I. CALL TO ORDER
Jonathan Asher called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m.
(Kieta Clay, Hazel Fields appeared virtually)
Staff Present: Adam Kruse, Michael Sokoff
Members of the public appeared in person. No members of the public appeared virtually.
II. INTRODUCTIONS
Statement by Chair on Virtual Participation
Jonathan Asher makes a statement on virtual participation and reminds participants to
keep cameras on.
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Ann Marie Gortmaker made a motion to approve the agenda. Vera Elwood
seconded the motion. All in favor; motion approved.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
DRAFT August 8, 2024 Disabilities Commission Meeting Minutes
Patrika Brown made a motion to approve the minutes. Ann Marie Gortmaker
seconded the motion. Motion approved. Vera Elwood abstains from voting.
V. SPECIAL ITEMS
Presentation by Michael Sokoff, Parking and Transit Manager for the City's
Public Works Department, to provide a general update on transit and a
discussion on accessibility and transit
Michael Sokoff presented to the Commission. He discussed the topic of Bird Scooters.
He said that the University of Missouri, the City and Bird are finalizing a contract. The
operation times for the scooters in Columbia will be 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the
payments by Bird to the City will be an amount for each trip taken rather than for each
unit in the city limits. If a member of the public has a concern about a Bird Scooter
obstructing a sidewalk, the member can report it through the website or to
pubw@como.gov <mailto:pubw@como.gov>. Michael Sokoff discussed the issue of fare
free transit. He stated that the City’s budget reflects that 2025 will be fare free. He said
that this issue is frequently discussed and it will be up to decision makers if that changes
in 2025. If it does, it would still take time for Transit to implement the fares so there will
be no abrupt changes. He discussed Tiger Line Shuttles, that the University may have
plans to expand the Tiger Line Shuttles. He said that the City’s priorities are its own fixed
route and paratransit services, the City will assist the University where it can but a Tiger
Line’s expansion will not result in reduced fixed route or paratransit services. He
discussed Paratransit services including driver shortages. He said that bus driver
shortages is a national issue, and not necessarily unique to the GoCOMO. The City has
had compensation studies, it has raised its wages and benefits to more competitive
levels. The City has new paratransit buses that should be here soon. These are gas
powered buses. Many communities are prioritizing electric buses, including Columbia. It
is very high demand and low supply for those buses right now. Michael Sokoff discussed
the ongoing consultant’s study for fixed routes. Transit understands that many in the
community would like to see expanded routes, expanded hours, and improved frequency
for the fixed route buses. There has been an increase in federal and state grant funding
recently, so there is optimism for expansion in that respect. But a reliable and
sustainable funding source is always one of the biggest challenges for transit systems.
