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Home My WebLink About2002 07 22 Regular G.2 Senior Transportation ,,~ .... COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM G CONSENT INFORMATIONAL PUBLIC HEARING REGULAR x Meeting MGR~PT ~/~ Authorization July 22,2002 REQUEST: Parks and Fire Department requesting the City Commission to discuss 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 June 24,2002 City Commission Meeting, and to obtain further direction on transportation matters for the citizens. CONSIDERATIONS: During the City Commission meeting held on June 24, 2002 the Commission discussed the alternatives for senior transportation and requested that additional alternatives be explored. Previously on March 11, 2002 the City Commission directed that information be brought back for consideration for transportation for seniors and the following was accomplished. Flyers were distributed 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 serves on the State B9ard 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 ,atthe Senior Center was advantageous to their social, mental, and physical health. July 22, 2002 Regular Agenda Item "G" Page 2 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 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 transport by appointment (from home to Senior Center and 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 seven 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. ~r- ,~- ~~~' I I' , . , 1<,' ,I I , _\~,~ . ....'f .. ' ........... .n ::~''''l'' . _____--tL--.4_~_.._._____'____.__..:......._.~._~_...~ __.-"_~__~':-'-k_..c. :.__~__ :...-._..__'-......~__~... July 22, 2002 Regular Agenda Item "G" Page 3 2. This option includes the same vehicle as option 1 but includes a volunteer driver with the proper driver's license that would assist in the senior activities and youth programs. This option would be less expensive but would be limited in service due to personnel availability. 3. Purchase a I5-passenger van costing approximately $26,000 and hire a full- time driver including operational supplies as outlined in option 1. The vehicle priced does not include handicap accessibility. 4. This option includes the vehicle outlined in option 3 but includes the services of a qualified volunteer driver. Again, this option has limitations due to personnel availability. I, !' I i J L~__ __ ____ 5. Purchase a lO-passenger van costing approximately $33,000 and hire a full- time driver including operational supplies as outlined in option I. The vehicle priced is handicap accessible and includes a wheelchair lift. 6. This option includes the vehicle outlined in option 5 but includes the services of a qualified volunteer driver. Again, this option has limitations due to personnel availability. July 22, 2002 Regular Agenda Item "G" Page 4 l..."'.: ." I;~ ~ ......,.'," -~-!t.-~. ~ 1<: ....;,1-- ~ ~ ...... I I. ....~ _ L. t~. I.~< I , 7. Utilize existing Parks and Recreation Ford Aerostar minivan and the services of a part-time driver including operating supplies. 8. Purchase a used vehicle similar to the one in options 5 and 6 with approximately 50,000 to 60,000 miles for approximately $20,000 and hire a full-time driver including operational supplies as outlined in option 1. Other used vehicles of this nature could be purchased in the range of$2,500 to $15,000 but the vehicles would have extremely high mileage and could potentially be a liability. 9. This option includes the vehicle outlined in option 8 but includes the services of a qualified volunteer driver. Again, this option has limitations due to personnel availability. 10. Contract services. A local transportation company was contacted and an option could be to subcontract on a per trip basis for those citizens requiring this service within the City. An example was presented to the company where 13 citizens at various locations required to be picked up and transported to the Senior Center. This type of service would typically cost $60 per load and could be decreased or increased depending on the size of the vehicle and number of passengers. 11. Taxi cab service. Fees for taxicab service which is available in the City of Winter Springs is $3.75 for the first mile, $1.75 for each additional mile, $0.30 per minute wait time, and a tip. 12. No Action. July 22, 2002 Regular Agenda Item "G" Page 5 The following table outlines the costs associated with the above options: Option Alternative Capital Annual Operating Cost Total Cost Expense Including Fuel, Maintenance, Insurance, & Supplies 1 Door-to-door service and/or $65,000 $45,000 including paid full- $110,000 route established by the City Vehicle time driver 2 Appointment basis $65,000 $10,000 with volunteer $75,000 transportation on an available Vehicle driver status. 3 Door-to-door service and/or $26,000 $45,000 including paid full- $71,000 route established by the City Vehicle time driver 4 Appointment basis $26,000 $10,000 with volunteer $36,000 transportation on an available Vehicle driver status. 5 Door-to-door service and/or $33,000 $45,000 including paid full- $78,000 route established by the City Vehicle time driver 6 Appointment basis $33,000 $10,000 with volunteer $43,000 transportation on an available Vehicle driver status. 7 Existing P&R minivan with $0 $20,000 $20,000 part-time driver 8 Purchase used vehicle similar $20,000 $45,000 including paid full- $65,000 to the one in option 5 & 6 time driver 9 Purchase used vehicle similar $20,000 $10,000 with volunteer $30,000 to the one in option 5 & 6 driver 10 Contract services $0 $0 $20,000 to $35,000 est. 11 Taxi Cab Service $0 $0 $3.75 for the first mile, $1.75 for each additional mile, $0.30 per minute wait time, and a tip per person 12 No action $0 $0 $0 July 22, 2002 Regular Agenda Item "G" Page 6 RECOMMENDATION: That the City Commission discusses the transportation options presented and provide further direction to staff in this matter. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE: N/A ATTACHMENTS: N/A COMMISSION ACTION: