NOTICE OF
Beaver Island Transportation Authority
Board of Directors’ Meeting
TO BE HELD ELECTRONICALLY

To: The residents and property owners of Beaver Island, MI, and any other interested parties.

Please take notice that a meeting of the Beaver Island Transportation Authority Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 12 noon by electronic remote access.

Electronic remote access, in accordance with Michigan law, will be implemented in response to COVID-19 social distancing requirements and limitations on the number of individuals in a meeting hall.

The public may participate in the meeting through Zoom access by computer and smart phone using the following link:

Join Zoom Meeting - Click For Information & Instructions

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81849367782?pwd=akhZTGZLOEttZmp5ai9RdzV6QXpTdz09

Meeting ID: 818 4936 7782
Passcode: 983962
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Meeting ID: 818 4936 7782
Passcode: 983962
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbj6BMZjbV

Members of the public will only be able to speak at the meeting during the public comment portion of the meeting and such comment will be limited to three minutes per person. To provide for orderly public comment, a person wishing to speak during public comment must state their name and request to be recognized by the Chair. The Chair will recognize all persons wishing to speak during public comment.

If, prior to the meeting, members of the public have certain questions or wish to provide input on any business that will be addressed at the meeting then such persons may contact the Executive Director, Mary Cook by email bitrans@tds.net, or by mail at: BITA, PO Box 426, Beaver Island, MI 49782
BITA will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities upon
72 hours advance notice by contacting Mary Cook, Executive Director, bitrans@tds.net, 231/448/3049.

BEAVER ISLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING

To be held electronically (see notice)
Tuesday December 8, 2020
12:00 PM

AGENDA

Opening of Meeting
A. Call to Order
B. Determination of Quorum
C. Procedures for teleconference due to COVID-19
D. Minutes of regular meeting November 10, 2020 approved__ approved with corrections__

Additions to Agenda

Treasurer’s Report

FY22 MDOT Application/Budget

Temporary Bill Approval and Check Signing

2021 Schedule/Fares (no change)

Fuel Agreement

Director’s Report

Equipment/Property Maintenance Plan

Correspondence

Other Pertinent Business

Executive Director Evaluation (closed session)

Public Comment

***Read COVID-19 Information and Policies Below***

BEAVER ISLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (BITA)

Beaver Island Transportation Authority Request For Proposal

Consulting Firm to Review and Update Transportation Plan

View Documents - Proposals

WELCOME

EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 2020-147 Masks
Effective July 13, 2020

This order requires any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering. No mask—no service.

Face Mask

This order includes while onboard the Vessel during the entire duration of your trip whether you are seated inside or outside. Please work with us as we comply with the state requirements. We take providing safe service to Beaver Island very seriously. Your cooperation ensures we are allowed to continue operating.

We appreciate your cooperation!

COVID-19 Information

Beaver Island Public Statement regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Last Updated: August 17, 2020

“Protect Yourself, Protect the Island”

UPDATE ON COVID-19 POSITIVE CASE: A Covid-19 positive person and his family travelled to Beaver Island on the boat on Friday August 14th and are strictly self-quarantined on the island. The person was notified after arrival on the island that he had tested positive and immediately notified authorities. The family apologizes to the community for the upset this travel to the island has caused.

The BI Rural Health Center and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan have been contacted and are in touch with the family. Contact tracing has begun. Local medical and transportation providers are working with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan to develop a short-term plan for the family to safely leave the island for their home. Any plan devised must be approved by the health department and must show that there is very limited potential for others to be infected.

This situation has reinforced the fact that the island is not immune to positive Covid-19 cases and that each phase of the pandemic brings different health and logistical concerns. The situation brings forward again, the vulnerability of Islanders and visitors who rely upon public transportation, whether boat or plane, to get to and from the island. Everyone must take precautions recommended by the CDC relative to travel: If you are sick, or are awaiting Covid-19 test results, do not travel to Beaver Island.

The Covid-19 Leadership Team will be meeting in the near future to discuss long-term solutions to the potential need for non-emergent Covid-19 patient travel to and from the mainland. The team will work with local medical and transportation providers and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan to define the challenges and think about viable, affordable options.

