North Cook News

Village of Arlington Heights Senior Citizens’ Commission and Commission for Citizens with Disabilities met July 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. CALL TO ORDER 

Commissioner Fred Feldman called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. ROLL CALL 

Present 

Fred Feldman 

Tem Williams 

George Motto 

Roxanne Calibraro 

Fred Vogt 

Eva Mullinax 

Also Present 

Tracey Colagrossi, Commission Liaison

Nicole Espinoza, Commission Liaison

Erin Mercado, Commission Liaison

Absent 

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

No previous minutes were created.

IV. REPORTS 

A. Transportation Summit Planning Update

Commissioner Feldman provided an overview on the Village’s Age Friendly project and transportation issues. Commissioner Feldman noted that 94% of AARP Age-Friendly Survey respondents still drive, but could pose a concern down the road. He added the three focus areas of the Age Friendly Action plan is Transportation, Affordable Housing, and Communication. The Senior Citizen’s Commission was made aware of transportation gaps from Commissioner Goldman of the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities. He added that the limitations were the service area north of Euclid Avenue. Wheeling Township Dial a Ride closes service after 3 PM. This can pose an issue with folks needing rides for work past 3 PM. The summit idea came up during the last time Commissioner Feldman and Liaison Colagrossi met with the Citizens with Disabilities.

The focus for the summit is for public transportation providers to conduct an overview of services and have an opportunity for residents to learn what is available to them. The challenge to get as many people to be aware of the summit. Commissioner Vogt added that to have neighboring communities attend and provide feedback regarding services and how they can connect.

The Transportation Summit scheduled on August 30 is at the Senior Center, as well as via Zoom. Additionally, Laision Colagrossi will ask if the Dial-a-Bus providers may be able to provide transportation to residents in need for the program.

Commissioner Motto discussed the designation of the AARP Age-Friendly designation. The town hall talks, and the joint meeting is part of the designation process comprised of volunteers. The event can help promote Age-Friendly for Arlington Heights. He added that what is good for strollers that it is good for walkers. This summit can encompass those with short term loss of transportation or folks without cars.

The group discussed a formulation of an agenda:

a. Introductions of Transportation Providers

b. Provider presentation of services (5 Minutes Each)

a. Pace

b. RTA

c. Metra

d. Wheeling/Elk Grove Dia-a-Bus Programs

c. Resident Questions and Feedback (3 Minutes Each)

d. Solutions

B. Discussion of Next Steps

Liaison Espinosa encapsulated what the group has discussed.

Commissioner Calibraro commented on using Lyft and Uber can take a long time with maneuvering wheelchairs in and out of vehicles.

Commissioner Calibraro noted that complaints are filed against these organizations daily with the Department of Justice. Commissioner Motto asked if a conversation had been had with the organization to address. Liaison noted that these organization are difficult to communicate with.

Senior Citizen’s Commission Laision Colagrossi will draft a letter to the Public Transportation Providers for the Chairpersons to approve before mailing. Public transportation providers will be asked to RSVP by August 1, 2023. The joint commissions will meet afterwards to discuss an marketing plan for outreach on the event.

The communities adjacent will be invited that are also impacted with the Pace Bus 696 Route. All public comments will be limited to three minutes. Commissioner Motto reiterated that all the work that is being done here, validates the Age-Friendly initiative. Liaison Colagrossi will ask Director McCalister on who else from the village staff should be included within this event. Commissioner Vogt said to encourage other communities about the needs of their residents.

Discussion of Niles Free Bus Service, McHenry County transportation connecting township, Township Riders Initiative Program, navigating the landscape of transportation is very difficult for people needing transportation, RTA Navigators or coach that occurred pre-pandemic, and discussed the 211Metro call services.

If the August 30, 2023 date does not work for the transportation providers, a reschedule may need to occur. The commissions will address when providers can commit to the date.

V. OLD BUSINESS 

A No old business was discussed.

VI. NEW BUSINESS 

B. The participants agreed to meet on August 1 to discuss marketing and outreach at 10 am.

B. The Commissions agree to advise the Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee that this event is occurring.

VII. OTHER BUSINESS 

VII. ADJOURNMENT 

COMMISSIONER FELDMAN CALLED FOR A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 1:59 PM. COMMISSIONER VOGT MADE A MOTION AND COMMISSIONER MOTTO SECODNED. THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 1:50 PM.

https://www.vah.com/government/agendas___minutes.php