Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission - Meeting Date: 10/5/2017 r Pit '14 fly I MINUTES CITIZENS TRANSPORTATION OVERSIGHT COMMISSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS BUILDING CONFERENCE ROOM B-3 5850 W. GLENDALE AVE. GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85301 OCTOBER 5, 2017 6:00P.M. Present: John Geurs, Vice Chair JR Blackburn, Commissioner Donald Brazier, Commissioner John Fernandes, Commissioner Chuck Jared,Commissioner Marie Nesfield, Commissioner Jack Nylund, Commissioner Joan Young, Commissioner Absent: Tom Schmitt, Chair Also Present: Jack Lorbeer, Transportation Planning Administrator Patrick Sage, Transportation Planner Kevin Link, Transit Administrator Matt Dudley, Transit Program Manager Kurt Christianson, Assistant City Attorney Attendees: Ron Brooks, Valley Metro- Presenter 1. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Geurs called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA -WITHDRAWALS AND CONTINUANCES Vice Chair Geurs noted that tonight's agenda has been re-ordered to move the item "Approval of the Minutes"to Agenda Item 3 and the item "Manager's Report"to Agenda Item 8. ACTION BY CTOC: Approval of the agenda for the October 5, 2017 Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission, with "Approval of the Minutes" moved to Agenda Item 3 and the "Manager's Report" moved to 8. Motioned by Commissioner Jack Nylund, seconded by Commissioner Chuck Jared Vote: 8- 0 Passed 3. APPROVAL OF THE.MINUTES Vice Chair Geurs called for approval of the minutes. ACTION BY CTOC: Approval of the minutes from the September 7, 2017 meeting of the Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission as written. Motioned by Commissioner Donald Brazier; seconded by Commissioner John Fernandes Vote: 8 -.0 Passed 4. CITIZEN COMMENTS No comments. 5. REGIONAL PARATRANSIT UPDATE • Mr. Ron Brooks of Valley Metro gave a presentation on the regional paratransit system in the valley, which included,the following: •Service Philosophy , •Accessible Bus and Light Rail Service, • Fixed-Route Travel Training •ADA Platinum Pass •Valley Metro Paratransit • Dial-a-Ride Service Areas in the Region •Service Levels •State of the Service •Valley Metro Rid'eChoice Mr. Brooks noted that the start-up of the regional paratransit program has been challenging, but consistent improvements have been made. Commissioner Nylund;inquired as to the reason for the 72% increase in Dial-a-Ride usage between FY2017 and FY2018. Mr. Brooks stated that prior to the regional program, many customers used direct-ride taxis and some of those trips switched over to Dial-a-Ride this year. Commissioner Nesfield inquired about the stated 85% on-time performance, specifically regarding how"on-time" is measured/quantified. Mr. Brooks explained that there is a 30-minute range for pickup and if the driver arrives within that range, it is considered on-time. Commissioner Nesfield inquired about the shared ride process and if a customer would have to wait for another rider to book a trip. Mr. Brooks explained that when a trip is booked, dispatch tries to match the reservation with another rider within the same time parameters. If there areno other rides requested that match time and destination parameters, the law still requires that the trip is'served. However, trips will be shared when possible. Commissioner Fernandes asked if the one-on-one training for fixed route travel was also offered in Spanish. Mr: Brook replied that staff does all that it can to accommodate those who only speak Spanish. Commissioner Fernandes inquired as to what constituted ADA eligibility for program eligibility. Mr. Brooks relayed that a customer must come into the Mobility Center for assessment and must have a mobility or health condition. Mr. Brooks noted that if the customer cannot get to the Mobility Center, Valley Metro will provide transportation. Commissioner Fernandes commented that seniors and Spanish-only speakingpeople might be intimidated by the process. Mr. Brooks relayed that two of the four transit evaluators speak Spanish. Mr. Brooks stressed that it is the goal of staff to make people feel comfortable. Vice Chair Geurs inquired as to the call center phone number. Mr. Brooks replied that the paratransit number is 602-716-2100. Vice Chair Geurs wondered about a person who may not be able to walk to a bus stop and if this type of person should use Dial-a-Ride. Mr. Brooks replied in the positive, noting that they can use Dial-a-Ride or(if routes are close enough) Gus the Bus if they are travelling