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CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Committee for Transit Accessibility (CTA) was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by Chairperson Julian in Building A, Auditorium, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), 3331 North First Street, San Jose, California.

ROLL CALL

Members Present
Jeannette Bruntz
Adam Byrnes, staff aide representing Cindy Chavez (Ex-Officio Board Liaison)
Emma Eljas
Linda Gallo
Sandra Gouveia
Katie Heatley (Ex-Officio)
Troy Hernandez
David Julian, Chairperson
Martin Lasich
Allen F. Marcillet
Laura Michels
Aaron Morrow, First Vice Chairperson
Barbara Rhodes
Thomas Slack
Barbara Stahl

Members Absent
David Grant, Second Vice Chairperson
Marjorie Jensen
Maryjane Naughten
Diana Nguyen

A quorum was present.

INTRODUCTION OF AUDIENCE MEMBERS

Received introductions from the audience including: Kimberly Koenig, VTA Treasury and Financial Planning Fiscal Resource Manager; Kurt Evans, VTA Government Affairs Manager; Roger Contreras, Chief Financial Officer; Denise Daly, Chief of Staff; Cathy Hendrix, VTA Operations Senior Management Analyst; Maria Marinos, VTA Senior Transportation Planner Programming and Grants; Sandra Weymouth, VTA Board Secretary; Edna Pampy, VTA Accessible Services; Matthew O. Tucker,
Chief Operating Officer; Jack J. Collins, Chief Construction Officer; Steve Johnstone, VTA Operations; Jim Unites, VTA Operations Planning; Ron Young, VTA Operations Training; Terry Applegate, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center; and
Michael T. Burns, General Manager. 

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

Member Stahl stressed the importance and purpose of CTA to advise VTA Board of Directors on accessibility issues in the area of transportation.   Member Stahl expressed concern that staff has delayed work of CTA by ignoring requests for reports and recommendations made to VTA Board of Directors regarding flaws in the present Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program.  She also expressed concern that staff did not forward CTA’s recommendation to VTA Board of Directors regarding the contracts with Orthopaedic Hospital and NovaCare.  Member Stahl noted importance for Accessible Services staff to be qualified to work with individuals with disabilities and senior citizens as well as having knowledge regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Member Eljas expressed concern about spending time and money on the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Survey.   She asked staff to consider using resources for Paratransit services.  

Introductory remarks from General Manager

Sam Lau, VTA Operations Planning and Support Services Deputy Directorand
CTA Staff Liaison, introduced Michael T. Burns, VTA General Manager, to the Committee.   Mr. Burns expressed appreciation and thanked the Committee for the opportunity to attend and participate in the Committee for Transit Accessibility Meeting.  Mr. Burns requested the opportunity for a fresh start to work collaboratively together with CTA to solve problems and provide the best services related to accessibility throughout VTA.    Mr. Burns expressed appreciation to Committee Members for their commitment to CTA and offered his commitment to give his best effort to work to address and resolve issues.

Mr. Burns provided a brief overview of his experience in transportation, which consists of over 30 years experience in both the public and private sector.  Mr. Burns noted his public sector transportation experience with Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in Boston, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in Philadelphia, and the last six years in San Francisco with San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI).  He highlighted his experience while working on MBTA's Paratransit Program, the RIDE, which provided valuable background working with Paratransit services from A through Z.  Mr. Burns noted the challenging environment and responsibilities with SEPTA Paratransit services in Philadelphia as the Chief Operations Officer.  He stated his experience in San Francisco with Paratransit and senior services will provide good examples for services here in Santa Clara County. Mr. Burns offered his commitment to give his best effort to work to address and resolve issues that are identified and will look to CTA for valuable input.  He noted the importance to have everyone participate.  Mr. Burns introduced executive staff who was attending to provide an overview on the VTA Scenario for the Quarter Cent Sales Tax Proposal.  This will be forwarded to the November 3, 2005 VTA Board of Directors Regular Meeting for consideration for a possible ballot measure in November 2006. Mr. Burns concluded his remarks and extended an invitation to begin with a clean slate as well as learning from past experiences.

