Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers

General Member Meeting

Saturday, June 16, 2007 10:00 am

Durand Union Station

Durand, Michigan

Attendees:Mike Whims, Michael Frezell, John DeLora, Clark Charnetski, Dave Randall, Dick Pekarek, John Langdon, Andrew Kent, Jim Hinkins, Burton TenBrink, Norma Ward, Steve Sobel, Don Monteith, Kay Chase, Robert Meisner, Bob Tischbein, Pat Post, Robert Patterson, Diane Patterson, Duke VanTil, Vi VanTil, Philip Chamberlain, Jared Becker, James Roach, Rich Vavar-Musser, Mike Bagwell and Chris Bagwell 

1.  Chairman Michael Whims called the meeting to order at 10:12am.

2.  Guest Speaker Mike Bagwell, President-Great Lakes Central Railroad, presented information on the proposed Ann Arbor to Howell commuter train and intercity passenger rail.  

3.  Minutes from the May 12, 2007 member meeting were approved after corrections were made. 

4. Executive Director Report:  Executive Director John DeLora reported the U.S. House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee approved $1.4 billion for Amtrak.  Unfortunately, there are amendments being proposed to other bills that have a negative impact on passenger rail and to see the NARP website for details.  Phone calls and fax are the most effective when contacting legislators.  DeLora also reported the Michigan Railroad History conference will be held in November 2007.  There will be presentations on MARP and the history of Amtrak.  DeLora will be creating a Powerpoint presentation that could be used for other future MARP presentations.  DeLora is also tracking Amtrak Wolverine business class sell-outs since January 2007; averaging 2/3 of the time sold out.  MARP can use this data with MDOT and the legislature to argue for more capacity.  Sometimes passengers need to book 6-8 weeks in advance for business class.  This information could also build a case for business class on the Pere Marquette.  

5.  Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer David Randall reported the April 30, 2007 balance is   $5,239.86.  Dues received in May were $43.00, total expenses were $680.34, and the May 31, 2007 ending balance is $4,602.52.  The American Funds May 31, 2007 balance is $15,794.19. The treasurer’s report was accepted by unanimous vote. 

6.  Regional Activity Reports (Eastern, Metro, Northern and Western Regional)

a.  Eastern:  Richard Pekarek reported the Blue Water performance for the past five weeks followed the general pattern established since the first of the year.  Train #365 Chicago arrival time average 50 minutes late (23% OTP) and train #364 Flint arrival time averaged 40 minutes late (34% OTP).  Best performance the past five weeks was on the weekends (Sat/Sun).  Train #’s 365/364 together averaged 30 minutes late with 50% OTP.  Pekarek also reported East/Central region was represent by Jim Wallington at Michigan Day.

b.  Metro:  John DeLora reported that flowers were planted at Detroit station

c.  Northern:  Andrew Kent reported there was an excursion in Standish and left MARP newsletters.  The Standish depot grand opening is in October and work continues on restoring the station.  Don Monteith suggested MARP should come up with plan to bring passenger rail service to Petoskey and Traverse City because there is a lot interest in getting train service. 

d.  Western:  John Langdon reported that a passenger/day has missed the Pere Marquette because of the earlier departure due to CSX trackwork.  Langdon displayed a Michigan Intercity Passenger Rail System map at Michigan Day in Chicago and they also ran out of Travel Michigan brochures.  Langdon suggested getting more Convention and Visitor Bureaus involved with taking the train.  Finally, the platform in New Buffalo is still delayed and he spoke with Ross Capon (NARP) about the issue.  It may require legislation to get this accomplished.

7.  Committee Reports

a)      Outreach Committee: Vice Chair Frezell requested help for the Great Lakes Express convention.  He sent an update outreach schedule soliciting for volunteers.

b)      “Ride the Train Michigan” Committee (Patterson):  No report.

c)      Route Enhancement Committee (Gurney):  Hugh Gurney was not present and Pekarek requested more time for Gurney in Lapeer.  Whims has asked the committee to draft a long-range vision plan for MARP.  DeLora reported that he has used Wolverine ridership data to estimate passenger loads for an additional Pere Marquette train. At a minimum it could be 100 people a day per train, which equates to 6,000 people a month.

d)      Beautification Committee (DeLora): Report made in Executive Director Report.

