Peerless Cement. When the tunnel was built under the St. Clair River, the old car ferry docks were converted to the Port Huron boat yard.

Introduction of the Second Speaker: Paul G. Maxwell

Mr. Maxwell is Director of the Port Huron Charter Township Downtown Development Authority and previously served in several business and civic capacities.

Presentation 2: “Port Huron Station’s Relocation”

The present-day Amtrak station was built in 1970 to replace the historic Grand Trunk station. Several civic organizations and municipalities have agreed that it would be desirable to relocate the station to a site with more space for parking and the possibility of private enterprise building shops, a restaurant, and even a hotel.

A possible site is adjacent to Canadian National’s Tunnel Yard, which extends from 24th St. to 32nd St. There is support in the area for this location in Port Huron Charter Township because of its convenience to Interstate highways. It is within half a mile of the intersection of I-94 and I-69 (currently being reconstructed), providing convenient access from the west, south, and especially east – where the many Canadians who patronize Amtrak’s Blue Water cross the bridge from Sarnia. And this location also would allow trains to continue through the tunnel to Canada, if that service is ever reestablished.

The station is envisioned to become an intermodal terminal, as local and regional buses come to serve it. A rail trail is planned for one of the abandoned lines near the site, which would add non-motorized access. The relocation is hoped to stimulate economic activity, particularly the tourist industry.

Having built a strong coalition of supporters, the next step would be a feasibility study. That is not likely to be initiated for a while, but Mr. Maxwell said he hoped MARP would help in the effort. Several members, including Chair Krieg, assured Mr. Maxwell of MARP’s best wishes and willingness to help.

Next Membership Meeting: Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Lansing Board of Water and Light (former GTW Depot). The Executive Committee will have a retreat on Saturday, December 13, 2014, 10 AM to 4 PM, to be held at 201 Depot St., Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon.

Lunch: Lynch’s Irish Tavern, 210 Huron Blvd., Port Huron.

Tour of Port Huron transportation and cultural features:

Mr. Paul Maxwell kindly arranged a tour by “historic trolley” bus of the cultural and transportation highlights of the Port Huron region. This included a visit to the Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Historical Society’s restoration (in progress) of that railroad’s depot on the south side of Tunnel Yard.

Respectfully submitted: Accepted:
________________________________ __________________________________
Clayton Farmer Larry Krieg, Chair
(notes compiled by Larry Krieg)

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
THE RAPID CENTRAL STATION
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
OCTOBER 18, 2014

Members Present: Larry Krieg, Warren R. Fritz, Rick Burn, Kathleen Newell, Kay Chase, Jim Wallington, Clark Charnetski, John Langdon, Don Monteith, Chuck Merckel, Jean Merckel, Dan Platz, Roger Marrissett, Ed Heckman, Hugh Gurney, John McKibben, Rosemary Horvath, Tim Hoeffner, Charles Shong, Al Koole, Eric Elliott, Richard A. Horvitz, David Williams, Bob Tischbein and Jim Hinkins.

Guests: Michael Bulthuis (The Rapid), Ronald B. Day, and Adam Tauno Williams.

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by chair Larry Krieg.

Executive Committee Minutes: Minutes of the August 19, 2014 Executive Committee Meeting were approved unanimously.

Membership Meeting Minutes: Minutes of the July 19, 2014 Membership Meeting in Traverse City were approved.

Appointment of New At-Large Executive Committee Member: This would fill a vacancy created when Jim Wallington became Vice Chair.

Resolution: Don Wescott shall be appointed as an Executive Committee Member At-Large with responsibility for coordinating meetings.

Moved by John Langdon and seconded by Jim Wallington.

Motion passed unanimously.

Future Meetings (Jim Wallington): January 10, 2015 at the former Grand Trunk station in Lansing. The February 2015 meeting is tentatively planned for Clara’s Restaurant in Battle Creek. The March 2015 meeting will be at the Kalamazoo Library or the transit authority headquarters in Kalamazoo.

Outreach (Chuck Merckel): Volunteers are needed for events. See sign-up sheets. At events, attendees are encouraged to sign up for on-line editions of “On Track” via e-mail. More than 200 people now receive “On Track” by this method.

Feature Presentation “The Silver line—Michigan’s First Bus Rapid Transit”

Michael Bulthuis, Public Outreach Coordinator for The Rapid, gave a Power Point presentation: “The Silver Line—Michigan’s First Bus Rapid Transit.” From planning to startup has taken more than ten years. Operations commenced on August 25, 2014. The 9.6 mile route starts at a 200-space park and ride lot at 60th Street on the south end of the line, goes north on Division Avenue to the “Medical Mile” on the north end, then west and south past the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and ends at the Central Station of The Rapid.

Division Avenue was chosen because it is a long street with the most cross-town bus transfer points, and some portions of the route are ripe for economic development. The existing bus Route #1 continues to operate as a local bus on Division. BRT vehicles stop only at stations with high level platforms (14 to 15 inches above the roadway) so that passengers do not have to climb stairs. This speeds up boarding and exiting, and makes life easier for those using wheelchairs and walkers. Lighted platforms are sixty feet long and use ramps for access from sidewalks if necessary. Shelters at each station are either 36 or 48 feet long, depending upon the number of passengers handled and the geometry of the site.

