HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-21JANUARY 27, 2009
09 -21 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED 7 -0 LOST LAID OVER WITHDRAWN
PURPOSE: APPROVE AGREEMENTS FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
WITH WINNEBAGO COUNTY; CEREBRAL PALSY OF MIDEAST
WISCONSIN, LAKESIDE PACKAGING PLUS, INC., RED CROSS,
AND LUTHERAN HOMES OF OSHKOSH
INITIATED BY: TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, the City of Oshkosh Transportation Department has recommended
approval of the above agreements;
(Agreements - As on file in the City Clerk's Office)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of
Oshkosh that the agreements between the City of Oshkosh, Winnebago County,
Lakeside Packaging Plus, Inc., Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh, Alternative Transport
Solution and Red Cross for transportation services are hereby approved and directed
to enter into same.
Money for this purpose is hereby appropriated from:
Acct. No. 511- 1728- 6449 -00000 -- Purchased Transportation
0J HFO1H
City of Oshkosh - Transportation Department ON THE WATER
926 Dempsey Trail, Oshkosh, WI 54902 (920) 232 -5342 (920)232 -5343 fax
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mark Rohloff, City Manager
FROM: Christopher Strong, Transportation Director
DATE: January 21, 2009
RE: Approval of Paratransit Agreements
Since the U.S. Department of Transportation issued regulations implementing the Americans with
Disabilities Act, (ADA), the Oshkosh Transit System has aggressively pursued additional funding
sources for paratransit services. In response to the requirements of ADA, the Oshkosh Transit
System has assumed responsibility for the Dial -A -Ride program, the Cabulance service, paratransit
service for Lakeside Packaging Plus, Inc., Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh, Cerebral Palsy of Mideast
Wisconsin, Red Cross, Advocap, and Rural Over and Under 60 Transportation. These programs are
designed to serve the specialized transportation needs of the elderly and disabled citizens of Oshkosh
and Winnebago County.
The Oshkosh Transit System has negotiated agreements with various county agencies to bring their
transportation services under the transit system's jurisdiction for 2009. If the Common Council
approves renewal of these agreements, the Oshkosh Transit System will contract with the county
agencies to continue providing service through a private operator. The main advantage of this action
is to generate additional federal, state and county funding which will reduce the local transit subsidy.
The net effect of incorporating all the contracted services within the Oshkosh Transit System's
budget is to reduce the local subsidy by $65,000 for 2009. The acceptance of these programs is a
major element in providing a coordinated transportation system in Winnebago County. These
programs increase mobility within Winnebago County for transit - dependent individuals. In addition
to reducing the local cost of operating the transit system, it also reduces the possibility of
unnecessary duplication of transportation services. It has become increasingly important to
maximize federal, state and county funds whenever possible to provide federally mandated services
to the community. It has been possible to dramatically improve the delivery of transportation
services to the community, with the Oshkosh Transit System serving as the umbrella agency.
It is the goal of the Oshkosh Transit System to operate the paratransit portion of the system without
local funding. The system has assumed jurisdiction over a number of non - traditional transportation
services which has generated additional funds to offset the local cost. The continuing reduction of
City of Oshkosh — Transportation Department
Approval of Paratransit Agreements / January 21, 2009
federal aids and the rising cost of providing transportation services will require a high level of
coordination between all entities providing transportation to elderly and disabled citizens. The
Oshkosh Transit System has established a solid base with the various entities providing paratransit
services and the City shouldn't be faced with any local costs regarding paratransit service for a
number of years. I recommend approving these paratransit agreements.
City of Oshkosh — Transportation Department