MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
Monthly Membership Meeting
Kalamazoo Transit Center, Kalamazoo
October 18, 2008

Those Signing In: Hugh Gurney, Jim Hinkins, Dianne Patterson, Robert Patterson, Dan Platz, Duke Van Til, Viola Van Til, Steve T. Sobel, Burt Ten Brink, Clark Charnetski, John Langdon, Phil Chamberlain, Kay Chase, Dave Randall, Rich Vavra-Musser, Keith Martin

Also Present: Steward Sandstrom, Kalamazoo & Michigan Chambers of Commerce

The meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by Acting Chair Gurney. Kay Chase and Burt Ten Brink were thanked for making arrangements for the meeting and for the delicious and varied refreshments. After discussion, it was determined that we would work until at least 1:00 p.m., and then break for lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Those present introduced themselves and their particular interests in passenger rail.

Minutes of the September 20 Annual Meeting were reviewed and approved after several corrections.

Treasurer’s Report was reviewed and approved. As of September 30, 2008, the balance in the checking account was $5,564.18 and the value of the Pratt Fund was $12,439.17. The Operating Ratio of Expenses to Income was 67.60%.

Guest Speaker: Chase introduced Steward Sandstrom who is active in both the Kalamazoo and Michigan Chambers of Commerce. Sandstrom, a member of the Michigan Transportation Funding Task Force, spoke at length on the work of this group, authorized by Public Act 221 of 2007. Its purpose is to “review the adequacy of surface transportation and aeronautics service provision and finance” in Michigan. Sandstrom has been serving on the Highway, Road and Bridge Subcommittee and was most familiar with recommendations dealing with these aspects of the transportation infrastructure. The subcommittee has recommended that annual funding for highways and bridges be increased from the current $3.2 billion to at least $6.1 billion with an annual expenditure of $12.6 billion to really get these facilities in top shape. Suggested strategies for raising additional revenue include dedicating all taxes on fuel to transportation, raising the state fuel tax per gallon, and indexing the vehicle registration fees to inflation.

Sandstrom was less familiar with recommendations for rail and indicated that the task force had been looking primarily at the needs of the freight railroads. For example, approximately $40 million is being recommended for improving grade crossings.

A number of members expressed alarm about the lack of emphasis by the task force on passenger rail and that not a single member from the passenger rail constituency was a member of any subcommittee on the task force. Langdon suggested we invite Tim Hoeffner of MDOT to a coming meeting to discuss how passenger rail can be more involved. Suggestions to Sandstrom included holding highway contractors to warranties as is the case in other industries and utilizing more rubber in the asphalt mix as is done in European countries.

Coordinator Reports:

East/Central: Gurney reported that he had had a comfortable ride from Durand to Kalamazoo that morning on the Blue Water and had successful navigated the QuickTrak automatic ticket machine at the Durand station. The train was about 30 minutes late getting into Kalamazoo. Nobody present was familiar with the status of repainting the East Lansing station.

Northern: No report.

Western: Langdon reported that groundbreaking for the new New Buffalo station will take place in 2008. The mayor is very interested in maintaining the current Pere Marquette stop as well. If that happened the second Pere Marquette would arrive in New Buffalo from Chicago around 9:00 a.m. Langdon has explained to the people in New Buffalo that this in an MDOT, not an Amtrak, issue, as MDOT funds the Pere Marquette. State legislators need to be contacted and asked to support maintaining the Pere Marquette stop.

Langdon discussed the dismal on time performance of Michigan trains, mainly due to freight train interference. CSX is currently upgrading signaling, which should help. From October 27-December 4, Pere Marquette #371 will operate one hour earlier to facilitate signal upgrading.

Metro: Jim Hinkins recommended putting MARP on record as supporting a commuter rail connection to Cobo Hall in Detroit as part of the rehabilitation and expansion of that facility. Acceptance of this resolution was moved by Langdon, seconded by Charnetski and approved unanimously by the membership. This resolution will be transmitted to the Regional Transit Coordinating Committee by Chairman DeLora by October 24, 2008. If DeLora is unavailable, Hinkins was authorized to transmit the resolution to the RTCC.

