MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
FORMER GRAND TRUNK STATION, LANSING
JUNE 14, 2014

Members Present: Robert Tischbein, Larry Krieg, Hugh Gurney, Jeanie Merckel, John Langdon, Kay Chase, Kathleen Newell, Jim Wallington, Robert Patterson, Rosemary Horvath, Don Monteith, Al Koole, Doug Wilson, Jan Bourque, Tom Bourque, Eric Schertzing, Phil Chamberlain, Kaz Fujita, Richard Pekarek, Barb Spaulding-Westcott, Don W. Westcott, David Williams, Kim J. Powell, Clark Charnetski, J. P. DesCamp, Darryl Apps, Michael Frezell, Jared Becker, Diane Stone, Martha Benedict, Dan Platz, Chuck Merckel, Diane Patterson, Cathy Hart, Tim Hoeffner, Tim Fischer, John Guidinger
Also Present: Mary Ann Charnetski, Dan Somerville, Joann Stoddart, Ken Hart

Call to Order: Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. All present were asked to introduce themselves and tell what community they lived in. Tischbein particularly welcomed new members Jan and Tom Bourque.

Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting and the Monthly Membership meeting held on April 5, 2014 at Wayne County Community College in Detroit were distributed and reviewed. Wallington moved acceptance of the Executive Committee minutes. The motion was seconded by Langdon and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

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

Treasurer’s Report: Tischbein welcomed Jeanie Merckel as the newly appointed Treasurer. After thanking the group for nominating her, Merckel reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending May 31, 2014, explaining the new format which attempts to capture all expenses program by program. As of May 31, 2014, MARP had $29,537.07 in its JPMorgan Chase account, of which $17, 141.16 is designated as the Pratt Fund, leaving $12,395.81 available for operations. The account is now at a Chase branch in Utica and will be moved to Livonia when the present supply of checks is exhausted.

Langdon commended Merckel for the new format. Krieg noted that it is the first Treasurer’s Report he has truly understood.

Langdon moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report. The motion was seconded by Newell and approved by the members present.
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Future Meetings: Wallington introduced MARP member Eric Schertzing, currently Ingham County Treasurer. Schertzing is one of the candidates hoping to replace U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, who is retiring.

Wallington then discussed our meeting venue, the former Grand Trunk Western station in Lansing. Recently restored by the Lansing Board of Water and Light, the building is an absolute delight to all who enjoy historic structures. Built in 1902 by the Grand Trunk Western Railway, the ornate brick structure with a terra cotta roof was designed to make a statement about the importance of both the railroad and Michigan’s capital city. Restoration was overseen by the nationally acclaimed architectural firm of Quinn Evans in Ann Arbor and Cornerstone of Grand Rapids. While not generally open to the public, the exterior of the structure is clearly visible at 1205 South Washington Street in Lansing, twelve blocks south of the Capitol.

The meeting is being held in the former waiting room with its beautifully restored wood ceiling and wainscoting. Lansing Board of Water and Light plans to use the facility for board meetings, staff meetings and conferences. Wallington expressed the hope that MARP could meet again soon in this historic structure. He recalled that, when he worked in Lansing, the station was one of his favorite haunts. At that time, six trains each way stopped at the station. He particularly recalls mail being transferred from the railroad post office on the night train to a connecting highway post office which served northern Michigan.

The last Grand Trunk passenger train stopped at the station in May, 1971, and for three years, Lansing had no rail passenger service at all. When Blue Water service was inaugurated in 1974, it was decided to use the current station in East Lansing as its stop in the Lansing area. The Blue Water and countless Canadian National freight trains pass the station daily, but its function as a train station has ceased. Fortunately, the structure has been put to good use by the Lansing Board of Water and Light. It is listed on both the State Register of Historic Sites and the National Register of Historic Places.

Our next meeting will take place on July 19 in Traverse City. An Executive Committee Meeting is slated for August. The Annual Meeting will take place on September 20 in Durand. Grand Rapids will host the October 18 meeting and Port Huron will be the venue for the November meeting.

Krieg noted that the July 19 meeting will include the release of a report by the Michigan Land Use Institute on the feasibility of a passenger rail link between Traverse City and a new casino in Williamsburg, some fourteen miles to the east. Because the present highway runs right along Grand Traverse Bay, it cannot be expanded. Trains would be operated by Great Lakes Central Railroad on tracks owned by the State of Michigan. People in Traverse City hope this rail service would some day connect to Southern Michigan. Watch On Track for details
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As July is the high season in Traverse City, Chase urged those planning to attend to make lodging reservations early. Wallington advised Cadillac as an alternative.

