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133 COUNCIL CHAMBER -.March 2, 1987 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Barnes, Mr. Buck, Mrs. Gleason, Dr. Hall, Mr. Towe. MINUTES On motion by Mrs. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Towe, the minutes of February llth were approved as presented, with Mr. Barnes and Dr. Hall abstaining. On motion by Mr. Barnes, seconded by Dr. Hall, the minutes of February 17th were unanimously approved as presented. PUBLIC There were no matters by the public. PUBLIC HEARING: HANDICAPPED TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES (continued) Mr. Hendrix summarized information provided to Council concerning the cost to lift-equip buses and a survey of potential wheel chair bus riders and noted that the public hearing had been continued from the last meeting due to inclement weather. Ms. Donna Shaunessy~ representing JAUNT, stated that the handicapped transportation question involved two issues which should be considered separately: mobility and affordability. Ms. Shaunessy also stated that the Task Force had not restricted its recommendations to JAUNT, but had also included private sector transportation. Ms. Debbie Corbin of Midway Manor requested that JAUNT service be extended to evening hours. Ms. Patsy Houchens of Midway Manor stated that transportation is difficult at night for handicapped persons. Ms. Becky Graves, representing the Charlottesville Taxicab Association, stated that the cost of providing transportation to the handicapped on weekends may be less expensive if private enterprise was utilized. Mr. Lawson Drinkard, a handicapped resident of the City, stated that he felt that the cost of providing transportation to the handicapped should be taken into consideration. Mr. Drinkard stated that he felt the numbers of persons utilizing lift- equipped buses would be small. Mr. Steve Stern of 1204 Holmes Avenue, stated that he felt the best way to spend money to improve transportation for the handicapped would be to improve JAUNT's services and subsidize private taxicabs. Mr. Stern also recommended stricter enforcement of handicapped parking. Ms. Jennifer Wilson read a statement by Melvin Fenson supporting lifts on buses, extended hours for JAUNT, and reduced taxicab fares. Mr. Tom Vandever of the Independence Resource Center, stated that a variety of issues and needs was involved in the handicapped transportation question and urged Council's support of all of the recommendations of the Task Force. In addition, Mr. Vandever requested that the trolleys that have been ordered be lift-equipped. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed.