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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Commission on Persons with Disabilities - Meeting Date: 10/19/2004 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF COMMISSION ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES GLENDALE MAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD ROOM 5959 WEST BROWN STREET, GLENDALE,ARIZONA OCTOBER 19,2004 Members Present: Vickie Loya, Chairperson Elaine Maxon Julie Denmon Robert Steiger Barbara Gentry Robert Duncan Clarence Schanlaub Jo Ann Canfield(arrived at 6:37pm) Member Absent: Elliot Abramowitz, excused Yvette Bro Staff Present: Barbara George, Human Resources Department, and Diana Castro, Recording Secretary Guests: Ms. Cathy Colbath,Transit Manager,Dial-A-Ride, City of Glendale Mr. Allan Grover, Transportation Coordinator, Transportation Planning, City of Glendale Mr. Jim Dickey, Deputy Executive Director, Operations and Planning, Valley Metro Ms. Terry Canady 1. Call to Order and Welcome The meeting was called to order at 6:32pm. A quorum was present. 2. Approval of Minutes of September 21,2004 Action: Commissioner Steiger moved to accept the September 21, 2004, minutes as written and Commissioner Maxon seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 3. Speakers: Cathy Colbath, Transit Manager, Dial-A-Ride, City of Glendale, Allan Grover, Transportation Coordinator, Transportation Planning, City of Glendale, and Jim Dickey, Deputy Executive Director, Operations and Planning,Valley Metro Ms. Cathy Colbath introduced herself and presented background information for the Commission regarding the various services provided by the City of Glendale Transportation department. Ms. Colbath began with the Dial-A-Ride service, stating it is offered 7 days a week including holidays. She indicated that many of the users need transportation to dialysis, medical appointments and adult day care. Prices for those 65 and over and those with disabilities are $1.00 per ride, $2.00 for those under 65 years of age, $1.00 for juniors age 6 to 13, and children under 6 ride for free. There are 14 buses which operate from 7am to 6:00pm. Ms. Colbath continued by explaining the ADA Reservation Service also offered by the City of Glendale. She explained this service is available to eligible persons who, because of a disability, are unable to use fixed route bus services. She said the ADA service covers the same areas and operates during the same hours as Valley Metro fixed route bus service in the Glendale city limits. Commissioner Maxon questioned whether there has been more of an effort to coordinate transfers between the City of Glendale's Dial-A-Ride program and the City of Phoenix's Dial-A-Ride program. Minutes of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities October 19, 2004 Page 2 Ms. Colbath stated the City is aware of the concern between these two jurisdictions with regard to citizens having a long wait time between transfers. Ms. Colbath stated there has been a great coordination effort between the two cities and the transfer works much smoother now. She stated the City of Glendale asks for a one day notice in order to contact the City of Phoenix to set up a drop off/pick up time. Ms. Colbath informed commissioners that an additional service is available for residents traveling out of Glendale. The City contracts with Maricopa County to provide transportation from Glendale into Phoenix, Peoria and Sun City. A two-day notice is required to schedule this service with Maricopa County. Ms. Colbath continued her presentation by explaining the services and routes provided by the Glendale Urban Shuttle, better known as GUS the Bus. She said there are currently three buses in operation. She distributed information to the Commission indicating each bus route. She added the fare is $.25 and a pick up takes place at any given station every 30 minutes. In response to a question from Commissioner Duncan,Ms. Colbath explained the City is currently polling the users of the GUS buses to find out where their final destinations are. In response to a question from Commissioner Caufield, Ms. Colbath stated that all city buses are wheelchair accessible. Chairperson Loya questioned whether the GUS route to ASU West was still in operation. Ms. Colbath said no, due to a lack of funding as well as low ridership. Commissioner Duncan asked if these services were publically funded. Ms. Colbath said the services are funded through City of Glendale funds including tax revenue and the State of Arizona. She added there is currently no direct business sponsorship. Commissioner Schanlaub asked if the GUS route would extend as far north as Bell Road considering the amount of services and shopping in the area. Ms. Colbath stated the City is currently looking at different areas,but nothing has been planned. In response to a question from Commissioner Denmon regarding bus transfers, Ms. Colbath said transfers are free and they are good for one hour during the week and an hour and a half on the weekends. Mr. Allan Grover introduced himself and began his presentation by explaining the GO Program and how it coordinated with the Regional Transportation Plan. He said among many other issues this Program will establish three new bus routes. These routes will be along Litchfield Road, 99th Avenue, and either 75th Avenue or 83rd Avenue, this has yet to be determined. He said three new express bus routes will also be added utilizing Loop 101 and Grand Avenue. A new park and ride lot will be constructed in downtown Glendale and the light rail system will be extended from 19th Avenue to 59th Avenue with the City of Glendale sharing the cost with the City of Phoenix. He explained these activities will take place in four phases. Mr. Grover added construction of the light rail system could possibly be as far as ten years out. Mr. Jim Dickey introduced himself and distributed information to the Commission regarding the Regional Transportation Plan. He stated the valley's population is expected to double by the year 2030 and that Maricopa County voters ranked transportation as one of the most important problems facing the region. He reviewed the Freeways, Highways, and Arterials with regard to improvements and construction. He continued by describing the improvements and new routes with the Regional Bus System. Last, Mr. Dickey reviewed the proposed routes for the Bus Rapid Transit and Light Rail. Minutes of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities October 19, 2004 Page 3 In response to a question from guest Ms. Canady regarding the number of passengers that light rail will accomodate, Mr. Dickey said one rail car could accommodate 130 passengers; the same amount of passengers would fill approximately 120 automobiles. Commissioner Duncan expressed his appreciation of bus pullouts. Mr. Dickey added that the lack of sheltered bus stops is the biggest complaint. Commissioner Duncan asked why underground transportation has not been proposed. Mr. Dickey explained that the cost of relocating utilities and other infrastrucutre would be too costly. The Commission thanked Ms. Colbath,Mr. Grover,and Mr. Dickey for their valuable information. 4. Old Business The Commission viewed and discussed what type and color shirts should be ordered. Commissioner Steiger stated he had checked with the Glendale Arena regarding a concession stand maimed by the Commission. The Arena representative stated they do not allow this type of function although it was allowed for a Military event which recently took place. Also, those working within the stand must have a food handlers' license. The Commission discussed various fund raising events. Commissioner Denmon suggested a rummage sale. Chairperson Loya stated that McDonald's Restaurant, in the past, has donated a portion of their profits during certain hours to various clubs and organizations. She suggested that Commissioners Schanlaub and Gentry contact their local McDonald's to see if they would be agreeable to this idea. 5. New Business Chairperson Loya stated that Ms.Barbara Porter with the City of Surprise Special Needs Commission had sent a thank you card. Chairperson Loya asked Commissioner Gentry to send a thank you note to the three speakers from tonight's meeting. 6. Next Meeting—November 16,2004 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m. Respectfully submitted, do01A0 Diana Castro,Recording Secretary