Hinkins reported that SEMCOG had issued its long range transportation plan through 2035. In the survey taken prior to issuing the report, both capital and operating funds for transit received strong support from the public. The transportation plan includes four commuter rail lines; Ann Arbor-Detroit; Pontiac-Detroit; Port Huron-Detroit; and Monroe-Detroit.

Charnetski reported that on Wednesday, October 15, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority had officially agreed to serve as the Authority for the Howell-Ann Arbor WALLY commuter rail line. AATA plans to move quickly before potential funds dry up. AATA is also looking for a broader mandate as transportation authority for most if not all of Washtenaw County. Gurney distributed a news article from the Howell newspaper indicating that both Howell’s City Manager and Chamber of Commerce are strong supporters of WALLY.

Coordinator Reports:

Membership: Vavra-Musser reported on membership, which has grown over the summer. He then offered details on a new business membership, with six membership levels ranging from $250.00 to $5,000.00 annually. Higher levels of membership would receive increasing benefits. Business membership would be open to all types of businesses plus municipalities, universities and other institutions. Vavra-Musser would particularly target rail related businesses.

Langdon moved to initiate a campaign to solicit business and municipal memberships as outlined by Vavra-Musser. The motion was seconded by Randall and approved unanimously by the membership.

In response to a question about when members should be reimbursed for expenses, Randall agreed to put together an accountable reimbursement plan for consideration.

Communications: Chase discussed the Michigan Transit Vision issued in October, 2008 by the Michigan Transit Advisory Group which includes such organizations as TRU and the Michigan Environmental Council The complete report can be viewed at www.detroittransit.org. She felt it was compatible with the MARP Vision and that we should support it.

She also reviewed the recommendations of the Intermodal Passenger Subcommittee of the Michigan Transportation Funding Task Force which does support doubling both the capacity and frequency of the Blue Water and Pere Marquette as well as many transit and intercity bus enhancements. Little by little, organizations such as chambers of commerce are realizing that transportation means more than highways. Langdon stressed the need for MARP to get involved with Lets Get Moving and others involved in transportation visioning and planning.

Newsletter: According to Langdon, the present cost of mailing a copy of our newsletter is $1.00. If we folded it three ways, it would cost .59 per copy. Randall suggested we ask the printer to tri-fold the newsletter in the future. Indian Trails has offered to package express newsletters to points on their routes. This would include distributors such as Chase, Frezell, Pekarek and Kent. Langdon added that the Indian Trails contract with the State of Michigan is expiring, IT has submitted an RFP offering to provide service for another two years.

Outreach: Langdon passed the Events Calendar around and asked people willing staff the MARP exhibit to sign up.

Public/Governmental Affairs: Langdon reported that he had learned never to use the word lobbyist. The politically correct word is governmental affairs consultant. He has been consulting with people like Clark Harder, Tim Fischer and Jean Doss on how MARP can be more influential with decision makers. The cost of such efforts is relatively small, small enough not to jeopardize our 501(c)(3) status. A committee with John DeLora, Kay Chase and himself will look more closely at the matter. Langdon recommended that MARP schedule a Legislative Day, probably in February, when we would visit legislators. He would like to see at least eight MARP members involved in 2009.

As to Michgan’s Amtrak Appropriation for 2009, the correct figure is $6.9 million. The maximum permitted by current state law would be $7.1 million.

Langdon mentioned at least five separate bills affecting passenger rail and light rail that have been introduced in the 2007-2008 session of the Michigan legislature and referred to committee.

Langdon proposed that MARP join the Midwest High Speed Rail Association at the $500.00 level. The motion was seconded by Duke Van Til and passed unanimously by the members present.

Duke Van Til announced his intention to attend a Town Hall meeting in his community to be attended by many candidates for state and federal office this fall. He will express his support for intercity passenger rail.

