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REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE HEARD AS PROVIDED IN RULE 6.06
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1
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CHAIRMAN'S OPENING REMARKS
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REPORT:
Chairman Monestime called the meeting to order at 9:51 a.m.
The following staff members were present: Assistant County Attorneys Altanese Phenelus and Juliette Antoine; and Deputy Clerk Judy Marsh.
Chairman Monestime introduced Mr. Mac-Kinley Lauriston, his new Chief of Staff.
Chairman Monestime acknowledged his colleagues, staff and members of the audience. He noted today�s (11/30) meeting was the final meeting for this year, and the Council would be discussing among other issues, transportation. He noted throughout the year, the Council had been searching for ways to improve affordable housing options, increase employment opportunities, and provide for a more just community; and generally searching for ways to reduce the cost of living for Miami-Dade County�s working families.
Chairman Monestime advised that the Board of County Commissioners and the Metropolitan Planning Organization had discussed ways to improve the reliability and convenience of public transportation; and the Miami-Dade Transit�s (MDT) Website was upgraded to allow employers to purchase bus passes for their employees online. He noted the demand existed for a fully automated ordering system and three companies had purchased passes for their employees over the last few weeks without any promotion of the Website, and without contacting anyone at Transit. Chairman Monestime thanked MDT�s Director Alice Bravo and staff for this accomplishment. He observed that as more employers began to offer their employees transit passes, the ridership demographic might change, potentially resulting in more transit choice customers than transit dependent users.
Chairman Monestime said tomorrow (12/1) the County Commission would be considering a pay-by-phone parking service at the regional parks, and he expressed his desire for MDT to have its own pay-by-phone contract, thus eliminating the need for paper parking passes for monthly Metrorail customers. He noted the County must make transit easier and less expensive than driving a car, pointing out that most companies and governments allowed their customers to use different venues and outlets to purchase their services and products. Chairman Monestime said the Council would hear examples of how riding transit may be less expensive for Miami-Dade County workers. He noted thousands of employees used Transit daily to commute to work at hotels, restaurants, and retail centers; however, all too often these workers earned a minimum wage for the crucial services they provided in the service economy.
Chairman Monestime advised that Ms. Pamela Hollingsworth, who was scheduled to provide an overview on equitable transportation, (Item 2A) would be unable to join the Council this morning. He noted the agenda would be modified to present Item 3A followed by Item 2B. Chairman Monestime invited Ms. Marta Viciedo to discuss telecommuting as an option to reducing traffic congestion. He noted Ms. Viciedo was an active member of the Transit Action Committee of Miami-Dade County (TRAC), a not-for-profit advocacy organization.
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2
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PRESENTATIONS
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2A
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152765
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Special Presentation
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PAMELA HOLLINGSWORTH, M.ED.,
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF MIAMI-DADE/MONROE
TOPIC: MAKING TRANSPORTATION MORE EQUITABLE FOR ALL SEGMENTS OF THE COMMUNITY
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Not presented
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2B
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152766
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Special Presentation
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CAROL MERRILL
CUSTOMER SERVICES SUPERVISOR
METRO TRANSIT DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON
TOPIC: LOW INCOME FARE PROGRAM
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Presented
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REPORT:
Chairman Monestime thanked Ms. Carol Merrill, Customer Services Supervisor, Metro Transit Division, Department of Transportation, King County, Washington; for participating in today�s (11/30) Council meeting via telephone. He noted his office had determined that Metropolitan Seattle, San Francisco, and Calgary were some of the pioneers in the use of income-based fares. Chairman Monestime said that King County and Miami-Dade County had many common services, and he thanked Ms. Merrill for accepting the Council�s invitation to discuss King County�s low-income fare program.
Ms. Merrill discussed King County�s low income fare program. She said that King County was the 13th largest populous county in the nation with a population of two million people; comprised a diverse area; and the average annual income for the top 20 percent was approximately $250,000 annually. Ms. Merrill pointed out that approximately half a million individuals had incomes that were less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and these individuals were spread throughout the County. She noted the County had seven different transportation systems that worked together; however, fewer people were able to access that transportation due to fare increases in the last eight years. Ms. Merrill said the County then began exploring a low-income fare program which began in March 2015, and thus far, had delivered a fair amount of benefits. She noted anyone who was at 200 percent or less of the federal poverty level was eligible for the program; and approximately 60 percent of the individuals enrolled in this program were Seattle residents. Ms. Merrill said that more than 20,000 people were registered in the program which represented approximately three percent of bus riders.