Stations are spaced approximately one-half mile apart, although they are closer together in the downtown area. They are nearly identical in appearance. Each station has heated platforms, ticket vending and validation machines, emergency telephones, benches and bike racks. An electronic sign announces arriving buses and how many minutes until the next one. On-board roving ticket inspectors enforce ticket regulations. The standard fare is $1.50 one way with free transfers.

The ten hybrid vehicles used in Silver Line service have their own unique green paint scheme and are similar to buses used on other routes, except that they do not have fare boxes or the pull cords for requesting stops. Passengers may board either at front or rear doors. All BRT buses stop at all stations. Visual and auditory announcements indicate station approaches. A Traffic Signal Priority system reduces delays at stoplights. During rush hours the right traffic lane is for buses and automobile right turns only. An end to end ride takes just over 30 minutes. Buses run on ten minute headways during rush hour and have 38 seats made by American Seating. Standees give each bus a capacity of 70 passengers.

The capital cost of the Silver Line was $40 million. The Division Avenue Route #1 bus continues to operate as a local bus with separate stops about a quarter mile apart. Ridership on that route is roughly the same as before the Silver Line, but Silver Line patronage is approximately the same as that of Route #1. Therefore transit use on Division Avenue has doubled, though some BRT passengers use the Route #1 buses as feeders to the Silver Line.

The Silver Line gives Southeast Michigan a taste of the three or four RTA bus rapid transit lines proposed for the Metro Detroit area, including Woodward Avenue between Pontiac and Detroit. The Rapid is now studying a second BRT route from Allendale (the home of Grand Valley State University) to Grand Rapids, a distance of 13 miles, to be called the Laker Line. Additional information can be found at www.ridetherapid.org/silver-line.

Trans4m’s Budget-Based Dues Structure: Larry Krieg explained that Trans4m will be instituting a dues structure and is seeking the opinion of members as to whether is should be a flat rate or based upon the size of each member’s budget.

Resolution: MARP shall endorse a budget-based dues structure for Trans4m.

Moved by Hugh Gurney and seconded by David Williams.

The motion passed.

Sharing of Membership Lists by NARP and MARP: Should MARP share membership lists with NARP? Presently MARP states that it will not share member information with any outside party.

Resolution: MARP shall exchange membership data with NARP annually until further notice after informing the membership with the annual membership renewal notice.

Moved by David Williams and seconded by John Langdon.

The motion passed by a vote of 18 to 1.

Treasurer’s Report (Jean Merckel): MARP has gained 8 new members.

The Pratt Fund was discussed by members. Warren Fritz advised that a more diversified investment would be more likely to yield a better return than a single fund and suggested that MARP place the Pratt Fund money into at least two funds Other members indicated that they believed that it is time to transfer the funds as had been previously approved by the Executive Committee and that Mr. Fritz’s suggestion could be implemented at a later time. The previous action of the Executive Committee will be carried out.

FRA Study of Chicago to Detroit/Pontiac Corridor: Written responses to the FRA study are due by December 19, 2014. What shall be the response of MARP?

Resolution: That MARP form a committee of three or more members to draft a written statement to be submitted to the FRA by December 19, 2014, regarding the Chicago to Detroit/Pontiac passenger rail corridor Environmental Impact Statement.

Moved by John Langdon and seconded by Chuck Merckel.

The motion was approved unanimously.

New Grand Rapids Amtrak Station: The station is due to open Sunday evening, October 26, 2014, with a ceremony in November.

New Dearborn Amtrak Station: Due to open on Monday, December 15 2014.

Algoma Central Threat of Discontinuance: Kay Chase reported on her recent trip on the threatened Algoma Central train from Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst. Postcards urging the continuation of train service are still available to be sent to members of Parliament.

Next Meeting: Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Port Huron Museum of Arts and History Carnegie Center, 1115 Sixth Street, Port Huron MI 48060. Phone 810-982-0891.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 12:25 PM.

Submitted by Clark Charnetski

Tour of New Grand Rapids Amtrak Station:

Following the MARP meeting, members and guests were treated to a preview tour of the new Vernon J. Ehlers Grand Rapids Amtrak station. It is located just south of The Rapids Central Station, thus allowing for easy transfer between modes. It replaces the thirty-year-old “temporary” station on Wealthy Street.

The brick, metal and glass building has an airy feeling with large windows and glass doors facing the train platform on the south side of the station. The platform has a canopy the length of the platform that is 15 inches above top of rail, which is seven inches higher than most other stations in Michigan. It is nearly level to the lower floor of Superliner cars and the new cars on order for Michigan. Grand Rapids is the first Amtrak station in Michigan to have such high platforms, though the new Dearborn station, which is expected to open in December, will also have that height. Grand Rapids is a stub end station with one track and provision for a second.

