Informational Meeting

MINUTES Informational Meeting Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 4:00 PM Carnegie Town Hall, 235 West 10th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 1. Call To Order Council Members Present: David Barranco, Sarah Cole (arr. 4:05 p.m.), Alex Jensen, Rich Merkouris, Greg Neitzert, Marshall Selberg, Curt Soehl, Pat Starr Council Members Absent: None Council Chair Curt Soehl started the meeting at 4:00 p.m. 2. Committee/Commission Reports A. Siouxland Heritage Museum Board: Thursday, January 5, 2023 (Council Member Starr) There was no report. 3. Councilor Remarks Council Member David Barranco congratulated the South Dakota State University football team for their recent victory and becoming National Champions. Soehl thanked everyone for getting out and clearing fire hydrants, sidewalks and driveways after the recent snowstorm. 4. Presentations A. Transit Development Plan by Sam Trebilcock, Senior Planner Presentation: Approximately 15 minutes followed by discussion Trebilcock provided an overview of the Transit Development Plan by covering the following points: What Is A Transit Development Plan: The City of Sioux Falls oversees and funds the public bus system, or transit system, that operates in Sioux Falls. The City has a responsibility to ensure the transit system is efficient, both in its operations and use of funds. The 2022 Transit Development Plan evaluates the transit system and outlines ways it can improve. This plan frames the following: how the system can be more efficient, a 10-year financial strategy, plan for implementing new or modified  routes, and recommendations for improvements to public transportation services in the community. Goals: Develop and implement a new hybrid service of fixed and on-demand routes and expand service to new parts of the community; create a sustainable transit budget; move transit forward as part of the infrastructure of the community; make transit more accessible for kids and families; balance the transit fleet; upgrade the transit garage and office facilities; use technology to improve transit service; take a proactive stance on transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles; improve paratransit’s efficiency; coordinate with state and human service agencies on agency transportation, including a cost study; find ways to better recruit and retain transit staff. How Transit Works Now: 12 fixed routes (regularly scheduled); 5 routes are very low performing; route services have essentially not expanded or changed for decades. How Hybrid Transit Could Work: 8 fixed routes; 3 routes with 30-minute frequencies all day (3, 4, 10); low-performing stops and gray area to be served by SAM On- Demand; expand transit destinations for riders, with kids and families in mind; and new destinations. Discussion followed regarding: a full cost allocation plan; free fares added during the recent snow storm; the balance between on-demand vs. mass transit; transfers and loop routes; planning for peak hours; ridership and reasons why people are not riding busses; will wi-fi increase ridership?; reviewing the calculations regarding the transit fund snapshot; how the routes for Sam On Demand may impact the para- transit routes; who is responsible for clearing snow at the bus stop benches; zero emissions and battery life on equipment. B. Multi-Cultural Center Transition Update by Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen, LSS President/CEO; and Valeria Wicker, Multi-Cultural Center Supervisor Presentation: Approximately 15 minutes followed by discussion Kiesow-Knudsen opened the presentation by introducting Valeria Wicker, the new Multi-Cultural Center Supervisor, and provided opening comments regarding the integration of the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls and the integration into Lutheran Social Services. She gave a historical background on LSS and the mission and goals of the two organizations. She spoke about the benefits of the two non-profit organizations merging concerning resources for human resources, finance/funding, drivers education programs, fee based interpreter services, community support, workforce development, and other administrative duties. Kiesow-Knudsen introduced Wicker who provided an update on the following topics. Wicker joined the Multi-Cultural Center on November 1, 2022. She provided background information on her education, professional experiences, and personal experiences. Knudsen stated the interest in assisting inter-racial adoption families and provided updates on upcoming events that are in the planning stages, such as the Festival of Cultures. Discussion followed regarding: which board will govern the centers and where is that information available; what are the performance indicators that will be used to  illustrate the funding distribution; the use and accessibility of the Coliseum for their joint mission; the use of Community Centers; and discussion was held regarding the 200 languages represented in the City of Sioux Falls. 5. Public Comment Sierra Broussard spoke about improving the type of language being used in meetings; segregation in Sioux Falls; and transit issues. 6. Executive Session A. Discussing information pertaining to the protection of public or private property and any person on or within public or private property specific to any emergency or disaster response plans or protocols, safety or security audits or reviews, or lists of emergency or disaster response personnel or material; any location or listing of weapons or ammunition; nuclear, chemical, or biological agents; or other military or law enforcement equipment or personnel, pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2(6)(h) The Executive Session was not held. 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m. Tamara Jorgensen, MMC, Assistant City Clerk