AGENDA COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC) MEETING

Transcription

1 AGENDA COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC) MEETING Tuesday, April 17, :00pm 3:00pm Los Angeles County MTA Union Station Conference Room, 3 rd Floor One Gateway Plaza, 729 Vignes Street, Los Angeles CA Time Item Item Description Disposition Pages 1. Call to Order Action Introductions 3. Review & Approval of Minutes from CAC Meeting of March 13, 2012 Action General Public Comment Information Report from Board of Directors Information CAC Officer Election Action QSS Appointments Action Fare Program Update Information 1

2 10 9. Appeals Panel Selection Action Member Communication 11. New Business Raised Subsequent to the Posting of the Agenda Possible Action 12. Adjournment Action ACCESS SERVICES DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY. ACCORDINGLY, ACCESS SERVICES SEEKS TO ENSURE THAT INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES WILL HAVE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RANGE OF ACCESS SERVICES EVENTS AND PROGRAMS BY PROVIDING APPROPRIATE AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES TO FACILITATE COMMUNICATION. IN DETERMINING THE TYPE OF AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES FOR COMMUNICATION THAT WILL BE PROVIDED, PRIMARY CONSIDERATION IS GIVEN TO THE REQUEST OF THE INDIVIDUAL WITH DISABILITIES. HOWEVER, THE FINAL DECISION BELONGS TO ACCESS SERVICES. TO HELP ENSURE AVAILABILITY OF THOSE AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES YOU REQUIRE, PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO NOTIFY ACCESS SERVICES OF YOUR REQUEST AT LEAST THREE (3) BUSINESS DAYS (72 HOURS) PRIOR TO THE MEETING IN WHICH YOU WISH TO UTILIZE THOSE AIDS OR SERVICES. YOU MAY DO SO BY CONTACTING (213) Note: Access Services Community Advisory (CAC) meetings are held pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act [Cal. Gov. Code 54950] and are open to the public. The public may view and obtain all written information supporting this agenda provided to the board both initially and supplementally prior to the meeting at the California and on its website at Documents, 2

3 including Power Point handouts distributed to CAC by staff or CAC members at the meeting will simultaneously be made available to the public. Two opportunities are available for the public to address the CAC during a CAC meeting: (1) before a specific agendized item is debated and voted upon regarding that item and (2) general public comment. The exercise of the right to address the board is subject to restriction as to time and appropriate decorum. All persons wishing to make public comment must fill out a yellow Public Comment Form and submit it to the CAC secretary. Public comment is generally limited to three (3) minutes per speaker and the total time available for public comment may be limited at the discretion of the Chairperson. Persons whose speech is impaired such that they are unable to address the board at a normal rate of speed may request the accommodation of a limited amount of additional time from the Chair but only by checking the appropriate box on the Public Comment Form. Granting such an accommodation is in the discretion of the Chair. The CAC will not and cannot respond during the meeting to matters raised under general public comment. Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act governing these proceedings, no discussion or action may be taken on these matters unless they are listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. However, the CAC may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future CAC Meeting. "Alternative accessible formats available upon request." 3

4 ITEM 3 MINUTES Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting Tuesday March 13, :00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Access Services Manager of Customer Support Services, Mr. David Foster called the meeting to order at 1:07 p.m. ROLL CALL CAC Members Present: Maria Aroch, Michael Anthony Arrigo, Kurt na Foafoa, Dina Garcia, Maggie Kavarian, Terri Lantz, Howard Payne, Freddi Segal- Gidan and Nan Stoudenmire. CAC Members Absent: Marie-France Francois and Monique Watts. Board Members: Director Martin Gombert. Access Services Staff: David Foster, Araceli Camuy, Susanna Cadenas, Kim Hogarth-Hindi, Matthew Avancena, Mark Maloney, Rogelio Gomez, and Rycharde Martindale-Essington. Guests: Bill Zuke (Access Customer), Robert Coto (Guest of Phyllis Coto), Lee Habibi (Global Paratransit), Zebreda Dunham (Access Customer) Andy Anderson (Access Customer), Remy Mateo (R & D Transportation), Giovanna Gogreve (Metro), Mike Fricke (California Transit), Maria Villaseñor (Guest), David Howie Jones (Care Evaluators), Nader Raydan (MV Transportation). INTRODUCTIONS David Foster stated that he was the Manager of Customer Support Services for Access and the CAC staff Liaison. He welcomed the 4

