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HomeMy Public PortalAbout03 March 23, 1998 Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Service Transportation Advisory Committee04106' RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1:30 P.M. RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION 3560 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, SUITE 100 RIVERSIDE, CA 92501 (909) 787-7141 AGENDA Please Note: All items on the agenda are for discussion and possible action 1. Call to Order 2. Self -Introductions 3. Approval of Minutes - February 23, 1998 (Attachment) 4. Public Comments 5. Progress Report on Bus. Stops & Transfers Points at the Galleria 6. Specialized Transit Guide (Enclosed) 7. Update on Efforts to Secure Transit Service for Veterans Residing in the Coachella Valley Needing to Access the Loma Linda V.A. Medical Center 8. Update on Bus Stop Prioritization for Accessibility 9. Other Business 10. Adjournment THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE APRIL 7, 1998, AT 1:30 P.M., IN RIVERSIDE * Agenda and Minutes are available in alternative format upon request. (See reverse for MAP and parking information). NOTE: PARKING IS AVAILABLE IN TWO GARAGES ON ORANGE STREET (SEE MAP ON REVERSE). PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE ALLEY OR SPACES BEHIND THE RCTC BUILDING (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HANDICAP SPACE). 0 RczerE 60 Ifl 3 IA Is if sav vEes sr AWE RCTC OFFICES ARE LOCATED AT 3560 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, SUITE 100 (PHONE 909 787-7141). PARKING AVAILwgLE IN GARAGES ON OR AGE S EET **DO NOT PARK IN ALLEY OR SPACES BEHIND THE RCTC BUILDING (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE 2 HANDICAP SPACES)** " MEETING MINUTES A 1. RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE/SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Call To Order MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23, 1998 Chair Lucia Moran called the meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Services Transportation Advisory Council to order at 1:35 p.m. at the offices of the Riverside County Transportation Commission. Self -introductions followed. 2. Self -Introductions Members Present: Peter Benavidez Jim Collins Roger Culbertson Bill Densmore Judylynn Gries Milt Kandl John Lonberg Lucia Moran RTA Represented by Steve 011er Michelle Rainer Greg Trousdell Members Absent Ace Atkinson* Beverly Copeland* Jim Fletcher* Richard Galope* Beverly Haun Joanne Moore* Lori Nickel* Fortunato Penilla* * Denotes excused absence. Others Present Cathy Bechtel, RCTC Andrea DeLeon, RTA Jane Dobberpuhl, RCTC Brit Holmstrom, Citizen Ernest Holmstrom, ADA Rider Jeanne Klingenburger, Cooper -Burkhart House Victoria Paz, City of Riverside Kris Scholberg, ADA Rider Lula Smith, Blindness Support Services Helen Wariner, City of Riverside Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 26, 1998 Page 2 3. Approval of Minutes - January 26, 1998 M/S/C (Gries/Benavidez) to approve the Citizens Advisory Committee meeting minutes of January 26, 1998, as submitted. Abstentions: Densmore. 4. Public Comments Ms. Lula Smith, Blindness Support Services, Riverside, appeared before the Committee and distributed fliers announcing their travel training program for persons with disabilities and the visually impaired. This program was recently funded with Measure A monies and teaches individuals to ride fixed route buses. Ms. Brit Holstrom, Sun City, appeared before the Committee to voice her concerns regarding the following: (1) the lack of a bus bench at the transfer point for Sun City/Hemet outside the Food -4 -Less in Perris. Although a bench was placed across the parking lot, the most convenient and sheltered location would be under the overhang at the Food -4 -Less store; (2) the need for more intercity paratransit vans (she described the difficulty she encountered and related costs in keeping a required medical appointment); and, (3) she requested a modesty panel be added (in the area of the lifts) for safety purposes (eliminating a place for riders to put their feet and/or baggage in the area of the lift). She noted, some buses have them and others do not; (4) the costs associated with ADA re -certification especially if an individual has a permanent disability; and, (5) subscription rides versus ADA rides. Ms. Holstrom said she would like to see statistics on this item. Chair Lucia Moran and Mr. Collins advised that ADA riders do have priority. However, Mr. Collins advised the ADA does specify subscription services can be provided to a certain percentage but not to exceed that percentage at any given time. Mr. Collins also informed Ms. Holstrom that ADA re -certification applies not only to the physical disability, but also takes into consideration other factors such as existing service in the area, as well as possibly any new service. Steve Oiler, RTA Deputy General Manager for Operations was present and RTA will attempt to intercede and talk to the Property Manager(s) at Food -4 -Less to see if they will allow an RTA- supplied bench to be placed under their overhang. Mr. Oiler said RTA would also do an inventory to see which buses were lacking modesty panels and make appropriate adjustments. Ms. Holstrom thanked Mr. Oiler for any assistance he may provide. Ms. Kris Scholberg, Riverside, appeared before the Committee and stated she is an ADA rider and an independent advocate for the ADA. Her concerns included: (1) the need for dispatchers to become more aware of available ADA services, especially after -hour service; (2) funding and more buses (fixed route and dial -a -ride especially during peak hours), benches, and bus stops; (3) more hours of operation of the bus maintenance facility; (4) revision to bus schedules to allow more time for loading and unloading and more accurate arrival and departure times; (5) revamping of the Ride Guide to make it easier to read; and (6) that the Rt. 2 bus run all the way to the Riverside Plaza on weekends. Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 26, 1998 Page 3 A recurring request from guests to RTA was that merchants be reminded bus riders bring money into their establishments. The Chair thanked the above guests for appearing and offering their input. 5. Report on Bus Stops & Transfer Points at the Galleria This item was carried forward from the January meeting. A need exists at the Galleria to improve the loading/unloading area. Buses enter onto the Galleria to drop and pickup riders and it is unclear where they should board. Cathy Bechtel described the existing problem and how the loading/unloading is confusing to riders, and is especially difficult for persons with disabilities. Steve 011er reported RTA has some 350-400 buses daily docking at the Galleria, and there are only three spaces to accommodate these buses. When the mall was being remodeled, RTA spent a good amount of time with the developers' engineers, as well as the City engineers, attempting to get additional space. At that time there was need for at least 7 to 8 bays (at a minimum) on site. However, the developer was unwilling to provide additional access, because it would result in lost revenue (each parking space having a direct dollar value). The need is now even greater. Steve said RTA would return to the developer, as well as the City, recognizing the increased costs to each, to reopen discussions on this problem. They are also communicating to bus drivers the need to stop at both ends of the parking spaces; safety issues regarding riders; and, signage. The possibility of moving off the premises and onto Magnolia Avenue is also under consideration. Such action, of course, would require major reconstruction of traffic lanes and costs are a major consideration to the City. Several present suggested empty parking spaces in the mall .area that are too far for shoppers' use may be available for bus docking, or possibly the center area could be used for buses. Peter Benavidez voiced his opinion that he believed the bus drivers should be involved in this issue, as well as others that have come before the CAC. Ms. Holstrom voiced her concurrence, but believed drivers may be reluctant to do so. Suggestions were made by members, as well as guests, regarding possible solutions to the problem. Chair Lucia Moran said she had spoken with the Manager of the Galleria, Jan, who was not aware of the existing problem and has been with the Galleria for a couple of years. It was apparent a communication problem exists and CAC members believed RTA's contact with them had been in the recent past. Andrea DeLeon, RTA, said a misunderstanding took place between her and staff regarding the timing of discussions and those whom RTA had spoken with; she acknowledged perhaps she should have so noted this during the Minute approval. Jan invited Lucia (or her designees) to meet with her after the CAC meeting to discuss the problem. It was agreed follow up should be made while the issue is fresh in everyone's mind. Steve 011er will contact Jan to discuss the issue. The Chair directed this item be carried forward to the next CAC agenda to apprise the membership of the progress being made to resolve this issue. Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 26, 1998 Page 4 6. Report on LAMTA Services At the last meeting, Judylynn Gries requested an update on how all the changes taking place at the LAMTA might affect Riverside County residents. Cathy Bechtel said there would be little affect, with the exception of MetroLink service. The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is a Joint Powers Authority comprised of San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Orange and Los Angeles Counties and each pays a portion of the cost to run the service. As a result, if RCTC wished to do any type of expansion service between Los Angeles and Riverside County that could be difficult since the LAMTA does not have sufficient monies for such an undertaking. The subways service (the Blue, Red, Green and MetroRail Lines) is separate from the SCRRA. Service on the subway system could affect a County resident using that service, otherwise not. 7. Service to the New Regional Medical Center Cathy Bechtel distributed copies of the article that appeared in the February 13, 1998, issue of the Riverside Press -Enterprise Newspaper announcing the delay in opening of the new facility. Steve 011er gave a brief description of the service to the hospital, stating service began on the originally planned date of February 22, 1998. Kris Scholberg suggested the Route 2 travel to the Riverside Plaza on Saturday and Sunday allowing riders to catch Route 20 directly without having to use two transfers. She also requested the buses travel to the Kaiser facility at Heacock and Fir in Moreno Valley. Steve 011er said the draft Comprehensive Operation Analysis (COA) makes a recommendation regarding Route 2. He would have to follow-up to see if any recommendation was made regarding service to the Kaiser facility in question. 8. Welfare to Work Efforts Cathy Bechtel informed the Committee that CAC member Richard Gallope is preparing a grant application for Access to Careers Conducive to Economic Self -Sufficiency (ACCESS) through the Dept. of Labor, and is a joint effort among the EDA, DPSS, RTA, RCTC, Mt. San Jacinto College, and other agencies. An arrangement had been developed with Mt. San Jacinto College and RCC to provide job training and with the Small Manufacturers Council in Temecula to place those individuals in jobs once they have received the training. One major concern is transportation to get these individuals to the Temecula area. Presently Route 27 travels between Hemet and Perris and part of the grant funds would be used to extend the line into Temecula. The EDA has some formula funds available for such in the East and West County. Jim Collins described the Work Force Development Council in the desert area. RCTC has also been working with the local DPSS and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to install the Rideshare On -Line Access (ROLA) System --a computerized system that can access rideshare and bus schedule information and print it out. If successful, it will be expanded to other DPSS offices. Bill Densmore asked for clarification of the funding streams through CalWorks--who one would approach regarding actual securing of these funds. Another concern Mr. Densmore expressed was Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 26, 1998 Page 5 the coordination and leadership role of the agency receiving the funds. Cathy Bechtel said the funds from the Dept. of Labor were to be funded through the Job Training Partnership (JTPA). Although designed for job training, their use is somewhat flexible (i.e., child care, transportation, etc.). EDA would be the agency to approach, not RCTC. The EDA would provide money directly to RTA. RCTC would be involved during the programming process, but the funds do not flow through RCTC. Cathy said DPSS is very concerned as well and have made it clear they need assistance from those with the expertise in the particular area. For example, Cathy is a co- chair of their Transportation Subcommittee. 9. Other Business Request for Information - Vans Purchased by LAMTA: Jim Collins reported that LAMTA recently acquired roughly 200 mini vans for the Access Service system (the ADA provider). SunLine plans expansion in the Coachella Valley and he solicited information from anyone who might know how LAMTA acquired the vans. SunLine is entertaining the idea of waiving cab fees if the cab service can acquire such vans and furnish accessible cab service. Cathy Bechtel furnished the name of Rich DeRock who is the General Manager of the Access system. SPARC 6th Annual Workshop & 2°' Annual Roadeo: Judylynn Gries announced the workshop will take place Saturday, March 21 at Reid Park and the Roadeo on Sunday, March 22, at the Bourns parking lot. A sign-up sheet was made available for anyone wanting to volunteer or donate to the effort. Kudos to Jim Collins - County Date Festival: Roger Culbertson expressed appreciation to Jim Collins for his successful efforts (this year as well as in prior years) in making. the Fair accessible to persons with disabilities; their presence was highly visible. Members expressed their thanks with a round of applause. CAC Reappointment of Jim Collins: Jim has been reappointed for a three-year term to the CAC by unanimous vote of the SunLine Board, as well as the Commission. Appointment of Jim Collins to Developmentally Disabled Area Board 12: Mr. Collins has been appointed, from a field of six, to represent Riverside County at Area Board 12. ADA Certification: Greg Trousdell understood there was no charge to the applicant for ADA certification and wished to clarify the costs referred to above. Cathy Bechtel confirmed that the costs referred to are to the certifying agency; there is no cost to the applicant. Executive Director Recruitment: Cathy Bechtel said recruitment closed February 23 and it is hoped the Commission will announce at their March 11, 1998, meeting the successful candidate for RCTC Executive Director. Blythe Unmet Transit Needs Hearing: Cathy Bechtel distributed fliers announcing the Public Hearing scheduled for March 12, 1998, and encouraged additional distribution. The hearing will focus on transit needs in the Palo Verde Valley only. Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 26, 1998 Page 6 Transit Workshops by SunLine: SunLine will conduct "town hall" type meetings in the Coachella Valley to get input from the public which will be taken to the SunLine Advisory Committee and their Board. This information will be shared with RCTC and used during the SRTP planning processs. The workshops will be publicized over the radio, as well as local TV stations. Updated CAC Member Listing and RCTC Staff Listing: Cathy Bechtel distributed copies of the updated listings to members. 10. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the CAC M/S/C (Trousdell/Collins) to adjourn. the CAC meeting of February 23, 1998. Abstentions: None. The meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m. The next CAC meeting is scheduled for March 23, 1998, at 1:30 p.m. at RCTC. Respectfully submitted Ca21z7 ) Cathy Bechtel Program Manager :jmd AGENDA ITEM 7. 1 • • t RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION DATE: March 23, 1998 TO: Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Service Transportation Advisory Council FROM: Cathy Bechtel, Program Manager SUBJECT: Specialized Transit Guide Staff is very pleased to inform the Committee about the development of a Specialized Transit Guide which provides a comprehensive directory of specialized transit services available in the County. The development of this brochure was recommended by the CAC, and subsequently by the Commission, in response to the recently completed Measure A Specialized Transit Study which highlighted a need for better public information regarding the array of services available. The guide provides a handy reference tool for individuals interested in specialized transit services. The guide will be widely distributed with the assistance of our Measure A recipients. Bulk quantities will be provided to each specialized transit provider to share with their clientele, and The Partnership to Preserve Independent Living for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities will include a guide with each inquiry for information. Additionally, the guides will be sent to senior centers and health care sites for distribution. Enclosed is a copy of the Specialized Transit Guide. Bulk quantities will be available at the meeting for those interested in sharing the Guide with others. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.