02/07/1977107
February 7, 1977
Pursuant to notice thereof, a public meeting was called to order by the
President in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall on Monday, February 7, 1977
at 7:50 p.m. for the purpose of explaining the proposed commuter and Dial -a -Bus
systems which are to be submitted to the Regional Transportation Authority for
approval. The clerk called the roll and reported that the following were
Present: Bernard Forrest, President
D. Jeffrey Blumenthal
Norma Gavin
Cynthia J. Marty
Edwin B. Seidman
Daniel H. Stiehr
Absent: Vernon E. Swanson
and that a quorum was present and in attendance at the meeting. Also present were
Mr. Herbert Linn, representing the Village attorney, and Norris Stilphen, manager.
Mr. Robert Benton, Chairman of the Mini -Bus Committee and NORTRAN Trustee,
explained the proposed mini -bus service. Three mini -buses are to be acquired to
co provide fixed -route commuter service during morning and afternoon rush hours and
Dial--a-Bus service during the day. The large Highland Park bus will continue to
operate on its present schedule and route and will provide connection to buses
serving shore communities. The mini -buses will operate five to six days per week
and will carry 16 to 19 passengers.
The mini -buses will be operated on a regular schedule and will pick up a
Dial -a -Bus customer at home. Service will be provided in Deerfield for shopping
and connection with the big bus, and will serve Northbrook Court for Deerfield
residents only. The fare will be 50 cents, with a 25 cent fare for senior citizens
and children, and no charge for children under 5 years of age.
The program will be given a one -year trial, and if successful, the RTA will
take over and continue bus service as part of its regular operation. If partially
successful another grant will be needed, and if not successful, the Village can
take over the service.
In response to Trustee Seidman's questions, Mr. Benton stated the buses will
take passengers to visit anywhere in the Village, and that regular routes are within
walking distance for customers but any changes are open to debate.
The manager stated that the switchboard at the Village Hall will take Dial -a-
Bus calls temporarily but there is no one there after 4:30 p.m. Dial -a -Bus will
use the Public Works radio frequency. It will be necessary to budget funds for
Dial -a -Bus answering service.
A citizen suggested a warming shedon the other side of the railroad station
but Mr. Benton said there was no space on the driveway.
There being no further questions, on motion by Trustee Marty and seconded
by Trustee Stiehr, the public hearing was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
APPROVED: G
President
ATTEST:
Village Clerk