5 members, staff and guests to the meeting asked that everyone in the room introduce themselves. Mark Maloney stated that he was the Chief Operations Officer at Access. Member Foafoa thanked the committee and staff for the opportunity to serve on the CAC. Member Kavarian stated that she was the Community Services Supervisor for the City of Glendale Senior Services section and mentioned that she was an advocate for seniors in the community. Member Segal-Gidan stated that she was a Physician Assistant and worked for Los Angeles County USC and Rancho Los Amigos. Member Arrigo stated that he was a member of the City of West Ho Committee. Member Payne stated that he was a member of Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) through the Veterans Association and also served on the City of Whittier Accessibility Committee. Member Cavalino stated that she was the Travel Training Manager for R & D Transportation. Araceli Camuy stated that she was a Senior Administrative Assistant for Access. Matthew Avancena stated that he was the Manager of Planning and Coordination for Access. Director Gombert stated that he was the Administrator for the Palos Verdes Transit Authority and an Access Board member. Member Baldwin stated that he represented the Independent Living Center serving the San Fernando, Santa Clarita & Antelope Valley areas. 5

6 Member Aroch stated that she was an Administrative Assistant for the Independent Living Center and a Yoga instructor at Rancho Los Amigos. Member Coto stated that she served on the Los Angeles County Client Coalition as Vice-Chair. Member Cohen stated that he was a Chaplain and represented the Veterans Home of California. Cerebral Palsy (UCP). Gary Jansen stated that he was a previous CAC member and was glad to be there. Bill Zuke stated that he was an Access customer. Robert Coto stated that he was a member of the Los Angeles County Rogelio Gomez stated that he was a Project Administrator for Access. Lee Habibi stated that he was the General Manager for Global Paratransit. Rycharde Martindale-Essington stated that he was a Community Relations Analyst for Access. Zebreda Dunham stated that she was an Access customer. Andy Anderson stated that he was an Access customer. Remy Mateo stated that he was a Travel Trainer for R & D Transportation. Giovanna Gogreve stated that she was the ADA Paratransit Program Administrator for Metro. Susanna Cadenas stated that she was the Complaints Supervisor for Access. 6

7 Mike Fricke stated that he was the General Manager for California Transit. Maria Villaseñor stated that she was a guest. David Howie Jones stated that he worked for CARE Evaluators. Nader Raydan stated that he was the General Manager for MV Transportation. Kim Hindi Hogarth stated that she was the IT Coordinator for Access. Member Stoudenmire stated that she was Director of Outreach Services for the Center for Human Rights at the Arc in Downey. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF THE CAC MEETING MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 9, 2012 Motion: Second: Member Baldwin. Member Cavalino. Correction: Member Coto stated that in the minutes, it stated that she t this was her first time as a CAC member. Motion was approved with the correction. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Access customer Mr. Gary Jansen stated that there was a lot of work to be done on the CAC and volunteered to help with a subcommittee or appeals committee if needed. Access customer Ken Anderson stated that he had two issues to address. He mentioned that the first issue was regarding the Global Paratransit vans not having a neck support for passengers riding in the back seat. He explained that not having the neck support could be more dangerous for the passenger if there was an accident. He explained that the second 7

