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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 08-29 HHSCMINUTES OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING Administration Building Conference Room 1001 N.Idaho Road,Apache Junction,AZ August 29,1995,6:30 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: CARMEN HUERTA,CHAIRPERSON CAROL URICH JENNIE BENNETT COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: ED BARKER JAMES BANCROFT STAFF PRESENT: KATHLEEN CONNELLY,CITY CLERK COUNCIL LIAISON: ANNE SURRA The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Carmen Huerta.The roll was taken by City Clerk Kathleen Connelly. Attending this meeting were Michelle Lamb,founder,and Gary Gledhill,one of the coordinators,to present "We Go Where You Go",a non-profit organization.She provided handouts on the latest information.She explained their organization setup and that there would be representatives from the community.She has received responses from the Governor's office and five government agencies regarding funding.She explained how the funding sources would work. They are looking for funding from the community:$12,000 each per bus,not air conditioned.Backup units for operation 24 hours per day would be $400.Their useful life span for public use is rated at 4 years.She explained how the fleet of 3,000 busses would be used,with 4 replacement busses available.The money would be obtained through grants.She listed the grants available currently and their efforts in obtaining them for this project.She also said that the operation would be self-supporting in 2 years. Commissioner Urich clarified the fact that they do not have any busses set up now or operating at this time. This project would mean 72 jobs for active seniors or disadvantaged persons as drivers.Also site supervisors,3 volunteers.Drivers would be paid $10 per hour,plus benefits. MEETING OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION August 29,1995 Page 2 of 3 Chairperson Huerta asked what other states were using this plan.The reply was the State of Nevada.They are not operating at this time.There are responses from five counties in Arizona,concerning the electric bus.The bus range is 3 to 5 miles,with one hour for transfer. She explained how the $1 round trip ride fare that the community pays stays in the community.Also,i t could go to $4 under certain circumstances. The routes to be used and number of passengers per bus were discussed.The bus has a sloping ramp for wheelchairs,but she didn't have other information with her about access for the disabled. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked where they would take these people.The response was that it would go beyond the city when the Governor's office responds to make that happen. Councilmember Anne Surra expressed some doubts about the viability of this program in this city,due to past experiences with transportation programs.One concern is the nature of the area,with the population so spread out,and distances from their homes to the place where they would get this transportation. The busses would run on 1 mile grids,not down each residential street. Michelle Lamb expressed her openness to suggestions as to how this program might work in this community. Chairperson Carmen Huerta and the other Commission members thanked Ms.Lamb and said that they would take this data to the rest of the Commission members and discuss it.If they have any recommendations,they will contact Ms.Lamb. The program was discussed by the Commission,including the idea of including school children and not using the school busses. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly informed the Commission that she has not heard from Olivia Guerrero regarding compliance with recordkeeping requirements.Her request is on the agenda to go before the City Council next week. Commissioner Urich made a motion to recommend to the City Council that the progress of the "We Go Where You Go"plan be monitored as i t is implemented in other communities,and that it is a good idea,which needs further study and more complete development on their part to qualify for our consideration here.Motion seconded by Commissioner Bennett,passed unanimously. It was agreed that,as City Clerk Kathleen Connelly suggested,i f they are interested,she apply under the normal cycle which is by January of next year, and meet all of the requirements. MEETING OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION August 29,1995 Page 3 of 3 Council Liaison Anne Surra and Commission members discussed efforts to help homeless families. Commissioner Bennett moved for adjournment,seconded by Commissioner Urich. Passed unanimously,at 8:05 p.m. Carmen Huerta,Chairman ATTEST: Kathleen Connelly,City C MM9951-1MIAN