TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Linda A. Nemeroff, Board Administrative Officer/District Secretary
SUBJECT: Appointment Representative to the Paratransit Advisory Planning Committee
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ☐
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider approving a process to seek and select candidates for appointment as 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 that these services are adequately funded.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
Minimal staff time.
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.
In order to fill the vacancy, staff offers the following options for the Board’s consideration:
Option 1
Open a recruitment to seek candidates for an appointment to PAPCO on October 1st with an application submission deadline of October 31st. Candidates will be required to submit a completed application (see Attachment 1) and resume pursuant to the ACTC’s requirements. Following the deadline, the Board will consider the applications received at its meeting on November 8, 2023. The candidate selected by the Board for appointment to PAPCO would be forwarded to the ACTC.
It is recommended that the recruitment be conducted using the electronic resources at staff's disposal including the District's website, e-News and social media accounts. In addition, notice of the recruitment will be given to community organizations and elected officials in Alameda County.
Option 2
Pursue the direct appointment of a member of the General Manager’s Access Committee (GMAC) that meets the eligibility requirements. Staff believes this would be the most expeditious way to fill the vacancy on the Committee with someone who understands the District’s position on matters pertaining to accessibility and can represent the interests of the District on the Committee. The GMAC member selected would need to complete the application and provide a resume.
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