MINUTES

 MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS

Monthly Membership Meeting

Capital Area District Library, Lansing

 January 9, 2010

 Those Signing In:  Hugh Gurney, James Wallington, Richard Pekarek, Steve Sobel, Clark Charnetski, Andrew Kent, Kaz Fujita, Dave Randall, Rich Vavra-Musser, Barney Whittier, Dale Gachner, Kay Chase, Larry Krieg, Michael Frezell, Diane Patterson, Robert Patterson, Jerry Becker, Jim Roach, John DeLora, Tim Fischer, J. R. Valderas, John Langdon, Dave Landis, Larry Sobczak, Dietrich Bergmann, Bob Tischbein

 Call to Order:  Chairman DeLora called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m.  All present were asked to introduce themselves.

 Guest Speakers:  DeLora then introduced Jim Roach and Jerry Becker, both retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation and now working as contractors on MDOT and State of Michigan projects.  They reported on a project titled Michigan Passenger Rail Station Community Benefits Study which they prepared as subcontractors to Grand Valley State University in 2008.  The study was published in July, 2009.  It looked at each of the 22 Amtrak stations in Michigan in terms of ridership, adjacent land use, amenities such as the availability of coffee nearby, and identified 350 city pairs to and from which passengers were travelling.  They reviewed a 2000 University of Michigan study which indicated that 99% of travelers intended to return at some point to their residence and utilized interviews done in 2007 by UM students with over 2300 Amtrak passengers.  The costs of travel by private automobile, train, bus and air were analyzed.  Looking at savings to travelers by using Amtrak, local business revenues as a result of the Amtrak station in that community, and actual Amtrak expenditures in each community, the study found that total community benefits for all Michigan communities served by Amtrak came to $62, 012, 441.  The complete study is available on both the MDOT and MARP websites.

 Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer Randall reported that the balance in the checking account on December 31, 2009 was $2,694.39 and the value of the Pratt Fund on that date was $13,436.00.  A Budget Performance Report and a Proposed 2010 Budget were presented and discussed.  Langdon moved acceptance of all three reports.  The motion was seconded by Vavra-Musser and approved by those present.

 Minutes of the November 14 meeting in Bangor were reviewed.  Langdon moved acceptance with corrections.  The motion was seconded by Charnetski and approved by the members present.

 Coordinator Reports:

 Meetings:  It was announced that the next meeting would take place in Jackson on Saturday, February 13.  Plans for future meetings were discussed including a summer or fall meeting in St. Ignace.

Public/Government Affairs: Langdon reported that Amtrak is now asking for $8.1 million to operate the Pere Marquette and Blue Water routes during Fiscal Year 2010, far more than the $5.3 million appropriated by the state legislature.  A supplemental appropriation will be needed if service is to continue.

An Intercity Passenger Rail Caucus is being established in the legislature under the leadership of Senator Jason Allen of Traverse City.  Tim Fischer is helping with the process.  The idea is that one Democrat and one Republican in each house will send out invitations asking other legislators to join the caucus.  Fischer will advise members as to when they should contact their legislators urging them to join the caucus. 

Fischer reported that former legislator Hopgood is now working with MDOT on a committee analyzing transit options.  MARP needs to be part of the study group and maintain positive relations with it.

 Langdon recalled that we planned to present an award to Congressman Fred Upton at the Annual Meeting for his work on behalf of passenger rail. DeLora offered to make the presentation in Washington in conjunction with an upcoming NARP meeting.  If that doesn’t happen, Vavra-Musser and Whittier will see that Upton receives the award when he is in the district.

 Langdon has distributed copies of the RFP for the Michigan Rail Plan via e-mail.  The Rail Plan, which is required by the stimulus,  calls for rider input.

 Langdon also suggested that MARP be involved in the effort to fund the Pure Michigan effort.  We have some good talking points to bring to the attention of our legislators.

 Chase mentioned a free Webinar coming up with suggestions on how communities can push funding for transit.  She suggested that members participate.

 DeLora expressed confidence that the legislature would fund the difference between the current Amtrak appropriation and Amtrak’s requested subsidy.   

 Membership: Vavra-Musser reported that our 2009 membership was 4% below the 2008 figure.  He urged that the renewal notice go out as soon as possible.  Chase will review and utilize portions of DeLora’s last appeal.

 Communications:  Chase has sent out thank you letters to those who spoke at the Annual Meeting.  A donation has been sent to TRU in honor of its tenth anniversary.