8. Old Business

a)      Newsletter planning and distribution:  J.R. Valderas reported he has been busy and has not been able to work on the paper.  Valderas stated the regional chairmen handle newsletter distribution and members need to talk to them or the editor if members need a specific amount of papers.  There are about 300 – 330 newspapers per box.  The next newsletter will be done in two weeks. 

b)      NS Michigan Line-update:  Chairman Whims reported that nothing official has transpired on the sale/lease of NS Michigan assets.    

9.  New Business

a)      Nominations for Officer Positions 2007-2009:  Nomination committee chair Andrew Kent reported no new nominations.  The nominating process was then open to the floor. The following nominations from the floor were accepted by the nominees:

• Jim Wallington for East/Central regional chair. 
• Andrew Kent for Northern regional chair. 
• Michael Whims for Metro Detroit regional chair. 
• John Langdon for Western regional chair. 
• Hugh Gurney for Secretary. 
• Don Montieth for Vice Chair. 
• John DeLora for Chair. 
• Clark Chartnetski, Kay Chase, Steve Sobel, and Rich Vavar-Musser for At-Large Executive Committee members. 

Michael Whims was agreeable to accepting the Executive Director position and David Randall was agreeable to continue as Treasurer, if so appointed by the incoming Chair in accordance with the bylaws.  DeLora moved to have nominations closed.  All nominations were approved unanimously. 

b)   Howell Depot would be considered for a future meeting location. 

10.  General Member Discussion: 

Norma Ward reported that work is underway on the September annual meeting.  DeLora suggested a $20 registration fee and it was approved. 

Pat Post reported the NMRA Great Lakes Express convention will tour the Durand station in July 2007.

11.  Adjourned at 12:21pm.

Respectfully Submitted Michael Frezell, Vice Chairman.

APPROVED:   _____________________                ___________________

                          Mike Whims                                       John DeLora

                          Chairman                                            Executive Director

                        ______________________

                        Michael Frezell

                        Vice Chairman

Those Signing In:: Clark Charnetski, Don Montieth, Kay Chase, Richard Pekarek, John Langdon, Steve Sobel, John Delora, Diane Patterson, Robert Patterson, Mike Whims, Burton TenBrink, Ken Ratzlaff, Hugh Gurney

Also Present: Jesse Auerbach, Environmental Law & Policy Center

Call to Order: Chairman Whims called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. After thanking John Langdon for making the arrangements for the meeting, those present were asked to introduce themselves and where they were from. Whims welcomed Jesse Auerbach from the Environmental Law & Policy Center in Chicago. In the absence of Secretary Jim Wallington, Whims asked Hugh Gurney to record the minutes.

Minutes: Approval of the minutes of the April 14 meeting was moved by Delora, seconded by Sobel, and approved unanimously

Executive Director Report: John Delora reported on the recent NARP meeting he attended in Washington, D.C., saying it was the most encouraging meeting he has attended since he has been on the NARP Board of Directors. Amtrak President Alex Kummant talked about how he wanted to build business, especially in corridors. He particularly mentioned the Chicago-Detroit corridor as one he wanted to target. At this point, Amtrak is looking to grow, not downsize.

A representative from FRA reported that the Lautenberg-Lott bill, currently being reviewed by the U.S. Senate, would help with On Time Performance as someone other than the Attorney General of the United States would have authority to sue the freight railroads for holding up passenger trains. Also, railroad CEO’s would be required to appear personally before Congress to defend their railroad’s performance.