Ms. Merrill commented on the ORCA To-Go Program (One Regional Card for All), the County�s transportation smart card mechanism. She said transit representatives issued these cards and registered individuals for the low-income fare program at various events; most customers used cash to load money on the card; and approximately 300 venues were available where the cards could be loaded. Ms. Merrill explained that commuters could ride on King County�s Metro Transit any time of day, for any distance, on any bus for $1.50; and because the card was coded, the system would only charge $1.50, rather than the regular fare, whenever a passenger boarded the bus with the card. She advised that transfers between buses and the Sound Transit Link, the County�s light rail, were also $1.50. Ms. Merrill added that a significant number of people were positively impacted by the program.
Ms. Merrill said the low-income fare program was managed with the assistance of the Department of Public Health, as well as other social service agencies, which provided outreach efforts to register individuals for the program. She noted individuals who were eligible for most social services benefits were automatically eligible for the ORCA Lift reduced transit fare card. Ms. Merrill said the individual could load their own money to pay for their transportation fare; or agencies that provided transportation benefits could add value to the ORCA Lift cards. She added that many employers had also offered to load money on the cards while loading money on other cards for most of their employees. Ms. Merrill advised that it was a shared match in which the benefits were spreading; and the feedback was almost 100 percent positive. She noted the only negative feedback was that transit should be free, which was difficult to accomplish.
Chairman Monestime thanked Ms. Merrill for her presentation; followed by questions from the Council members.
Commissioner Jordan inquired about the average overall income for King County, and the Orca Lift card distribution.
Ms. Merrill said that she would provide the Council with the average overall income for the entire County. She reiterated that the Transit Department established the eligibility criteria for the cards, and worked with the social service agencies to determine eligibility verification. Ms. Merrill clarified that the cost was $1.50 per trip and included transfers; versus $2.50 or $3.75 per trip.
Chairman Monestime inquired whether King County had a daily transit pass; and the impact of increased transit costs on ridership.
Ms. Merrill responded that King County did not have a daily pass; only the per trip discount pass. She explained that the County�s ridership was reduced due to the recession in 2009, but now continued to grow. Ms. Merrill commented that although King County had a strong employer program, and large employers subsidized transportation for their employees; many individuals who were below the poverty line did not work for those employers. She noted ridership over the last nine months to a year had been increasing, and the Transportation Department was trying to determine how much of that was attributed to the low-income fare; whether the riders were using it before; and/or whether a percentage were new riders. Ms. Merril said that currently, approximately 25 percent of the costs were covered by fare box.
Commissioner Levine Cava asked about the decision to pre-qualify riders for the card at a reduced cost, versus providing a subsidy. She mentioned Miami-Dade County�s program whereby an individual could register and receive a reduced price pass, which created a limitless versus a single fare application. Commissioner Levine Cava indicated that the County could have a monthly pass, as well as a single fare, partly because the monthly pass required obtaining it from a location which was inconvenient. She asked Ms. Merrill whether the department had considered various options and why this option was chosen.
Ms. Merrill said that riders could place money on an E-Purse and pay $1.50 per trip; or they could purchase a pass for $54 per month and ride unlimited on the Metro Transit and on the Sound Transit Link system. She noted this option was available for all of the systems and fares. Ms. Merrill said there was a youth fare for individuals through age 15; as well as a reduced fare for the elderly and the disabled. She noted individuals must register in person to ensure eligibility for the Orca Lift card and this could be done at 50 to 60 locations. Ms. Merrill said once the pass was obtained, it could be reloaded with money or with a pass electronically. She also said the cards could be issued through the social service agencies.
In response to Commissioner Levine Cava�s inquiry regarding the overall benefit to the local economy, notwithstanding the loss of revenue for these transit users, Ms. Merrill said this would be part of a study to be undertaken. She noted there was a commitment of a two-year budget during which an analysis would be conducted. Ms. Merrill said the department had signed up 20,000 individuals which was not a huge portion of the population, and was working to determine if the program was reaching the people who needed it the most.
Responding to Commissioner Jordan�s comment regarding Miami-Dade County�s local transit tax, Ms. Merrill said that most of their state funding was derived from their sales tax. She noted the City of Seattle recently passed a transportation tax, and some of those funds would be used for the transit program, particularly in support of low-income fares.
