Minutes - 2000/02/14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council February 14, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 8 Mrs. Donovan stated Metro Transit would accept complaints and concerns until March 1, and will then make their final decision, with changes taking effect in September. She stated Mounds View residents and taxpayers deserve a better bus service. She noted the proposed reduction of service could discourage some people from moving to Mounds View, and force others to move away. Mrs. Donovan stated she became involved in this issue primarily because it affected her personally, however, she has become more involved after discovering how many others would be affected. She stated she has already contacted Mayor Coughlin, and sent him letters and information, and has also contacted the Mounds View Chamber of Commerce. She requested the Council's support in this matter. City Administrator Whiting requested a copy of Mrs. Donovan's statement, and indicated that staff could forward this to Metro Transit, as they attempt to inform them in regard to everything that they hear from residents. He indicated the City has not been directly involved in this issue, although he was aware that other cities have taken a more active role, in terms of securing transit service in their municipalities. He stated he was somewhat uncertain what they could do here, but certainly, as they hear more from the residents, it would be of interest. City Administrator Whiting stated he had spoken to one of the higher-level Metropolitan Council staff people during the hearing on Thursday, who appeared to believe that some of the process that has brought them to this proposed plan may need to be revisited. He explained that they appear to recognize that there was more to this issue than they had anticipated upon first examination. He advised that this would not suggest the residents should subside, but rather, should continue to distribute as much information to interested parties as possible. He pointed out that the Metropolitan Transit Commission had indicated it was very difficult at times, to know exactly who is riding the bus, because it is somewhat anonymous, by its nature. He requested Mrs. Donovan continue to keep the City informed regarding any information she obtains, and the City would continue to reiterate this information, as well. Mayor Coughlin encouraged concerned residents to contact the Metropolitan Council Representative, Jim Nelson, who represents the Mounds View area, and is one of the individuals who would make the decisions on this matter. Mrs. Donovan advised that Mr. Nelson's telephone number is (612) 789-5859. Mayor Coughlin thanked Mrs. Donovan for her comments, adding that if there was anything further the Council and staff could do to assist, they would do so. He indicated he had contacted everyone he could think of, including speaking to Representative Haake in this regard, that date. He stated people appear to be aware of this issue, and hopefully it can come to a conclusion that is agreeable to all. City Administrator Whiting advised that whomever is contacted in this regard, and whether this is done via letter, E-mail, or telephone, the Metropolitan Transit Commission requests that specific information be provided to help them assess what the busses are utilized for. He explained that this would include the residents' addresses and bus route utilized, the time of day they ride the bus, whether the bus service is used for business or pleasure, and if they have any other mode of transportation. He stated this type of information is necessary in order to build their database, and to assist them in making better decisions.