Erich Fix

The board meeting covered several operational and administrative topics. Discussion included the status of millage language, upcoming audits, and the collection of public testimonials. Updates were provided on the MPTA manager training, OAR status, and the successful transportation services provided for Ice Fest and Trenary outhouse races. The board discussed the installation of new bus wraps, updates to the employee handbook, summer hiring plans, and attendance at an upcoming legislative day. Additionally, the board reviewed new initiatives regarding background check upgrades using the CHRISS system and Verified First for non-driver staff, as well as efforts to reinstate in-house training for CDL drivers through the FMCSA.

The meeting covered several operational and administrative items. Key discussions included the upcoming Ice Fest and associated fare increases, delays in building upgrades, the status of the audit, and the submission of the annual application for FY27 which requested two additional buses. Progress on the COA bus wrap completion was noted, as was the launch of the Backpacker reservation portal. The board also decided on changing the email address domain to @Altranbus.com to promote the website awareness. Board comments addressed incorrect dates on recent employee handbook memos and appreciation for the new board table.

The meeting agenda included standard opening procedures such as Roll Call and approval of the Agenda, followed by Public Comment periods. Key operational items included the approval of December expenditures and financial reports, and the Director's Report which covered updates on the LAC meeting, the employee handbook, a proposed backpacker route alteration, public notice procedures, updates on the Munising Beacon, school tours at Mather and Good Shepherd, and planning for Ice Fest, outhouse races, and the Chatham Fair. Old Business centered on the Millage issue.

The meeting agenda included standard procedural items such as the approval of the agenda and financial reports for January, as well as public comments. Key discussion points in the Director's Report included the upcoming Ice Fest dates (February 11th - 15th), delays in building upgrades and the audit, submission of the Annual Application for FY27, updates on bus wraps, the launch of the Backpacker reservation portal, and plans for Legislative Day at the Capital on March 11th. New Business focused on changing the email address domain to @Altranbus.com.

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the October meeting. Expenditures and the financial report for October/November were reviewed and approved. Key discussions in the Director's Report included the completion of the Putvin bus wrap, planning for upcoming wraps (Commission on Aging, Veterans Affair's, The Get Away), the introduction of a new operations manager, setting up a January LAC meeting to present the Vehicle Accessibility plan, adding a new route and implementing a $5 price increase for backpackers using Chapel Hill as a new stop, a potential delay in the Anderson Tackman audit, positive feedback on the Christmas lights tour and party, exploration of Krist oil for future fuel purchases, and a changeover to Amex credit cards. The Finance Committee reported potential discussions regarding a millage increase in the January board meeting, and approval for the FY27 budget review was sought. A board member requested information regarding the Grand Marais shopping shuttle and its main contact.