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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 05L NNW Memorandum City of Lakeville Community & Economic Development To: Mayor and City Council Members Steven Mielke, City Administrator From: David L. Olson, Community and Economic Development Director Brett Altergott, Parks and Recreation Director_i��47 Copy: Dennis Feller, Finance Director Adam Kienberger Date: March 21, 2014 Subject: Review of Senior Transportation Proposals DARTS Proposed Ride Connection Service DARTS recently applied for and received from the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging a grant to provide transportation service to older adults (60 years and older) in Dakota County. The funding for this $63,000 grant comes from the federal government under the Title III/ Older Americans Act. Courtney Whited, Mobility Management Program Director for DARTS, will be attending the Work Session and will provide an overview of the proposed new program. DARTS is currently approaching select cities in Dakota County (Farmington, Lakeville, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount and Apple Valley) in hopes of partnering with these cities to provide service starting this spring. DARTS is asking each city to contribute $5,000 for service that will extend through April of 2015. DARTS will provide door -to -door transportation service to any location in these five cities but will only pick -up residents in the cities that have participated in the funding. There is currently no dial -a -ride door -to -door service for seniors available in Lakeville. The current plan for operation of the DARTS Title III transportation service is eight hours per day, three days per week (Tuesday- Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Participants are requested to pay a sliding fee from #3.50 -$7.50 each way, but no rider will be refused service if unable to pay. As a new program, the community need and potential usage is somewhat speculative. DARTS estimates that there are as many as 1073 non - driving residents over 60 in Lakeville. In addition, Dakota County Public Health Department's Communities for a Lifetime Initiative conducted a survey of more than 150 people to better understand barriers faced by older adults regarding transportation. The key findings and recommendations of this survey are attached. Jess Luce with the Dakota County Health Department will be present to provide a brief overview of this survey. For this reason, staff is recommending participation be limited to a one -year pilot program to assess the need and usage of the service prior to committing to future years. Should Council decide to participate in the program, the $5,000 contribution is recommended to come from the 2014 Budget Contingency Fund with future funding to be considered during the 2015/2016 budget discussions. The City Councils in Farmington and Apple Valley have recently approved participation in this new program and the Burnsville City Council has elected not to participate. The Councils in Eagan and Rosemount have not yet considered this proposal. Augustana Regent Section 5310 Bus Program Grant Update The Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Augustana Regent of Burnsville last September related to a grant application they were submitting for a 15 passenger accessible bus. The non - binding MOU provided that if the Augustana's grant was approved the City would be allowed use of the bus for special outings and other transit service for members of the Senior Center. The City agreed to an hourly rate of $35 per hour plus fuel costs for use of the bus with a minimum charge of $175 per month. As the attached memo from Vicki Tobroxen of Augustana Regent indicates, they received notice from MnDOT in late February that their 5310 Grant was approved but they are still waiting on the official written notice of grant approval. Upon receipt of this official notification, Augustana will proceed with ordering the bus. The intent of this service is considerably different from the DARTS proposal in that it is intended to provide transportation service for Senior Center events and activities. The City will need to arrange for the volunteer drivers to provide this transportation. The City has previously been contacted by Celebration Church regarding a desire to provide volunteer services for senior transportation service. The hourly and fuel costs associated with this transportation service will be funded with CDBG funds previously approved. Once Augustana receives official notice of their grant approval from MnDOT, staff will bring forward a formal lease /rental agreement for the Council's consideration. CREATING CONNECTION THAT ENRICH AGING To the Honorable Mayor Matt Little and City Council Members: Celebrating 40 Veere 7879.2070 DARTS is pleased to announce that we have received federal funding under contract with the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging (MAAA) as part of the Older Adult Americans Act to provide transportation to older adults (60 years and older) in Dakota County. To innagurate this new service we would like to propose a partnership with the six participating cities of Farmington, Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Eagan