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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 04 22 Regular H Senior Transportation for Citizens COMMISSION AGENDA .,~ ITEM H CONSENT INFORMATIONAL PUBLIC HEARING REGULAR X Meeting MGR rv- IDEPT ..!J! J Authorization April 22, 2002 REQUEST: Fire Department requesting the City Commission to disclUss senior transportation and to provide further direction. PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is to present information that was directed by the City Commission during the March 11, 2002 City Commission Meeting, and to obtain further direction on transportation matters for the citizens. CONSIDERATIONS: During the City Commission meeting held on March 11,2002 the City Commission directed that information be brought back for consideration for transportation for seniors. Flyers were distributed (Attachment 1) to citizens via the Senior Center, Tuskawilla Trails, and Hacienda Village inviting interested citizens to an open forum discussion on transportation needs for seniors to be held on March 27,2002 at 10:00 am at the Winter Springs Senior Center. Fire Chief Tim Lallathin moderated the meeting with members of staff present including Chuck Pula, Parks & Recreation Direction, Earnest McDonald, Community Development Planner, and Robert Beck, Fire Department Training Division Chief. Tony Tizzio who s(:rves on the State Board for the Transportation Disadvantaged was also present to answer any questions concerning transportation for disabled or disadvantaged citizens. The meeting included representatives from Tuskawilla Trails, Hacienda Village, Winter Springs Senior Association, and various other areas of the community. Commissioner Martinez was also present with a total attendance of approximately 20. However, it must be pointed out that most in attendance were representing others who could not be present. The main discussion at the meeting centered on transportation for seniors from their homes to the Senior Center and back for activity purposes. One citizen made the comment that she "felt it was fine to ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to transport her to an appointment but would not ask for someone to assist in entertainment transportation like going to the Senior Center". This was also the consensus of others present, but the type of "entertainment" held at the Senior Center was advantageous to their social, mental, and physical health. Discussion in regards to scheduled routes with pickup points versus door-to-door service would work for some but not all. This was mainly due to physical disabilities that prevent the person from getting to the pickup points. Also, because of temperature and weather concerns most felt April 22, 2002 Regular Agenda Item "H" Page 2 that pickups made on an appointment basis at least 24 hours in advance with door-to-door service works best. Furthermore, that some sort of co-pay for the service should be established, as an example $2.00 to $5.00 per trip. Transportation alternatives were discussed with the group and most felt that a van or mini-bus service which was handicap accessible provided by the City for scheduled pickups would be the most desired. The bus could also be used for other City purposes such as senior trips, day camp trips, special events, etc. and the driver could be used for other park and recreation functions when availability permits. OPTIONS: 1. Purchase a 20-passenger mini-bus, hire a driver with a Commercial Drivers License, and provide appointment (from home to Senior Center ;md return) and special event transportation services. This bus would be handicap accessible including wheel chair lift and the price on State Contract is $65,000 with all available options. These types of buses typically have a five to ten year life span. The first year operational cost including personnel (one driver), fuel, maintenance, operational expenses, and insurance total an estimated $45,000. ~.~ -~ 'j- :./ ' ------ "'-I ' . 'lJ ... : T "'It, t' , , '---' :s~com":' ,., : ' ., ----'-~.~_~~~__~~__~_~' . I .;.:.... - "._~' I ~- ., . , _~,--~..""_r....... April 22, 2002 Regular Agenda Item "H" Page 3 2. Purchase a IS-passenger van costing approximately $26,000 and have part- time or volunteer drivers with the proper driver's license that assist in the senior activities and summer youth programs. The vehicle price does not include handicap accessibility. This alternative may be the least expensive but would require the Parks and Recreation staff to provide qualified drivers for this service. However, this type of service may also have limited availability due to personnel constraints and operating costs. .' (......-. . 3. No action. The following table outlines the costs associated with the above options: Option Alternative City Cost Passenger Cost 1 Door to Door bus service $110,000 first year. Could establish a co-pay to and/or route established Approximately $50,000- minimize annual costs. by the City. $55,000 year two. 2 Appointment basis City $26,000 vehicle only. Could establish a co-pay to transportation on an minimize annual costs. available status. 3 No action $0 $0 April 22, 2002 Regular Agenda Item "H" Page 4 RECOMMENDATION: That the City Commission discusses the transportation options presented and provide further direction to staff in this matter. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE: N/A ATTACHMENTS: 1. Senior Transportation Discussion flyer COMMISSION ACTION: ",.-...--- -........-.... ,,/ /,/' / ", ", / / ~. - -- "-- -- "j~,---~.. -,~ i \, \ Senior Transportation DiscussioJ1 _.- --, _..~ ,~ . " , / i I / I \ , , \, \ \ , , " \ \ \ J \\~ \\ '-. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27TH 10:00AM WINTER SPRINGS SENIOR CENTER You are invited to an open forum discussion on transportation needs for Seniors. The City of Winter Springs desires your input to determine future service alternatives. Please come and join us!