Government/Public Affairs: Langdon distributed Amtrak Ridership Reports for May, noting that it was a soft month for Michigan trains and nationwide.

Revised Blue Water and Wolverine schedules remain in effect though August 31 to facilitate efforts to bring the track between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek up to 110 mph capability. Current schedules are on the Amtrak website. Langdon is heading up an effort to print sufficient copies of the revised schedule for the convenience of the traveling public.

Langdon stressed that MARP wants new equipment for Michigan trains, not renovated equipment. The Talgo equipment fits the bill. MARP members may need to communicate this message to their legislators.

A number of communities passed resolutions supporting National Train Day as did the Michigan House and Senate.

Dan Somerville, who heads up the Michigan By Rail Committee, reported that the recently approved state budget directs MDOT to do a feasibility study on the proposed Holland-Grand Rapids-Lansing-Detroit Coast to Coast passenger rail project. The Grand Valley Metropolitan Council has included Coast to Coast among its West Michigan Prosperity goals. Somerville explained that Michigan By Rail is also assisting with the Traverse City commuter rail project and the proposed Howell to Ann Arbor commuter rail project. Building community support is a major part of each project.

Communications: Chase expressed pleasure with the number of people who signed up to receive On Track at the recent Ann Arbor Green Fair and other events. MARP received a thank you for its presence at the Macatawa Senior Expo held last month. We would like to pass out information at more such events.

The local newspaper now has an office in the Dowagiac train station. Recently it published an article praising MARP member Ron Leatz for recruiting high school students to clean the numerous windows in the station.

Outreach: The Brighton Arts Festival is a three day event in early August. Outreach Coordinator Chuck Merckel is looking for volunteers to help staff a MARP/Friends of Wally table.

Membership: Newell asked if there was a way to identify where new members were recruited. Chase noted that the design of the application form would help.

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The Executive Committee voted to add Rosemary Horvath, Clayton Farmer and Bob Tischbein to the Membership Committee. Along with John Langdon who was appointed to the committee in April, this group will assist Membership Coordinator Newell in devising strategies to recruit new members and retain existing members. Newell will be sending our reminder notices to members who have not yet renewed for 2014.

Regional Reports:

Detroit Metro: Tim Fischer, now Chief Administrative Officer for M-1, announced that construction of the Detroit streetcar line along Woodward Avenue, would be underway this summer. Fischer, formerly with the Michigan Environmental Council, was congratulated on his new position.

Robert Patterson attended a recent meeting of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network in Jackson and joined MARP member John Guidinger on his tour of historic sites in the city, including the Jackson train station. Guidinger is finishing up a book on the 170 years of railroad history in the Jackson area.

The second Michigan Rail Conference is scheduled for August 26-27 at Macomb Community College.

Michael Ford, currently CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, has been offered the position of CEO of the newly created Southeast Michigan Regional Transportation Authority. He is currently debating whether to accept the offer.

Charnetski reported that planning for a new station in Ann Arbor is moving ahead with several public meetings scheduled in late June. The planning group is looking at the site of the present station, a site previously considered on Fuller Road and several other locations up and down the Amtrak line. Many of the suggested sites impact public parkland and are protected by Section 4f of the Environmental Protection Act, Hoeffner explained.

East/Central: Horvath urged all MARP members to pay close attention to the Michigan Speaks agenda, which sees transportation as a major issue affecting Michiganians.

The Blue Water 40th Anniversary Celebration is slated for Wednesday, September 10. Don Westcott will have details at the July meeting. A redesign of the Blue Water brochure is needed. Westcott continues to see closed stations at night as a major issue on the Blue Water line. In response to a question from Wilson as to how we can improve the situation, Hoeffner stressed that MDOT, MARP and the affected communities must work together on solutions.

Fujita noted that the Capitol Area Transportation Authority is revising plans for the new station in East Lansing to fit its current budget but permit expansion in the future. A timeline has not been provided.
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Langdon added that MDOT is waiting for Amtrak to provide a list of its requirements before proceeding further with planning on a new Port Huron station.

Northern Michigan: Monteith reported that new track has been laid to the Yellow Dog mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This is one of the few examples of a Rail to Trail route being returned to rail.

