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Sunset Empire Transportation District
Dba NORTHWEST RIDE CENTER
PO Box 68--Warrenton, OR 97146
Phone (503) 861-0657 Toll Free 866-811-1001 Fax (503) 325-1606
E-mail: www.ridethebus.org

NWRC Advisory Board Committee
May 29, 2008 10:00 a.m.
TRANSIT CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM
900 Marine Drive, Astoria, OR 97103


  Present: Rae Goforth, Greg Russo, Eleanor Bernhagen, Debbie Phifer, Carla Delongchamps, Pam Ruddell, Henry Heimuller
   
  Absent: Matt Mumford, Robyn Long, Mary Tolman, Janet Wright, Vicki Davis
   
  Staff: Cindy Howe/Executive Director, Sarah Dailey/Executive Assistant
   
   
  Meeting call to order at 10:00
   
   
  Rae Goforth made a motion to approve the March 20, 2008 meeting minutes. All members seconded and motion passed.
   
   
  Brokerage Managers-DHS Report (Greg Russo): Russo reported the monthly DHS/Brokerage Managers meeting has been cancelled for various reasons the last two months and will resume in June. He announced he accepted a Statewide Volunteer Driving Coordinator position in Salem. He will work with the Volunteer Driver Coordinators from each district area. DHS has been operating six pilot programs focused on advancing the Volunteer Driver Program, and they are hoping to use the pilot data to launch the program statewide. The goal is to grow the program and secure year-round, continuous funding. At this time it is undecided who will replace Russo.
   
   
. Complaints & Comments: There are no complaints at this time. Assistant Dailey did briefly discuss a public transit client's concern regarding another client bringing a large snake on the bus. The snake was hanging around the person's neck, and hidden underneath the collar of a coat. The driver was unaware of the snake until after the bus had reached the transit center in Astoria, where the client disembarked. At that time another driver noticed it and mentioned it to the driver of that route. The upset client left a voicemail at the NWRC which was then forwarded to Scott Smith, Operations Manager. The upset client did not leave a contact number that SETD could call. SETD considers this an isolated incident; however, the incident was discussed at the monthly driver meeting. SETD follows the Federal Transit Administration Policy allowing service animals who perform tasks to escort clients on buses. The policy does not allow other animals, including companion animals at this time. The private companies who have contracts with the NWRC each have their own policy regarding this. If a client wanted to bring a non-service animal on a ride, the dispatchers should first check with the scheduled provider.
   
   
  Financials. The financials were included for review. They were not discussed further.
   
  Greg Russo asked why the number of gas vouchers in Tillamook and Columbia Counties has increased significantly. Assistant Dailey said it could be from the addition of new clients to the program in those areas. She explained that a new client is screened to find the best resource option. If a client owns a working, insured vehicle and can drive (or has a someone to drive them), then a gas voucher is the most cost effective way to assist them.
   
  Board Member Reports & Comments: Henry Heimuller from Columbia County Rider reported their transit fare box revenue has increased dramatically, but fuel costs have also increased. They also have a new route going between St. Helens and Scappoose every 90 minutes. They are working to install shelters at Fred Meyer and Rite Aid. Rite Aid is very good about working with transit agencies for creating park and ride areas. They encourage store managers to participate and reward those stores with more points.
   
  There was a brief discussion whether a commuter train would be running again from Kelso to Astoria. It probably will not exist in the next 20 years unless someone wanted to invest a large amount of money.
   
   
  Other Items & Comments
   
  Tri-Wheel Scooter: Director Howe reported on the Tri-Wheel Scooter debate. She discussed it at the Quarterly Brokerage Managers Meeting. They discussed the used of a universal bolt/tie down bracket that could be mounted on tri-wheel scooters to make them more stable when secured during transport. They asked Cindy to talk with the Oregon Transit Association to see if it could eventually be made a requirement. Currently the United States has no standards for tie-down of tri-wheel mobility devices during transport; Canada does have standards.
   
  Bus Route Changes: Director Howe reported SETD is currently working with Clatsop Community College to develop some user friendly routes to the college. Assistant Dailey created a survey for the College, which is currently being completed by students and staff. The survey will help SETD and the college, determine when/where bus service should be offered for the college. SETD is also looking to offer service in Warrenton near 19th Street by the Oregon Youth Authority and the Forest Rim Housing Development. The new DHS Seniors and People with Disabilities building will also be located there next year.
   
  State Flexibility Medicaid Benefits: Each state has an agreement with the Federal Government to contribute Medicaid dollars towards Medicaid transportation. This year the Federal Government is looking at creating a rule in limiting this use. Each state was asked to comment, and Oregon decided not to respond during the comment period. The brokerage managers of Oregon spoke up and asked Oregon to take a stance in saying they need to use Medicaid dollars for Medicaid transportation. The state contracts are up for renewal every two years, and the brokerages do not want this to be an issue at that time.
   
  Administrative Medical Examination/Authorization Report: This is a report from DHS that authorizes a Medicaid ride for non-eligible client who is taking steps to become eligible (such as going to DHS required exams that determine their health status). The reports are sent to the brokerage when the client needs a ride. Recently the brokerages have been receiving unnecessary client information related to the reports. Sometimes its client's personal medical information with nothing more attached, which is very confusing to brokerage staff. There is no contact person, phone number or request for a ride listed. NWRC contacted Carla Delongchamps to explain the situation. She is seeing what can be done to organize the process in the future.
   
  As explained by DHS, the process is supposed to be as follows:
   
 
1. A non-eligible client is currently applying for Medicaid benefits and is ordered by DHS to have an exam to determine their health status.
   
 
2. DHS sends a two page authorization form to appropriate agencies, including the Medicaid brokerage allowing the ride to be a covered service. The fax should have a contact name and phone number.
   
 
3. At the same time the fax is sent, a case manager or DHS staff member working with the client should contact the NWRC to provide additional information needed to schedule a ride.
   
 
4. The ride is scheduled.
   
   
  The Advisory Board agreed to cancel the June and July meetings. The next scheduled meeting is Thursday August 14th, 2008 at 10:00 in the Astoria Transit Center Conference Room.
   
   
  Meeting adjourned at 12:00.
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