Old Business:

REC: Report deferred in the interest of time.

Ride the Train: Report deferred in the interest of time.

Rails to Trails: Langdon passed out information printed from the Rails to Trails Conservancy website at www.railtrails.org. The object is to preserve abandoned rail right of ways for future rail use if needed. Chase responded that it is highly unlikely that a right of way could be returned to rail use once it has been developed as a trail. Jim Slater of Lapeer will provide more information at a future meeting.

Resolution to Support Lobbyist Efforts: Discussed earlier under Public/Governmental Affairs.

Use of Superliner Equipment in the Winter: Langdon reported that Superliner equipment is often utilized on the Pere Marquette line, the snowiest of the Michigan lines. It is occasionally used on the Blue Water line. Despite its lack of a business class, most passengers like the Superliner equipment. Nobody present was aware of what was planned this winter.

New Business:

Michigan Transit Vision and Relation to MARP Vision: Discussed during Communications Report.

Adoption of Business Membership Categories: Discussed under Membership.

Filling Vacancies of Meetings/Speakers Coordinator: East/Central Regional

Chair; Thruway Bus Chair: For the East/Central Regional Chair, Gurney agreed to prepare a Vacancy Announcement to be published in the Fall issue of Michigan Passenger. Hopefully, someone other than those already committed to other MARP tasks will volunteer. Discussion of filling the other positions was deferred in the interest of time.

Other Business:

Next Meeting: The next meeting is scheduled for November 15 in Dearborn. Jim Hinkins and Robert Patterson will locate a meeting spot. Gurney will contact Michael Frezell about scheduling the January meeting in Lansing.

Support for Pere Marquette: Langdon shared the resolution developed for passage by municipalities urging support of a second Pere Marquette. Muskegon and Holland have already passed it. Langdon will ask Vavra-Musser to help with getting this resolution into the hands of all Michigan municipalities.

Michigan Township Association Exposition: Langdon recommended that MARP purchase a table at the Michigan Township Association Exposition, to be held at the Marriott in Detroit January 28-30, 2009. Cost of the table (which includes lodging) would be $800.00. Langdon moved that MARP approve up to $1,000 to participate in this event. The motion was seconded by Hinkins.

In discussion of this motion, both Charnetski and Chase expressed concern about the expense. Turning the gavel over to Randall, Gurney proposed that the amount appropriated be reduced to $500.00 and that MARP partner with an allied organization such as TRU. Langdon and Hinkins accepted this amendment. The amended motion passed, with Chase opposed.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Hugh D. Gurney, Secretary

Accepted:

John DeLora, Chair

MINUTES

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS

ANNUAL MEETING

Durand Union Station, Durand

September 20, 2008

Those Signing In: Hugh Gurney, Viola Van Til, Duke Van Til, J. R. Valderas, Andrew Kent, Jim Hinkins, Michael Frezell, Clark Charnetski, Kaz Fujita, Dick Pekarek, Jim Wallington, John Guidinger, Marilyn Guidinger, Norma Ward, Barry Adams, Jim Slater, Greg Pullano, Lawrence Krieg, Roger Webster, Daniel Myers, Mary Myers, Barney Whittaker, Rich Vavra-Musser, Jesse Auerbach, Dave Randall, Diane Patterson, Robert Patterson, Larry Sobczak, Bob Tischbein, John DeLora

Also Present: Ross Capon, National Association of Railroad Passengers; Tim Fischer, Michigan Environmental Council; Therese Cody, Michigan Department of Transportation

Chairman DeLora called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. and introduced Norma Ward, who welcomed the group to Durand Union Station. The restored building is owned by the City of Durand, population 4,500, and has been restored, preserved and operated by Durand Union Station, Incorporated, a non-profit, mostly volunteer organization. Ward thanked DeLora for his support over the years.

