MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
HERRICK DISTRICT LIBRARY, HOLLAND
MARCH 8, 2014

Present:  Robert Tischbein, Hugh Gurney, Rosemary Horvath, Kay Chase, John Langdon, Don Monteith

Also Present: Steve T. Sobel, Dave VanderBee, Chuck Merckel, Jeanie Merckel, Rich Vavra-Musser, Doug Wilson, Barb Spaulding-Westcott, Don W. Westcott, Paul Trap

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:14 a.m.  A roll call indicated that a quorum of the Executive Committee was present.  Steve Sobel was asked to keep time.

Agenda:  Horvath asked that a discussion of the Pratt Fund be added to the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Monteith.  After considerable discussion, the motion was approved by a majority of the members of the Executive Committee present in a 5-1 vote.

Request for Donation:  Langdon moved that we decline to grant $250 to MLUI for a feasibility study of passenger rail service in the Traverse City area.  Horvath seconded the motion for purposes of discussion.  Langdon noted that the request was a blanket one, not specifically targeted to MARP and that he had been advised by Tim Fischer at the Michigan Environmental Council that others were taking care of funding. Langdon foresees no additional funding in 2014 from MEC.  Monteith felt that MLUI’s Valerie Kim-Duensing should have made the effort to address MARP if she really wanted us to fund the project.  Tischbein called the question and the motion not to approve the grant was approved by the majority of the Executive Committee present in a 5-1 vote.

Charges for Tables at Outreach Events:  The Committee then reviewed a proposal by Chuck Merckel that MARP create a budget item for table charges.  Merckel noted that the Rochester Green Fair, an event we have participated in with great success in past years, wanted $125 this year for a table.  The Howell Melon Festival, another popular event, is asking $150 for a table.  A lengthy discussion followed, with Langdon asserting that we should participate in events only if the table is gratis.  Charnetski noted that he has been paying approximately $25 per event for each of the three shows he participates in out of his own pocket.  He was recruited to join MARP at a train show. Wilson suggested we approach MDOT and Amtrak for financial support.  Langdon speculated that Westrain and the Blue Water Coalition, both funded by MDOT, might be able to help and suggested we approach Therese Cody at MDOT.  Chase suggested MARP could find a sponsor to pay for a table at the Rochester event as suggested by the event’s organizers.   It was decided to take the question up again when the 2015 budget is proposed.

Langdon moved that MARP appropriate $12.50 towards a table at the Steam Railroading event in Owosso in June, with the understanding that we would share a table with Durand Union Station.  The motion was seconded by Gurney and passed by a majority of the members of the Executive Committee present.

Revision of the Titles and Duties of Certain At Large Committee Members and Their Committees:  On behalf of the By-Laws Committee, Gurney asked that the Committee approved Resolution #5.  (See Attached Copy).  His motion was seconded by Horvath.  If passed, Resolution #5 would be added to the By-Laws.  Resolution #5 changes the name of the Public Information Committee to the Governmental/Public Affairs Committee and charges it with liaison with federal, state and local government officials and allied advocacy groups.  Resolution #5 also specifies that the Meeting Committee coordinate monthly meetings with the appropriate Regional Chapter Chair and make program arrangements in coordination with the appropriate Regional Chapter Chair. After discussion and comparison with Resolution #4, the motion was passed by the members of the Executive Committee present by a vote of 5-1.

Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting at University of Detroit Mercy on February 15, 2014, were then reviewed.  Langdon moved approval.  The motion was seconded by Horvath and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Treasurer’s Report as prepared by Treasurer Dave Randall was reviewed by Langdon.  As of February 28, 2014, the balance in the JPMorgan Chase account stood at $31,632.76.  Of this amount, $17,141.26 is designated as the Pratt Fund, leaving $14,491.50 available for current operations.

Chase suggested that some of the expenses listed under Outreach really belonged under Michigan by Rail and asked if that could be reviewed and corrected.  She plans to send out an e-mail reminder to those who have not yet paid their dues in the very near future.  A formal letter should wait until March or April.