First Vice Chairperson Morrow queried about Mr. Burns’s number one priority at VTA as it pertains to fixed route services.   Mr. Burns responded first by noting his four major priorities are 1) build relationships with all the stakeholders in the transportation network throughout the County, which includes advocates, elected officials, organizations, and committees built on trust, understanding, and communication; 2) build ridership on the system; 3) delivering on the capital program; and 4) financial stability strategy. Mr. Burns continued that he is riding the system, which is reliable, clean, and runs well; however, noted that the system is not very convenient, fast, or frequent; therefore, these are the three components that needs to be examined to try to build ridership on the fixed route system. 

Mr. Burns then commented on opportunities to implement more community bus operations and better connections with fixed route service as well as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) opportunities to speed up the trips for the majority of the people using the service.   Staff has started an analysis of the entire service schedule and noted confidence to have recommendations for changes that will assist to build ridership on the base system, whether it is fixed route or connection type services. 

Member Slack expressed appreciation for Mr. Burn’s positive attitude and looks forward to great things under his leadership.  Member Slack stressed the importance to have prompt feedback regarding Committee recommendations to VTA Board of Directors. Member Slack asked Mr. Burns to provide the Committee with a general brief overview of what a quarter cent sales tax proposal will provide VTA financially.  Mr. Burns noted his commitment to provide feedback in a prompt manner to CTA.  He commented that completion of all of the 2000 Measure A Program projects is at risk unless a new funding source is found, due to the dramatic decrease in sales tax revenues since the Measure was passed.  The Board of Directors and staff have, over the last two years analyzed, a series of options.  Mr. Burns continued that more information will be provided during the proposed VTA Scenario for the 2000 Measure A Transit Program presentation and noted recommended funding included for senior/disabled programs.

Member Rhodes expressed appreciation for Mr. Burns’ attendance and participation at the CTA Meeting.   Member Rhodes stressed the importance of operators receiving good training and adhering to ADA regulations, particularly as it relates to calling of stops.  

Member Eljas stressed the importance of an emergency preparedness plan in the event of an emergency or disaster.   Member Eljas expressed concern regarding the safety of seniors and individuals with disabilities in the event of a catastrophic event.  

Member Rhodes also stressed the importance of a disaster plan and noted that MTC is working to address the issue.  Mr. Burns responded that this is a good opportunity for VTA and CTA to work collaboratively on types of training that would be most beneficial.

Ms. Applegate distributed copies of the Mercury News editorial article dated
September 25, 2005 and The Sunday Pinnacle article dated September 18, 2005 to Committee Members and noted that in less than one year there has been nine editorials from Mercury News regarding VTA’s relations with the senior and disabled community and a focus on issues related to Paratransit Eligibility.   Ms. Applegate expressed concern and noted that the Paratransit Eligibility Program is broken and costly.   She expressed concern regarding the quarter cent sales tax proposal and noted that the community has little trust in VTA and may be weary to pass a sales tax.  Mr. Burns responded that the goal is to work together and move forward to take advantage of the opportunities for a successful transportation system. 

Member Rhodes expressed concern about spending money on a survey when the funding could be better utilized on transportation services.

Chairperson Julian and Committee Members welcomed Mr. Burns to the Committee for Transit Accessibility Meeting and VTA.

Committee Staff Report

Mr. Lau commented that staff is in the process of tracking CTA motions and recommendations to the VTA Board of Directors.  Mr. Lau continued that staff will electronic mail (e-mail) a table created to provide feedback on what happen to CTA’s motions and recommendations forwarded to VTA Board of Directors.  Mr. Lau referenced Page 2 of the CTA Agenda and commented on the table containing clarification and definition regarding CTA language and noted that every CTA Agenda will contain the CTA language definition table.

Mr. Tucker provided a brief overview on updates to the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Process.   Mr. Tucker commented that a memorandum was emailed to CTA and Transit Planning and Operations (TP&O) Committee with two major elements changes from the current program.  The first element is to utilize the
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) regional model as a foundation for VTA’s Paratransit Eligibility model and the second is staff’s proposal that the administration of the Paratransit Eligibility Program be conducted by OUTREACH. 
Mr. Tucker noted that the memorandum information will be forwarded to the Paratransit Eligibility Subcommittee for discussion.