Guest Speakers:

Ross Capon, NARP

DeLora then introduced Ross Capon, Executive Director of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, a man with tremendous credibility on Capitol Hill in Washington. Capon briefly discussed his trip from Washington aboard the Capital Limited, one of three long distance trains currently operating with a diner/lounge. The City of New Orleans and the Texas Eagle are the other trains so equipped. Conversions to diner/lounges have stopped at seventeen after considerable expense by Amtrak.

Capon next discussed chokepoints on the Amtrak system including the Norfolk Southern route between Porter, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois. A right of way exists just to the north of the NS and additional tracks could be reinstalled to eliminate congestion. Capon stated that now was a good time to talk to all candidates for public office face to face and let them know about your support for passenger rail. Several bills currently under discussion could include passenger rail including an energy bill, an economic stimulus bill, a Positive Train Control bill and the Amtrak Reauthorization bill. Senator Hoburn of Oklahoma currently has a hold on this latter bill until a drilling bill is passed.

Most important is a good appropriations bill which should be in the neighborhood of $1.8 billion. NARP has written to Obama, McCain and Nader and to all fifty governors stressing the importance of passenger trains. In Capon’s opinion, public officials will always find the money when they have to. Amtrak is generally not seen as a crisis situation, since it keeps plugging along.

Amtrak ridership is way up and it is an energy efficient way to travel, utilizing 2650 btu’s per passenger mile vs. 3515 btu’s for automobiles. Amtrak could be even more energy efficient since many of its locomotives designed for long train consists are currently pulling relatively short trains. Capacity constraints are preventing more ridership. In 30 years, Amtrak has received less funding from the federal government than will be spent on highways in 2008 alone. Capon pointed to development along the Downeaster route as an example of how passenger rail can stimulate economic development.

At the current time, Air-Rail connections exist in Baltimore, Newark, Burbank and Milwaukee and all are very successful. Airlines have no playbook for $110 per barrel oil and have lost $1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2008. Long distance trains actually account for 47% of Amtrak’s 5.4 billion passenger miles. Amtrak is working with many states on high speed rail projects which will improve the performance of all trains.

Positive Train Control systems are currently being demonstrated on four major freight railroads and Chicago METRA by Wabtech, which has developed an entire system including positive train control, GPS, power supply, safety and security. Positive Train Control promises to reduce freight-passenger conflict. Two bills currently being considered may spur public investment.

Capon was interviewed by NBC regarding the commuter train wreck in California and was quoted in an article which appeared in the Los Angeles Times. R

eturning to the bottleneck issue, Capon stated again that a right of way exists for additional tracks from Porter, Indiana to a point west of the Calumet River in Illinois. Improvements in one state, Indiana, will improve traffic flow for both freight and passenger trains in adjacent states including Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. Another major chokepoint is near Ft. Worth, Texas, where a major east-west route crosses a north-south route at grade level. Studies are underway there for a grade separation.

Langdon noted that the cost of improving the Porter-Chicago route would be about the same as one Interstate highway interchange. Charnetski asked for clarification on the “South of the Lake” study done by Amtrak several years ago. Cody expressed fear that some of the right of way mentioned by Capon near the Gary Airport was in danger of development. Guidinger asked about funding for studies to further planning.

Capon then discussed the NARP Vision for passenger rail in the United States. NARP envisions a rail network using existing rail lines which would serve an additional 361 metropolitan areas in the U.S., including Las Vegas, Columbus, Nashville and McAllen- Edinburg, TX. The National Surface Transportation Commission has recommended a less extensive expansion, but does recommend increasing annual public investment in passenger rail from the current $1 billion to $9 billion.

Capon again stressed that all improvements to the rail system improve both passenger and freight movements. He demonstrated this through slides of the addition of a third track at L’Enfant Plaza in the District of Columbia, a new bridge over Quantico Creek in Virginia and a double track high bridge on a commuter line in Florida. California has spent over $3 billion on passenger rail improvements as a result of a voter initiative. An additional bond issue is on the ballot there this fall. California now counts for 21% of Amtrak riders.

