Chuck, the city’s new manager, and Patty briefed the commission on a draft plan to design or retrofit bus shelters using transit-related funds the city receives through Sun Tran. Chuck said Patty prepared a draft plan and that the plan should be reviewed by Public Works once city staffing stabilizes; he said the city is hiring a new Public Works director and that full progress may take a few weeks.

Patty told commissioners the city receives about $300,000 per year related to Sun Tran/transit activities; roughly $100,000 of that supports transit operations, with the balance designated for related transit purposes. She said Saint George runs Sun Tran and the city contributes to vehicle purchases: Ivins will pay for a new bus this year through a purchase arrangement with St. George.

The commission discussed whether art in shelters should be permanent or removable. Patty noted some cities rotate artwork in shelters but that rotating pieces increase maintenance requirements; Seattle was cited as an example of rotating wood panels. Commissioners agreed the practical first step is to select a shelter style from existing manufacturers and then discuss artwork options and costs.

Patty also said Sun Tran is compiling ridership data; preliminary figures show about 25 riders per day in Ivins (excluding stops in St. George). Chris Pearson, who runs Sun Tran, is preparing a larger report that could affect stop recommendations in January. The commission agreed to circulate Patty’s draft before the next meeting and to begin evaluating shelter styles and artwork integration options.