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128 <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Barnes about the <br />bus replacement schedule, Mr. Hendrix stated that with the <br />exception of the new trolleys, it would be approximately <br />five to six years before new buses were added. <br /> <br /> Mr. Buck questioned if funds were available from <br />other sources to retrofit the buses with lifts at a cost <br />of approximately $10,000 to ~15,000 per bus. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix replied that the City could apply for <br />UMPTA funds for the lifts. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Buck, Mr. Hendrix <br />stated that the cost for implementing recommendations <br />number one and two would be paid for primarily out of <br />local funds. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Towe concerning bus <br />service in Albemarle County, Mr. Hendrix stated that the <br />County determines where they would like bus services, <br />within the City's limitations, and pay their local share <br />of expenses. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Gleason questioned whether JAUNT services would <br />be decreased if buses were equipped with lifts. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix replied that decreasing JAUNT's service <br />would need to be discussed but noted that JAUNT's service <br />is door-to-door and bus service would not be. <br /> <br />The public hearing was opened. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tom Vandever of 1039 5th Street, Director of the <br />Independence Resource Center and a member of the <br />Handicapped Transportation Task Force, stated that the <br />City has provided only the bare minimum of services for a <br />population of approximately 1~000, thereby segregating <br />that segment of the population. Mr. Vandever listed the <br />following goals of the Task Force: 1) enable the <br />handicapped to live normal lives; 2) provide equal access <br />and choices to handicapped persons; 3) achieve community <br />acceptance of the handicapped; and 4) make services and <br />facilities accessible to the handicapped. Mr. Vandever <br />stated that the local cost would only be an additional <br />$150 per bus to purchase buses that are lift equipped. <br />Mr. Vandever urged Council to equip buses with lifts now <br />and not wait until replacement time. <br /> <br /> Mr. Gordon Walker, Director of the Jefferson Area <br />Board for Aging, recommended that public hearings be held <br />during day-time hours in the future to allow perons with <br />limited transportation options to attend. Mr. Walker <br />requested Council's active commitment to the elderly and <br />handicapped and encouraged adoption of all four <br />recommendations of the Task Force. <br /> <br /> Ms. Angelica Powell, mother of a handicapped <br />teenager~ supported the Task Force's recommendations. <br /> <br /> Ms. Ella Peale of Midway Manor, supported extension <br />of JAUNT's hours. <br /> Ms. Ariel Papovich, an employee of Workshop V, stated <br />that handicapped persons have difficulty securing <br />employment and then have additional problems finding <br />transportation to their employment. Ms. Papovich read a <br />statement by Ms. Barbara Bell, Education Coordinator of <br />Region Ten Community Services, who urged increased <br />transportation in order to increase the social and <br />educational lives of the handicapped. <br /> <br /> Mr. Dave Mitchell, 1506 Cherry Avenue, stated that <br />the handicapped population is also a very low income group <br /> <br /> <br />