MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
WILLIAMSTON DEPOT MUSEUM, WILLIAMSTON
JANUARY 14, 2012

Those Signing In: Hugh Gurney, Steve T. Sobel, Kay Chase, Rich Vavra-Musser, John Langdon, Richard Pekarek, Clark Charnetski, Jim Wallington, Dave Randall, Jim Hinkins, Doug Wilson, Janet Howes, Larry Krieg, Dan Platz, Bob Tischbein, Diane Patterson, Robert Patterson, Bill Lovis, Jim Roach, Jerry Becker, Julian R. Wolfe, Larry, Swartz, Kaz Fujita, Michael Frezell, Ron DeCook, Tim Hoeffner, Beth Monteith, J. P. DesCamp:

Also Present:  Mitch Lutzke, WilliamstonDepotMuseum

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called to meeting to order at 11:05 a.m.

Speaker:  Mitch Lutzke, Williamston Depot Museum Board Member and local historian, welcomed the group to the 1891-92 Williamston Depot, the third such structure serving the community.  It was in use as a passenger station from January, 1893, until 1963.  It is not coincidental that passenger service to Williamston ceased within a year after I-96 opened.  The station was moved to its present location on Grand   River Avenue in 1979.  After several years in a derelict state, the Chamber of Commerce provided the funds to renovate the structure.  The Chamber maintains an office in the building and staffs the museum on weekdays, an excellent arrangement.  Lutzke recently completed an exhibit in the next room giving the history of the building.  The City of Williamston plows snow and assists in other ways.

According to Lutzke, it took from 1837 until 1871 for plans for a railroad from Detroit through Williamston to Lansing to come to fruition.  There were many false starts along the way.  Ownership of the line passed through a number of hands until 1929, when the Chesapeake and Ohio gained control, though the Pere Marquette name was retained until 1947.  As part of a merger in 1983, the C&O became CSX, which continues to operate freight trains on the line.

MDOT Update:  In the very near future, trains may be running at speeds of up to 110 miles per hour on the 97 mile Amtrak owned Kalamazoo-Porter, Indiana, section of the route used by both Wolverine and Blue Water trains, reported MDOT’s  Office of Rail Administrator Tim Hoeffner.  In December, speeds on the Indiana portion of that line were boosted from 79 to 95 m.p.h.  Trains on the Michigan section have been operating at 95 m.p.h. for several years.

It will be at least three years before we see similar speeds between Kalamazoo and Dearborn, Hoeffner explained.  While the tracks are being rebuilt, expect frequent delays.  With luck, the stretch between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek can be upgraded within twenty four months, with the remainder of the route ready for 110 m.p.h. speeds in thirty six months.  Between Ypsilanti and Dearborn, the line will be double tracked, with more and longer passing tracks added between Ypsilanti and Kalamazoo.  Current equipment can be used, with a second power unit added to permit locomotives to reach the top speed. The Positive Train Control system developed by MDOT will be used on the Kalamazoo-Dearborn line. Hoeffner envisions a flyover at Battle   Creek so Wolverine passenger trains will not be held up by CN freight trains in the distant future.

Plans for Indiana Gateway improvements are still in limbo.  The Norfolk Southern negotiator is focusing first on issues in Michigan and North Carolina.  The Environmental Impact Study for the long term South of the Lake realignment is now complete, so that study of alternatives should get underway within a couple of months.

The new bi-level passenger cars and locomotives should start arriving in 2015.  All seven locomotives in this latest Midwest order are designated for use on Michigan lines.

When ownership of the Kalamazoo-Dearborn section of the line is acquired by MDOT, approximately 240 miles of the Pontiac-Detroit-Chicago Wolverine route will be dedicated to passenger service, a possible model for the rest of the nation.  Norfolk Southern will have the exclusive right to provide freight service.  MDOT will work with Norfolk Southern to grow the freight business as one way of covering the cost of passenger service.

Hoeffner hopes the Detroit-Windsor international crossing will be a model for other border crossings across the continent.  Governor Snyder is very enthusiastic about trains running through from Chicago to Montreal.  MDOT is active in the Eastern Border Coalition, a group attempting to work through the needs and concerns of customs, immigration, and movement of agricultural products.  A meeting focusing on rail is scheduled for Seattle in April.  MDOT is in close contact with Borealis, the group which owns the Detroit-Windsor rail tunnel and has plans to build a new one.

Issues relating to PRIAA Section 209 are now in the hands of the Surface Transportation Board for resolution.