Over the last few years, Amtrak funding has increased incrementally. The environment right now for improved funding is very positive. Organized labor is a major supporter of Amtrak.

In response to a question from Charnetski, Guidinger stated that Amtrak Thruway Bus stops in California were signed with bus signs, not train signs.

In response to a question from Robert Patterson, Capon stated that Amtrak CEO Kummant serves at the pleasure of the Amtrak Board of Directors, which is appointed by the President. The CEO needs to stay in line with the Board and the White House. Kummant currently sees more advantage to extending high speed rail south of Washington than in dealing with incremental improvements north of Washington. In that sector, a new tunnel at Baltimore is critical. FRA Chairman Boardman, who is very pro passenger rail, testified recently in favor of an electrified, grade separated line from Maine to Florida.

Therese Cody

DeLora next introduced Therese Cody, Rail Operating Programs Manager for the Michigan Department of Transportation, who reported that the state legislature is now wrapping up the 2008-2009 appropriations bill. Amtrak will continue operating while a new contract is negotiated for the Pere Marquette and Blue Water. She thanked MARP, Durand Union Station, WESTRAIN and others for their support. Both ridership and revenue are up substantially on all Michigan trains, largely due to the increase in gas prices.

The Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter study is proceeding with a goal of some trains running by the fall of 2010. At this stage, MDOT is negotiating with the freight railroads for permission to operate this service. Improvement of the West Detroit junction is currently out to bid. MDOT is negotiating with the Great Lakes Central Railroad for rehabilitation of cars currently stored in Owosso.

The Positive Train Control west of Kalamazoo is functioning well, with plans to step up permitted speed to 110 m.p.h. next year. Following the California train wreck, she fielded calls from the Los Angeles Times concerning Michigan’s experience. China is also looking into the Michigan system.

There is hope for a new station in Detroit. Durand now has an automated ticket machine. Currently, funding is not available for a new station in Ann Arbor, but that may change with the commuter rail service. Local government has been charged with providing additional parking there.

Responding to a question from Robert Patterson, Cody stated that trains are cleaned and serviced at Pontiac under contract. DeLora explained that cars are being cleaned, but oxidizing of the siding makes the cars still look grungy.

Cody agreed to request additional coaches on the Blue Water and Pere Marquette during the holiday period. She asked to be kept informed of any events we are aware of that would require additional cars and she will order them if given enough lead time.

As to the future of the Ypsilanti-Kalamazoo line, both Amtrak and MDOT have met with Norfolk Southern concerning acquisition. High speed is ready to go from Niles West to the Michigan state line.

The Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter line is seen as the first leg, with extensions to Pontiac and Chelsea coming later. The former terminal in Pontiac has been demolished and a new station will be developed. A major question deals with who will own it. MDOT isn’t interested. Cody will check on the status of parking at Pontiac.

State law mandates that MDOT negotiate a fixed price contract with Amtrak. However, if we keep her informed of problems, she can be the squeaky wheel to see that issues are resolved. She has not heard whether the Pere Marquette and Blue Water will have Superliner equipment this winter. Because coaches with minor repairs have already been spoken for, rehabilitation of additional coaches for Michigan will probably cost around $800,000 each.

Cody is pushing for a stronger promotion coalition for the Blue Water. More land is required for a new station in East Lansing. The concept is for a gateway project with a station on the diamond. Planning continues for the Troy Transportation Center, which must be built by 2010 or the land will revert to the developer. Birmingham and Troy are working together to find funds for the project. If completed, the present Birmingham stop would be relocated.

Langdon asked Cody to consider additional trains during the Holland Tulip Festival. He asked members to review www.mitrain.com and submit additional information about communities along the Blue Water and Wolverine routes to him.

Vision Initiative: Vavra-Musser brought to the floor a proposal put together by him, Valderas and Langdon called “Frequent trains for Michigan. If there is a better choice, let me know!” Specifics of the proposal are:

• Add cars to each Michigan train as needed to handle the demand.
• Add one additional frequency on each Michigan route.
• Extend the high speed corridor east and west to reduce travel time and increase reliability.

