PTAC Agenda 02/19/2019
Public Transit Advisory Committee
Collier County Government Administration- Building F
3299 Tamiami Trail East – BCC Chambers Third Floor Naples, Florida
February 19, 2019
3:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes
a. January 15, 2019 Minutes
5. Committee Action
a. New Membership for the PTAC
6. Reports and Presentations
a. FY19 Transit Workshop
7. Member Comments
8. Public Comments
9. Next Meeting Date – March 19, 2019
10. Adjournment
Two or more members of the Board of County Commissioners may be present and may participate at the
meeting. The subject matter of this meeting may be an item for discussion and action at a future BCC meeting.
Collier Area Transit operates in compliance with Federal Transit Administration, (FTA) program requirements and
ensures that transit services are made available and equitably distributed, and provides equal AGENDA access and
mobility to any person without regard to race, color, or national origin, disability, gender or age. Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964; FTA Circular 4702.1A, "Title VI and Title VI Dependent Guidelines for Federal Transit
Administration Recipients.
Anyone who required an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or other reasonable accommodations
in order to participate in this proceeding, should contact the Collier County Facilities Management Department
located at 3335 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, Florida 34112 or 239-252-8380 as soon as possible, but no later than 48
hours before the scheduled event. Such reasonable accommodations will be provided at no cost to the individual.
Page 1
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC TRANSIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING
January 15, 2019
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Public Transit Advisory Committee in and for
the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 3:00
P.M. in REGULAR SESSION at Administrative Building “F”, Suite 501, Collier
County Government Complex Naples, Florida with the following members
present:
ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman: Mr. John DiMarco
Vice-Chairman: Mr. John Jenkins
Mr. Arthur Dobberstein
Ms. Sonja Lee Samek
ALSO PRESENT:
Ms. Michelle Arnold, Director, Public Transit and Neighborhood Enhancement
Mr. Omar DeLeon, Senior Planner, Public Transit and Neighborhood Enhancement
Mr. Braian Morales, General Manager, MV Transportation, Inc.
Page 2
I. Call to Order
Chairman DiMarco called the meeting to order at 3:00 P.M.
II. Roll Call
Roll call was taken and a quorum was established.
III. Approval of Agenda
Mr. Weeks entered a motion to approve the January 15, 2019 meeting agenda. Mr.
Jenkins seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion was carried.
IV. Approval of Minutes
a. December 18, 2018 Minutes
Mr. Weeks entered a motion to approve the December 18, 2018 meeting minutes. Mr.
Jenkins seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion was carried.
V. Committee Action
a. Election of Chairman
Mr. Dobberstein entered a motion to nominate Mr. DiMarco as Chairman of the
Public Transit Advisory Committee. Mr. Jenkins seconded the motion. All members
were in favor. The motion was carried.
b. Election of Vice-Chairman
Mr. Weeks entered a motion to nominate Mr. Jenkins as Vice-Chairman of the Public
Transit Advisory Committee. Mr. Dobberstein seconded the motion. All members were
in favor. The motion was carried.
VI. Reports and Presentations
a. Discuss preparation of February 2019 Transit Workshop: A revised version of an
introductory video to be shown at the onset of the workshop was shared with the
Advisory Committee. Mr. Dobberstein suggested that the benefits of a reduction in
traffic congestion, increased safety, and benefits to commerce derived from the use of
public transportation should be more clearly noted. Mr. DeLeon acknowledged
having incorporated prior feedback from Committee members and the necessity to
keep the video to three minutes; however, stated that each slide will be reviewed
again to see if additional commentary may be incorporated into the final product.
Mr. DeLeon stated that following the video, the presentation would begin with the
history of CAT; the services provided in the beginning and the levels of service now.
Amenities and enhancements would be highlighted, including the all-accessible
vehicles, driver customer service, etc. Ms. Arnold noted that Commissioner Solis had
recently taken a CAT bus ride and had commented favorably on the overall
experience. Mr. Solis was particularly impressed by the level of customer service
shown by the driver, who often greeted riders by name.
Mr. Dobberstein suggested that while growth in routes was being shown for fixed
routes, similar growth should be mentioned for Paratransit as well. Mention was also
Page 3
suggested of the growth in infrastructure with the addition of the Transfer stations at
the Government Center and on Radio Road, as well as the enhancements made to bus
stop shelters and ADA compliance.
Mr. DeLeon stated that the benefits and cost savings achieved through privatization
via contracting with outside vendors would be discussed; with the recent choice of
MV Transportation, Inc., as the sole vendor. Mr. Dobberstein suggested clarification
be given related to maintenance responsibilities, as well as contracted savings in fuel
and vehicle costs. Ms. Arnold stated the Commissioners have some knowledge
regarding efficiencies in purchasing, as Board approval of these contracts is required.
