Kankakee Times

River Valley Metro Mass Transit District Board of Trustees met September 26.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

Vice-Chairman Pearce called the regularly scheduled River Valley Metro Board of Directors meeting to order at 3:00 pm.

Attending Board Members: Vice Chairman Jerry Pearce, Treasurer Mark Argyelan, Secretary Kelly St. Aubin, Board Members: Carole Franke, Nick Allen, and Norman Grimsley

Staff Members Present: Managing Director Robert Hoffmann, COO Ken Munjoy, Director of Operations Michelle Brutlag , Transit Officer David Douglas, Transit Officer Richard Berns

Others Present: Geoff Olson (Kankakee County Planning), Duane Stubblefield, David Hinderliter

Pledge of Allegiance: Jerry Pearce led the Metro Board and others in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public with Business to Come Before the Board: None

Consent Agenda: Norman Grimsley made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Kelly St. Aubin seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken of those in attendance, with all in favor. Consent agenda approved.

Communications:

Chairman’s Report: None

Managing Director’s Report: (Robert Hoffmann)

The language in our agreement with KanComm does not clearly state that their fee is an annual fee and will be amended. Due to funding issues, KanComm is raising their fee for all clients by 10% this year. This will result in an increase of $1250 for RVM.

We have had a customer repeatedly causing issues on our buses and calling our office for the past few weeks. Last night, she called 911 multiple times, resulting in our Transit Officer suspending her from using our services for 30 days.

AECOM staff will be here in the next few weeks to study usage of our new routes.

Operations Report: (Ken Munjoy)

57,516 rides were provided in August. Some of our decline in ridership is due to more efficient routes, resulting in less need for transfers.

Two operators are currently in training.

Board Report:

Mark Argyelan remarked that our new radio ad campaign is helping to elevate the system’s credibility. Norman Grimsley asked if any of these ads were Spanish language. They are not.

New Business:

Bus Purchase: The original plan authorized the purchase of 3) 35’ buses and 1) 30’ bus. The 30’ models are no longer available, and the authorization needs to be modified to purchase 4) 35’ buses instead. Motion made by Norman Grimsley and seconded by Mark Argyelan. A roll call vote was taken with all in favor.

The Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Tollway specified that a 2nd bus would be wrapped with their message and that we would pay half of the cost for producing and installing that wrap. They have agreed to waive the outstanding balance of old tolls that occurred while they were in the process of approving the IGA if we would pay the full cost of the 2nd wrap. Motion was made by Norman Grimsley and seconded by Kelly St. Aubin. A roll call vote was taken, with all in favor.

We recently acquired two 1999 Gillig buses from Rock Island at no charge to supplement our fleet since we have three Optimas out of service needing engine replacement. Unfortunately, it was discovered today that, while the buses look great and run very well, their frames are rusted out and they are not safe for use.

Old Business:

Due to the resignation of Susan Legris from our board, a new chairman needs to be elected. Nominees are Jerry Pearce and Mark Argyelan. Mr. Pearce withdrew. With Mr. Argyelan assuming the role of chairman, nominations were opened to fill the Treasurer position. Norman Grimsley nominated Nick Allen, and Kelly St. Aubin seconded the nomination. The board unanimously approved both new officers.

Questions from the news media:

None

Other Business to come Before the Board:

None

Executive Session:

Nick Allen made a motion to move into Executive session at 3:24 PM. Kelly St. Aubin seconded the motion, with all in favor.

Adjournment

http://www.rivervalleymetro.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/September-2017-Minutes.pdf