Kara Keller

This strategic plan outlines a short to medium-term roadmap for the Mountain Line Transit Authority, aiming to identify transit improvements while balancing fiscal constraints with excellent service. The plan addresses community needs and considers recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Key initiatives include improving bus travel, enhancing street infrastructure to support transit, upgrading customer information, engaging with emerging technology and new mobility solutions, and fostering partnerships to support access to opportunity.

The meeting commenced with announcements regarding the September Driver of the Month and recognition for outstanding employee performance. The Authority announced the October Rider of the Month and noted new hires for bus driving positions. During public comments, a citizen expressed concerns regarding the use of tax levy dollars and requested financial reports, emphasizing the need for employee retention incentives. The board suspended rules to move to Old Business item F, the Property Tax Bus Pass Program, which was presented, and the board provisionally accepted the proposal pending further feedback from state and federal entities. New Business included discussions on the Excess Levy Primary Ballot Request, where limitations on promotional activities for levy funding were clarified. The board authorized the expenditure of a $50,000 Grant from the West Virginia Division of Public Transit for a planning study and approved a budget not to exceed $9,800 for a data and community survey focusing on growth metrics. Furthermore, the board authorized entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the West Virginia Public Transit Association to provide transportation services for the SOAR program at fully allocated cost per trip. Budget amendments were approved to incorporate the $50,000 grant and a $96,700 reimbursement for planning software. Monthly data summaries indicated a 15% year-to-date decrease in total passenger trips compared to 2018, though disabled and senior passenger trips increased. Operational adjustments were discussed for the upcoming 'Up All Night' event at WVU. The board reviewed the September 2019 Financial Report and discussed updates on the City Bus Shelter placement, Maintenance Shop Door Installation and Roof Drain, Fuel System pricing (which exceeded $125,000 and requires further review), and the Parking Lot Repair & Improvement RFP timeline. The board also discussed the Short and Medium Range Operation Plan steering committee selection.

The meeting included several key operational and administrative discussions. In data summaries, the Transit Authority reported receiving two new 12-passenger box vans with enhanced backup alarms, and the hiring of three new drivers, along with reporting passenger trip statistics for November 2003, noting an increase in total passenger trips compared to November 2002, while the cost per passenger trip increased from October to November. A presentation highlighted how collected data on Gold Card Riders is being used to analyze senior rider residency for potential new route development, supported by new monitoring software. Financially, the General Manager confirmed finances were on track and the Authority switched to accrual bookkeeping. Old business included an update on the Maintenance Facility displays and addressing the retirement tax issue for former County employees. New business involved the approval of a modest holiday bonus for full-time and part-time employees, the ordering of new employee jackets, consensus on proceeding with Administrative Goals and Objectives for 2004-05 with agreed-upon regular updates, and the approval of two nominees for the Citizen's Advisory Committee.

The agenda for this meeting includes committee reports, specifically from the Funding Body Communication Committee. Financial matters to be considered involve the approval of the December 2000 Financial Report and consideration of City and County Operating Assistance Requests and Capital Funding Assistance Requests. Business items include an update on the Maintenance Facility, discussion on Bus Shelter Wind Screen for the Health Department, Bus Stop Shelter Match and Grant funding, Local Match for four new vehicles, and a Consultant's Review of Existing Services. New business covers a resolution authorizing the Fiscal 2001-02 49 U.S.C. Section 5311 Operating Assistance Grant Application, an HRDE Youth Program Assistance Request, and Vehicle Striping Bid Approval. The meeting will also feature a Driver of the Month Presentation and a Quarterly Progress Report.

The meeting addressed several items, including the amendment and approval of the March 14, 2001, meeting minutes. Public comments included an inquiry regarding qualifications for the Citizens Advisory Board and the submission of public letters. Committee reports were waived. Correspondence included a proposal from Jenkins & Quinn for a ride along program called Trans Check, and a request for a route survey on Summer School Road. The March 2001 Financial Report was reviewed, noting that the third quarter of 2001 was the best in Mountain Line history for fare box and ticket revenue, and that ridership had increased for eight consecutive months. The Board recognized the March 'Co--Driver's of the Month' and outstanding performers from February. In old business, the arrival status of new buses was discussed, along with a debate concerning the policy on anonymous driver complaints, with a consensus to keep accepting them while trying to obtain contact information. New business involved a discussion of a Medicaid Service Audit finding related to missing required forms for PACE Tech services, potentially leading to the Authority having to reimburse DHHS for $6,500.00 in audited trips, and the subsequent appeal process. An amendment to the Personnel Policy regarding physician verification for extended illness absences was accepted. The Board approved implementing new trial route schedules for Sabraton Mountaineer Mall and Chestnut Hills. Consensus was reached to request additional funding through the 2001 Access Grant for Grafton, Fairmont, and Hundred runs, a para-transit van, and more through routes, while noting 2002 is the final year for these funds. Marketing proposals were reviewed, with a timeline set for evaluations and candidate presentations at the next meeting. Route deviation tracking was updated. A Planning Retreat session was scheduled for May 19, 2001. A work session was scheduled before the May 9 meeting to screen Citizens Advisory Committee applications. The Trolley Driver position description and hourly rate were approved. Finally, a motion was passed to send a letter to West Virginia University offering transit service to students along fixed routes for an annual cost of $60,000.00.