Hoeffner noted that twenty two former METRA coaches are in some stage of refurbishment at Owosso for use on planned commuter routes in Michigan.  Testing awaits arrival of an Amtrak power unit.  Funding for the upgrade of the West Detroit junction will come from a variety of sources, each with its approval schedule.  The design phase is well along.

Hoeffner foresees continual wrangles between Amtrak and the nation’s freight railroads in the coming years.  Many current owners of the freight railroads have no experience operating passenger trains.

Thruway Connection Committee:  Wallington announced that the committee will be meeting with representatives of Indian Trails in Owosso on Wednesday, January 18.

Route Enhancement Committee:  Gurney passed out the 2012 goals for the Route Enhancement Committee, calling for close tracking of all current projects affecting Michigan trains, examining the feasibility of additional frequencies on all Michigan lines, establishing more Thruway Bus connections, tracking PRIIA 209, pushing for commuter service in the Metro-Detroit area, and seeking adequate and reliable funding for passenger rail.  After discussion, Langdon moved approval of the 2012 goals.  The motion was seconded by Chase and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.  Gurney announced that the committee would meet over lunch to discuss implementation.

National Train Day in Toledo:  Tischbein announced that Toledo will celebrate National Train Day on the last Saturday in April.

Next Meeting:  Chase reminded all that the next MARP meeting will be at the Old Dog Tavern in Kalamazoo on Saturday, February 11.  The Executive Committee will convene at 10:30 a.m. and the Monthly Membership meeting will follow at 11:30 a.m.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:                                              Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                         Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                     Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
ST. JOSEPH DEPOT, ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN
NOVEMBER 12, 2011

Those Signing In:  Hugh Gurney, Barney Whittier, Kathleen W. Newell, Dave Randall, Steve T. Sobel, Jim Wallington, Don Monteith, John Langdon, Jim Hinkins, John DeLora, Rich Vavra-Musser, Kay Chase, Doug Wilson, Ron Leatz, Alan Bond, Dan Platz

Also Present: State Senator John Proos, State Representative Al Pscholka, Mayor Bob Judd, Bob Meyers, Court House Museum

Call to Order:  Vice Chairman Whittier called the meeting to order at 11:50 a.m.

Speaker:  Whittier introduced the day’s speaker, Robert Meyers, Curator at the Court House Museum in Berrien Springs.  Discussing the development of early railroads in Southwest Michigan, Meyers noted that the Michigan Central was the first, reaching Niles in 1848 and New Buffalo in 1849.  Until the line was extended to Chicago, passengers took boats across Lake Michigan to the windy city.  Interested communities then issued bonds for the construction of the present CSX line through St. Joseph and Benton Harbor.  While other heavy rail and interurban lines followed, they were not successful over the long run.  Amtrak and CSX, the first two railroads, are the ones that remain to this day.

Regional Chapter Reports;

            Northern: Rail is drawing a lot of attention in Northern Michigan, Monteith reported.  He recently met again with students and faculty in the railroad program at Michigan Tech.  A graduate of that program will be leading the Alaska-Canada rail project.

The Yellow Dog Mine near the Wisconsin line is scheduled to be opened in 2012 and will be served by an existing rail line.  One of two proposed mines in Marquette County could be served by a rail line presently slated for abandonment.  Monteith is working to preserve existing rail lines in Northern Michigan so that passenger service can be reintroduced in the future.

            Metro Detroit:  Realignment of the junction at West Detroit is scheduled to begin in early 2012, Hinkins announced.  This will cut travel time by 12-15 minutes and eliminate a lot of freight conflict.  Amtrak now plans to provide a part time caretaker for the Pontiac station.  That person will be on hand in the early morning and in the late evening.

In response to a question by Platz, DeLora stated that the current rehabilitation work on the Michigan Central Station in Detroit is largely a public relations ploy.  The building has been totally stripped.  Matty Maroun owns the building, but CP owns the station platform.

Monteith has been informed by Mike Bagwell of the Great Lakes Central Railroad that WALLY service between Howell and Ann Arbor will not happen until after Ann Arbor-Detroit service becomes a reality.

Leatz bemoaned the lack of a rail connection between communities in West Michigan and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

             Western:  Langdon welcomed the group to West Michigan.  A schedule has been developed to check and supply all Amtrak stations in West Michigan with timetables and other pertinent information.  Horizon equipment is back on the Pere Marquette temporarily. 

