SOCIAL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL

                        MINUTES                 February 3, 2021

Present              Voting Attendees:

Ted Ceasar                               Consumer

Mitzi Perez                               ARC-IV

Karen Teran                             Access to Independence

Dr. Kathleen Lang                    California Health & Wellness

Michelle Soto                           Calfornia Children’s Services

David Aguirre                         CTSA–ICTC

Maricela Galarza                      CTSA–ICTC

Gustavo Gomez                        CTSA–ICTC

                        Non-Voting Attendees:            

Cesar Sanchez                          IVT/IVTAccess/IVTRide/IVTMedtrans

Helio Sanchez                          IVT

                        Jose Guillen                             IVT MedTrans

                        Karla Pacheco                          IVT Access

                        Karla Aguilar                           IVT Ride

                        Kathy Chambers                       Moore & Associates Inc.

                        Jim Moore                                Moore & Associates Inc.

                        Liz Santucci                             Caltrans

                        Kitty Gay                                 Imperial County Public Health

1.       Dr. Lang called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. A quorum was present. Introductions were made.

2.       Minutes were reviewed for January 6, 2021. (Ceasar, Perez), Motion carried.

3.       Coordinated Plan:

Mr. Moore conducted a presentation (attached) on the purpose and process of the Coordinated Plan. Mr. Moore conducted a stakeholder roundtable with members present.

-          Mr. Moore mentioned that a survey was shared previously with members via email. Some organizations have already completed and submitted the survey. Various agencies are still pending to complete the survey. The link to the survey is still active.

Ø  Dr. Lang asked about the outreach approach of the survey.

·         Mr. Moore stated that the survey was mailed out to a variety of agencies which are mentioned in the previous coordinated plan and also agencies mentioned by ICTC staff. 10-12 days later another form of contact was made by email. A third email blast was sent to SSTAC members to request the completion of the survey. Mr. Moore opens up an opportunity for members to provide additional approaches to sharing the survey.

·         Dr. Lang asked about the timeframe where the survey will remain open to completion.

·         Mr. Moore stated that the survey will remain open for a couple of weeks more.

-          Dr. Lang opened the item up for discussion.

Ø  Dr. Lang asked if the 4 recommendations were still possible to be implemented.

·         Mr. Aguirre stated that ICTC is always open to pursuing any recommendation to make transit service better. ICTC is always looking at opportunities to implement.

Ø  Mr. Moore mentioned that any other suggested outreach approach is appreciated.

·         Dr. Lang suggested that nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce, and schools have large distribution lists. Dr. Lang mentioned that she can make the connection with the Chamber of Commerce, covering businesses and individuals.

4.       CTSA Reports:

Mr. Gomez had the following updates:

-          Continuing to conduct IVT Ride sign-ups remotely, averaging 3-4 weekly.

-          A decrease of ADA certifications during December and January.

-          Staff is still open to presentations via zoom to agencies or individuals.

-          Staff is always available for questions.

Mr. Aguirre had the following updates:

-          ICTC continues to be available remotely to the public during normal hours for any clients.

-          ICTC continues to work on several ongoing projects, some are at the finalizing stage.

-          ICTC is pursuing a couple of grant opportunities for some projects proposed in hopes to pursue them.

5.       Transit Operator 2nd Quarter Reports:

IV Transit; Mr. H. Sanchez presented 2nd Quarter Report (attached);

-          COVID protocols are still implemented and followed. There are no issues with compliance with passengers or staff.

-          More services are ready to be provided as soon as demand picks up.

IVT Access; Ms. Pacheco presented 2nd Quarter Report (attached);

-          The numbers are consistent. Passenger count begins to decrease in November and December which is expected. December is always a slow month even pre COVID situation.

-          Still running Saturday schedule.

-          There are no issues with the service.

-          COVID procedures are still followed.

-          January passenger count seems to be increasing.

IVT Ride; Ms. Aguilar presented 2nd Quarter Report (attached);

-          In December, the passenger count dropped for the service.

-          Service to Coachella and Brawley continues to be provided.

Ø  Ms. Gay mentioned that COVID cases were high during December and it may have impacted the service demand.

IVT MedTrans; Mr. Guillen presented the 2nd Quarter Report (attached);

-          Continue to send buses by demand, either 7 am or 10 am, but both are available to provide service as demand picks up.

-          Medical Babies donated 50 boxes of diapers to donate to the Imperial Valley Food Bank.

Ø  Ms. Gay asked about the approach that was taken when transferring the boxes safely.

·         Mr. Guillen mentioned that they are stocked at a certain angle to prevent movement during driving. They are placed in the back in the wheelchair compartment, especially when there are no wheelchairs during the time. Safety measures are taken to ensure the safety of the passengers and driver.

Ø  Ms. Gay expressed appreciation and gratitude for coordinating to help the community in any way possible.

-          COVID protocols are still implemented and followed.

-          Coordinating with ICTC staff to increase demand by speaking with medical facilities and provide brochures.

-          San Diego medical facilities are limiting the number of patients seen which can explain the decrease in service demand.

6.       General Discussion

-       Dr. Lang asked if there are any financial opportunities to make up for the shortfall that COVID has caused.

Ø  Mr. Aguirre stated that the COVID pandemic quickly affected the service demand, from an 80-90% drop. Services were adjusted to respond to the demand, if it does pick up we are ready to respond to it by implementing regular services. ICTC qualified for a CARE grant that assisted to maintain services and other grant opportunities were successfully obtained to help with maintaining services and provide free fares. The adjustments were made to assist maintain services.

-       Dr. Lang asked if there were layoffs due to the pandemic.

Ø  Mr. Aguirre stated that furloughs were given to drivers due to the service adjustments, but once demand picks up and service adjusts to normal the drivers have the opportunity to return.

7.       Adjournment

-          The meeting adjourned at 10:52 a.m. (Lang), Motion Carried.

-          The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at the Imperial County Transportation Commission Office, 1503 N. Imperial Ave., Suite 104, El Centro, CA 92243.