TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Linda A. Nemeroff, Board Administrative Officer/District Secretary
SUBJECT: Representative to the Paratransit Advisory Planning Committee
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ☐
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider approving appointment of AC Transit's Representative to the Alameda County Transportation Commission's (ACTC) Paratransit Advisory and Planning Committee (PAPCO).
Staff Contact:
Linda A. Nemeroff, Board Administrative Officer/District Secretary
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Internal and External Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Programs and Priorities
Committees like PAPCO serve an important role in planning and coordinating transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities in Alameda County and ensuring that these services are adequately funded.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
PAPCO is a committee of the ACTC that makes recommendations to improve the planning and coordination of transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities in Alameda County. PAPCO members advise the ACTC on the development and implementation of paratransit programs, including a grant program.
On August 29, 2023, ACTC staff informed the Board President of a vacancy on PAPCO. As the Board is aware, Hale Zukas was the District’s representative on the committee for many years until his passing. The seat has been vacant for some time and under existing Board Policy, the Board makes appointments to external committees.
In order to serve on PAPCO, members must be Alameda County residents who use transportation that supports seniors and people with disabilities. Members serve two-year terms.
On September 27, 2023, the Board directed staff to reach out to members of both the General Manager’s Access Committee and the East Bay Paratransit Access Committee; however, there was no interest indicated in the PAPCO appointment. In early November 2023, staff began a recruitment to seek candidates for appointment. As of December 1, 2023, one application was received from Arun Mital, which is attached for the Board’s review. Mr. Mital was highly recommended by a member of the General Manager’s Access Committee as well as Accessible Services Staff.
It should be noted that PAPCO members are not paid as their service on the committees is voluntary. At the discretion of the Board, the individual appointed shall, at least once each calendar year, submit a report (preferably in writing) to their appointing individual or body.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
The most notable advantage of having a representative on PAPCO is having someone who can represent the best interests of AC Transit and people with disabilities that utilize the District’s service. There are no notable disadvantages.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
Staff considered no other alternatives to the course of action outlined in this report.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Board Policy 101 - Board of Directors Rules for Procedure
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Application for Appointment
Prepared by:
Linda Nemeroff, Board Administrative Officer/District Secretary
Approved/Reviewed by:
Linda A. Nemeroff, Board Administrative Officer/District Secretary
Jill A. Sprague, General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer
Mallory Brush, Accessible Services Manager