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<br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Look, Dehen, Elvig, Jeffrey, and <br />Wise. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember McGlone. <br /> <br />Case #9: <br /> <br />Consider Extending Service Contract for Ramsey Star Express Commuter <br />Coach Service <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson stated that the City has operated the Ramsey Commuter Coach <br />since January 2007. He stated that this case is to consider extending the service contract for an <br />additional six months. He noted that ridership numbers have increased to an average number of <br />280 riders in January of 2009. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look left the Council Chambers at 8:40 p.m. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig asked how the operating costs have dropped so significantly. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson stated that it is because the ridership numbers have increased, as <br />well as gas prices decreasing. <br /> <br />Mayor Ramsey noted that he is not generally in favor of subsidizing this kind of activity, but <br />feels this is working well. <br /> <br />Councilmember Wise stated that he is not a proponent of subsidies either. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look returned to the Council chambers at 8:42 p.m. <br /> <br />Councilmember Wise stated that. with the decrease in fuel price and the drop in fares, he thinks <br />the City could have broken even by now. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson stated that the City is very close to a break even point. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey, to authorize exercising <br />the first 6 month contract extension for the Ramsey Star Express Commuter Coach Service. <br /> <br />Further Discussion: Councilmember Look stated that he opposed this last time because he <br />doesn't agree with subsidizing ridership. He stated that he feels the riders are being pulled from <br />Anoka and Elk River because our buses are nicer. He stated that things are getting tougher out <br />there, the budgets are getting tougher, and he classifies this as a "want" as opposed to a "need". <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he also is a not big on subsidies, but if you ask people that are <br />in need right now, this is a critical service for people. He stated that he feels it may be more <br />critical now than ever because of the economy. Councilmember Wise stated that he wasn't here <br />when the fare was decreased and asked how that came about. Public Works Director Olson <br />stated that it came about in February 2008, because the fares in Coon Rapids and Anoka were <br />$2.75 and they wanted to be competitive. He stated that the ridership numbers are higher today <br />than those what was indicated to support the Ramsey station. <br /> <br />City Council / February 24, 2009 <br />Page 15 of 19 <br />