Don Phillips of Trains Magazine predicted that congestion in all modes of transportation would hit the wall within two years. CREATE in Chicago must be done to avoid total gridlock. Electrification beyond the Northeast Corridor is inevitable. Phillips warned that the Transportation Security Agency may start checking trains in similar manner as they do airplanes He also warned of problems ahead as Amtrak equipment ages. There are particular problems with the Horizon cars, where the aluminum/steel contacts are experiencing galvanic corrosion problems. The Acela equipment is also wearing rapidly. Phillips said that the current issue concerning platforms is insane. It may take action by Congress to correct the situation.

Delora concluded by saying that Amtrak turned a corner when gasoline went over $2.00 a gallon.

Treasurer’s Report: In Treasurer Randall’s absence, Chairman Whims handed out the Treasurer’s Report. As of April 30, 2007, the JPMorgan Chase checking account had a balance of $5,239.86 and the Pratt Fund was valued at $15,300.22. It appears that 129 members have yet to renew their membership. With close to 400 members on the books, membership is up by about 30% in the past three years. Approval of the Treasurer’s Report was moved by Langdon, seconded by Charnetski, and approved. Richard Pekarek made a point of thanking John Delora for his decision on how to invest the Pratt Fund several years ago.

REGIONAL ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Eastern: Richard Pekarek reported that Blue Water Performance for the first three weeks of the past month was the best of the current calendar year. Chicago arrival time for Train #365 averaged 33 minutes late for an On Time Performance average of 28.5%. Flint arrival time for Train #364 averaged 3l minutes late for an ON Time Performance rate of 41%. Fewer very late arrivals improved the average considerably. However, the last week has been much worse, with average arrival times of 73 minutes into Chicago and 70 minutes late into Flint. On May 3, CN halted train operations between Flint and Durand for over five hours because of a fatality at Schwartz Creek. A freight train just ahead of Train #365 hit a woman.

Dave Lorenz of Travel Michigan spoke last month to an advertising group in Flint about his organization’s expanding promotion of Michigan tourism.

Metro: John Delora reported that planning for the Detroit-Ann Arbor regional service is continuing, but he fears that SEMGOG is slowing the schedule progress. Some planners are saying the service will require 5,000 passengers per day to be effective.

Northern: Don Montieth is setting up appointments with Chambers of Commerce in Traverse City and Manistee and Travel Centers in Northern Michigan to urge promotion of rail travel and distribute MARP materials. An August event is planned for Charlevoix. Don emphasized that he needs more brochures and newspapers.

Western: John Langdon reported that his immediate thrust is for quiet cars on the Pere Marquette. They have been very successful on the Hiawathas and Dave Johnson of NARP & Amtrak seems supportive. Ross Capon of NARP has asked Langdon to review his upcoming testimony before the National Surface Transportation Policy & Revenue Study Commission, of which Mary Peters US Secretary of Transportations is Chairman, on platform height issue and plans to cite New Buffalo as a prime example of the problem. Langdon is forwarding information about Amtrak and its student rate programs to all college and university admissions officers along Amtrak lines in Michigan.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Nominating Committee: John Delora plans to send out a letter in the immediate future to all MARP members reviewing the election procedures and asking for suggestions on filling the upcoming vacancies for Chair, Vice Chair, and one member of the Executive Committee.

Outreach Committee: In the absence of Michael Frezell, Chairman Whims passed out the current schedule of meetings and shows where MARP has committed to having an exhibit. Durand Railroad Days is May 19-20. Whims indicated he would help staff the MARP table on Saturday and Gurney and Delora indicated they would be there on Sunday. Charnetski recommended that members hand out newspapers and other MARP material at transportation oriented meetings they attend, such as the one he attended recently in Ann Arbor. Langdon asked that members report attendance and participation in all such meetings, as such attendance is part of the Outreach effort.

Ride the Train Committee: Robert Patterson reported that he is waiting for a response from the Henry Ford relating to his proposal to have current rail passenger equipment on display at Greenfield Village. The Henry Ford has not had an official “Railroad Days” celebration for several years, but Patterson’s proposal would fit with many other events at Greenfield Village.

