HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet 03/19/1997 *PUBOc RE
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ATASCADERO CITY COUNCIL f®m center
SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 19, 1997
CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
6500 PALMA AVENUE, 4T"FLOOR ROTUNDA RO M
6:40 P:IVI.
' 9
George Harold Ray Jerry Ken
Luna Carden Johnson Clay Lerno
This;agenda is prepared and posted pursuant to the requirements f Government
code Section 54954.2. By listing a topic on this agenda, the City Council ha expressed its
intent to discuss and act on each item. In addition to any action identified in tt,e brief general
description of each item, the action that may be taken shag include A refers to staff with
specific requests for information; continuance;specific direction to staff concer 7ing the policy
or mission of the item; discontinuance of consideration authorization to enter into
negotiations and execute agreements pertaining to the item; adoption or pproval; and,
disapproval.
Copies of the staff reports or other documentation relating to each ii of business
referred to on the agenda are on file in the office of the City Clerk (Room 2)81 and iw'the
Information Office(Room 1031, available for public inspection during City Hall I usiness hours.
The City Clerk will answer any questions regarding the agenda.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,if you need spi cial assistance
to participate in a City meeting or other services offered by this City, please contact the City
Is Manager's Office, (805) 461-5010, or the City Clerk's Office, (805) 461-507 . Notificatian
at least 48 hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will ssist the City
staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be,made to provide acce sibility to the
meeting or service.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL COMMENTS
COMMUNITY FORUM
BUSINESS ITEMS:
1. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - January 14, 1997
(City Clerk's recommendation: Approve) o
' I
2. PUBLIC WORKSHOP: ATASCADERO TRANSIT SERVICE
' s
A. Municipal Transit Service Overview/Briefing [Brady Cherry
(Staff recommendation: Review& approve modified proposed Short-Range
Transit Plan. Direct staff to pursue the development of animp/ementation
plan for Fixed Route Service in addition to Dial-A-Ride Service)
B. Presentation of Short-Range Transit Plan [Paul Jewel, Nel*onfNygaard,
Transit Consultants]; !
4
(Staff recommendation: See above)
C. Public Comment
RULES OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
The City Council welcomes and encourages your ideas and
comments as a citizen. To increase the effectiveness of your
participation, please familiarize yourself with the following rules of
decorum:
O Members of the audience may speak on any item on the agenda, in the order
the item(s) are addressedby the Council, as directed by the Mayor. Items not
on the agenda should be submitted during the Community Forum period (see
below).
O Persons wishing to speak should step to the podium and state their name and
address, for the official record.
O All remarks shall be addressed to Council, as a whole, and not to any individual
member:thereof.
O 'No person shall be permitted to make slanderous, profane or personal remarks
against any elected official, commissions and staff.
O A person may speak for five (5) minutes.
O No one may speak for a second time until ever
y p t gone wishing to speak has had
an opportunity to do so, and no one may speak more than twice on any item.
O Council Members may question any speaker; the speaker may respond but,
after the allotted time has expired, may not initiate further discussion.
O The floor will then be closed to public 'participation and open for Council
discussion.
COMMUNITY FORUM:
O The Community Forum period is provided to receive comments from the public
on matters other than scheduled agenda items.'
O A maximum of 30 minutes will be allowed for Community Forum, unless
Council authorizes an extension.
O State law does not,allow the Council to take action on issues not on the
agenda;staff`may be asked to follow up on such items.
Agenda Item: 1
Meeting Date: 3/19/97
ATASCADERO CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 14, 1997
MINUTES
6:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Names of Cases: City of Atascadero v. Travis Development Corp. (SLO Co. Superior Court
074910) and Schumann v. City of Atascadero (SLO Co. Superior Court CV078601)
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Title: Interim City Manager - Discussion of salary ranges for search for interim replace-
ment (G.C. Section 54957)
The Closed Session adjourned at 7:00 p.m. For the record, guidance was given in
closed session to the Deputy City Attorney concerning the City's case against Travis Dev-
elopment, guidance was given to Scott Baker of Wyatt & Baker concerning the upcoming
settlement conference on the Schumann case, and direction was given to City Manager
Andy Takata concerning the maximum salary range for an interim city manager
replacement.
7:00 P.M. - REGULAR SESSION:
Mayor Johnson called the Regular Session to order at 7:05 p.m. and Councilman Carden
led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmembers Carden, Clay, Lerno, Luna and Mayor Johnson
Absent: None
Others Present: Marcia M. Torgerson, City Clerk; Rudy Hernandez, City Treasurer
Staff Present: Andy Takata, City Manager; Brady Cherry, Community Services
Director; Roy Hanley, Deputy City Attorney; Steve DeCamp, Acting
Community Development Director; Lt. Bill Watton, Acting Chief of
Police; Cindy Holton, Deputy City Clerk
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilman Clay noted that he toured the Police Department and has areas of concern
about income for the City. He has discussed with Acting Chief Watton the possibility of
the APD and the SLO County Sheriff sharing one another's facilities. Chief Watton
indicated that he has not made formal contact concerning an overall agreement, but has
discussed a holding cell agreement. Preliminary work needs to be done to determine the
space needs of the Sheriffs Department. Councilman Clay conveyed that he discussed
with Andy Takata the possibility of renting out any vacant space in the Administration
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Page 1
Building. Andy noted that he is reviewing with Steve DeCamp the space needs of the
Community Development Dept. (CDD) so as to possibly accommodate any available space
rental by outside users. The CDD is considering a possible move to the 1St Floor.
Councilman Clay expressed concern about water leaks from the roof of the Admin. Bldg.
Andy Takata said that basically a patchwork approach has been ongoing. Brady Cherry
added that a roof assessment was done about 1 %2 years ago and bids were received. The
installation of outside Christmas lights might have caused some damage due to the number
of persons walking on the roof. Brady indicated he will prepare an updated assessment in
order to determine cost estimates for re-roof or patch.
Councilman Clay asked to move item C-3 on tonight's agenda forward. Council consensus
was to change the order and consider this item first under Regular Business.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Lindsay Hampton, 8402 Alta Vista, announced the latest publicity efforts of the Charles
Paddock. She displayed promotional signs which have been placed in 40 CCAT buses
throughout the county as part of the Youth Freedom Pass Program, which began in
December, for children, Grades 1-12. The bus pass is $15 dollars and includes coupons,
one of which is discounted admission to the zoo. She noted that Route 9 makes 3 stops
per day at the zoo on Saturdays. The cost to the zoo for this promotion was $150 for six
months.
A. CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - November 26, 1996
(City Clerk's recommendation: Approve)
2. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - November 20, 1996 (Special Meeting) (cont'd from
12/10/96)
(City Clerk's recommendation: Approve)
3. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - July, 1996
(City Treasurer's recommendation: Approve)
4. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - August, 1996
(City Treasurer's recommendation: Approve)
5. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - September, 1996
(City Treasurer's recommendation: Approve)
6. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - October, 1996
(City Treasurer's recommendation: Approve)
7. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - November, 1996
(City Treasurer's recommendation: Approve)
8. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - December, 1996
(City Treasurer's recommendation: Approve)
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9. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 96014, 6600 LOMITAS ROAD - Consideration to
subdivide one lot of 8.00 acres into two (2) lots of 3.00 and 4.46 net acres each for
single family residential use (Graves/Sholders)
(Planning Commission/Staff recommendation: Approve)
10. FINAL TRACT MAP 96003, 7350 MORRO RD. - Consideration to subdivide one (1)
lot containing 0.7 acres into five (5) parcels ranging in size from 4,458 sq. ft. to
8,500 sq. ft. (Gearhart/Cannon Associates)
(Staff recommendation: Approve)
11. RESOLUTION NO. 03-97 - Designating a no parking zone on San Andres Ave. at
Cristobal Ave.
(Traffic Committee recommendation: Adopt)
12. RESOLUTION NO. 05-97 - Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the
City of Atascadero and the Atascadero Sergeants Service Organization
(Staff recommendation: Adopt)
13. RESOLUTION NO. 06-97 - Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the
City of Atascadero and the Atascadero Police Officers Association
(Staff recommendation: Adopt)
14. RESOLUTION NO. 07-97 - Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the
City of Atascadero and the Atascadero Public Safety Technicians Organization
(Staff recommendation: Adopt)
Mayor Johnson announced that new Councilmembers Clay and Lerno will abstain from
voting on Item A-2, since they were not on the Council at that meeting. Items A-9 and A-
10 will be pulled for separate discussion. Mr. Takata announced that Item A-8, although
listed, is not a part of the agenda packet and is continued.
Motion: By Councilman Luna, seconded by Councilman Carden to approve
Items A-1 through 7 and A-1 1-14. Motion passed unanimously by
roll-call vote, with Councilmen Clay and Lerno abstaining from the
vote on Item A-2.
Re: Item A-9: Councilman Luna stated that he cannot support approval of this item due to
concerns about the proximity to the creek, the flag lot and its steepness and would prefer
it come back for a public hearing. Councilman Clay had a question of staff concerning the
location of the access road to the lot, to which Mr. DeCamp responded.
Motion: By Councilman Carden, seconded by Councilman Clay to approve Item
A-9, TPM 96014. Motion passed by 3:1 roll-call, with Councilman
Luna opposed and Councilman Lerno abstaining from the vote due to
possible conflict of interest.
Re: Item A-10: There was no discussion on this item.
Motion: By Councilman Carden, seconded by Councilman Luna to approve
Item A-10, Final Tract Map 96003. Motion passed by 3:0 roll-ca/1
vote, with Councilman Clay and Lerno abstaining from the vote due to
possible conflict of interest.
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B. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. RESOLUTION NO. 102-96 - Summarily vacating a portion of Ardilla Road pursuant
to Streets & Highways Code, Part 3, Public Streets, Highways and Service
Easements Vacation Law; Chapter 4, Summary Vacation (RS #96001 : Shores)
(Planning Commission/Staff recommendation: Adopt)
Steve DeCamp, Acting Community Development Director, provided the staff report and
responded to questions from Council. There was no public comment.
Motion: By Councilman Carden, seconded by Councilman Clay to adopt
Resolution No. 102-96. Motion passed by 4:0 roll-call vote, with
Councilman Lerno abstaining from the vote due to possible conflict of
interest.
C. REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. RESOLUTION NO. 01-97 - Approving a Lease Agreement between the City of
Atascadero and Spotlight Ministries for use of the Youth Center on Friday nights for
a drop-in teen program
(Parks & Recreation Commission recommendation: Adopt)
Mayor Johnson reiterated that this item was moved up on the agenda by Council
consensus, by request of Councilman Clay (see Council comments, above).
Brady Cherry, Community Services Director, provided staff report and responded to
questions from Council. In addition to the written report, Brady noted that staff does have
concerns about the fact that the subject building is an unreinforced masonry structure and
suggested that, at some point, an ad hoc committee make a determination of appropriate
use of the building in its present condition.
Councilman Luna suggested that staff be apprised by the Fire Department of an emergency
strategy, which should be passed along to those in charge of the program.
Public Comment
DeLinda Madero, Coordinator for Spotlight Ministries, commented on the merits of the
program and how it came about. She noted that over 5,000 kids (ages 8-16) came during
the 40 weeks they operated last year. The goals of the program are: 1) Give the kids a
fun, safe place to hang out; 2) get the churches, clubs and merchants to support it so the
program lasts; 3) to make a difference in Atascadero.
Tricia Gibbons, an Atascadero Jr. High student, spoke in support of the program.
Jonathon Rogers, an 1 1-year-old San Gabriel Rd. School student, spoke in support of the
program.
Heidi Sizemore, an Atascadero High School student and a dance director in the youth
program, spoke in support of the program.
Rush Kolemaine, Box 1990, inquired about liability insurance requirements, to which Brady
Cherry responded. He indicated that the City is insured on the building, but Spotlight
Ministries is required to provide a certificate of insurance as well. Roy Hanley added that
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• an insurance certificate is a requirement of the lease. Mr. Kolemaine also asked if there are
any restrictions as to participants' race, religion or national origin, to which Ms. Madero
responded that there are none.
Motion: By Councilman Carden, seconded by Councilman Luna to adopt
Resolution No. 01-97. Motion passed by unanimous ro/%ca// vote.
a-: 2. S.L.O. COUNTY ECONOMIC VITALITY CORPORATION - Presentation by Gregg
Goodwin, President/CEO
A. Resolution No. 08-97 - Resolution in support of the Economic Vitality
Corporation of San Luis Obispo County (Joint cities/county resolution)
(Staff recommendation: Approve)
B. Appointment of Council representative to EVC Board of Directors
(Staff recommendation: Select Council appointee)
City Manager Andy Takata summarized the EVC proposal.
Gregg Goodwin, President and CEO of the EVC, asked that the City join the cities of Paso
Robles and Grover Beach in becoming a public member of the EVC. He added that the
proposal goes before the City and County of San Luis Obispo on January 21st. An
orientation is planned for January 24`h, when they hope to have the appointed represen-
tatives of five units of local government (the afore-mentioned and Atascadero) represented
on the EVC Board of Directors. The term is one year, to be reassigned annually. He
. responded to questions from the Council and lengthy discussion ensued. Mr. Takata noted
that the issue of authorizing a contract with the EVC and any expenditure of funds related
to those services will come to the Council for consideration at a future date. Mr. Goodwin
added that appointing a City representative to the EVC Board does not in any way obligate
the City to expend funds to the program.
Public Comment
Rush Kolemaine, Bob 1990, Atas., expressed concern about any economic development
effort the City engages in which might delay the development of that capability within City
government. To the extent that the EVC can serve the needs of the City, he would
encourage the Council's support of this effort. He urged that the Council representative
appointed to the EVC Board to look out for the people of Atascadero.
