Distinguished Service Award

The Maple Grove Transit Commission accepts year round nominations for its Distinguished Service Award. The awards are presented to the individuals who have significantly contributed to the successful day-to-day operation of Maple Grove Transit over the past year. The awards program was established to honor individuals who deserve special recognition for contributing this past year to the effectiveness of the transit system. The awards are presented annually at the March meeting of the Transit Commission. The following drivers will receive a 2010 Award on March 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Maple Grove Government Center:

• Jeff Marlin, Midwest Paratranist Driver - Route 787 & 788
• Alex Mazur, Metro Transit Driver - Route 781 & 783 (ID No. 2425)
• Wayne Dalida, Metro Transit Driver - Route 784 (ID No. 7754)
• Debbie Ekstadt, Metro Transit Driver - Route 781 & 783 (ID No. 9365)

Commissioner’s Award

Occasionally, the Maple Grove Transit Commission will bestow its “Commissioner Award” to an individual or organization that is not involved in the daily operations of the transit system, but has significantly impacted the system in a positive manner. Specifically, the award is given in recognition and appreciation of outstanding service and cooperation that greatly benefited Maple Grove Transit.

The 2010 award recipient goes well above and beyond the award criteria. Effective March 31, Jim Koniar will resign from the Transit Commission. Jim’s resignation coincides with his retirement from his career with the City of Minneapolis. Not only has Jim been a member of the Transit Commission since its inception in June 1989, he has been its only Chairperson. Jim has provided the Commission, City, and the transit system with 20 plus years of great volunteer service, which is a tremendous accomplishment and true sign of dedication. Jim is directly responsible for initiating and shaping many aspects of what we see today in our successful transit system. His leadership, commitment, and knowledge will be missed. Jim will be present this award on at the March 30 Transit Commission meeting, and he will also receive a service award from the Maple Grove City Council on Monday April 5 at 7:30 p.m.

The eight-member commission exists in order to provide user input into the operations and assess future transit needs. The commission typically meets the last Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September and November at 6:30 p.m. Members serve two-year terms. Commission members must be a Maple Grove resident and use the service on average three days a week

If you have any questions, please contact the Transit Administrator at 763-494-6005.