Ms. Applegate referenced Page 3 of the memorandum and queried about the timeline schedule.   Mr. Tucker responded that during the months of November and December 2005, staff will send out letters to agencies regarding the Listening Sessions prior to the CTA Meetings in November and December 2005.  Mr. Tucker noted that the goal is to receive feedback on the challenges that are out there and to address concerns.  Mr. Tucker continued that in January 2006 staff will receive the survey results and forward to CTA as well as complete the community outreach process.  Staff will forward the final recommendation to VTA Board of Directors for consideration in April 2006 for consideration and implementation on July 1, 2006. 

Minutes of July 13, 2005

M/S/C (Morrow/Marcillet) on a vote of 11 Ayes, to 0 Noes, to 2 Abstentions to approve the Minutes of July 13, 2005.  Members Bruntz and Eljas abstained.

NOTE:    M/S/C MEANS MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED AND, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Minutes of August 10, 2005

M/S/C (Morrow/Gouveia) on a vote of 13 Ayes, to 0 Noes, to 0 Abstentions to approve the Minutes of August 10, 2005.

Minutes of September 7, 2005

M/S/C (Morrow/Gouveia) on a vote of 13 Ayes, to 0 Noes, to 0 Abstentions to approve the Minutes of September 7, 2005. 

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

Proposed VTA Quarter Cent Sales Tax Scenario for the 2000 Measure A Transit Program

Mr. Collins provided a brief overview of the proposed VTA Quarter Cent Sales Tax Scenario for the 2000 Measure A Transit Program.   Mr. Collins commented that the VTA Scenario is being presented to the Advisory Committees in October and forwarded to the Board of Directors on November 3, 2005.  Mr. Collins noted that this is a proposal to find a revenue source to augment funding shortfalls in the 2000 Measure A Program. VTA Board of Directors and staff have looked at various sales tax scenarios, such as ½ cent, 3/8 cent, ¼ cent, and zero cent sales tax and, at the September 16, 2005 VTA Board of Directors Workshop Meeting, staff was directed to provide a sales tax scenario, which merges both concepts of VTA Board of Directors and Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) proposal.  

Mr. Collins commented that the existing ½ cent sales tax brought in about $183 million a year that was used for operating VTA’s existing service; however, when sales tax revenues were impacted by the dramatic economic decline, VTA brought in $145 million in 2005, VTA was forced to cut service by 18 percent, mostly on bus routes. Mr. Collins continued that proposed VTA Scenario Quarter Cent Sales Tax will be used to complete the 2000 Measure A Program projects and for operations. Mr. Collins referenced Attachment # 1 VTA 2000 Measure A Transit Program VTA Scenario – October 2005 and noted that revenue from the proposed sales tax will go to the expenditures in Line 11 Operating Assistance at 18.5 percent set aside every year to continue to keep VTA level of service stable and in existence over the 30 years.  

Mr. Collins continued with the initial program elements of the recommended VTA Quarter Cent Sales Tax Scenario, a new 30 year, ¼ cent sales tax; completes BART to Silicon Valley no later than 2018; phases in BART to Silicon Valley revenue service and the purchase of BART vehicles in order to improve cash flow and funding requirements.   This phased service would start with 15-minute peak headways from 2018 to 2030 at a 16 percent savings to the net operating subsidy and provides for an initial car order of 119 BART vehicles, with a second procurement of 47 vehicles by 2030 when six-minute peak headways would begin.  The VTA Quarter Cent Sales Tax Scenario completes Capitol Expressway Light Rail to Eastridge by 2019; adds $717 million for a new program of local streets and roads, county expressways, and bicycle and pedestrian improvements over 30 years; completes Dumbarton Rail by 2011; Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) upgrades and improvements.