Chase moved approval of the Treasurer’s Report.  Monteith seconded the motion and it was passed by a majority of the members of the Executive Committee present by a vote of 5-1.

New Treasurer Search Committee:  Long time Treasurer Dave Randall relocated to Texas about a year ago and has tendered his resignation effective April 15, 2014.  Chairman Tischbein appointed Kay Chase as Chair of this Search Committee.  Rich Vavra-Musser volunteered to assist.  Langdon moved approval of these appointments, with Gurney seconding.  The motion that Chase lead a Search Committee for a new Treasurer with Vavra-Musser assisting was approved by a majority of the members of the Executive Committee present.

Recess:  The Executive Committee recessed at 11:40 a.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted:                                             Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                         Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                     Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT MERCY, DETROIT
FEBRUARY 15, 2014

Present: Robert Tischbein, Hugh Gurney, Kay Chase, Kathleen Newell, Rosemary Horvath, Larry Krieg, Robert Patterson

Also Present: Jeanie Merckel, Chuck Merckel, Don W. Westcott, Jim Hinkins, Doug Wilson, Dan Platz, David Roberts, Cecilia Roberts, Tim Hoeffner, Leonard D. Barry, Richard Rosenbaum, Diane Patterson, Peter Hollinshead, Qingpeng Zhang, Dr. Leo E. Hanifin

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.  The roll was taken and it was determined that a quorum was present.

Agenda:  Krieg moved approval of the agenda.  The motion was seconded and agreed to by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting in Chicago on November 2, 2013 were reviewed.  Krieg moved approval.  Chase seconded the motion and it was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting in Williamston on January 18 were then reviewed.  Krieg moved approval, with Horvath seconding.  The motion was approved by a majority of the members of the Executive Committee present.

Treasurer’s Report:  Chairman Tischbein then reviewed the report of income and expenditures for the month ending January 31, 2014.  As of the end of January, MARP’s checking account stood at $30,309.26.  This included $17,141.26 in the Pratt Fund, leaving $13,168.73 available for ongoing operations.

Newell moved approval of the January Income and Expenditures Report.  This was seconded by Krieg.  After explanations by Treasurer Randall on the speakerphone, the January monthly report was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Tischbein next began review of the proposed 2014 budget for the organization showing $14,700 in projected income and $15,420 in projected expenses.  A carryover of $2,714 brings the budget into balance with a surplus of $1,994. Krieg moved acceptance.  This was seconded by Newell.

Discussion followed, with many points explained by Randall on the speakerphone.  Robert Patterson was asked to investigate and recommend an appropriate membership payment to the Midwest High Speed Rail Association.  Satisfied that the proposed budget was truly in balance, Tischbein called the question.  The motion to approve the 2014 budget was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

In response to a question from Horvath, Tischbein noted that having a CPA serve as Treasurer would be extremely expensive for a small organization such as MARP.  Krieg pointed out that our By-Laws require us to have a Treasurer as one of the officers.

Guest Speaker: Chairman Tischbein then introduced Dr. Leo E. Hanifin, who recently stepped down as Dean of the University of Detroit Mercy College of Engineering and Science after 21 years.  He remains a full time professor.   Hanifin discussed how he, his colleagues and students, have been at the forefront of transportation planning over the past two decades.  For a number of years, Hanifin headed up the Michigan Ohio University Transportation Center, a coalition of five universities funded by federal and state DOT’s and partner corporations.  In that capacity, Hanifin led a consortium of engineering and architectural faculty which provided invaluable input into the development of the Detroit light rail system, scheduled to break ground this spring.

Hanifin reviewed the work of a team currently analyzing the myriad factors that enable and inhibit the development of an effective regional transit system in Southeast Michigan.  To aid in this analysis, the team has reviewed recent transit successes and failures in three metropolitan areas with similar demographics to Detroit’s – Cleveland, St. Louis and Atlanta – as well as Denver, which is dissimilar in many ways.  Lessons learned include that a regional system must be truly regional, that progress requires tenacity, and that all stakeholders must be identified and brought into the planning process.  Transit leaders must be effective consensus builders.  The details of a transit system must be developed by transit professionals who can hone down everybody’s wishes into a system that works for the majority of users.  Hanifin advised MARP members not to let their affection for rail blind them to the benefits of other modes such as Bus Rapid Transit.