The automobile and taxi pick up and drop off drive is on the north end of the station which has a clock tower. The 115-space long-term parking lot is between the train station and The Rapid’s Central Station. The heated lobby will be open longer hours than the station itself and will contain a ticket machine. The interior of the station has accessible restrooms and a room for train crews. Its address is 440 Century Avenue SW 49503.

 MINUTES

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS

                                                41^ST ANNUAL MEETING

                                    DURAND UNION STATION, DURAND

                                                SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

Members Present: Barb Spaulding-Westcott, Charles Bonnell, Clark Charnetski, Clayton Farmer, Dan Mitchell, Dan Platz, David Williams, Debby Mills, Diane Patterson, Don Monteith, Don Westcott, Eric Newberg, Hugh Gurney, Jim Hinkins, Jerry Becker, Jim Wallington, John Langdon, J.P. Descamp, Julien Wolfe, Kay Chase, Kaz Fujita, Keith Martin, Kim Powell, Larry Krieg, Larry Sobczak, Martha Benedict, Michael Frezell, Norma Ward, Ren Farley, Richard Pekarek, Richard King, Robert Tischbein, Robert Patterson, Roger Webster, Warren Fritz, Doug Wilson, Tim Fischer

Others Present: Deborah Doyle, Derrick James, Kali Fox, Mary Warner-Stone, Melissa Horste, Ron DeCook, Tim Hoeffner, Tom Carper, Les Schneider, Guest of Eric Newberg

Welcome and Introduction of Guests:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:34 a.m. Robert Patterson pointed out that each table has a table host to encourage and lead discussion.

Special Guests were welcomed including:

Mary Warner-Stone, Executive Director, Durand Union Station

Deborah Doyle, Mayor, City of Durand

Ben Glardon, State Representative for the Durand area

Kali Fox, Regional Manager for Senator Debbie Stabenow

Melissa Horste, Regional Representative for Senator Carl Levin

Les Schneider, Shiawassee County Commissioner, District 4

Mary Warner-Stone,  Executive Director of Durand Union Station, Incorporated, welcomed all to the beautifully restored facility.  She announced that DUSI now has a professional archivist-

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curator, Michael Boudro, who is  organizing the museum’s extensive library and archives, starting on the lower floor and working up to the attic.  Boudro will also be upgrading museum exhibits.  DUSI plans to participate in a study of orphan trains during which 4^th graders will be arriving at the station via Amtrak.  Warner-Stone urged all to return during the holidays and enjoy one of several Christmas dinners served amid lavish Christmas decorations.  DUSI is planning an extensive commemoration of its 30^th anniversary in 2015.

Melissa Horste, Regional Representative for Senator Carl Levin, stressed the Senator’s strong support of Amtrak.  She highlighted a recent grant of $12.2 million for Detroit’s M-1 Rail in addition to an earlier $25 million grant.   At this point, it looks as though current Amtrak funding will be extended through May, 2015, giving legislators more time to work on reauthorization of MAP 21 and PRIIA.  Clark Charnetski asked Horste to offer MARP’s thanks to Senator Levin for his constant support of rail over the years.

Kali Fox, Regional Manager for Senator Stabenow, voiced Stabenow’s support for public transportation in general, including the East Lansing Transportation Center now under construction and the M-1 Rail project.  The Senator is closely tracking the Railroad Safety Act, currently under review by the Commerce Committee as well as the reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Act.

Others with words of welcome were Durand Mayor Deborah Doyle, State Representative Ben Glardon and Shiawassee County Commissioner Les Schneider.

Video Greetings:  Joseph C. Szabo, Administrator of the Federal Rail Administration, greeted the group by video, noting the upcoming 30^th anniversary of the Pere Marquette, the 40^th anniversary of the Blue Water, a ridership increase of over 30% on Michigan trains since 2005, higher speeds on the Kalamazoo-Dearborn portion of the Wolverine route in the near future, new stations in Dearborn and Grand Rapids, and the South of the Lake study which promises faster and more reliable service between Chicago and Porter, Indiana.  He urged support for the administration’s transportation bill which includes dedicated funding for passenger rail.

Blue Water 40^th Anniversary:  Don Westcott reported that he had been coordinating events as part of the Blue Water 40^th Anniversary Commemoration, now scheduled for October 1.  Billboards have been put up along the I-69 corridor and several banners can be checked out for travel shows.  On October 1, each station along the route is planning a ½ hour program.

Chairman’s Report:  Chairman Tischbein reviewed a multitude of projects in which MARP is either an active participant or is closely tracking including the South of the Lake corridor study, the proposed Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter line, the proposed Howell-Ann Arbor commuter

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line(Wally), upgrades to the tracks and signals between Kalamazoo and Dearborn, construction of the new transportation center in East Lansing, restoration of the Jackson depot, pedestrian traffic flow at Chicago Union Station, recertification of steam locomotive 1225, Wi-Fi on Amtrak, state and federal transportation funding, support for continued passenger service on the Algoma Central Railroad, study of proposed passenger rail service between Holland and Detroit, and the M-1 light rail project in Detroit.  MARP is looking for suggestions on how to make it easier for members to participate more actively.

