September 18, 2017 Meeting Bulletin

September 18, 2017 - Meeting Bulletin

The meeting was called to order at 12:15PM by President  Linda Hatfield. 
Pledge of Allegiance
4 way Test
God Bless America sung by Ken Gass
Invocation was given by  Chuck Moss
 
Introduction of Guests and Visiting Rotarians:
  • Carolann Morykwas (Detroit AM Rotary) 
  • David Blatt (guest of Nave Grewal)
               
The following Rotarians were the meeting volunteers:
  • Lunch Tickets: Joe Valentine
  • Raffle Tickets: Oriana D’Amico
  • Greeter: Carol Peterson
  • Sherriff: Regan Gilshire (for the benefit of Shelter Box) 
  • Bulletin Editor: Ryan Quinn
  • 2 Minute Update: Bryan Frank
  • Host to Speaker: Marsha Kovacs 
        
Announcements & Upcoming Events:
  • *SERVICE OPPORTUNITY* Hope Warming Center: 010/17/17  Organizer: Bill Roy  Other HWC dates: 11/8, 12/12 
  • *SERVICE OPPORTUNITY* Southfield Celebration 09/30/17 (ok, it isn’t technically service but you are helping out another Rotary club)    
  • *SERVICE OPPORTUNITY*  Seaholm Interact. 09/19/17 7:30AM making paracord bracelets for soldiers
  • *Fun* Red Wings Game on 1/23/18
  • *Fun* 10/27/17 Rotary Golf Outing  see John Westerhide for more information.  
 
Birthdays: Bob Kenning (09/20)
              
Member Spotlight: Pat Grady  
  • Pat started working as an iron worker then went back to get his degree and joined his father in their accounting firm.  Pat is a long time Troy resident and a long time Birmingham Rotarian.  He has served in many functions within the chapter and enjoys the opportunity to give back and make long lasting friendships!
 
Speaker: Megan Owens with Transportation Riders United
Public Transport: Myths, Opportunities, and some Facts
Myth: Detroit doesn’t have mass transit
Truth: 150,000 riders per day are taken across all public transit providers in the metro-Detroit area.
 
Myth: Transit is just big busses on Woodward
Truth: Transit includes many modes of transport.  Door to door shuttles, Connector Vans, the Q-line, the People Mover, and yes… Busses. 
 
Fact: Population studies suggest the need for more transit 
Fact: 1/3 of society can’t drive.  Too young, too old, physically or financially unable, and some that just don’t want to.
Fact: cost per year to own/operate a vehicle is $8-10K in MI.
Fact: Almost all other metro areas have robust transit.
Fact: Transit investment yields big gains in business productivity and home values in the areas near to transit. 
Fact: Detroit area spends 1/3 the amount on transit as other well developed areas.
 
Regional Transit Plan includes things like: 
  • Regional Rail 
  • Connect job centers and where people live 
  • Airport Express 
 
Recent ballot initiative failed

Next steps to consider: 
  • Quick Transit improvements  
  • Consolidation of services  
  • Size of coverage area.   
  • Modify plan  
  • Decide when to go back to voters (2018 or 2020)
 
What do the people want: Safety, reliability, combination of services, and transparency. 

Meeting was closed with a round of Smiles.