8 issue was regarding the Tap cards. He stated that he requested his card several times and had not yet received it. Access customer Zebreda Dunham pointed out some concerns regarding the Metro Del Mar and Filmore stations in Pasadena. She stated that at those two stations, there was a gate that needed to be opened in order to cross the platform. She stated that she understood the safety reason for the gate; however it was difficult to open for persons with certain disabilities. She closed her comments by stating that the Red Line was much more accessible and should be a blueprint for all other trains. REPORT FROM BOARD OF DIRECTORS Director Gombert gave a brief update on the February 27 th, 2012 Board Meeting. He stated that the Tap card implementation continued to be a major success which has caused some issues and explained that there was a huge increase in usage of the card. He said that the numbers reported through the Free Fare partners had skyrocketed and there were some customers that used their card over 100 times in a month. He also shared that employees in different positions were being recognized with the Superior Service Award which was presented at the Board Meetings. He stated that these employees were responsible for the success of the organization and was glad that they were being rewarded for their hard work. CAC OFFICER SUBCOMMITTEE FORMATION Access Services Manager of Customer Support Services, David Foster, explained that the newly re-structured CAC committee required a Chair and Vice-Chair person and asked for three volunteers to serve on the election subcommittee. Member Cavalino, Member Coto and Member Payne volunteered to serve on the committee with Member Lantz as an alternate. Member Baldwin asked if a roster of the committee would be provided. 8

9 Mr. Foster responded that a roster would be provided to all CAC members. ACCESS SERVICES BUDGET IMPACTS Access Services Manager of Customer Support Services, David Foster gave a brief update on the upcoming budget and reviewed some of the potential challenges the organization could face this year. He stated at the April Board Meeting an ADHOC committee consisting of three Board members would be formed to develop the new fiscal year budget. He stated that the proposed budget would be presented to the Board at the May meeting. He further explained that the two issues that will be looked at closely were increased ridership and rising fuel costs. Member Segal-Gidan asked how much attention was given to fuel efficient vehicles. Access Services Chief Operations Officer, Mark Maloney responded that Access was very interested in looking for fuel efficient options that were sustainable. He stated the valley provider included some Ford Focus Hybrids into their fleet in addition to some Toyota Priuses that have also been used by some providers. Access has also recently purchased 5 CNG-powered MV-1 vehicles which are the first purpose-built ADA accessible vehicles with a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) power option, meaning that they can be fueled with either gasoline or CNG. Member Baldwin asked if there was a correlation between the increase in ridership and the eligibility numbers. Mr. Maloney responded that there had been solid increases in eligibility however the ridership projections had been sticking to the projections until January and February. He stated that the numbers did not appear to correspond for that particular time frame. 9

10 Manager of Planning and Coordination for Access, Matthew Avancena gave a brief presentation on the Access Free Fare program and explained an issue related to the A Fare program. He stated that the Free Fare program was established in 2001 to expand accessible transportation options to Access customers who were able to use public transit. He explained that the Free Fare program was available to Access customers with a valid Access ID. He continued his presentation by stating that some of the Free Fare partners included Metro and Metrolink. He stated that the Free Fare program allowed Access customers to use their Tap card as the fare medium and ride the bus or rail for free. He stated that in 2002 there were approximately 732 passengers reported using the program however as of last year, there were approximately 2.5 million trips shifted from ADA Paratransit to fixed route. Recently two additional Free Fare partners were added which were Long Beach Transit and Gardena Municipal Bus Lines. He explained that of the 23 Free Fare partners, 14 agencies were reimbursed at the elderly/disabled cash rate. He stated that the program did not affect the reimbursement, last year Access reimbursed approximately 2.7 million dollars to Free Fare partners and the majority of those funds were paid to Metrolink since they have a higher per trip rate. He also explained that the Metrolink reimbursement rate was comprised of the bulk of the total reimbursements paid to the Free Fare partners. He explained the cost savings to Access and to the region was approximately 16 million dollars per year through the program. He stated that in terms of trips, Access would normally pay about $34-35 dollars per ADA paratransit trip compared to the subsidiary reimbursement cost for transit which was less than a dollar. 10