M-1 Rail, Detroit’s Woodward Avenue Streetcar:  As he opened his remarks, Timothy R. Fischer, Chief Administrative Officer for M-1 Rail, displayed a section of old streetcar track unearthed on Woodward Avenue as excavation for M-1 got underway this summer.  Visuals in his power point presentation showed the exact route of the 3.2 mile light rail line and how it ties in with the People Mover on one end and Amtrak and the Crosstown Bus on the other.  The project will have 20 stations, each with shelters, where passengers can purchase tickets at ticket machines.  Each station offers level boarding of the light rail cars.

Construction is underway in the downtown area, with fences between the sidewalks and work areas, as well as covered crosswalks to protect pedestrians.  A portion of the bridge across I-75 has been demolished and will be rebuilt incorporating tracks for the light rail line.  Approximately 40% of all jobs in the city of Detroit and 20% of all jobs in Wayne County are in the Woodward Avenue corridor served by M-1.  Support from numerous foundations and businesses, the City of Detroit, Wayne County, MDOT, and the federal government are making M-1 possible. The cars, powered by electric batteries, and with capacity for both bikes and wheelchairs, will be in operation by the end of 2016 or the beginning of 2017.

Studying the Ridership Demand for Coast- to- Coast Rail:  Elizabeth Treutel, Policy Associate with the Michigan Environmental Council, updated the group on the Coast- to- Coast project, the ultimate goal of which is the restoration of passenger rail service between Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids and Holland.   Coast- to- Coast hopes to fulfill one of the objectives of the Michigan By Rail public forums back in 2012 and incorporated into the State Rail Plan.  With support from 52 organizations, Coast-to-Coast has successfully raised the required local match and has secured a $100,000 Service Development and New Technology grant from the federal government to do a Ridership Demand Study.  Treutel urged all present to follow the progress of the study and participate in the planned public engagement process.  Richard King asked that plans for Coast-to-Coast permit a Flint-Grand Rapids connection.

 

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MARP Business Meeting: 

Minutes of the 40^th Annual Meeting, September 14, 2013:  Minutes of the 40^th Annual Meeting were distributed and reviewed. David Williams moved approval, seconded by Richard King.  After adding Barb Spaulding-Westcott to the list of those attending, the minutes were approved by the members in attendance.

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s Report was distributed and reviewed.  As of August 31, 2014, MARP had $33,342.48 in its checking account.  Of this balance, $17,141.26 was earmarked as the Pratt Fund, leaving $16,201.22 for operations.   Wallington thanked America By Rail for a $1,000 donation towards Annual Meeting expenses.  Frezell moved acceptance.   Becker seconded, and the Treasurer’s Report was approved by the members in attendance.

Nominations: After noting the passing of long time member George L Schlaepfer on May 21, 2014 and acknowledging fellow Nominating Committee member Steve Sobel’s efforts, Clark Charnetski, Chair of the Nominating Committee, presented the slate of officers for the period beginning at the conclusion of today’s meeting and serving until the conclusion of the Annual Meeting in 2016:

Chair:              Larry Krieg

Vice Chair       Jim Wallington

Secretary         Open

At Large Executive Committee Members

Kay Chase                    John Langdon

Kathleen Newell          Jim Wallington

Regional Chapter Chairs

Don Monteith, Northern                     Warren Fritz, Western

Robert Patterson, Metro Detroit        East/Central    Open

In accordance with the By Laws, the Treasurer, Jeanie Merkel, is appointed, not elected.  Charnetski urged those interested in the open positions of Secretary and Regional Chair of the East/Central Region to speak with Larry Krieg.

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Tischbein moved acceptance of the slate as presented.  The motion was seconded by Don Westcott and approved by the members present.

Recognition Plaques:  Plaques were presented honoring the services of outgoing Chair  Robert Tischbein and outgoing Secretary Hugh Gurney.

Why?  Incoming Chair Larry Krieg warned that as he takes office, he will frequently ask the question “Why?”  Why do we come to meetings? Why do we educate people on the value of passenger rail and promote rail as a transportation option? Why preserve historic transportation facilities? Why study and recommend improvements to the passenger rail system? He suggested that members take a fresh look at MARP’s Vision of expanded service including connections to Canada and other states.  It is essential that we understand why we do what we do, not just what we do and how we do it.

Krieg vowed to recruit new members and make them feel welcome and comfortable.  He will make sure that MARP is fiscally responsible and that both internal and external communications are the best possible.

Keynote Speaker: Amtrak’s National System: An Engine of Growth for Our Communities?  Thomas C. Carper, former Chair and current member of Amtrak’s Board of Directors, stressed the importance of Amtrak as a tool for economic development.  As a local businessman in Macomb, Illinois, he took Amtrak service for granted until the threat of losing it served as a wakeup call.  Community leaders, mayors and chambers of commerce all across the country see Amtrak as an engine of economic growth.  From the earliest days, when land grants supported construction of the first railroads, public support has always been part of the equation.

