Town Council Majority Office
Fees Committee
May 7, 2014
PRESENT Marc Weinberg, Chair and Councillor Ram Aberasturia
ABSENT Councillor Pat Harmon
ALSO Esther Clarke, Minority Leader
Anita Morrison, Town Councillor
Mike Barile
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Weinberg called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 27, 2014
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the minutes of the March 27, 2014 Fees Committee meeting
with the following two changes:
Marie Beaulier, 41 Applegate Lane, Apt 208, the Chair of the Commission on Services for Persons with Disabilities, explained in detail to the Committee how important it is for her to have the ADA transportation services available here in East Hartford. Since she is very involved in the community and has many health issues, ADA transportation services is invaluable for her to get to doctors’ appointments, meetings, etc. and that she would be able to pay a nominal fee for that service.
Councillor Aberasturia stated that many people move to East Hartford because of the services the town offers its residents. However, the cost of this program is a financial burden on the town when compared to what is budgeted for Dial-A-Ride each year. East Hartford has great services for its residents. We need to research this issue further to see how to balance these services with our taxpayers ability to pay.
Motion carried 2/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
OLD BUSINESS
Dial-A-Ride and ADA Transportation Services
Councillor Aberasturia was hoping that the Fees Committee could get more information from Ted Fravel, Director of Parks and Recreation, on this issue. Councillor Clarke feels that Dial-A-Ride is ruin poorly. As an example, she has observed four buses for four people – very inefficient. Additionally, Councillor Clarke suggested that people on title 19 should be exempt from paying for these services. Mr. Barile is happy with the services provided and feels that $1.00 per ride is a fair price.
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to table this item pending further research on the rates charged for
Dial-A-Ride and ADA transportation services.
Motion carried 2/0.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to adjourn (6:05 p.m.).
Motion carried 2/0.
cc: Town Council
Mayor Leclerc
Ted Fravel, Parks and Recreation Director
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