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CALLED TO ORDER at 1:10 p.m.                       

ROLL CALL: Members Present: Gouveia, Grant, Heatley (Ex-Officio), Jensen, Julian, Lasich, Marcillet, Michels, Morrow, Rhodes, Stahl

Members Absent: Bruntz, Eljas, Gallo, Naughten, Nguyen, Slack

A quorum was not present and a Committee of the Whole was declared.

INTRODUCTION OF AUDIENCE MEMBERS

The Committee of the Whole received introductions from the audience including: Stephen Flynn, VTA Congestion Management Program and Planning; Suzanne B. Gifford, VTA Counsel; Diane Mitchell, Interested Citizen; Troy Hernandez, Area of Development Disability Board; David Ledwitz, VTA Accessible Services; Belle Pannu, VTA Human Resources; Duane Haugen, Interested Citizen; Bill Capps, VTA Operations; Matthew O. Tucker, Chief Operating Officer; Terry Applegate, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center; and David Terrazas, VTA Marketing and Customer Services.

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

There were no Public Presentations.                

The Agenda was taken out of order.

BUSINESS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS/GENERAL MANAGER

The Committee of the Whole reviewed and commented on the Proposed Changes to the Committee for Transit Accessibility (CTA) Bylaws.

The Committee of the Whole noted the importance of having the option of a
Co-Chairperson in the Committee Bylaws to share duties.

The Committee of the Whole queried about quorum requirements.  Staff responded that all VTA Advisory Committee Bylaws must be consistent make up with the VTA Administrative Code. 

Staff suggested that Committee Members discuss the Committee Member vacancy issues and determine if a recommendation be forwarded to the Board of Directors to amend the Administrative Code to provide for a smaller Committee.  Staff advised the Board of Directors direction to have all VTA Advisory Committee voting requirements be consistent with the Board of Directors and the Standing Committees; therefore, the majority of the total membership of the Committee.

The Committee of the Whole recommended a reduction in the Committee Membership size and stressed the importance to consider the fact that several Committee Members in CTA have disabilities and health issues, which impact their attendance.  Staff responded that in 2000 the Committee Bylaws were changed to allow 6 absences instead of 4 absences in any twelve-month period to address Committee concerns regarding Members with disabilities and health issues.

The Committee of the Whole expressed concern regarding Committee Member attendance and participation in Committee Meetings.  The Committee of the Whole stressed the importance of a quorum to be able to conduct Committee business.

The Committee of the Whole recommended the Committee Membership be reduced from 21 Members to 16 Members.

Terry Applegate, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center, recommended that CTA receive outside legal opinions regarding the Brown Act.

The Committee of the Whole requested staff provide the number of quorums and Committee of the Whole Meetings as well as Member attendance in an excel spreadsheet for the last 16 Committee Meetings.

The Committee of the Whole requested staff verify with Committee Members who have been absent to confirm if the Committee Members wish to continue to serve on the Committee.  Staff responded yes and noted that Committee Members will be contacted to determine their interest to continue to serve on the Committee.

The Committee of the Whole queried about Committee vacancies.  Staff responded that three-seats were available in the Human Organization Agency Category and two-seats were available in the Individuals with Disabilities Category.

The Committee of the Whole queried about the process to place items of concern and or interest on the Committee Meeting Agenda.  Staff responded that all VTA Advisory Committees exist to provide advice to the Board of Directors on items referred to the Advisory Committees by the Board of Directors or General Manager.  Staff referenced the Committee Bylaws Section 6.3 and noted the secretary prepares the Committee Agenda for each meeting in consultation with VTA staff and Committee Chairperson. 

The Committee of the Whole expressed concern regarding Committee involvement in the Committee Workplan as well as items placed on the Committee Meeting Agenda.  Staff responded that Committee discussion and input was received at the beginning of the year to develop a Committee Workplan for the year.

Vice Chairperson Morrow left his seat at 2:00 p.m.

Ms. Applegate expressed concern regarding Committee involvement in the Committee Workplan and items placed on the Committee Meeting Agenda.  Ms. Applegate extended an invitation to Committee Members to attend a City of San Jose Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) Meeting. 

Staff responded that a Committee Workplan exists and is based upon input and feedback received from the Committee.   Staff noted that the issue is time management and getting to the items of concern and interest in a timely manner during the Committee Meeting.

The Committee of the Whole suggested time allocations on items on the Committee Meeting Agenda.

Vice Chairperson Morrow took his seat at 2:05 p.m.

Staff suggested allocating a certain amount of time to discuss items of concern and interest and added that staff is willing to accommodate the Committee’s request regarding time allocation for agenda items.

VTA Counsel recommended staff allow the Committee of the Whole to vote on the recommendation and reflect the Ayes and Noes to get an idea of the Committee Members in favor or not regarding the recommendation. 

The Committee of the Whole recommendedthe Committee for Transit Accessibility (CTA) work on the following items: 1) CTA Bylaws, 2) Co-Chair proposal, and 3) Community Bus on the Committee’s next Committee Meeting Agenda.

The Committee of the Whole recommended a second Vice Chairperson and reduction in Committee Membership from 21 Members to 18 Members.

The Committee of the Whole received and filed the Service Management Plan,
Fiscal Years 2006/2007.

The Committee of the Whole stressed importance of public involvement and better customer service.

The Committee of the Whole thanked staff for the presentation and queried about grant funds for projects and services.  Staff responded yes and noted that staff seeks grant funding for projects and services.

The Committee of the Whole thanked VTA staff for their recommendations regarding Paratransit Services and noted that it is wise to examine alternatives. 

