HomeMy Public PortalAbout15-9048 TO ACCEPT AND IMPLEMENT THE MDC TRANSIT OPA-LOCKA TRANSIT POLICY Sponsored by: The City Manager
RESOLUTION NO. 15-9048
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT AND IMPLEMENT THE
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TRANSIT OPA-LOCKA TRANSIT
POLICY; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF
RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
WHEREAS, The City of Opa-locka currently receives Federal and State
Transportation funding; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Miami-Dade
Transit require that all recipient municipalities implement a non-discrimination policy in
compliance with Tittle VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and
WHEREAS, attached is the City of Opa-locka policy, which the County has
already approved.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals to the preamble are hereby incorporated by reference.
Section 2. The City Commission hereby approves the attached non-discrimination
policy in compliance with the Civil Rights Act and authorizes the Manager to implement
said policy.
Section 3. This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 30th day of July, 2015.
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City of Opa-Locka
Agenda Cover Memo
Commission Meeting Date: July 14, 2015 Item Type: Resolution Ordinance Other
X
(EnterX in box)
Fiscal Impact: Ordinance Reading: lst Reading rd Reading
(Enter X in box) Yes No (Enter X in box)
X Public Hearing: Yes No Yes No
(Enter X in box) X X
Funding Source: (Enter Fund&Dept) Advertising Requirement: Yes No
(Enter Acct No.) FDOT Miami Dade (Enter X in box) X(Bus Shuttle
Transit Pick up and
return areas)
Contract/P.O.Required: Yes No RFP/RFQJBid#:N/A
(Enter X in box) X
Strategic Plan Related Yes . No Strategic Plan Priority Area Strategic Plan Obj./Strategy: (list the
(Enter X in box) X specific objective/strategy this item will address)
Enhance Organizational 0
Bus.&Economic Dev • Improve Safety and transportation for
Public Safety D our residents,business,stakeholders
Quality of Education 0 and visitors
Qual.of Life&City Image •
Communcation 0
Sponsor Name City Manager Department CIP CIP/Public Works &Finance
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA,FLORIDA,AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO ACCEPT AND IMPLEMENT THE MIAMI DADE COUNTY TRANSIT OPA-LOCKA TRANSIT POLICY FOR THE CITY OF
OPA-LOCKA AS REQUIRED BY THE FDOT FOR RECIPIENTS OF SATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING DOLLARS AND THAT SAID
POLICY WILL BE MADE PUBLIC ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE AS REQUIRED AND THAT ALL BANNERS,LOGOS AND
INFORAATTIONAL MATERIAL SHALL BE PLACED IN PUBLIC PLACES WHERE PEOPLE GATHER TO RIDE THE OPA-LOCKA
SHUTTLE AND THAT SAID POLICY MUST BE REVISED LEGISLATIVELY EVERY YEAR IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER AND
SUBMITED TO THE RESPECTIVE FUNDERS AS REQUIRED.
Short Title:
The City of Opa-locka's is in compliance and in accordance with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
legislation for sub-recipients of funding received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (ARRA)
Economic Stimulus Grant, `non-discriminatory use of Federal funds by recipients of PTA assistance including
their sub-recipients and contractors is prohibited. `In compliance with the PTA reporting requirements,the
Miami-Dade Transit Office of Civil Rights and Labor Relations(OCR/LR) is responsible for ensuring that each
participating municipality is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Specifically,the Title VI
Act of 1964 states, "No person in the United States shall,on the grounds of race,color or national origin,be
excluded from,participation in,or be denied the benefits of,or be subjected to discrimination under any program
or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Furthermore, federally supported transit services and related
benefits must be distributed in an equitable manner.This policy has been approved in its entirety by Miami Dade
County Manager of Civil Rights and Labor Relations.