Western Michigan: Langdon reported that Amtrak Thruway buses between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo are running on a new schedule. The individual formerly overseeing West Coast Thruway service in now in charge of the Thruway program nationwide.

Michigan Day at Chicago Union Station went well with many Convention and Visitor Bureaus providing literature. CVB’s have been asked to add a link to Amtrak on their websites.

The new station in Grand Rapids is virtually complete. CSX continues to work on connecting the track to the mainline and installing signals.

The Pere Marquette 30th Anniversary Celebration will take place in conjunction with the opening of the new Grand Rapids train station, probably in October.

Old Business:
Nominations: Charnetski presented the names of those who have indicated their willingness to serve on the Executive Committee beginning after the Annual Meeting in September. They are:
Chair Larry Krieg
Vice Chair
Secretary
At Large (Communications) Kay Chase
At Large (Public/Governmental Affairs) John Langdon
At Large (Membership) Kathleen Newell
At Large (Meetings) Jim Wallington
Detroit Metro Chair Robert Patterson
East/Central Chair Rosemary Horvath
Northern Michigan Chair Don Monteith
Western Michigan Chair

To date, Charnetski has no candidates for Vice Chair, Secretary or Western Regional Chair. Those with suggestions for additional candidates should talk with MARP’s Chair.

Charnetski added that if vacancies exist after the election in September, the Executive Committee has the authority to appoint individuals to vacant positions.

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New Business:
Ontario Update: Wilson reported that in the recent election in Ontario, the Liberals won a majority of the seats in the Legislative Assembly. The Premier, Katherine Winn, is proposing $29 billion for public transportation, including $14 billion for facilities outside the Toronto metropolitan area. This could provide new services in Southwest Ontario and possible upgrade of the Algoma Central rail line.

Chicago For Lunch: Spaulding-Westcott announced that the next Chicago for Lunch outing will take place on September 23. Passengers can board at Port Huron, Lapeer, Flint, Durand or East Lansing.

Frezell Promoted: Former MARP Vice President Michael Frezell has been promoted to the MDOT Office of Communications and will be responsible for press releases and other communications affecting passenger rail and intercity bus. One of his first press releases announces that eight Indian Trails buses serving Northern Michigan will carry the Pure Michigan logo and be covered with giant photos of popular Michigan vacation destinations. Frezell was congratulated on his promotion.

MDOT Update: MDOT Office of Rail Director Hoeffner noted that MARP member Jerry Becker is taking the lead on the update of the Michigan Railroad History Guide. At a recent meeting in Kansas City, the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission decided to take a more active stance in supporting long distance trains.

Both ridership and revenue are down throughout the Amtrak system this year. Fortunately, the budget for passenger rail was not an issue with the state legislature this session. Start up funds for the Regional Transportation Authority are included in the state transportation budget.

The 40th anniversary of the initiation of the Blue Water and the 30th anniversary of Pere Marquette service will be celebrated this fall.

Dates for the opening of the Troy, Dearborn and Grand Rapids stations have not yet been firmed up.

Communication between MDOT and the Coast to Coast project has been excellent.

Hoeffner asked for MARP’s assistance in promoting a new program offering senior groups reduced fares for rail excursions. MDOT also plans to promote Amtrak service at all the four year colleges and universities along Amtrak routes.

Hoeffner foresees little change in the current timetables through 2016. Work is ongoing now between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek to bring that sector of track up to 110 mph status. Double tracking of the section between Dearborn and Ypsilanti will get under way later this year. Plans for the Indiana Gateway work were recently approved. That work will take around two years to complete.
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MDOT is currently doing a technical review on the pros and cons of purchasing the Talgo train sets built for the Chicago-Milwaukee-Madison run, specifically, how the use of the Talgo units would affect the cost of the contract with Amtrak beginning October 1.
The life cycle cost is critical.

Hoeffner continues to meet frequently with Amtrak on mechanical issues. New equipment is anticipated in 2016 or 2017.

Death of George Schlaepfer: Chase noted the passing of George Schlaepfer, one of MARP’s founding members. His family is suggesting that memorials be sent to MARP.

Adjournment: Monteith moved adjournment. The motion was seconded by Guidinger and agreed to by the members present.

The meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted: Accepted:

 

Hugh D. Gurney Robert Tischbein

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
FORMER GRAND TRUNK STATION, LANSING
JUNE 14, 2014

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

Also Present: Al Koole, Doug Wilson, Jan Bourque, Tom Bourque, Eric Schertzing, Phil Chamberlain, Kaz Fujita, Richard Pekarek, Barb Spaulding-Westcott, Don W. Westcott, David Williams, Kim J. Powell, Clark Charnetski, Mary Ann Charnetski, J.P. DesCamp, Darryl Apps, Dan Somerville, Michael Frezell, Jared Becker, Joan Stoddart, Diane Stone, Martha Benedict, Dan Platz, Chuck Merckel, Diane Patterson, Cathy Hart, Ken Hart, Time Hoeffner, Tim Fischer, John Guidinger

Call to Order: Robert Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m.

Issues Needing Resolution: Larry Krieg passed out a listing of issues that he felt should be addressed and resolved in the coming months. He asked that members of the Executive Committee review them and rank them as to importance. He wants a feeling as to what people are most concerned about.

Langdon suggested forming a committee to examine each category of issues and suggest resolution.

Tischbein thought the list was excellent and suggested it be handed out to new members as a way of introducing them to the work of the organization.

Newell noted that in her mind outreach and membership issues are very much connected.

Krieg asked members of the Executive Committee to give him their rankings at the end of the meeting or transmit by e-mail in the very near future.

Adjournment: The meeting of the Executive Committee adjourned at 10:14 a.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Hugh D. Gurney,
Secretary

Robert Tischbein
Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
WAYNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, DETROIT
APRIL 5, 2014

Members Present: Robert Tischbein, Larry Krieg, Hugh Gurney, John Langdon, Kathleen Newell, Kay Chase, Jim Wallington, Robert Patterson, Jim Hinkins, Steve T. Sobel, Dave VanderBee, Chuck Merckel, Jeanie Merckel, Clark Charnetski, John Cwiek, Dan Platz, Tim Hoeffner, Ren Farley, Clayton Farmer

Also Present: Sarah Hall, Randy Floyd, Caesar Dunwoody, Anthony Woods, Jamari Gladney, Clarence Hill, Duane Johnson, Charles Anish, Shirley Davis, Anissa Nelson, Howard Phillips, Duolatvnnessa Choudhury, Clifford Hollings, Peter Hollinshead, Frank Dunbar, Howard Smith

Call to Order: Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 11:14 a.m.

Minutes of the Executive Committee and the Monthly Membership meetings in Holland on March 8, 2014 were reviewed. Langdon moved acceptance of the Executive Committee minutes. The motion was seconded by Newell and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Sobel then moved acceptance of the Monthly Membership meeting minutes. Krieg seconded the motion and it was approved by the members present.

Treasurer’s Report: Langdon reviewed the Treasurer’s report as submitted by Treasurer Dave Randall. As of March 31, 2014, there was $31,495.14 in the JPMorgan Chase account of which $17,141.26 consisted of the Pratt Fund, leaving $14,353.88 available for operations. Krieg moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report. The motion was seconded by Wallington and approved by the members present.

Langdon pointed out that it was time to get a dues reminder notice out.

Noting that Dave Randall would be stepping down as Treasurer as of April 15, 2014, after nine years of dedicated service, Kreig moved that a Certificate of Appreciation be prepared to honor Randall’s service. The motion was seconded by Langdon and approved by the members present.

Treasurer Search Committee: Kay Chase, head of the Treasurer Search Committee, recommended that Jeanie Merckel be appointed to the position of Treasurer, effective April 15, 2014. Randall has reviewed her qualifications and feels she would be an excellent fit for the job. Langdon seconded the recommendation and it was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present. Tischbein then officially appointed Merckel as Treasurer and she was welcomed to the Board.

Introductions: All present were asked to introduce themselves.

Public/Governmental Affairs: Langdon reported that Michigan By Rail has been quite successful in gathering letters of support from community leaders and government officials along the proposed Holland to Detroit Coast to Coast passenger rail line. The group is well on its way to raising the $20,000 in funding that would demonstrate strong interest in the proposal and could trigger a full feasibility study by MDOT during Fiscal Year 2015. This effort must be accomplished this spring if both houses of the state legislature are to include the study in the 2015 FY budget. Funding for existing Amtrak service does not appear to be a point of contention at this time.

