City Council Meeting Date: June 19, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: City Administrator
Title
Consider Mayoral Appointment to the Hiawathaland Transit Advisory Committee
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves a Motion to confirm Mayoral appointment of Councilor Suzie Nakasian to the Hiawathaland Transit Advisory Committee
Summary Report:
Mayor Pownell is appointing Councilor Suzie Nakasian to the Hiawathaland Transit Advisory Committee. The Hiawathaland Transit Advisory Committee meets to provide guidance to the Three Rivers Community Action Board related to transit needs in the system. They meet on a quarterly basis and rotate locations throughout the system. Their next meeting is scheduled for August 9, 2018, in Zumbrota. Northfield does not have an official representative for the Northfield System as listed at the end of this memo. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Bennett has regularly attended these meetings as a representative. He will still attend dependent on topics and availability as an interested staff party to the system.
The City of Northfield has identified transit enhancements as a goal within the City’s Strategic Plan (2018-2022). The recent routes from Lonsdale have increased ridership locally and the Northfield Transit Hub has recently been identified as a third listed priority to pursue in their “short term goals” from a February 2018 board minutes. City staff is exploring funding with Hiawathaland through a MnDOT grant and we are also exploring other potential funding options as well.
The timing is very appropriate as it relates to several initiatives underway with the Hiawathaland Transit Advisory Committee. Three Rivers Community Action Executive Director Jennifer Larson is currently exploring expanding the advisory role of the Hiawathaland Transit Advisory Committee beyond what it has provided in recent history. Additionally, MnDOT is beginning strategic planning for transit across the state and this committee will be involved in this review process for our region. The new elected office appointment for Northfield will serve us well in bringing more influence and awareness of opportunities around transit in Northfield and the region.
Hiawathaland Organization Background
Three Rivers Community Action is a nonprofit human service organization created by local citizens and incorporated in 1966. Three Rivers' mission is “to work with community partners to address basic human needs of people in our service area, thereby improving the quality of life of the individual, family and community.”
Hiawathaland Transit is operated by Three Rivers, and is available to everyone for any reason. People of all ages ride our buses to go places like school, work, the grocery store, doctor's office, pharmacy, or library. Their buses can transport anyone anywhere within city limits.
Hiawathaland Public Transit Advisory Committee
Cannon Falls system:
Rodney Holst, Cannon Falls City Council
Aaron Reeves, City Administrator (alternate)
Lake City system:
Jerry Dunbar, Lake City Mayor
Andru Peters, Lake City City Council (TAC Vice Chairperson)
Plainview/Elgin system:
Larry Fix, Plainview Mayor
Bill Goede, Plainview City Council (alternate)
Richard Hall, Elgin Mayor
Wabasha/Kellogg system:
David Schmidt, City Administrator
Red Wing System:
Dennis Egan, Red Wing Mayor
Dan Bender, Red Wing City Council
Zumbrota System:
Neil Jensen, City Administrator
Mazeppa System:
Duane Hofschulte, City Administrator
Faribault System:
Kim Lang, Community Development Director
Wabasha County Board:
Deb Roschen, County Commissioner
Goodhue County Board:
James Bryant, County Commissioner (TAC Chairperson)
Richard Samuelson, County Commissioner
Three Rivers Community Action Board:
Julie Steberg, Three Rivers Community Action, Inc.
Governing Board Alternate:
Carol Scott, Three Rivers Community Action, Inc.
Governing Board At-Large Representative:
Dave Windhorst
Alternative Options:
None recommended
Financial Impacts:
Not applicable
Tentative Timelines:
Not applicable.