St. Joseph will be hosting a major PGA golf tournament over Memorial Day weekend and a push is on for morning trains from Chicago to bring spectators to the event.  A temporary platform could be build adjacent to the platform.  Both the PGA and Amtrak seem interested.  This could prove the value of a morning Pere Marquette out of Chicago every day.

As a way of ironing out any kinks, DeLora suggested operating a morning Pere Marquette to Holland earlier in May during Tulip Time. 

Leatz reported that the Christmas lights on the Dowagiac Depot were lit earlier in the week.  Amtrak’s Dave Kuhn, MDOT’s Therese Cody and numerous state and local officials including State Senator Proos were on hand to view the 1300 lights come ablaze.

The station will be lighted throughout the winter.

             East Central:  Indian Trails has postponed a scheduled meeting because their staff is working on a possible contract with the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority.  When that meeting is rescheduled, Wallington will urge Indian Trails to operate four of their Michigan Flyer buses via I-96 and U.S. 23 between East Lansing and Ann Arbor.

The Williamston Depot Museum has Christmas cards for sale.  See Wallington for details.

U.S.-Canadian Border: Wilson talked recently with mayors in Port Huron and Sarnia, the Port Huron City Manager, the Blue Water CVB, Ontario regional transportation officials and the local Member in Parliament at Ottawa about restoring cross border passenger rail service.  He feels that this issue is now on the agenda of many officials, with support coming from the governments of Michigan, Ontario and Canada.  The Eastern Border Transportation Coalition is working at the federal level in both the United States and Canada to ease border restrictions.  The Coalition has representatives from Michigan, New York, Ontario and Quebec.  MDOT’s Tim Hoeffner is active in the group and speaks on our behalf.  Legislators on both sides of the border need to hear from their constituents that they want cross border passenger rail transportation.

Mayor Bradley of Sarnia is pushing hard to maintain passenger service in Southwest Ontario.  There is a real possibility that VIA service to Sarnia will be dropped and service to Halifax cut to three days a week.

Route Enhancement Committee:  Gurney reported that the committee met over lunch in Jackson and will meet again at the close of this meeting to finalize recommendations for 2012.  These recommendations will be presented to the Executive Committee at the January meeting for review and approval.

Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:                                  Approved:

 Hugh D. Gurney                                             Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                         Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
ST. JOSEPH DEPOT, ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN
NOVEMBER 12, 2011

Members Present:  Barney Whittier, Hugh Gurney, Dave Randall, Kathleen Newell, John Langdon, Jim Wallington, Don Monteith, Kay Chase, Jim Hinkins

Also Present:  John DeLora, Rich Vavra-Musser, Doug Wilson, Ron Leatz, Alan Bond, Carl Biek, Cass County Rail, State Senator John Proos, State Representative Al Pscholka, Mayor Bob Judd, Steve Sobel, Dan Platz.

Call to Order:  Vice Chairman Whittier called the meeting to order at 10:08 a.m.

Secretary’s Report:  The minutes of the Executive Committee meeting and the Monthly Members’ meeting held at Jackson on October 8 were reviewed.  Langdon moved acceptance of the Executive Committee minutes with corrections. The motion was seconded by Randall and approved by the members present.  Newell then moved acceptance of the Members’ Meeting minutes.  The motion was seconded by Chase and approved by the members present.

Treasurer’s Report:  Randall reported that, as of October 31, 2011, the checking account stood at $9,790.86 and the Pratt Fund was valued at $15,071.73. DeLora moved acceptance, seconded by Langdon.  Members present approved the Treasurer’s Report.

Coordinator Reports:

            Public & Governmental Affairs:  Langdon reported that he had attended the Great Lakes International Trade and Transport Hub Summit, held recently at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.  Present were numerous people interested in strengthening trade between Chicago, Montreal and the Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, including trucking interests and representatives of Customs and Immigration on both sides of the border.  The governor spoke enthusiastically about Chicago-Montreal passenger rail.  The current high level tunnel beneath the Detroit River would be used for passenger rail.

The governor reiterated his support for Chicago-Montreal passenger service at the Michigan Rail Summit, held in Lansing on October 31.  This meeting was well attended, with many interested in rail freight.  Again, emphasis was on building a coalition including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ontario and Quebec.  MARP wants to be part of this collaborative effort and members sat among the various interest groups to point out the value of passenger rail.

Wilson reported that several Southwest Ontario mayors met recently to emphasize the importance of passenger rail to the area.  He and Tischbein plan to meet with Ontario interest groups in the near future.

            Meetings:  Wallington handed out the tentative schedule for 2012.  The next meeting will take place on January 14 at the Williamston Depot in Williamston.  Meetings are planned for Kalamazoo in February, Pontiac in March, Chelsea in April, Grand Rapids in July, Durand in September, St. Louis in October and Essex, Ontario in November.

Hinkins suggested Albion as future meeting site and Leatz suggested a meeting aboard an excursion train operating out of the former House of David property.

            Membership:  Newell reported that she is now on top of where members live geographically and will be contacting the Regional Chairs to contact new members in their respective regions.

            Communications:  Whittier complimented Chase on the first issue of On Track, MARP’s new electronic news letter.  Chase then introduced Randall, who reviewed the Independent Contractor Agreement he had drafted to provide direction for the new editor of The Michigan Passenger, who will produce the newspaper as a paid contractor. Approval of the draft was moved by Langdon, seconded by Randall, and agreed to by the members present.

Chase announced that the proposed editor is Larry Sobczak and that he is working on the Fall issue of The Michigan Passenger which is scheduled to hit the streets before Thanksgiving.  She then moved that the Executive Committee establish an Editorial Committee to assist, advise,  and review the work of the editor.  The motion was seconded by Monteith and passed by those members of the Executive Committee present.  The members of the Editorial Committee will be Wallington, Chase and Gurney.

Welcomes:  State Senator John Proos of St. Joseph and State Representative Al Pscholka welcomed the group to St. Joseph and West Michigan.  Both urged MARP members to develop engaging stories portraying the value of passenger rail as a way of building support among their wary colleagues in the Michigan legislature.  They need concrete examples of why passenger rail is important to their constituents.  Responding to Vavra-Musser’s concern, Proos agreed to push the governor and MDOT to get the Pere Marquette route added to the Midwest Rail Initiative blueprint.

Mayor Bob Judd also welcomed the group and thanked MARP for its advocacy of passenger rail in West Michigan.  He stressed the need for increased funding and for keeping the value of passenger rail before the public.

Adjournment:  The Executive Committee adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted:                                  Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                             Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                         Chair              

MINUTES
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MICHIGAN THEATER, JACKSON

OCTOBER 8, 2011

Those Signing In:  Hugh Gurney, Barry Adams, Gilbert Smith, Burt Ten Brink, Norma Ward, Dick Pekarek, Larry Krieg, Jim Hinkins, Wallin Gitn, Dan Platz, Dave Randall, Bob Tischbein, Don Monteith, John Langdon, Kathleen Newell, John Guidinger, Clark Charnetski, Diane Patterson, Robert Paterson, Rick Ware, Marie Ware, Cathy Hart, Kay Chase, Jim Wallington, Larry Sobczak

Also Present: Bill Simmons, Qingpeng Zhang, Belua Bouwsma

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 11:15 a.m. and introduced Drayton Blackgrove.

Videographer:  Drayton Blackgrove, a member of the Friends of the Jackson Michigan Central Station, discussed his video projects and suggested that MARP produce videos for viewing on the internet.  Every time someone clicks on our box, MARP receives revenue.  This has been successful inJackson.

Welcome to Jackson:  John Guidinger welcomed the group toJackson.  The Friends of the Jackson Michigan Central Station is a loosely organized group dedicated to the preservation of theJackson depot, the oldest continuously operation railroad station in the nation.  When Guidinger first arrived inJackson in the 1970’s, the station was painted in Penn-Central green and needed much work.  Over the years, successive projects have helped bring the station back closer to its original appearance.  The station has now been reroofed and operating downspouts installed.  Windows in unused areas of the building have been boarded over and painted.  Historic architects are now planning the next steps with a $938,000 grant received in 2010.  Plans to convert the complex to an intermodal transportation center were completed in 2010.  It will take around $20 million to implement these plans.

Guidinger has also been very much involved in the restoration of the Jackson Michigan Theater, an ornate structure with a seating capacity of 1400.  The building once again shows films and hosts community events.  Funding is still an issue.

In response to a question from Charnetski, Guidinger stated that allNorfolkSouthern property including the yards and spur rail lines will be acquired by MDOT when it purchases the Dearborn-Kalamazoo line from NS.  All union jobs will be retained.  After the repairs to the line in August and September, trains are running on time again.