Staff Swmwswy:
The City of Opa-locka has obtained approval for compliance under Federal Title VI Policy for 2015-2016
Staff recommends the adoption of the Resolution to authorize the City Manager to implement and revise policy yearly
Attmtunott
Attachments: TITLE VI POLICY APPROVED BY MIAMI DADE TRANSIT
Prepared by Delia Rosa Kennedy,Grant Administrator
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Memorandum
TO Mayor Myra L.Taylor
Vice-Mayor Timothy Homes
Commissioner Joseph L Kelley
Commissioner Luis B Santiago
Commissioner Terrence K Pinder
FROM - -. ,Sr.,City Manager
DATE: July 14,2015
RE: Implementation of Title VI Policy in accordance"Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964"as
mandated for entities receiving federal funding
Request: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA,AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT AND IMPLEMENT THE MIAMI DADE COUNTY TRANSIT OPA-LOCKA TRANSIT POLICY
FOR THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA AS REQUIRED BY THE FDOT FOR RECIPIENTS OF SATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING
DOLLARS AND THAT SAID POLICY WILL BE MADE PUBLIC ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE AS REQUIRED AND THAT ALL
BANNERS,LOGOS AND INFORAMTIONAL MATERIAL SHALL BE PLACED IN PUBLIC PLACES WHERE PEOPLE GATHER
TO RIDE THE OPA-LOCKA SHUTTLE AND THAT SAID POLICY MUST BE REVISED LEGISLATIVELY EVERY YEAR IN
THE MONTH OF OCTOBER AND SUBMITED TO THE RESPECTIVE FUNDERS AS REQUIRED
Description:The City of Opa-locka's is in compliance and in accordance with the Federal Transit Administration
(FTA)legislation for sub-recipients of funding received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan
(ARRA)Economic Stimulus Grant, `non-discriminatory use of Federal funds by recipients of FTA assistance including
their sub-recipients and contractors is prohibited. `In compliance with the FTA reporting requirements,the Miami-
Dade Transit Office of Civil Rights and Labor Relations(OCR/LR)is responsible for ensuring that each participating
municipality is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Specifically,the Title VI Act of 1964 states,
"No person in the United States shall,on the grounds of race,color or national origin,be excluded from,participation
in,or be denied the benefits of,or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal
financial assistance. Furthermore,federally supported transit services and related benefits must be distributed in an
equitable manner.This policy has been approved in its entirety by Miami Dade County Manager of Civil Rights and
Labor Relations.
Financial Impact: No Impact to the City
Implementation Timeline: Immediately
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Legislative History: N/A
Recommendation(s): Staff recommends approval, implementation and yearly update
Attachment(s): COPY OF THE TITLE VI POLICY
Prepared by Delia Rosa Kennedy,Grant Administrator
END OF MEMORANDUM
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Memorandum
TO: Mayor Myra L.Taylor
Vice-Mayor Timothy Homes
Commissioner Joseph L Kelley
Commissioner Luis B Santiago
Commissioner Terrence K Pinder
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FROM: Sr.,� , City Manager
DATE: July 14,2015
RE: Implementation of Title VI Policy in accordance"Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964"as
mandated for entities receiving federal funding
Request: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA,AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT AND IMPLEMENT THE MIAMI DADE COUNTY TRANSIT OPA-LOCKA TRANSIT POLICY
FOR THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA AS REQUIRED BY THE FDOT FOR RECIPIENTS OF SATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING
DOLLARS AND THAT SAID POLICY WILL BE MADE PUBLIC ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE AS REQUIRED AND THAT ALL
BANNERS,LOGOS AND INFORAMTIONAL MATERIAL SHALL BE PLACED IN PUBLIC PLACES WHERE PEOPLE GATHER
TO RIDE THE OPA-LOCKA SHUTTLE AND THAT SAID POLICY MUST BE REVISED LEGISLATIVELY EVERY YEAR IN
THE MONTH OF OCTOBER AND SUBMITED TO THE RESPECTIVE FUNDERS AS REQUIRED
Description:The City of Opa-locka's is in compliance and in accordance with the Federal Transit Administration
(FTA)legislation for sub-recipients of funding received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan
(ARRA)Economic Stimulus Grant,`non-discriminatory use of Federal funds by recipients of FTA assistance including
their sub-recipients and contractors is prohibited.`In compliance with the FTA reporting requirements,the Miami-
Dade Transit Office of Civil Rights and Labor Relations(OCR/LR) is responsible for ensuring that each participating
municipality is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Specifically,the Title VI Act of 1964 states,
"No person in the United States shall,on the grounds of race,color or national origin,be excluded from,participation
in,or be denied the benefits of,or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal
financial assistance. Furthermore,federally supported transit services and related benefits must be distributed in an
equitable manner.This policy has been approved in its entirety by Miami Dade County Manager of Civil Rights and
Labor Relations.
