Commission Meeting 3-29-12

[Tim Tennant]

Here are some random notes from the Commission Meeting in Chama on Thursday March 29, 2012;

Paul Schranck reported that a great deal of prep has been done for the 2012 season but there is still much to do. He indicated that bridge inspections will be a big component of the railroad's track program this year. He also stressed work that needs to be done on the coach fleet to improve passenger amenities.

AHR is forecasting approximately 38,000 riders for the 2012 season plus another 12,000 special event patrons. A "Day out with Thomas" event will be held in Chama in June. A "Polar Express" event will be held in Antonito in December.

A new logo for the C&TS was approved by the Commission with the tag line "Pride of the Rockies." Marketing in the State of Texas will be heavy this year. The C&TS brochure will be ready for distribution by the third week in April. A new marketing director is being hired. $365,000 is being budgeted for marketing.

The Commission approved a new "Policies & Procedures" manual. They also approved the new Historic Preservation fee of 5%. These funds will be used for capital projects.

The Commission approved a revised train operating budget for the remainder of this fiscal year. They also approved the schedule and fares for the 2012 season. There will be a 4% increase in fares. AHR is forecasting revenue of $4.2 million for the 2012 season.

The Commission also approved the bus contract with Mountainview for another year. The food contract with Toltec Gorge Caterers (Stephen Flowers) was also approved. The food contract will run thru December 31, 2014. Toltec Gorge will be paid $10.75/adult meal and $8/child meal. The gift shop at Osier will not be operated by Toltec Gorge.

Those are some of the highlights. It was a good meeting and a great deal was covered.

[John Cole]

Thanks Tim, without the video of this meeting, hearing whats going on is great. Did the commission approve the balloon loop and is there going to be a switch in it so the Friends have access to the CRF in Chama that is planned? Is there any timetable for work on building the loop if it got approved?

[Tim Tennant]

The balloon track was not brought up at this time and is not in the capital plan. As far as I know it will have to be presented by the Commission to SHPO for review.