11 He stated that due to the success of the program, there have been some issues regarding fraud and abuse of the program particularly regarding misuse of the card. For example, a rider would board a rail or bus with a PCA and the PCA would exit at a different stop than the Access member. He explained that another issue being reported was that Access members were being caught soliciting people to travel as their PCA and charge half of the fare. He stated that this has been a regular occurrence on the Metrolink train and some of the other fixed route systems. He explained that in September of last year, Access entered into a contract and there have been 68 arrests so far for fraudulent use of the card. Mr. Avancena stated that staff developed a proposed policy where Access would continue to reimburse Free Fare partners for Access customer trips however no longer reimburse for their PCAs. He further explained that Access could recommend that the Free Fare partners individual agency since Access could not set their policy. He closed his comments by stating that the Transportation Professional Advisory Committee (TPAC) formed a subcommittee that would be meeting tomorrow to consider the policy and the impact to the customers Member Baldwin expressed his concern about customers in the Antelope Va approved. He believed that this would have negative impact in the system overall. Member Coto agreed with Member Baldwin and stated that this policy could prevent Access customers to go where they needed to go. She asked if the Sherriff Department could look into other options. Member Lantz agreed with Member Coto and asked regarding the number of convictions related to the arrests. She also asked if staff could consider other options and asked if additional questions regarding the need for a PCA could be asked at the evaluation center. 11

12 She also stated that many Access customers could not travel without a PCA, therefore this policy would limit their independence. Mr. Maloney and Mr. Foster explained that the ADA prohibited the involved in that area. Member Garcia also agreed that having to pay for the PCA would limit the ability to travel for some people. Member Cavalino stated one of the biggest questions that people going through Travel Training program asked was if they were able to take someone with them. She believed that this policy would affect their decision to utilize fixed route transit. She asked if Metrolink could develop a different method for tracking trips or if other steps could be taken before implementing this type of policy. Member Arrigo also agreed with the committee members comments. He asked if there was signage posted stating that fraudulent use of Access cards would result in legal penalties and/or prosecution. He also suggested that the information could be posted online and on the newsletter. Lastly, he asked if the decision was already made or if they were still considering the policy. Mr. Maloney stated that the TPAC subcommittee would be meeting to further discuss the issue. Member Baldwin stated that he used Metrolink frequently and had not seen a situation regarding the PCA issue. Member Arrigo requested that CAC join with TPAC to discuss the matter together. Member Segal-Gidan stated that many Access members with cognitive disabilities needed to travel with a PCA and agreed with the members that more creative options could be considered. Member Payne asked if there could be more specific instructions as to who could ride as a PCA, for example the Access customer could 12

13 determine two people who could ride as a PCA and would be noted on their file. Mr. Maloney explained that the ADA did not allow those restrictions regarding the PCA. A discussion ensued regarding some Access customers living on fixed incomes therefore having to pay for their PCA would create a hardship and limit their independence. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 8 Gary Jansen stated Access customers a aware of their responsibility. Andy Anderson stated that the legal enforcement angle could be looked at further and stated that he sees several sheriffs congregated outside rather than checking the trains. Robert Coto stated that all of the members should not suffer because some people were misusing their card. Member Aroch asked if additional questions could be asked regarding a Mr. Foster responded that there were restrictions as to what information was asked under the ADA. A discussion ensued among the members and the consensus was that other options should be considered before a decision was made on this matter. Mr. Foster thanked the committee for the great discussion and input and stated that staff & TPAC understood the delicate nature of this issue. He closed his comments by stating that more information would be brought back to the committee. 13