Newsletter: Valderas will check with the printer to see if they could mail The Michigan Passenger to members rather than have the Treasurer do it.

Website:  Sobczak is in the final stages of redesigning the MARP website.  The new look can be previewed at marp/blog.  A discussion ensued on the feasibility of  soliciting and renewing memberships through the website.  Bergmann will explore the possibility of renewing memberships through the MARP website.

 Outreach:  Frezell reported that we are on the waiting list for the Troy Train Show on Sunday, January 17.  Tischbein has agreed to staff the MARP table.  Charnetski and Sobel are on tap to staff the table at the Ann Arbor Train Show on Sunday, February 21.

 Regional Chair Reports       

            Northern:  Kent foresees rail excursions in Northern Michigan in August and again during the first weekend in October.

             Western:  Langdon noted the passing of longtime rail advocate Ray Hammaker on November 18 at the age of 87.  Amtrak, Westrain and MARP are collaborating on a plaque in his honor.

 Vavra-Musser reported on plans to have bus shuttles connect Pere Marquette stations with resorts on Lake Michigan.

 Both Vavra-Musser and Leatz reported problems with snow removal at St. Joseph and at Dowagiac.  The city has assumed responsibility at St. Joseph.

             Metro:  DeLora reported that Regional Chair Hinkins is progressing well after a mild heart attack.  SEMCOG is still holding to October 2010 for start up of Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter rail service. 

Hinkins has suggested a commuter rail subcommittee consisting of himself, DeLora, Charnetski and Gurney. 

Charnetski continues his work with the WALLY station and operations committees.  The burning issue at the moment is quick and efficient unloading of wheelchair passengers at the Ann Arbor station.  The earliest possible start up date is mid 2011.

Bergmann reported that the West Detroit junction improvements are still in the design stage.

Bergmann discussed the Detroit River International Crossing and why it is unnecessary at this time.  As much as 44% of present truck traffic could be diverted to rail and double tracking  rail lines would be much less expensive than the proposed $4-$5 billion cost of a new bridge.  Much of the cross Ontario traffic from New York State is now going via Ohio because of stricter border crossing regulations.  Bergmann will work on a response to the latest  MDOT report.

DeLora explained that intermodal rail service must be maintained and enhanced if we are to see rail passenger service restored.  Charnetski pointed out that the current rail tunnels cannot handle all double stack loads. 

Executive Committee Meeting:

DeLora reported that Barney Whittier has offered to fill the vacant position of Vice Chair.  Whittier then gave a brief overview of his qualifications including being a professional sales person, running his own business, and years of experience in motivating volunteers.  Whittier responded to the notice in the Fall Michigan Passenger.

Vavra-Musser moved that Whittier be appointed as Vice Chair.  The motion was seconded by Sobel and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:                                                         Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney, Secretary                                                    John DeLora, Chair

MINUTES

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
Monthly Membership Meeting
Bangor Depot, Bangor, Michigan
November 14, 2009

Those Signing In: Hugh Gurney, Dianne Patterson, Robert Patterson, Burt Ten Brink, Jim Hinkins, Rosemary Insidioso, Dick Pekarek, Kay Chase, John Langdon, Ken Ratzlaff, Jim Wallington, Martha Benedict, Archie Llamor, Barney Whittier, Ron Leatz, J. R. Valderas, Dave Randall, Jeanne Cohen, Ed Cohen

Also Present: Joseph Weiser, Duane L. Riley, Ed Hekman

Call to Order: Secretary Gurney called the meeting to order at 10:43 a.m. and immediately turned the gavel over to Treasurer Dave Randall. All present introduced themselves.

Guest Speakers: In the absence of scheduled speaker Bob Emmett, meeting host Ken Ratzlaff briefly reviewed some of Bangor’s railroad history. In the early years, Bangor was in the midst of a fruit growing area and a lot of fruit was shipped out by rail. Bangor was also famous for its pickles and was called the pickle capital of Michigan. The present depot was completed in 1925. After abandonment of passenger train service, the City of Bangor purchased the structure from CSX. Subsequently, Ratzlaff and his family purchased the property and have adaptively restored it. Today, the facility includes an Amtrak waiting area (still owned by the city), a restaurant, several businesses and a conference room. MARP worked with the city on the platform.