What is needed to bring this vision to fruition include:

• A lobbyist in Lansing
• A clear and concise brochure
• Communicate, communicate, communicate!

All of us must be willing to talk to local civic groups, officials, unions and colleges about the need for additional trains. It’s not really about the dollars, but about the right idea.

Because of high gas prices, highway congestion, lack of funding for new or expanded highways, and the withdrawal of airlines from smaller communities, Vavra-Musser argued that this was the right time for such a proposal. Amtrak is currently turning passengers away. This vision would both reduce reliance on foreign oil and encourage business and tourism.

Minutes: The minutes were reviewed. Wallington moved approval, seconded by Webster. Those present voted approval.

Treasurer’s Report: Randall reported that as of August 31, 2008, the checking account totaled $5,416.54 and the value of the Pratt Fund was $13,647.96. Income was at 67% of budget and expenses were at 49% for an operating ratio of 65.6%. Vavra-Musser moved approval, seconded by Guidinger. The Treasurer’s Report was approved.

Chairman’s Report: DeLora announced that baggage service would be restored on one eastbound and one westbound Wolverine in January. Stations served include Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Jackson, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. DeLora will be retiring in five months and will not seek another term as MARP Chair. He plans to focus his attention at the National level.

Coordinator Reports:

Governmental Affairs –Langdon reported that efforts to secure a lobbyist in September fell through as the person being considered failed to come up with a second client. Nevertheless, we should work toward hiring a lobbyist in the future.

Controversy over a second Detroit Bridge has held up passage of funding for transportation at the state level. While this is resolved, Amtrak will continue to operate state funded trains.

As to unused funds, Bill Hamilton reports that $150,000 remains in the CTF Fund, but nothing from the Detroit station.

Langdon plans to contact all members of the Michigan delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives to determine where they stand on passenger rail and the 110 state representatives as well. He introduced Jesse Auerbach of the Environmental Policy & Law Center, who has been advising us on how to get support for trains. Mayor McGeehan of Holland will be taking a resolution supporting a second Pere Marquette to a conference of 155 mayors on Mackinac Island, where he will try to round up as many signatures as possible. He will encourage the mayors to send resolutions passed by their cities to their local representatives and senators, the governor and the leadership of the Michigan House and Senate.

The conference committee for transportation added $5 million to the state appropriation for the state’s share of the West Detroit junction improvement.

DeLora reported that the resolution for expanded train service proposed by Senator Basham passed unanimously.

Communications: Chase shared a draft of the “Better Choice-More Trains” brochure and asked those present to review it and give her feedback.

Membership: Paid membership is increasing as a result of a follow up mailing. Vavra-Musser is working on proposals for business memberships and sponsorships, which would help pay for a lobbyist.

He asked regional chairs to promote attendance at meetings and arrange carpools as necessary. He suggested having regional meetings during the first month of each quarter in lieu of a statewide meeting as a means of increasing participation. Chase supported this concept as it would help mobilize members to pass out literature and build awareness. She suggested members check the list of candidates for public office at www.votesmart.org

Outreach: Frezell handed out a schedule of upcoming exhibit venues where MARP will have a presence and urged members to volunteer to staff such events. The displays are a way of promoting MARP and teaching people how to use the trains. Guidinger urged members to send him information about customer service they experience on trains. He can nominate Amtrak personnel for Customer Service Awards.

Valderas urged that we avoid scheduling other events or meetings on National Train Day, so we can all participate fully in that event. DeLora asked Valderas and Chase to serve as a planning subcommittee for the 2009 National Train Day.

Chapter Reports:

West: Langdon announced that the New Buffalo City Council was scheduled to approve the contract for the new station platform during the coming week. The opening of the new station is expected in the spring. Langdon is continuing to work with MDOT on having the Pere Marquette continue to stop in New Buffalo even after the new station is complete. A major grade separation makes connecting the two routes through New Buffalo difficult.