Eric Greening, 7365 Valle, hopes the Council does not make a decision that would tie the
City's hands in terms of long-term commitment of CDBG funds. He expressed support for
the regional planning approach.
Mike Molina, Chamber of Commerce President, expressed support for the proposed
concept. He encouraged the Council to fully utilize this plan by having someone local, as
well, looking out for the economic vitality of Atascadero.
Motion: By Councilman Carden, seconded by Councilman Lerno to adopt
Resolution No. 08-97. Motion passed by unanimous roll-call vote.
Councilman Carden recommended that, as Mayor and the City's
representative to the Economic Round Table, Ray Johnson be
• appointed to the EVC. Mayor Johnson indicated he would accept that
appointment. Council consensus was to appoint Mayor Johnson to
the EVC Board.
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Mr. Goodwin noted that Mr. Molina's comments are well taken. He conveyed that it is
imperative for the EVC to work with the representatives of Atascadero, and it has been
their intent all along to work cooperatively and collaboratively with the Chamber and other
such organizations.
2L. 3. RESOLUTION NO. 04-97 - Requesting the Local Agency Formation Commission to
take proceedings for the annexation of territory to the City of Atascadero desig-
nated as the "Southeast Atascadero Public Lands Annexation"
(Staff recommendation: Adopt)
Steve DeCamp, Acting Community Development Director, provided the staff report. He
noted that most of the major questions that may be raised about this annexation will be
answered during public hearings required by LAFCO. He responded to questions from
Council and related discussion ensued.
Public Comment
Eric Greening, 7365 Valle, commented that he tends to favor the annexation, however the
staff report does not discuss the costs of the City's participation in things if we had a
higher population. He encouraged that both sides of the issues (revenues as well as costs)
be prepared for discussion when this item comes back to the Council for public hearing.
Motion: By Councilman Luna, seconded by Councilman Carden to adopt
Resolution No. 04-97. Motion passed by unanimous ro/%ca// vote.
4. ORDINANCE NO. 317 - Amending the official City zoning map by rezoning certain M
real property at 9505 EI Camino Real from CR (Commercial Retail) to RMF-16 (High
Density Multiple Family Residential) (ZC 96003)
(Planning Commission/Staff recommendation: Motion to waive reading in full and
adopt on second reading, by title only)
Steve DeCamp, Acting Community Development Director, introduced this item. There
were no questions from the Council and no public comment.
Motion: By Councilman Carden, seconded by Councilman Lerno to waive the
reading of Ordinance No. 317 in full and adopt it on second reading,
by title only. Motion passed by unanimous roll-call vote.
5. ORDINANCE NO. 318 - Amending the official City zoning map by rezoning certain
real property at 5802 Traffic Way from Downtown Pedestrian Retail Overlay to
RMF-16 (High Density Multiple Family Residential) (ZC 96004)
(Staff recommendation: Motion to waive reading in full and adopt on second
reading, by title only)
Steve DeCamp, Acting Community Development Director, introduced this item. There
were no questions from the Council and no public comment.
Motion: By Councilman Carden, seconded by Councilman Lerno to waive the
reading of Ordinance No. 318 in full and adopt it on second reading,
by title only. Motion passed by 3:2 roll-call vote, with Councilmen •
Clay and Luna opposed.
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D. COMMITTEE REPORTS (The following represent standing committees. Informative
status reports will be given, as felt necessary.):
1. S.L.O. County Mayors Group - Mayor Johnson reported that this group met and is
setting up meetings with Assemblyman Tom Bordonaro and Senator Jack O'Connell
to review issues of local concern.
2. SLOCOG/SLORTA - Councilman Carden said this group met last week and discussed
regional unmet transportation needs. There were no new unmet needs which met
the criteria addressed at that meeting. The group reviewed the Congestion Man-
agement Plan, the mandatory requirements of which the County Supervisors voted
not to opt out of, which made the City's action to opt out a mute point. The COG
recommended that the Supervisors re-review this option, and it seems as though the
trend may be in opposition to the mandatory requirements of the CMP. At a future
meeting, they will cover round-abouts (i.e., traffic circles) and he will report at that
time.
3. Economic Round Table - Meets next Wednesday.
4. North County Council - Mayor Johnson reported that he has scheduled a meeting
with the Paso Robles Mayor and Supervisors Ovitt & Ryan to discuss the viability of
this group.
5. Integrated Waste Management Authority - Councilman Luna commented that the
American Society of Civil Engineers issued a certificate to the City for being
nominated for an award for the success of its solid waste reduction program.
E. INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION AND/OR ACTION:
City Council - Councilman Clay requested a calendar of meetings. Mayor Johnson asked
the representatives of various committees to submit meeting schedules so they can be
incorporated on a calendar.
Mayor Johnson commended a Western Cities article in this month's issue on city financing
to the other members of the Council. Councilman Luna noted the concern of cities across
the state about the effects of Prop. 218, and he encouraged cities and the League to get
involved in trying to change the tax structure. Related discussion ensued.
Mayor Johnson reported that he and Councilman Clay attended a "Designing the Future"
forum on Saturday. He has asked Henry Engen, who is on the board, for a break-out of the
input that came from Atascadero. Councilman Clay noted that it was interesting that, of
about six subjects to choose from to discuss in groups, six groups chose solving youth
problems and six chose the environment.
Councilman Carden reported that the COG Work Program Plan includes a budget request
for a survey, review and perhaps marketing of a road improvement tax. This is a regional
concept for infrastructure improvements. Councilman Luna mentioned Colony Roads, and
Roy Hanley commented that Art Montandon has been deputized to complete the work on
the Colony Roads settlement, which is currently in litigation.
City Attorney - Roy Hanley commented on the status of the skateboard ordinance. He has
collected various ordinances from around the state which address both skateboarding and
cruising. He anticipates having a workable ordinance on Acting Police Chief Watton's desk
by the end of the week for review, followed by a report and proposed ordinance for the
next City Council meeting.
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City Clerk: Request direction to advertise upcoming vacancies on the Planning Commis-
sion, Parks & Recreation Commission and Community Services Foundation - Marcia
Torgerson commented on upcoming vacancies on the above advisory bodies. Mayor John-
son commented on the repeated shortage of applicants to City board recruitments. He
suggested the method of selection be changed to members being directly appointed by the
members of the City Council. Andy Takata suggested that staff be directed to prepare a
report of options for method of appointment for Council consideration. Councilman Luna
suggested that the local newspaper elicit community input through the letters to the editor.
The City Clerk was directed to open the recruitments.
City Manager - Andy Takata reported that seven proposals for City Attorney services have
been received. They will be distributed to the Council with a summary survey sheet of
what other cities in the county pay for attorney services. It was clarified that these are
public documents.
Andy reported that there has been a problem concerning the Planning Commission getting
their mail, which was the subject of discussion at the last department head meeting. To
address the issue, staff will make the reports for public hearing items available to the public
when noticed (10 days in advance of the hearing), and the agenda will be available to the
Council as well to provide more time for research of the scheduled items. He noted that
the agenda could change up to 72 hours in advance and that there will be a short transition
period before this process change takes effect.
THE MEET/NG ADJOURNED AT 8:53 P . TO THE MEET/NG OF JANUARY 28, 1997.
MINUTES RECORDED BY: •
MARCIA M. TORGERSON, City Clerk
PREPARED BY:
CINDY L. H 5TON, Deputy City Clerk
•
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UEETIP�/19/97 AGENDA
DATE ITEM/ 2 A—
MEMORANDUM
Date: March 19, 1997
To: City Council
Through: Robert Grogan, Interim City Manager
From: Brady Cherry, Director of Community ServicesAj
SUBJECT: Dial-A-Ride Public Workshop. Consideration of adoption of proposed
Short Range Transit Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed
Short Range Transit Plan, and direct staff to pursue the implementation of the plan by
pursuing funding through S.L.O.C.O.G.
BACKGROUND: The City of Atascadero has been providing local transit service for
residents since 1979. The City operates a fleet of seven wheelchair accessible buses within
the City limits of Atascadero. In addition, regularly schedule trips to Twin Cities Hospital
and Medical Center enhance local service and provide access to regional health care. The
Dial-A-Ride service hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Occasionally weekend service is available by charter for special events.
Day to Day operations of the Dial-A-Ride Services are contracted out to Laidlaw Transit
Services. The contact is due for renewal or public bidding at this time. Any changes in
the scope of services determined by the City Council will be incorporated into the pending
request for proposals (RFP).
The Dial-A-Ride fare schedule is as follows:
Regular $1.00
Seniors .75
Disabled .75
3-4 years of age .75
0-2 years of age Free
Fare box recovery ratios for the past few years are very good. Last Fiscal Year (95-96)
was about 18%. We are required to maintain a fare box recovery ratio of at least 10%, to
remain in good standing for Grant Funding. Dial-A-Ride subsidy per passenger is about
$4.30/trip which is also excellent.
000001
Dial-A-Ride funding is provided primarily through the California State Transportation
Development Act (TDA) Grants administered by the San Luis Obispo Council of
Governments (S.L.O.C.O.G.). Accordingly, S.L.O.C.O.G. is the designated Regional
Transportation Planning Agency for the County of San Luis Obispo. The proposed Short
Range Transit Plan for Atascadero that is being presented to the City Council by
Nelson/Nygaard, Transportation Consultants, has been funded through S.L.O.C.O.G.
TDA Fund have restrictions on their use, with transportation being a priority over uses
such as street maintenance. The adoption of a Short Range Transit Plan for Atascadero,
similar to the one under consideration now, is necessary to qualify for other types of
Transportation Funds.
Some of the issues which need to be addressed in the coming months include the
following:
-Initiate a 5-year financial plan
-Coordinate Atascadero's Transit Service with the 1996 Long Range
Transit Plan for San Luis Obispo County - provide better transit
connections within the region
-Establish a reserve fund for emergencies and capital investments
-Reallocation of service hours
-Connect service with Templeton
-Consideration of fare adjustments
-Develop marketing plan
-Establish improved audit controls on farebox revenue
-Put maintenance service contract out to bid
-Explore computerization of some functions.
DISCUSSION:
By far the most far reaching of all of the recommendations contained in the
Nelson/Nygaard Short Range Transit Plan and Kolemaine report concern shifting some of
Atascadero's Transit Service to Fixed Route Alternatives. Due to the nature of the
existing Dial-A-Ride Service that is at or near capacity, consideration of a Fixed Route
Option is virtually unavoidable. Demographics as well as data available from SLOCOG
indicate that a significant portion of the Atascadero population are potential transit users.
Some estimates of potential users approach a figure of nearly 7,000 residents. Without a
significant change in service, this potential ridership will remain largely unserved. A good
deal of Atascadero's current ridership can be identified as small groups of special
populations. Productivity numbers are very good for Atascadero's Dial-A-Ride system.
These figures also suggest that a Fixed Route System could be successful in Atascadero.
Because census data demonstrates that about half of all Atascadero residents work outside
of the City, regional connections with a Fixed Route System could address a considerable
need.
000002
Since the City's existing Dial-A-Ride Service capacity is near maximum, there could be an
unmet need which has here to fore not been identified. While the City may be able to
expand service hours and add vehicles to enhance the existing Dial-A-Ride System, a fixed
route service may prove to be a better alternative. The City of Paso Robles has
experienced tremendous success with their combined Dial-A-Ride and Fixed Route
System. Although very different communities, some comparisons between Atascadero
and Paso Robles are informative.
Paul Jewel, with Nelson/Nygaard, will discuss the service alternatives in greater depth
with the City Council during the presentation of the proposed Short Range Transit Plan.
In summary, staff believes that the time may be ripe for a pilot program fdr a Fixed Route
Service. It is recommended that the City pursue the option of a Combined Fixed Route
and Dial-A-Ride System with further study prior to attempting implementation.
Staff has already sent a letter of interest to SLOCOG seeking $15,000 in special STA
Funds to develop a Fixed Route Implementation Plan. If this is not the direction the City
Council would like to go with our Transit Service, the request may be withdrawn. Finally,
Staff has contacted SLOCOG and SLORTA to discuss a potential partnership with
SLORTA to provide services in Atascadero. More details on this potential partnership
will be available at the workshop.
a:DAR PUBLIC WORKSHOP
00000
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 5, 1997
SUBJECT: Unmet Transit Needs Finding
SUMMARY
In January, SLOCOG received a total of 32 requests from letters, petitions, bus surveys, telephone
and e-mail communications, as well as about a dozen speakers. Attachment A summarizes each
of the requests received. None of the requests meet the "unmet needs" threshold criteria thereby
further analysis under the " reasonable to meet" criteria is not warranted this year.
RECOMMENDATION
STAFF: a). Adopt resolution finding none of the requests to be an "unmet transit need"
b). Authorize approval of the attached letter forwarding all requests to the appropriate
transit providers for their consideration in their preparation of FY 97/98 budget or short
range transit plan updates.
RTAc: Concur with staff(see additional comments on next page).
cTAc: Concur with staff.
TTAc: Concur with staff.
DISCUSSION
Each year, SLOCOG follows a public review process that asks the general public for unmet transit
needs, evaluates the requests, and makes a finding about which service expansions should be
implemented. The process for this is spelled out in law, the Transportation Development Act(TDA),
which requires SLOCOG to make a determination that there are no unmet public transit needs that
are reasonable to meet prior to allocating any TDA funding to street and roads purposes.
In January, SLOCOG heard a total of 32 requests from letters, petitions, bus surveys,telephone and
e-mail communications, as well as about a dozen speakers. The Council then directed staff to
evaluate each request against locally adopted criteria (Attachment B) for unmet need and
reasonable to meet, bringing back a staff recommendation. This recommendation must be reviewed
by a local social service advisory board, which is the Regional Transit Advisory Committee in this
region, and both CTAC and TTAC committees are invited to also contribute to the
recommendations.
Staff have applied the criteria for the first part of the process, the "unmet needs" determination.
Although some of the requests clearly represent current gaps in service, there is not enough broad
based community support (15 or more requests) to justify further analysis or consideration under
this process. All of the requests will be forwarded to each transit provider in the region for their
consideration (see Attachment C) in the preparation of their FY 97/98 budget or short range transit
plan updates.
This year the COG received two bicycle need requests of which the COG has already programmed
funding (Prop. 116) to repair the deteriorating shoulders on South Higuera St. The remaining
request to provide bikeways on Los Berros Rd. will be forwarded to County Engineering, requesting
the County to assess the need and consider requesting funds from the COG in November 1997 to
construct.
Two petitions were received at the February SLOCOG meeting, one month after the deadline for
testimony. After full discussion, they were referred to the appropriate operator for planning
information, with the understanding that SLOCOG staff will follow up. These requests have been
attached after the table of testimony received this year in Attachment D.
_ A-1-1 nnnnn .
RTAC Comments: Although the committee supported the staff recommendation, they expressed
two major concerns.
1. That transit requests not found to be "reasonable to meet'- especially operational
improvements-which are forwarded to the transit agencies for their information, are not
being acted on, even if the requests(if implemented)would be cost effective to implement.
A motion was made, seconded, and carried to "encourage staff to follow through in
monitoring status of requested operational improvements on an annual basis".
2. The committee agreed that in looking at: the list of requests, the petitions submitted after
the hearing, and the numerous inquiries transit agencies receive throughout the year,that
there are many "unmet transit needs" that are not being captured through the "unmet
transit needs" hearing process. There was a discussion among the members about trying
to systemize the collection of this data (requests for services that are not available) but
no reasonable system was put forth.
Follow-up on Atascadero/Paso Robles Requests Made 2/4/97
At the February SLOCOG hearing, two additional requests came from
community members in Atascadero (fixed route service change) and Paso
Robles (more transportation for disabled residents). The draft Atascadero Five
Year Transit Plan has now been received and it does recommend testing a fixed
route service addition to the existing Atascadero Dial a Ride. The City is now
circulating the plan for community and council comment.
One meeting was held with Paso Robles and Tri County Regional Center staff to
discuss the Paso Robles requests from disabled workers and program
participants in the area. It was a very useful dialog, and all parties feel that steps
are being taken to improve service to this sector within existing resources.
Tasks were defined and a follow-up meeting will be held March 10 to continue
addressing the requests through service planning.
A-1-2 000005
ATTACHMENT A
TRANSIT REQUEST SUMMARY & "UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS" CRITERIA CHECKLIST
1. Fills gap in transit service or is identified in RTP,CMP,or CAP "Unmet Needs"
2. Broad based community support(15 requests"or more) Number
of Criteria
3 .Request is a current ranther<than a:futureneed.; Requests
4. Request is not operational in nature(e.g bus stop changes).
1 Leave SLO after 6 p.m. to the South County (AG). 1
1 Services to Avila Beach at least twice/day 1
1 Not enough space on morning South County bus to Cal Poly, need 1
second or larger vehicle.
1 Leave SLO After 5:20 p.m. to Los Osos. 1
1 Leave Cal Poly earlier to Los Osos (approx 4:45 pm). 2
1 Earlier starting time from Los Osos/Morro Bay to accommodate CMC 1
and other state agency employees.
1 Leave Los Osos earlier to arrive at Cal Poly before 7:30am 1
1 Later service from SLO to Los Osos/Morro Bay 1
1 Need more frequent and direct service between Los Osos/MB and 1
SLO.
1 Later eveining service from SLO to North County 6
1 Leave Cal Poly later in the evening to North County 2
1 More frequency North Co to SLO every two hours 1
1 Leave SLO between 4:11 and 5:23 p.m. to the North County 1
1 Another bus departing No. County later in the a.m(approx. 7:30 a.m.) 1
1 Earlier starting time to accommodate CMC and other state agency 1
employees.
1 North County to SLO Sunday service 1
1 Reverse commute from SLO to North County 1
1 Services 2-3 times per day (Paso Robles to Shandon). 1
1 Transit boarding areas for school kids along Highway 58 &41. 1
2 One bus per week to Creston so seniors and disabled can get to doctor 1
appts. in Paso/Atas.
2 Dial A Rides in North County are full, non profits and disabled people 1
unable to use DAR's
2 Decreases in service to disabled. Paso Robles DAR doesn't accept 1
advanced reservation, ADA , and capacity
2 Runabout services at capacity in Paso Robles area, unable to meet 1
ADA riders.
2 Atascadero DAR expand services to Escuela del Rio and Achievement 1
House will be expanding services to Atascadero.
1 Concerned about handicapped access onto the buses for wheelchairs 1
000006
A-1-3
ATTACHMENT B
• LOCALLY ADOPTED DEFINITIONS FOR UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS
SLOCOG has adopted the following specific definitions for the terms "unmet transit needs" and
"reasonable to meet":
Unmet Transit Need -An "unmet transit need" is a mobility need that: is not being met by the
current public transit system; is essential for transit dependents or choice riders; has been
identified by community input through the public hearing process; or is in the Regional
Transportation Plan(RTP), Congestion Management Plan (CMP), or Clean Air Plan (CAP). A
request must meet all of the following adopted criteria for determining if a request is an unmet
need:
1. The request fills a gap in transit service or is identified as a deficiency in the RTP, CMP,
or CAP.
2. Sufficient broad based community support exists (15 requests for general public service,
10 requests for disabled service). Community support must be demonstrated by persons
who will likely use the service on a routine basis
3. Request is a current rather than a future need.
4. Request is not operational in nature (minor route change, bus stop change, etc.)
f any of the above criteria (1-4) is not satisfied, the request is not an "unmet need".
Reasonable to Meet-An unmet transit need is "reasonable to meet" if the new, expanded, or
revised service, if implemented, will not cause the responsible operator to incur expenditures
in excess of available TDA funds, and would meet the required fare box ratio based on projected
ridership. A request must meet all of the following adopted criteria for determining if a request
is an unmet need:
5. Request is projected to generate a 10% fare box ratio.
6. Service will not involve funding from a non-served entity.
7. Service is comparable with other service or is a market-driven service (greater than 40%
projected load/capacity factor).
8. Request is fundable with existing TDA funds, without reducing other existing services.
If any of the above criteria (1-8) is not satisfied, the request is not an "unmet need" "reasonable
to meet".
0
A-1-4 000007
ATTACHMENT C-1
February 5, 1997
Allan Cantrell, Transit Manager
Central Coast Area Transit
1150 Osos St., Ste. 204
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Re: Transit Requests from the 1997 Unmet Needs Hearing
Dear Transit Manager
On February 5, 1997 the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments found none of the transit
requests received at the January 8, 1997 public hearing met locally adopted criteria that
identifies the requests as an "unmet transit need, reasonable to meet."
As part of the action taken by the Council of Governments, direction was given to staff to
distribute all transit requests to the affected transit operators. This allows for greater access to
pubic interest pertaining to your transit operations. The Council of Governments has requested
a report back on the status of these operational and service requests by June 1St, 1997. The
attached table highlights the requests made during the Unmet Transit Needs hearing that are
affected by your operation.
If possible, evaluation of these requests should occur through either your budget process or as
part of your Short Range Transit Planning process. Your status report should address
implementation of the request, (i.e. plans for implementation or justification why it isn't planned
for implementation). Please provide our office with your status report no later than June 1St,
1997 attention Dan Herron. Should you have any quetions prior to submittal of your status
report please don't hesitate to contact us at 781-5754.
Sincerely,
Ronald De Carli
Executive Director
Attachements
A-1-5 000008
ATTACHMENT C-2
February 5, 1997
Transit Manager
Atascadero Dial A Ride
1150 Osos St., Ste. 204
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Re: Transit Requests from the 1997 Unmet Needs Hearing
Dear Transit Manager
On February 5, 1997 the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments found none of the transit
requests received at the January 8, 1997 public hearing met locally adopted criteria that
identifies the requests as an "unmet transit need, reasonable to meet."
As part of the action taken by the Council of Governments, direction was given to staff to
Rubic
tribute all transit requests to the affected transit operators. This allows for greater access to
interest pertaining to your transit operations. The Council of Governments has requested
a report back on the status of these operational and service requests by June 1", 1997. The
attached table highlights the requests made during the Unmet Transit Needs hearing that are
affected by your operation.
If possible, evaluation of these requests should occur through either your budget process or as
part of your Short Range Transit Planning process. Your status report should .address
implementation of the request, (i.e. plans for implementation or justification why it isn't planned
for implementation). Please provide our office with your status report no later than June 1St
1997 attention Dan Herron. Should you have any quetions prior to submittal of your status
report please don't hesitate to contact us at 781-5754.
Sincerely,
Ronald De Carli
Executive Director
Attachements
•
A-1-6 000009
ATTACHMENT C-3
February 5, 1997
Allan Cantrell, Transit Manager
Central Coast Area Transit
1150 Osos St., Ste. 204
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Re: Transit Requests from the 1997 Unmet Needs Hearing
Dear Transit Manager
On February 5, 1997 the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments found none of the transit
requests received at the January 8, 1997 public hearing met locally adopted criteria that
identifies the requests as an "unmet transit need, reasonable to meet."
As part of the action taken by the Council of Governments, direction was given to staff to
distribute all transit requests to the affected transit operators. This allows for greater access to
pubic interest pertaining to your transit operations. The Council of Governments has requested
a report back on the status of these operational and service requests by June 1s`, 1997. The
attached table highlights the requests made during the Unmet Transit Needs hearing that are
affected by your operation.
If possible, evaluation of these requests should occur through either your budget process or as
part of your Short Range Transit Planning process. Your status report should address
implementation of the request, (i.e. plans for implementation or justification why it isn't planned
for implementation). Please provide our office with your status report no later than June 15c
1997 attention Dan Herron. Should you have any quetions prior to submittal of your status
report please don't hesitate to contact us at 781-5754.
Sincerely,
Ronald De Carli
Executive Director
Attachements
A-1-7 000010
ATTACHMENT D
1997 Unmet Transit and Bicycle Needs Testimony
?.'. ;�'. �:::i;i;:ix,;:ii;:iii;::ii ::�::`ii:i;;i;{:::::::�::::i::i::i�::i::i::i:,':::,:++:.::..• ..:::
SOUTH •
Route 10 -from San Luis Obispo Leave SLO After 6 p.m. Jacquie Paulsen of
to Arroyo Grande _ _ Cal Poly -
Route 10 - South County Services to Avila Beach at least Mary Brims, Madonna
twice/day Rd. San Luis Obispo
Route 10- Five Cities to Cal Poly Not enough space on morning bus, Rachel Mendoza-Cal
need second or larger vehicle. Poly
NORTH •
Route 7 or 11 - SLO to Los Osos Leave SLO After_5:20 p.m. Daniel Kramer
- -- -J
Route 7 or 11 - SLO to Los Osos i Leave Cal Poly earlier-4:45 Sherry Couture, Los
Osos
Route 7 or 11 -SLO to Los Osos Leave Cal Pow earlier- 4:45 Jane Paris of Cal-Poly
---------------.._----- -._.-... -. r - ---- - . -'-
Route 7- Los Osos to SLO(via Earlier starting time to accommodate Keith Wiemer-Los Osos
Morro Bay) CMC employees and other state
agencies.
Route 7 or 11 - Los Osos to SLO Leave Los Osos earlier to arrive at Cal Jane Paris of Cal Poly
Poly-before 7:30am
Route 7 - SLO to Los Osos/Morro Later service from SLO to Los Daniel Kramer, Los
Bay Osos/Morro Bay Osos
Route 7- SLO to Morro Bay Need more frequent and direct Keith Wiemer-Los Osos 1
j service.
NORTH •
Route 9 -from San Luis Obispo to j Leave SLO After 6 p.m. Jacquie Paulesen of Cal
North County -- — - -- — ---- Pte- --------
Route 9 from Cal Poly to North Leave Cal Poly after 9:10 p.m. Victoria Randall of Cal
County Poly
Route 9 -from San Luis Obispo to i Leave SLO at 7 p.m. Joe Rizzer of Cal Poly
North County - (via Jacquie Paulsen)
Route 9 -from San Luis Obispo to Leave SLO later in the evening Teresa Kaiser of Cal
North-County Poly _
Route 9 -from San Luis Obispo to I Leave SLO later in the evening Carolyn Johnson,
North County _ _ _ _ _ _ Te_m leton _
Route 9 -from SLO to North I Leave SLO later in the evening- 7 pm Yvonne Ramos of Cal
County ---- --- ----------- Poly ---- --
Route 9- North County i Evening service from Cal Poly Eric Greening,
• - ---- -- - Atascadero _
Route 9 -from San Luis Obispo to Leave SLO later in the evening- 7 Cindy Campbell of Cal
North County p.m. Poly (via Jacquie
--- :. Paulsen)-- -
A-1-8 O r,
ii:::':':iiiiiiiiijii%iliiiiiii::i::i:LS::::::::::::::::ii::i::v:::iii:^::F'i'�iiii::::::::.•;i::iis��::::':::'::::is::i:::i:�:r::F:�.i::i::::i:::•i
:.::.:.............:..:.................:...:...................:.:.:..:............................................... > r ................................ >
Route 9- North County to SLO I More_frequency-every two hours Victoria Randall
Route 9-from San Luis Obispo to Leave SLO between 4:11 and 5:23 Kathy Peterson of Cal
North County p.m. (to accommodate those who get Poly
f off at 4:30 m.)
Route 9 -Templeton to Cal Poly Another bus departing No. County Carolyn Johnson,
later in the a.m (approx_7:30 a.m.) Templeton_
Route 9 -Atascadero/CMC (via Earlier starting time to accommodate Barabara Clark-
SLO) CMC employees and other state Atascadero
agencies. - - -
Route 9 - North County Sunday service Eric Greening,
Atascadero
Route 9 - North County Reverse commute Eric Greening, j
- — Atascadero
North County- Paso Robles to 1 Services 2 - 3 times per day- $1.50 Randall Nelson,
Shandon i each way _ Shandon
- ------- --. - - - --- -- ---- -- - .---------
North County- Hwys 58 and 41 I Transit boarding areas for school kids Ann Spenser, Creston _
North County- Creston to One bus per week to Creston so Kathy - Creston
Atas/Paso. seniors and disabled can get to doctor
appts. in Paso/Atas.
North County- (Paso Dial A Rides are full, non profits and Laura Simpson
Robles/Atascadero) , disabled people unable to use DAR's •
North County (Paso Robles) Decreases in service to disabled. Paso Cindy Draper
Robles DAR doesn't accept advanced
reservation, ADA , and capacity
North County (Paso Robles) Runabout services at capacity, unable Cindy Draper
to meet ADA riders.
North County (Atascadero) Atascadero DAR expand services to Cindy Draper
Escuela del Rio and Achievement
House will be expanding services to
Atascadero.
REGIONAL
All Buses Concerned about handicapped access Anthony Allen
onto the buses for wheelchairs
BIKE NEED REQUESTS
South County Los Berros Road bikeways needed Bob Blair
SLO Bike routes crumbling, detriorating Bruce Collier
on South Higuera.
A-1-q
R. S. Kolernaine/P.O.Box 1990/Atascadero/CA 93423-1990/(805)466-8200/elfenbc@aol.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
ATTN: Mr. Ron DiCarli
1150 Osos Street Ste. 202
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 RECEIVED
03 February 1997 FEB - 3 1997
REF: Agenda 05 Feb 97 Item A-I SAh LUIS OBISPO
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Gentlemen:
Here attached please find original copies of the attached petition addressed to both SLOCOG
and the Atascadero City Council. The petition calls for two objectives: (1) the immediate initiation of
scheduled, fixed route public transit service in our city, and (2) the improvement of public participation
processes to better identify unmet transit needs in the future.
This petition fulfills the SLOCOG adopted criteria requirement #2 regarding "unmet transit
needs" in that it (a) exceeds 15 requests from the general public and (b) demonstrates in excess of 15
persons "likely to use the service on a routine basis" in Atascadero.
. METHODOLOGY:
This petition was compiled as part of an informal inquiry process within Atascadero over a total
of six hours during a three day period in the past week. Councilors need to be aware of this process, in
which 31 citizens were approached on the street and at home and asked three questions:
1. Would you agree or disagree that Atascadero needs fixed route transit service ?
Of those asked, 28 agreed (91%), 3 disagreed (9%) with the statement. Four non-
residents were also asked, and were not further queried. Of those disagreeing, two felt that C-CAT
regional service adequately met residents local needs, one other felt municipal transit services should be
provided through the private sector only. None were current transit users, since no such service exists.
2. Could/would members of your household make use of such a service ?
Included as a part of the petition, this question called on signers to indicate how much
usage all members of their household might make of either of two suggested fixed routes drawn on a
11"x17" color map of the city. Respondents were asked to calculate usage weekly, counting each round
trip as two uses. Signers were encouraged to be realistic in their estimates and to feel free to write in "0"
if such might be applicable.
Altogether, signers indicate 240 possible uses weekly, an average of 8.56 trips per
household, or as much as 11,463 trips per year, less vacation or travel periods,etc.
3. Would you sign a petition to the City Council and SLOCOG calling on them to initiate
work on such a service ?
Results attached.
Respondents were not queried regarding their personal demographic characteristics, however
these ranged broadly from homeowners to renters, from single women in their twenties to male senior
(continued)
A-1-10 000013
Page Two-03 Feb 97
Cont.
citizens, housewives to working males. None appeared to be under age twenty nor older than age 70. A
majority appeared to be of lower income, and at least 2 appeared to possibly be physically
handicapped.
As councilors should be aware, the survey itself does not purport to be fully scientific nor more
than a random sampling of residents. However the number of respondents signing this petition does
meet the SLOCOG process requirements, and illustrates the rationale for the second part of the
petition.
What appears to be indicated, by both the high percentage of signers and by random remarks
made during this inquiry, is that very little, if any, prior effort to obtain public input from Atascadero
residents or potential transit users, has been successfully attempted during the past(at least)five years.
Other evidence suggests that in preparing 5-Year Plans and Long Range Plans, as well as
mandatory annual reviews, those persons responsible for certifying unmet needs to State and Federal
authorities have neglected to consider the needs of persons needing transit service who may be unable
to participate through ...lack of personal transportation.
In short, auditors, planners et al appear to have been asking questions of happily subsidized bus
riders, bur ignoring the folks standing on the corners wishing for a bus. Careful consideration of this
petition by the SLOCOG board is felt necessary, regardless of arbitrary schedules established by
SLOCOG staff, which I am hopeful will result in the prompt pursuit of these petitioners requests.
For purposes of further discussion or query by staff or individual COG members I am available
at the above address, and will be present during the public hearing indicated above.
Respectfully,
G(%
R. S. Kolemaine
cc: Atascadero City Council c/o City Clerk
ENCL
A-1-11 000014
February 4, 1997
To: Board of Supervisors
Frown: Base Clients, NCI Affiliates
All of us at NCI are very concerned with the lack of
Transportation in the North County. Below we have stated
some of our reasons.
I. We need safe Transportation so we can get to work on time.
2. On the weekends we like to go shopping and go to the movies,
sometimes it's very hard because there is not enough
Transportation.
3. Reasonable Transportation after 5:00 is not available.
Sometimes I like to go to Jack in the box.
• 4. Reasonable Transportation between Paso Rabies and Atascadero
is not available. And a cab cost $15.00 one way, it takes
me along time to make $15.00. ` ) I KA
5. It's not realistic for me to have a drivers license because
of my disability. I have no other choices but to use
Public Transportation.
6. Eventually I will have to help pay for my Transportation to U&j u\it
and from work and the approximate cost to use R&D
Transportation is $15.00 a day vs $2.00 a day for Dial a
Ride.
7. I have to take a day off during the week to do my grocery
shopping because there is no transportation on the weekend.