14 QUALITY SERVICES SUBCOMMITEE APPOINTMENTS Community Relations Analyst for Access, Rycharde Martindale-Essington gave a brief presentation on the Access Quality Services Subcommittee (QSS). He explained that the QSS was a standing subcommittee of the CAC that was established to provide input and recommendations to the CAC. He stated that the CAC was responsible for appointing the QSS members and reviewed the list of eight (8) candidates requesting approval. He also reviewed the vacancies in each region and asked that anyone interested in serving on the QSS contact him. Motion: Member Baldwin moved to appoint the list of eight (8) candidates to the QSS. Second: Discussion: Opposed: Abstention: Pass/Fail: Member Arrigo. None. None. None. Motion carried. MEMBER COMMUNICATION Member Lantz asked if a CAC member knew of someone willing to serve on the QSS, what would be the process to become a member. She also commended staff on a great job at the event held at Rancho Los Amigos. Mr. Martindale-Essington responded that anyone interested in serving on the QSS could contact him and stated that there were QSS applications Member Garcia had a question regarding the revised agenda. Mr. Martindale-Essington explained that there were some updates to the list of candidates on the revised agenda. 14

15 Member Cohen had some questions regarding loading money to the Tap card, which was forwarded to management. Member Coto mentioned an issue regarding riders falling from the platforms at some Metro train stations. Mr. Avancena responded by directing the question to Metro staff. was looking into that issue. Member Aroch thanked staff and providers for the work they are doing in the disabled community and stated that she appreciated the service. Member Baldwin suggested that the CAC receive formal training on ADA Paratransit Regulations since it was important for this group to be well informed. Member Payne mentioned that several drivers have complained to him about no-shows and stated that some drivers experienced numerous noshows in one day. He expressed his concern about this issue. Mr. Foster stated that the no-show policy was in place and was being enforced. Member Stoudenmire apologized for missing las stated that she was on jury duty and was unable to attend. Member Cavalino stated that she attended all of the Community Meetings except for one and mentioned that the attendance and community involvement was much better at this round of meetings. Member Arrigo agreed with Member Cavalino regarding the Community Meetings and encouraged the CAC members to attend the meetings when possible. Member Baldwin stated that a kick-off meeting would be held at the Independent Living Center regarding an Access pilot program for Access customers with children. He asked if anyone was interested in this 15

16 program or knew of a rider with children in the San Fernando Valley, they could contact him and he would refer them to Access staff involved in the program. Member Garcia asked how the transportation would be handled to and from the upcoming Abilities Expo on March 30 th. Mr. Maloney responded that the ride to the event should be booked from home and the return would be scheduled at the Expo. NEW BUSINESS RAISED SUBSEQUENT TO POSTING OF AGENDA Member Arrigo agreed with Member Baldwin that the CAC should receive ADA training. Member Lantz stated that Marilyn Golden from the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) provided ADA training and suggested that a teleconference option could also be considered. Mr. Maloney agreed with the suggestion to provide the CAC with ADA regulations training and stated that staff would look into some options and get back to the committee with more information. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Second: Member Payne Member Cavalino Meeting was adjourned at 2:49 p.m. 16

17 ITEM 6 APRIL 9, 2012 TO: FROM: RE: ACCESS SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE DAVID FOSTER, MANAGER OF CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES OFFICER ELECTIONS FOR TERM ISSUE: The Nomination Subcommittee formed during the March 2012 Access Services Advisory Committee meeting has developed a slate of candidates for the term. Additional nominations can be taken from the floor during the election process. Each nominee was encouraged to provide an oral or written campaign platform during the election process. No written materials were submitted by the nominees so any presentations will be verbal. RECOMMENDATION: Review nominations presented and solicit any additional nominations and conduct the election for both Chair and Vice-Chair. Chair Michael Arrigo Nicole Cavalino Dov Cohen Terri Lantz Vice-Chair Michael Arrigo Nicole Cavalino Dov Cohen Terri Lantz 17

18 BACKGROUND: As outlined within the bylaws, the election of officers is to occur each year and officers serve for a one-year term with a term limit of two years. It is important to remember that the Chair of the Advisory Committee is also the Ex-Officio member of the Access Services Board of Directors. This requires that the Chair be an active participant at the Board of Directors meetings conducted every fourth Monday. 18