The www.mitrain.org website is being redone, so Langdon would like any suggestions on improvement sent to him. WESTRAIN is paying for billboards and a direct mail piece promoting the Pere Marquette.

The present Grand Rapids station is being repainted, the parking lot repaired, and a fence constructed which will separate the parking lot from the station.

Ridership on the Pere Marquette was down in July due to lack of equipment. At the suggestion of one of the members, Langdon agreed to meet with Hank Meijer about having Meijer pay for refurbishing a car.

East/Central: Wallington continues to work with Indian Trails on establishing more Amtrak Thuway Service. He is hoping to get better connections at Battle Creek. However, Indian Trails needs more incentives to work with Amtrak. DeLora reported that he met recently with Brenda Cheney of Indian Trails and got the idea that MDOT had put a lot of obstacles in their way. Port Huron will handle the Blue Water Group promotion next. year.

North: As a result of Monteith’s resignation, Kent now lacks a liaison in Northwest Lower Michigan. Only one passenger excursion, from Owosso to Cadillac, is scheduled for the fall of 2008. A video which aired on Channel 19 on the railroads of central Michigan acknowledged the assistance of MARP and MARP member Graydon Meints.

Metro: Open houses are scheduled in several locations to present the Detroit Metropolitan Area regional transportation vision. This vision includes more city and suburban buses, rapid transit corridors, and a light rail system. A privately funded group including the universities is promoting a light rail system from the New Center area to Hart Plaza, which seems to overlap with a DDOT plan for light rail service from the State Fair Grounds to downtown Detroit. The Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter rail service will terminate in the New Center area.

The interim mayor of Detroit is enthusiastic about a regional transportation system as well as expansion of Cobo Hall. Hinkins suggested we push for a commuter rail station at Cobo Hall.

Charnetski brought up the $32 million figure quoted by the WALLY consultant for a Howell-Ann Arbor commuter rail service with increased speed and longer platforms.

While a two county authority would be ideal, Livingston County is reluctant. However, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority is willing to serve as the funding conduit.

Gurney reported that City Manager Shea Charles of Howell and many of the city agencies in Howell were quite enthusiastic about WALLY. Most people at an August hearing in Howell seemed positive. However, the Livingston Board of Commissioners is leery of funding commitments.

Old Business:

Newsletter: Valderas expressed concern that too many newsletters were not being distributed. Langdon suggested that we get back to having the Regional Chairs oversee distribution and check the number actually needed. Indian Trails has expressed a willingness to distribute for us. According to Fujita, there is no distribution at East Lansing. In response to a question from Charnetski, Randall stated that we do not exchange with other ARP’s. The next issue should be out in mid-October, with a deadline at the end of September.

Lobbyist: As a follow up to the earlier discussion, Wallington moved that MARP hire lobbyist services on a part time basis at critical times during the year. The motion was seconded by Langdon. Langdon offered to check on people who work with transit and the Michigan Environmental Council, which seems very familiar with the legislative process. Vavra-Musser and Chase expressed concern that MEC may not be the right vehicle, that they may have a different focus. DeLora suggested that he, Chase and Langdon serve as a subcommittee to review the proposal and report at the next meeting. Charnetski moved that the issue be tabled until the next meeting, and Wallington accepted this motion.

Meetings: As a follow up to another earlier discussion, Vavra-Musser proposed that during the first month of each quarter, a regional meeting conducted by the regional chair be held in lieu of a statewide meeting that month. The motion was seconded by Langdon. After considerable discussion, the question was called. The motion failed on a tie vote.

Wallington then proposed that one meeting each year be a quarterly meeting chaired by the regional chair. The motion was seconded by Langdon. The motion failed.

Railvolution Meeting: Robert Patterson called attention to his e-mail in which he recommended against attendance as too costly.

October Meeting: The next meeting will be October 18 at the Metro Transit Center in Kalamazoo.

The meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Hugh D. Gurney

Secretary

Accepted:

John DeLora, Chair