City Commission Workshop Meeting

APPROVED:Z/4/2016 City Hall City of Eustis, Florida 10 North Grove Street Post Office Drawer 68 Eustis, FL 32727-0068 Meeting Minutes - Final* City Commission Workshop Thursday, January 21, 2016 5:30PM City Hall CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Holland - 5:30 p.m. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE Present: 5- Bill Brett; Carla Gnann-Thompson; Karen LeHeup-Smith; Linda Bob; and Michael Holland I. Workshop Item 16005 Lake Express bus stop location and service Ron Neiberl, City Manager, explained that complaints have previously been made regarding the Lake Express bus stop located at Lake Technical College and the lack of restroom facilities. He introduced Dottie Keedy. Dottie Keedy, Director of Community Services for Lake County, acknowledged the complaints regarding the location. She noted that the bus stop was previously at the shopping center on Ardice; however, the properly owner did not want the bus stop there and even refused to meet with them regarding the location. She introduced the new Transit Manager Tomika Monterville. Mr. Neiberl asked the location of most bus stops and if the current location was permitted by the appropriate agency. Ms. Keedy responded that the stops are not typically located on private properly. She commented on the problems with locating on private properly and indicated the current location is in the County right-of-way. Tomika Monterville, Lake County Public Transit Manager, provided a presentation regarding the LakeExpress fixed route service and the paratransit services offered through Lake County, the cost of the service, the amount of ridership and the need to work with the cities to identify locations for the stops. She reviewed the history of the previous bus stop location at the Ardice shopping center and discussed issues with stops being located on private properly. She explained what is required for a bus stop to be relocated and problems that have arisen for Lake Tech in having the transfer stop at that location. She indicated that another location has been identified on Ardice that will need to be investigated prior to relocating the stop. She explained the Transit Division is in the process of doing ADA stop improvements throughout the County and discussed future plans for additional stops and transit shelters. She cited their future plan to go out to bid for a larger contract to enable them to pursue a revenue-generating contract for the County which will help them to install more bus shelters and discuss opporlunities for potential adverlising on the shelters. She commented on their desire to work with the communities to better design the shelters to meet community needs. II. Commission Discussion Mr. Neiberl noted that the primary concern with the current location is the lack of restroom facilities and the length of time riders may be waiting at the stop. He asked if there are any regulations that require the provision of restroom facilities. Ms. Monterville explained there are no laws requiring the provision of restroom facilities but those may be provided at large transfer facilities. City of Eustis, Florida Page 1 Printed on 112712016 City Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes - Final January 21, 2016 Commissioner Bob commented on a recent experience she had in riding the bus noting the bus was approximately 30 minutes late and citing the need for restroom facilities. She emphasized the need to treat the underprivileged with dignity. Ms. Monterville responded they are reassessing their contracted provider particularly regarding on time performance. She encouraged the City to contact her if they receive complaints regarding the timeliness of the buses. She stated there is no requirement for them to provide restroom facilities. She agreed they are needed but stated they are not in the position to provide those facilities unless it is at a major transfer facility; however, their ridership does not allow them to introduce the higher capacity transit centers. Commissioner Bob expressed support for the City assisting them with finding an appropriate location with the necessary facilities. Ms. Monterville agreed with the need for them to work with the City. She noted that other transit organizations only offer restroom facilities on commuter buses. She indicated that they are not in the position to offer restroom facilities but that does not mean the City can 't identify locations and provide those amenities. Ms. Monterville then explained how the locations for the stops are identified and the need for them to be placed safely. She stated they would not locate a stop within the City without the City's concurrence. She offered to schedule a meeting with the fixed-route coordinator to determine an appropriate location. She further explained they need to improve their current system before making any major changes. She commented on the possibility of the City assisting with obtaining funding for additional ADA shelters. III. Public Input- None IV. Commission Direction Mayor Holland summarized that the City would continue to work with Lake County Transit to improve the system in the City and asked Commissioner Bob to work with Mr. Neibert and the Transit. V. Adjournment- 6:03 p.m. MICHAEL L. HOLLAND Mayor/Commissioner *These minutes reflect the actions taken and portions of the discussion during the meeting. To review the entire discussion concerning any agenda item, go to www.eustis.org and click on the video for the meeting in question. A DVD of the entire meeting or CD of the entire audio recording or verbatim transcript of the meeting can be obtained from the office of the City Clerk for a fee. City of Eustis, Florida Page2 Printed on 112712016