Valderas then introduced Joseph Weiser, a young man who oversaw the research, wording and installation of a large Michigan Historical Marker at the Niles station as his Eagle Scout project. Noting that the landmark station had only a small, obscure plaque recognizing its historic value, Weiser worked with the Michigan Historical Commission to research the history of the structure and fill out the lengthy and detailed application. All data had to be reviewed by community leaders and Amtrak. Most of his information came from the Niles Public Library. Once the wording for the marker was approved, Weiser then oversaw fundraising amounting to $3,425 to pay for preparation and installation of the marker. An interview with the local paper brought in a number of donations as well as fundraisers at the station and at the local historical museum.

Responding to a query from Robert Patterson, Weiser indicated that he was aware and appreciated the ability to use the train, but that most of his contemporaries were not and generally drove whenever they traveled to another community. It was agreed that MARP needed to do a better job in educating young people about travel by train.
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Weiser was given a hearty round of applause for his efforts to mark the Niles station more prominently.

Breaking News: Wallington reported that Indian Trails will begin service to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on December 1. The existing bus from East Lansing will now continue north from St. Ignace to Sault Ste. Marie, arriving at the Eastern U. P. Transportation Authority station there at 12:40 a.m. If traffic warrants, it will also stop at Lake Superior State University. Passengers wishing to continue to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, can either take the bridge bus that connects the two cities or a taxi for a flat fee of $30.00. The Indian Trails bus will then continue to the western Upper Peninsula. The southbound bus will depart Sault Ste. Marie daily at 7:30 a.m.

The effort to restore regularly scheduled motor coach service to Sault Ste. Marie came out of a meeting between MARP and Transport 2000’s Harry Gow. Sault Ste. Marie is the third largest city in the Upper Peninsula. Indian Trails and MDOT are currently working on a press release announcing the service.

Treasurer’s Report: Randall reported that the reminder membership mailing brought in an additional $125 in October and $40 in November. As of October 31, 2009, the balance in the checking account was $3,467.02. The value of the Pratt Fund was $12,457.87, considerably more than earlier in the year. MARP has reached 100% of budgeted income and remains below target on expenditures. The balance in the checking account is lower than at the same point last year because of non renewals. Another issue of Michigan Passenger will come out of the 2009 budget. Each issue costs about $1,000. Langdon moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report. Ratzlaff seconded. Those present concurred.

Secretary’s Report: Randall distributed drafts of the minutes of the October 10 meeting and Gurney passed out copies of the approved August and September minutes. The latter prompted questions from Robert Patterson about exactly what MARP’s financial commitments would be for the October, 2010, NARP meeting in Grand Rapids. He urged that we find out what is expected and plan for any additional expense. Gurney moved acceptance of the October minutes. Valderas seconded the motion. Those present approved the October minutes.

Key Issues
Funding Status: Langdon passed around copies of the Michigan Transportation Act approved recently in Lansing. It provides $5.7 million in funding for the Pere Marquette and Blue Water, enough to cover projected expenses until June 30, 2010. A supplemental appropriation will be needed for the remainder of the fiscal year.

With support from Senator Jason Allen of Traverse City, an Amtrak Caucus is taking shape. The Michigan Environmental Council has been doing a lot of the legwork. The idea is that the caucus will be headed by one Republican and one Democratic member in

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each house of the legislature. The Michigan Railroad Association is interested in
participating. The first meeting is scheduled for December with Tim Hoeffner speaking. Tim Fischer of MEC is working on maps of professional quality to present.

Coordinator Reports:
Meetings: Wallington reported on possible meeting venues for 2010. He will e-mail the draft list to members and ask for their input. The first meeting of 2010 will be in Lansing on Saturday, January 9. It was suggested that the Annual Meeting be shifted from the usual September date to October and held in conjunction with National Association of Railroad Passenger’s fall meeting in Grand Rapids. Langdon moved that the draft of proposed locations be accepted as a work in progress. The motion was seconded by Robert Patterson and approved.

Public Affairs: Langdon felt that the 35th Anniversary of the Blue Water went very well with lots of media exposure. MARP members served as unofficial car hosts. Pekarek added that a good crowd gathered in Flint. Lt. Governor Cherry boarded the train there and was interviewed by many reporters. There was also a good turnout in Durand. Durand Union Station put out a pin commemorating the event. Valderas reported that, according to MDOT’s Therese Cody, Dowagiac had the best participation with 75-100 attending. A harp concert was part of the entertainment. Ron Leatz was given a round of applause for his part in the Dowagiac festivities.