and Rosemount. The contract with the MAAA is for one year and eligible to be renewed annually up to an additional four years. Starting in early March, we are proposing to deliver rides, to participating cities in the six -city area on three days per week and eight hours per day. All ride destinations - including medical appointments, shopping, work, recreational venues, etc. - will be eligible. Riders will be asked to voluntarily contribute a suggested fare based on a sliding fee scale. We estimate that more than 7,000 community residents may benefit from this service. This is based on the total population of people 60 years and older (35,452) in these six Dakota County communities according to the U.S. 2010 Census. Studies from the MAAA show that one in five older adults does not drive and public transportation in suburban Dakota County can be challenging to those without personal automobiles. Proposed City Partner 60+ from 2010 Census Data Non - drivers Lakeville 5,364 1073 Farmington 1,791 358 Burnsville 10,221 2044 Apple Valley 7,595 1519 Eagan 7,925 1585 Rosemount 2,556 511 TOTAL = 35,452 7090 DARTS will assign a dedicated driver who will assist each rider door -to -door from their homes to their destination in a bus equipped with a wheel chair lift. The rider may contribute as little as $3.50 each way, as a suggested fare. However, NO one will be denied a ride due to inability to pay. Those riders that can afford to pay will be strongly encouraged to contribute to support the service. The grant is providing seed money for this much needed service in your area. To develop a lasting solution, we invite your city to consider partnering with us financially by investing $5,000 annually. In exchange, DARTS will acknowledge your city's contribution in all marketing and promotional literature, provide regular ridership data, provide additional transit service (equal to the contribution) and establish a partnership consortium of participating cities to regularly review and improve transportation service based on ridership data and feedback. We hope you will consider becoming our transit partner in this new endeavor and we would be happy to provide you with any additional information or requirements of the MAAA contract governing this service. Sincerely, At4q Gregory J. Konat Kevin J. Raun President Director of Transportation 3/20/2014 DARTS History and Current Programs From its inception, DARTS has been a community- powered organization. In 1974, group of Dakota County older adults, a local community college, and DARTS first executive director identified a need to provide rides so older adults could get to college courses. CREATING CONNECTIONS DARTS programs now include home services, caregiver support, and volunteer THAT ENRICH AGING. opportunities. Last year, we served more than 8,000 people and coordinated more than 1,300 volunteers. • DARTS specializes in transporting people with special needs such as walker, wheelchairs, and canes as well as people needing help walking from to the bus and assistance getting off the bus. Additionally, The Metropolitan Council has awarded DARTS the contract to provide Metro Mobility and Transit Link transportation services in Dakota County. • Community Services: These programs focus on helping older adults maintain their independence through services such as home cleaning, shopping assistance, and outdoor chores. • Caregiving Support: Each year hundreds of families and caregivers are coached and guided by DARTS staff. Experts called Service Coordinators connect clients to formal and informal programs that address specific needs. They often refer clients to mental health programs, Meals on Wheels and other nutritional supports, home health care, parish nurse programs, and more. • Volunteer Resources and Community Engagement: DARTS recruits, trains, and supports volunteers of all ages who are dedicated to helping older adults and caregivers. The I intergenerational program, Learning Buddies, placed 120 volunteers in community schools to help mentor students struggling with reading, math, and science. CRE AT ING CONNECTIONS THAT ENRICH AGING. SENIOR TRANSIT OPPORTUNITY FOR LAKEVILLE Proposed Service Area ,pool. rcn Ewcw 9...E w,9r.w9 UMEVEIE [i.EVlt IM11xa. Mr�w�n DARTS has new grant funding through the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging (MAAA) to offer door -to -door service without ADA certification in Dakota County cities. Need: An estimated 1073 Lakeville citizens are non - drivers over 60 years old; 7,100 in the proposed 6 -city service area. [using MAAAestimate of 1 in s oideraduit5 that do not drive.] Demand: About 160 paratransit riders from Lakeville used two Met Council transit options through DARTS last year. Why add another layer of service? The proposed DARTS Ride Connection will provide an enhancement to the current option of Transit Link which has a requirement for the rider to have the ability to walk to the bus without help and has a 30 minute pick -up window. MWT_- 3/20/2014 ' REQUEST FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION CREATING CONNECTIONS THAT ENRICH AGING. DARTS' original MAAA funding request: $100,000. Received $63,000 for 1 year grant with a 5 -year renewal option. To include Lakeville