Hanifin concluded by reviewing the results of a recent survey of 800 likely voters in the Detroit metropolitan area representative of the mix of demographics in the region.  Among those surveyed, 86.23 % thought public transit in Southeast Michigan needed improvement and 67.08% indicated support for regional taxes and fees to support public transit.  More people thought the Regional Transportation Authority would improve public transit in the area than not and more said they would vote for increased registration fees to support the RTA than not.  All in all, Hanifin is very encouraged by these responses since the RTA has yet to put together a plan for improvements.  For continuing updates, Hanifin suggested checking out www.eng-sci.udmercy.edu/opportunities/research/udmtc  from time to time.

In response to a question from Robert Patterson, Hanifin reiterated that vehicle registration fees of $10-$40 would bring in around $100,000,000 annually.

A date for the groundbreaking ceremony for the M-1 streetcar project has yet to be determined, but relocation of utilities is underway.

An initial project for the Regional Transportation Authority will be the development of an integrated fee system between the major providers in the area including the People Mover, DDOT and SMART.

In conclusion, Tim Hoeffner thanked Hanifin for his efforts over the years and for being a catalyst for transit in Southeast Michigan.  Hoeffner noted that many community leaders are alumni of University of Detroit  Mercy and that Hanifin has effectively used his access to them.

Public Affairs:  Speaking on behalf of Public Affairs Coordinator John Langdon, Gurney reported that the Governor’s Transportation budget for FY 2015 includes sufficient funding for current Amtrak operations in Michigan.  This was confirmed by Hoeffner.

Communications:  To get the process going, Chase has drafted position descriptions for each member of the Executive Committee and has asked the incumbent of that particular position to review and revise as necessary.  She then went over Resolution #4 to the By-Laws, approved by the Executive Committee in January, 2008. This was the action that gave specific duties to each of the At Large Executive Committee members.  At this time, John Langdon leads the Public Affairs Committee, Kay Chase heads up the Communications Committee,  Kathleen Newell heads up the Membership Committee and Jim Wallington leads the Meetings Committee.  We now need to flesh out the respective committees.

Tischbein asked if the By-Laws should be tweaked to permit the chair to appoint an ad hoc committee without first seeking approval from the Executive Committee.

Membership:  Newell reported that membership renewals have been coming in nicely following the renewal letter in January.  Recently, she has recorded 59 renewals, 2 new members, and $230 in donations coming in along with membership renewals.  As suggested in the letter, more members are upgrading the membership level this year.  Newell is looking for younger people to serve on the Membership Committee.

Route Enhancement:  Chuck Merckel shared a letter he had received from State Representative Joe Walsh indicating that MDOT supports MARP’s efforts to have one of the Chicago-East Coast trains rerouted through Michigan.  Hoeffner confirmed that something was in the works.  Gurney is currently working on the 2014 Route Enhancement Recommendations and efforts to secure a through train through Michigan will be one of the action items.

Outreach: Chuck Merckel has secured a complimentary table at the Hobby Show in Novi, February 22-23.  The schedule of upcoming outreach events has been laid out on the table.  Merckel is looking forward to reviewing an MDOT report on how to reach potential Amtrak customers in Michigan.  Chase will be promoting upcoming outreach events in On Track.  Newell advised that we try to build interest among traditional rail enthusiasts in the new and evolving developments in passenger rail transportation.

Amtrak Station Review:  Chase reported that she is developing a survey on the status of the Amtrak stations in Michigan as to who owns each station, when it is open and the range of physical amenities available.  She would like to work with the Regional Chairs on completing the survey form for each station.  This opened up a discussion about why so many stations are locked tight at train time.  Westcott pointed to Flint as an example, where the station is closed when the evening train arrives, local bus service has ceased and there is no information on taxis.  Hoeffner offered that MDOT has an extensive database on each station property and suggested Chase consult this before implementing the survey.  Chase noted that Ren Farley has written an article on the Station Host program in Maine which will likely be published in the next Michigan Passenger.  Hoeffner advised MARP to work with MDOT on the issue.

