Bill Spitzer, Semcac director of transportation, reviewed the availability of public transit in Chatfield at the city council’s July 8 meeting.
Three services are available including Rolling Hills Transit bus service, Careavan medical transport, and the volunteer driver program. He concentrated his remarks on Rolling Hills Transit. There are 13 buses in the system that are stationed in 11 communities in the five county (Dodge, Olmsted, Winona, Fillmore, and Houston) area. All buses are handicapped assessable.
The intention is to provide economical services. Buses are available to everyone (all ages) for any reason. People are asked to call (507-634-4340 or 1-800-528-7622) to schedule a ride (Monday-Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm). In town rides cost $2, within eight miles cost $3, and outside eight miles cost $6. It is preferred that people call a day ahead to schedule a ride.
Spitzer said he has learned there is a lack of information as to what public transit is available in rural areas, which can provide several benefits to communities and residents. He added they also want to expand the service to allow bicycles to be hauled on a carrier outside the bus.
Spitzer requested community support to help pay to operate the buses and to help with the cost of new buses. The state provides much of these costs but requires a funding match. Spitzer said he was looking for a local commitment to help with the required matching funds. He maintained a lot of the people we serve rely heavily on this service. In 2023 the Chatfield/Harmony bus transported 3,051 passengers with 28,603 miles driven.
Mayor John McBroom commented that these are good services especially for the elderly. Councilor Mike Urban added several people in his building use the service.
Other Business in Brief
•Chris Giesen noted Outlot C of Lone Stone has been made available for sale as surplus city property and it is within the R-1 Zoning District. The Planning Commission determined Outlot C can be developed. A single-family home to be built on the property is in compliance with the Comprehensive Municipal Plan.
•An offer to purchase Outlot C was received from Doug Wright of Wright Homes Inc. He agrees to all terms set by the city and wants to start building as soon as possible. The EDA recommended approval of the sale. The sale price of the lot is $30,000. The net proceeds are expected to be $15,000 to $17,000.
The sale of the property as presented was approved.
•Councilor Josh Broadwater said at this time the CCTV does not have a way to film football games. He explained a shipping container can be placed where the CCTV van sat and a new detachable crows nest can be placed on top of it, which could be removed for other events. After some discussion, the council approved the use of up to $15,000 out of the CCTV reserve fund for the above purpose.
•A motion was adopted to request that the Chief Judge of the Third Judicial District make appointments to the Chatfield Charter Commission. Members include Julie Fryer, Chuck Johnson, Pam Bluhm, Michael Martin, Brenda Johnson, Chris Giesen, Ed Harris, Jeremy Aug, Julie Quinn, Wayne Halvorson, and Julie Henry.
•City administrator Michele Peterson reported she had attended the League of Minnesota Cities conference in Rochester last week. She felt the conference was very beneficial.
•Jan Kisro asked about any plan to clean out the retention pond on Margaret St. Brian Burkholder reported that it has been submitted for reimbursement through the Olmsted County mitigation program. It will get cleaned out.
•A renewal of Granicus annual subscription fee in the amount of $22,377.76 was approved.
•Marco Managed IT contract was renewed for five years (60 months) with a recurring monthly cost of $4,500.
•Marco Meraki license was renewed for three years with a one-time payment of $13,425 for security license and support.
•A resolution was adopted appointing election judges for the August 13 primary election.
•A Fire Safety, USA, Inc. invoice in the amount of $282,378 for installation of ambulance equipment and graphics was approved.
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