Council appoints first members of Public Transit Advisory Committee

The Jefferson City Council has appointed the first members of the newly-created Public Transit Advisory Committee.

At thier meeting Tuesday, council members unanimously approved seven appointments to the committee, which was created in September. Appointed members are Royal Speidel, Terry Donner, Bill Marshall, Ann Bax, Frank Underwood, Wayne Lee and Bill Case.

The transit advisory committee was an idea first brought to the council by the Citizens for JeffTran group in spring 2013, after the transit system had been faced with budget cuts. The committee consists of seven members, each representing specific interest.

According to the city's ordinance, members should include one representing the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, one who regularly uses public transit, one who is employed by a public or private school or by a not-for-profit organization, and four members of the general public.

In other business, Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Bill Lockwood told council members that the Parks and Recreation Commission is making progress on a partnership with Lincoln University for a joint multipurpose facility to be located on the university campus.

Lockwood said they are seeking cost estimates for subcontractors and drafting a memorandum of understanding between the two entities for the project.

A separate cost-share agreement for architect services for construction of the facility is expected to be taken to the Lincoln University Board of Curators for approval at its Feb. 5 board meeting. The agreement would then go to the Parks and Recreation Commission for approval.

Lockwood said staff also is working to identify ways to cover any operating shortfall and get more accurate predictions of revenue estimates.

"Things are moving forward," Lockwood said.