Route Enhancement Committee: Hugh Gurney passed out copies of the final Route Enhancement Report as approved at the April meeting. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that the report would be considered a working document, and not be posted on the MARP website.

Beautification Committee: John Delora commented that the flowers he planted recently at the Detroit station have had many favorable comments. He plans to be in Ann Arbor on Monday to plant geraniums at the Amtrak station there.

OLD BUSINESS

Newspaper: In the absence of editor J. R. Valderas, Chairman Whims reported that the next newspaper will be printed in June. Regional chairs should determine how many copies they need and report that number to Valderas. When received, regional chairs will distribute newspapers to those distributing in their region of the state. Individuals distributing to Amtrak facilities should keep a copy of the Amtrak distribution permit. The original copy is retained by the station agent.

Michigan Day: John Langdon indicated he was all set for the day. Most of the support is coming from the West Coast of Michigan. Bottled water will be handed out on the Pere Marquette that day. Jim Wallington and Langdon will be staffing the exhibit in Chicago and Valderas will be present to do a story for The Michigan Passenger.

NorfolkSouthern Update: The Michigan House of Representatives has passed a resolution opposing transfer of the Norfolk Southern line Ypsilanti-Kalamazoo to a short line operator who may not be able to maintain the line to high-speed passenger rail standars. On May 11, the Norfolk Southern Board of Directors delayed approval of the transfer. They agreed to postpone sending notification to the Surface Transportation Agency for sixty days while they negotiate with Amtrak and MDOT. MARP will be asking what level of service the new operator can and will provide. If the line is maintained poorly, Wolverine service would be slowed considerably.

Jesse Auerbach from the Environmental Law & Policy Center advised the MARP Board to maintain vigilance and watch Surface Transportation Board filings, as NS is not bound to observe the sixty day delay. Kay Chase suggested that MARP communicate directly with our Congressional delegation. We should pressure Amtrak to be proactive and possibly take over the line. Amtrak President Kummant is scheduled to meet with Governor Granholm on May 23 and the NS issue should be on the agenda.

Meeting with Environmental Law & Policy Center and Midwest High Speed Rail Association Representatives: Chairman Whims reported on his recent meeting with representatives of the Environmental Law & Policy Center and the Midwest High Speed Rail Association in Chicago and asked Jesse Auerbach from ELPC to discuss successful efforts in Illinois to add more regional trains.

NEW BUSINESS

Approval of Support for a 9-cent Gas Tax Increase: Chairman Whims reported that the proposal for a nine cent per gallon increase in the tax on gasoline looked promising. At the moment, this proposal would follow the existing formula, meaning that mass transit and rail would receive a portion of the increase. For this reason, transit advocates are supporting this proposal. It was moved by Delora, seconded by Charnetski and approved unanimously that MARP also support the proposal as long some of the increased revenue would go to mass transit and intercity bus and rail.

>MARP/Amtrak Operations Meeting: On May 9, Whims and Delora meet with Don Saunders, Jeff Snowden and Dave Kuhn of Amtrak. On Time Performance was a major issue. Other issues discussed were additional service, business class expansion, reinstitution of baggage service, security at the Detroit station and overnight bus service between Detroit-Chicago.

Legislative Transit Caucus Presentation: Whims handed out copies of his presentation given on May 10 to the Legislative Transit Caucus in Lansing. This group of legislators interested in transit issues was pleased to learn more about MARP and interested in the idea of a second daily Pere Marquette. There is now an official Transit Subcommittee in the Michigan House of Representatives headed by State Rep. Marie Donigan.

Other Business: Auerbach noted that the Lautenberg-Lott bill was approved unanimously in committee. NARP is working to get a companion bill introduced in the House of Representatives.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon.

Respectfully submitted

Hugh Gurney for Secretary Jim Wallington

Approved:

______________________________

Michael Whims, Chairman