HomeMy Public PortalAbout03 March 27, 1989 Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Service Advisory Council040261
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
AGENDA
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE/
SOCIAL SERVICE ADVISORY COUNCIL
1:30 P.M., MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1989
SCAG RIVERSIDE COUNTY SERVICE OFFICE
3600 LIME STREET, SUITE 216
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
1. Call to Order.
2. Approval of Minutes (October 31, 1988 and ACTION
January 23, 1989).
3. Unmet Transit Needs.
(Report on unmet transit needs will either
be mailed under a separate cover or distri-
buted at the meeting.)
DISC/ACTION
4. Callbox Project Update. INFO
5. Social Service Transportation Delivery Study
Update.
INFO
6. 1989 State Transportation Improvement Program INFO
Proposal.
7. Other Items.
8. Adjournment.
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7 I L Z E L O
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Minutes of the
Citizens Advisory Committee
October 31, 1988
1. Call to Order.
The meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee was called to
order by Chairman Terry Allen at 1:39 p.m., at the Riverside
County Administrative Center, 14th Floor Conference Room,
4080 Lemon Street, Riverside.
Members present were:
Terry Allen
Ace Atkinson
Ray Baca
Cathy Bechtel
Rose Eldridge
Jim Judge
Herb Krauch
Members absent were:
Don Kurz
Joanne Moore
Lori Nickel
Leon Overton
Rena Parker
Chuck Schmitt
Don Senger
Bill Udell
Mike Beggins George Perez
Jim Kenna Dick Weeks
Others present:
Paul Blackwelder, RCTC
Hideo Sugita, RCTC
2. Approval of Minutes.
M/S/C (KRAUCH/NICKEL) to approve the minutes of the
August 29, 1988 meeting as submitted.
3. Route 91 Improvements.
Paul Blackwelder, Assistant Director, informed the Committee
that in anticipation of the passage of Measure A, the
Commission, jointly with the Orange County Transportation
Commission, sent out request for proposals for Route 91
design engineering to engineering firms. The contract will
be awarded in mid -November. The reason that the Commission
is moving ahead with the project prior to the election is
that there are State funds that will become available in
1990/91. In order to be eligible for the State funds,
project development work has to be finished by June 30,
1991. The proposed project is to add two lanes, one in each
direction, and consider a contra -flow HOV lane alternative.
Chairman Allen stated that he received quite a number of
positive responses on Measure A in the Hemet area.
Page 2
Paul Blackwelder told the Committee of efforts being done by
the Foundation for Better Transportation as well as
presentations given by staff before various organizations.
Chuck Schmitt the CAPH took action to endorse Measure A and
this action passed unanimously. They generated a letter
from that meeting discussing the pros and cons of Measure A
and it was included in the Foundation's mailing to the
persons who received absentee ballots. He has received
positive response on Measure A.
At this time, Chairman Allen introduced Leon Overton, a new
member from the Rubidoux area, to the Committee.
4. State Transportation Improvement Program Approved ky the
California Transportation Commission.
Paul Blackwelder said that at the request of Herb Krauch,
included in the agenda is a list of the projects approved by
the California Transportation Commission. This is for
information only.
5. Riverside County Callbox System.
A. Callbox Update.
Hideo Sugita, Staff Analyst, gave an update of the
callbox system. Included in the agenda packet is the
executive summary of the Phase I (callbox design)
report. The contract for Phase II (systems
specifications and procurement) has been was awarded to
TechPlan and executed in September. The consultants
are in the process of developing a request for proposal
for system equipment for the callbox system. He then
reviewed system equipment being considered and
equipment being utilized by other areas.
B. Callbox Accessibility.
Hideo Sugita said that callbox systems in San Diego and
Orange Counties have used the State Architechtural Code
Standards for public telephones to address
accessibility. The requirements are met by installing
the callbox at a height not to exceed 54" and the
telephone cord be no less than 29" in length. One of
the problems in addressing accessibility concerns
safety. The California Highway Patrol is concerned
about increased dangers for handicapped persons,
especially wheelchair users, to gain access to the
callbox. To address the problem, staff will
incorporate in the equipment Request for Proposal for
callboxes a means of accessing through a transmitter,
etc.
