Capital District                                                                                                 June 14, 2013

Transportation Committee       

 

 

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COORDINATION COMMITTEE

DRAFT RECORD OF MEETING

 

DATE/TIME: April 30, 2013, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

 

ATTENDANCE: Margo Mahoski, Catholic Charities Senior Services Schenectady,  , Bill Garrison, Center for Disability Services, Mary Ellen Casey Usis, CDTA, Michelle Abel, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany Wheels & Ways to Work, Darci Carter, NYS OTDA, Tom Vaughan, NYSDOT, Xiaoye Sue, NYSDOT, Rocco Ferraro, CDRPC, Ross Farrell, CDTA, Ed Wolk, CDTA, Rosemary Nichols, Watervliet Green Island Transit Co., Regina Jean Warner, Watervliet Green Island Transit Co.,  Pamela Gatto, Schenectady ARC, Tim Farrell, Albany County DSS, Nelson Ronsvalle, Town of Halfmoon, Kelly Mateja, Colonie Senior Services Centers, Anne Benware, CDTC

 

DISCUSSION SUMMARY:

 

1.      Review of JARC Proposals and Evaluation Committee Recommendation.

The RTCC reviewed the materials previously distributed by CDTC staff on the results of the JARC Evaluation Committee recommendation.  The evaluation committee reviewed the proposals and reached consensus that each meets the needs, gaps and barriers identified in the coordinated plan and eligibility requirements and goals of the JARC program and recommended funding the 3 project proposals as follows:

 

o   CDTA Enhanced Mobility Late Night/Weekend Service 

(Federal funds  =  $238,156/Local Match = $238,156 )

o   CDTA Mobility Management   

(Federal funds  =  $35,825/Local Match = $ 8,956)

o   Catholic Charities Wheels and Ways to Work

(Federal funds  =  $60,000/Local Match = $75,000)

 

A motion was made to accept the results of the Evaluation Committee review and to recommend  CDTC’s Planning Committee fund the three proposed JARC projects.  The motion was approved.

 

2.      Update Ideas for the 2011 Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan

CDTC staff distributed a handout on DRAFT ideas and outline for the update to the current Coordinated Plan adopted in 2011 to start the discussion on how the update should proceed especially in light of the 2010 Census data and recent changes to federal transportation legislation via MAP 21.  Anne asked the group to consider participating in a subcommittee to help steer the update work.  Margo, Bill and Michelle said they’d be interested.  It was pointed out that military veteran’s transportation issues are becoming more critical and will be a needed part of the update.

 

3.      RTCC Activities

New Freedom Program — Status of 2009 Projects

Watervliet Project – Mary Ellen re-iterated that funding ended December 31, 2013 and that other

options (potential use of a van?) were being explored between CDTA and the City of Watervliet.

 

Accessible Taxis – Mary Ellen also reported that Albany now had their accessible taxis and that   needed working to change the City of Albany charter to allow the taxis as dual purpose vehicles has been worked through.  The next step is City Council approval of the needed change which looks promising.  Saratoga has two accessible taxis, and Troy and Schenectady each have one.

Regarding the Watervliet Project, Rosemary noted there was an understanding that the City agreed to continue the service for six months for a three days a week shortened service span.  She asked if that conforms to the original contract under the New Freedom funding.  CDTA indicated they would look into the issue and report back.  Other RTCC members asked if there were other potentially available fund sources to continue the service.  The City of  Watervliet would have to pursue. 

2012/13 New Freedom Allocation/Solicitation Results

Anne handed out a short write up regarding the results of the solicitation and the review process and timeline.  It was noted proposals were due April 19th , leaving insufficient time to convene a meeting of the evaluation committee ahead of this RTCC meeting.

 

The sole proposal was submitted by the Center for Disability Services in collaboration with Catholic Charities Senior Services in Schenectady and Senior Services of Albany.  The project entails 2 components:

·        Regional Driver Training Center to be located in a redeveloped building/site at its current Transportation Services facility at 700 South Pearl Street.

·        Development of standard driver training curricula and training practices for use at the Center for Disability Services, Catholic Charities Senior Services in Schenectady and Senior Services of Albany, and potentially others in the future.  

 

The evaluation committee review process and subsequent RTCC and CDTC Planning Committee review and recommendation process for New Freedom will follow the same process followed for the JARC proposals.  It is expected that the RTCC will consider their recommendation to the Planning Committee for the New Freedom proposal at the June meeting.  There was a question as to whether the proposed project is eligible for New Freedom funds.  CDTA will reach out to FTA to get a determination on eligibility.  CDTC staff initial review indicates the proposal is consistent with the Coordinated Plan.

 

4. NYSDOT

a. United We Ride (Albany County) - Tom noted that the remaining $25,000 will most likely have to be lapsed back to FTA.

