Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Military & Veteran Affairs Office to sign a no cost Memorandum of Understanding, effective upon execution through June 30, 2019, with Monterey-Salinas Transit allowing the Office to distribute taxi vouchers to veterans;
b. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign a no cost Memorandum of Understanding, effective upon execution through June 30, 2019, with Monterey-Salinas Transit allowing the Aging and Adult Services Branch to distribute taxi vouchers to seniors; and
c. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or the Director of the Military & Veteran Affairs Office to sign up to three (3) amendments to each Memorandum of Understanding where the amendments do not significantly change the scopes of service.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Military & Veteran Affairs Office to sign a no cost Memorandum of Understanding, effective upon execution through June 30, 2019, with Monterey-Salinas Transit allowing the Office to distribute taxi vouchers to veterans;
b. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign a no cost Memorandum of Understanding, effective upon execution through June 30, 2019, with Monterey-Salinas Transit allowing the Aging and Adult Services Branch to distribute taxi vouchers to seniors; and
c. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or the Director of the Military & Veteran Affairs Office to sign up to three (3) amendments to each Memorandum of Understanding where the amendments do not significantly change the scopes of service.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On November 4, 2014, the voters of Monterey County approved Measure Q, the first-ever Countywide sales tax measure for public transit. The money raised through Measure Q is to be used only for services and equipment that support transportation programs for veterans, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Using funds raised through Measure Q, Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) offers a taxi voucher program to assist seniors and veterans in accessing important locations within their community.
To receive the veterans vouchers, veterans may visit the Military & Veteran Affairs Office headquarters located at 1200 Aguajito Rd, Suite 003 in Monterey, CA. A qualified veteran is an individual who served active duty in one of the branches of the U.S. Military.
To receive the senior voucher, seniors may visit the Aging and Adult Services offices located at 1000 South Main Street, Suite 211C in Salinas, CA and 2620 First Avenue in Marina, CA. A senior qualified to receive the vouchers is a resident of Salinas or Marina who has provided evidence that they are 65 years of age or older. The vouchers for seniors and veterans are provided on a monthly basis.
A customer may contact one of the participating taxicab companies to schedule a ride. With the voucher and $3.00 co-pay, a customer can travel the equivalent of up to a meter reading of $17.00. Only one voucher can be used per one-way trip. Customers are responsible for costs above the $17.00-meter reading. Taxi sharing is encouraged, with only one taxi voucher required for a shared ride.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has approved the Agreements as to form. Risk Management cannot approve the nonstandard mutual indemnification. Contacts/Purchasing has reviewed and approved the Agreements.
FINANCING:
MST provides funding for the vouchers through Measure Q. The County does not contribute any funding.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Economic Development and Health & Human Services Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by providing transportation solutions to assist veterans and seniors with access to employment, health and human services, and increased access to local community service providers.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
X Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Joe Farotte, MAIII, MVAO x7841 and Ron Lee, MAIII, AAS x8493
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director of Social Services, x4430
Attachments: MVAO MOU, AAS MOU
Original MOUs are on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report