in this new service, we're asking for a $5,000 contribution this year with an option for additional years. The funds will be used to serve more people. With your city's contribution, any city resident over 60 years will be eligible to ride anywhere within the 6 -city service area. Your city can get quarterly general demographic rider reports. ' PROPOSED SERVICE DETAILS CREATING CONNECTIONS THAT ENRICH AGING. • 8 hours of service per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays Dedicated driver for this route.They help from door -to -door and help with shopping bags. Riders can make standing appointments in advance. Rider Fare is based on stated income. ($3.50 - $7.50 ). Companions ride for free. Rider contributions are used to fund more rides. • Phone confirmation one business day before ride. • Rider must be ready 10 minutes before their pick -up time. 2 3/20/2014 DARTS Ride Connection CREATING CONNECTIONS r ' _ THAT ENRICH AGING. 1 ~ • WtceklUU lit Epurppcd IN PARINERSHIP WITH YOUR Cllr _ P<- -dales 1 16 Veppk • Operates luesdayTtursday 179(am . 4 .30pm) � starry Eees (53.50 57.60 ext, vayl • nd- -s<nedway 12.711 - -s Elays) (BSI) 274-2281 fr 1!MS iMmauaruN •mKe for area rts�dena aY W aria older laleriae,Nmnawn , avn.nxe. E+a+^. ♦ppk Vdky and , bsennwu elkn aauarr•e, dm•ro amr rrampmnrm ro aM deurvtwn xnM N.. >r• <ilv area addnwvl Dams W la Fb nbnnarw r6eduk por rde ar Mau 7 d+YS v k rtaar lO mnNer 6elpe roursutea pKauO Omee rhar tar•ww a•raw • W6enaalk�ro advAdea rde.pkav kart adnaaed n.s.y • CaOartkWry more nlnmarwr. •aiv rtturvd�n « L Ew�Mx 1N adea rttt•reU ... ansaawear• a> • dw buawns day fibre pue rde. pV Yraa•rtap6oa aM <oMvmatwn TRANSIT OPTIONS PROVIDED BY DARTS IN DAKOTA COUNTY Metro Mobility Transit Link Proposed DARTS Ride Connection Rider Eligibility Certification required due General Public People 60 or older who reside to disability or health in Lakeville, Farmington, condition. Burnsville, Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount. Restrictions New riders need health Trip origins & destinations Any destination within professional approved on must be more than 1/4 -mile Lakeville, Farmington, certification. from regular transit from Burnsville, Eagan, Apple Nov. - March & more than Valley, Rosemount. Approval process can take 1/2 -mile from regular transit two weeks. from April - Oct. to be eligible. One -way Fares $3.00 Non -Rush Hour $2.25 for under 10 miles $3.50 - $7.50 $4.00 Rush Hour(Mon. - Fri. $4.50 10 -20 miles Sliding fee based on monthly 6am - 9am & 3pm - 6:30pm) $6.75 for 20+ miles income. Exact change or fare ticket Exact change or fare ticket No one will be denied a ride if required. Or, online via required. they are unable to pay the credit card. sliding fee. Driver escort Door to Door Curb to Curb Door to Door Same driver each week Pick -up Time Within 30 minutes, before Within 30 minutes, before or Rider must be ready 10 minutes Window or after, your reserved after, your reserved time. before pick -up time. time. Bags Allowed Up to 4 grocery bags. Up to 4 grocery bags. Up to 4 grocery bags. Personal Care Free Free Free Assistant, Children Type of Vehicle Small, wheelchair Small, wheelchair equipped wheelchair equipped bus equipped bus bus Service Hours Weekdays and Weekend Monday — Friday Tues, Wed, Thursday Days. Times vary by city 6am -7pm 7:30am — 4:30pm that are the same as fixed route buses. (See page 2) Reservations From 1-4 days in advance Up to 5 business days in From 2 -7 business days in advance. advance. Taken 7 days a week Confirmation call 1 business Reservations taken 5 days per between 6am -5pm. day prior to ride. week by message on the reservation line. Confirmation call 1 business day prior to ride. Service Areas All areas served by Where regular transit route is Any destination within daytime, fixed route bus unavailable. Lakeville, Farmington, service. Also, those Burnsville, Eagan, Apple designated as "Transit 7 -County Metro area. May Valley, Rosemount Taxing District." See require transfer to another attached chart. transit service. Metro Mobility Service Hours by Individual City in Dakota Coun COMMUNITY WEEKDAYS SATURDAY SUNDAY Apple Valle 4:45 AM 11:30 PM 8:00 AM 8:45 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Burnsville 5:00 AM 11:45 PM 7:15 AM 10:30 PM 7:30 AM 9:30 PM Eagan 5:15 AM 11:45 PM 7:45 AM 9:15 PM 8:00 AM 9:00 PM Inver Grove Heights 5:15 AM 1:45 AM 6:15 AM 1:45 AM 7:00 AM 12:30 AM Lil dale 5:15 AM 11:45 PM 8:00 AM 8:45 PM 8:00 AM 6:15 PM Mendota 5:15 AM 8:15 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Mendota Heights 5:15 AM 11:45 PM 8:00 AM 8:45 PM 8:00 AM 6:15 PM MSP Airport 24HR 24HR 24HR 24HR 24HR 24HR Rosemount 5:15 AM 7:15 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM South St. Paul 5:00 AM 2:00 AM 6:15 AM 1:45 AM 7:15 AM 12:30 AM Sunfish Lake 5:15 AM 11:00 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM West St. Paul 5:15 AM 1:45 AM 1 5:45 AM 1:45 AM 7:00 AM 12:00 AM Transportation Needs of Older Adults in Lakeville Summary of Survey Results (Preliminary Draft) March 11, 2014 Dakota County Public Health Department's Communities for a Lifetime Initiative collaborated with Dakota County's Community Development Agency (CDA), CommonBond, Fountains at Hosanna, Kingsley