Financial Impact: No Impact to the City
Implementation Timeline: Immediately
Legislative History: N/A
Recommendation(s): Staff recommends approval,implementation and yearly update
Attachment(s): COPY OF THE TITLE VI POLICY
Prepared by: Delia Rosa Kennedy,Grant Administrator
END OF MEMORANDUM
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City
of Opa-locka Transit
System
OTS
TITLE VI
Program Plan
Effective July 1, 2015
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page I
City of Opa-locka Transit System
Title VI Program Plan
Prepared by:
Delia Rosa Kennedy, Grant Administrator
City of Opa-locka
3400 NW 135th Street, Building B
Opa-locka FL 33054
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 2
INTRODUCTION
OTS' Commitment to Civil Rights
This update of Opa-locka Transit System's Title VI Program has been prepared to ensure that
the level and quality of OTS' fixed route services are provided in a nondiscriminatory manner
and that the opportunity for full and fair participation is offered to OTS' riders and residents
alike. Additionally, through this program, OTS has examined the need for services and
materials for persons for whom English is not their primary language and who have a limited
ability to read, write, speak, or understand English.
While it is a matter of principle that OTS is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded
from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or subjects to discrimination in the receipt of
any of OTS services on the basis of race, color or national origin, the contents of this program
have been prepared in accordance with the Section of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
"Federal agencies are to examine the
services they provide, identify any need
for services to those with limited English
I
'proficiency, and develop and implement a
system to provide those services so LEP
!persons can have meaningful access to
them."
Executive Order 13166
OTS Title VI Program Plan
Page 3
Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and as a recipient of federal funding under the programs of
the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT),
HTS has an obligation to ensure that
• The benefits of its bus services are shared equitably throughout the service area;
• The level and quality of bus services are sufficient to provide equal access to all
riders in its service area;
• No one is precluded from participating in OTS service planning and
development process;
• Decisions regarding service changes are made without regard to race,color or
national origin and that development benefitting a community as a whole not be
unjustifiably done through the disproportionate allocation of its adverse
environmental and health burdens on the community's minority population;
and
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Notice to the Public
To make OTS riders aware of its commitment to Title VI compliance, and of their right to file a civil
rights compliant,OTS has presented the following language, in both English and Spanish,on decals
inside the buses and on its website: WWW.OPALOCKAFL.GOV
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 4
Your Civil Rights
z�sa-
—ate
OTS operates The Opa-locka Express service without regard to race, color, and national
origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Any person who believes they
have been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under the Title VI may file
a complaint with OTS. For more information on OTS'civil rights program and
procedures to file a complaint, please contact transit office by email to
OCarney @opalockafl.gov or call the office at 305-953-2868 and advised them that you
need assistance in obtaining more information on filling out a TITLE VI Complaint form.
Discrimination Complaint Procedures
OTS has established a process for riders to file a complaint under Title VI. Any person who believes that
she or he has been discriminated against on the basis of race,color, or national origin by OTS may file a
Title VI complaint by completing and submitting the agency's Title VI Complaint form(appendix A)
available on our website WWW.OPALOCKAFL.GOV. Download the form, fill it out completely and
print it. Mail the completed form to
Opa-locka Transit System
Title VI Complaint—OCarney @opalockafl.gov
3400 NW 135'Street, Building B, Opa-locka, FL 33054
OTS Title VI Program Plan
Page 5
Note: The City of Opa-locka encourages all complainants to send the complaint forms via certified mail
through the US Postal Service, to ensure that all written correspondence can be easily tracked.
The Complaint Procedure
The following procedures apply to complaints filed under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
relating to any program and/or activity administered by OTS, and/or contractors. Intimidation or
retaliation of any kind is prohibited by law.
These procedures do not deny the right of the complainant to file formal complaints with other State or
Federal agencies, or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination. These procedures
are part of an administrative process that does not provide for remedies that include punitive damages
or compensatory remuneration for the complainant.
OTS investigates complaints received no more than 30 days after the alleged incident. OTS will process
complaints that are complete. Once the complaint is received, OTS will review it and the complainant
will receive an acknowledgement letter(appendix B) informing them whether the complaint will be
investigated by OTS. OTS will then notify the Miami-Dade Transit(MDT)Office of Civil Rights and
Labor Relations Allison Aristide—manager of the complaint. (Allison @miamidade.gov) (786-469-
5473)
Every effort will be made to obtain early resolution of complaints at the lowest possible level. OTS has
up to 60 days to investigate the complaint. If more information is needed to resolve the case, OTS may
contact the complainant. The complainant has fifteen days from the date of the letter to send requested
information back to OTS. If the information is not received back from the complainant within the
fifteen days, OTS can administratively close the case. A case can be administratively closed also if the
complainant no longer wishes to pursue their case.
After the complaint is investigated and reviewed, one of two letters will be issued to the complainant: a
closure letter(appendix C) or a letter of finding(LOF) (appendix D). A closure letter summarizes the
allegations and states that there was not a Title VI violation and that the case will be closed.
