MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
CAPAC MUSEUM, CAPAC
 FEBRUARY 9, 2013

Members Present:  Hugh Gurney, Steve T. Sobel, Kay Chase, John Langdon, Dave Randall, Jim Wallington, Michael Schultz, Sharon Schultz, Doug Wilson, Kim Powell, Bruce Swihart, Jared Becker, Jim Roach, Jean Merckel, Chuck Merckel, Dick Pekarek, Roger Webster, Dianne Patterson, Robert Patterson, George Duffy, Dan Platz, Bob Tischbein, Larry Sobczak, Rosemary Horvath, T. J. Gaffney, Jim Hinkins

Also Present:  Barb Spaulding-Westcott, Bill Simmons, Mary Kovatch, Gary Kimery, Craig Henderson, Marc M. Henderson, Wayne A Schultz, Nancy E. Schliebe, Ray Mills, Roxann Mills, Tom Morris, Jr., Marilyn Swihart, John Mulder, Fred Theel, Paul Downey, John Grzyb, Frederick Stuewer, Lyle P. Henderson, Jerry Weyhraunch, Jean Theel, Jim Schwartzkoph, Bonnie Schwartzkoph, William Paul, Rosalie Reichenbach, Don Westcott

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m.

Speaker:  Wallington introduced the speaker, T. J. Gaffney, former Director of the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso and Curator of Collections at the Port Huron Museum.  Gaffney reviewed a wealth of material from his recently published book, Rails Around The Thumb.  Port Huron itself was the center of railroading in the Thumb area with a plethora of rail facilities including a round house with turntable, railroad bridges, depots, and docks, from which car ferries transported rail cars across the St. Clair River to Sarnia, Ontario.  Gaffney went on to describe a number of rail related facilities across the Thumb, in communities such as Blaine, Crosswell, Carsonville, Deckerville, Ubly, Applegate, Bad Axe, Harbor Beach and Port Hope.  Gaffney’s interest in local and rail history comes from his father, who collected over 20,000 post cards dealing with St. Clair County, and from Orv Swift of the Grand Trunk Railroad. 

Gaffney introduced Sandy Duffy of the Port Huron and Sanilac Historical Society, which is planning a rail transportation museum in Port Huron.  An existing roundhouse would be part of the facility.  

The meeting recessed briefly for Gaffney to sign copies of his book.

Capac Depot Information Needed.  Chase introduced Roxann Mills, one of the Trustees of the Capac Historical Society.  In her research on the various Capac depots, Mills has found a twenty year gap in information.  Mills specifically needs information about the 4^th Capac Depot.

Transportation for Michigan:  Langdon reported that he has been meeting with key legislators, including new legislators, chairs of the appropriation committees,and transportation subcommittees on behalf of MARP and TRANS4M.  He provides them with a packet of information about MARP, TRANS4M, and Amtrak.  An important part of this packet is data about Amtrak’s payroll and procurement in Michigan.  He asked those present to provide him with current information about activities at each rail station in Michigan.

At the moment, Langdon feels funding for rail looks positive.  The $25 million needed for Michigan passenger trains is bundled with other rail projects.  He urged members to support the governor’s budget as presented.

Chase asked members to submit video clips of travel by train for TRANS4M’s video competition.  In addition to those who submit videos, MARP has an opportunity to win a cash prize if our members submit the most entries.

Membership:  MARP’s membership for the 2012 calendar year stood at 291 paid members and 22 life members.  While the majority of paid members are in the Senior Citizen class, we have a nice distribution of members in each of the higher categories.  There were 22 new members in 2012.  As expected, the majority of members are in the Detroit Metro Region, with fewer residing in the Western, East/Central and Northern Regions.  We have 32 members in other states, 5 members in Canada and 1 in the United Kingdom. 

The renewal letter for 2013 went out several weeks ago.  Chase is working on the design of a membership card.

Horvath asked for advice on how to garner new members other than at our table at various train shows.

Wallington moved that we donate a family membership to T. J. Gaffney in thanks for his excellent talk today.  The motion was seconded by Hinkins and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Port Huron Station:  Gaffney urged those present to consider a new Amtrak station along the Canadian National tracks at 24^th Street in Port Huron Township.  The location would offer easy access from the interstates, ample parking and the possibility of intermodal connections with local transit and Indian Trails.  This location would not preclude reestablishment of passenger rail service into Ontario through the CN tunnel.

Langdon noted that Indian Trails might be interested in service through Port Huron to London, Ontario, where it would connect with VIA trains to Toronto if the necessary funding were provided. Amtrak recently announced its decision to construct a new station of the site at its current facility on 16^th Street.  East/Central Regional Chair Horvath and several others including Wilson will check out the 24^th Street option and report back at the next meeting.

A woman in the group noted that she had recently been at the Port Huron Amtrak station early in the morning and found it closed.  Chairman Tischbein suggested she provide details about the incident and MARP will check it out with Amtrak.