Shores Senior Living Residence, and the Heritage /Senior Center to conduct a survey in late 2013 of older adults (65 +) living in housing facilities in Lakeville. The purpose of the survey was to better understand the barriers older adults face regarding transportation. Over 150 people responded to the survey, including 13 from people who serve older adults. Key Findings • The majority of the people who responded to the survey still drive their own vehicle. • Among the respondents who do not drive, 35% are not familiar with the transportation services available. • 23% of respondents report currently using DARTS /Transit Link. • Among the options listed, more than two - thirds (70%) of respondents would be most likely to use friends or family members for transportation in the future and least likely to use private cab service, while 41% indicated they would be very likely to use a van or shuttle, such as DARTS /Transit Link; and about a third of respondents indicated they would be very likely to use a car driven by a volunteer driver (3200), a van provided by a church or neighborhood group (309'x), a bus service that follows designated routes (33%), and a circulator bus that stops at scheduled locations (36%). • People report that they would like regular service that doesn't need to be booked in advance, fewer connections, and dependable times for pick up and drop off. • 15% of respondents indicated that they feel isolated in their home. Key Recommendations: • Develop a communication campaign to promote services and address concerns • Explore volunteer driver models to fill transportation gaps • Work with the Metropolitan Council and DARTS to explore options for improving DARTS /Transit Link services in Lakeville • Pursue partnerships to meet transportation needs • Pursue new technology solutions, such as Mobility Management • Collect more information from a broader cross - section of older adults, Boomers and other residents who might use transportation options if available Dakota County, Communities for a Lifetime Initiative Overview of Survey Results Use of transportation services About two - thirds of the people who responded to the survey still drive their own vehicle, and about one -third ride in a friend or family member's vehicle. While Lakeville still has a high number of older adults who drive personal automobiles, there are a significant number who do not drive and rely on other transit options, like DARTS/Transit Link and family and friends, for their transport needs. About one - quarter of respondents stated that they had used DARTS/Transit Link, and less than 6% had used one of the other services, including GAPP, MNET, A S J Transportation, U Ride Transportation Services, and TLC Transportation. Barriers to using transportation services Among those who do not drive their own vehicle, approximately one -third said that they were not familiar with available services. Others cited the following reasons for not using transportation services: • Too many transfers • Service not available at convenient times • Service not offered to desired destinations • Service not provided to area of residence • Unreliable service • Too expensive • Does not feel safe Isolation of Older Adults in their Homes • 15% of respondents indicated that they feel isolated in their home. Use of Transportation Options Respondents were asked to indicate how likely they would be to use transportation options or services when they could no longer drive. Their responses, which do not total 100% because respondents could give multiple answers, were: • 54% reported they were very likely to use a central phone number to request help with transportation. • 70% reported they were very likely to use a car driven by a friend or relative. • 32% reported they were very likely to use a car driven by a volunteer driver. • 30% reported they were very likely to use a van provided by a church or neighborhood group. Dakota County, Communities for a Lifetime Initiative • 41% reported they were very likely to use a van or shuttle, such as DARTS /Transit Link. • 33% reported they were very likely to use a bus service that follows designated routes. • 36% reported they were very likely to use a circulator bus that stops at scheduled locations. • Only 8% reported they were very likely to use a private cab service. Suggestions from respondents to Improve Transportation for Older Adults in Lakeville /Metro More than a few respondents wanted: • Same day or next day service instead of having to call 3 -4 days in advance • More seamless connections between transit services • Fewer transfers with DARTS /Transit Link • DARTS/Transit Link needs a more dependable pick -up /return time and more time given to board the bus • More education on how transit options work Others respondents wanted: • An easier way to claim lost items on DARTS/Transit Link buses • Allow a caregiver to ride DARTS/Transit Link bus without an additional charge • Metro Mobility to serve Lakeville • Keep technology simple —not everyone uses a cell phone or computer • Door -to -door transportation —due to weather conditions • DARTS/Transit Link to operate on evenings and weekends —so people can attend church on Sundays • More kindness from transit operators • Transportation