[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6293777,"mediaKeyId","2522787-3dc08438b4e4c233308140c0ff1120f2","parentId",2522787,"title","Commission asks MPO to review demand‑response transit analysis after consultants warn of rising costs","audioSeconds",4104,"startMs",15866000,"endMs",19970000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522787-3dc08438b4e4c233308140c0ff1120f2&start=15866&end=19970","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522787-3dc08438b4e4c233308140c0ff1120f2/thumbnail_15866000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6293777/Gainesville/Alachua-County/Florida/Commission-asks-MPO-to-review-demandresponse-transit-analysis-after-consultants-warn-of-rising-costs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293777-3ec390d8de7f5468d479a21baafea7c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771040012&Signature=QqLXu6BVyn1ZFQsHoNvAJc9yd4QQrl~P6dkwNy6EPCAyuqwTx0AbTI3jWvbZP3Cz3kBaKt4oxD71LF8LDw9uHZTRJgXVpitfXHtwTwrPlg77n3vCKGC2tzfKBMj3q77BfZzHc0PFahLArgGlSFMI5n5bZt-QNC5Jq8gnX0n~-LGJQlsDTZNrpKNGoOMBTkbP-1KIrvlSuQb5llMS1GwFxP4ahNEs9MfDe~bch3NHRw5nAJQ83fopjNfp4nY8GyTHCTkhJy2YI7yGl3wG0ck~b1vQqYJv0gYPNfiEJl050FYVWFBs4fmkzNkaayKb~50DysDYanDJDf2Myc9TGHlt8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Gainesville, FL ","date","2025-03-06T00:00:00Z","article","The City Commission received a study March 6 that examined the regional transit system’s demand‑response operations — the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complimentary paratransit and related coordinated services — and voted to forward the analysis to the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) for further review.

Consultants from the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida presented the report, which found that demand‑response trips and operating costs have risen substantially. The analysis showed ADA calls rebounded after the COVID dip and the cost increase between 2022 and 2023 was material; consultants said costs continued to rise into 2024 driven largely by higher labor and vehicle costs.

Presenter Martin Catala and lead analyst Rob Gregg said ADA complimentary paratransit is among the most sensitive transit services because of eligibility and hands‑on customer needs. Gregg described several management models to slow cost growth: maintain the current outsourced operations with added oversight, bring scheduling/dispatch/customer intake in‑house while contracting vehicle operations, or consider a larger governance change such as changing the community transportation coordinator (CTC) arrangement. \"Commingling services to customers under eligible programs is the most efficient way,\" Gregg said, noting coordinated service between ADA, the Transportation Disadvantaged program and other social service trips can lower unit costs.

Why it matters: The city’s ADA paratransit program is operated under contract and coexists with a state‑funded Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) program that covers countywide trips. The study found that rising per‑trip costs and long apparatus lead times are straining budgets and recommended a multi‑year process, using a mobility coordination task force and MTPO engagement, to analyze governance and procurement choices before a contract renewal cycle in 2027.

Key findings and options
- Cost trends: The consultants reported a notable uptick in total ADA trip costs from 2022 to 2023 and further increases in 2024, driven principally by higher labor rates, parts, fuel and vehicle lead times. City staff said the FY23 ADA operations cost had grown to roughly $3.1 million.
- Management models: The report evaluated three broad strategies: 1) modest changes to the current contract with added oversight, 2) a hybrid model that brings reservations/scheduling/dispatch into RTS (city) control while contracting vehicle operations, and 3) pursuing a full role as the CTC or joining a regional transit authority for longer‑term governance change. CUTR recommended using a task force to coordinate stakeholders, review the TD program implications and consider pilot projects for mobility‑on‑demand and software‑as‑a‑service platforms that can dispatch TNCs or micro‑transit options for some trips.

Commission action and next steps
Commissioner Willets moved and the commission seconded a motion to forward the CUTR demand‑response service management and delivery analysis to the MTPO for discussion and potential action. The motion passed unanimously; the record notes Commissioner Engle was absent.