If you are travelling to the Island, or live on the Island, make sure you understand what is expected by your transportation providers, your lodging hosts, businesses, restaurants and bars: check websites ahead of time and follow their procedures. Thank you in advance for following these guidelines and making it easier on everyone to protect the Island:

Wear a Mask. Now Required in public indoor spaces and crowded outdoor spaces; businesses are now required to refuse entry to those not wearing a mask.
Respect Social Distancing. Even at the beaches, outdoor dining establishments, businesses, on the sidewalks and trails; maintain physical distancing between your group and others.
Wash your Hands. Yes, often and thoroughly.
Monitor your Health. Pay attention for COVID-19 symptoms: Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath. Check cdc.gov website for up to date information about self-monitoring. If you suspect you’ve been exposed, you are asked to get tested and to self-quarantine.
If you are concerned about your health, contact the BI Rural Health Center. If you are ill, do not travel to the island. If you become ill while on the island, do not go out of your home. The Rural Health Center is open for regular business; please call ahead to make an appointment so staff can provide social distancing and alternate entrance if Covid-19 testing is requested. There are plenty of testing kits available.

As of July 16, 2020, the Beaver Island Rural Health Center is reporting that 122 patients have been tested for COVID-19: 117 have come back negative and 4 are pending; 1 came back positive in early June. If a result comes back positive, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan’s communicable disease team begins case investigation and contact tracing.

A Note from BIEMS Director: If you have a medical emergency, go to the nearest phone and dial 911 and do not hang up, there may be a short delay. Do not be leery of calling 911 if you have an emergency. Proper protocols are in place and there is hospital capacity in the northern Michigan area; do not put your own health in jeopardy through reluctance to contact 911 because of fear of COVID-19.

For updated information click on the "Coronavirus 19” Link on either township’s homepage
peainetwp.org or stjamestwp.org

Kathleen McNamara,
Supervisor St James Township
Phone: 231.448.2014
mcnamara.stiamestwp.bi@gmail.com

William Kohls,
Supervisor Peaine Township
Phone: 231.448.2389
peainetownship@gmail.com

Beaver Island Public Statement regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Last Updated: July 16, 2020

“Protect Yourself, Protect the Island”

Cead Mile Failte (100,000 Welcomes) to our Summer Visitors
Go Raibh Maith Agat (Thank you) to our Residents and Businesses

As we Islanders and visitors navigate the uncharted waters of the current health crisis, let’s continue to do so together for the benefit of all. Because we took strong steps in the beginning, we are safer here today. On July 10, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued an Executive Order requiring everyone to wear a mask in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces or face a misdemeanor charge that comes with up to a $500 fine. The Executive Order pertains to Beaver Island too. We often think of our Island as being a bit independent and as a place where people care about each other; following this executive order is a way to reflect that caring attitude.

Wear a Mask. Now Required in public indoor spaces and crowded outdoor spaces; businesses are now required to refuse entry to those not wearing a mask.
Respect Social Distancing. Even at the beaches, outdoor dining establishments, businesses, on the sidewalks and trails; maintain physical distancing between your group and others.
Wash your Hands. Yes, often and thoroughly.
Monitor your Health. Pay attention for COVID-19 symptoms: Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath. Check cdc.gov website for up to date information about self-monitoring. If you suspect you’ve been exposed, you are asked to get tested and to self-quarantine.
If you are concerned about your health, contact the BI Rural Health Center. If you are ill, do not travel to the island. If you become ill while on the island, do not go out of your home. The Rural Health Center is open for regular business; please call ahead to make an appointment so staff can provide social distancing and alternate entrance if Covid-19 testing is requested. There are plenty of testing kits available.

For updated information click on the "Coronavirus 19” Link on either township’s homepage
peainetwp.org or stjamestwp.org

Kathleen McNamara,
Supervisor St James Township
Phone: 231.448.2014
mcnamara.stiamestwp.bi@gmail.com

William Kohls,
Supervisor Peaine Township
Phone: 231.448.2389
peainetownship@gmail.com

Beaver Island Transportation Authority (BITA)

The Beaver Island Transportation Authority (BITA) is the owner of the M/V Emerald Isle. The vessel is operated by the Beaver Island Boat Company (BIBCO) and is a “scheduled fixed route ferry service” providing transportation to and from Charlevoix, Michigan to Beaver Island, Michigan. The M/V Beaver Islander is owned by BIBCO and is also used for the scheduled fixed route service.

BITA was formed in 1993 pursuant of Public Act 196 to form a transit system in the greater Beaver Island area. Through federal, state, and local funding the M/V Emerald Isle was designed and launched in 1997. In 1993 BITA and BIBCO signed a thirty year management agreement to operate the ferry service.

Emerald Isle - BITA

The BITA Board is comprised of five members appointed by St. James Township. The board meets monthly on the second Tuesday,12 noon, at the BITA building. Financial assistance is received annually through the Michigan Department of Transportation Act 51. BIBCO retains all revenues and pays BITA the local match of fifty percent for operating assistance and ten percent for capital grants.

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WELCOME

COVID-19 Information

Beaver Island Transportation Authority (BITA)