This completes an initial phase of Caltrain Improvements/Electrification from Tamien to San Francisco by 2018 and if Caltrain Electrification is determined not to be feasible and cannot move forward for any reason, then these funds would be used for other service improvements within the Caltrain Corridor; Caltrain Service upgrades in Santa Clara County and Caltrain South County Improvements; continues project development work on the Santa Clara/Alum Rock Rapid Transit Corridor; completes a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project in Sunnyvale/Cupertino by 2021; implements Phase I of the Mineta San Jose International Airport People Mover  (APM) Project, which would consist of a special premium non-stop service from the Santa Clara BART Station to the airport terminals using unique station elements to differentiate from VTA’s regular service; includes a 100 percent federal funding assumption for the Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Program; provides for a gradual VTA service increase of 12.4 percent by 2015, followed by an increase to 24 percent in 2020; includes funding for senior/disabled transit service programs from 2008 to 2036; maintains VTA’s operating reserves at 15 percent; estimates total net bond proceeds required for the Initial Program at $ 4.1 billion; provides for a low, but adequate Initial Program ending balance of   $387 million; and estimates on an operating deficit of $150 million in 2038 resulting from the original
2000 Measure A sales tax expiring in 2036.  This scenario will require a renewal of a local sales tax during the 2036-2038 timeframe. 

Chairperson Julian queried about what item addresses accessibility for bus stops and pathways.   Mr. Collins responded that bus stops and pathways are not specifically in the 2000 Measure A Program but funding would be allocated from VTA’s annual capital program budget for bus shelters and bus stop improvements.  Mr. Unites noted that VTA received $300,000 in the budget as a result of special federal funding allocated for VTA’s annual capital program, which will be presented next month at CTA with the goal to consolidate a list to use the funding in the upcoming year.

First Vice Chairperson Morrow asked about a Run #8 if this quarter cent sales tax does not pass.   Mr. Collins responded that the existing ½ cent sales tax that goes into effect in April 2006 will yield about $9 billion in revenue as well as funding from other sources for some of the projects.  Mr. Collins continued that staff has run a zero sales tax scenario and it shows that not all of the 2000 Measure A Program projects can be completed; therefore, the VTA Board of Directors would have to determine what projects go forward and what projects do not go forward. 

First Vice Chairperson Morrow referenced the Ad-Hoc Financial Stability Committee’s conclusion that VTA does not have enough funding to sustain operations and maintenance.  Mr. Collins responded that with the 18.5 percent operating reserves set aside from the 2000 Measure A revenue, staff is confident that VTA’s budget can be balanced; however, if that funding is not there than it is a different situation. 

Member Marcillet queried about a safety component to make people more comfortable riding the bus at night.   Mr. Collins responded that there is funding set aside for increased service.  He added that these safety concerns can also be addressed in VTA’s annual capital budget. 

Member Marcillet left his seat at 2:05 p.m.

Member Eljas queried about the senior and disabled program and if the program factors in increases in senior population.   Mr. Tucker responded that the new senior disabled program would be developed working in collaboration with CTA and VTA Board of Directors and noted that VTA’s operating budget includes cost of living increases as well as projected increases in ridership. 

Member Marcillet took his seat at 2:07 p.m.

Member Rhodes queried about the percentage of funding allocated to the bicycle program and to the pedestrian program.   Mr. Collins responded that the funding is based on an annual basis for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, which is $1.4 million a year; therefore, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) would look at the projects and allocate the funds to the projects. 

Member Bruntz left her seat at 2:07 p.m.

Member Rhodes asked if CTA would provide input regarding the pedestrian program portion.   Mr. Tucker responded CTA Committee would have the opportunity to provide input.

Member Bruntz took her seat at 2:09 p.m.

Member Lasich queried about bus service to Kaiser Hospital on Lawrence Expressway.   Mr. Unites responded that there is service at the new Kaiser Hospital and added that line 81 runs on Homestead. 

First Vice Chairperson Morrow queried about funding for Paratransit services in the
30-year timeframe.   Mr. Collins responded that the Paratransit Services program is included in VTA’s operating budget.  Mr. Tucker added that the Short Range Transit Program (SRTP) is submitted to MTC and outlines VTA’s capital needs over the next
10 years; therefore, the purchase of Paratransit vehicles using federal funds is one of the items outlined.

Ms. Applegate directed attention to Attachment 4 VTA 2000 Measure A Program VTA Scenario–October 2005, Page 3, Line #19 ADA/Paratransit and Line #20 ADA/Paratransit Program Growth and queried about the prediction regarding zero Paratransit growth.   Ms. Koenig responded that the budget amounts have already been set in VTA’s recommended budget that was adopted by VTA Board of Directors in June 2005.  Ms. Koenig noted that staff does not have a budget for 2008 and forward; therefore, this is only a forecast; however, staff can provide the information regarding the breakout for growth ridership versus cost of living.

