Thursday was a very busy day for the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR), the governing board of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). Commissioners arrived early to discuss the well-publicized issues surrounding the issue in closed session. After completing the formal open monthly meeting, they returned to closed session to continue the discussion.
The independent accounting firm presented the audit for FY 2009, and it was received by the TDCHR.
The humor of the meeting was the move to establish the annual line of credit for calendar year 2010. It should have been a routine vote, but with Commissioners now hypersensitive about money issues, a discussion of over five minutes ensued. As expected, the new line was approved. Funds from it will be used to retire the previous line.
HRT ridership for December, 2009 was up 3.51% over the previous year. As had been the case for most of 2009, it was weekend ridership driving the numbers.
HRT is currently nearly $700K under it's operating budget for FY 2010, even after a recent $800K cut in state assistance. CFO Larry Davenport seemed fairly confident that the agency will finish the fiscal year under budget.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
TPPC January 28, 2010
On Thursday morning the Transportation, Parking, and Pedestrian Committee (TPPC) of Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) held it's January meeting.
The big news is that 2009 was a record year for Oceanfront parking. 2009 brought in $355k more revenue than 2008, with 34.96% of those using City lots and garages Virginia Beach residents. Please note: a recurring problem is people improperly using the cluster meters on Oceanfront streets. You need to first select the space you're going to use, then insert your coins. The other way around (like most vending machines) and your money will be lost.
An accounting error may enable additional parking spaces to be built at Sandbridge for residents. The City Ordinance for Sandbridge parking lot revenue requires that first the Parking Enterprise Fund be reimbursed for all expenses, then any profit goes to the Sandbridge sand replenishment TIF fund. Instead, all parking monies were going into the TIF. Once the money is adjusted, the City may consider using an adjacent lot it owns for enlarging the parking lot. It has the potential for around 30 spaces.
The proposed waterslide known as The Hippo would now be placed at 24th Street parallel to the stage. CCO RAC representative Henry Ryto was adamant that the view from the park itself not be blocked. Given it's history, the 24th Street Park has special meaning to some grassroots activists, making the matter quite dicey.
The TPPC expressed concern about the impact of a move to form-based zoning on Resort Area parking. The committee will watch and work on the issue closely.
In advance of the RAC's March 4 strategic planning meeting, a list of top five issues for the TPPC was distributed. No immediate objections were made. After review by committee members, the list will be subject to TPPC approval at it's February meeting.
Finally, ridership for seasonal VBWave service in 2009 finished 9.3% above that for 2008.
The big news is that 2009 was a record year for Oceanfront parking. 2009 brought in $355k more revenue than 2008, with 34.96% of those using City lots and garages Virginia Beach residents. Please note: a recurring problem is people improperly using the cluster meters on Oceanfront streets. You need to first select the space you're going to use, then insert your coins. The other way around (like most vending machines) and your money will be lost.
An accounting error may enable additional parking spaces to be built at Sandbridge for residents. The City Ordinance for Sandbridge parking lot revenue requires that first the Parking Enterprise Fund be reimbursed for all expenses, then any profit goes to the Sandbridge sand replenishment TIF fund. Instead, all parking monies were going into the TIF. Once the money is adjusted, the City may consider using an adjacent lot it owns for enlarging the parking lot. It has the potential for around 30 spaces.
The proposed waterslide known as The Hippo would now be placed at 24th Street parallel to the stage. CCO RAC representative Henry Ryto was adamant that the view from the park itself not be blocked. Given it's history, the 24th Street Park has special meaning to some grassroots activists, making the matter quite dicey.
The TPPC expressed concern about the impact of a move to form-based zoning on Resort Area parking. The committee will watch and work on the issue closely.
In advance of the RAC's March 4 strategic planning meeting, a list of top five issues for the TPPC was distributed. No immediate objections were made. After review by committee members, the list will be subject to TPPC approval at it's February meeting.
Finally, ridership for seasonal VBWave service in 2009 finished 9.3% above that for 2008.
Monday, January 25, 2010
You Gotta Love Government Form Letters
In response to the stormy December 10 public meeting on the Laskin Gateway Project, the City Manager's Office has sent out an information mailing to those who attended. The cover letter begins "Dear Oceanfront Resident".
Having gone, I received one. I live in Bayside District.
