01271992 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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100 Regular Meeting January 27, 1992 Page 2 had studied the feasibility of a transportation system for two years. Mr. Romero stated the system could benefit citizens now and in the future, and with grants the system will be feasible. David Marsh of CARTS stated he could provide information to help the city obtain a transportation system. Barry Goodman of Goodman Corporation stated a fundable system can be created. with the $135 billion funding for highways and transportation systems signed by President Bush in December, 1991, funding will be available. The City can seek 90% funding. The County will provide a 20-year lease (park and ride), the state could provide funding of infrastructure through the use of oil overcharge funds, and the operation is an ongoing local commitment. The local share for two years of operation will cost $385,000 (8% from the San Marcos tax base), and some funding can be reimbursed through grant funding. Ken Hosen of Ecosometrics, Inc. stated the plan would provide four vehicles in route and one backup. The transportation would be used by elderly, low income families, school children and tourists. The college students have not been targeted in the routes, but they are trying to coordinate with the college routes. The trolleys have handicap accessibility (a lift). The City's annual allocation would be $35,000 plus $17,000 in-kind. Mr. Goodman stated the federal funding appropriations are done annually, and he thinks Congress will continue to fund the program because of the need. The plan includes 8 employees to begin the program with the starting date as July 1, 1993. R. G. Phillips asked how people who cannot afford to pay to use the system could use it, and Mr. Marsh stated CARTS could provide 3-month passes and handicap persons can obtain one-half fare passes. Mayor Morris introduced for consideration adoption of a Resolution, the caption which was read as follows: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS, SUPPORTING THE APPLICATION ACTIONS FOR PRIVATE, LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING BY THE CAPITAL AREA RURAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A REGULAR ROUTE TROLLEY-BASE SYSTEM FOR OPERATION IN THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Plummer moved for adoption of the Resolution and Mr. Moore seconded the motion. Mayor Morris requested Staff thoroughly review CARTS' report, and check on the possibility of a scaled-down program. Mayor Morris expressed concern regarding funding of the system beyond the initial two-year period. Jonathan Engel of San Marcos Literacy Action expressed support for the system and read a support letter into the record from citizens in the Literacy Action program. Mitchell Brown from the Factory Shops Outlet Mall expressed support for the system. Betty Killoug of United Campgrounds stated they have 100 sites and host 45 ralleys annually of campers who would utilize this system. Colombo Castoldi provided names of citizens who are members of AARP who enthusiastically support the trolley system. Phil Sladek stated in a meeting held last fall the local doctors voted unanimously for the system and thought one in five of their patients would use such a system. He also stated Mr. Haas of Central Texas Medical Center thought the hospital would use the system and would also want to advertise. Albert Sierra stated the trolley system need has arrived, and 75% of the families in public housing do not have transportation. John Holtermann stated he is supportive of the program and hopes it will help senior citizens' mobility. Terry Serur stated the Downtown Association is supportive of the trolley system. Bill Coddington expressed concern for the financing and stated it would be good to have a system. Mr. coddington made reference to Boulder and Taos' systems which have two buses. He requested a meeting with Mayor Morris and two Council Members to discuss the system in more detail. The Council voted unanimously for adoption of the Resolution. Mayor Morris introduced Item 12.A., to receive a status report from the project architect, Denelle Wrightson, on the new public library and review the schematic design phase and seek authorization to move forward with the design development. Ms. Wrightson reviewed the tentative plans with the Council and provided a handout regarding