Meetings:  Gurney reported that our next MARP meeting will be in Holland on Saturday, March 8.

Regional Reports:

            Detroit Metro:  Robert Patterson welcomed the group to Detroit and urged  people to spend the afternoon in the city.  At their meeting last week, the Regional Transportation Authority agreed to put RTA funding on the November, 2016 ballot.  This will provide time to develop comprehensive plans for the voters to decide on.    It will also give time to work on small successes like a joint fare program among the transportation providers in the region.

Patterson pointed to his Rails to Tables concept in which food for the needy would be collected at events MARP participates in.  Chase suggested that this be an agenda item for discussion at next month’s meeting.

East/Central:  Don Westcott reviewed a written report on the work of the Blue Water Promotion group as it prepares for the Blue Water  40^th anniversary celebration in September, 2014.  Working with Therese Cody at MDOT and Tracy Robinson at Amtrak, promotional efforts will include at least four billboards along the Blue Water route, posters  at colleges, senior centers and other points along the line, updated Blue Water  brochures,  rail and bicycle and rail and golf posters, and three large pull up banners for special events and festivals.  The promotion group is contacting all CVB’s and Chambers of Commerce along the Blue Water line and asking them to include a link to Amtrak.com on their web sites.  For the actual 40^th anniversary celebration, all stations along the Blue Water line will be encouraged to stage festivities as the morning train arrives.

Hoeffner noted that the 40^th anniversary celebration of the Blue Water is a joint MDOT/Amtrak event.

Westcott observed that not all travel on the Blue Water is to Chicago.  More and more passengers are using the service to travel between points within Michigan.  Hoeffner believes that, with reduced travel times, we can do a better job of promoting Chicago to Michigan travel.

Algoma Central:  Chase reported that she is working on a letter to be sent by MARP to Canadian federal legislators, the Canadian Minister of Transport and others urging continuation of the Algoma Central passenger service between Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and Hearst, Ontario, some 300 miles to the north.  The Canadian Ministry of Transport has eliminated the subsidy that permitted operation of this train, leaving countless residents, resort owners and potential vacationers stranded.  Chase, Monteith, Wilson and Tischbein plan to attend a town hall meeting on the issue in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, during the week of February 17.

Hoeffner agreed that we need to reach out to public officials in Canada.  Noting that the new Detroit-Windsor rail tunnel may get underway in the near future, Wilson expressed hope that the new tunnel may improve cross border transportation.

David Roberts wondered if Canada was doing anything to promote tourism in the Algoma District of Ontario.

Minutes of the November 2, 2013 Membership meeting in Chicago were then reviewed.  Krieg moved acceptance.  The motion was seconded by Hinkins and approved by the members present.  Minutes of the January 18, 2014 Membership meeting in Williamston were next reviewed.  Horvath moved acceptance.  Newell seconded the motion and it was approved by the members present.

Port Huron:  Wilson requested that we hold a meeting in Port Huron in the near future to discuss development plans there.  Tischbein suggested he work with Jim Wallington, our Meetings Coordinator, to arrange such a meeting.

Steam Festival:  Horvath announced that the Steam Railroading Institute will be hosting a large steam festival in Owosso June 20-22, 2014.

Frank Lloyd Wright House:  Hinkins provided directions to Detroit’s only Frank Lloyd Wright House, located nearby on Seven Mile Road.

Adjournment:  Robert Patterson moved adjournment, seconded by Hinkins.  Krieg announced that we would be gathering for lunch at Rosie O’Grady’s in Ferndale.