A LOF summarizes the allegations and the interviews regarding the alleged incident, and explains
whether any disciplinary action, additional training of the staff member or other action will occur.
OTS Title VI Program Plan
Page 6
If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision, she or he has ten days after the date of the letter or the
LOF to do so.
A person may also file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration, at
Federal Transit Administration
Office of Civil Rights
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington,DC 20590
■
OTS Title VI Program Plan
Page 7
Title VI Complaint Form oQp/-L.ock4
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Active Complaints or Inquiries alleging Discrimination
HTS maintains a list of all complaints alleging discrimination. This list is maintained and stored
electronically.As of July 1, 2014 there are no Title VI complaints.
List of TITLE VI Investigations, Lawsuits and Complaints
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 8
OTS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN
Key Principles
Public Participation Plan(PPP) process is in place. Any changes that greatly affect the users will need
City Council approval. The time and date of these meetings are posted at City Hall in the lobby and are
also posted online in the city's webpage (www.opalockafl.gov). The residents may review the agenda
and participate in the meeting. The postings usually occur 4 days prior to the meeting. Also any
changes that affect will also be posted on the inside of the buses in English and Spanish.
• Potentially affected community members will have the appropriate opportunity to
express any concerns that they may have regarding the issue at hand.
• The concerns of the participants involved will be considered in the decision-making
process.
Through an open public process, OTS follows a public participation plan to provide for public
involvement efforts and enhance access to OTS transportation decision-making process by minority and
Limited English Proficient(LEP)populations.
Limited English Proficient(LEP)
LEP refers to persons for whom English is not their primary language and who have a
limited ability to read, write, speak,or understand English. It includes people who
reported to the U.S. Census that they speak English less that very well, not well,or not at
all.
OTS will use its Public Participation Plan when considering fare changes,modifications to routes and
schedules when
• A fare increase or significant change in the method of fare payment is being considered;
• A new route is established;
• An existing route is proposed for elimination;
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 9
• Considering the total discontinuance of service on any line or group of lines on any
given day when service is currently offered;
• Any system-wide change in service hours that exceeds 10%of current total service
hours;
• Routing on any given route or routes that affect more than 25%of the riders using the
affected route(s).
OTS' Public Participation Process
Outreach Efforts—Alerting Riders
OTS'PPP maintains the traditional elements to the outreach program such as seat-drop flyers,driver
issued surveys, and by posters and notices on the buses. While there may be minor variations in the
outreach process from time-to-time,the outline below provides the general steps for engaging riders in
the decision-making process using a fare change as an example;
1. A fare change proposal is developed internally or as a result of public comment;
2. If required,approval from the City Council is sought to proceed to a public comment
hearing;
3. Public meetings(City Council)are posted at City Hall in the lobby board and posted
online in the city's webpage (www.opalockafl.gov)usually 4 days prior.
4. Bilingual(English&Spanish) public outreach is available;
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 10
EXAMPLE OF FARE INCREASE NOTICE PLACED INSIDE BUS:
1
s
LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE PLAN
Improving Access for People with Limited English Proficiency
In order to ensure meaningful access to programs and activities, OTS uses the information obtained in a
Four Factor Analysis to determine the specific language services that are appropriate. This analysis
helps OTS to determine if it communicates effectively with LEP persons and informs language access
planning.
The Four Factor Analysis is a local assessment that considers:
1. The number or proportion of LEP persons eligible to be served of likely to be
encountered by OTS;
2. The frequency with which LEP persons come into contact with OTS services;
3. The nature and importance of OTS'services in people's lives;and
4. The resources available to OTS for LEP outreach, as well as cost associated with that
outreach.
Pa
OTS Title VI Program Plan se 1 I
Factor 1 — Number of LEP Persons on Service Region
The first step in determining the appropriate components of a Language Assistance Plan is
understanding the proportion of LEP persons who may encounter OTS service,their literacy skills in
English and their native language,the location of their community and neighborhoods and,more
importantly, if any are underserved as a result of a language barrier.