Having gone, I received one. I live in Bayside District.
You're Not Expecting Much
57% are somewhat pessimistic about this year's General Assembly session, with 42% very pessimistic. No one at all was optimistic.
Now a fun question about this time of year: who prepares your income tax returns?
Now a fun question about this time of year: who prepares your income tax returns?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
TRAC January 20, 2010
Hampton Roads Transit's (HRT) Transit Riders Advisory Committee (TRAC) met Wednesday evening at HRT's administrative offices in Norfolk.
Noting recent events at and surrounding the agency, TRAC Chairman Henry Ryto spoke on what he felt TRAC's role should be during a possible transition to a new CEO brought in from outside the agency. He believes that TRAC will need to acclimate the new CEO to Hampton Roads' bus riding culture, and try to prevent too much of a jolt to it at once so as to not disillusion passengers.
Recruitment for TRAC was discussed, with members and Staff asking questions and sharing their perspectives. Also, there are two new possible members waiting in the wings, one each from Hampton and Portsmouth. The insider cards to promote membership to those riding the buses now await the TDCHR approving the expenditure for printing.
The backlog in answers to inquiries from TRAC members was dealt with in full. In addition discussion flowed from the questions that had been asked.
Finally, the latest report on customer complaints was distributed to TRAC members.
The next scheduled meeting for TRAC is March 17 at HRT headquarters in Hampton at 6 P.M.
Noting recent events at and surrounding the agency, TRAC Chairman Henry Ryto spoke on what he felt TRAC's role should be during a possible transition to a new CEO brought in from outside the agency. He believes that TRAC will need to acclimate the new CEO to Hampton Roads' bus riding culture, and try to prevent too much of a jolt to it at once so as to not disillusion passengers.
Recruitment for TRAC was discussed, with members and Staff asking questions and sharing their perspectives. Also, there are two new possible members waiting in the wings, one each from Hampton and Portsmouth. The insider cards to promote membership to those riding the buses now await the TDCHR approving the expenditure for printing.
The backlog in answers to inquiries from TRAC members was dealt with in full. In addition discussion flowed from the questions that had been asked.
Finally, the latest report on customer complaints was distributed to TRAC members.
The next scheduled meeting for TRAC is March 17 at HRT headquarters in Hampton at 6 P.M.
Detained By NPD
On Wednesday the TPO meeting adjourned just after Noon, while the TRAC meeting wasn't until 6 P.M. Having some time to kill, I wanted to take a longer bus routing using a route I hadn't rode in awhile, also stopping at a Burger King for lunch. Since I was taking Route 15 from the TPO meeting, I decided to take it north to Evelyn Butts, there transfer to Route 8, with the 8 taking me down Tidewater Drive to the Burger King at the intersection with Virginia Beach Boulevard. The 8 is a fairly important route and I had rode that portion maybe once in the past year.
Sure enough, the 15 was running late. I missed my transfer at Evelyn Butts, so I had to wait there 30 minutes for the next Inbound 8. Within minutes, patrol cars from the Norfolk Police Department (NPD) were circling in the area. Finally, an officer came up, parked, and got out of his car.
There had been a man drunk & disorderly at the Wawa on the other side of the block and I was told I fit the description NPD had been given. I was questioned, the officer radioed in my driver's license number for a check, and he then began sobriety tests. Since I hadn't had a drink in nine days, I was making child's play of the tests. As the third test was completed, it was radioed back that all the checks on my license had come back negative. I was released and the officer drove away. No apology came from him.
As I had time to kill waiting for that Inbound 8, the stop in itself didn't really bother me. Actually, since I get a sadistic pleasure out of making idiots feel stupid, I was silently chuckling at the cop. If worst had come to worst, the security tapes from the bus would have put me on the vehicle when the incident happened.
Two young men were also waiting there: one who had been on the 15 with me, the other who had seen me get off the 15. They were incredulous at what was happening. We laughed at it once the cop left.
I now enter that category of having been unjustly accused of a crime by law enforcement. I'll be able to better grasp what others are going through when it happens to them.
Sure enough, the 15 was running late. I missed my transfer at Evelyn Butts, so I had to wait there 30 minutes for the next Inbound 8. Within minutes, patrol cars from the Norfolk Police Department (NPD) were circling in the area. Finally, an officer came up, parked, and got out of his car.