19 ITEM 7 APRIL 10, 2012 TO: FROM: RE: COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC) R. P. MARTINDALE-ESSINGTON, COMMUNITY RELATIONS ANALYST QUALITY SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS (CONTINUED) ISSUE: The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is responsible for the annual and periodic appointment of members to the Quality Services Subcommittee (QSS). In March of 2012, the CAC ratified the appointment of members to the QSS. At this time, five of seven additional applicants wish to join the QSS for the term. RECOMMENDATION: At this time, the CAC is asked to approve the following list of five (5) candidates who have expressed a willingness to serve and who have either completed or will be completing a QSS Membership application. These persons include: Phyllis Coto (CAC Member) Dina Garcia (CAC Member) Gloria Broderick (Eastern Region representative) Belinda Conrad (Northern Region representative) Hugh Hallenberg (At-Large representative for Seniors with Disabilities) Three basic types of QSS membership can be approved by the CAC in any combination. Though five (5) vacant positions exist and must be filled 19

20 to have meaningful rider representation, applicants wishing to apply for these remaining seats can be voted on by the CAC throughout the year. Current QSS CAC-Appointed List By Service Region Eastern: Vacant Vacant Northern: Vacant Vacant Southern: Myrna Cabanban (Customer) Michael Conrad (Customer) West-Central: Patricia Hyland (Customer) Vacant North County/Antelope Valley: Vacant Vacant North County/Santa Clarita Valley: Vacant Vacant At-Large Disability Community Representation Abby Vincent (Customer) Visual Impairments, Service Animal. 20

21 Gary Jansen (Customer) San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center) Developmental Disabilities. Tonni Hemphill (Customer) Orthopedic Impairments) CAC Appointed Representatives Michael Arrigo Terri Lantz Kurt Baldwin BACKGROUND: The QSS is a standing subcommittee of the CAC, created in February of The QSS is charged with advising the CAC and Access Services staff members on ways of insuring quality control for the Access ADA Paratransit service. The QSS can: hear and review customer and service provider issues that are presented to them; prioritize those issues, formulate plans of action, and make recommendations to the CAC and Access Services staff members. The QSS term is for one (1) year and begins in February 2012 and ends January A standing invitation for QSS membership exists on the Access Services website but in addition, in December 2011, a general public request was made for persons wishing to join. Three basic types of QSS membership can be approved by the CAC in any combination. Types of membership include: (1) One Access Paratransit customer from each existing service region appointed by the CAC; (2) One additional appointment from each existing service region appointed at the discretion of the CAC; (3) At least one member from the CAC appointed by the CAC. 21

22 ITEM 9 APRIL 10, 2012 TO: FROM: RE: COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE DAVID FOSTER, MANAGER OF CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES CUSTOMER SUSPENSION APPEALS PANEL SELECTION ISSUE: When Access suspends a customer for conduct or no show infractions, the customer has the right to appeal the suspension and Access is required to allow the customer to appear before an appeals panel consisting of members of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and an Access staff person. The panel can decide to uphold, overturn or modify the initial suspension. Since the CAC was newly reformed recently it is necessary to select a new appeals panel roster. Appeals will be heard before a three-person panel. Each appeals panel will consist of two members appointed by the CAC and an individual appointed by Access senior staff. RECOMMENDATION: Nominations needed in order to select five (5) CAC members to serve on the appeals panel for the period of one year effective retroactively from January 1, 2012 through December 31,

23 BACKGROUND: When Access suspends a customer for conduct or no show infractions, the customer has the right to appeal the suspension and Access is required to allow the customer to appear before an appeals panel who can decide to uphold, overturn or modify the initial suspension. In the previous iteration of the CAC, the committee nominated and ratified a pool of CAC members to participate in the Conduct and No Show Appeal Hearing Panelists selection process. Those selected (a suggested minimum of five committee members) will be put on a list. Participants were be chosen from the top of the list and alternated through the list in order. 23