Mr. Jenkins suggested that the information related to fiscal efficiency in maintenance
costs and purchasing may be included as a supplement in the packet of information
shared at the meeting.
The benefits of public transit as they relate to affordable housing issues, and a
reduction in vehicles on the road and effect on air pollution will be touched upon. The
benefits of the paratransit system will be highlighted, and its impact on accessibility
and independence for the most vulnerable sector of the community.
The future of transit and public mobility will be discussed. Specifically, MV
Transportation, Inc., is planned to speak about services offered on a nationwide basis,
such as relationships with TNCs and the use of autonomous vehicles, and how some
of these initiatives may work in the Collier County environment. MV Transportation,
Inc., presently holds 11 contracts in the State of Florida, which will help to facilitate
information sharing that may be of benefit in the discussion of new initiatives to
extend mobility in Transit in Collier County. Examples include microtransit, a form
of Demand Responsive Transit (DRT). This technology-enabled transit service offers
door to door flexible routing and/or flexible scheduling of minibus vehicles,
conceptually fitting between private individual transportation (cars or taxicabs) and
public mass transit (bus).
An additional example to be discussed includes current TNC partnerships (Uber and
Lyft) in other markets; existing models to study in order to learn strengths, as well as
potential pitfalls. Ms. Arnold stated that this conversation is intended to explore
potential innovations which make sense for Collier Transit in the future, outside of
the conventional notion of public transportation. The Advisory Committee members
were in general agreement to discuss concepts only, but to remove any direct
references to other markets, which may cause confusion.
Levels of service to the community will be discussed in terms of addressing public
needs/demands through technology, such as real time tracking for fixed route riders.
The implementation of real time tracking capability is also presently being considered
for paratransit riders, as well as looking at ways to connect paratransit customers with
fixed routes via possible TNC partnerships. Ms. Samek suggested that for purposes
of flow of discussion, the previously discussed slides which reference other markets
Page 4
utilizing these types of programs would be more effective if moved to follow this line
of discussion, as an adjunct.
The use of technology with the integration of applications will be discussed, offering
users a centralized online suite of mobile applications relative to the CAT system. Mr.
DiMarco stated that an online application for visually impaired users would be of
great benefit.
Specifics of route frequencies and fare box recovery for fixed routes will be
discussed. The size of the County and total budget versus the portion received by
Transit will be discussed and contrasted with similar intrastate markets. Budget
constraints and methods used to counteract financial shortfall will be discussed;
having previously utilized grant funding, and now having had to move capital funds
to help cover operating expenses. In addition to the current $600K+ shortfall
experienced this year, the recent selection process to utilize a single vendor will result
in a cost for the consolidated service of $1.1M over the current two vendor system.
Consolidation to a single vendor is sought for greater efficiency, with each bid
received coming in at $1M+ over the current budget. While vendor negotiation
remains ongoing and final Board approval is pending, an overall Transit budget
deficit of $1.8M is forecasted.
Additional sources of potential revenue will be discussed, including marketing via
bus wraps/ bus shelters, as well as possible private/public partnerships, such as with
Red Coach and Greyhound, but which would require zoning change for additional
uses of Transfer Stations. A Transit Impact Analysis will be conducted to determine
the impact of future development in Collier County on Transit and to assist in
identifying other potential advertising revenue sources.
The future of CAT will be examined, including potential growth in ridership through
service and technology enhancements. Mr. Dobberstein remarked upon the desire for
growth in ridership versus the national downward trend of public transit use, as
detailed in a recent Washington Post article. A brief discussion ensued regarding
issues with driver recruitment due to the current pay scale and licensing requirement,
as well as the high cost of living in Collier County. Ms. Arnold replied that
innovation in technological and service enhancements needs to be explored and
implemented beyond the conventional system that has long been in place.
Ms. Arnold noted that an email invitation to attend the Transit Workshop on February
5, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. will be forwarded to Advisory Committee members, who were
encouraged to attend and participate.
VII. Member Comments
No additional member comments were made.
VIII. Public Comments
No public comments were made.
Page 5
IX. Next Meeting Date – February 19, 2019
X. Adjournment
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was
adjourned by order of the Chair.
Public Transit Advisory Committee
_________________________________
____________________________________
John DiMarco, Chairman
These minutes approved by the Committee on _________________as presented ___
or as amended___.