Page 3
Chuck Schmitt commented that the difficulty of phasing
is two prong - site accessibility and technology
accessibility. We have to find a means by which the
physically handicapped could access the site safely.
He said that one thing they are currently looking at is
a device similar to a garage door opener for the
visually impaired/handicapped persons for crossing the
street. He believes that the technology can be
developed to provide the access to the callbox systems.
Rose Eldridge asked how Orange County handled the
accessibility problem.
Paul Blackwelder responded that Orange County met with
members of the handicapped community and informed them
that the best thing that they could do is to install
the callboxes the same height as the telephones. He
said that rather holding up the project, staff is
recommending that we move ahead with a commitment to
work on some sort of device with the industry through
the California SAFE Group.
Ace Atkinson suggested that perhaps staff could work
with the Department of Rehabilitation and propose vans
that are lift equipped be also provided with cellular
phones.
Don Senger agreed that with the use of cellular phones
for the handicapped as one option and that costs could
be kept low if it is coordinated through an agency who
would order a large quantity of the phones.
Paul Blackwelder stated that there is the question as
to who determines accessibility. He said that it
should be the the Department of Motor Vehicles since
they provide the service now in providing placards to
the handicapped.
Leon Overton said that another option to consider is
providing CB radios to the handicapped.
Chuck Schmitt stated that one problem with CB radios is
that all calls are heard by anybody that is tuned to
the channel. Also, there is the safety issue to
consider if the person in need of help makes the wrong
people aware that he/she is handicapped.
M/S/C (SCHMITT/JUDGE) to recommend that the
Commission move forward with the callbox system
project and explore all possibilities regarding
accessibility for handicapped at a reasonable
cost. Also, that handicapped access be defined as
access to the service as opposed to physical
access to the equipment.
Page 4
6. Draft Social Service Brokerage Study Request for Proposal.
Hideo Sugita informed the Committee that, as part of the
unmet needs findings, a recommendation was made to
investigate the feasibility of establishing a Consolidated
Transportation Service Agency to address social service
transportation needs. He said with this effort, it could
establish a dedicated funding source and process for
addressing social service transportation needs and separate
the issues of social service/public transportation
responsibilities. This will allow the Commission to use the
TDA unmet needs process to better address the public
transportation needs of a growing community and to assist
the social service agencies to create a forum through which
to directly address their transportation concerns. Included
in the agenda packet is a copy of the draft Request for
Proposal (RFP) for a Social Service Brokerage Study. He
requested Committee members' input on the RFP.
Jim Judge said that the Riverside Volunteer Center keeps a
social service agency directory in Riverside County and it
is updated in an annual basis. In terms of surveying social
service agencies in Riverside County, he suggested that
staff contact Grace Slocum of the Riverside Volunteer
Center.
Cathy Bechtel commented that "public transportation" on the
RFP needs to be defined.
Leon Overton stated that transit service has improved from
three years ago as it now runs on schedule and it is easier
to connect to other lines. He said that a number of elderly
people now use public transit service especially with it
running on schedule.
Ace Atkinson commented that he is not aware of a requirement
in the Transportation Development Act that caps the amount
of TDA funds to provide public transportation services to
the elderly and handicapped. The purpose of the RFP is to
determine how to maximize and to insure that transit
dependents are able to get to places and when they want to
go in a reasonable fashion without anymore delayed than
normal population. Another issue relates to the Coachella
Valley area where allegedly they have $300,000/year in their
budget to purchase vehicles for fixed route and there are no
funds for street and road, how do you not discriminate
against the elderly and handicapped who are dependent upon
dial -a -ride service. He saidthat it cost $80/month with
RTA as the CTSA for transit service while the IRC pays the
City of Riverside $30/month. But to go from Pedley, where
there is no dial -a -ride service, to Riverside, the IRC pays
$175/month per person. This is because of lack in planning
by RTA to look at real service needs in the area.
