Typed while I was listening.
Thoughts on Saturday.
No agreemnet yet
Meeting Feb. 8
Negotaions invilved Disputed financial from 2002
New management contract for 2003 season
Difference between operating contract nad management contract:
Operating- Commission just hands over the keys
Looking at now- Management contract. Commission will take more financial risks.
operator will do much as before, but ticket revenue will go to the Commission,
which wil repay the operator.
Going forward-
Trying to make decisions based on what is good for railroad and communities.
Last week, negotiators took 20 minutes to decide to aggree to disagree on financials. Arbitration may be needed.
End of week, RGRPC took a softer position, which will be formalized this week.
Q- Who wil be responsible for track work?
A- That is One of the places where we are high-centered in negotiations.
RGRPC wants ALL employees under them.
Commission is doing shop crew. Shop crew is working directly for the Commission.
Do they have everything they need. No- We are geting up to speed.
We are geting them everything we can. The slotter that they need is being freed up today.
Q- Does commission have money to do the job?
A- Yes, we are getting money, and trying to free up more.
Dave Culbertson- EDA came by yesreday. Visited shop. We have request for 1.25 million. Mr. Culbertson says it is not IF but WHEN.
Getting money- Carl Turner is lobbying- Feels very good about it.
Q- As it stands now rumor is train can only run one or two days a week- only one engine.
A- We don't know yet.
Q- Do you think it is EITHER RGRPC or the Commision?
A- Other candidates were not in position to do the job. Nobody was willing to take the financial risk.
Q- Any regrets?
A- It has been a full-time job, no regrets.
Q- Have negotiations been cordial?
A- Yes. Hope we can focus on issues, not personalities.
Q- Do you see a decision on Feb 8?
A- I am optimistic that we will be very close to a decision.
Comments-
Barbara Deaux- Coordinator for EDA out of Fort Worth.- Status od the EDA grant application. One thing that would expedite the grant, is writng to Domenici and Udall. Talk abouyt the EDA grant to rebuild the locomotives.
"We need Three Miracles: Track, Locomotives. Operating Company."
