HomeMy WebLinkAbout23 - CC-12 - Donation of Paratransit Vehicle OC Trans - 10/6/2015CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 6, 2015 ITEM NUMBER: CC -12
SUBJECT: DONATION OF PARATRANSIT VEHICLE FROM THE ORANGE COUNTY
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY SENIOR MOBILITY PROGRAM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 24, 2015
FROM: PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT / MAINTENANCE SERVICES DIVISION
PRESENTATION BY: ERNESTO MUNOZ, PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: BRUCE LINDEMANN, MAINTENANCE
SUPERINTENDENT (714) 327-7470
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the donation of a 2007 Ford EI Dorado, Paratransit Vehicle from the Orange
County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Senior Mobility Program.
BACKGROUND
The City entered into Cooperative Agreement C-1-2471 (Agreement) with OCTA
on June 27, 2011, for a Senior Mobility Program to provide local transportation
services to senior citizens in the City of Costa Mesa. The Senior Mobility Program
provides the City with transit operating funds (Measure M sales tax revenue) which the
City utilizes to pay for contract driver services. The transit funds are allocated to local
agencies based on the percentage of the senior population age 60 years and older.
The Agreement allows the City to request vehicle donations from OCTA every 3
years. The donated vehicles are refurbished, 18 -passenger, lift -equipped,
paratransit vehicles that have been in operation for 5 years and/or have accumulated
150,000 miles.
As part of the Senior Mobility Program, the City provides approximately 800 one-
way passenger trips per month to the senior population. The City currently has two
donated senior transportation buses that are used to provide transportation for seniors
to go to and from the Costa Mesa Senior Center, shopping, or other necessary
trips. One bus operates Monday through Friday and the second bus is maintained as
a back-up vehicle.
ANALYSIS
The older of the two senior transportation buses currently in use by the City, is a
2001 model year. The mileage is approximately 290,515; the engine runs rough and
burns oil. The handicap wheelchair lift is worn and slow to respond. Several of the
windows leak, which has caused the interior walls to rust. It is in need of replacement.
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City staff requested a donated vehicle from OCTA to replace the 2001 bus and was offered
the subject 2007 Ford EI Dorado Paratransit Vehicle (see attached photo). T h e City's
Fleet Services staff have inspected the bus offered for donation and found it to be in
good working order. The bus comes equipped with an automated wheel -chair lift, new
paint and new tires. The donated buses are also given a thorough safety inspection by
OCTA before they are donated to the participating local agencies.
Parks and Community Services staff will be working with local vendors to develop and
install a vehicle `wrap' which will increase the visibility of the senior transportation service.
In addition it will add an element of mobile public art in our community.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
Council could choose to not accept the donated bus, in which case the City would
operate with the existing two buses, with the back-up bus being in poor condition. Staff
would need to schedule and budget for repairs to the engine, wheel chair lift and
replacement of damaged windows of the back-up bus to provide an appropriate level
of service to seniors.
FISCAL REVIEW
The donated bus is provided to the City at no cost other than Department of Motor
Vehicle title transfer fees. Scheduled preventive maintenance for the donated vehicle
is provided by City Fleet Services staff and meets the City's required 20 percent match
for the transit operating funds. The annual operating expenses (maintenance & fuel) for
the donated bus would be approximately $7,500 and is included in the Parks and
Community Services 2015-16 operating budget.
LEGAL REVIEW
No Legal review required.
CONCLUSION
In order to continue to provide uninterrupted senior transportation services, and to avoid
costly repairs on a vehicle with limited remaining life, staff recommends the City Council
accept the donated vehicle.
ERNESTO MUNOZ
Public Services Director
TRAVIS KARLEN
Recreation Manager
BRUCE HARTLEY
Maintenance Services Manager
Attachments: 1. Donation Confirmation Letter from OCTA
2. Photoaraoh of Paratransit Vehicle
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