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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - November 19, 1980 (2)289 UNMET PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION HEARING HALE PARK RECREATIONAL FACILITY November 19, 1980 3:00 p.m. A Public Hearing regarding unmet public transportation needs within the City of Lodi was held at the Hale Park Recreational Facility on November 19, 1980, commencing at 3:00 p.m. The hearing was called to order at 3:04 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tempore James McCarty. City Clerk Reimche recorded roll as follows: Present: Councilmen - Katnich, McCarty, and Murphy Absent: Councilmen - Hughes and Pinkerton Also Present: City Manager Glaves, Assistant City Manager Glenn, Public Works Director Ronsko, Public Works Administra- tive Assistant Blaufus, City Clerk Reimche, Director, County Council of Governments, Peter Verdoorn, County Council of Governments Planner Robert Van Rooyan and Mike Henshaw of Cal Trans. Mayor Pro Tempore McCarty gave a brief review of the functions of the County Council of Governments and the purpose of this hearing. The following persons were in the audience and gave testimony: Carmen Garcia, 515 N. Lincoln Avenue, Lodi - Ms. Garcia stated that she had gone to Longs the preceding Friday morning and waited two hours for Dial -A -Ride. Ms. Garcia asked why the City of Lodi doens't run buses. Ms. Garcia also indicated that Dial - A -Ride should also be extended to run Saturday and Sunday. Elroy Bohn, 1400 W. Lockeford Street, #9, Lodi - Mr. Bohn related an incident he and his wife had encountered some time ago with Dial -A -Ride, whereby they had paid full fare and the driver was quite late in coming to pick them up, hauled them all through town, and then went to where his (the cab driver's) wife was working and parked the cab until his wife got off work. Mr. Bohn asked why the City doesn't have a minibus like other communities. James John, 1123 Alpine Drive, Lodi - Mr. John talked about the transit system that the City of Pacific Grove has. Mr. John stated that he feels a town the size of Lodi should have bus service and not worry about taxis. He also stated that he would like the City to look into a bus to Stockton from Lodi. Beth Dolan, 505h E. Locust Street, Lodi - Ms. Dolan stated that she has no complaints with the City Cab Company. She indicated that they now have a beautiful new van that will haul at least 10 people. Stan Harkness, 700 Cardinal, Lodi - Mr. Harkness stated that several people who were to testify at this hearing had been threatened. Ms. Carmen Garcia,according to Mr. Harkness, had her bedroom window shot out in her home. Ms. Garcia attested that this was so and that the police had been contacted. Mr. Harkness asked what procedures had been set up for safety inspections for the cabs and cited several incidents of unsafe conditions he stated had been observed. 290 Continued November 19, 1980 - Unmet Public Transportation Hearing Mr. Harkness stated that they had been told time and time again that funds are not available to bring people down at noon for the hot meals served at the Loel Center. Mr. Harkness stated that he feels all funds should be withheld from the City until "they" come up with a viable workable transportation system. Thelma Harkness, 700 Cardinal, Lodi - asked if the van recently put in use by the City Cab Company was purchased with money that was approved at the last Council meeting. Assistant City Manager Glenn informed Mrs. Harkness that the City has not received any of that money. Shirley Klein, Loel Center, 105 S. Washington - stated that taxi drivers are taking the Dial -A -Ride tickets and putting them in their pockets until they get a paying customer and then collecting on that double. She stated that "they don't want to fight Dial -A -Ride because of the assistance they are giving but feels another bus system would be most helpful. Mrs. Klein then talked about the long waiting time Dial -A -Ride customers are having to put up with. Discussion followed with questions being directed to Staff and to those persons in the audience who had given testimony. Mayor Pro Tempore McCarty then adjourned the Public Hearing at approximately 4:09 p.m., stating that the hearing would be continued at the regular Council Meeting set for 8:00 p.m., November 19, 1980 in the City Hall Council Chambers. Attest: -2- ALICE M. REIMCHE City Clerk