In Michigan, Amtrak not only links big cities like Detroit with Chicago, but also connects numerous smaller cities and towns, stimulating employment and economic growth all up and down the lines.  Amtrak itself employs hundreds of people in numerous communities who pay taxes and purchase all sorts of goods locally.

Carper pointed to Memphis, where rejuvenation of the train station has stimulated renewal of the entire city core.  Communities make a long term investment in rail transportation when they build or restore a train station.

Amtrak service is essential, both in the Northeast Corridor, where one out of every six Americans reside, and in more rural areas, where it is often the only public transportation available.  Carper urged all present to encourage mayors, land developers and local business people to speak up in favor of investment in our transportation system.

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Responding to questions, Carper expressed hope that the current suit by Amtrak before the Supreme Court will be successful as all freight railroads will be watching.  Recently, Carper accompanied Amtrak CEO Boardman to North Dakota to work out problems with rail service there.  With cooperation from the freight railroads and strategic investments where major conflict points exist, Carper believes that 90% on time performance is possible within the existing system.

Charnetski stressed to Carper the importance of having one of the East Coast trains pass through Michigan, where it would serve a much larger population base than the present route through Indiana and Ohio.

Michigan Passenger Rail Market Survey:  Ronald K. DeCook, founder of DeCook Governmental Policy and Strategies, discussed his recent study of how the younger, wireless generation in Chicago gets to Michigan now and how they could be persuaded to use the train more frequently in the future. Currently, 87% drive and 5% fly when travelling to Michigan points.  DeCook asserted that more people in Chicago and its western suburbs would use the train if they were more aware of that option, if Amtrak offered more frequencies to current destinations and if rental cars were available at Amtrak stations in Michigan.  DeCook suggested a tie in with local tourism groups and Pure Michigan marketing.

Update on Michigan’s Accelerated Rail Program:  Timothy H. Hoeffner, Director of MDOT’s Office of Rail, updated the group on a number of ongoing projects.  He anticipates that the new Grand Rapids station will open in October and the new Dearborn Transportation Center in late November.  MDOT is working with both consultants and constituents to determine what people really want in a new Detroit rail station and how to deal with parking.  The railroads have finally agreed to the proposed crossover in West Detroit, so that project should be underway in the very near future.  Double tracking between Dearborn and Ypsilanti is scheduled to begin in about a month.  The cutover of signals between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek has been very complicated, but the new train control system should be operational in the near future.  MDOT continues to review the possible purchase of two Talgo train sets.  If accepted the two Talgo train sets will replace Horizon equipment on two of the three daily Wolverine runs.  MDOT expects the delivery of the next generation of rail cars and locomotives sometime in 2017.

Planning for the Ann Arbor-Detroit and Howell-Ann Arbor commuter lines continues.  The move of Michael Ford from the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority to the Regional Transportation Authority is a win for everyone, given Ford’s expertise in transit.

 

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Adjournment:  Keith Martin moved adjournment.  The motion was seconded by Robert Patterson and approved by the members present.

Respectfully Submitted:                                              Accepted:

 

 

—————————–                                               ————————————-

Hugh D. Gurney, Secretary                                         Robert Tischbein, Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
LANSING MODEL RAILROAD CLUB HEADQUARTERS, LANSING
AUGUST 16, 2014

Members Present: Robert Tischbein, Larry Krieg, Hugh Gurney, Jeanie Merckel, John Langdon, Kay Chase, Kathleen Newell, Jim Wallington, Robert Patterson, Rosemary Horvath, Jim Hinkins, Don Monteith, Warren Fritz

Also Present: Michael Frezell, Lansing Model Railroad Club and former Vice Chair, MARP

Call to Order: Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. After Roll Call, it was determined that a quorum was present.

Approval of Agenda: Patterson asked that the agenda be amended to include distribution of Michigan Transit Museum materials just before the close of the meeting. Langdon moved approval of the agenda with this amendment. Newell seconded the motion and it was approved by the members present.

Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting held in Traverse City on July 19, 2014 were reviewed. Krieg moved approval. The motion was seconded by Langdon and approved by the members present.

Plans for September 14, 2014 Annual Meeting: Langdon briefed the group on arrangements to date for the Annual Meeting. Tom Carper of Macomb, Illinois, who serves on the Amtrak Board of Directors will be the keynote speaker. Tim Fischer will review progress on M-1. Tim Hoeffner is confirmed as is Ron DeCook, who will brief us on a study supported by MDOT and MSU. Senator Carl Levin and U. S. Representative Dave Camp have been invited.

As Jeanie Merckel is scheduled to leave town on September 1, Kathleen Newell will check the MARP mail box for reservations and forward them to Rosemary Horvath, who is handling arrangements for the meal. Rosemary needs to give the caterer a count and pay for the meals as soon as possible.