Chicago Union Station Taskforce:  Chuck Merckelbriefed the group on the work of the Chicago Union Station Taskforce.  Amtrak is redoing the lighting on the platforms and developing a new signage plan in conjunction with Metra and the Chicago Transit Authority.  A disabled person can now go on line to arrange for redcap assistance.  Bids are going out for more comfortable bench seating.   Further progress remains clouded because of upcoming personnel changes at the top.  MARP continues to push for use of the Great Hall as a waiting area year round, not just during holiday rush periods, and the establishment of a workable priority seating plan.

Langdon noted the possibility of extra trains during Spring Break.  The extra trains during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays were very successful.  Langdon has also heard talk of a Boarding Pass system. 

Robert Patterson added that Business Class passengers are now permitted to wait in the Metro Lounge, previously limited to First Class passengers.  Wallington informed the group that bids have been awarded for an expanded Metro Lounge.

Route Enhancement Committee:  Gurney led a discussion on the draft 2013 Route Enhancement Recommendations.  He would like to finalize the 2013 plan and submit it to the Board in the very near future. Hinkins stressed that it was essential that the services provided by the new Southeast Michigan Regional Transportation Authority connect with commuter rail and Amtrak.  He opined that the commuter rail lines do not have to be operated by the RTA.  Robert Patterson urged that MARP focus on Point #7, which deals with baggage service, accommodations for bicycles, better signage, and more Quik Trak machines.  According to Langdon, electronic ticketing will do away with the need for Quik Trak machines.  Gurney asked members to contact him at hgurney@hsmichigan.org  for a copy of the draft recommendations and suggestions.

Outreach:  Tischbein asked members to review the current Outreach Schedule and add possibilities of which they are aware.  Horvath asked if it would be proper for her to donate the table fee for the Mount Pleasant train show.  She wants to do everything possible to boost membership.  Langdon explained that the two Indiana shows on the schedule were an experiment, to see if we would generate members along the Norfolk Southern line that runs through Northern Indiana.

Chase urged the Regional Chairs to contact all new members and to try to get all members in their region to meetings when held in that region.  She also asked that Regional Chairs consider holding regional meetings. 

Wilson asked if he could have a supply of The Michigan Passenger to distribute in Southwest Ontario.  Langdon suggested he ask Pekarek for part of his supply.

Other Business:  Barbara Spaulding-Westcott asked members to include Crossroads Village in their travel plans.  The 2013 schedule of events will be out shortly.  She still has about 20 spaces available for the annual “Chicago for Lunch” day trip on April 23^rd. The cost is $35 for train transportation from either Flint or Durand to Chicago and back.

John Grzyb, President of the Capac Historical Society, thanked the group for coming to Capac and invited them to return again.  He announced that the adjacent Capac Depot would be open for a short period of time following the meeting.

Adjournment:  Tischbein moved adjournment.  The motion was seconded by Hinkins and approved by the members present. After the station tour, the group moved on to Holly Meadows for lunch.

Respectfully Submitted:                                             Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                         Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                     Chair   

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
CAPAC MUSEUM, CAPAC
FEBRUARY 9, 2013

Present:  Robert Tischbein, Hugh Gurney, Dave Randall, Kay Chase, John Langdon, Jim Hinkins, Rosemary Horvath, Jim Wallington

Also Present:  Steve T. Sobel, Barb Spaulding-Westcott, Don Westcott, Bill Simmons, Mary Kovatch, Gary Kimery, Michael Schultz, Sharon Schultz, Craig Henderson, Marc. M Henderson, Wayne A. Schultz, Doug Wilson, Nancy E. Schliebe, Ray Mills, Roxann Mills, Kim J. Powell, Tom Morris, Jr., Bruce Swihart, Marilyn Swihart, John Mulder, Jared Becker, Jim Roach, Jean Merkel, Chuck Merckel, Fred Theel, Paul Downey, John T. Grzyb, Frederick Stuewer, Lyle Henderson, Jerry Weyhrauch, Jean Theel, Dick Pekarek, Roger Webster, Dianne Patterson, Robert Patterson, Jim Schwartzkoph, Bonnie Schwartzkoph, William Paul, George Duffy, Dan Platz, Rosalie Reichenbach, Larry Sobczak, Wade Sobczak, T. J. Gaffney

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.  A roll call determined that a quorum of the Executive Committee was present.

Approval of Order of Business:  After review, Langdon moved approval of the Order of Business.  After a second by Randall, the motion was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present. 

Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting of January 12 in Williamston were reviewed.  Langdon moved approval.  The motion was seconded by Hinkins and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Minutes of the Monthly Membership meeting held in Williamston on January 12, 2013 were then reviewed.  Wallington moved approval, with a second from Hinkins.  The motion was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Treasurer’s Report:  Randall reported that, as of January 31, 2013, MARP’s checking account stood at $29, 535.31.  This includes $4,000 from TRANS4M and $17,141.26 of Pratt Fund money waiting to be transferred to a Vanguard Account.  Gurney moved approval of the Treasurer’s Report.  The motion was seconded by Wallington and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present

Randall then reviewed the proposed 2013 budget, projecting $17,100 in revenue and $16,156 in expenses.  Langdon moved approval of the proposed 2013 budget.  Seconded by Hinkins, the motion was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Future Meetings:  Wallington reviewed plans for future meetings including:

            March 9                       St. Johns

            April 20                       Niles

            June 15                        Vicksburg

            July 20                         Flushing

            August 10                   Manistee, aboard the S.S. City of Milwaukee

            September 14              Durand – Annual Meeting

            October 12                  Grand Haven

            November 2                Albion

The Executive Committee adjourned at 10:20 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted:                                 Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                             Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                         Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
WILLIAMSTON DEPOT, WILLIAMSTON, MI
JANUARY 12, 2013

Members Signing In:  Hugh Gurney, Steve T. Sobel, Kaz Fujita, Julien R. Wolfe, Jim Wallington, Rich Vavra-Musser, Phillip Mange, Jim Roach, Jerry Becker, Clark Charnetski, Dianne Patterson, Robert Patterson, Martha Benedict, Kathleen Newell, Richard Pekarek, Michael Frezell, Tim Fischer, Dan Platz, Kay Chase, John Langdon, Bob Tischbein, Jim Hinkins, Larry Krieg, Doug Wilson, Kim Powell, Ron McClain, Tim Hoeffner

Others Present:  Bruce Becker, Kris Wisniewski, Eric Newberg, Thomas Breeding

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m.

Amtrak/MDOT:  Tim Hoeffner, Director of the MDOT Office of Rail, reported that Amtrak carried 800,000 passengers during FY 2012, a record, even with slow orders during the spring.  The Blue Water also set a record for passengers carried.  Hoeffner sees no impact from the entry of Megabus into the transportation mix.

The extra trains during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays did exceptionally well with record ridership on the Wolverines.  Hoeffner suspects some bleed off from the Blue Water.  While additional crews and equipment led to small increases in expense, many expenses such as station staff remained constant. 

Amtrak decided on extra trains during the holidays rather than additional cars on existing trains as a way of better utilizing scarce equipment. 

Krieg noted that the extra trains spread the crowds out in the Chicago Union Station waiting room. 

After hearings in the fall, staff working on the Chicago-Detroit Corridor Plan are carefully evaluating all the segments between Porter, Indiana, and Chicago.  This is an extremely complex piece of railroad.

As of December 7, 2012, all the documents transferring ownership of the Dearborn-Kalamazoo railroad from Norfolk Southern to MDOT were executed.  MDOT now owns the railroad.  It has been leased back to Norfolk Southern for several months to allow NS to negotiate with its unions.  NS will continue dispatching trains until the new train control system is completed.  Both the Dearborn-Ypsilanti track work and the train control system are at the 30% design review phase.

Before the West Detroit Connector gets underway, a few right of way issues must be resolved with CN. 

The Surface Transportation Board is reviewing the accident just east of Niles back in the fall.  Illinois is implanting the same train control system on its Chicago-St. Louis upgrade and the Chinese are using a version of this system.

CN and Amtrak are discussing the problem of long dwelling times on the Blue Water.

Regional Transportation Authority:  Hoeffner reviewed the legislation for the Regional Transportation Authority.  Four counties, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw are included.  No county and no municipality can withdraw.  Each county will designate two representatives to the RTA Board.  The governor’s appointee will chair the board.  A supermajority will be required to levy taxes.

The RTA Board will be the recipient for all federal funds.  It will appoint the CEO and other staff,  approve transportation plans, and coordinate provider operations.  There will also be an advisory committee.

Four Bus Rapid Transit routes are contemplated. Rail projects will require a unanimous vote of the Board as will the addition of new providers.

The principal bill establishing the RTA takes immediate effect.  The first meeting of the RTA Board will take place in April, 2013.  Four supplemental bills take effect 90 days after being registered with the Secretary of State.

The RTA should be functioning by October 1, 2014.  MDOT and SEMCOG will provide interim staffing. 

Washtenaw County has already appointed its two RTA Board members. Richard Murphy of Ypsilanti, will serve a one year term.  Murphy is active in TRANS4M.  Elizabeth Gerber, whose specialty is transportation planning at UM, will serve a two year term.

Stations: 

Watervliet: Vavra-Musser noted a recent newspaper article reporting that Watervliet was asking for a train stop on the Pere Marquette line.  They are looking for funding for a platform.  The proposed stop would be a flag stop.  Hoeffner responded that no decision has been made by either MDOT or Amtrak.  Neither intend to assume any cost for the stop.  Specifications for a flag stop are the same as for a regular stop.  Langdon added that flag stops are not exempt for all ADA standards.  The platform will have to be designed to serve both Horizon and Superliner equipment.  The mayor is hoping for a grant next month to fund the platform.