within Glendale. Vice Chair Geurs asked if a customer could reserve the pick-up and return ride in one phone call and Mr. Brooks replied in the positive. Commissioner Fernandes wondered if Valley Metro could utilize Uber or similar services or if these services were too expensive. Mr. Brooks explained that these providers were not too expensive, however, there are regulatory and wheelchair accessibility issues. Mr. Brooks stated that Valley Metro are in discussions with these providers regarding future transit service opportunities. Commissioner Jared noted that he has used the paratransit services and the drivers are some of the best. Mr. Brooks thanked Commissioner Jared for the compliment. 6. GLENDALE TRANSIT SERVICE UPDATE Mr. Link presented changes in the Glendale Transit Services. • Dial-A-Ride and GUS Fares •A fare schedule was presented. • Extensive outreach has been done and with feedback received. •Advertising: flyers on buses, press releases and other methods. •As suggested by Council, a 30-day grace period will be implemented. •GUS Route 2 Reconfigured • Fixed Route Changes • Route 83: New service on 83rd Avenue from Camelback Road to Arrowhead Towne Center • Route 67: Service on 67th Avenue will now terminate at Arrowhead Hospital—no longer serving Arrowhead Towne Center •Transit Ridership Discussion Commissioner Fernandes inquired-as to the higher fare cost for ADA. Mr. Link explained that ADA service costs more to provide because customers can ride until 10:00 p.m., drivers will provide door-to-door assistance, advanced reservations can be made, and federal law requires that riders are picked up within an hour of the appointment time. Commissioner Brazier asked about the on-time performance for Dial-A-Ride and Mr. Link replied that it was approximately 95%-96% for ADA and non-ADA combined. Commissioner Nylund inquired about 59th Avenue. Mr. Link replied that 59th Avenue is one of the better performing routes, along with Glendale Avenue. Mr. Link stated that Union Hills is an under-performing route, however, it runs in 60-minute cycles and all others run in 30-minute cycles. Commissioner Nylund wondered if the ride shares could be linked with buses. Mr. Link stated that Valley Metro is taking the lead with ride shares at this time. 7. RECOMMEND ONE CTOC REPRESENTATIVE FOR GO PROGRAM FY2014-FY2017 AUDIT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Mr. Sage facilitated a discussion regarding the appointment of a CTOC representative to the FY2014-17 GO Program Audit Oversight Committee. Commissioner Fernandes inquired as to the audit requirements and Mr. Sage will follow up with that information. Commissioner Fernandes and Commissioner Nesfield volunteered for the position. Commissioner Nylund suggested.that there be a team approach, with two volunteers instead of just one. Mr. Sage explained that there will be representatives from other City departments on the Oversight Committee and therefore, only one CTOC representative is needed. Vice Chair Geurs commented that he would volunteer, however, he will be out of the country for a few months. Commissioner Nesfield stated that she has the'time to participate, has the accounting background for the position, and has also participated in audits. Commissioner Fernandes deferred to Commissioner Nesfield to be the representative. Mr. Sage suggested a primary and an alternate. Commissioner Nesfield suggested that although she could bethe primary, she would like to work as a team with Commissioner Fernandes to garner his opinion to bring back to the Oversight Committee and asked if that would be permissible. Mr. Sage stated that he will contact the review committee to determine the logistics of participation. ACTION BY CTOC: Recommendation for Commissioner Nesfield as the primary CTOC representative for the GO Program FY2014-17 Audit Oversight Committee, with Commissioner Fernandes identified as the alternate CTOC representative. Motioned by Commissioner Jack Nylund, seconded by Commissioner Donald Brazier Vote: 8 - 0 Passed 8. MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Lorbeer provided the Manager's Report to the Commission, which included the following information: • Kenn Potts, Airport Administrator, will address the CTOC at the November 2, 2017_ meeting: •Ongoing Project.Update— Northern Parkway •Ongoing.Project Update—Bicycle/Pedestrian Projects • Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan • MAG Bicycle/Pedestrian Project Assessment Funding •55th Avenue Widening • Downtown,Alley •Ongoing Project Update—Transportation Plan •Ongoing Project'Update—Light Rail Transit •City Council Workshop scheduled for October 17th at 1:30 p.m. Commissioner Young inquired if the City of El Mirage has contributed funding to the Northern Parkway Project. Mr. Lorbeer explained that the Glendale has committed $35 million to the project and to get the project started, Glendale provided $30 million up front for design, environmental assessment, and similar needs. The two miles of the project from Dysart Road to 111th Avenue will cost$128 million and Glendale is not funding any of that portion of road. For the entire project, MAG is funding 70% and the local entities are funding 30%. Mr. Lorbeer explained the proposed maintenance allocations and stated although funding from other project partners has not been at the same percentage level as Glendale to this point, the other partners are paying into the project. Vice Chair Geurs requested a follow-up to Chair Schmitt's comment at last month's meeting regarding funding for a study for expansion of the light rail to Westgate. Mr. Sage explained that$1.0 million is in the budget for this feasibility study as recommended to Council by CTOC in 2015. Mr. Sage stated that the study is contingent on light rail plans moving forward as there are various issues to be resolved with the first phase of the proposed light rail project. Commissioner Blackburn commented that due to the moving pieces of the light rail at this time, it would be a challenge for the feasibility study to move forward with much specificity. Mr. Sage commented that the October 17 City Council workshop will address the light rail downtown project, which is Phase 1. Mr. Lorbeer noted that crossing Grand Avenue will be very expensive and there are still many moving parts to Phase 1 of the project. Vice Chair Geurs noted that Chair Schmitt had envisioned that the feasibility study would include review of private-public partnerships for the expansion. 9. COMMISSIONER UPDATES [Commissioner Jared excused himself from the meeting.] Commissioner Nesfield reported on the October Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting: •ADOT is conducting a bike ridership/pedestrian count throughout the valley. A City of Glendale count site will be at the ACDC Diversion Trail at Thunderbird Paseo Park. •The Glendale Family Bike Ride will be held on April 22, 2018, which is Earth Day. The CBAC will brainstorm ways of increasing participation at their November or December meeting. There were over 700 people registered at the last ride. •On October 27th, the GAIN, Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods, event will be held in Murphy Park. This is a free event with various fun activities. •On October 21st, the Touch-a-Truck event will be held at Westgate. There will be various trucks and city vehicles for kids to explore, along with a bike rodeo. Commissioner Blackburn stated that he was very happy to be on the CTOC. Commission Blackburn noted that the was at the last Council Meeting and he will attend the October 17th, 2017 Council workshop. 10. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Nylund referenced a prior.presentation to CTOC that identified a 700-mile city street maintenance program, and requested a calendar identifying the street maintenance schedule. Commissioner Nylund explained that it would be good for the public to know which streets are going to be repaved/repaired and the anticipated dates for the work. Commissioner Nylund attended a meeting at which the Police Chief spoke who said that the auto fatality rate in Glendale is at the highest point ever. Commissioner Nylund commented that 59th Avenue and Bell Road is the intersection with the most accidents. Commissioner Nylund asked if a member of the police department could be invited to a CTOC meeting to give a presentation on car accident statistics and what the police are doing to lower these incidents. Vice Chair Geurs suggested that staff at the Traffic Management Center adjust the signals to at 59th Avenue and Bell to give-pedestrians more time to cross the street. Mr. Lorbeer noted that there is an adaptive traffic signal project in the works along Bell Road. • 11. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. Glendale'City Hall, Room B-3. Vice Chair Geurs announced that he will not be able to attend the meeting. 12. JO► -NMENT he me-ting was adjourned by consensus at 7:43 p.m. - The Citiz ns T -ns•ortation Oversight Commission meeting minutes of October 5, 2017 were submitted and approe• this 'nd day of November, 2017. Patrick Sage Recording Secretary