Bus Mobility Device Securement Training Program

Mr. Johnstone provided a brief overview on the Bus Mobility Device Securement Training Program.   Mr. Johnstone commented that CTA requested an overview of the operator-training program specifically as it applies to the proposed changes to the Bus Mobility Device Securement Policy.   Mr. Johnstone directed attention to items that are important to provide the foundation for the training program Federal Regulation 37.173, which requires VTA to provide training to operators as follows:  “The Authority shall ensure that personnel are trained to proficiency as appropriate to their duties.  This includes safe operation of the vehicle, properly assisting and respecting the needs of customers with disabilities and courtesy in paying particular attention to the differences among these individuals.” 

Mr. Johnstone noted that the regulation states that VTA is required to train for proficiency the skills that are necessary for the operators to provide to the customers and VTA complies with the federal requirement through standard operating procedures that are in the Coach Operator’s Rulebook.   All VTA operators are trained to comply with the requirements and the programs have three main elements of training: New operator training, which is a seven week training program, Verification of Transit Training (VTT) program an annual training of every operator, and training regarding programs that come up periodically for every operator regarding a new process, procedure, or new mandate.  All operators are required to participate in the VTT program and have a valid VTT card with them to operator VTA vehicles. 

Mr. Johnstone directed attention to three rules included in the memorandum regarding Section 4, Chapter 8 of the Coach Operator’s Rulebook, which describes the type of service operators must provide pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   Mr. Johnstone noted that the Coach Operator’s Rulebook is 42 pages and includes short concise rules that VTA operators are trained to adhere to and, this is the book that VTA holds operators accountable to.  Mr. Johnstone continued that the Coach Operator’s Rulebook is the standard and behind every rule is a training process and outline.  For these three rules there is a 16-page guide for the trainers to teach from only on the ADA portion. 

Mr. Johnstone noted the ADA rules: Rule 8.1: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Regulations – All Operators shall comply with ADA regulations; Rule 8.2: Operator Assistance - The Operator is required to leave their seat to assist passengers with disabilities to board or exit the coach, or to use the wheelchair lift and/or securing devices as necessary or upon request; and Rule 8.3:  Lift Deployment – The Operator shall deploy the lift on request.  Anyone may request the use of the lift.

Mr. Johnstone noted as a Coach Operator, customer service is a large part of the job and passengers rely on operators for knowledge and information regarding routes, schedules, fares, transfer points, and everything else in between.  Customers expect a courtesy and professional response to their questions and comments even when they fail to extend the same courtesy.  Mr. Johnstone continued that training begins with customer service, the job of an operator is customer service provider.

There are a lot of technical aspects to the job, for example deploying the lift is a technical aspect and there is a customer service aspect to deploying the lift; therefore, when an operator is trained on technical aspects they are trained to do it with the philosophy in mind that they are there to serve the customer.  Mr. Johnstone noted that VTA trains the operators to obey the Coach Operator’s Rulebook and to be good customer service providers.   Mr. Johnstone noted staff’s intention to take the securement training to the divisions and this training will also be offered to the Customer Service Operators.

Member Bruntz recommended that VTA consider developing an educational sound annual assessment of how well operators are adhering to the ADA guidelines.

Member Stahl suggested that OUTREACH drivers be involved in the training since they have gone through the same training and they are excellent.   Mr. Johnstone responded that OUTREACH is part of the task force and there participation is in the program. Mr. Lau noted that it is a good suggestion to have an annual assessment of drivers adherence to ADA guideline but suggested allowing VTA training department to examine this issue.                

Member Marcillet asked if the motion was a checklist to determine if operators are adhering to ADA guidelines.   Member Bruntz responded that basically it is to determine if the training is taking place and if the law is being adhered to with what the operator is suppose to do.

Ms. Applegate noted that there are many components to the ADA and supports the motion for an annual assessment regarding if operators are adhering to the ADA guidelines.   Ms. Applegate commented that she has a number of friends that are drivers and have had training by being in a wheelchair and blindfolded to understand how individuals with disabilities utilize the system.  Member Marcillet asked if this type of training is still conducted.  Ms. Applegate responded that this type of training has not been done in years.

