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27 <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said the three-month mark may be a good time to gather some <br /> data, to then compare with the 6 month data. <br /> Theo Letman said the consultant for the project is going to look an electric van to see if <br /> it would be appropriate for the program. <br /> Chair Price asked if a needs assessment was done when planning the project. She <br /> expressed concern that people on a limited income could not afford a $30 ride to 15-501. <br /> Theo Letman said he reviewed the existing programs in the area and the data that was <br /> collected on the programs. He said the MOD program is focused on an area without a fixed <br /> route transportation system, so it has greater potential for success. <br /> Chair Price said she sees the program growing, as many people expressed a need for <br /> door-to-door service. She said she would like to see the use of more electric cars. <br /> Chair Price asked if there are options for those on limited budgets. <br /> Theo Letman said this is a pilot, and if the fares are found to be cost prohibitive then <br /> they can be adjusted accordingly. <br /> Chair Price asked if the circulator will ever go in the other direction. <br /> Theo Letman said yes, this is in the planning stages, but was held up due to COVID-19. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked if the grant from Ford Motor Company was used for <br /> operations, the purchase of vehicles, or both. <br /> Theo Letman said operations, including the overhead administrative costs. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked if the grant has a time limit. <br /> Theo Letman said the grant is for the duration of the pilot program, which is 6 months. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked if the article 43 tax revenue would be used thereafter. <br /> Theo Letman said yes, and this is already in the budget. <br /> Commissioner McKee clarified that the vans being used are passenger vans and not <br /> SUVs. <br /> Theo Letman said yes, they are passenger vans. <br /> Commissioner McKee said, as the program moves forward from the pilot, there could be <br /> more of a mixture of vehicles being used, as the needs are more clearly determined. <br /> Chair Price said vans can transport an entire family, which is useful. She encouraged <br /> ride sharing for smaller groups. <br /> Theo Letman said passenger vans are also ADA accessible. <br /> Chair Price said she is optimistic it will work. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if there are sneeze guards in place for COVID-19. <br /> Theo Letman said the program follows guidelines for mask wearing and social <br /> distancing. He said sneeze guards can be added if necessary, but mask wearing and air <br /> circulation is most important. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said other ride share programs do not have sneeze guards in <br /> place. <br /> Public Comment <br /> Riley J. Ruske expressed frustration about the waste of funding on transit programs. He <br /> said he is concerned about the competition of a government-funded program with the private <br /> sector, and the cost of the rides will not cover the operational costs of the program. He said <br /> Orange County has some of the highest property taxes in the State, and the residents should <br /> be given a break. <br /> 8. Consent Agenda <br /> • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda <br /> • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda <br />