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HomeMy WebLinkAboutYouth Advisory Board - Minutes - 01/02/2008YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES Regular meeting — January 2, 2008 7:00 p.m. Council Liaison: Lisa Poppaw Board Members Present: Kai Stuckey, Matt Strauch, Erin Rooney, and Laura Lamb Board Member(s) Absent: Joshua Disney, Lee Swanson, and Scott Umbreit Staff Members Present: Steve Budner, Administrator — Recreation Department Jackie Darner, Staff Support — CPRE Guest(s) Present: Marlys Sittmer, General Manager, Transfort/Dial-A-Ride Kurt Ravenschlag, Assistant General Manager, Transfort/Dial-A-Ride Call meeting to Order: The regular meeting of the Youth Advisory Board was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Board chairperson Matt Strauch. Approval of Minutes from December 4, 2007: Due to Board members being absent, approval of the minutes were tabled until the February 6, 2008 meeting. Citizen Participation: There was no citizen participation. Agenda Review: There was no agenda review. Transfort Update — Marlys Sittner and Kurt Ravenschlag Marlys Sittner introduced herself and Kurt Ravenschlag from Transportation/Dial-A-Ride. Marlys presented a Power Point presentation highlighting the services provided by Transfort and explained the Bohemian Foundation Grants. She described the relationship that Transfort has with the students at Colorado State University and reviewed the bus route map, including three new routes. She distributed route maps to the board and explained some of the services provided to the schools. She stated that youth riders (under 17 years of age) make up 23% of Transfort's passengers. She noted that in 2003, City Council approved a twenty-five cent fare for youth riders and stated that not all youth riders could afford to pay the twenty-five cent fare each time they rode the bus. She explained that the estimated revenue generated from that fare would be approximately $45,000 annually and stated that the Bohemian Foundation offered Transfort a $50,000 grant to ensure that youth riders could continue to ride for free. She stated that the Bohemian Foundation has committed the $50,000 grant to Transfort through 2009 and noted that there has not been a decrease in ridership, but, rather a steady increase. She commented on the changes in 2006 to the FoxTrot route from Fort Collins to Loveland and noted that 35% of the riders on that route are youth (17 and under) and explained the minor decreases in ridership and overall increases. She expressed her gratitude to the Bohemian Youth Advisory Board Minutes January 2, 2008 Page 2 Foundation for their continued support of Transfort and described the positive relationship between Transfort and ASCSU. She noted that in 2007, 11,884 bus passes were distributed through the Transit Center at CSU and stated that the ridership contract is based on an academic year (July to July). Increase In Ridership Cost Annual Cost 2007-08 0.3% $378,000 2008-09 8% projected $409,464 Laura asked about the bus pass distribution at CSU. Marlys stated that all fulltime CSU students are automatically issued a bus pass and explained the code on each bus pass provides electronic tracking of number of riders, ride frequency, which routes, etc. Marlys spoke about the bus passes issued to senior and disabled citizens and explained how their rides are tracked. She noted that ridership decreases in 2006 on the FoxTrot route from Fort Collins to Loveland were due to the changes made by the City of Loveland by increasing route coverage. She stated that despite the decreases, that overall, Fort Collins youth ridership is up 4% and noted that total ridership is up 3%. Marlys commented on the reporting requirements to the Bohemian Foundation and presented some statistics from the rider survey: One-third of riders surveyed, the annual household income was less than $40,000. This one-third (of riders) rode the bus at least three times a week. Twenty percent of riders surveyed, their household did not own a car. Laura spoke in support of the new bus route to Corbett. Marlys noted that it takes at least 24 months to establish a bus route and stated that currently that route is growing with approximately 10 passengers per hour. She said that staff would like to see each route carrying 20 passengers per hour or more and noted that the City's overall system operates at approximately 28 passengers an hour. Laura asked if the City was considering acquiring smaller buses. Marlys explained that City buses are purchased through a Federal Grant Program which has very limited funding and stated that the City tries to buy buses which will serve peak capacity times. She explained that there is little difference in operating and initial purchase costs between a 30 foot and a 40 foot bus and noted that the City owns 30, 35, and 40 foot buses. She said