SAC MIN 2017-03-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 The next item was taken out of order in the interest of time. ITEM 3 – Transportation/Virtual Garage Concept Update Chairman Draeger reported that one of the concerns has been how to get people using mass transit to the Veterans Memorial Senior Center. SamTrans has a bus route on Jefferson. The issue is getting people the 902 steps from the bus stop to the center safely. Crossing Jefferson as a pedestrian is risky for anyone, but for people who use canes, walkers or wheelchairs it could be impossible, especially since there is not a stoplight there. Various alternatives have been discussed – an electric cart shuttle, and even an autonomous 12 passenger mini bus, that seats 6 and stands 6, and has a wheelchair lift. The goal is to mitigate parking at the center and the surrounding streets. Vice Chair Paley reported that Avenidas has a door to door program that operates 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., reservations must be made 36 hours in advance, up to 5 weeks. The drivers are volunteers and cannot take wheelchairs. The service operates only within an 8 mile radius of Avenidas and will also provide rides to doctor appointments within that range. The cost ranges between $9 to $18 per trip, but there is no charge for a spouse or caregiver. Invoices for services are sent monthly. They also have a concierge service contracted with Uber called ‘Go-go grandparent’. It bills the ride program and charges a $.19 per minute concierge fee. If a caregiver arranges for the ride service, they will receive a text stating that the passenger arrived at their destination. They can be called with a request for a pickup at the last place the rider was dropped off, without need for an address, because the information is on file. Various new types of mini shuttles are being investigated as well. Lyft is another alternative to using one’s own vehicle and easing the parking situation. Vice Chair Paley stated that the need for an entire floor of a parking garage may be eliminated if a cooperative arrangement is made between the City and a company like Lyft to transport people around town. ITEM 2 - Commissioners Review & Preview Commissioner Jones reported that Fair Oaks has a St. Patrick’s Day party planned. The Peninsula Hills Women’s Club is sponsoring their Mothers’ Day event and the Red Hats sponsored the Fair Oaks Valentine Party. The brown bag program is offered twice a month. Health and fitness programs continue to be popular. The garden is doing well and plants are available for sale. 70 Strong is based at Fair Oaks. Susan Houston and Laura Swartzel are available to make presentations to groups regarding 70 Strong. Vice Chair Paley inquired if Fair Oaks patrons were voicing immigration status concerns. Commissioner Jones replied that there are printed materials available about immigration and free legal advice and referrals. She also stated that peer counseling training course is 8 months long and offered at Fair Oaks. Vice Chair Paley reported that the fundraiser that Art on the Square held at the VMSC for the Special Olympics raised $2,500. Art on the Square will have 7 shows this year. Chase the Chill is happening again this year. Last year 433 handmade scarves were donated. This year handmade hats, socks and gloves will also be accepted. Remedial tutorials in crocheting and knitting are offered on the Square, Saturday, March 18th. Commissioner James attended the El Camino Real corridor meetings. He reported that the City staff, consultants and volunteers are doing fascinating work and coordinating with the Grand Boulevard initiative. He stated that Greg Wilson, the Redwood City walker, pointed out that the intersection of El Camino and Roosevelt and various other streets are problematic because they don’t go straight through. He suggested that be considered in planning for the new senior center/Y facility. Commissioner James