 

The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted:                                                          Approved:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                                     Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                                 Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
WILLIAMSTON DEPOT MUSEUM, WILLIAMSTON
JANUARY 18, 2014

Members Present:  Hugh Gurney, Clark Charnetski, Steve T. Sobel, Rich Vavra-Musser, Larry Krieg, John Langdon, Dick Pekarek, Kazuya Fujita, Chuck Merckel, Jeanie Merckel, Michael Frezell, Charley Bonnell, Kim J. Powell, Dan Platz, Adam Tauno Williams, Doug Wilson, Kathryn Newell, Jared H. Becker, Steve Vagnozzi, Gerry Callison, Don Monteith, Andrew Kent, Diane Patterson, Robert Patterson, Robert Tischbein, Tim Hoeffner, Clayton Farmer

Also Present: Darryl Apps, Debra Alexander, CATA

Call to Order:  Vice Chair Krieg called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.  All present were asked to introduce themselves and their place of residence.  Steve Sobel was asked to serve as timekeeper.

Guest Speaker:  John Langdon introduced our guest speaker of the day, Debra Alexander, Assistant Executive Director of the Capitol Area Transportation Authority.  Alexander then reviewed plans for the new East Lansing Multi-Modal Transportation Gateway designed to serve Amtrak, Indian Trails, Greyhound and Megabus.  Talking from a site plan distributed to all, Alexander confirmed that the present East Lansing Transportation Center will be expanded and reconfigured, and will encompass almost all of the area between Harrison Road on the East, the Canadian National Railroad on the North and the CSX Railroad on the South.  All but one structure, including the current Amtrak station, will be demolished.  The site of the one remaining building closest to the diamond could serve commuter rail on the CSX line in the future.

A successful TIGER grant of $6.2 million will provide the majority of the funding for the $10 million project.  Much of the remaining funding comes from the in kind donation by MSU of a long term lease on the property and a grant from MDOT. 

The entrance drive off Harrison Road will lead to three areas, the first being a self paid parking lot occupying the northeast quadrant of the property.  The lot will be divided into three areas, one for short term parking of 15-30 minutes, a second for 2-3 day parking and a third for parking up to one week.  The entrance drive also leads to a drop off loop near the main entrance to the station where passengers can be dropped off and picked up.  Thirdly, the entrance drive leads to the drop off and pick up area for taxis and intercity buses.  The bus loading area is large enough for four buses to be loading and unloading simultaneously.  Additional buses can be parked nearby.

The 8,000 square foot station is a roughly triangular structure adjacent to the CN tracks with seating all around the interior circumference of the building and additional seating outside near the tracks.  The Amtrak ticket counter, office and baggage area are in the part of the station closest to the CN tracks. The intercity bus ticket office and baggage area are on the opposite side of the building.  Rest rooms and the CATA Emergency Operations Center occupy the center of the facility. 

At the three corners of the building are vestibules designed to be accessible when the facility is not staffed.  Each of these vestibules has at least minimal seating.  Unfortunately, public restrooms remain inaccessible when the building is not staffed.

A canopy around the entire structure offers additional waiting space.  The building is all glass, providing excellent sight lines in all directions, mainly as a security measure.  There are no hidden alcoves where individuals can lurk.  There are no curbs, making the facility fully accessible.

Amtrak will be responsible for the rail platform, scheduled to be rebuilt in the next two years.  Amtrak will need to negotiate with CN and FRA on platform features and height.

The fact that the electrical feed for the entire MSU campus passes through the project site complicates matters.  Alexander hopes to complete lease agreements with MSU and wrap up negotiations with the prime contractor by March 1, when one of the few windows when power can be cut to the campus occurs.  If successful, demolition of the existing buildings can then begin.  A depth of 17 feet of peat must then be removed from the site and replaced with solid earth.  During construction, a trailer at the Southeast corner of the property will serve as the ticket office and waiting room.  About forty parking spaces will be available.  Alexander is shooting for a project completion during the spring of 2016.

Recess:  The membership meeting was recessed at 10:40 a.m. for the Executive Committee meeting.  It resumed at 11:00 a.m.