City of Opa-locks. Overview
Our transportation efforts, although not enough currently serve the City of Opa-locka, located 10 miles
north of downtown Miami, in Miami-Dade County, Florida, is 4.265 square miles and is home to
15,623 residents representing a highly vulnerable population. The target community consists of
individuals and families with small children living below the poverty line, elderly in poverty, a
population that is predominantly minority, with high levels of unemployment, under-educated, living
in substandard housing within substandard community infrastructures,battered by seasonal storms and
devastated by declared disasters, living with the daily consequences of the high crime rate, who are
blighted by environmental justice concern due to their disproportionate risk of health issues stemming
from exposure to contaminants from the proximity of their neighborhoods to Brownfield. In 2010 the
City violent crime rate in Opa-locka was higher than the violent crime rate in Florida by 354.3% and
the City property crime rate was higher than the property crime rate in Florida by 92.8%. The city
violent crime rate for Opa-locka in 2010 was higher than the national violent crime rate average by
510.41% and the City property crime rate was higher than the national property crime rate average by
133.21%(2010 Crime Rate Index).
The population is diverse with the percentage of foreign born individuals at a rate of almost 3 times
the national percentage. The target population is in great need of greater opportunities for educational
advancement.The population has a marked disparity in educational obtainment with 25.81%of citizens
not completing high school in comparison to the state and national average of 15%. Health disparities
are often linked to school performance with a direct correlation between school attendance levels and
academic success.
Lack of a high school diploma exacerbates generational poverty and unemployment.Though the lack
of education and skills training as well as the types of industry in the area contribute to a lack of job
opportunities, the blight of the community contributes to lack of development and economic
stimulation. Of those employed, 16% are employed in low paying retail jobs. (American Community
Survey 2006-2010).
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 12
The community has seven elementary schools with over 3,028 children, pre-kindergarten to fifth grade
level, traveling to and from school each day.The free and reduced lunch eligible children make up 98%
of this population, indicating their extreme poverty. All seven of these schools enroll 100% minority
(Black and Hispanic). The reading achievement scores for all of the students in these schools falls far
below the state average, many by over 50%. (Source: Florida Department of Education, 2012-2013,
retrieved from www.FLDOE.org
Factor 2 —Frequency of LEP Use
There are places where OTS riders of the LEP population can come into contact with OTS service such
as fixed route buses and informational calls to customer service. It is important for OTS to ensure that
the following points of contact are covered in English and Spanish:
• The use of the bus service;
• Communication with OTS customer service staff;
• Bus pass sales
• Printed outreach materials—ex:Brochures
• Web-based materials
• Meetings—City Council meetings
• Service related posters—notices inside buses
Factor 3 — The Importance of OTS Service to People's Lives
Access to the services provided by OTS'fixed route is critical to the many people in the area. Many
depend on OTS'fixed route services for access to jobs and for access to essential community services,
shopping and medical appointments. Riders eligible for service under the American's with Disabilities
Act(ADA) require service for the same reasons. Because of the essential nature of the services and the
importance of these to the many residents in the area,there is a need to ensure that language is not a
barrier to access.
In the passenger survey(above),many of them responded to using the buses for multiple reasons. The
percentages given is based on just the number of each individual reason for using the bus by the total
number of respondents, 96 (%) reported depending on the service for work related transportation,
41(%)reported using the service for school, 75(%)reported using the service for health care, 58(%)
reported using the service for shopping—all essential trip purposes.
OTS Title VI Program Plan
Page 13
Factor 4 — Resources and Costs for LEP Outreach
OTS is committed to providing resources to improve access to its services for LEP persons. Today,
bilingual information(English/Spanish) is distributed in several different manners including:
• The inside of the Shuttles
• On each pick up point of route
• Will be posted on our web site in English and Spanish
• Brochures are placed in the City Hall Main Entrance
DECISION MAKING BODIES
Non-Elected Committees and Councils
The City of Opa-locka does not have a non-elected committee and/or council or any advisory board
regarding this policy of services
OTS Title VI Program Plan
Page 14
SERVICE STANDARDS and POLICIES
Vehicle Capacity
Vehicle Headway(Frequency)
The shuttle buses operate on weekdays, and Saturdays between hours of 6am and 7pm except
holiday(s) within the City and connect residents to the Tri Rail station as well as to MDT bus stops. The
shuttle services allow residents to connect to areas of work and school outside of the City. It helps local
and regional mobility significantly. Our City Commission advised us for the north route extension along
NW 151St Street from NW 27th Avenue to NW 371h Avenue. Currently NW 151 Street has shuttle bus
services for the commercial area from NW 22 Avenue to NW 27 Avenue but no services for the
residential areas between NW 27 Avenue and NW 37th Avenue. The southbound shuttle bus on NW
27th Avenue makes left on NW 151 Street goes towards NW 22nd Avenue.