Horvath moved to have a membership questionnaire discussed at the Annual Meeting. The motion was seconded by Gurney. Newell agreed to provide the survey she has already done in preparation for today’s meeting with a little tweaking. It was agreed that the Membership Committee, including Newell, Langdon and Farmer would be responsible for having the survey available.

At Tischbein’s suggestion, it was further agreed that an Executive Committee member would sit at every table to guide discussion during the lunch break. The motion was approved with Chase dissenting to doing the survey, not to having Executive Committee members sit at each table.

Wallington, with assistance from Hinkins, will check people in at the door, collect from those who have not paid, and seek membership renewals. Membership forms will be at the check in table. Horvath will serve as the official photographer. Krieg will bring a projector so one will be available if needed.

Coast-to-Coast: Langdon reported that the $100,000 grant application for a ridership survey for the proposed Detroit-Lansing-Grand Rapids-Holland passenger rail project had been approved by MDOT and submitted to the federal authorities.

Bylaws: Citing Articles #14.1 and #14.2, Horvath urged a full discussion of changes to the Bylaws at today’s meeting. As both Patterson and Monteith asked to be added to the Bylaws Committee, Chairman Tischbein made the appointment. Gurney then led an extensive discussion of the Bylaws, highlighting changes suggested by the Bylaws Committee. Michael Frezell, who drafted the current Bylaws, was particularly helpful.
It was agreed that the Bylaws Committee would meet again on October 28 and there attempt to incorporate suggested changes into a new draft to be presented to the Executive Committee at their December meeting.

Candidates for 2014-2016 Executive Committee: Krieg reviewed the slate of candidates for Executive Committee as it stands at the moment. The slate includes:
Chair Larry Krieg
Vice Chair No candidate
Secretary No candidate
At Large (Public/Governmental Affairs) John Langdon
At Large (Communications) Kay Chase
At Large (Membership) Kathleen Newell
At Large (Meetings) Jim Wallington
Regional Chair, Detroit Metro Robert Patterson
Regional Chair, East/Central Rosemary Horvath
Regional Chair, Western Michigan Warren Fritz
Regional Chair, Northern Michigan Don Montieth

Krieg noted that members could also offer nominations from the floor, which might be a way to fill vacant positions. Both Krieg and Wallington have approached people about serving as Secretary.

There was a question as whether Dave VanderBee was also a candidate for Chair. Krieg will check with Clark Charnetski, who served on the Nominations Committee.

Pratt Fund: Chase asked for a discussion of the future of the Pratt Fund. Langdon moved that the issue be open for discussion. The motion was seconded by Patterson.

Chase then reviewed a memo she had received from MARP Founder John DeLora about the origins and purposes of the Pratt Fund. The seed money came from dissolution of the Friends of the Grand Trunk, a commuter association headed by Edmund Pratt, hence the name of the Fund. The concept was to establish an endowment fund which would grow until it was large enough to support MARP operations. Proceeds were invested in the American Fund Investment Company of America (AIVSX). The plan was to put 10% of all dues collected and 90% of major gifts into the Fund.

In June, 2012, on the recommendation of then Treasurer David Randall, the Executive Committee voted to move the Pratt Fund from the American Funds Investment Company of America to the Vanguard Total Stock Market Investment (VTSMX). This would bring the expense ratio down from 0.61% to 0.18%. In August, 2012, the account with American Funds Investment Company of America was closed and the proceeds moved to the JPMorgan Chase checking account. They have never been moved to the Vanguard account.

Warren Fritz, a licensed stock broker noted that both American Funds account and Vanguard are good investments, but Vanguard does have lower fees, although it is a little more volatile. He recommended that we proceed with investing the Pratt Fund in the Vanguard Total Stock Market Investment.

Langdon then moved and Newell seconded that the Executive Committee approve RESOLUTION 6, A RESOLUTION TO INVEST THE SO-CALLED “PRATT FUND” MONIES, WITH A CURRENT VALUE OF $17,141.26, INTO THE VANGUARD INDEX FUND CALLED THE TOTAL STOCK MARKET ADMIRAL CLASS SHARES (VTSAX).

Be it Resolved, that the Executive Committee of the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers directs Jeanie Merckel, current Treasurer, to move $17,141.26 from the MARP checking account to the Vanguard Index Fund called Total Stock Market Index Admiral Class Shares (VTSAX).

The motion was approved by a majority of the Executive Committee members present and voting. Monteith opposed.

Pere Marquette 30th Anniversary: Langdon reported that the 30th Anniversary of Pere Marquette service from Grand Rapids to Chicago would be celebrated on September 14, 2014. Westrain is heading up the commemoration and has asked MARP provide a birthday cake. Payment for the cake has already been approved by Chairman Tischbein. Langdon has been helping secure items from each community along the route for a gift bag for all passengers. Volunteers from St. Joseph are stuffing the bags.

The train will run on its regular schedule with ceremonies in each community on the west bound trip. Dignitaries from Amtrak, Westrain and MDOT will be aboard. A special theater car will be added to the train.