Committee Reports;

Amtrak Thruway Connection Committee:  Gurney continues to gather information and thoughts for the proposed web report, “Getting Around Michigan by Train and Bus”.  He plans to list every community inMichigan that has intercity train and/or bus service. Wallington hopes to set up a meeting with Indian Trails in the near future.

Route Enhancement Committee:  Several members inWest Michigan have met to discuss updates to the 2007 Route Enhancement Recommendations.  Gurney invited all to attend a review of these over lunch today at Wendy’s, which is located in the rehabilitated New York Central Freight House.

Port Huron/Sarnia Blue Water Subcommittee:  Tischbein is in e-mail contact with a number of individuals.  Two groups inToronto have asked to be involved.

All Aboard Ohio:  No report.

Old Business:

            Ann Arbor-Detroit Commuter Line:  No progress to report.

Durand Union Station:  Pekarek reported that Durand Union Station is having financial difficulties.  The museum was closed most of the summer because of water damage from burst pipes.  Attendance was poor at the spring Railroad Days, a major fundraiser, because of poor weather.  Langdon noted that MARP had donated an additional $400 to help DUSI.  Ward reported with pleasure that long awaited improvements to the parking lot at Durand Union Station have been approved.

New Business:

            The Michigan Passenger:  Langdon moved that: “the Chair write a letter to J. R. Valderas stipulating that he would be paid $400 for the fall issue of The Michigan Passenger only if completed and sent to the printer by November 1, 2011.  This letter should be sent to Valderas by U.S. Mail.”  Gurney seconded the motion.  After discussion, including the fact that several train shows were coming up in November,  the motion was approved by the members present.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted:                                             Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                         Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                     Chair

DRAFT
MINUTES
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MICHIGAN THEATER, JACKSON

OCTOBER 8, 2011

Present: Robert Tischbein, David Randall, Hugh Gurney, John Langdon, Kay Chase, Jim Wallington, Don Monteith, Jim Hinkins, Kathleen Newell

Also Present:   Barry Adams, Gerald Smith, Burt Ten Brink, Norma Ward, Dick Pekarek, Larry Krieg, Dan Platz, John Guidinger, Clark Charnetski, Diane Paterson, Robert Patterson, Bill Simmons, Rick Ware, Marie Ware, Qingpeng Zhang, Cathy Hart, Belua Bouwsma

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.

Secretary’s Report:  Minutes of the Executive Committee and Monthly Membership Meetings held in Dowagiac on July 30, 2011 and the Executive Committee Meeting held inEast Lansing on August 20, 2011 were distributed and reviewed.  Wallington moved approval.  His motion was seconded by Langdon and approved by the members present.

Gurney then asked whether minutes should be posted on the website prior to approval.  Langdon moved that minutes should be posted to the web after review and approval by the Chair.  This motion was seconded by Chase and approved by the members present.

Treasurer’s Report:  Randall passed out the Treasurer’s Report for review.  As of September 30, 2011, the checking account stands at $9,074.34 and the Pratt Fund is valued at $13,660.83.  Our operating ratio is 63.87%.  Langdon suggested that for 2012, Randall prepare a grant schedule for the year.  Randall agreed.  Newell moved approval of the Treasurer’s Report.  This was seconded by Wallington and approved by the members present.

Coordinator Reports:

            Public & Governmental Affairs:  Langdon passed out a sheet showing the status of Stimulus Projects inMichigan,Indiana andIllinois.  The Englewood Flyover inIllinois, theTroyTransportationCenter and Railroad Repairs betweenDearborn andKalamazoo are now obligated.  Langdon explained that the current Indiana Gateway project deals with improvements to the existingNorfolk Southern line, Porter to theIllinois state line.  It does not include possible rerouting.  The purchase of theNorfolk Southern line fromDearborn toKalamazoo awaits approval by the Surface Transportation Board.

 Langdon urged all who could to attend the Michigan Rail Summit scheduled for October 31 inLansing.  Sponsoring partners include the Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Michigan Railroads Association, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Municipal League and theRight Place.   There will be a groundbreaking ceremony for the newGrand Rapidsstation on October 14.

Langdon announced that Phase II of the grant from Transportation for Michigan (TRANS4M) in the amount of $2,500 had been approved today.  Former Congressman Mark Schauer is co-chair of Jobs 21, an initiative of the BlueGreen Alliance of labor, economic development, and environment that recognizes the potential of rail industry jobs.

Guidinger commented that Amtrak appears more forthcoming with information now than in the past. 