We are requesting if the southbound shuttle bus can make right turn on NW 151 Street and
extend services between NW 27 Avenue and NW 37 Avenue by routing through NW 37 Avenue, Sultan
Avenue, Curtis Drive and then back to NW 151 Street towards 22nd Avenue as shown on the attached
exhibit-01. This will require about 10 minutes travel time adjustment and will not require any
additional bus if this time can be adjusted on the schedule.The schedule for the route on the east side of
NW 27th Avenue can be adjusted as it serves only the commercial area. The proposed route extension
will help the residential community between NW 27 Avenue and NW 37 Avenue. NW 151 Street is the
city limit and the route extension will provide services to the Miami Gardens resident on the north side
and Opa-locka residents on the south side. It will enhance the shuttle services popularity and will
increase the total ridership.
The shuttle buses through grant funding Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) operate on
weekdays between hours of 6am and 7pm except holiday(s) within the City and connect residents to the
Tri Rail station, MDT bus stops, Flea Market, Miami-Dade College and other key areas. The current
agreement with the Limousines of South Florida (LSF) does allow LSF to a minimum of thirteen (13)
hours operation per day for 5 (five) days a week.The amendment will allow LSF to extend their services
for Saturday per the attached schedule and route map.
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 15
CONTACT
For additional information on the OTS Title VI Plan please contact;
Owen Carney
Opa-locks.Transit System
3400 NW 135t"Street,Building B
Opa-locka, Florida 33054
Tel: (305) 953-2868
Email:ocarney @opalockafl.gov
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 16
Appendix
Complaint Form
Opa-locks.Transit System
Title VI Non-Discrimination Program
Complaint of Discrimination
Complainant(s)Name: Complainant(s)Address:
Nombre(s)de(los)Reclamante(s): Direccion de(los)Reclamante(s):
Complainant(s)Phone Number:
Numero de telefono de(los)Reclamante(s):
Complainant's Representative's Name,Address,Phone Number and Relationship(e.g.friend,attorney,parent,etc);
Nombre del representante del Reclamante,direction,telefono y relacion(por ejemplo amigo,abogado,padres,etc);
Name and Address of Agency,Institution,or Department Whom You Allege Discriminated Against You;
Nombre y Direccion de la agencia,institution o departamento que usted alega discrimino en su contra;
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 17
Names of the individual(s)Whom You Allege Discriminated Against You(if known);
Nombre(s)de(los)individuo(s)que usted allege discriminaron en su contra(silo sabe);
I believe the discrimination I o Race Raza Date of Alleged Discrimination:
experienced was based on Fecha de la Supuesta discriminacion:
(check all that apply): o ColorColor
Creo que la discriminacion que yo
experimente fue basado en o National Origin
(marquee todos los que apliquen): Origen Nacional
Mail to Envie por correo a Opa-locka Transit System 3400 NW 135th Street Building B Opa-locka FL 33054
Ocarney @opalocokafl.gov This form may also be faxed to Este formulario tambien se puede enviar por fax a 305-953-2900
Attn:Owen Carney
A complaint must be filed no later than 30 days after the date of the alleged discrimination.
Toda queja tiene que ser reportada dentro de los 30 dias siguientes al incidente de alegada discriminacion.
OTS Title VI Program Plan
Page 18
Opa-locka Transit System
Title VI Non-Discrimination Program
Complaint of Discrimination
Please list the name(s)and phone number(s)of any person,if known,that Opa-locka Transit System could contact for
additional information to support or clarify your allegation(s).
Por favor enumere el(los)nombre(s)y telefono(s)de cualquer persona,si sabe,que el Transporte de Opa-locka podria
contactar para obtener informacion adicional para respaldar o aclarar lo que usted alega
Please explain as clearly as possible how,why,when and where you believe you were discriminated against. Include as much
background information as possible about the alleged acts of discrimination.Additional pages may be attached if needed.
Por favor explique to mss claramente posible como,porque,cuando y donde cree usted que discriminaron en su contra.
Incluya la mayor cantidad de informacion de segundo piano posible acerca de los supuestos actos de discriminacion.Puede
agregar paginas adicionales si es necesario.
Complainant(s)or Complainant(s)Representatives Signature: Date of Signature:
Firma de(los)Reclamante(s)o de los representates de(los)Reclamante(s), Fecha de la Firma,
OTS Title VI Program Plan
Page 19
Appendix
Letter Acknowledging Receipt of Complaint
p F
Letter Acknowledging Receipt of Complaint
Date
Complainant's Name
Complainant's Address
Dear(Mr/Ms):
This letter is to acknowledge that a complaint has been received from you alleging
An investigation will begin shortly. If you have additional information you wish to convey or questions
concerning this matter, please contact me at 305-953-2868
Owen Carney, Coordinator
City of Opa-locka Transit
3400 NW 135th Street,Building B
Opa-locka, FL 33054
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 20
Appendix
Letter Notifying Complainant that the complaint is Substantiated
I.