Page 5
Paul Blackwelder said that there are two reasons for the
CTSA. First, in the Coachella Valley area, there are no
funds for streets and roads and they have not received any
street and road funds for the past three years, and it is
SunLine Transit Agency's belief that funds should be used
for accessible fixed route transit service. With all the
funds tied up and SunLine using funds for accessible fixed
route transit system, some amount of funds should be kept
aside for special needs of the elderly and handicapped and
the law provides this. Whether 5% is correct or not, this
is what is allowable under the law. This is set up for
areas such as in Orange County and the SCRTD where all funds
could be used for fixed route service. Secondly, in the
Western County area, there is a definition problem on
whether there is an unmet transit need when a person
actually has a ride. Ace would prefer that it be considered
an unmet need so that funds to provide the service would
come from other source of funds rather than from IRC funds
but in actuality, no matter what source of funds the service
is funded from, it is paid by taxpayers. Also, staff is
concerned that if IRC funds are not used, if funds would
remain in the area and used for workshop programs. He said
that the Commission is committed to providing transit
service to those who need it. This is one of the reasons
for the social service study.
Chairman Allen stated that once the study is completed,
there is a clear understanding as to what needs to be done.
Then the Commission could make a determination.
Hideo Sugita said that this item is a result of issues from
the unmet transit needs process. That is, to study creating
a CTSA and one option is a broker. Some Committee members
expressed difficulty in the inventory of social services
agencies. He said that RCTC would only change its intent or
commitment to provide transit service where it is needed, if
it is reasonable. Staff's intent with the RFP is to create
a process in which special needs could be addressed if those
agencies with funds and clientele to meet its special types
of transportation services would come forward and share with
the cost. This study requires participation of special
service agencies to make it work.
There was a lengthy discussion between Committee members and
staff regarding the type of special transportation needs,
who should be responsible for the costs of providing those
transportation needs, and the purpose of the study.
Rena Parker stated that the key words are coordinate and
consolidate. If these two things are done, the result is
providing better service at less cost. The study is to look
at what can be done to better accomplish it.
Page 6
In response to Leon Overton's inquiry if the study is one
that staff could do rather that hiring a consultant, Hideo
Sugita said that because of bias of the transit operators,
social service agencies and RCTC, this study would be best
done by a consultant.
Cathy Bechtel stated that staff should clarify on the RFP
and identify opportunities for mainstream social service
clients on to public transit (fixed route) and curb to curb
(dial -a -ride) service.
M/S/C (JUDGE/SENGER) to recommend that the Riverside
County Transportation Commission approve the Request
for Proposal to conduct the study of feasibility for a
brokerage system for social services.
7. Other Items.
A. Don Kurz asked if staff received a report on park and
ride lots with regards to vandalism from Caltrans.
Paul Blackwelder stated that he will check with
Caltrans and, if the report is available, it will
placed on the Committee agenda.
B. Rose Eldridge stated that she has received many
inquiries relating to the fixed route from Corona to
Norco. She asked if the service is still going to be
implemented.
Paul Blackwelder said that the Corona/Norco fixed route
service is still scheduled for implementation in
January.
8. Adjournment.
M/S/C (SCHMITT/NICKEL) to adjourn the meeting at 3:26
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Blackwelder
Assistant Director
nk
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting No. 1-89
January 23, 1989
1. Call to Order.
The meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee was called to
order by Chairman Terry Allen at 1:35 p.m., on January 23,
1989, Conference Room of the SCAG Riverside Service Office,
3600 Lime Street, Suite 216, Riverside 92501.
Members present:
Terry Allen
Ray Baca
Cathy Bechtel
Michael Begging
Donald High
Herb Krauch
Others present:
Don Kurz
Joanne Moore
Lori Nickel
Leon Overton
Rena Parker
Chuck Schmitt
Paul Blackwelder, RCTC
Jane Brown, DDAPB #12
Jim Stoffer, RTA
Hideo Sugita, RCTC
2. Approval of Minutes.
M/S/C (KRAUCR/KURZ) to approve the minutes of the
November 28, 1988 as submitted.
