Transportation

Transportation Coordination Committee Meeting MINUTES of November 2, 2023 Public Hearing for 85.21 Specialized Grant Application 2024 Agendas announcing the Transportation Hearing were posted at the Taylor County Commission on Aging Office, and Taylor County Courthouse. Notification of the Hearing was also provided to WIGM/WKEB radio station and published in the Medford Star News on October 26th. Call Meeting to Order Chairperson Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 11:00 AM. Members Present: Mike Bub, Diane Albrecht, Lisa Carbaugh (late) Members Absent: None Also Present: Jenn Viergutz, Taylor County Commission on Aging ; Sheila Wundrow, Taylor County Veterans Service Office; Amber Fallos, Black River Industries; (late) Approve Minutes of the November 22, 2021 Meeting MOTION by Albrecht to approve the July 18, 2023, meeting minutes as presented, second by Bub. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED. Approve Agenda MOTION by Albrecht to approve the agenda with 10 items for the November 2, 2023, meeting, second by Bub. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED. Public Input None Reports Taylor County Veterans Service Office Director Sheila Wundrow reported that they currently have 2 volunteer drivers. The Veterans Service has a new process to verify transportation requests where Veterans schedule through Tomah and they will reach out locally. She may also be looking at fleece jackets to recognize their volunteers once they reach so many miles. Black River Industries (BRI) Director Amber Fallos reported things are going well and within their budget. They are currently in the process of hiring an additional bus driver who will cover Friday trips. The starting wage was increased to $16 and previous bus drivers were given a $1 raise. Their embroidery work is picking up and have not fully advertised that service. Taylor County Commission on Aging Director Viergutz reported the minibus is going well, and the casino trips are well received with over 20 riders participating each time. Ridership is up a bit from 2nd quarter. Volunteer drivers- trips are down as we are down drivers. We have also run into where we are losing drivers as their insurance companies do not want to cover them as they are being reimbursed for mileage. Director Viergutz discussed the 2024 Minibus contract with BRI. The price will go from $2.57/mile to $2.63/mile. 2024 will also mark the fifth year of the five-year contract and we will have to put out bids next year. MOTION by Albrecht to approve Minibus Service Contract; second by Carbaugh. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Director Viergutz reviewed the current balance of the 85.21 Trust fund to be $41,615.25. Two purchase in 2023 and an approved item that has not yet been expensed. Due to some recent discussions regarding the minibus, Viergutz is requesting $500 to place cellular security cameras in two of the buses used for the Commission on Aging. Motion by Carbaugh to approve to spend up to $500 for security cameras out of the trust fund; Seconded by Albrecht. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Director Viergutz reviewed the s.85.21 specialized transportation grant application for 20 24. The grant application request is for $79,889 in transportation funds from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. A match of $1 6,013 in local funds is budgeted and used as the local share required match. The changes from the previous application include all passengers will need to complete registration and have a signed rider code of conduct on file prior to service. The operational changes include adding a casino bus monthly and volunteer driver participate rates increasing from .35/mile to .50/mile for those under the age of 55 and/or not disabled. Motion by Albrecht to approve 85.21 Specialized Transportation Grant Application for 2024; Seconded by Carbaugh. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Set Next Meeting Date The next meeting of the Taylor County Transportation Coordination Committee will be scheduled as needed. Adjourn Meeting MOTION by Albrecht to adjourn meeting , second by Carbaugh. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 11:32 A.M.