            East Lansing: Fujita reported that CATA is the lead agency on the project.  A sign on one of the buildings says it will be coming down soon to make way for the new station, which will be at the west end of the present parking lot.  Amtrak will build the new platform.  The entire north side of the tracks will be fenced off.  Hoeffner added that the long range plan is to extend the project all the way to the diamond.  The grant agreement has not been executed at this point.

            Chicago Union Station:  The CUS Task Force presented its recommendations on December 12 and Amtrak is now reviewing them, Krieg reported.  Major issues include narrow platforms, where passengers must fight with baggage carts; signage, where Amtrak is agreeable to designing new signs for review; and Use of the Great Hall, which Amtrak considers a revenue source.  The Great Hall is managed by a unit in Philadelphia, so anything dealing with it must go through the Amtrak Corporation.  The creation of a new position above the General Superintendent further complicates matters.  The CUS Task Force will continue to meet with Amtrak periodically to monitor progress.

Speaker:  Tim Fischer introduced the speaker, Kris Wisniewski. who heads up the Eastern Border Transportation Coalition, a non-profit advocacy group working to improve the movement of goods and people between the United States and Canada.  Members of EBTC include the states of Michigan, New York, Vermont and Maine and the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador.  In the course of a year, some 16 million people travel between the two countries and 75% of all trade between the U.S. and Canada crosses within the territories of member states and provinces.

The position is part time and headquartered at MDOT in Lansing.  When not carrying out EBTC duties, Wisniewski works in MDOT’s Office of Rail.

Wisniewski represents member states and provinces in working with the federal governments of the U.S. and Canada, all of whom want to see goods and people move more easily between the two countries.  Travel and tourism are major issues.  The fact that most border crossings are at tunnels or bridges complicates matters as space is limited for infrastructure improvements.  At the border, a U.S. inspector is attempting to carry out the mandates of 23 separate federal agencies!

At Montreal and Vancouver, the group is working to have U. S. Customs and Immigration officials do all the inspections at the stations, similar to the way air travel is handled between Canada and the U.S.  Trains would be cleared at Montreal or Vancouver and proceed directly to the border without intervening stops.  At the present time, U. S. officials are doing some review at the Vancouver station, but the real inspection continues to happen at the U. S. border.

U. S. Inspections of trains and train passengers in Canada would require a treaty between the two nations, similar to the treaty that permits airport inspection in Canada.  Inspection areas at Canadian airports are considered sovereign U. S. territory, similar to an embassy.  Needless to say, the process will be fraught with complications.  Unlike the situation in Europe, both the U. S. and Canada are very defensive when it comes to national sovereignty.  A proposed treaty would deal with passenger rail, ferries and marine services.  With a treaty in place, passengers would have a better idea of how long they might be held at the border. 

For passenger rail crossings between Michigan and Ontario, the situation will be more like the crossing of the Maple Leaf at Niagara Falls.  There, a new facility is being built on the New York side where all inspections will take place. While designed to facilitate efficiency, all passengers will be required to get off the train and pass through the inspection facility.

As to rail freight, talks continue on having overseas freight inspected once at the North American port of entry.  For example, goods entering at Port Rupert, British  Columbia, would be inspected there, and the train could then enter the U.S. somewhere in North Dakota without an additional inspection.  A similar situation could take place for goods destined for Canada entering at New York City or Long Beach.

The EBTC has prepared a White Paper, “Improving and expanding Cross Border Passenger Rail Service through the Implementation of Pre-Clearance”.  The paper may be downloaded from the website, www.ebtc.info>

Bruce Becker, President of the New York State Association for Railroad Passengers, added that when a passenger buys a ticket on the Adirondack,  they also provide a lot of personal data, which is forwarded to Customs for a background check.  His group is partnering with Vermont, which is anxious to restore service to Montreal. 

Plans are moving along to create a customs clearing area in the station at Montreal.  The construction cost is estimated at $4 million.  Since the customs station would be removing profitable rental space, the building owner would require additional compensation for his loss.  Becker reiterated that a treaty would be required before any plan could be implemented.

Hoeffner noted that passenger trains crossing at Detroit would probably use the old rail tunnel.  There are no plans for Michigan-New York service via Southern Ontario. 

The peak ridership on the International was 120,000 annually, but by 2003, that number had dropped to 83,000.  The 2012 numbers for the Blue Water are 195,000. 

Charnetski asked if a bus transfer between Detroit and Windsor would be more efficient that a cross border train.  Wisniewski thought that might be a viable interim step.

The Monthly Membership Meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.

Respectfully submitted:                                              Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                         Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                     Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
WILLIAMSTON DEPOT, WILLIAMSTON, MI
JANUARY 12, 2013

Members Present:     Larry Krieg, Hugh Gurney, Jim Wallington, Kathleen Newell, Kay Chase, John Langdon, Bob Tischbein, Jim Hinkins

Also Present: Steve T. Sobel, Kaz Fujita, Julien R. Wolfe, Rich Vavra-Musser, Bruce Becker, Phillip Mange, Jim Roach, Kris Wisniewski, Jerry Becker, Clark Charnetski, Dianne Patterson, Robert Patterson, Martha Benedict, Richard Pekarek, Michael Frezell, Tim Fischer, Dan Platz, Doug Wilson, Kim Powell, Ron McClain, Dave Patterson,  Eric Newberg, Thomas Breeding, Tim Hoeffner

Call to Order:  Vice Chair Larry Krieg called the meeting to order at 10:05.  A roll call of members established that a quorum was present.  Those present were asked to introduce themselves and their place of residence.

Order of Business:  Newell moved that we approve the order of business.  Langdon seconded and the motion was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Minutes:  Chase’s corrections were noted.  Newell moved approval of the Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting in Lansing on December 15, 2012 with corrections.  The motion was seconded by Langdon and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Treasurer’s Report:  Langdon presented the Treasurer’s Report on behalf of Treasurer Dave Randall.  As of December 31, 2012, the checking account had a balance of $25,743.55, which included $17,141.26 of Pratt Fund proceeds awaiting transfer to a Vanguard account.  Because of a mix up at the post office, December receipts were not posted.  Even so, income for 2012 exceeded expenses by $2,328.00.  Langdon noted that a $4,000 grant from TRANS4M was received yesterday.

 Chase moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s report.  The motion was seconded by Newell and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Chair Assumes Gavel:  At this point, Chairman Tischbein accepted the gavel from Krieg.

Future Meetings:  Wallington reviewed upcoming meetings scheduled.  Our next meeting will be on February 9 at the historic rail station in Capac.  T. J. Gaffney, former director of the Michigan Steam Railroading Institute will be the speaker.  March 9 will find us at the historic rail depot in St. Johns.  On April 20, the meeting will be in Niles.

Wallington urged members to make plans for a festive meeting in Manistee August 9-11, when we will be meeting aboard a former rail ferry, the SS City of Milwaukee.

Resignation of Lawrence Bancroft:  Langdon moved to accept the resignation of Lawrence Bancroft as Chair of the Western Region.  The motion was seconded by Newell and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Recess:  Chairman Tischbein recessed the Executive Committee meeting at 10:20 a.m. for the Monthly Membership Meeting.  The Executive Committee meeting resumed at 11:50 a.m. 

Detroit Metro Regional Report:  Hinkins noted that U. S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood is scheduled to be in Detroit on Friday, January 18.  It is expected that he will announce a grant of $25 million toward the M-1 streetcar project connecting downtown Detroit with the New Center area.  Private donations will cover the majority of expenses, with donors such as Wayne State University owning the various stations along the route.

Hoeffner added that the $25 million was a TIGER grant toward the total project cost of  $137 million.  The M-1 project will be totally compatible with future light rail proposals extending the line further out Woodward Avenue.  The M-1 streetcars will go no faster or no slower than 85% of the traffic on Woodward.  Planning for a new Amtrak station in the New Center area of Detroit will await finalization of plans for M-1 so the projects are fully coordinated. 

TRU’s offices have moved to 2929 Russell Street in the Eastern Market area. 

Hinkins has been photographing progress on the Troy and Dearborn Transportation Centers on a monthly basis.  Dearborn is further ahead.

Associate Detroit Metro Chair Patterson noted that he had attended the very successful groundbreaking ceremony for the Troy Transportation Center back in November.  In the midst of the program, train # 353 breezed through.  Patterson has also attended three sessions dealing with Woodward Avenue projects including light rail and bus rapid transit.  BRT stations will probably be at the mile roads.

Communications Coordinator:  Chase asked for assistance in promoting the TRANS4M video contest.  We would like people who are savvy with video cams to submit their transportation stories, good or bad.  In addition to prizes for the winner, the sponsoring organization will receive $1,000.  She will coordinate with Larry Sobczak on submissions.  The contest closes on February 24.

Fischer added that it would be great to have some good stories about rail transportation that could be shown to legislators.  Check details at www.trans4m.org >

Chase urged as many members as possible to attend the Michigan Environmental Council Legislative Breakfast on January 30 at the House of Representatives Office Building in Lansing.  We need to give MEC as much support as we can.  They are the ones that got us involved in TRANS4M.

Route Enhancement Committee:  Gurney asked both members of the Route Enhancement Committee and all concerned to review the report of accomplishments in 2012 and make comments and corrections.  The committee will meet over lunch to discuss recommendations for 2013.  Again, we welcome suggestions from all.

Membership:  Newell reported that we are getting very close to a comprehensive membership list.  Treasurer Randall will date stamp all membership applications before turning them over to her. 

Outreach:  Tischbein has recently added several new entries to the Outreach Schedule.  Please review.