L - �- n
Because of the Americans Disability, we want the same rights
as everyone else.
9 L
Sincerely,
r � `oo � �, n�i a-1-12 / /
- R & D TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
January 15, 1997
Rich Murphy �
Mr. p Y I
F.D
San Luis Obispo Council of Governments FEB _ 3 1997
1150 Osos Street Suite 202
San Luis Obispo, California 93401 S +f: LUIS Oi1S0
Re: Unmet Transit Needs Ir OU14GIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Dear Mr. Murphy:
On January 8th, 1997 1 attended and spoke at the Unmet Transit Needs meeting
as a representative for Tri-Counties Regional Center in regards to several areas
that the transit needs of the disabled community are not being met.
would like to take this opportunity to reiterate these concerns in writing so that
they can be addressed in the April meeting.
While primary focus of the ADA regulations is access to fixed route systems, the
law acknowledges that some persons with disabilities are not able to use fixed .
route systems and therefore provides guidelines for a complimentary paratransit
system to meet the needs of these individuals.
However, over the last year, we have seen decreases and changes in these
paratransit services in several areas that have directly impacted the disabled
community and limited their ability to work within these communities and attend
their programs.
I have listed below the areas that are having a direct impact on ADA eligible
riders:
Paso Robles DAR
Paso Robles DAR has decreased service in order to implement the fixed route
system. Besides decreasing their service, there were policy changes in regards
to advanced reservations. We applaud the city for their efforts to provide a fixed
route service and consumers would be thrilled to use the system. However, with
the current routing and service times, this system is not accessible. Section
16(a) of the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 states that special efforts
shall be made in the planning and design of mass transportation services so that
availability to elderly and disabled persons can be ensured.
A-1-14 000016
._ .. �.. .,....... ....,�. ern �Cl I - r.A v fond c'M 'f__1Z
VILLAGE THRIFT STORE
1213 Pine S&eet Paso Robles,CA 93446 805-237-7901
January 31, 1997
To: San Luis Obispo County-Board of Supervisors
From: Village Thrift Store- An NCI Affiliated.Business
Re: Transportation
We would like you-to know how difficult it is for us to secure .
and maintain jobs in the community without available
transportation, particularly on the weekends. Most entry level
positions require weekend work, and without the means to get
to and from work, we often cannot even apply for these jobs
knowing the current lack of available transportation.
It is our understanding that certain funding is subsidized to
transportation companies, like Dial-A-Ride, to assist in
providing public transportation as a provision under ADA
legislation, yet Dial-A-Ride does not currently make any extra
effort to assist those of us who rely on them.
All of the crew of The Village Thrift store feel they are being
treated unfairly, and have signed below to affirm this.
l A-1-13
000017
R & D TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
We have made attempts to use the DAR system to no avail. Fixed route service
is quite a distance for the stop at Von's and the consumers would have a long
walk, over hilly terrain and no sidewalks. DAR personnel has stated that they do
not have capacity as they are picking up students during the time NCI
consumers would need to arrive at the NCI Base.
Atascadero DAR
Atascadero DAR has done an exceptional job in working with the Escuela Del
Rio consumers. It has only been recently that in making calls for subscription
service for new consumers that they have no space available.
Because of costs constraints, they are unable to put another vehicle on the road
to handle the amount of consumers we have to transport at the times required.
They to service students at the same times as our programs.
Achievement House in San Luis Obispo is currently planning to expand
supported employment in the Atascadero area which will have expected impact
on the needs for service in Atascadero.
Runabout
Runabout is the ADA service for San Luis County. At this time they are at the
50% maximum subscription service for ADA riders and therefore cannot handle
any more demand for new riders. We are on a waiting list and must call in rides
weekly and hope for space availability.
Most of these consumers are involved in employment supported programs and
therefore the costs to the consumer may be prohibitive unless they can access
public transportation. That is the goal and certainly the intent of the ADA
regulations.
We understand that every system has cost constraints and we certainly would
not request service that cannot be met and used. Our intent is to ask for
SLORTA to review these issues and work with us to meet the spirit of ADA
regulations.
We look forward to the April meeting.
Sincer y
Cindy all-Draper
CC: P. Dauterman
A-1-15 000018
A.— n»:.I'. Afi,n.. ..L I�e 02nll . i2nc► SO)0_71;1I . FdYMKI S70_26L3_____
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
RESOLUTION NO. 97-
RESOLUTION CONCERNING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEEDS FUNDING AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM
WITHIN FISCAL YEAR 1997/98
The following Resolution is now offered and read:
WHEREAS, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, hereinafter referred to as the
Council, has been designated as the Regional Transportation Planning Agency; and
WHEREAS, said Agency has adopted a Regional Transportation Plan directed at the achievement
of a balanced coordinated transportation system: and
WHEREAS, said Agency shall in implementation of its plan allocate monies in the Local
Transportation Fund and State Transit Assistant Fund in accordance with the rules and regulations which
implement the Transportation Development Act of 1971 as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Public Utilities Code, Section 99401.5, requires the Council to hold a public
hearing to determine whether there are any Unmet Public Transportation Needs prior to allocations for
streets and roads; and
WHEREAS, the Council on December 4, 1996, adopted procedures for noticing and conducting
the Annual Unmet Needs Hearings; and
WHEREAS, said public hearing was duly noticed and advertised in conformance with these
procedures by means of publication of public hearing notices in the major newspapers in the region;
public service announcements and press releases to all news media; and written notices to interested
organizations and individuals; and
WHEREAS, the Council has given specific consideration to the following factors in the planning
process pursuant to Public Utilities Code Section 99401.5:
1. Established a social services transportation advisory committee;
A-1-16
000019
2. Conducted a Transit Deficiency Analysis including an assessment of the size and .
location of identifiable groups likely to be transit dependent or transit
disadvantaged; and an analysis of the adequacy of existing and alternative public
transportation services in meeting the demand; and,
WHEREAS, the Council, after a review of these factors, considered public testimony on January
8, 1997, and;
WHEREAS, the Council directed staff in conjunction with its advisory committees to evaluate
and determine whether requests received by January 8, 1997, are "unmet transit needs", and are
"reasonable to meet", based upon adopted definitions and criteria;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council, acting as the Regional
Transportation Planning Agency, makes the following determination and finding:
1. There are no unmet regional and community public transit needs within the incorporated
and unincorporated areas of the county that can reasonably be met at this time.
7 000020
On motion by Delegate , seconded by Delegate , and on the following roll call
vote, to-wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAINING:
the foregoing resolution is hereby adopted this 5th day of March, 1997.
Hal Carden, President
• ATTEST:
Ronald L. DeCarli, Executive Director
San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL EFFECT:
RAY BIERING
Legal Counsel
BY:
SLOCOG Legal Counsel
DATE:
GROUP DOCUMENTS\AGENDA MATERIALSWIARMUNMET NEEDS 1997
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