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.