Zoom, December 7, 2022:
Welcome and Call to Order
Millie Ryan, President of the Board, called the annual meeting to order at 4:02 pm on December 7, 2022. Participants numbered 15 to 20 and included a majority of AMC Board members.
Guest Speaker: DOTP&F Commissioner, Ryan Anderson
Commissioner Anderson gave a broad overview of the issues and challenges in the department and how it relates to mobility and community transit. The Commissioner engaged members in a dialogue about issues that impact community transportation providers. For instance, some topics discussed were Capital Transit Match requirements, the lapsing of federal funds due to DOT capacity issues, opportunities for transit expansion, particularly in rural areas, and the potential for statewide training/conference. The Commissioner said he would follow up on some issues and questions and get back to AMC.
ED Report
Patrick reported volunteering as a director because he has taken on a temporary full-time job with the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education. Lisa Reinhart of Activation Communications, LLC is providing administrative support to AMC.
Patrick shared AMC’s financial status with a balance sheet today that shows $42,579, an increase of $500 from last year. He thanked members who responded to their annual membership invoices and encouraged others to do the same. If agencies have yet to receive a membership invoice and would like one, contact Lisa at alaskamobilitycoalition@gmail.com.
2022/2023 Advocacy Agenda
Patrick shared the advocacy agenda to put Community and Public Transit in statute and three capital budget areas of interest. There was a discussion about the transit match issue and who would be eligible for the funding if it got into the budget. Attached are the draft documents for reference.
Open Forum
Members expressed interest in the issue of the lack of accessible ride-share and taxi cab services statewide and if there is a possible statewide fix to the problem. AMC should form a working group, and anybody interested in volunteering should contact Patrick at their earliest convenience and meet about the issue. AMC should also create a group on the Transit Match questions and issues. Anyone interested in serving on either workgroup, email AMC at alaskamobilitycoalition@gmail.com or call Patrick at 907-301-0728.
Adjournment
There was no further discussion, and the meeting adjourned at 5:03 pm.
Contact Lisa Reinhart about our annual meeting at (907) 343-9093.