Membership: Speaking for Vavra-Musser, Langdon reported that membership is down by about 8%. He urged analysis of both new members and non renewing members.
Pekarek urged that we work to make riding the train seem “cool”. Randall noted that Livonia State Senator Anderson’s son rides the train all the time, so some young people are getting the message. Chase agreed that a significant number of young people are regular train riders. Randall countered that efforts to lure young people to the train are being undercut by Megabus. The Ann Arbor Amtrak ticket agent recently told him that Megabus is loading three Chicago bound busses every Friday night at the University of Michigan. Their fare is $30 as opposed to Amtrak’s Friday night fare of $70. Discussion of such issues is one reason we need regular meetings with Amtrak.

Communications: Chase informed the group that she had recently sent a thank you to Sue Higgins of the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council for helping set up the August meeting. Higgins has been extremely supportive of Westrain. Chase tries to send thank you’s to all MARP speakers.

Chase noted that the 10th anniversary of TRU was coming up and asked if anyone from MARP was planning to attend. Randall asked if MARP should make a donation to TRU in lieu of attending the event. Langdon so moved. The motion was seconded by Robert Patterson and approved by those present.

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Newsletter: Valderas plans to complete work on the fall issue of Michigan Passenger now that a date for the January meeting has been set. The opening of the New Buffalo station will be the lead article. Copy will be sent to the printer on Monday and the paper should be on the street in about two weeks. Valderas plans to get the winter edition out in January.

Website: Chase is putting the final touches on a slightly reworded Vision Statement. As soon as completed, it will be posted on the MARP website. In response to a question from Robert Patterson about social networking, Chase suggested that a committee be appointed to explore various concepts.

Outreach: Langdon passed the schedule of upcoming outreach opportunities around and asked for volunteers. He noted that souvenir programs from the Owosso Train Festival are now available.

Regional Reports:
Western: The big event was the October 26 opening of the new station in New Buffalo. All kinds of Amtrak representatives were there. Therese Cody represented MDOT. MARP members Langdon, Leatz, Valderas and Vavra-Musser were in attendance as was a representative of Fred Upton. The high school band played. A shuttle bus from the new casino will meet all four trains that stop. This is the second largest casino in the U.S. with slot machines. Amtrak removed the Amtrak signage from the old station and donated it to the local New Buffalo Railroad Museum. Vavra-Musser has offered to work on larger signs with schedules at both the New Buffalo and St. Joseph stations.

As of October 26, Amtrak has restored the connection between the eastbound California Zephyr and the eastbound Pere Marquette. Albion is now a flag stop.

Northern: Indian Trails service to Sault Ste. Marie reported earlier.

East/Central: 35th Blue Water anniversary reported earlier in the meeting.

Metro: The Woodward Avenue light rail project is on the back burner at the moment, as DDOT and Haertel work out details.

The Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter rail project is still scheduled to get underway in October, 2010, with two eastbound morning trains and two westbound evening trains. It is a demonstration project, which means it could be a failure and cease operation. If successful, it will probably lead to additional commuter rail projects. Hinkins hopes that one such project would be a spur into downtown Detroit which would pass the abandoned Michigan Central Depot. That would be an incentive for restoration and reuse of that historic structure. Over a mile of track is needed at West Detroit to accommodate the Ann Arbor-Detroit line. Hopefully, construction will begin in January.
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WALLY is slated to be operational sometime in 2011. If successful, it could lead to a rail link from Detroit through Ann Arbor to Lansing.

Chase passed around a circular describing the efforts of the Friends of the Buffalo Michigan Central station.

Old Business:
Interstate Traveler: Chase, who is on Mike Rogers’ e-mail list, reports that the committee is still at work. She agrees that we need to keep abreast of what is happening and keep in communication.

Amtrak in Winter: Amtrak’s Daryl James has confirmed that the Pere Marquette will operate with Superliner equipment year round, including a coach/café car, Wallington reported. The Blue Water is scheduled for Superliner equipment in the winter.

Vice-Chair Position: Valderas has put the vacancy announcement in the fall issue of Michigan Passenger.

New Business;
Liaison with Amtrak and MDOT: It was agreed that we strongly urge our Chair to try to set up regular meetings with Amtrak.

Other Business:
Colorado Rail is now US Rail and based in Ohio.