Chicago Union Station:  Krieg reported that he had met on January 3 with Amtrak officials Moe Savoy and Sid Birkett.  A number of steps are underway to improve circulation at Chicago Union Station.  Unfortunately, funding is not available for more ambitious plans because of the 2013 sequester.  This includes funding for relocating the first class lounge.  While the rental of the Great Hall brings in $1.5 -$2 million annually, that money goes into the Amtrak General Fund and does not benefit Chicago Union Station directly.  The area designated as the coach waiting area continues to have insufficient room for current passengers and there is space for only two lines at any one time.  Krieg feels Amtrak Central must be pressured to permit revenue generated by the Great Hall to be used for improvements at Chicago Union Station. 

Krieg acknowledged that Vavra-Musser was correct that the Great Hall was used as a passenger waiting area during the Thanksgiving holidays, but added that seating in the Great Hall was very limited.

Chuck Merckel expressed hope that the newly formed Missouri-Illinois Passenger Association could bring pressure to bear.

Hoeffner noted that all affected state Departments of Transportation agree that the waiting areas for passengers are inadequate at Chicago Union Station. He suggested that MARP and other passenger advocacy groups clearly outline to the Chicago Amtrak staff the problems they see and ask them to come up with solutions.  Even if clearly designated as recommendations, Amtrak staff in Washington are quick to bristle at written communications

Callison suggested MARP attempt to convince Amtrak to see the station properties they own as valuable real estate as do railroads in Europe and elsewhere.  These railroads are making more from their real estate holdings than their rail operations.  Valuable square footage at Chicago Union Station goes unused.

Future Meetings:  Our next meeting will take place at the University of Detroit Mercy on February 15 with Dr. Leo Hanifin as speaker.  We will meet on March 8 at the Herrick District Library in Holland.  The planned April meeting in Mount Pleasant has been cancelled as we couldn’t find a Community Conversation partner.  Krieg is working on a possible meeting at Wayne County Community College where Dr. Frank Dunbar is developing a course of study in light rail operations and maintenance.

Governmental/Public Affairs:  Langdon reported that a morning Amtrak Thruway bus has been added from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, where it would connect with both westbound and eastbound Amtrak service.  A new Amtrak Thruway person in Washington appears to be far more aggressive in developing new service.  Langdon expressed fear that this new service could reduce ridership on the Pere Marquette.

Hoeffner responded that he did not know the new Amtrak Thruway person but supports all new options for public transportation.  He is hopeful that this will open up the whole west side of the state for more Thruway buses.

Langdon expressed disappointment at the December ridership figures.  In a more positive vein, he noted that the extra Pere Marquette on December 1 demonstrated that a second Pere Marquette with the same equipment was doable.

MDOT Report:  As to ridership, MDOT Director of the Office of Rail Tim Hoeffner feels that we turned the corner on ridership in December, with ridership up on both the Wolverine and Blue Water routes.  Revenue was up on all Michigan services including $100,000 on the Blue Water and $1.4 million on the Wolverines.

 

Norfolk Southern crews under contract with MDOT completed three seasons of work on upgrading the Wolverine tracks between Kalamazoo and Dearborn between August and November 21.  Work for the year ended prior to the holiday travel season.  Hoeffner foresees the new signals between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek becoming operational sometime in 2014.

The Troy Transportation Center is ready to go whenever condemnation actions turn that property over to the City of Troy. Platform construction at Dearborn will begin as soon as double tracking is complete. Hoeffner expects the new Dearborn Transportation Center to open in August and the track connection and PTC work at Grand Rapids to be completed during the first quarter of 2014, permitting that station to open.  Planning for a new station in Ann Arbor is underway.  The West Detroit crossover will be out for bids during the first quarter of 2014. The State of Indiana and Norfolk Southern are finalizing their agreement for upgrading the tracks between Porter, Indiana and the Illinois State line.  Included will be an Amtrak siding just north of the Porter interlock. 

Hoeffner will attend a briefing during the week of January 20 to learn the status of the new coaches for Michigan and other states. He is pleased that Siemens has been awarded the contract to build the new locomotives for the Midwest states and California.

