LOTS dispatchers making a temporary move

DIXON – The dispatchers for the Lee-Ogle Transportation System are moving to a new place. But they’ll be there for only a few months.

The system, also known as LOTS, is moving its dispatchers from the Dixon Senior Center, 100 W. Second St., to the former Marshall Salon Service building, 629 Palmyra Road.

The agency hopes to start this spring on construction of a new building in the industrial park at Interstate 88 and state Route 26. That project may be done as early as November. Then the dispatchers will set up shop there.

So why make a temporary move?

Officials say the four dispatchers are using a cramped room that originally was occupied by one dispatcher years ago.

The new place will cost $500 a month for rent and utilities, said Kathy Lalley, acting administrator of the transit agency. Officials also expect a small initial cost to set up the phone system.

As it is, Lalley said, the dispatchers need more space.

“There’s poor lighting,” Lalley said. “There are desks for four people in there. They have drivers that come in and out. At lunch, you have to walk through seniors playing Wii bowling.”

The agency will make the move this weekend.

Geoff Vanderlin is executive director of the Lee County Council on Aging, which runs the senior center and is one of the transportation providers, along with LOTS.

“There is very little financial overlay here,” Vanderlin said. “This is a very good thing.”

He said he had spoken with several of the council’s board members about the move.

“The staff here is ecstatic,” he said. “They’ve wanted to do this for a long time. We have been discussing this for months.”

Hitch a ride

The Lee Ogle Transportation System offers curb-to-curb public transportation. All vehicles are lift-equipped. Transportation is provided to people of all ages.

Passengers must call the transportation coordinator at 1-888-239-9228 or 815-288-2117 to schedule a ride.