SAC MIN 1991-11-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Coordinator Centeno said that vouchers are generally issued by a few providers for 1-3 nights at local motels and that if a person/family is in need of long term shelter, it may require the coordination of multiple service providers. Presently there are only two shelters available countywide for overnight shelter. One is the San Mateo Armory which is available only during December-March, and the other is the Spring Street Shelter which is only for the mentally ill. She noted that many people are in need of rental assistance because they are generally paying 60-70% of their income for rent. Assistance with utility payments is also available through the Reach Program run by the Salvation Army and PGE, and the HEAP Energy Assistance Program provided by the State. Applications for the HEAP Program can be obtained from the Fair Oaks Center. Coordinator Centeno said that a 24-hour toll free number has been established by Aging and Adult Services to assist in home visits and assessments of seniors. The number is 1-800-675-TIES and she has found the service to be very responsive and helpful . ITEM 2 - Self-Evaluation Committee Update Commissioner Metzdorf reported that the 504 Committee has been using staff to perform on-site inspections of city buildings and facilities instead of using disabled members from the committee and she did not think the Committee was adequately using the knowledge and expertise of the visually impaired members of the committee. For this reason, Commissioner Metzdorf has written a letter to formally resign from the 504 Committee. She mentioned that the next 504 meeting will be held next Tuesday. The Commission asked that staff try to get an update on the Committee's progress for the next meeting. ITEM 3 - Transportation Chairperson Jordan reviewed the ADA Fact Sheet with the Commissioners and explained the difficulties in determining eligibility of persons using the system. He said there will be general qualifications under ADA but also trip by trip qualifications to determine eligibility. He felt that SamTrans needs to make the new system "user friendly", keep administrative costs down, and must make service levels comparable. SamTrans will be listening to public input on the new system during the next 1 1/2 months. Commissioner Anthony announced that he has been selected as a member of a newly formed committee consisting of two SamTrans staff members and three civilians, which is working to help facilitate the new system in accordance with ADA regulations. He said that previously SamTrans was divided into 4 zones which patrons were not allowed to cross. Now SamTrans has made it possible for the zones to be crossed and estimates costs to be .75c per zone and transfer to another zone .75c with a total cost of $1.50 per trip. Rediwheels trips would cost $1.50 per zone. Commissioner Anthony said that a mailing of 16,000-18,000 postcards would be sent out to the public to advertize meetings to be held during November and December to obtain public input. He mentioned that the committee will be addressing many issues and that SamTrans has been receptive to the information presented. He estimated that ultimate implementation of the program is a 5 year process. He mentioned that SamTrans will be implementing a pilot taxi program in North San Mateo County beginning March-June 1992.