from Dakota County CDA buildings at a minimal cost • A fixed -route bus or circulator bus a few times a week from housing facilities (to clinics, grocery stores, and link to metro transit options), especially in the winter when driving is more difficult • Express bus to St. Paul • Free bus service to Heritage Center Dakota County, Communities for a Lifetime Initiative Discussion Demographic changes in Lakeville • Based on 2010 U.S. Census data, the number of older adults in Lakeville is going to increase. In 2010, 5.8% of the population was age 65 and older and Boomers (age 49 -67) made up 18.9% of Lakeville. According to an AARP study, more than 90% of older adults stay in their home County, likely remaining in their hometown —aging in place and in community. Lakeville can expect more than 20% of its population to be older adults in the coming decades. Ridership and subsidies for transit programs in Dakota County • Transportation services are not cheap, and there are significant subsidies that support transportation in Dakota County. Of the 34,746 one -way trips made by DARTS/Transit Link in 2012, the average cost per trip was $24.04 and the average one -way fare was $2.03, with an average subsidy per one -way trip of $22.02. The public is usually not aware of the large subsides that make transportation possible and should be further educated. Same day or next day transit service • While same day or next day service is desirable by most people who are accustomed to using their personal vehicle, it may not be possible for DARTS/Transit Link (Metropolitan Council) to accommodate, which provides transit services across the County and metro area. Volunteer driver models may be able to provide the level of flexibility that is needed for shopping, errands, or visiting family and friends. (These models could be explored further: www.WeCab.org Independent Transportation Network America/Twin Cities; Hastings Family Service, Just Friends program.) Consider evening and weekend transportation • Options for evening and weekend transportation need to be explored to support residents during these times. Faith communities could offer a volunteer driver program, utilizing a church's volunteers to pick up members that want to attend services on Sunday, for example. This service could also be extended to the larger community. Explore a Circulator Bus model • A Circulator Bus —that stops at scheduled locations and comes back to pick passengers up— could be further explored as a future option in Lakeville. Housing facilities and faith communities could partner with DARTS and local businesses to purse funding opportunities to support a circulator bus route in Lakeville. However, this model is not within the experience of those that have been dependent on personal automobiles and takes considerable education and time for people to get accustomed to the model. (West St. Paul is currently pursuing a circulator bus and Hastings had a circulator bus in operation.) Dakota County, Communities for a Lifetime Initiative Insights from those who serve older adults Below is a summary of their suggestions: • Transportation to the Veterans Administration (VA) is greatly in need. • A central phone number to request help is a good idea, but the person needs to be able to communicate well with older adults and their caregivers and be sensitive to their particular issues. • Rides need to be more flexible with timing, to accommodate older adults. • Less expensive rides —many older adults are low income and can't afford transportation. • Churches could assist with transportation, even if it is just for their members — people trust their church. • Volunteer drivers would have to be trained to help riders to safely get in and out of the vehicle. • Private cab service is nice, but for low income older adults it is usually out of the question. Recommendations 1. Develop a communication campaign to promote services and address concerns The survey indicates that older adults and their families are not aware of existing transit options and how those options work. A challenge is getting the public's attention when there is not an immediate need for transit services and to have information readily available and understandable once a transit need does arise. In addition, respondents to the survey expressed concerns about the services that could be addressed through communications. Specific strategies might include: • Provide information through the Chamber of Commerce, housing facilities, public /community buildings, and through media venues. Faith communities could also help educate their members about transportation options. • Provide travel training opportunities that would enable older adults to experience transit options and help potential riders feel more comfortable with other forms of transportation. • Educate the public and community leaders on transit costs and why transportation options may be limited in certain areas. 