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Item 10ACity of Southlake, Texas March 22, 2011 TO: Billy Campbell, City Manager FROM: Malcolm Jackson, Director of Community Services (xt. 1527) SUBJECT: Consideration of establishing a Senior Transportation Task Force Action Requested: City Council consideration of establishing a Senior Transportation Task Force to study and recommend options for the provision of transportation services for seniors and the disabled within the community. Background Information: On 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) Seek some other alternative not yet identified. On July 15, 2003, City Council was provided general information regarding the past and present state of senior and disabled transportation services within Southlake. Based on this information, Council provided direction to staff to initiate the process of establishing a task force to study the critical issues and alternatives regarding transportation services within Southlake The proposed task force would be charged with studying and recommending options for the provision of transportation services to seniors and disabled within the community with the goal of identifying alternatives and /or adjustments to the current process which might ensure long term stability and success for the program. The task force would study the issues, analyze various options, and develop a report including recommendations to be presented to the City Council at a future meeting. Billy Campbell, City Manager July 22, 2003 Page 2 A multifaceted composition would be anticipated for the task force in order to maximize input and provide a balanced view of needs for all entities potentially impacted. It is recommended that the task force consist of one member to be appointed by Call A Ride Southlake, Inc., two members to be appointed by the Southlake Senior Advisory Commission, two representatives from the City Council and two staff representatives, one of whom would chair the task force and be appointed by the Director of Community Services. Financial Considerations: There are no initial costs associated with establishing a senior transportation task force. The financial considerations will vary widely, depending upon the option or alternative ultimately selected. Financial Impact: The ultimate financial impact will be determined based upon the final determination as to the option selected. Citizen Input/ Board Review: City Council reviewed senior transportation issues as a discussion item only at their July 15, 2003, meeting and provided direction to staff to initiate the formation of a senior transportation task force. 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. During the July 15, 2003 City Council meeting, members of the Senior Advisory Commission expressed support for a task force. Legal Review: Not applicable at this time. Alternatives: Alternatives include • City Council decision to establish a senior transportation task force. • City Council decision not to establish a senior transportation task force. • City Council input as desired towards the proposal to establish a senior transportation task force. Supporting Documents: Not applicable. Staff Recommendations: City Council consideration of establishing a Senior Transportation Task Force.