City letter head
Date
Complainant's Name
Complainant's Address
Dear(Mr/Ms):
The matter reference in your letter dated against the Opa-locka Transit System alleging
of a Title VI violation has been investigated.
The violation of the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 mentioned in your letter was identified.
Corrective action of this deficiency(s) is being implemented to ensure that this issue does not arise again.
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
Sincerely,
Owen Carney,Coordinator
Opa-locka Transit System
3400 NW 135'"Street Building B
Opa-locka, FL 33054
OTS Title V1 Program Plan Page 21
Appendix
Letter Notifying Complainant that the Complaint is Not Substantiated
Date
Complainant's Name
Complainant's Address
Dear(Mr/Ms):
The matter referenced in your complaint dated against the Opa-locka Transit System alleging
has been investigated.
The results of the investigation did not validate that there was any violation of the Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964. As you know,Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race,color or national
origin in any program receiving federal financial assistance.
The city's attorney has reviewed and analyzed the materials and facts pertaining to your case for
evidence that a violation to any of the civil rights laws as occurred. There was no evidence found to
substantiate your complaint and we are closing this matter in our files.
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 22
You have the right to appeal within ten days of receipt of this final written decision and/or file the
complaint directly with the FTA Federal Transit Administration at:
Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights
Attn:Title VI Program Coordinator
East Building, 5th Floor—TCR
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
Thank you for taking the time to contact us. If we can be of further assistance please contact us.
Sincerely,
Owen Carney, Supervisor
City of Opa-locka Transit System
3400 NW 135th Street Building B
Opa-locka Florida 33054
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 23
Appendix
Opa-locka History and Demographics
The City of Opa-locka is a small community, located 10 miles north of downtown Miami in Miami-Dade County,
Florida,and is 4.2 square miles and is home to 15,967(census 2013)residents.The target community represents a
highly vulnerable multi-cultural population of 97% Black and Hispanic that includes: individuals, elderly, and
families with small children and women head of households with children living below the poverty line. Opa-
locka has high levels of unemployment, under-educated citizens living in poor housing within substandard
community infrastructures, battered by seasonal storms and devastated by declared disasters. The community is
plagued daily with the consequences of violent crime rates. For twenty years Opa-locka has been leading the state
in most violent crimes and in 2003/2004, the FBI ranked Opa-locka the most dangerous City in America relative
to size. In 2010, the City violent crime rate in Opa-locka was higher than the violent crime rate in Florida by
354.3% and in the US by 510.41%. The City property crime rate was higher than the property crime rate in
Florida by 92.8%and in the US by 133.21% (2010 Crime Rate Index).Opa-locka was founded by aviation pioneer
Glenn Curtiss in 1926 in connection with the development of a general aviation airfield, and a naval base was
opened at the Opa-locka airport after the 1926 hurricane.In 1937,Amelia Earhart departed on her ill-fated flight
from Opa-locka (now called Miami Opa-locka Airport). With the naval base in operation and the airfield acting
as part of the US Navy Training Command during World War II, Opa-locka initially attracted middle class
population looking to buy homes. When the Naval base closed in the 1950s, many of the white residents moved
out. Working class black residents employed by the rail companies moved in, and by the 1980s, the City had a
predominately minority population which remains today at 97%.
In the 1987, a nine-block part of the City repeatedly made the headlines with its abbreviated nickname, "The
Triangle."The area was so overrun with crime and cocaine that the City's public works department blocked all but
one of its entrances with metallic, security barriers. The area was then hot with heroin; the cocaine trade that
developed in the'80s was violent and pervasive.
The city finally removed barriers from the Triangle in 2012.The neighborhood was renamed"Magnolia North"as
part of a rebranding effort to bring about the first visible change beginning with GOB Funding to Restore Old City
Hall,CDBG Funding to demolish and rebuild Helen Miller at Segal park Community Center and many other CDBG
funding for infrastructure and pump station projects.
However,despite the current potential for growth and revitalization,Opa-locka has many challenges to overcome.
Threads of corruption and crime still taunt a City who is desperate for change The City is blighted by scrap yards
whose inventories of metals are piled as high as to the sky. Additionally,business owners have been plagued with
Cairo Lane 135th Street and 127th Street which was once an abandoned landfill(Minton's),recently caught on fire
burning over a hundred cars, tires and automotive paraphernalia that warranted the service of 75+ fire fighters
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 24
and over 120,000 gallons of water to get under control. Firefighters main concern was access, as the conditions
were deplorable to maneuver equipment to the engulfed flames (Local 10 News Miami September 29, 2014).
Mixed fluids and contaminants filtrated back onto the land and into surface and groundwater sources. Our
geographic footprint, within Miami-Dade County, has been ranked by the Department of Environmental
Protection and the State of Florida at 100th percentile for the dirtiest/worst counties for clean water with impaired
or threatened uses of surface waters and water bodies (scorecard.goodguide.com). Due to the City's small
geographic size,the target area is community-wide;within the city boundaries.The target vulnerable populations,
our elderly, pregnant women and children, and female single head of households with children reside within
crime-ridden areas interspersed among recycling businesses and within a dilapidated and dangerous
infrastructure. Industrial property uses account for more than 34%of the City's land. In 2011,vacant land of any
type (commercial,residential,etc.)composed 22.63%of the City's area.The industry in Opa-locka is dominated by
engine suppliers and repair shops for cars, boats and airplanes. The City is also a center for junkyard and
recycling businesses. Active CSX freight train tracks run through the Opa-locka dividing neighborhoods,
frequently ceasing the flow of traffic and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.Additionally, when the trains
block traffic, it represents significant health and safety concerns do the community residents as it restricts access
for medial and police personnel. Brownfield sites within our community have been identified as 67 sites having
contamination issues from hazardous and/or petroleum substances. Brownfield properties within our community
include old dry cleaner sites, landfills, former military properties, gas stations, properties with illicit dumping, as
well as drug-related activities such as Meth Labs. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
Petroleum database (2014) indicates 29 properties with active or pending petroleum cleanup. Five sites are listed
in the Superfund database as having prior cleanup activities. Last October, the State of Florida Department of
Environmental Protection Clean Water State Revolving Fund awarded a priority funding in excess of$40 million
to the City of Opa-locka which has made the national headlines.Using CDBG Funding also as leverage for funded
needed and not part of the State Revolving such as the renovation and rehabilitation of the Opa-locka Community
Care and Resource Center.This will be the most ambitious and project of this magnitude in the City's 89 year old
history.
Demographic Information
The major disparities facing this community(target area) are poverty levels, minority isolation,reduced
educational opportunities,low employment rates and an unhealthy environment.The population of the
City in 2013 was 15,967, an increase of 6.8% from the 2000 population of 14,951US Census
Bureau).Over the next 20 years,the population in Opa-locka is expected to grow 11%with an
estimated population of 16,817 by 2030 (Shimberg Center,Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse, 2013).
City of Opa-
Table 1.Demographic Information County State National
locka
Population 15,219 2,496,435 18,801,310 308,745,538
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 25
Population born outside of the United States 34.3% 51.2% 19.3% 12.9%
Poverty Rate 31.85% 27.30% 13.80% 13.80%
Percent Minority 72.3% 26.2% 25% 27.6%
Median Household Income $20,379 $44,299 $47,661 $51,914
Percent Not in Workforce 48.5% 37.1% 39.3% 35.3%
Families below Poverty Level 37.6% 15.7% 11.4% 10.9%
Persons under 5 9.3% 5.9% 5.7% 6.3%
Female Head of Household with Children
24.5% 9.% 7.1% 7.2%
under 18
65 Years+Below Poverty Level 40.0% 21.7% 10.1% 9.4%
Unemployment 13.51% 8.9% 8.9% 7.9%
Food Stamps Benefits 48.2% 20.2% 11.7% 11.4%
High School Graduate or Higher 60.4% 78% 85.8% 85.7%
Language other than English spoken at
45.9% 72.3% 27.3% 20.5%
home
2008-2013 American Community Survey,5-Year Estimates;available at http://factfinder2census.gov.
The population is culturally diverse with the percentage of foreign-born individuals at a rate of almost three times
the national percentage.The minority population is about three times greater than the county,state,and national
average.The major racial groups in the community consist of African American(64.2%),Hispanic(36.16%),and
Caucasian(23%).Within this multi-cultural community,subgroups include Cubans(34.53%),Puerto Ricans
(11.67%),and other Hispanic or Latino groups representing Dominican Republic.Central and South America,
West Indies and Spain(35.67%).
OTS Title VI Program Plan Page 26