Chairman Monestime inquired what actions were taken to prevent fraudulent uses of the pass, and Ms. Merrill explained that the youth passes were coded; and upon reaching age 19, the pass became an adult card and the individual would be charged the full fare. She noted fare enforcement officers who travelled on some of the bus routes, and the light rail system were authorized to check passes at any time. Ms. Merrill said the enforcement officers would issue a warning the first time an adult did not have the appropriate card; and the card could be confiscated if the passenger could not identify his/her card.
Chairman Monestime thanked Ms. Merrill for her presentation on behalf of his colleagues.
Commissioner Levine Cava suggested that the Council receive an overview from Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) representatives of the existing transit programs for seniors, veterans, youth, as well as the low income program; to determine the number of individuals utilizing the program, and the cost to the County. Commissioner Levine Cava noted she believed that Miami-Dade County�s rate of self-pay was higher than some other cities. She suggested that the Council explore whether the County was prepared to invest more public dollars into public transit, as opposed to having the users bear the cost.
Chairman Monestime noted MDT representatives were invited to discuss the fare schemes, but were unable to attend today�s meeting. He said they would be invited again after the New Year to respond to Commissioner Levine Cava�s questions.
Chairman Monestime opened the meeting for public input.
Madame Holmes, Women�s Association Alliance Addressing Injustice and Violent Epidemia, as well as representing Women in Public Housing, Education, Finance and Development, thanked the Council for inviting a variety of speakers. She expressed concern regarding the need for a new policy for low-income individuals with disability who were homeless. Madame Holmes said the coded cards should be automatic; and suggested that much of the revenues that were derived from corporations providing affordable housing, be used to pay for transportation development. She expressed her desire to invite individuals with disability; homeless individuals; and frequent transportation riders to share their perspective of the transportation system at the next Council meeting.
Mr. Irvans Augustin, Urban Impact Life, commented on his experience with telecommuting and suggested that the Council consider telecommuting as an option. He also suggested that the Council test available technology to detect potential fraudulent transit activity without making a huge investment, and receive public feedback.
Ms. Lili Bach, 5995 Biscayne Boulevard, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ, representing workers at Miami International Airport (MIA), commented on unfair labor practices and a hostile working environment involving approximately 6,000 workers at MIA. She noted these workers were currently fighting for full time work, higher wages, and health care. Ms. Bach said that two unfair labor practices charges had been filed against Eulen, the company involved with these issues; and she would be meeting with the County Commission members to discuss this matter further.
Commissioner Jordan said she concurred with the suggestion that MDT representatives attend the next Council meeting. She spoke in support of Commissioner Levine Cava�s comments about examining the County�s transit system and the existing fare structures. Commissioner Jordan expressed concern that the working poor paid full transit fares, while neighborhood shuttles were free; elderly individuals could obtain a free transit pass; the downtown Wall Street community rode free; and veterans and school children paid a reduced fare. She noted this was economically discriminatory and must be addressed. Commissioner Jordan opined that an income-based fare was one option to address this issue; however, the County must address the issue of free fare for the downtown community.
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3
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CITIZEN'S PRESENTATIONS
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3A
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152767
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Citizen's Presentation
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''TELECOMMUTING IS AN OPTION''
MARTA VICIEDO
TRANSIT ACTION COMMITTEE (TRAC)
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Presented
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REPORT:
Ms. Marta Viciedo discussed the benefits of telecommuting. She noted telecommuting was defined as working at home using an electronic link to a central office. She commented on the misconception that employees were less productive and pointed out that a Stanford study, in addition to other studies, revealed that productivity increased with telecommuting between 13 and 20 percent. Ms. Viciedo noted telecommuting was a flexible option in which employees could work from home two or three days, and then work in the office; it resulted in reduced turnover and higher morale; and was a cost benefit to both employees and employers. She pointed out that if a percentage of Miami-Dade County employees were given the opportunity to telecommute, the County would save approximately $11,000 per employee.
Ms. Viciedo commented on the cost of commuting, noting nationally, $124 million was spent each year due to traffic congestion, and this represented approximately $1,200 annually in Miami per commuter. She noted Miami had one of the worst congestion problems nationwide, and people were spending at least one hour in traffic, as well as an additional 24 gallons of fuel, plus the increased cost of insurance based on the commute time. Ms. Viciedo remarked that if the Council members were thinking about telecommuting as an option for Miami-Dade County employees, they should consider what employees could do with an extra $1,200 each year; an extra hour each day; and a more positive working experience.
Commissioner Jordan asked Ms. Viciedo about the breakdown in savings of $11,000 per employee; and whether any studies or reports were done which indicated increased or decreased productivity from employees who telecommuted.