2. Explore volunteer driver models to fill transportation gaps • Work with nonprofit organizations and faith communities to fill transportation gaps in Lakeville by utilizing church -owned vehicles and volunteers or by creating a volunteer driver program to provide transit to people who no longer drive. Dakota County, Communities for a Lifetime Initiative 3. Work with the Metropolitan Council to explore options for improving DARTS/Transit Link services in Lakeville • Meet with the Metropolitan Council transit staff to discuss how DARTS/Transit Link services can be improved to have more dependable pick up times and to make transfers and connections more user - friendly. 4. Pursue partnerships to meet transportation needs • Work with DARTS, the City of Lakeville, and Dakota County to implement a shared shuttle bus service funded through a grant from the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging. • Explore partnership options to organize a circulator bus that would stop at scheduled locations. • Discuss options for expanding transportation services to Community Development Agency (CDA) buildings, such as a volunteer driver program, shared shuttle bus, or circulator bus. 5. New Solutions: Mobility Management and Technology • DARTS has a new pilot project called Mobility Management that will assist riders through a website (and by phone) designed to illustrate and map out the best transit options available in a rider's area. The project could better inform the public about their options and assist in coordinating transit providers. [Currently, DARTS offers a hotline that can assist callers with information about various services and assist with transportation.] • The use of Smartphone technology and other internet applications, for example, can be used to track the location of transit vehicles, plan trips, and secure rides. Many current older adults and Boomers are technologically proficient, and transit solutions utilizing technology should be pursued. However, not all older adults or their family members are users of technology and there is still a need for paper -based information and central phone numbers to access information. 6. Collect information from a broader cross - section of older adults, Boomers and other residents who might use transportation options if available. This survey was limited to older adults living in predominantly housing facilities, with varying ages and abilities, including those that drive and do not drive. Therefore, a broader cross - section of older adults, Boomers and other residents could be surveyed to gain a wider perspective on the transportation needs in Lakeville... 7. More needs to be done to reach out to older adults who may be isolated in their homes. • With 15% of respondents indicating that they feel isolated in their homes, more can be done to identify isolated older adults and provide them with interaction, activities, and transit options. Dakota County, Communities for a Lifetime Initiative About this survey The surveys were distributed to older residents of Lakeville's housing residences, including the Heritage /Senior Center. Additional outreach was done through the City's newsletter. A total of 143 surveys were completed by older residents. Additional information about transportation needs was provided by 13 people who serve older adults. Respondent characteristics 21% were 85 and older. About one - quarter of respondents were age 75 -84. More than a third of respondents (37%) were age 65 -74. 16% were under 65, including 2% who were age 45 -54. Nearly one -half of respondents (48 %) have lived in Lakeville for five years or less. 21% have been residents for 11 -20 years, 19% for more than 20 years, and 12% for 6 -10 years. More women (79 %) took the survey than men (21%). About one -third of respondents were from Main Street Manor or Windsor Plaza, both Community Development Agency (CDA) buildings. Other respondents were from Crossroads Commons (CDA), Fairfield Terrace, Fountains at Hosanna, Kingsley Shores Senior Living Residence. Other respondents were reached through the Heritage /Senior Center. For more information For more details about the survey or this report, contact Jess Luce, Communities for a Lifetime Initiative, Dakota County Public Health Department (e -mail: Jess.Luce @co.dakota.mn.us or by phone: 651 -554- 6104). This summary report was prepared by Jess Luce, Communities for a Lifetime supervisor, Dakota County Public Health Department. For more information about the survey, contact Jess by e-mail (iess.luce(d)-co.dakota.mn.us) or by phone (651- 554 - 6104). Dakota County, Communities for a Lifetime Initiative TO LIFELONG SUPPORT MEMORANDUM Date: March 18, 2014 To: David L. Olson Community & Education Development Director City of Lakeville From: Vicki M. Tobroxen Executive Director of Housing Augustana Regent at Burnsville Re: Minnesota Department of Transportation Section 5310 Bus Grant This memorandum is being sent to provide you, your staff and the Council Members of the City of Lakeville an update n the status of the Minnesota Department of Transportation Section 5310 Bus Grant we filed together under a "Bus Partnership" last September. Under the original timeline we anticipate hearing by April 2014 whether or not we past the first phase of the grant review. Both John Groothuis, MN DOT 5310 Program Coordinator, and Kevin Rahn, Director of Transportation for DARTS, stated that they anticipated the first phase of review would be the most difficult and it could be April 2014 before we would hear anything back on our grant