Tammy Meehan Russel and Trisha Peterson were present to talk about goMARTI, at the Tuesday, May 14 regular Cohasset City Council meeting.
Russel explained this is Minnesota’s accessible rural transit innovations. It started back in 2022, as a 24-month pilot program through September 2024. There are five self-driving shuttles (three wheelchair accessible), autonomous vehicle operator always engaged, first rural large-scale launch of a public autonomous shuttle pilot and rides are free.
“There are always operators on board,” Russel said.
There are 75 virtual pick-up/drop-off locations.
Russell talked about some stats, and said through May 13, 2024, there have been over 9,710 riders, 800 plus wheelchair-accessible rides and 91 percent repeat riders, with a total of 160,000 total miles driven.
“We have a lot of repeat riders, and we don’t want that to stop,” Russel said.
Last year they were awarded $9.3 million to expand the regions rural transit options. With this funding, they will have 36 months of funding. They will have five to six automated vehicles in the fleet serving the Grand Rapids area (three to four wheelchair accessible). In addition, two hybrid or electric shuttles (one wheelchair accessible), with providing 20 to 25 local jobs. This would be in operation with Transit App Integration with Arrowhead and Jefferson Lines.
It would be the first rural large-scale launch of a public automated and electric shuttle pilot and rides would continue to be free.
“Nice,” Cohasset Mayor Andy MacDonell said.
“Our goal is to keep going down Highway 2,” Russel said. “For now, our funding can get us to Cohasset. But the modeling is in progress on how we can serve this area.”
Peterson talked about upcoming community meetings, and ultimately they would like to hold up to five, throughout the surface zone.
“We can help you out however we can,” MacDonell said.
“We will share about the plan but also want to hear about the hours of service,” Russel said. “And also would like to hear about where you would like it to stop.”
“Keep us in the loop, and let us know how we can help,” MacDonell said.
In other business:
Max Peters, Cohasset Finance Manager, gave an update on the 2024 electric generation transition aid update.
Approved the Industrial Park Grubbing Change order.
Approved the purchase of parcel number 05-515-0130 in the amount of $55,000.
Peters mentioned the City owns the four adjacent lots to the South, with the objective to create some housing.
Council talked about formally declining the bid for Blackwater Banks Boat launch bid, and would like to see at least one or two more qualified bidders.
“Anytime we are dealing with a number like that, it is always nice to have more than one bid,” Councilor Kevin Ott stated.
Approved the ICS Professional Service fee for $511,746.
“These should have been paid over time,” Peters said. “These contracts have already been approved.”
Council set a public hearing date for the sign ordinance on June 11, 2024.
Cohasset Zoning Officer Tony Valtinson talked about the Clean-Up Days garbage bid and had a recommendation to go with American Disposal.
Cohasset Clean-Up Days will be June 9, 10 and 11.
“I think this has been a very good program over the years,” MacDonell said.
“It’s been a positive program,” Haarklau said.
There was a 4:30 p.m. IEDC energy transition meeting and 6:30 p.m. sign ordinance work session.
Approved claims in the amount of $921,802.18.
Acknowledged the cemetery deed for Timothy and Jolynn Felosi.
Acknowledged the April 1, 2024 CPUB minutes, the April 1, 2024 Planning Commission minutes and the April 2, 2024 EDA minutes.
Approved the April 23, 2024 city council minutes and the April 24, 2024 Board of Appeals and Equalization minutes.
The City Office and Shop will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day. There will be an appreciation lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Again, thank you for your service,” MacDonell said.
All council members were present. There was no resident input.
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