There had been a man drunk & disorderly at the Wawa on the other side of the block and I was told I fit the description NPD had been given. I was questioned, the officer radioed in my driver's license number for a check, and he then began sobriety tests. Since I hadn't had a drink in nine days, I was making child's play of the tests. As the third test was completed, it was radioed back that all the checks on my license had come back negative. I was released and the officer drove away. No apology came from him.
As I had time to kill waiting for that Inbound 8, the stop in itself didn't really bother me. Actually, since I get a sadistic pleasure out of making idiots feel stupid, I was silently chuckling at the cop. If worst had come to worst, the security tapes from the bus would have put me on the vehicle when the incident happened.
Two young men were also waiting there: one who had been on the 15 with me, the other who had seen me get off the 15. They were incredulous at what was happening. We laughed at it once the cop left.
I now enter that category of having been unjustly accused of a crime by law enforcement. I'll be able to better grasp what others are going through when it happens to them.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
TPO January 20, 2010
Today the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), Hampton Roads' Federally-mandated transportation planning board, held it's January meeting.
There were three speakers under Public Comment: a representative from the Sierra Club opposing funding transportation through offshore drilling revenues, a gentleman from Norfolk on light rail and high speed rail, and myself on the proposed fast ferry service. The Consent Agenda was passed unanimously.
The big issue of the day was hiring a consultant to help Hampton Roads land high speed rail service. Staff and a candidate are close on terms; Staff needed authorization to close the deal. Falling one vote short on the original tally, the James City County representative then changed his vote to allow it to pass. The sticking point was whether or not this was being railroaded (pun intended), but the region faces a looming Federal deadline.
As for fast ferry service, a private company wants to operate it as a public-private partnership. A Presentation was given to the TPO, as designation from the TPO is necessary to acquire Federal ferry-designated money. Five destinations are on the radar screen: Norfolk's Waterside, Hampton City Dock, Newport News Victory Landing, and Fort Eustis. Service would begin in 2012 with a single route (probably Norfolk - Hampton), two routes in 2013, building up to 5 in 2015. They had been looking at Naval Station Norfolk, but the Navy Liaison stated Department of Defense regulations would preclude that. (Wouldn't that drop Fort Eustis, too?) Other destinations may later be considered.
My own disappointment was looking at the photos of the vessel: a large cabin below, but I couldn't make out any seating on the deck. I'd love to be up there as the ferry crosses the harbor at 30 knots.
Finally, the TPO Retreat will be on February 10 at 11:30 A.M. (The HRPDC Retreat will be at 9:30.) Note that this will be the second Wednesday rather than the normal third Wednesday.
There were three speakers under Public Comment: a representative from the Sierra Club opposing funding transportation through offshore drilling revenues, a gentleman from Norfolk on light rail and high speed rail, and myself on the proposed fast ferry service. The Consent Agenda was passed unanimously.
The big issue of the day was hiring a consultant to help Hampton Roads land high speed rail service. Staff and a candidate are close on terms; Staff needed authorization to close the deal. Falling one vote short on the original tally, the James City County representative then changed his vote to allow it to pass. The sticking point was whether or not this was being railroaded (pun intended), but the region faces a looming Federal deadline.
As for fast ferry service, a private company wants to operate it as a public-private partnership. A Presentation was given to the TPO, as designation from the TPO is necessary to acquire Federal ferry-designated money. Five destinations are on the radar screen: Norfolk's Waterside, Hampton City Dock, Newport News Victory Landing, and Fort Eustis. Service would begin in 2012 with a single route (probably Norfolk - Hampton), two routes in 2013, building up to 5 in 2015. They had been looking at Naval Station Norfolk, but the Navy Liaison stated Department of Defense regulations would preclude that. (Wouldn't that drop Fort Eustis, too?) Other destinations may later be considered.
My own disappointment was looking at the photos of the vessel: a large cabin below, but I couldn't make out any seating on the deck. I'd love to be up there as the ferry crosses the harbor at 30 knots.
Finally, the TPO Retreat will be on February 10 at 11:30 A.M. (The HRPDC Retreat will be at 9:30.) Note that this will be the second Wednesday rather than the normal third Wednesday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)