that the City might consider purchasing 60 foot buses for the projected ridership along the Mason Street Corridor. Steve asked about the reasons behind increased youth ridership. Youth Advisory Board Minutes January 2, 2008 Page 3 Marlys stated the increases youth ridership could be due to awareness of environmental issues, and affordability and commented on the potential partnering with Poudre School District. She noted that in 2008, Transfort would be adding video security in all of the buses and spoke about the success of the pilot security program. She described the positive behavior and language modifications as a result of the video and audio security. Matt asked if crime and vandalism were a problem on the buses. Marlys stated there have been some minor issues (very minor compared to other parts of Colorado and the country) including inappropriate language, pushing, shoving, and noted that there is very little vandalism on the buses. She said that due to the problems at the Downtown Transit Center, Transfort and the Fort Collins Police Department have jointly hired security guards that are at the Transit Center for approximately an hour and a half after school. Matt asked about the number of incidents and injuries. Marlys stated that there are no incident or injury reports. Steve asked the location of the closest bus stop to Northside and what are the plans for a bus route to include Willow? Marlys noted that City Council approved funding for 2008 to look at routes and explained that a consultant will be hired to review Transfort's existing system to determine if route changes should be made. She stated that she believed that looking at a route on Willow could be part of the study and stated that the closest bus stop to Northside would be Route 8, which is near El Burrito. Kai spoke in support of the recent route changes and stated that the changes made it more convenient for her and her brother getting to and from school. Matt spoke in support of Routes 16, 17, and 18. He asked about Transfort's relationship with Poudre School District and Route 10 to Fort Collins High School during 2000 - 2002. Marlys described Route 10 coverage provided by Transfort during 2000 — 2002 and noted that the ridership at that time was not overly high. Matt asked if information was available indicating why people ride the bus and rider destination. Marlys stated that it had been a while since a survey of that nature had been taken. Matt asked if the 61 % (total youth ridership) of ridership was typical. Marlys stated that in a community of this size and in a college town, that 61 % is very average and noted that Transfort has 1.5 million riders annually. Matt asked if seniors received discounted fares. Youth Advisory Board Minutes January 2, 2008 Page 4 Marlys explained the federal requirements for senior discounts and explained the half fares that are provided to seniors. She noted the discounts that Transfort provides for seniors and people with disabilities and reviewed the discount prices on annual bus passes and punch cards. Matt expressed concern regarding Transfort being dependent on the Bohemian Foundation funding with respect to discounted youth fares and expressed concern that the grant money from the Bohemian Foundation would not last forever, thus possibly resulting in higher fares for youth riders. Marlys stated that the Bohemian Foundation has made a commitment to Transfort through 2009 and she stated that if staff believed they weren't going to get the funding, staff would go to Council and encourage Council to maintain discounted youth fares. She described Council's receptiveness to supporting Route 9, despite low ridership and stated she believed that should the grant money from the Bohemiam Foundation end, Council would find a way to maintain discounted youth ridership. Matt strongly spoke in support of youth riders not having to pay to ride the bus. Laura asked about Route 9 providing transportation to and from Lincoln Junior High and Poudre High School. Marlys noted the school district has policies indicating who they legally have to provide transportation and stated that boundaries are one-half mile for elementary schools, one mile junior highs, and two miles for high schools with some exceptions. Laura expressed concern about the walking distance for students if Route 8 was not in place. Marlys stated that some of the routes have been in place for a long time when the ridership may have been higher. Matt asked if Night Outs routes were coming back. Marlys explained that those routes were funded exclusively by ASCSU and commented on the yearly ASCSU leadership changes that resulted in budget constraints and limitations. Matt asked about extended hours for night bus service. Marlys spoke in support of night service, till 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. and noted that providing