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Item 11ACity of Southlake, Texas MEMORANDUM March 16, 2011 TO: Billy Campbell, City Manager FROM: Malcolm Jackson, Director of Community Services (xt. 1527) SUBJECT: Discussion of Senior Transportation Related Issues Action Requested: City Council discussion regarding options for senior transportation issues with the anticipated closure of the Call a Ride Southlake volunteer program. Background Information: On Tuesday, March 25, 2003 City staff met with Mr. Steve Lakin, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Call A Ride Southlake (C.A.R.S.) and Jean Alexander, Chairman of the Senior Advisory Commission to discuss senior transportation issues. During this meeting Mr. Lakin pointed out to the City that C.A.R.S. had approximately ten months of funding available for their operations. Mr. Lakin indicated that C.A.R.S. expects to end its volunteer operations around December of this year, citing reduced donations and the tremendous demand for time involved in the recruitment and retention of volunteers and on -going funding as the basis for their intent to end operations. Mr. Lakin suggested that the City of Southlake begin reviewing options for seniors to continue to receive transportation assistance. Mr. Lakin further indicated that both the existing C.A.R.S. van and all of the financial assets would be forwarded to the any organization that continued the operations of a similar program. Several options have been discussed among C.A.R.S. representatives, the Senior Advisory Commission, and city staff members, including the following: (1) City completely fund C.A.R.S. operations, including the existing C.A.R.S. employees; (2) Continue a C.A.R.S. -like program using all volunteers through the Senior Advisory Commission; (3) Seek alternatives utilizing other existing organizations such as Metroport Meals on Wheels or Northeast Transportation Systems; (4) Discontinue this type of service; or (5) Seeking some other alternative not yet identified. Staff is currently exploring combining efforts with eight area cities (Hurst, Euless, Bedford, NRH, Colleyville, Haltom City, Keller, and Grapevine) who formed an Urban Transit District and took over Northeast Transportation System (NETS) at the request of TxDot in order to continue receiving federal funds. NETS is presently operating out of the YMCA in North Richland Hills providing service through the use of four vehicles. They provide, in priority order, transportation service for medical, employment, senior services, and social services. At this time, it is not anticipated that any change in the scope of services by NETS will occur. The Urban Transit District Board has hired a consultant to assist them with running the program and to develop specifications as they are required to re -bid transportation services in May, and additional information may be available at that time. The Board also mentioned that the group is open to other cities joining. Billy Campbell, City Manager May 14, 2003 Page 2 Southlake was a former participant in NETS but discontinued the program due to the proportional annual costs to participate in comparison with a lack of rider -ship. Current estimates for participation have not been confirmed, but preliminary indications suggest an established rate of $0.50 per resident can be expected. Based upon current population estimates, this would equate to an annual expenditure of approximately $12,000 for participation. Financial Considerations: The Financial Considerations will vary widely, depending upon the option or alternative ultimately selected. Preliminary estimates indicate an annual cost of $12,000 per year to participate in the Northeast Transportation System, through the Urban Transportation District, which is one option available. Financial Lnpact: The proposed amount of up to $12,000 would be an increase of $7,000 more than the amount C.A.R.S. is currently requesting or receiving this year. Citizen Input/ Board Review: City staff met with Steve Lakin, Chairman of the Board of Directors for C.A.R.S. on March 25, 2003 to discuss various alternatives. A meeting was conducted with the Senior Advisory Commission (SAC) on April 8, 2003 to seek their input. The SAC indicated the following concerns: (1) If the city adopted the entire program, support funding from outside organizations would diminish or discontinue; and (2) Availability of transportation needs for daily independent living needs, such as banking, shopping, and social services. Legal Review: The City Attorney reviewed the original scope of services agreement proposed by C.A.R.S.; however, there has been no additional legal reviews conducted at this time. Alternatives: City Council discussion may result in various alternatives. Supporting Documents: None Staff Recommendations: Provide staff with direction on the appropriate course of action regarding this issue.