MDOT:  Hoeffner reported that MDOT now has 8,000 ties plus rails on hand to begin work on upgrading the Dearborn-Kalamazoo section to 110 mph speeds.  Amtrak has acquired a warehouse in Jackson.  The plan is to stabilize the center portion of the route while reconstructing simultaneously eastward from Kalamazoo and westward from Dearborn.  Grading for the Dearborn-Ypsilanti double tracking will take place in 2013.

Because of PRIIA 209, state support to Amtrak will triple from $8 million to $25 million in FY 2013. 

New York State Update:  Bruce Becker, President of the New York State Association of Railroad Passengers noted progress on many fronts in that state.  Due to PRIAA 209, state support for Amtrak is expected to jump from $4 million to $45 million.  Recently, Amtrak leased the line from Poughkeepsie to Schenectady from CSX.  This will permit a number of improvements including signal upgrades and double tracking between Albany and Schenectady.  Grand Central Station will be 100 years old in February, 2013.

Adjournment:  Langdon moved adjournment, seconded by Newell.  This was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.  The meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:                                                          Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                                     Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                                 President

Addendum:  East/Central Regional Report:  A family obligation prevents me from giving this report to you in person at the meeting Saturday.  In the last month, my priority has been to create a job description as the new committee chair for the East/Central Region.  Two things are in my favor:  there hasn’t been a full-time chair in a while and my copy of the Michigan Passenger, Winter 2009, advertises for a volunteer to come forward to serve.  And thanks to the MARP chairman at the time, John DeLora, the ad includes a job description.

“The regional chair tracks issues along Amtrak’s Blue Water route from Battle Creek east through East Lansing, Durand, Flint, Lapeer and Port Huron and attempts to resolve them, either directly or by reporting to MARP’s Executive Committee, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) or Amtrak.”

DeLora goes on to say issues include “on-time performance of passenger trains, cleanliness of passenger trains and stations, and promotion of Amtrak’s Blue Water train service.  The chair also is on a committee that deals with funds allotted by MDOT to market the Blue Water and coordinates distribution of MARP’s quarterly newspaper.”

I’ve promoted both MARP and train ridership all along, so no problem there.  Haven’t received any material to learn about MARP budgeting process.

 Kay Chase provided a membership list for East/Central.  Only a handful of paying members expressed interest in being active, but after sending emails or calling them only one person remained interested.

William Seck of Haslett offered to forward any news of the Blue Water etc. he hears of.  A frequent Blue Water, and sometimes Wolverine, train passenger to Chicago, he joined MARP after spotting a passenger newspaper at the station that peaked his interest.  His father and grandfather were railroad men.  He and family sometimes ride the Pere Marquette out of Grand Rapids.  He may very well be in the audience Saturday to hear the guest speaker.  Seck expressed disappointment train service to Toronto ceased following 9/11, something that has yet to make sense, he said.  Although it hasn’t happened lately, there have been times online purchases of train tickets were impossible, even though he tried a month in advance.  The website said trains were sold out, but he believes the real reason was that Amtrak didn’t have enough rolling stock to accommodate all who wanted tickets.  He also questions why riders are huddled together in 2 cars, for example, when the other cars are empty.  Lately, however, he said, “Overall, Amtrak has gotten a lot better.”

 He does wonder why more cars weren’t added to the Blue Water during the 2012 holidays.  Only the Wolverine benefitted.  He always wanted to know why the wolverine, once in Pontiac, isn’t made to go to Port Huron and loop around to Chicago.  He may have these questions answered if he’s in the audience.  He and his wife have another commitment Saturday, but he will try to attend the meeting.  I referred him to the MARP website to read minutes from the meeting.

 EAST LANSING

Seck referred me to a recent Lansing State Journal article Jan. 3.  The $10.5 million allocation from USDOT   Federal Transit Administration has been promised but not yet released.  Anyone following the shenanigans among House Republicans can guess that dollars are caught up in the fiscal cliffhanger that may never be settled.  Amtrak funding may also be cut.  The situation in D.C. compounded by the appropriation to rectify the monumental damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, also handing in limbo, is enough to wonder if the East Lansing station well be replaced anytime soon.  Will follow-up on the status next week.

 DURAND

Contact has been made with Mary Stone, Executive Director of Durand Union Station Inc.  Thanks to John Langdon, I forwarded a link to the Great American Stations website for her to search.  Mary said the city received a grant several years ago to expand the parking area but lighting was not addressed.  The city manager gave her authority to pursue grants which she may find through the GAS program.  Acquiring lighting is determined by the Downtown Development Authority because the station is part of the DDA district.  Mary was very friendly and appreciative of MARP’s interest and helping hand.  She is definitely on of my contacts.  As Norma Ward, MARP member and DUSI  volunteer, will be.

PORT HURON

Doug Wilson, another MARP member, has been very helpful.  He is a good contact for the Port Huron/St. Clair County, Sarnia area as well as a person very active in the Canadian rail movement.

DOWAGIAC

On the heels of the December announcement of the ownership transfer of NS railroad to MDOT, I contacted a friend and reporter for the Leader Publications based in Niles.  John Eby has been editor of the Dowagiac Daily News efore all the newspapers withing the company were combined on one website.  I referred John to John Langdon and the MDOT news releases.  To my surprise, John’s story about the transfer and improvement to wolverine and Blue Water passenger services included by off-the-cuff- comments I stated in an e-mail to John Eby.  You can’t trust those reporters!!  Actually, I believe John got another story out of it by including me as I once worked for Niles Newspapers, and he tied in a local angle.  I probably would have done the same thing.  At least Langdon was contacted for some worthy quotes.

MOUNT PLEASANT

Please let me know if I am to arrange for MARP to set up at CMU March 24 for the Mid Michigan Model Train Show.  I noticed my name and that a “Frezell” a person I don’t know, as working at the show.  I didn’t notice the February 116 train show at Middlebury of the March 16 train show in Napanee mentioned.  I have volunteered to work at both shows.  The inability to get a decent printout of the spreadsheet may account for these deletions.

IN CLOSING

Sorry for such a lengthy report.  Reporting on my connections may not be necessary in the future unless something of major importance comes up. I will always promote train travel.  For example, I suggested to the director of the cable TV consortium for Gratiot-Isabella-Clare counties to videotape a train ride between East Lansing and Chicago to broadcast.  Maybe that will happen one day.

Rosemary Horvath

Chair, East/Central Region

Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers

Crystal, Michigan

## 

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
CAPITAL AREA DISTRICT LIBRARY, LANSING
DECEMBER 15, 2012

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

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:45 a.m.  It was ascertained that a quorum was present.

Secretary’s Report:  Minutes of the meetings on November 10, 2012 were reviewed.  Krieg moved acceptance of the Executive Committee minutes.  After a second by Langdon, the minutes were approved.

Krieg then moved acceptance of the Membership Meeting minutes.  Langdon seconded the motion and it was approved by the members present.

Treasurer’s Report:  Langdon distributed the Treasurer’s Report as submitted by Treasurer Randall.  As of November 30, 2012, the balance in MARP’s checking account stood at $30,123.44.  This includes $17,141.26 in Pratt Fund proceeds awaiting transfer to a new Vanguard Account.

For eleven months of the fiscal year, income totals $22,455 and expenses come to $15,748, leaving a balance of $6,707.     

A discussion concerning the payment of expense accounts prompted a call to Randall, who said he will process payment within 10 days of receipt.  Randall will contact the Livonia Postmaster to ascertain if some requests for payment are in the Livonia post office box.

Langdon moved that the Grants expense line be increase by $500 to $1,000 and that the Chicago Union Station expense line be decreased by $500 to $2,000.  Gurney seconded the motion.  Horvath questioned the need for such adjustments.  The motion passed with two abstentions.

The budget for 2013 will be discussed at the meeting in Williamston on January 12, 2013.  Tischbein will appoint a committee to review and make recommendations.

Coordinator Reports:

            Governmental Affairs:  Langdon reported that Amtrak plans to add an extra train from Chicago to Ann Arbor and return on six days during the Christmas holidays, the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before Christmas and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday prior to New Year’s Day.  The extra Kalamazoo-Chicago and return scheduled over the Thanksgiving holidays will not return.

MARP is slated to receive a grant of $4,000 from TRANS4M for January-June, 2013 time period.  MARP members will be expected to meet and greet the 27 new members of the state legislature plus leadership members, track the transportation budget, and work to assure additional funding for the continuation of the three existing Wolverines once PRIIA 209 kicks in on October 1, 2013.

Langdon would like to see a large contingent from MARP at the MEC legislative breakfast in Lansing on January 30 at 8:30 a.m. 

MEC has moved to larger quarters at 602 W. Ionia Street in Lansing.  Several MARP members were present at a recent open house.  Krieg was impressed with the caliber of people at MEC and partner organizations.

Langdon received a Christmas card from the people at the Muskegon CVB.  Perhaps they haven’t forgotten the thought of a bus from Muskegon connecting with the Pere Marquette in Holland.  He will contact Amtrak about having the extra Chicago-Ann Arbor train stop in Dowagiac. 

In response to Langdon’s question, Chase confirmed that all portions of the Southeast Michigan Regional Transportation Authority legislation had been passed by the lame duck legislature.  She was uncertain whether Washtenaw County was included in the authority or not.

MARP has been asked to put up posters in non-staffed stations announcing the new Amtrak baggage policies.  According to the policy, passengers are limited to carrying two bags onto Michigan trains.  Plastic bags are no longer allowed.  This may be a real problem for people connecting in Chicago with long distance trains, or returning to Michigan after an extended trip. 