Context and community impact
Consultants emphasized that choices about whether to consolidate ADA service with TD trips, alter the CTC designation, or adopt new mobility‑on‑demand tools have budget, access and equity implications; changes could affect how rural and outlying trips are prioritized and how low‑income or medical trips are served. Staff and consultants recommended regional engagement because the TD program is a state‑driven funding stream and many stakeholders including the county, the university and human‑service agencies must be at the table.

Ending
With the commission’s referral, the MTPO will receive the CUTR report for consideration; consultants recommended creating a mobility coordination task force and running pilot programs before any contract or governance changes take effect in the 2027 renewal window.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Gainesville City Commission meeting, 10AM March 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Consultants told commissioners an analysis of the regional transit system’s ADA demand‑response service shows rising costs and several management options; the commission voted to forward the report to the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for broader regional review and next‑step planning.","taxTitle","Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida","taxId",4825,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6293782,"Gainesville Fire Rescue reports rising calls and staffing progress in quarterly update",264,13046000,13310000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522787-3dc08438b4e4c233308140c0ff1120f2&start=13046&end=13310","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522787-3dc08438b4e4c233308140c0ff1120f2/thumbnail_13046000.jpg","/articles/6293782/Gainesville/Alachua-County/Florida/Gainesville-Fire-Rescue-reports-rising-calls-and-staffing-progress-in-quarterly-update","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293782-43eac55d4c506cce30e9f477c58dbc27/orig.mp4?Expires=1771040012&Signature=AYQJ7z7OMNkW-vJ8uKqzT47~GTkHUU144NZ1o8uTZ7CVt7-gpf-GEXtKs~ASOfIlbzztcmC4u8R05xSW59yGDM-0W5tqgO3qBDqfEBzg5ywSeSufwcXptf-F6Hed52kx3w4Jc7Wdvl9dThT9vV86giDuvA75DDZJIEArRcjLwa4vxdkXhEjXfvnF11~PjEoMe2qdVWXVatNrip6lL4fB8v~1alZrmC80xz76GldJsPgoyGZT79Fu7~CW1X0InJVCeFBhuEgeOikiOAKcjGg3FFwr4I6EWfuLj4WZYcIUXVZGEVgXjNZ075uXmR8s9XJCpgm9i8HUvkMZPe2BrSQ7VQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) presented its FY25 first‑quarter update March 6, reporting an increase in call volume and continuing efforts to staff and equip the department while expanding community health and prevention programs.

Interim Fire Chief Sean Hill House said GFR’s call volume for the quarter was 7,413, with emergency medical service calls the majority at 4,948 and fire responses 2,066. \"Our department average [turnout time] is 47 seconds,\" Hill House said, citing a national turnout standard of 60 seconds; travel time across the city averaged 4 minutes, 56 seconds, slightly above the 4‑minute national benchmark but showing no sudden spike, he said.

Prevention and inspections
GFR’s risk‑reduction and inspection activity included more than 6 million square feet inspected and about 99 plan reviews in the quarter. Hill House said the department’s risk‑reduction bureau completed two of six audit recommendations and is addressing the remainder over multiple years.

Stations and apparatus
Hill House reported plans to replace Station 9 — which is currently operating out of a temporary trailer — and Station 3. For Station 9, the department is negotiating land with a health‑care institution on Archer Road near I‑75; staff estimated a two‑ to three‑year construction timeline after land acquisition. Hill House also said apparatus delivery times remain long — about three years for ambulances and ladder trucks — and staff will explore options to shorten that turnaround or simplify specifications.

Staffing and training
GFR reported improved recruiting results. Orientation class 25‑1 began Feb. 10 and will bring new personnel on line; after a recent resignation GFR reported four firefighter vacancies and expected to reach full staffing by year‑end with a second orientation class planned. Lieutenant Dallas Baker was singled out for leading a CDBG‑funded training pathway that enrolled 10 residents in firefighter and EMT training; the first group graduates with firefighter and EMT credentials in May, and one graduate has already been hired by GFR.

