7/2/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

functions to the airport is not advisable at this time. A more prudent decision is to make more extensive renovations to-mcrease the space at our uaarent site and to restore the parking lot which has sustained extensive wear over the past five years from the increased weight and the increased number of vehicles on site. There is increasing interest from the business community on the Barrier Island to purchase a trolley from our capital acxouat. A trolley would be a unique and first class addition to the service =Tandy provided on the Island This trolley would have advertising, the revenue of wbich would go toward operation of the beach route. This would be a major step forward in our public traasit having a small portion ofthe operational expenses underwritten by businesses. Therefore, request $112,000 of the $154,000 be re -programmed into rolling stock for Line Item 11.13.09, Bus Trolley Standard; $2,500 rd -programmed to Line Item 11.32.10, Bus Shelters, increasing the total to $101,000; and $39;500 be transferred to Line Item 11.44.01, Transfer Facility Renovations, for a total of $59,500. It is my understanding that these issues are to be diswssed at the budget hearing either July 2 or July - 9. Although the funding is currently in this year's budget, it was felt that the high cost of a trolley over the cost of our current vehicles (approximately 50K each) required some discussion by the Board of Commissioners prior to proceeding. S7Yd.X_-_ - Arlene S. Fletcher Executive Director Tom Fritz, Transportation Director for Indian River County Council on Aging, reviewed some of the background for the Board and listed a number of successes for 1996, including receiving Urban Mass Transit Funding and their commitment to reporting to the National Transit Data Base. Mr. Fritz anticipated their block grant should double next year. He also advised that the buses are now running on holidays and they trying to be as flexible as possible with scheduling. If elderly passengers have packages at the end of the day, they are delivered to their homes when possible. Mr. Fritz pointed out there are also numerous private and public commitments to their services. They are working with the City of Vero Beach toward establishing bus shelters. Indian River Mall has made some major commitments to include a bus stop in their plans. To help illustrate their current proposal for a trolley, Mr. Fritz presented several short films advertising the American Heritage Streetcar, the "Cadillac" of streetcars, and Cable Car Concepts, a mini -trolley which is the "Chevy". He predicted some of the funding would come from local business, and American Heritage suggested the trolley can be used for tours and private rentals. The Council on Aging looked at leasing a trolley but could not locate one that was ADA equipped. Commissioner Eggert asked Mr. Fritz to comment on the daily costs and possible advertising income. Mr. Fritz stated that if 580 of local business advertising on the trolley were sold, it could be fully funded by private businesses. Commissioner Eggert commented that the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board is recommending this JULY 2, 1996 19 sOcK ' Fsu 4*72