            Communications:  Chase reported that MARP members are invited to the next meeting of Operation Lifesaver at the Durand Union Station on November 4.  There will be an update from the Michigan Association of Railroads. Lunch will be provided.  RSVP to Sam Crowl.

The Michigan Railroad History Conference will take place atWesternMichiganUniversityinKalamazooon November 6.

TRANS4M is distributing post cards urging Governor Snyder to invest in transportation including public transportation and passenger rail.  She urged all to fill out a card today and urge others to do likewise. 

To keep members up to date, Chase will be publishing a monthly e-newsletter to go to all members with e-mail.

Chase then moved “that the Executive Committee accept the recommendations of the Publication Committee as circulated earlier via email and that a contract be entered into stipulating that the Editor of the Michigan Passenger will be paid the sum of $400 per issue for issues due to the printer by 1 November 2011, 16 January 2012 & 16 April 2012.  At the end of this trial period, the contract may be continued as mutually agreed to by the Executive Committee and the Editor.”  Gurney seconded the motion.  After discussion and clarification that a hard copy of the paper would be mailed to all members, one member noted that MARP would no longer be an all volunteer organization.  Langdon suggested approaching the Knight Foundation for a grant to support publication of the newspaper.  The question was called and the motion was passed by the members present.

                         Website:  No Report

                         The Michigan Passenger:  See above.

                         Outreach:  Tischbein passed out a list of all upcoming outreach events.  All members are urged to help staff outreach tables at these events.

            Membership:  Newell reported that the membership rosters are now up to date with the exception of three renewals and one contribution not posted.  She asked Randall to note the month and year received on membership forms before forwarding them to her.

Chase added that we currently have 234 paid members.  She has e-mail addresses for 212 of these.  Her total e-mail list is 310. 

It was agreed that it was too late for a second renewal notice in 2011.  The Treasurer was asked to get renewal notices for 2012 out shortly after the first of the New Year.

            Meetings:  Wallington announced that the next meeting will take place at the St. Joseph Amtrak Station at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 12.  There will be no meeting in December.

The schedule for 2012 is starting to come together.  Hinkins is working on a possible meeting in March inPontiacand Monteith is looking into the possibilities of a meeting up north in the fall.  Wallington is exploring the pros and cons of an excursion aboard the Little River Steam Railroad in conjunction with a November, 2012, meeting.

 Regional Chapter Reports:

            Northern:  Monteith reported that he had been advocating for a rail spur to serve the proposed Kennecott Eagle Mineral Company mine inMichigammeTownship,MarquetteCounty, to move 16,000,000 tons of ore annually to a processing plant atHumbolt,Michigan.  Construction of a 22 mile road would cost $60,000,000.  Monteith feels that a rail spur would be more cost effective to build, operate and maintain, safer, and more environmentally friendly.  One train daily would replace fifty 100,000 pound trucks on the road 250 days each year and would use only 20-30% as much fuel.  The proposed rail spur would connect the mine with Ishpeming, L’Anse, Houghton and Marquette.

 On September 27, 2011, Monteith attended Michigan Tech’s annual fall Career Fair, which included the school’s Rail Transportation Program (RTP) and the Railroad Engineering Activities Club.  A total of 251 corporations and 3,100 students participated. A Rail Information Night permitted industry representatives and students to meet for discussions, followed by a social gathering.  The theme of the event was “Electrical Engineering in the Rail Industry.” RTP, CN and the Union Pacific Railroad hosted the event. Monteith attended MDOT presentations on the Draft State Rail Plan in Escanaba on June 14 andTraverse Cityon June 15.  On October 3, 2011, Monteith, Langdon and Chase attended a session inTraverse Cityentitled,”Michigan: the Logistics Hub of theMidwest.”  This was put on by the West Michigan Policy Forum, a regional group of Chambers of Commerce.  Speakers emphasized the opportunity forMichiganto gain from the increase in freight coming into thePortofHalifax.

             Metro Detroit:  Hinkins has yet to see any activity on theWest Detroit project.  Funding for theTroyTransportationCenter has been obligated.  Hinkins is working on a meeting in March at the newPontiacTransportationCenter. Charnetski noted that the implosion of DDOT may help the effort for a Southeast Michigan Transportation Authority.

             East/Central:  Wallington reported that the Blue Water had been generally on time both eastbound and westbound during the past month.  Pekarek noted lots of dwell time at stations westbound and suggested that the schedule could be tightened.

 The Executive Committee Meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.

 Respectfully submitted:                                  Accepted:

 Hugh D. Gurney                                             Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                         Chair