Community health, CRP and behavioral health
Brandy Stone, director of community health initiatives, described expanded behavioral health and substance use work. Stone said GFR’s mobile integrated health and community paramedicine programs logged 202 patient visits during the quarter, with Meridian Health peer specialists accompanying the team. Stone said 15 patients were newly enrolled and 10 connected to Meridian services, and the department provided 11 home vaccinations and multiple community engagement events.

The department reported ongoing work under opioid abatement settlement funding and one‑year milestones for the medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) program: 10 patients received MAT during the quarter and 68 doses were administered. Stone said staff are preparing an annual MAT report.

Gun‑violence intervention and Impact GNV
Britney Coleman, gun‑violence intervention program manager, said Impact GNV remains active and has expanded staffing and office space at the Santa Fe Blount Center. The BOLD program now has a program director, two full‑time intervention specialists and a part‑time staff assistant; for Q1 the BOLD program reported 28 clients served with referrals to education and employment supports. Coleman said the Children’s Trust awarded $235,150 to support gun violence prevention and intervention work shared between city and county partners.

Community response in storms and events
Hill House credited community partnerships during recent weather and shelter responses, noting the Community Resource Paramedicine (CRP) team supported the general population shelter during Hurricane Milton, providing medical evaluations, wound care and supplies; the shelter reached capacity at one point with 254 guests.

Professional development and public education
GFR’s fire‑safety educator logged 44 public education events and engaged 1,871 students in the quarter, and several staff completed professional development including crisis intervention training and EMT certification. Chief Hill House acknowledged city hiring staff and the city manager’s office for supporting the department’s transition to the 24/72 staffing model and said the department is the closest to full staffing it has been in about a decade.

Ending
Commissioners praised the department’s community programs and staffing gains and asked staff to continue reporting on station replacements, apparatus procurement timelines, and community health program outcomes.","Gainesville Fire Rescue told commissioners its call volume and fire incidents have increased in Q1 FY25, while turnout times remain below national standards; staff reported recruitment gains, training programs, and expanded community health work including medication‑assisted treatment and mobile integrated health.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6293787,"Commission approves revised Downtown Events Grant Program with public‑space requirement for small grants",3357,1189000,4546000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522787-3dc08438b4e4c233308140c0ff1120f2&start=1189&end=4546","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522787-3dc08438b4e4c233308140c0ff1120f2/thumbnail_1189000.jpg","/articles/6293787/Gainesville/Alachua-County/Florida/Commission-approves-revised-Downtown-Events-Grant-Program-with-publicspace-requirement-for-small-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293787-40738a1f367881516c66476669c601ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771040012&Signature=bS6ExPschZNZHZIFmNB9JWb7ekmtfWEENnoVeRFex~uhhNDNy9ek6Jwi5uJPHCJga4CbyRbQF6gInHdh4RmWlidvPnaUvvWK7cfEtRlmmLnMBeqtZfmi-3IWIz-vUVodfyxgKTL7y-arhYrpsthLK1hf29ig5R5U5KTSEA0fuDW8S753YNOMB-FdstHuT0hU6ObyZNyVn5OPUxpeVPtWHMi-bV2t~l9jogpwXxpGlz9V8pBCAhfP2O7KIqDAWwq~Wjadw2I00ElT-5CSKu8tqDCu6jOgl7VKY9nBbGNEmMLioFZmwWWz2r3Sbj8wI7Vkt-PgPUPVnn36SauYzTlaWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gainesville City Commission voted March 6 to adopt an updated Downtown Events Grant Program that creates two tiers of awards, introduces a 50% matching requirement for smaller events and tighter post‑event reporting, and sets aside money for larger, competitively selected events.

The program revision approved by the commission keeps a $5,000 award level for small events (Tier 1) and establishes a new Tier 2 award level up to $30,000 for larger events. The FY25 budget for the program is $100,000, with the proposed split of $40,000 for Tier 1 and $60,000 for Tier 2. Daniel Blumberg, who presented the update for the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA), said the city used $30,000 of rolled‑over FY24 funds to close out a pilot round and that seven applicants were recommended for those funds and sent for city manager approval.

