TO: CRA Board of Commissioners
FROM: Ivan Cabrera, AICP, Redevelopment Manager
THROUGH: Renée A. Jadusingh, Esq., CRA Executive Director
DATE: January 25, 2022
Title
DISCUSSION - POINT-TO-POINT TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Discussion regarding the Point-to-Point Transportation Service and the next steps related its funding and management.
Body
Background:
On January 28, 2019, the CRA issued a Request for Proposals for a Pilot Program for a Point-to-Point Transportation Service (“Program”).
After which, the CRA and BeeFree, Inc. d/b/a Freebee entered into a Point-to-Point Transportation Service Agreement on June 25, 2019, (“Original Agreement”). Subsequently, both parties executed two (2) amendments due to COVID-19. The First Amendment was executed on March 27, 2020, and included temporary changes to the service area and hours of operation. The Second Amendment was executed on April 8, 2020, and included temporary changes related to ceasing operations of the Program and modifications to the contract price paid by the CRA to Freebee during the cessation.
Per the Original Agreement, the parties may mutually agree to renew the term of the Original Agreement for two (2) additional one (1) year terms, subject to the approval of the CRA’s Board of Commissioners, and the execution by both parties of a written amendment to the Original Agreement. On June 23, 2020, the CRA Board approved the Third Amendment to the Original Agreement extending the term of the Original Agreement to August 30, 2021.
At the July 15, 2021, CRA Board Meeting, CRA staff presented an item seeking approval from the CRA Board to renew and extend the term of the Original Agreement for a final one-year period with a new termination date of August 30, 2022. Additionally, the item sought approval for the Executive Director to send correspondence to the City recommending the City continue the Program with expanded boundaries after the CRA’s Original Agreement terminates. There was also discussion about the Program being managed and funded by the City.
The CRA Board ultimately directed CRA staff to draft a month-to-month agreement ending on August 30, 2022, instead of renewing the Original Agreement for an additional one-year term. The intention of this month-to-month agreement was to allow the CRA and the City an opportunity to discuss the future of the Program, and such discussion would include the management and funding of the Program by the City, expanding the boundaries of the Program beyond the CRA District, and allowing the City time and adequate notice to account for the Program in the City’s upcoming fiscal years.
At the August 31, 2021, CRA Board meeting, the CRA Board approved the Fourth Amendment to the Original Agreement on a month-to-month basis. Freebee agreed to the month-to-month term with no changes in pricing, and the Program is operating with the same service area and number of vehicles.
On August 13 and November 1, 2021, CRA staff met with the City Manager and City staff to discuss the management and funding of the Program. As a result of these meetings, a Joint City Commission and CRA Board Workshop was scheduled for January 25, 2022, to provide an opportunity to discuss the future of the Program.
At this time, the item is before both the City Commission and CRA Board for discussion and to provide City and CRA staff direction on the next steps for the Point-to-Point Transportation Service Program.
Attachment(s): Exhibit A - Original Agreement and Amendments
CRA Attorney Review:
N/A
Finance Review:
N/A
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
Funding is available in the amount of $1,400,000 - GL# 5230 - Transportation Services