For 2014, expect to see some double tracking between Dearborn and Ypsilanti, and progress on grade crossings and Positive Train Control.  In the Battle Creek area, Hoeffner foresees an additional track parallel to the CN tracks from Gore to Barron, providing for easier access of passenger trains to the Battle Creek station.  In the future, there would be a crossover of the CN tracks at Barron.

Southwest Ontario:  Wilson thanked Hoeffner for the excellent presentation he made at a recent meeting in Southwest Ontario and his support for public transportation in that region.  With more than 14 million inhabitants now, the Province of Ontario is beginning to see the value of public transportation beyond the Toronto-Hamilton metropolitan area.

Hoeffner responded by saying that Michigan actually has closer bonds with Ontario than with Ohio or Indiana in many ways.

Adjournment:  Langdon moved adjournment.  The motion was seconded by Vavra-Musser and approved by the members present.  The meeting adjourned at 12:07 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted:                                                          Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                                     Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                                 Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
WILLIAMSTON DEPOT MUSEUM, WILLIAMSTON
JANUARY 18, 2014

Members Present:  Robert Tischbein, Larry Krieg, Hugh Gurney, Rosemary Horvath, John Langdon, Kathleen Newell, Don Monteith, Robert Patterson

Also Present:  Clark Charnetski, Steve T. Sobel, Rich Vavra-Musser, Dick Pekarek, Kazuya Fujita, Chuck Merckel, Jeanie Merckel, Michael Frezell, Charley Bonnell, Kim J. Powell, Dan Platz, Darryl Apps, Adam Tauno Williams, Debbie Alexander, Jared H. Becker, Steve Vagnozzi, Gerry Callison, Andrew Kent, Diane Patterson, Tim Hoeffner, Clayton Farmer

Call to Order:  Vice Chairman Krieg called the meeting to order at 10:40 a.m.  After roll call, it was determined that a quorum was present.

Approval of Agenda: Langdon moved approval of the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Patterson and accepted by a majority of the Executive Committee present.

Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting held in Owosso on December 7, 2013 were reviewed.  Krieg moved acceptance.  Horvath seconded the motion and it was approved by a majority of the members of the Executive Committee present.

Treasurer’s Report:  In the absence of Treasurer Dave Randall, Langdon gave the report.  He first reviewed the report of income and expenses for the month of December, 2013.  As of December 31, 2013, there was $28,461.14 in the Chase checking account, of which $17,141.16 was designated as the Pratt Fund, leaving $11,319.88 for MARP operations.  Krieg moved acceptance of the Monthly Report.  This was seconded by Gurney and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

A number of questions arose when Langdon presented the budget for 2014 and requested approval.  Horvath asked that the grants from MEC be clearly shown for both 2013 and 2014.  Krieg moved that the group table discussion of the 2014 budget until a Conference Call could be held with Treasurer Randall.  Gurney seconded the motion and it was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Adjournment:  The Executive Committee meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted:                                             Approved:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                         Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                     Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
GREAT LAKES CENTRAL RR OFFICE, OWOSSO
DECEMBER 7, 2013

Members Present: Rosemary Horvath, Kay Chase, Jim Wallington, Larry Krieg, Robert Patterson, Don Monteith, John Langdon, Hugh Gurney, Robert Tischbein

Also Present: Chris Bagwell, Great Lakes Central RR, Mike Whims.

Call to Order: Vice Chairman Krieg called the meeting to order at 10:13 a.m.  He thanked Bagwell for hosting the meeting and for Great Lake Central’s support of MARP and passenger rail initiatives.

Agenda: Observing that the proposed agenda would take the entire weekend to get through, the Krieg moved to address what seemed to be the most critical issues first. The motion was seconded by Gurney and approved by the members present.

Route Enhancement Report for 2014: After a review of the 2013 Route Enhancement Recommendations, Gurney affirmed that the Route Enhancement Recommendations for 2014 will include a request to MDOT and Amtrak to operate one through train between Chicago and the East Coast through Michigan once funded track and signal improvements are completed.  The Route Enhancement Committee will meet early in the coming year to finalize the 2014 Route Enhancement Recommendations.