that service is just too costly. Matt requested that Marlys provide the Youth Advisory Board with cost information. Marlys stated that she would provide the Board with the Annual Report and a copy of the survey that the Bohemian Foundation receives. Steve asked if that same information could be provided to him electronically, along with the Power Point presentation. Youth Advisory Board Minutes January 2, 2008 Page 5 Laura spoke about a field trip that she took on the bus and stated she believed that field trips are a great way of introducing kids to the bus system. Marlys stated that she is trying to obtain funding for a travel -training program and explained that it would involve teaching citizens how to ride the bus. Marlys explained Transfort's step-by-step brochure on how to ride the bus, understand the routes, etc. Steve spoke in support of Transfort being part of the `speaker series' to have an opportunity to educate young riders about taking the bus. Matt asked if Transfort advertised in the Recreator. Steve noted that if Transfort didn't have ads in the Recreator, there would be bus schedules in every City facility. Chairman's Report: a. Erin's resignation — Matt told the board that Erin has resigned and her resignation will be effective immediately after the meeting. He expressed appreciation for all her hard work on the Board and noted that her resignation letter had been submitted to Karla. b. Kai — explained her absences from the last three Youth Advisory Board meetings. Matt requested that Kai please call and let Carol know if she is unable to attend a meeting and noted that officially he has to excuse her from the meeting. Kai gave the board her email addresss; kaistuckeyaa,msn.com c. Update Board member liaison report — Lee chose the Affordable Housing Board and in an email described the AFB's belief in the importance of `development impact fees' for affordable housing projects. Erin stated that the Natural Resources Board new liaison is John Armstrong and the Board discussed the 2000 Policy Legislative Agenda. Laura chose to be the liaison to the Poudre School District. Matt noted that things are going well with the ASCSU Board and asked Steve if he knew the status of the memorandum. Steve noted that the memorandum would go to Marty before going to City Council and stated that he believed it would go to City Council on Thursday, January 3'd. d. NACC Advisory Board — Matt stated that he'd met with the NACC Advisory Board and noted that the discussion focused on underwriting scholarships for recreational opportunities. Matt said that he invited Councilmember Lisa Poppaw to the next NACC Advisory Board meeting in hopes of getting Council's view regarding recreational scholarships. He stated that the next meeting is January 16, 2008 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at NACC. e. Officer elections — will happen in February and March and Matt noted that Laura and Lee are not eligible to run for office. He stated that Kai, Scott, Josh, and he are eligible to run for office. He indicated that he would like to have discussion regarding officer elections at the February YAB meeting. f. Memo to Council — Matt stated that he is hopeful to hear something official from City Council by August. Steve noted that a stumbling block may arise with the board increasing Youth Advisory Board Minutes January 2, 2008 Page 6 membership from 7 to 21 members and explained that both Marty and Dann had the same concerns regarding adding additional staff liaisons. Other Business: Laura stated that she had attended two teen driver coalition meetings and said that the coalition is funded by a grant from Poudre Valley Hospital. She noted the coalition has funding for 100 scholarships for driver's education and noted that instructional videos are available that could be presented at the speaker series. Steve spoke in support of the speaker series and youth scholarships for driver's education and noted that he was willing to encourage teens to attend the presentation. Matt asked if there was a community bulletin board at NAAC. Steve noted that NAAC is in the process of getting a community bulletin board. Matt encouraged Laura to become the official liaison to the Poudre School District and stated that Lisa is the official liaison to the school district. Matt stated that before the February YAB meeting, an email to the board would be sent to encourage brainstorming. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 6a' at 7:00 p.m. in Activity room 2 at NACC. This is a different room than normal. It is the middle section of the 3 activity rooms. On a motion by Erin and seconded by Laura, the board voted unanimously (4-0) to adjourn at 8:33 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jackie Darner, staff support for Carol Fahring The next meeting will be Wednesday, February 6, at 7 pm at NACC.