Responding to Langdon’s question, Hoeffner stated that MDOT may take over maintenance of rail passenger equipment rather than paying Amtrak to do this maintenance. Hoeffner has brought the issue of unsatisfactory on time performance to Amtrak’s attention.

National Train Day: Langdon reviewed the schedule for the National Train Day event in Toledo on May 3 and went over assignments for National Train Day at various Michigan venues on May 10. Amtrak will send materials to the various stations. MARP volunteers will be responsible for unpacking these materials and distributing them on May 10.

Membership: Newell reported that, since the last meeting, she has received 46 renewals and 3 new members, one of whom is from Indiana. One member, Armand Balk, has passed. Newell asked for advice on how we should honor members who pass.

As to the Membership Committee, John Langdon, Rosemary Horvath and Clayton Farmer have expressed interest.

Tischbein moved the appointment of John Langdon to the Membership Committee. The motion was seconded by Gurney and approved by the members present.

Meetings: Wallington reported that the next membership meeting will be on Saturday, June 14 at the former Grand Trunk Railroad Station in Lansing. The structure has been restored by the Lansing Board of Water and Light.

On July 19, we will meet in Traverse City at a location to be determined. We will be examining a proposed commuter train route in the area. Dan Platz suggested we try to meet at the former train station. Wilson suggested a local college.

The November meeting will most likely be in Port Huron.

Regional Reports:
Detroit Metro: The East-West Ann Arbor Station Study is underway, Charnetski reported. The study team will look at as many as eight sites that meet Amtrak’s basic requirements, eventually narrowing options down to a preferred alternative. A Citizens Working Group and a Leadership are both involved in the study. The site for the downtown Ann Arbor Wally station has been finalized. It will be on the east side of the tracks at Liberty Street.

The North Campus-Downtown Ann Arbor Connector study is continuing. A proposed millage for expanded AAATA bus service will be voted upon in early May.

Krieg noted that AAATA will be heading up a full scale feasibility study for the Wally commuter rail proposal, reviewing in depth the R. L. Banks study done back in 2007.

East/Central: Gurney went over the written report submitted by East/Central Regional Chair Horvath.
– The Port Huron Train Show is April 27 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the McMorran Pavilion in downtown Port Huron.
– The Port Huron & Detroit Railroad Historical Society plans to publish a photo book featuring 15 aerial views of the line from a 1949 Detroit Edison collection. Included will be another set photographed in 1961, showing diesel. According to Sandy Duffy, “the book will give modelers a bird’s eye view of the main line and side tracks during the steam to diesel transition era, all the way to Marine City.” The Society will provide the text. For now, they are looking for a publisher capable of producing a spiral-bound book. Identified will be industries, downriver businesses, three depots and the interchange junctions and yard tracks for both the Pere Marquette/C&O and the Grand Trunk. They want to publish this fall. For further information, contact Sandy (George Y. Duffy, Jr.) at whlrydr@aol.com.

Langdon reported that Amtrak has tentatively agreed to a relocation of the station in Port Huron.

 

Old Business:
Nominations: The Nominations Committee, consisting of Clark Charnetski and Steve Sobel, are looking for candidates to fill all slots on the Executive Committee with the exception of the Treasurer, which is an appointed position. While some current members of the Executive Committee have expressed interest in continuing, all positions are open. The election will take place in August with the new Executive Committee taking change at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting in September. If interested, contact Clark at 734-761-3814 or Steve at 248-476-1742.

Rails to Tables: Patterson asked that his Rails to Tables proposal, introduced at the February meeting, be considered. Krieg moved that we establish a committee to review the proposal in depth and report back. Gurney seconded the motion and it was approved. Chairman Tischbein then appointed Patterson as Chair with Krieg as a member.

New Business:
Treasurer Transition: It was announced that Randall will be in Michigan later in April and will turn over all the books and review procedures with Merckel at that time.

Adjournment: Gurney moved adjournment. The motion was seconded by Hinkins and approved by the members present. The meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted: Approved:

 

Hugh D. Gurney Robert Tischbein
Secretary Chair

 

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
WAYNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, DETROIT
APRIL 5, 2014

Present: Robert Tischbein, Larry Krieg, Hugh Gurney, John Langdon, Kathleen Newell, Kay Chase, Jim Wallington, Robert Patterson

Also Present: Jim Hinkins, Steve T. Sobel, Dave VanderBee, Chuck Merckel, Jeanie Merckel, Clark Charnetski, Sarah Hall, Randy Floyd, Caesar Dunwoody, Anthony Woods, Jamari Gladney, Doug Wilson, Clarence Hill, Duane Johnson, John Cwiek, Charles Anish, Dan Platz, Tim Hoeffner, Shirley Davis, Anissa Nelson, Ren Farley, Howard Phillips, Doulatvnneaa Choudhury, Clifford Hollings, Clayton Farmer, Peter Hollinshead, Frank Dunbar, Howard Smith

Call to Order: Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.