Pere Marquette 40th Anniversary: Horvath noted that MARP member Don Westcott seemed to be doing most of the heavy lifting in preparation for the 40th anniversary of the
Blue Water, tentatively scheduled for October 1. She and Jim Wallington will be assisting as needed. Westcott will have more details at the Annual Meeting in September.

Grand Rapids Station Opening: The opening date for the new Amtrak station in Grand Rapids is still up in the air. The connection between the station track and the CSX main line has not been completed. With luck, the station will open sometime in October.

Hinkins noted that we will probably see three station openings this fall, with Dearborn and Troy also likely to open before snow falls.

Meetings: Wallington passed out a tentative meeting schedule for 2015. Patterson urged that we try Regional Meetings in the coming year.

Other: Langdon reported that he had received a thank you from Hope College for the Amtrak Guide Books and Junior Conductor hats.

Merckel reported that the Michigan Transit Museum wants to be on the distribution list for The Michigan Passenger. Chuck Merckel has provided them with membership brochures. Langdon agreed to put the museum on the Amtrak distribution list.

Fritz observed that most libraries will be happy to receive a supply of Amtrak timetables.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted: Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney Robert Tischbein
Secretary Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
TRAVERSE AREA DISTRICT LIBRARY, TRAVERSE CITY
JULY 19, 2014

Members Present: Robert Tischbein, Larry Krieg, Hugh Gurney, Jeanie Merckel, John Langdon, Kay Chase, Jim Wallington, Robert Patterson, Don Monteith, Martha Benedict, Warren Fritz, Jim Roach, Tim Hoeffner, Chuck Merckel, Jim Hinkins, Jane Hinkins, Dan Platz, Don W. Westcott, J. P. DesCamp

Also Present: Dan Somerville, Laurel Burchfield, J. W. McCloskey, Liz Treutel, Samuel Chupp, Gabriel Chupp, Richard Hoadley, Michael Clynett, Susan Cooper, Ella Cooper, George H. Gregory, James Bruckbauer, Kimberly Pontius

Call to Order: Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. Those present introduced themselves and identified their place of residence.

Officer Reports:

Secretary: Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting and the Monthly Membership meeting held in Lansing on June 14 were reviewed by Gurney. Langdon moved acceptance of the Executive Committee minutes. Monteith seconded and the minutes were approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Westcott moved acceptance of the Monthly Membership meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Wallington and approved by the members present.

Vice Chair: Krieg distributed the results of the MARP Organizational Issues Survey he conducted among members of the Executive Committee in June. Issues ranking very high included Delegation of Communication Authority, Running Meetings, Communication Process, and the Decision Making process. Krieg will press for clarification on these issues in the coming months.

Treasurer: Merckel distributed and reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending June 30, 2014. As of June 30, 2014, there was $28,552.07 in the JPMorgan Chase checking account, of which $17,141.26 was designated as the Pratt Fund, leaving $11,410.81 available for operations. A reminder letter in June resulted in 12 member renewals. Krieg moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report. The motion was seconded by Fritz and approved by the members present.

Langdon then presented Merckel with a check from the Transportation For Michigan in the amount of $5,000 to cover MARP’s efforts in support of Michigan By Rail.

Coordinator Reports:

Meetings: Wallington reviewed upcoming meetings for the remainder of 2014:
September 13 Annual Meeting Durand Union Station
October 18 RAPID Conference Room Grand Rapids
November 15 Port Huron
December Executive Committee Meeting Only

Public Affairs: Langdon called attention to the upcoming Michigan Rail Conference, to be held at Macomb Community College August 26-27. Of particular interest to MARP members will be a field trip to the M-1 Rail site in Detroit to examine progress on the streetcar line. Brochures are on the table at the back of the room.

Langdon then introduced Dan Sommerville, who has been heading up the Coast to Coast Rail project for Michigan By Rail. Sommerville reported that he has had very positive meetings with Tim Hoeffner of MDOT’s Office of Rail and they are working together on the scope of work. Michigan By Rail has successfully raised the required 20% match from Chambers of Commerce and other stakeholders. Sommerville has encountered very little negative response on the project, which calls for a study of the feasibility of passenger rail service connecting Holland and Grand Rapids with Lansing and Detroit. Michigan By Rail is awaiting the results of their grant application.

Communications: Chase reported that the summer issue of The Michigan Passenger is being put together as we speak and will soon be on the street. She has added several hundred names to the recipients of On Track as a result of outreach efforts this spring and summer. She is currently assisting with Annual Meeting plans and preparations. Chase would like reminiscences from those involved in the start up of the Blue Water and the Pere Marquette in conjunction with the anniversary celebrations for these trains this fall.

Outreach: Chuck Merckel is looking at events attracting large numbers of people who may not be familiar with Amtrak or rail travel. He needs people to staff tables at such events. He asked for suggestions on how best to distribute the outreach schedule in a way that will get the attention and support of all members, not just those who generally attend meetings. He thanked Warren Fritz for suggesting that MARP work more closely with libraries.