Member Rhodes commented that CTA used to attend and participate in VTA’s operator training and added that the operators were very receptive, which helped the operators to be more aware and sensitive to individuals with disabilities and seniors.    

M/S/C (Bruntz/Morrow) on a vote of 13 Ayes, to 0 Noes, to 0 Abstentions to recommend to VTA Board of Directors to develop and implement an educationally sound assessment plan to field test operators on ADA compliance.              

Member Slack queried if there was any criteria where the drivers have to show proficiency of English language to communicate with the customers.   Ex-Officio
Member Heatley noted that one of the greatest challenges is for drivers to secure individuals who are unable to communicate or have dementia so in this process it might be helpful to get some additional volunteers from various agencies to work with the drivers.

Mr. Johnstone noted that VTA has a commitment to train operators and to make sure the program will be effective. 

OTHER

Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Elderly/Disabled Advisory Committee Report

Member Rhodes provided a brief overview on the MTC Elderly/Disabled Advisory Committee Report.   Member Rhodes noted that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Program Projects is coming soon with different components. 
Member Rhodes commented that MTC is working on a safety and security program to address issues related to emergency preparedness plan in the event of an emergency.  Member Rhodes noted a training program scheduled for Wednesday, January 18, 2006 to examine the issues related to elderly drivers and will forward information to CTA. 

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

The Agenda was taken out of order.

Proposed VTA Quarter Cent Sales Tax Scenario for the 2000 Measure A Transit Program (continued)

Ms. Koenig referenced the request for the assumptions used in the Paratransit budget and noted that in FY 2006 budget assumptions include 1.7 percent increase in ADA trips and FY 2007 budget assumptions include 2.8 percent increase.   Ms. Koenig noted that these percent increases are assumptions; however, added that VTA will have to meet the demand; therefore, if the demand is higher then the percent increase will be higher.

The Committee received the report on the proposed VTA Scenario for the 2000 Measure A Transit Program.

Member Eljas left the meeting at 2:50 p.m.

CTA Transit System Ridership Report

The Committee received the CTA Transit System Ridership Report.

Chairperson Julian expressed his concern regarding drivers not offering or providing assistance to individuals with mobility device securement in bus vehicles and noted that securement issues need to be addressed.

Chairperson’s Report

Chairperson Julian referenced a news article regarding Paratransit bay area wide and the importance to have a disaster plan.  Chairperson Julian stressed importance to be prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster.  Ex-Officio Member Heatley responded that she has the news article and will forward the information to Committee Members.

Member Slack requested if the information could be sent via electronic mail (e-mail). 

Eligibility Subcommittee Chair Report

Vice Chairperson Morrow commented that Godbe Research will conduct the Customer Satisfaction Survey for the New Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program. Vice Chairperson Morrow noted that the Eligibility Subcommittee   has had several meetings with David Terrazas, Marketing and Public Affairs, Ms. Pampy, and OUTREACH regarding the language of the survey.  Vice Chairperson Morrow noted that Godbe Research is conducting preliminary survey testing with the a subgroup of disabled individuals and the survey results will be forwarded to CTA in January 2006.

Member Marcillet suggested inviting a guest speaker from the City of San Jose Emergency Preparedness Department to speak and provide emergency information to CTA.   Mr. Byrnes responded, “yes” that a guest speaker can be invited to speak to CTA regarding Emergency Preparedness. 

Member Rhodes requested that a guest speaker from the County of Santa Clara to provide emergency information to CTA as well. 

Member Stahl recommended having the emergency preparedness guest speaker agendized on the next CTA Meeting.

Ms. Applegate expressed concern to spend money on a survey and noted that funding could be better utilized on transportation services.

Announcements

Chairperson Julian announced the Abilities Expo for Northern California being held on November 18 – 20, 2005 at Santa Clara Convention Center.  Chairperson Julian added that admission tickets for the Abilities Expo are available for distribution to Committee Members.

Member Gouveia noted a name change of the Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired to Vista Center over the next two years.  Member Gouveia announced employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities scheduled on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 for the Santa Clara County.