Another Amtrak policy that may have repercussions is that people boarding at a non-staffed station and paying cash will be charged at the highest bucket rate, no matter when they made their reservation.  This will make travel harder for people who do not have a credit card.

            Communications: Chase noted that one of TRANS4M’s goals for 2013 is to convince the state legislature to use existing transportation funds more strategically by combining four separate pots of money.  She wants to emphasize that rail is a key part of the environmental movement to both environmental and transportation advocates.

From a contact in the Wisconsin Association of Railroad Passengers, Chase has learned that a group called After 26 will be running a café in the former Ann Arbor Railroad station in Cadillac.  The group offers employment to the developmentally disabled..  The website is www.after26.org>                                                            

The Congressional Passenger Rail and High Speed Rail Caucus has published a list of all high speed rail projects funded.  She needs to check on who are members of the caucus.

Congressman Mica is leaving Congress at the end of the term.  His last hearing will focus on the Northeast Corridor. 

 Chase passed out Tischbein’s Annual Report. In the interest of time, it was not delivered at the Annual Meeting in September.

 The January-June, 2013 TRANS4M Work Plan will include completion of the final report on the Forums conducted in 2012, urging local jurisdictions to adopt the Complete Streets philosophy, following up on implementation of the Regional Transportation Authority, and advocacy for reform on transportation funding.  MARP will work with TRANS4M on promoting the Lights, Camera, Transportation! contest which encourages people to tell their stories, good and bad, about transportation experiences.  MARP will invite young people to participate.

                         Newsletter:  Chase asked for a volunteer to do the “From the Board” segment in the next newsletter.  Hinkins agreed to write something dealing with commuter rail.

                         Outreach:  Tischbein reviewed upcoming Outreach events including shows in Saline, Michigan, and Middlebury and Elkhart, Indiana.  Horvath agreed to take the lead on the show in Mount Pleasant. 

           Membership:  Chase reported that a renewal letter will go out shortly after January 1.

            Future Meetings:  Wallington reviewed the nearly final schedule for meetings in 2013.  We will have no history speaker at Williamston on January 12 to permit more time for a talk on the Eastern Border Coalition and plans for the new East Lansing Transportation Center.  T.J. Gaffney, former director of the Steam Railroad Institute in Owosso, will be the speaker in February in Capac.  Gaffney has expressed an interest in being more active in MARP.  Langdon will ask to have trains #351 and #352 stop in Niles on March 9 for the meeting there. 

For the August 10 meeting in Manistee, members will be allowed to sleep aboard the former car ferry City of Milwaukee.  We will be meeting in conjunction with the local historical society.  Wallington will check on the cost of chartering a bus to Manistee and return.

Speakers for Niles, Vicksburg and Flushing have been confirmed.  The station in Albion is owned by the city but leased to an insurance agency which also serves as the Greyhound agent.

Chase urged Regional Chairs to try to get members in their regions out to meetings when they are held in their region.

Regional Chapter Reports:

            Northern:  Monteith urged members to review the latest issue of Trains magazine which has excellent articles on the Auto Train, the saga of the Talgo Trains in Milwaukee and the Chicago CREATE program.

            East/Central:  Horvath recommended Keith Hevson as an expert on the history of the Grand Trunk Railroad.  Langdon asked her to meet with Norma Ward to review station lighting in Durand and other issues there.

            Pekarek continues to urge a tightening of the Blue Water schedule.  Passengers get very annoyed at the long waits at each station.  Langdon speculated that CN may be quite happy with the schedule as it make it very easy for them to win on time incentive bonuses.

            Detroit Metro:  Hinkins has seen the report on the testing of the bi-level commuter cars back in November and will distribute it.  All went well and the cars should be ready for special events runs early in 2013.  The fact that the tests were conducted from Pontiac to Jackson and return may indicate that the proposed route of the Ann Arbor-Detroit trains may be extended in both directions.

            The bill authorizing the Southeast Michigan Regional Transportation Authority is awaiting the governor’s signature.  Work is underway on the transportation centers in Troy and Dearborn. 

            Krieg reported that the Ypsilanti Freight House will be used by the local historical society.  

Old Business: 

            Chicago Union Station Passenger Action Taskforce:  Meetings with the Amtrak team have been on a fairly high level.  Amtrak seems most willing to work on signage issues.  Platform changes are admittedly difficult to implement.  As to the boarding process, the Amtrak people are not at all enthusiastic.  The taskforce needs to strategize their next steps.

            Position Description Task Force:  As a first step, Chase asked all members of the Executive Committee to write up a draft of what they think their position entails.  She would like position descriptions for all Executive Committee members to be finalized within six months.  Gurney noted that Randall had already submitted a position description for the Treasurer’s position.

            By Law Review Committee:  Tischbein suggested a meeting of the committee in late December.

New Business:

            Structure of Executive and General Membership Meetings: Krieg urged that we structure meetings so that action items are addressed first.  It was agreed that he and Tischbein would work together on future agendas.

Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:                                  Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                             Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                         Chair