Route Enhancement: Gurney reported that Route Enhancement Committee member Jared Becker has been reviewing the results of the increase in ridership in Illinois after the number of frequencies was increased on several lines in that state. Over a period of three years, despite the long recession starting in 2007, ridership has more than doubled. As a result, Becker has changed his projection of several years back that adding a second frequency on the Blue Water and Pere Marquette routes would result in a 40% increase in ridership to 100+% on each line. Becker projects similar results for the Wolverine line.

Regional Reports:

Detroit Metro: Robert Patterson pointed out several items on the back table including a Ride the Train promotional piece, three Ride the Train newsletters and a diagram indicating the stops on the M-1 streetcar line. He plans to attend the monthly meetings of the M-1 Citizens Advisory Committee.

Northern Michigan: Monteith expressed pleasure that the Charlevoix Amtrak Thruway station is taking in over $1,000 monthly in ticket commissions. He is anxious to see the services at that station listed correctly in the Amtrak National Timetable. Wallington agreed to bring the issue up at an Amtrak meeting he will be attending in October.

Western: Langdon reported that the June Amtrak ridership reports are out, with station by station statistics. He feels that competition from Megabus is an issue in Grand Rapids. Hoeffner countered that declines in ridership are more a result of delays caused by ongoing track work.

Langdon continues to work with Westrain on plans for the Pere Marquette 30th anniversary commemoration this fall. The connections between the station track at the new Grand Rapids train station and the CSX main line should be installed soon.

Langdon then introduced Warren Fritz, a new member, who has expressed a willingness to serve as Western Regional Chair. He moved that Fritz be appointed to the long vacant position effective immediately. Chase seconded the motion and it was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Blue Water Anniversary: Don Westcott reported that September 10 is the day for the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Blue Water. A special anniversary trip is planned for that day. Approximately 9-10 billboards promoting the train are now visible along highways paralleling the Blue Water route with several in the Lansing area. Brochures are being distributed to senior citizen centers. Posters promoting the fact that the Blue Water welcomes bicycles are in the works.

Amtrak and the Amish: Samuel Chupp observed that the Amish use Amtrak a lot. He publishes a newsletter for the Amish and would be happy to include information about passenger rail.

Michigan Land Use Institute Report: MARP members learned that there is a real possibility for limited passenger rail service between Traverse City and the Village of Williamsburg and nearby Turtle Creek Casino eleven miles to the east. James Bruckbauer, Transportation Policy Specialist for the Michigan Land Use Institute, suggested that passenger trains operating on existing tracks between these points could relieve traffic congestion along U.S. 31 and M-72, and offer a more scenic and tranquil way to get between the emerging area east of Traverse City and the city center.

Bruckbauer is the co-author of Getting Back on Track, Uncovering the Potential for Trains in Traverse City, released to the public today at the MARP meeting by the Michigan Land Use Institute. Among MLUI objectives are getting locally grown food into the hands of local consumers, clean energy and environmentally friendly transportation. The report was funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the National Association of Realtors, the Traverse Area Association of Realtors and others.

The suggested rail link could be used by visitors coming into the Traverse City area on M-72 after exiting I-75 at Grayling. Rather than fighting bumper to bumper traffic, they could enjoy numerous vistas of East Traverse Bay as the train moved effortlessly into the city. Residents and visitors already in downtown Traverse City, could access the casino and developing attractions in Acme and Whitewater townships. Rail service would be particularly helpful during the 2015 construction season, when US 31 in the area will be reduced to one lane because of construction. Bikers and walkers could use the train to reach particular sections of the parallel Traverse Area Recreational Trail.

Numerous obstacles prevent immediate implementation. The tracks are currently in deplorable condition, permitting freight traffic only at no more than 10 mph. It will cost at least $1.7-$2.0 million to bring them up to a level where passenger trains could operate at 25-30 mph. Equipment would have to be identified and acquired and an operating entity created. Looking at examples from Astoria, Oregon; Kenosha, Wisconsin; Nashville, Tennessee and Napa Valley, California, Bruckbauer suggested the service could be operated by a non profit organization, the local transit authority or a for profit corporation.

The report recommends that Traverse City start off slowly, with service on summer Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and additional service during The Cherry Festival and the Michael Moore Film Festival. With a positive response, tracks and signals could be upgraded further to permit faster and frequent commuter level service eventually extending southward to the Grawn area and ultimately to downstate Michigan. As Kimberly Pontius of the Traverse Area Association of Realtors noted, limited service on the Williamsburg line could be the beginning of a return to passenger rail for Northwest Lower Michigan.

Susan Cooper and Ella Cooper questioned the viability of the proposal, citing obstacles they had encountered operating a dinner train on the route for nine years. Noting that the report presents a vision and not a concrete plan, Bruckbauer and Pontius invited their input in turning the vision into a reality.

Adjournment: Langdon moved adjournment. The motion was seconded by Krieg and approved by the members present.

The meeting adjourned at 12:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted: Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney Robert Tischbein
Secretary Chair