The Committee of the Whole queried about Community Buses and if they were equipped with an enunciator system.  Staff responded that Community Buses are being built with the capability to support VTA’s advance communication system. 

The Committee of the Whole expressed concern and noted the Committee needs to be involved to provide input on the vehicle.  Staff noted the Community Bus vehicle was on display at the August 13, 2004 VTA Board of Directors Workshop Meeting and at VTA River Oaks facility where members of the general public were invited to come in and provide feedback.

The Committee of the Whole requested that the Office of the Board Secretary poll and verify how Committee Members would like to receive information either by e-mail, mail, or both.  Staff responded that all information distributed as of November 2004 has been sent to Committee Members in the type of mode requested.

Ms. Applegate stressed the importance of public involvement regarding trip-by-trip eligibility and curb-to-curb service.  Ms. Applegate queried about travel training partnering with other agencies.  Staff responded that staff requested information from agencies to determine what resources in the community provide travel training and other pertinent information.  Staff noted that staff will work with CTA to develop implement and communication of the program.

The Committee of the Whole received and filed the Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Section 5310 Funding Cycle Local Review Committee (LCR) Recommended Project Review Scores.

Staff congratulated OUTREACH for their project application 100 percent local scoring. 

The Committee of the Whole congratulated and acknowledged OUTREACH for their excellent service. 

Staff thanked Chairperson Julian and Vice Chairperson Morrow for their diligent work and assistance within the LRC. 

OTHER

The Committee of the Whole received the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Elderly/Disabled Advisory Committee Report.

The Committee of the Whole reported that at the last meeting of the Elderly and Disabled Advisory Committee for MTC the Committee discussed concerns related to Elderly drivers.   The Committee of the Whole announced a Taxi Symposium sponsored by MTC scheduled for Monday, May 9, 2005, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Joseph P. Bort MetroCenter Auditorium.

The Committee of the Whole received the CTA Transit System Ridership Report.

The Committee of the Whole expressed concern regarding a negative travel experience on Friday, April 1, 2005, while traveling with wheelchair customers on fixed route bus service Line 22 and added that the incident was reported to Customer Service.  Staff responded that staff will check with Customer Service CARE regarding the incident and will work to address the complaint.

The Committee of the Whole expressed concern regarding the issue that lifts on vehicles are not working properly or are broken and requested staff check to see how many road supervisors are available to provide assistance to customers.  The Committee of the Whole expressed concern regarding the size of the road supervisors vans, which are not wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and noted that this is a major concern. 

The Committee of the Whole requested information regarding how many individuals were transported by a road supervisor last year.  Staff responded that the request will be forwarded to staff.

The Committee of the Whole requested staff provide a quarterly report from the road supervisor regarding the use of the vehicles to accommodate customers.

Staff noted that the concerns regarding road supervisors can be agendized for Committee discussion.    

Legislative Updates

There were no Legislative Updates.  

Committee Staff Report:   The Committee of the Whole heard a report relating to the Modification to the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process scheduled to be implemented on Monday, May 2, 2005, thanked CTA Task Force Marketing Communication Plan participants for their involvement and participation, noted the new Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process brochure will be downloadable and printable from the web and is available in several different languages.  Staff added that various Braille versions are being completed and e-mail is also available.  Staff announced a community event for the Modified Paratransit Eligibility Program Process held on May 4, 2005, at VTA Administrative Offices, River Oaks Facility in the Auditorium.  Staff commented on the Bus Mobility Securement Task Force and thanked Committee Members for their participation. Staff noted that the Committee Staff Report will be distributed to Committee Members for review via hard copy and e-mail and noted two notices sent to coach operators regarding opening up seats for Elderly/Disabled individuals and service animals allowed on vehicles.

The Committee of the Whole request the new Modified Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process brochures be distributed to Hospital Rehabilitation Centers and Dialysis Centers.  Staff responded yes and requested Committee Members forward additional site suggestions to staff.

The Committee of the Whole requested that the information to request personal data information from Disability Services at Orthopaedic Hospital be resent to Committee Members.  Staff responded that the information process will be resent to Committee Members via e-mail.

Chairperson’s Report:   The Committee of the Whole heard a report relating to the Accessible Service Manager position and requested that the position deadline be extended to assist individuals interested in applying for the position, requested all information entered in the database regarding the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process interview be provided to the client, announced a Taxi Symposium sponsored by MTC scheduled for Monday, May 9, 2005, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Joseph P. Bort MetroCenter Auditorium and provided the information to staff for distribution to Committee Members.

The Committee of the Whole thanked staff and OUTREACH for their diligent work regarding the Bus Mobility Securement Task Force Meetings.

The Committee of the Whole added that the Bus Mobility Securement Task Force Meetings were an interesting and positive experience.

The Committee of the Whole queried about when the Bus Mobility Securement Policy was going to be implemented.  Staff responded no definite date regarding the Bus Mobility Securement Policy and noted that the item will come back to CTA and Transit Planning and Operations Committee then forwarded to the Board of Directors for consideration.

The Committee of the Whole queried about the Committee Workplan.  Staff responded that the Committee Workplan will be e-mailed to Committee Members for review.

The Committee of the Whole deferred the Minutes of February 9, 2005 to the May 11, 2005 Committee for Transit Accessibility Meeting.

The Committee of the Whole deferred the Minutes of March 9, 2005 to the May 11, 2005 Committee for Transit Accessibility Meeting.

Announcements

There were no Announcements.

ADJOURNED at 3:12 p.m.