DATE: Oct. 28, 2009 TCC meeting held in the meeting room at the Public Library in Reedsburg.
Attending: Art Carlson, Steven Bach, Darwin Nelson, Trish Vandre, Phyllis Johnson, Betty Durst, Alan Wildman, Ralph Soeldner, Dale Mayer, Janet Pearson and Ashley Nedeau-Owen.
Absent: Sue Hebel, Natalie Wilmot, Sandra Roemer-Rutter, Theron Hill, Jim Brown & Michael Coleman.
Called to order by Carlson at 10:35 AM in compliance with Open Meeting Law.
Agenda adopted, motion by Nelson, second by Pearson, unanimously.
Prior meeting minutes approved, motion by Nelson, second by Durst, unanimously.
No public comment was offered.
Members of the TCC were encouraged to attend the Health Care Center Open House on November 7, 2009 from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM.
Alan Wildman of Prairie du Sac, representing a transportation provider, Sauk Prairie Transit, was welcomed.
An update on transportation programs was offered and discussed. Several handouts detailing bus ridership, Volunteer and Staff Escort service ridership as well as trends for the bus were distributed. It was recommended that reports on destinations include trip originations.
A brief discussion of an inclement weather policy included a recommendation that a policy be established and posted prominently.
Business Items:
A discussion of grant applications including: Section 5310 Capital, 5311 Operating, STRAP Continuing Service, New Freedom for Mobility Management, County's non-participation in ARRA and an opportunity to provide input for the upcoming 85.21 grant.
Nelson recommended that Sauk County move to expand service, especially route service or cab service, to rural areas, particularly to Merrimac.
There was a discussion of the state's recommendation that, in lieu of applying for ARRA funding, the county seek better coordination with VARC and the Health Care Center.
A discussion of Public Perception of using available county transportation services revealed:
• Wait times and fear of no return trip are preventing access & use
• Eligible citizens not attending Dining Centers because of cost of driving & perception of lack of access
• Carpool evidenced by vehicles using outlot at Shell station in Spring Green (not a DOT Park & Ride)
• TCC member Nelson asked, "When can I get on at my house?"
• Ongoing issues related to change reluctance
• Encouragement to speak about services at Senior Housing Units & Dining Centers
• Provide for education on How to Use services, How to Read schedules, logistics of using transportation services and encouragement to start an Ambassador Program
Durst moved to adjourn, Soeldner seconded and all approved.