 

b. Section 5310 Program 

Recent grant awards update - Tom reported grant awards will be announced very soon; it’s expected contracts and award letters will accompany the announcement. Some residual funds were left from SAFETEA-LU; consequently there may be a small solicitation in the fall of 2013. 

MAP 21 requirements NYSDOT/NYS MPOs statewide approach

Tom reminded the group of the changes MAP 21 is requiring for the Enhanced 5310 program.  (Note: The 5310 program now includes New Freedom-type projects and New Freedom was eliminated as a standalone program.  MAP 21 also includes regional allocations for 5310 eligible projects in areas with over $200,000 in population such as the four county CDTC region.  In addition a decision must be made at the MPO level on the assignment of the Designated Recipient (e.g. administrator) of the program whereas under SAFETEA-LU NYSDOT administered the program statewide with no regional allocations; grants were based on a statewide competition.)

NYSDOT has heard informally from most MPOs and Transit Agencies and is hosting a conference call with those entities to further discuss the pros/cons of different options including having NYSDOT be the Designated Recipient for the Enhanced 5310 program.  If NYSDOT is the designated recipient there would be one solicitation process and package, and each MPO/region’s allocations would go to that region; projects selected would be based on the priorities of the regional coordinated plan.  The CDTC area’s allocation is still to be determined but NYSDOT estimates and amount of approximately $800,000 for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2013/14 based on FTA’s six month appropriation table; this amount could change.

Tom stated that each MPO has to have a discussion on priorities for the enhanced 5310 program as soon as possible so that the next solicitation round isn’t delayed. This round is anticipated for late fall of 2013.  NYSDOT may decide to do a solicitation for two years worth of funds.  The solicitation could be combined with the residual FFY 2012/SAFETEALU 5310 funds (for vehicles only).

As has been discussed informally with the RTCC previously, the process to assign Designated Recipient status for the CDTC area will be as follows: the RTCC will be asked to consider the question of designating NYSDOT as the recipient (CDTA/CDTC staff recommendation is that NYSDOT should be the DR based on the administrative and oversight requirements that are placed on the DR and the fact that NYSDOT has handled this for the 5310 vehicles in the past and has vast experience) and then recommend an action to the Planning Committee; CDTC’s Planning Committee will then consider the RTCC recommendation and the CDTA/CDTC staff recommendation and then take an action to forward its recommendation to the CDTC Policy Board who will have the ultimate decision.  That decision is then forwarded to the State and the Governor then acts to name the Designated Recipient.

Tom informed the group that NYS is looking to implement a uniform grants management system which will be web-based.  This web-based system could be in place for the next 5310 solicitation.

Consequently Tom asked that the group set out priorities for enhanced 5310 program as soon as possible.  The group agreed to have a special meeting to discuss this issue on Thursday, May 16th at 9 am at CDTC. Items to be discussed will be the results of the 2011 Human Service Agency Survey as those relate to current and future vehicle needs.  In addition priorities amongst capital only projects, operating projects and mobility management type projects will be discussed.  Considerations for this discussion include the current OGS contract that expires in 2014.   A question was asked regarding whether adherence to the OGS “Adult Bus Contract” was required under MAP 21 for 5310? The answer was that previous 5310 vehicle grant purchases were required to adhere to this contract but perhaps this could be loosened depending on the number of MPOs/current DRs (i.e. transit agencies) participating with NYSDOT as the Designated Recipient (DR).

Following this issue specific special meeting, the RTCC will consider the DR designation at its June 18th meeting.

5. CDTA

a. CST Activities – CDTA staff indicated once the paperwork is processed at the state level the vouchers should be available to Albany County within 2 to 4 weeks.

b. JARC Activities – the mobility enhancement rollout using pre-FY 2012 JARC funds is expected to rollout in August 2013 pending FTA approval.

6. Other - News Around the Table

There was discussion on the issue of upcoming changes to Medicare/long term care and related transportation implications; RTCC members’ agencies will need to monitor.  Veteran’s transportation needs continue to be at the forefront. Michelle reported on a recent Albany Devils hockey game at which WWW/Catholic Charities, in partnership with others, gave away 3 cars to area veterans families in need.  She noted that Progressive Insurance is working with them and is looking to give veterans cars this summer; if anyone knows of a veterans family in need who could support owning a car please contact her.  WWW is also taking car donations.

Margo reported that after twenty years of collaboration, Catholic Charities of Schenectady and the ARC will not be working together to service vehicles due to budgetary issues.  Catholic Charities will be working to find another partner.

Pam noted that Schenectady ARC didn’t apply for New Freedom funds due to budget issues.

Darci reported that the 2013 NYS budget included $112,000 in CST funds. The plan for the funds is still in the works.  Proposals from the last solicitation have been reviewed and evaluation recommendations have been made; the Commissioner will likely approve those soon and the notices will go out. 

7.  Adjournment Next Meeting – Proposed for June 18th @ 1:30 pm