Lyon County commissioners learned during today’s study session that L-CAT ridership is down 643 rides in the first quarter of this year compared to first quarter of 2008. That marks a 5.9 percent decrease in ridership, with the majority of the decline occurring in January. There were 593 fewer rides in January. Despite ridership being down in the first quarter overall, March showed a 3 percent increase over 2008, said Doug Stueve of the Lyon County Council on Aging.
In a department update, Stueve said the department’s operating budget for FY 2010 was approved by the Kansas Department of Transportation.
“Total state/federal operating funding available is $238,000, an increase of $28,000 over KDOT F-09,” Stueve said. “L-Cat can recover 70 percent of approved operating expenses from this funding. This increase provides monies for service expansions if needed.”
L-cat also sold two old buses on the online auction site, Purple Wave for a total of $19,000. Lyon County’s share for two new buses last year was $19,956, which makes the net investment fort the two new buses $956.
Stueve said the America Recovery Act capital grant projects have been submitted and the department is expecting to hear the status by late April or early May.
In other business:
• Chip Woods, Lyon County engineer, discussed the low bid of Norfolk Iron and Metal for $89,390.60 for structural steel; the utility agreement with Cable One for the Highway 50 and Road F improvement; Ron Gibson’s entrance application for an entrance on the north side of Road 130 between Road M and Road N; appointing a chairperson and members for the selection committee to review letters of interest received for the construction inspection for KDOT project and set a date for the committee to meet.
• Robert Sullivan, community corrections, discussed the approval of the fiscal year 2010 Juvenile Justice Authority grant award; and will discuss the approval of the fiscal year 2010 KDOT comprehensive plan.
• Richard Old, Lyon County undersheriff, discussed the expenditure of up to $1,800 for a surveillance camera and equipment for Fund 84; discussed an expenditure for up to $3,500 to replace five ballistic vests; discussed an expenditure of up to $1,100 for a pick-up bed cover; and discussed a possible purchase of a new animal control vehicle.
• Discussed approving the renewal of consulting services with A&M Consulting.