Removal of Signaling on the CSX Line Between Plymouth and Flint. After considerable discussion, Langdon moved that Mike Whims, asked to attend the meeting because of his expertise in Federal Regulatory matters, track the request by CSX to remove current signaling between Plymouth and Flint.  The line is included in MARP’s Vision, but not in the Michigan State Rail Plan.  The consensus of the group was that entirely new and more sophisticated signaling would be required before passenger trains could operate on that rail line. Gurney seconded the motion and it was approved by the members present.

Community Conversation:  Krieg moved that MARP pursue a Community Conversation Forum with the Center for Michigan at Central Michigan University on Saturday, April 5, 2014  We willencourage as many MARP members to attend as possible to participate in this discussion of transportation issues in advance of this fall’s elections.   A regular MARP meeting will be scheduled in Mount Pleasant in conjunction with the forum.  Krieg, Chase, Wallington, Langdon, Horvath and Monteith will be involved in organizing MARP’s part of the forum. The motion was seconded by Horvath and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Turning All Seats Forward On Michigan Trains:   After a discussion of the issue, Langdon moved that MARP not pursue the issue of having all seats turned forward on Michigan trains.  This would require Amtrak to assign people classified as trainmen to Pontiac, Port Huron and Grand Rapids in addition to the present contract coach cleaners.  For safety reasons, passengers are not permitted to turn the seats themselves.  MARP would prefer to have any additional funding put first into station staffing and increased frequencies. The motion was seconded by Patterson and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.  Gurney was asked to convey this decision to members who had brought this issue to the attention of the Executive Committee.

MARP Archives: Gurney and Chase were asked to continue review of the best way to preserve MARP’s archives and have them available for use.  They are currently stored at Durand Union Station but not considered part of the Railroad Museum’s collections.

Thanks to Amtrak and MDOT for Extra Holiday Trains:  Members were informed that Chase and Langdon have already sent thank you notes to Amtrak and MDOT for the increased frequencies scheduled for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  They are seeking the proper channels to thank Norfolk Southern, CN, and CSX for their cooperation. 

Meetings: Tischbein recommended that MARP not schedule a meeting during Toledo National Train Day.  Too many members are committed to staffing the MARP table, serving as hosts on the display train or involved in other aspects of the program.

MARP will schedule a monthly meeting on Saturday, July 12, 2014 in Traverse City in conjunction with the Ales by the Rails Festival.  Chris Bagwell of Great Lakes Central Railroad doubted that passenger trains could be operated in conjunction with the meeting because of the poor condition of the tracks in that area.

Membership: Langdon and Chase will work with Newell on the implementation of a Membership Committee. It was agreed that MARP provide a one year free membership to invited meeting speakers. After discussion, it was agreed that MARP will continue to offer life memberships.

Outreach: It was agreed that, while looking for additional opportunities to promote membership at green fairs, senior expos, women’s expos, college events, MARP will continue to staff tables at model train shows.  Amtrak really appreciates MARP’s promotional efforts at such venues.

Teaching Opportunity: Krieg informed the group that Wayne County Community College is setting up a course of study in light rail.  They are looking for teachers with knowledge of signaling and car body maintenance and repair.

Great Lakes Central Operations:  Bagwell provided an overview of Great Lakes Central operations.  Watco’s recent acquisition of a minority share in Federated Holdings, Great Lakes Central’s parent company, has not changed operations in any way.  The fact that Watco now owns the Ann Arbor Railroad increases the possibilities for greater cooperation between GLC and AARR. Watco appears to be more receptive to passenger operations.

Bagwell then gave the group a complete tour of the Great Lakes Central shops, including one of the recently refurbished MI-Train coaches with a cut out area where the new prefabricated restroom will be installed by the end of the month.  Bagwell hopes to retrofit remaining coaches with restrooms at a rate of two per month.  Cab cars will not have restrooms.

Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted:                                 Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                             Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                         Chair