Ms. Viciedo said these were average numbers which included overhead costs; and money that was spent on materials, and office space. She noted the increase in productivity was an average; however, there was an overall increase of 13 to 20 percent. Ms. Viciedo observed that the best telecommuting candidates were generally self-motivated individuals who would complete their work.
Commissioner Monestime advised that proposed legislation was prepared under his sponsorship regarding telecommuting. He noted the policy allowed for telecommuting by only certain employees, as long as their supervisors provided the Mayor�s office with a plan for these employees; and also encouraged the Mayor to allow employees who reported to him to telecommute. Chairman Monestime said the proposed resolution would be considered by the County Commission�s Strategic Planning and Government Operations Committee on December 8, 2015, and requested the Council members� support as co-sponsors.
Commissioner Levine Cava said she would co-sponsor Chairman Monestime�s proposed legislation. She mentioned that proposed legislation under her sponsorship relating to flex time would also be considered by the Strategic Planning and Government Operations Committee; and she requested the Council�s support.
In response to Commissioner Levine Cava�s inquiry regarding issues pertaining to income inequality in transit, Ms. Viciedo said she believed that it was important for the County to consider a better fare structure. She noted as the Council and the County Commission moved forward, transportation and housing should be combined. Ms. Viciedo referred to the Denver Housing Authority which began working with their transportation agency ten years ago to ensure that affordable housing was available along future transportation lines. She noted the County bought land for affordable housing on the transportation lines that were being built, and Miami-Dade County needed similar foresight and planning.
Chairman Monestime mentioned that the San Diego Metropolitan Planning Organization coordinated all the land use planning for the entire region.
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4
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DISCUSSIONS
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5
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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6
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TOPIC FOR NEXT SESSION (JANUARY 25, 2016): WAGES
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REPORT:
Commissioner Levine Cava thanked Chairman Monestime for creating the Council. She suggested that topics for the January 25, 2016 meeting include discussion on wage issues at Miami International Airport; and community land trusts to preserve housing affordability. Commissioner Levine Cava mentioned that the South Florida Community Land Trust wanted to expand to Miami-Dade County, and she thanked Commissioner Jordan for introducing the concept of land trusts during her tenure as Assistant County Manager. She offered to work with Commissioner Jordan on increasing the County�s affordable housing toolbox kit.
Commissioner Levine Cava recounted the Community-Based Prosperity Initiatives proposal which the Florida International University�s Metropolitan Center was preparing, and for which Citibank provided a grant. She noted the Center had now completed its research and she requested to have them present their findings. Commissioner Levine Cava noted the Center was also examining some of the strategies that could best address income inequality, including policies regarding children�s savings accounts, the Community Land Trust, and other nationally recognized strategies. She expressed her hope that this would be accomplished between January and February 2016.
Commissioner Levine Cava requested that proposed legislation under her sponsorship, to provide paid sick leave to County contractors through the Living Wage ordinance, be considered at the Council�s January meeting as part of the wage discussion. She also requested the Council�s support for proposed legislation under her sponsorship, regarding flex time, which would be considered by the Strategic Planning and Government Operations Committee on December 8, 2015.
Commissioner Jordan noted she believed that flex time could be accomplished administratively; however, it would be preferable for it to be codified and made into a policy. She also suggested that Commissioner Levine Cava amend the proposed resolution to include compressed schedules.
Commissioner Jordan and Chairman Monestime asked to be listed as co-prime sponsors of the proposed resolution regarding flex time.
Dr. Terry Murphy, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Chair, suggested that the co-prime sponsors be added prior to the proposed resolution being introduced.
Commissioner Levine Cava said she concurred with Dr. Murphy�s suggestion, with the understanding that it would be determined whether compressed schedules should be added as an amendment, or if they were already contemplated within the definition of flex time.
Chairman Monestime thanked the Council members and members of the audience for attending today�s (11/30) meeting. He advised that a meeting would not be held in December, and the next meeting would be held on January 25, 2016.
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7
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CLERK OF THE BOARD
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7A
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152770
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Report
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Clerk of the Board |
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APPROVAL OF THE CLERK�S SUMMARY OF MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 CHAIRMAN�S COUNCIL FOR PROSPERITY INITIATIVES MEETING [AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE BOARD DIVISION]
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Approved
Report
Mover: Daniella Levine Cava
Seconder: Barbara J. Jordan
Vote: 3 - 0
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8
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ADJOURNMENT
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REPORT:
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.
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| 4/24/2024 |
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Agenda Key: 3726 |