Speakers: Vice Chairman Krieg then introduced Dr. Frank Dunbar, Provost, Regional Program Planning, Wayne County Community College District. Dunbar welcomed the group to the downtown campus of the college, one of five campuses that make up WCCC. The four year unit is in Harper Woods. Dunbar, who spent many years in Southern California, noted that Detroit and Los Angeles are similar in many ways, especially in their love for automobiles. Now, as Los Angeles, Detroit is picking up on light rail.

The initiative for WCCC to offer the new Light Rail Engineering Technology: Electromechanical curriculum comes from the school’s chancellor, Dr. Curtis Ivery, who sits on the Regional Transportation Authority’s Board. Ivery saw a dearth of programs designed to train local residents in operation and maintenance of the M-1 streetcar system and asked Dunbar to take the lead in designing a new course of study. As part of the program, students will begin maintaining the new streetcars as soon as they arrive in Detroit.

Dunbar pointed out that maintenance and operation of light rail and streetcar systems is quite similar to other rail systems, so the training that WCCC graduates will receive should give them a leg up on rail jobs anywhere in North America. Among specific classes being offered will be “Rail Transportation and Railroad Careers”; “Railroad Rules, Regulations, Standards and Practices”; “Safety in the Railroad Workplace”; “Reading and Interpreting Railroad Diagrams”, “Railroad Pneumatics and Hydraulic Controls”; “Railroad HVAC Systems”; and “Railroad Electromechanical Troubleshooting”. These plus several Electrical Engineering, physics and humanities courses will lead to a degree of Associate of Applied Science.

Dunbar then turned the program over to Howard Smith, who will be the lead instructor for the new course of study. According to Smith, railroads across both the United States and Canada, are looking for well motivated employees to replace current workers who will be retiring in large numbers in the coming years and they are willing to pay well. The total package including salary and benefits for railroad employees comes to $108,900 annually as opposed to $67,700 for the average U.S. worker.

In addition to the M-1 streetcar project, Michigan has 4,400 miles of railroad track, and hosts four major North American railroads, two regional railroads, and 15 short line operations.

Among railroads hiring at this time are Amtrak, BNSF, CN, CP, CSX, NS and UP. Many current employees are nearing retirement and will need to be replaced by skilled workers. Smith, who has worked in the railroad industry since 1965, will be able to offer the students a wealth of practical knowledge. In addition to classroom work, student will spend time in the field at the Norfolk Southern Control Center and similar sites. Dunbar asked members of MARP to aid in promoting the new program.

Tim Hoeffner noted that all rail companies have their specific training programs, but are looking for well motivated candidates with basic skills. As a specific project, he pointed to the People Mover, which will need a major overhaul in the near future.

Adjournment: Krieg moved adjournment of the Executive Committee Meeting so we could move on to the General Membership Meeting. Langdon seconded the motion and the Executive Meeting was adjourned at 11:12 a.m.

Respectfully submitted: Accepted:

 

Hugh D. Gurney Robert Tischbein
Secretary Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
HERRICK DISTRICT LIBRARY, HOLLAND
MARCH 8, 2014

Members Present:  Steve T. Sobel, Hugh Gurney, Rosemary Horvath, Dave Vander Bee, Clark Charnetski, Chuck Merckel, Jeanie Merckel, Rich Vavra-Musser, Kay M. Chase, Robert Tischbein, John Langdon, Doug Wilson, Don Monteith, Barb Spaulding-Westcott, Don W. Westcott, Paul Trap

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:40 a.m.  Steve Sobel was asked to be timekeeper.  Those present introduced themselves.

Executive Committee Reports:

            Public/Governmental Affairs:  John Langdon reported that he had participated in a meeting of Westrain on February 19.  Stakeholders from all along the Pere Marquette line including St. Joseph, Bangor, Holland and Grand Rapids gathered to develop strategies for promoting the service and building ridership. The Southwest Michigan Planning Group was also involved.  Tulip Time ads will be part of this promotion.

On Friday, March 14, Langdon and Chase plan to attend a meeting of the Environmental Law and Policy Coalition in Chicago.  Langdon has been asked to make a presentation on Michigan By Rail, the umbrella group overseeing all rail developments in Michigan.

Among Michigan By Rail activities, Langdon reported that the Grand Rapids station is complete and the station track has been laid, but needs to be connected to the main CSX line.  VanderBee added that CSX workmen he has talked to indicate that this connection, along with necessary signal work, will take place in April.  While not definite, Langdon speculated that the official dedication of the new station will take place in August as part of the festivities surrounding the 30^th anniversary of the inauguration of the Pere Marquette.

Other developments that Michigan By Rail is tracking include a proposed new station in Port Huron, the construction of a new Transportation Center in East Lansing, the completion of the new Transportation Center in Dearborn, planning for a new rail station in Ann Arbor, a commuter rail line in the Traverse City area, the proposed Howell-Ann Arbor Wally commuter rail line, and Coast to Coast, a proposal to link Detroit to Lansing, Grand Rapids and Holland by rail.  For the Coast to Coast proposal, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority has agreed to submit an application for funding, but is looking for a match of $20,000.  Langdon is planning to approach several groups in the Holland area for some of this match.

In response to a query from Charnetski concerning ridership estimates over the next ten years, Langdon suggested that he request that information from Tim Hoeffner at MDOT.

Chase noted that she and Larry Krieg had been discussing a support group for the Wolverine, similar the Westrain for the Pere Marquette, and the Blue Water Coalition for the Blue Water.  Krieg has visited on site with members of the Texas Eagle support group.

            Communications: Chase handed out a sheet outlining efforts to keep Algoma Central passenger trains running.  She, along with Tischbein, Monteith and Wilson participated in a well attended meeting in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, on February 19 protesting the upcoming discontinuance of this service from Sault Ste. Marie north through the wilderness to Hearst, Ontario.  The railroad is the only access to much of this area for outdoorsmen and women and the only connection with the outside world for many resort owners and cottagers.  The first priority for the Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains (CAPT) is to keep trains running for one year while the group gathers data on why these trains are so important to the Algoma District.  MARP members who have ridden Algoma Central trains to Agawa Canyon and back, all the way to Hearst and back, to resorts or cottages in the region, or for other reasons are urged to send e-mails to the Canadian Minster of Transport Lisa Raitt at lisa.raitt@parl.gc.ca> with copies to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the two Algoma District Members of Parliament, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario,  Chamber of Commerce, and CAPT.  Please include an estimate of how much you spent on in Northern Ontario on food, lodging, fees for hunting and fishing licenses and other expenses. A good summary of what members should do can be found at www.algomapassengerrail.com>

Wilson added that CAPT is also working with a larger group called Northland Rail which is working to link Sault Ste. Marie to North Bay, Ontario by rail, restore passenger service on the Ontario Northland, and establish reasonable connections on the Algoma Central with East-West rail service on the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National main lines.

In conjunction with the 30^th anniversary of Pere Marquette service and the 40^th anniversary of Blue Water service, Chase asked those with information and reminiscences of these trains to send details to Rosemary Horvath at rosemaryhorvath@hotmail.com or call her at 989-506-9539.

The Library of Michigan is missing issues of The Michigan Passenger for the years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013.  Gurney added that the MARP Archives at Durand Union Station lack all copies of The Michigan Passenger in the newspaper format.  Members are asked to send back issues in their possession to Chase.

Membership: Chase reported that Membership Coordinator Newell is looking for volunteers to flush out a membership committee.  Langdon volunteered to be on the committee.

Route Enhancement: Gurney reported that support is growing for having a through train running across Michigan.  Charnetski noted that such a train would serve an additional four million potential passengers.  The train would follow the Wolverine line from Chicago to Dearborn, then turn south to Toledo.

Outreach:  Chuck Merckel expressed pleasure with the Hobby show in Novi in late March.  Approximately 25,000 attended the show and the MARP table was in an excellent location.  Fifty-eight people gave MARP their e-mails and will receive On Track.  Hopefully, they will join MARP.  Merckel praised the person to person skills of Don Westcott and Barb Spaulding-Westcott.  Gurney observed that this was a different crowd than attends the model train shows we generally participate in.