3. 1989 RCTC and Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Schedule.
For information only.
4. Unmet Needs Hearings/Public Workshops/and SRTP Schedule for
FY 1989-90.
Hideo Sugita informed the Committee that three unmet transit
need hearings are scheduled to be held in Riverside, Moreno
Valley and Palm Desert. In addition to the three hearings,
staff working with RTA, will hold six workshops in the
Western Riverside County area. Comments received at the
workshops will be handled in the same manner as the
testimony received at the unmet transit needs hearings. The
Commission will make its findings regarding on comments
received on unmet transit needs at their meeting in May,
1989. The adoption of the Short Range Transit Plans by the
Commission will be at their May/June 1989 meeting(s).
Page 2
Leon Overton said that he wrote a letter to the March Air
Force Base Commander about the possibility of RTA providing
bus service inside March Air Force Base. Currently, bus
service to MAFB stops at the outside gate.
Paul Blackwelder stated that RTA discussed this matter with
March Air Force Base personnel years ago and the following
were identified: 1) Responsibility on checking that riders
continuing in the Base have the appropriate ID cards to gain
entry; and, 2) Service would be duplicated since bus service
is provided by the Base every hour.
At this time, Jim Stoffer informed Committee members of the
fixed route line that will be implementing from Norco to
Corona.
5. 1989 Citizens Advisory Committee.
Hideo Sugita stated that included in the agenda packet is
the roster of the Citizens Advisory Committee. Review of
members' attendance of meetings indicated that two members
(Ernest Moyles, George Perez) have failed to continually
attend the meetings. In addition, some members terms are up
(Don Kurz, Don Senger, Herbert Krauch, Jim Kenna) and would
have to be reappointed by the Commission if they wish to
continue for another term.
Paul Blackwelder said there are two vacancies on the
Committee. Previous discussions on membership were to
include groups such as the Foundation for Better
Transportation and the Coalition for Better Transportation
and perhaps the vacancies could be filled by representatives
from those two organizations.
Committee members Don Kurz, Don Senger and Herbert Krauch
have indicated that they wish to be reappointed for another
term.
6. Update of the Social Service Transportation Delivery Study.
Hideo Sugita stated that the Commission received two Request
for Proposals for the Social Service Transportation Delivery
Study (Tom Whittle Planning and Development Consulting and
Pat Piras Consulting Services). A panel consisting of Ace
Atkinson, Cathy Bechtel, Lee Norwine, Durand Rall and
himself interviewed the consultants. It was the consensus
of the panel to select Pat Piras Consulting Services for the
Study because of her extensive contacts and professional
experience and she was more focused on the issue at hand.
The cost of the study is $37,700.
Leon Overton asked if staff has looked into using in-house
capabilities to do the study prior to using a consultant.
Page 3
Hideo Sugita stated that when discussions began on the
study, people were skeptical with regards to bias of the
people involved and it was determined that it is best to
bring in a consultant to do the study.
Chuck Schmitt agreed with the recommendation and said that
he is confident that Pat Piras will prepare a good report.
7. Callbox Demonstration Project Update.
Hideo Sugita informed the Committee that invitations for a
callbox demonstration project were sent to four callbox
vendors. U.S. Commlink and GTE Cellular Communications
Corporation have expressed their desire to demonstrate their
equipment. Staff, working with representatives from the
California Highway Patrol, Caltrans and U.S. Commlink and
GTE, met to work out the final details and to schedule the
12 -box demonstration project on I-215. With regards to the
spacing guidelines, staff is still working with Caltrans and
the CHP for relief on the spacing requirement.
Joanne Moore asked on an update relating to callbox
accessibility to the handicapped.
Hideo Sugita responded that the SAFE Board took action that:
1) handicapped access be defined as access to the service as
opposed to physical access to the equipment; and, 2) to
acknowledge that greater accessibility for handicapped
persons would result through options including, but not
limited to, placards, lighted cones, transmitters, etc., and
commits to actively encouraging the development of these
options through participation with the California SAFE
Counties, State agencies, and request private enterprise to
address this issue in their proposals to the Riverside/San
Bernardino callbox implementation.
