Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority 323 Congress Avenue, First Floor ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 1, 2006
Members Present: Shelly Brisbin, Ron Burzese, Jerry Doran, Julie Maloukis, Scott Meyer, Juan Munoz, Judy Watford, Linda French
Members Absent: R. L. Glock (excused), Robert Raines (excused)
Staff Present: Nancy Crowther, Bob Dunlop, Denise Guerro, Jan Johnson, Dale Norton
Citizen's Present: Pat Bartell, Malcolm Graham, Tom Griffeth, Christine Guevra, Gerald Oltman, Lawrence Prosser, Mark Thompson, Michael Zitzivincih
Call to Order: Ms. Brisbin, Chair, called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. Attendance was noted. Excused absences were noted.
Minutes: Minutes from the February meeting were not available.
South Austin Transfer Center: Mr. Norton, Capital Metro's Program Project Manager for the new transfer center attended. He distributed an "Architectural Site Reference Plan" of the proposed center. It was noted that this is to be a transfer center as opposed to a park and ride. The center will house 14 bus bays, a park, a clock tower with chimes and perhaps a coffee vendor. Members raised questions about security. Ms. Crowther will invite Mark Ostertag to the next meeting to address security. Several members asked that the minutes reflect the Committee's appreciation to Mr. Norton for presenting the site plan in such a user friendly format.
STS Proposed Program Changes: Mr. Johnson provided a recap of the services provided by the consultant hired to evaluate the STS program. Mr. Johnson distributed a draft of Proposed STS Policy Changes.
- Public Meetings. Two public meetings will be held to address the proposed changes have been scheduled. An interpreter will be available at both meetings. Ms. Brisbin asked that members attend one if not both meetings.
March 22 at the Manchaca Road Library on Manchaca Road in South Austin
March 29 at the Yarbrough Library on Hancock Drive in North Austin
- Draft Document. Members reviewed the Draft Document distributed by Mr. Johnson item by item. There was much discussion, primarily about the restrictions to the ADA service area and the elimination of restrictions to the taxi voucher program. In addition, the Committee recommended strongly that Capital Metro refrain from making functional assessments in house.
Ad Hoc Committee on Bylaws. A draft of the proposed revisions to the Bylaws was distributed at the February Subcommittee Meeting and via email. Members were asked to come to this meeting prepared to vote. Ms. Maloukis went through the document, noting several typos and wordsmith needs. Ms. Maloukis noted that Ms. Brisbin suggested two other minor changes. A motion was made and seconded to pass the revised Bylaws with the noted changes. The motion passed with 7 members voting in favor and none opposed.
Subcommittee Reports
- The Fixed Route Subcommittee met at the Capital Metro offices on 5th Street last week. A bus configured with the new strapping system to secure wheelchairs and scooters was onsite. Members were able to board the bus and try out the new system. The response was very favorable.
- The STS Subcommittee met at the Capital Metro office on 5th Street last week. A sprinter van, belonging to a private citizen, was onsite for members to view. Ms. Maloukis noted via demonstration that the van is not wide enough to accommodate the three wheelchairs as pictured in a proposed drawing. Mr. Johnson raised additional concerns about the van's ability to accommodate the larger electric wheelchairs and scooters. More research and study will be required.
Chair Report: In the interest of time, Ms. Brisbin did not present a report.
Announcements: Ms. Brisbin reminded members to attend at least one public meeting to address STS policy changes. It was noted that members will be representing the Capital Metro Access Committee at the public meetings rather than other groups to which they may be affiliated. Ms. Brisbin stated that members should remain relatively quiet, in listening mode, at the meetings.
Citizens' Communication: " Mr. Malcolm Graham addressed the committee on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind.
Adjournment: Ms. Brisbin adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Julie Maloukis Acting Secretary
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200 | (800) 474-1201