The Steam Railroading Institute event in June has extended hours, so Merckel will need many volunteers to staff the MARP table there. Langdon urged cooperation with Durand Union Station.  Charnetski asked when the next issue of The Michigan Passenger would be available.

Future Meetings:  Our next monthly meeting will be on March 5 at the Wayne County Community College branch in downtown Detroit.  Chase will be sending out information.

Regional Reports:

            Metro Detroit: Charnetski reported that planning for a new Ann Arbor station is underway.  The first public meeting is scheduled for March 19 with a leadership meeting on March 26.   Both he and Krieg are involved in the project.

Gurney noted that Krieg was attending a Friends of Wally meeting in Howell today.  The group continues to add new members.  Charnetski added that the location of the downtown Ann Arbor Wally station has now been determined.  It will be at Liberty Street on the east side of the tracks.  In response to a question from Spaulding-Westcott, Charnetski said that little or nothing was happening with the old Michigan Central Station in Detroit.  It is owned by Matty Maroun, owner of the Ambassador Bridge.

East/Central: Horvath observed that the Blue Water Coalition was having difficulty connecting with the communities west of East Lansing and getting them on board for the 40^th anniversary celebration of the Blue Water.  She recently received corrected information from Niles for the Route Guide.  After some discussion, it was determined that there are two versions of the Blue Water Route Guide, one put out by Amtrak and one by the Blue Water Coalition.  Horvath is working on the Blue Water Coalition version.  Amtrak continues to distribute their version, despite numerous errors.

The Blue Water Coalition meets again on March 20 to further plans for the September anniversary commemoration.  The group continues to update their contact list and plans more targeted marketing closer to the event.  Amtrak is paying for four billboards and posters are being designed.

Northern: Monteith handed out the 2014 Beaver Island ferry schedule, noting that the St. Ignace-Kalamazoo Indian Trails bus stops right at the ferry dock.  Monteith would like to explore the possibility of adding Beaver Island to the Amtrak Thruway schedule.

Approximately 8,300 attended the multi day train show in Traverse City during December.  The Smithsonian is supporting a series of programs on how people came to Charlevoix in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Included is a visit to the Charlevoix station.

Commissions on sales of Indian Trails bus tickets have jumped from zero to $1,200 per annum at Charlevoix, an indication that ridership is growing.  The bus goes south in the morning and returns from the south in the evening.

Monteith thinks that Charlevoix would be an excellent spot for a MARP meeting.  Chase urged him to discuss this with Meetings Coordinator Wallington.

Western Michigan: Langdon reported that there is now a new Thruway bus connecting Grand Rapids with Amtrak train #355 at Kalamazoo.  Amtrak has a new Thruway Coordinator who appears to be far more aggressive in establishing new Thruway routes.

Old Business:

            Nominations: Gurney moved that Steve Sobel and Clark Charnetski serve as a nominations committee for the 2014 elections.  The motion was seconded by Langdon and approved by the members present.  All seats on the Executive Committee with the exception of the Treasurer are up for election this year with nominations closing in June.

The Treasurer is an appointed position.  It was suggested that a notice be included in the next issue of On Track.

New Business:

            Chicago for Lunch: Barb Spaulding-Westcott urged people to sign up for the next Chicago for Lunch excursion which will take place on April 29.  A round trip adult ticket from Flint or Durand to Chicago and back will cost $56.00.  The event is sponsored by the Michigan Railway Historical Society, a support group for Crossroads Village.  Call Barb at 810-234-1427 for details.  It was suggested that this event be noted in the next issue of On Track.

            National Train Day:  Spaulding-Westcott noted that Flint is planning to commemorate National Train Day on May 10 at the Flint Transportation Center.  To date, she has received little information from Amtrak.  Langdon responded that he had recently talked with Tracy Robinson at Amtrak and she was waiting for details.

Pratt Fund:  Langdon moved that we move the proceeds of the Pratt Fund, now in our JPMorgan Chase checking account to a new JPMorgan Chase savings account.  There was no second.  Vavra-Musser felt we should wait until a new treasurer is on board.  Chase feels we need a thorough discussion of the Pratt Fund before we make any decisions.

Adjournment:  Langdon moved adjournment.  The motion was seconded by Sobel and approved by a majority of the members present.

 

Respectfully submitted:                                                          Approved:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                                     Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                                 Chair