application. We were quite surprised and excited to receive a call from Kevin Rahn the evening of November 14 stating that all applications that were submitted this year for the 5310 Grant were accepted and passed the first phase of the grant application. This announcement came two days prior to our annual Holiday Tree Festival, which is our largest and only fundraising event we hold each year. The funds raised the past two years were designated for a new bus, with the hopes of being awarded the 5310 grant and only needing to provide the 20% down payment versus needing to continue to raise 100% of the funds necessary to purchase a new bus. During our 2012 Holiday Tree Festival, we raised enough for the 20% down payment. Receiving this news just prior to our 2013 event provided us truly with a reason to celebrate. However at this time, nothing was received in writing, so we have not made any official announcements regarding the status of the 5310 Grant. On February 26, 2014, we received an e -mail message from Augustana's Fund Development Coordinator, William Schultz, regarding information he received from John Groothuis that all four Augustana applications were approved, but we must wait for the official word after their audit before actually moving forward to purchase a bus. John did however state that we could begin to visit with vendors regarding purchasing a bus and determining the specification we desire in our new bus. At this time, we are in the process of scheduling appointments with bus companies. I had the opportunity yesterday to visit with Mr. Olson to see if the City of Lakeville was interested in participating in this process, but since we will both have similar needs in the bus for transporting folks, he declined and felt this would be best handled by our maintenance and activities staff who have had years of driving the bus and know what features they would like to see on the bus. Dave also requested I review the Memorandum of Understanding and reference this in my memo as well. I have reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding and I do not foresee any changes to this agreement. We look forward to obtaining the official notification on the 5310 Grant so we can move forward with the purchase of the bus and put our "Bus Partnership" into action. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach me at (952) 898 -8721. SunThisweek I DARTS to expand transit service in Farmington Page 1 of 2 sunthisweek.com http://sunthisweek.com/ 2014 /03/06 /darts -to- expand- transit - service- in4armington/ DARTS to expand transit service in Farmington By SunThisweek by Jennifer Chick Sun Thisweek Dakota County Tribune DARTS will be expanding its transit service within Farmington. Following approval from the Farmington City Council on Monday night, DARTS will offer door -to -door service for Farmington residents. DARTS is an organization that supports older adults' independence through many resources, including accessible ride services. According to Randy Distad, Farmington's Parks and Recreation director, the city currently has an agreement with DARTS for the joint use of a DARTS bus in Farmington areas. The current agreement provides rides to older adults to transit stations in other cities in the metro. The Rambling River Center in Farmington can also use the bus two times per month. Now DARTS is looking to expand its transit service in Farmington and other communities in Dakota County through a $63,000 federal grant from the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging. The new service will be provided in and among Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Rosemount and Farmington. DARTS will provide this door -to -door ride service within those six cities for any residents 60 years of age and older. Each participating city has agreed to contribute $5,000 toward annual operational costs. Distad said DARTS plans to begin running the new service on Tuesday, March 16. DARTS will deliver rides to the participating cities three days per week, Tuesday- Thursday, eight hours per day, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All ride destinations within those cities will be eligible and riders will voluntarily contribute a suggested fare based on income, ranging from $3.50 to $7.50 each way. No one will be denied a ride due to inability to pay. A driver who will be assigned to the same route each day will assist riders from their homes to their destination in a bus equipped with a wheelchair lift. The driver will help carry shopping bags and assist riders getting in and out of the vehicle. Residents will call a reservation registration voicemail line at 651- 234 -2281 to schedule rides at least two days in advance. The DARTS bus can accommodate up to 16 people, and if a resident needs a companion to ride for assistance beyond what the driver can provide, that companion may ride for free. DARTS estimates that more than 7,000 community residents may benefit from this service. Studies from MAAA show that one in five older adults does not drive and public transportation in suburban Dakota County can be challenging to those without personal automobiles. http: / /sunthisweek.com/ 2014 /03/06 /darts -to- expand - transit- service- in- farmingtonl 3/21/2014