Blumberg told commissioners the program will now require grant recipients to cover at least half of eligible hard costs for Tier 1 (a 50% reimbursement on eligible items), to remove volunteer and in‑kind valuation as eligible costs, and to provide a post‑event analysis and metrics for future program evaluation. He also described expanded eligibility to allow privately owned venues that provide “substantial public access,” for example a free public day for each three event days, to apply for funding. \"That opens the program up to additional events,\" Blumberg said.

Why it matters: The revision moves the downtown grant from a single, small award to a two‑tier program intended to support both short, small‑scale activations and larger, multi‑day or high‑impact events. Commissioners emphasized the program’s role in economic development, downtown activation and equity of access.

Key debate and changes
- Public vs. private space: Commissioners pressed staff on whether allowing privately owned venues with \"substantial public access\" would divert funds to normal commercial programming rather than events that bring new visitors downtown. Commissioner Eastman proposed, and the commission adopted, an amendment requiring that Tier 1 awards (the $5,000 grants) be for events taking place on at least 51% publicly owned space. That amendment was offered as a limiter to keep small grants focused on public activation rather than routine private programming.
- Consecutive days/weekends: Commissioners asked how many consecutive weekends an event could run under the new rules. Blumberg clarified that the program allows up to two consecutive weekends or up to 21 consecutive days in a single run in the revised language; Commissioner Willets said she supported the two‑weekend limit because a longer recurring schedule could become routine programming rather than a short‑term activation.
- Youth outreach and capacity building: Commissioners raised the risk that better‑resourced event organizers would dominate limited funds. Several commissioners asked staff to provide capacity‑building and application help for smaller community groups and youth‑focused organizers. As part of the final motion the commission directed GCRA staff and the Downtown Advisory Board to return to the commission with recommendations to enhance youth programming, training, and outreach so smaller or less‑experienced groups can compete for grants.

Process and implementation
Blumberg said the Downtown Advisory Board recommended the updated program unanimously and that Tier 2 funding awards would be allocated after a request for proposals followed by an evaluation committee ranking and a Downtown Advisory Board recommendation. For Tier 1, staff recommended a first‑come, first‑served award structure until funds are exhausted; staff will open Tier 1 applications May 1 if the commission’s approval is implemented on that schedule.

Votes at a glance
- Motion: Approve the presented update to the Downtown Events Grant Program, with an amendment that Tier 1 events take place at least 51% in publicly owned spaces and a referral to GCRA and the Downtown Advisory Board for recommendations on enhancing youth programming.
- Mover: Commissioner Eastman (as stated on the record)
- Second: not specified on the public record
- Outcome: Approved unanimously (recorded as unanimous; Commissioner Engle was absent for the vote)

Context and next steps
Staff said Tier 2 solicitations would go out in April and the evaluation period would last about three months. Blumberg and GCRA staff also said they will provide application workshops and a pro forma budget template to help applicants complete budget submissions and perform post‑event reporting. Staff also committed to quarterly updates to the commission on program performance and to returning to the Downtown Advisory Board for recommended changes if implementation problems appear.

Local details and examples
At the meeting Blumberg listed events recommended under the FY24 rollover process (pending city manager approval) including a record‑store event on Southwest Second Street and a series of performances at the Hippodrome and Bo Diddley Plaza. He said eight applicants applied for the $30,000 pool and seven were recommended for funding given the available funds.

Ending
Commissioners asked staff to monitor program outcomes and return promptly if the program produced unintended consequences. With the amendment in place and the direction to add youth outreach and capacity building, the commission moved the program out of pilot status and into an established FY25 grant program.","The City Commission approved an update to the Downtown Events Grant Program that creates two funding tiers, lowers reimbursement to a 50% match for small events, and requires 51% public‑space location for Tier 1 awards; commissioners also asked staff and the Downtown Advisory Board to develop youth‑focused grant outreach.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission asks MPO to review demand‑response transit analysis after consultants warn of rising costs

Gainesville Fire Rescue reports rising calls and staffing progress in quarterly update

Commission approves revised Downtown Events Grant Program with public‑space requirement for small grants