8. Election of Officers.
Members of the Committee elected Chuck Schmitt and Cathy
Bechtel as Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively.
At this time, Chuck Schmitt assumed the Chair. Newly
elected Chairman Chuck Schmitt commended Terry Allen for a
job well done as Chairman for the past two years.
9. Other Items.
A. Don Kurz asked if staff is aware of new information
regarding the Amtrak Desert Wind service stopping in
Riverside. Paul Blackwelder stated that he has not
heard any news that Amtrak has made any changes to the
Desert Wind service.
Page 4
B. Don Kurz asked as how the Measure 5% for transit
service will be expended.
Paul Blackwelder stated that the 5% allocated for
transit service will be used to maintain low fares for
senior citizens and to meet social service
transportation needs. He told the Committee that a
Western County Policy Advisory Committee was created to
develop policies for Measure A in the Western County
area and CVAG is the organization for the Coachella
Valley area.
C. Leon Overton raised the point of subsidizing cabs for
dial -a -ride service.
Chuck Schmitt stated that cabs could be used for those
that are able and have mobility from the chair to the
cab seat.
D. Don Kurz asked if the Commission is involved with bus
stop benches and shelters. Paul Blackwelder said that
this is something that transit operators and cities are
involved in.
10. Adjournment.
There being no other items to be considered, Chairman
Schmitt adjourned the meeting at 2:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Blackwelder
Assistant Director
nk
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6
1989 STIP PROPOSAL
FOR THE 1990-94 PROGRAMMING PERIOD
(Funds in Millions)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION YEAR MEASURE A STATE
RTE 86 AVE 82/RTE 195 92/93 $19.02 6
2 -LANE EXPRESSWAY
1 RTE 86 AVE 66/AVE 58 90/91 $20.61
9 4 -LANE EXPRESSWAY -DEMO
8 RTE 86 AVE 66/N. OF DILLON 90/91 $5.16
8 ROW ONLY -DEMO
RTE 86 AVE 58/N. OF DILLON 90/91 $19.18
STIP 4 -LANE EXPRESSWAY
RTE 91 OC/MAGNOLIA 90/91 $32.80
WIDEN
RTE 91 MAGNOLIA TO RTE 215 92/93 $3.79
RAMP METERS
RTE 91 TYLER/VAN BUREN 92/93 $1.14
AUXILIARY LANE
RTE 215 W JCT60/E JCT 60 93/94 $23.36
WIDEN
RTE 60 W. OF RIVERSIDE $10.46
MARKET TO I-215
RTE 60 VALLEY WAY TO IC 93/94 $10.81 **
WIDEN
1 RTE 215 W.JCT 60 TO 93/94 $0.00 ($15.28)#
9 SBCO LINE WIDEN
8 RTE 215 IC 90/91? $20.00 $15.28 #
9 ROW
RTE 60 215 IC TO REDLANDS 93/94 $9.72 $9.72 *
STIP WIDEN
RTE 79 GILMAN/WESTWARD RD 93/94 $7.64 $3.96 *
WIDEN
RTE 74 THROUGH PERRIS 93/94 $4.90 $0.00
WIDEN
LOCAL$= 4.9M
RTE 86 COMMITMENT ($29.07)
1987 STIP
TOTAL
$94.24 $94.24
RTE I-10 INTERCHANGE 93/94 (1)
@FILLMORE
(Place holder to allow Caltrans
to begin project development work)
# Funds to be shifted from I-215 IC to SB Co Line
to I-215 IC ROW
* Bid pot project(s) $28.96
** Approximate new commitment $10.81
Cost increase on I-215 Van Buren to Rte 60 $7.99
Addition of $4.72M to I-215 I.C. project $4.72
Total= $52.48
Available bidpot (capacity)= ($39.00)
Trade of Operational for Capacity to L.A.= ($4.90)
Additional funds required beyond bidpot= $8.58
Obtained from LACTC 3/14/89 $8.58