HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 05 13 Regular L Senior Transportation
-, ,
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM L
CONSENT
INFORMATIONAL
PUBLIC HEARING
REGULAR X
May 13, 2002 MGR V- /DEPT :;p ~
I
Meeting Authorization
REQUEST: 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 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 serves 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
May 13, 2002
Regular Agenda Item "L"
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 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.
T
. I . J..-
r
~. -
----:
,
.... I ~
.. " I
,
-
'1:1'
I' ,
- -,
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
May 13, 2002
Regular Agenda Item "L"
Page 3
youth programs. This option would be less expensive but would be limited in service
due to personnel availability.
3. Purchase a 15-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.
"'7<'~~ ~'P;l".'~'-,-'~ .
I--~ ... ...
~~~~-"
-~.;"';.(-"
5. No action.
The following table outlines the costs associated with the above options:
Option Alternative Capital Annual Operating Cost Passenger Cost
Expense Including Fuel, Maintenance,
Insurance, & Supplies
1 Door-to-door service and/or $65,000 $45,000 including paid full- Could establish a co-pay
route established by the City Vehicle time driver to minimize annual costs
2 Appointment basis $65,000 $10,000 with volunteer Could establish a co-pay
transportation on an available Vehicle driver to minimize annual costs
status.
3 Door-to-door service and/or $26,000 $45,000 including paid full- Could establish a co-pay
route established by the City Vehicle time driver to minimize annual costs
4 Appointment basis $26,000 $10,000 with volunteer Could establish a co-pay
transportation on an available Vehicle driver to minimize annual costs
status.
5 No action $0 $0 $0
May 13, 2002
Regular Agenda Item "L"
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:
//
/~,/~.
'.
/
,-- --,"
"\,
\
Senior Transportation DiscussioJ'l
.~
"
'\ \
\ \,
~~~
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!
ATTACHMENT: 1