Ron Leatz continues as the Dowagiac host, at the station daily during train times. The station is opened weekdays by city employees and closed in the evening by the police. Many students board Sunday evenings on their way back to Western, MSU and UM. To date, Leatz has been unsuccessful in getting official directional signage to the station. Apparently, the municipality must order and install signage. To promote more travel, Leatz would like to use the Blue Water promotional brochure when corrected as well as the popular Amtrak Chicago brochure. Leatz hopes to encourage civic organizations to sponsor trips by train.

Chase noted that the new Michigan Environmental Council brochure features an Amtrak train on the cover. MEC realizes that our current transportation system consumes 75% of the nation’s energy.

Wallington is now serving on Amtrak’s Passenger Advisory Committee. Amtrak has a team that focuses on a specific train with attention to cleanliness, on time performance and promotion. A Michigan train may be featured in the coming year. The Texas Eagle is slated to become a daily Chicago-San Antonio-Los Angeles service.

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In response to a query from Robert Patterson, Valderas stated he will have a report on National Train Day at the January meeting.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 1:37 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted: Approved:

Hugh D. Gurney John DeLora
Secretary Chair

MINUTES

 MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS

MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING

ANN ARBOR AMTRAK STATION, ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN

October 10, 2009

Those Signing In: Hugh Gurney, Steve T. Sobel, Dave Randall, Jim Hinkins, Clark Charnetski, Robert  Patterson, Dianne Patterson, Radley Smith, Jim Roach, Jerry Becker, J. Michael Lynch, Michael Benham, the speaker.

Call to Order: Secretary Hugh Gurney called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m.

Guest Speaker:  Michael Benham presented the Wally Update. He used a map of the route to describe the route from Howell to North Ann Arbor. He said there will be four rush hour trains each way. Twenty four cars, eight cab cars and sixteen trailers will be rehabbed by GLC under contract by December 2011. These cars will also be used on the Ann Arbor to Detroit East West route. The connection between the Ann Arbor RR and the NS will be rehabbed to allow the sharing of the fleet. The East West line will get the cars first in October/November 2010 to start up. The Wally will come later in November 2011 using three car trains. A five track yard north of Howell will be constructed. The location of the Ann Arbor Station site has some problems that will need to be corrected to allow for 500 foot platforms, lighting, and shelters. Self service ticketing on the honor system will be adopted. Mr. Benham stressed that the route can support 60 mph speeds with its 32 grade crossings. The presentation was followed by Q & A from the members present.

The meeting recessed to Casey’s Tavern for lunch at 11:12 a.m.  The meeting reconvened at 12:42 p.m. at the Amtrak Station with 9 members present. 

To fill the Vice Chair vacancy, it was moved by Sobel with a second by Patterson to draft a letter to be considered at the November meeting. This action was tabled for the next meeting.

The Treasurer, Dave Randall gave the September 30^th report. MSC to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented.

The question was raised as to what are MARP’s responsibilities regarding the NARP Convention in Grand Rapids next fall.

MSC to Approve the Minutes of August 22, 2009 and September 12, 2009.

Metro Regional Chair Report  Jim Hinkins reported that he has not been able to contact the “Interstate Traveler” people. Clark Charnetski spoke about the Mega Lev system report from Representative Rodgers’ office. The MI Central station was discussed as to possible uses, Train Station and Hotel. Shuttle service from that location to Cobo Hall.

Public Affairs It was reported by the Chair that the State Budget included only 5.6 million dollars for 10 months of Amtrak service through June 2010. Then the State will have to find money for the rest of the fiscal year.

Outreach  The Chair  discussed upcoming events and passed around a sign up schedule.  The Blue Water 35^th Anniversary train will operate October 21, 2009.  The event was discussed.

Other New Business  Clark Charnetski reported that Ann Arbor has selected a new location for its Amtrak Station. It will be about 500 feet east of the present location near the U of M Medical Center, to increase ridership. Also a proposed light rail line running from US 23 and Plymouth Road to the Main Campus could pass through this location as well as a parking structure could be built straddling the tracks near where the existing parking lot is. 

It was suggested that future meetings in 2010 be held where things are going on and also other places where MARP has not met in some time.

Future Meetings   January 9, 2010 will be in Lansing.

Station staff reported that at Ann Arbor on Friday nights Mega Bus at $30 for Chicago was loading 3 Coaches. Amtrak tickets on 355 were on offer at $70.

A member also suggested that MARP renew its regular contacts with Amtrak management for communication on items brought to our attention.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:                                              Accepted:

Dave Randall                                                              Hugh D. Gurney

Recording Secretary                                                   Acting Chair