Page 5
01/2018
ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPLICANT
ROUTING MEMORANDUM
FROM: Jessica Hayes, Office of the County Attorney
DATE: February 6, 2019
APPLICANT:
James Caton
5840 Ferrari Avenue
Naples, FL 34108
APPLYING FOR: Public Transit Advisory Committee
We currently have three vacancies expiring on March 22, 2019 on the above referenced advisory
committee. The vacancies were advertised and persons interested in serving on this committee were
asked to submit an application for consideration.
TO ELECTIONS OFFICE: Attn: Shavontae Dominique
Please confirm if the above applicant is a registered voter in Collier County, and in what commissioner
district the applicant resides.
Registered Voter: yes Commission District: 5
TO STAFF LIAISON: Attn: Michelle Arnold cc: Tessie Sillery
The application submitted by Mr. Caton is attached for your review. Please let me know, in writing, the
recommendation for appointment to the advisory committee. In accordance with Resolution No. 2006-
83, your recommendation must be provided within 41 days of the above date. Your recommendation
memo should include:
_____ The names of all applicants considered for the vacancy or vacancies.
_____ The committee’s recommendation for appointment or non-appointment.
_____ The category or area of qualification the applicant is to be appointed in.
_____ Please include recommendation letter from the Collier County School Board for this applicant.
_________________________________________________________________________________
TO ADVISORY BOARD COORDINATOR: Attn: Wanda Rodriguez
____ This applicant is not recommended for appointment. –OR–
_____ This applicant is recommended for appointment. A recommendation memo is attached, please
prepare an agenda item for the next available BCC agenda.
If you have any questions, please call me at 252-8123. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Advisory Board Application Form
Collier County Government
3299 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 800
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-8400
Application was received on: 2/6/2019 7:47:20 AM.
Name: james caton Home Phone: 7034037862
Home Address: 5480 ferrari avenue
City: ave maria Zip Code: 34142
Phone Numbers
Business: 7034037862
E-Mail Address: jmcaton@gmail.com
Board or Committee: Public Transit Advisory Committee
Category: Not indicated
Place of Employment: SAS Institute
How long have you lived in Collier County: 1-2
How many months out of the year do you reside in Collier County: I am a year-round resident
Have you been convicted or found guilty of a criminal offense (any level felony or first degree
misdemeanor only)? No
Not Indicated
Do you or your employer do business with the County? No
Not Indicated
NOTE: All advisory board members must update their profile and notify the Board of County
Commissioners in the event that their relationship changes relating to memberships of organizations
that may benefit them in the outcome of advisory board recommendations or they enter into contracts
with the County.
Would you and/or any organizations with which you are affiliated benefit from decisions or
recommendations made by this advisory board? No
Not Indicated
Are you a registered voter in Collier County? Yes
Do you currently hold an elected office? No
Do you now serve, or have you ever served on a Collier County board or committee? No
Not Indicated
Please list your community activities and positions held:
Good morning. My wife and three daughters and myself have just moved to Collier County after living in
India for three years. Prior to that we lived in Washington DC. My community activities while in DC were
focused on Emergency Management as a volunteer first responder (2001-2005), and professionally
within the Hispanic community as mentor, advisor, and on the Board of a DC area Hispanic Professional
and MBA association.
Education:
Cornell University, Engineering Georgetown, MBA
Experience / Background
I am smart cities expert: global leader for smart cities at IBM, then leading smart cities efforts in India
for a 100 smart cities program, and now I lead smart cities again for SAS, a software analytics company
based out of Raleigh. This position interests me as it is related to transit, a key component of smart
cities. I think I can contribute based on my global expertise in smart city solutions.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Repo rts/Presentations
Item 6a
Transit Workshop
Objective:
To discuss the Transit Workshop that occurred with the Board of County Commissioners (BCC)
February 5th 2019.
Considerations:
As you are aware Public Transit and Neighborhood Enhancement had the opportunity to discuss Collier
Area Transit's current and future needs with the Board of County Commissioners. Amongst the wide
range of topics, we looped at the history of CAT, current ridership trends, budget deficit, and the need
for increased level of service. We will like to take the opportunity and discuss with the committee what
the steps will be, tentative schedule and future planning for improvements.
Tentative Schedule below:
• Increase Budget for Current Fiscal Year to fund new Contract — April 2019
• Provide for Additional Revenue Options
o Extend Advertising Policy — June 2019
o Lease options with other Transportation Providers — December 2019 (this action will
require a Conditional Use approval)
• Continued General Fund contribution to address fiscal need — Annually
• Participation in the Transit Development Planning Process — 2020
Recommendation:
Discussion item, No approval required
Attachment:
Prepared by: l Date: '(
Omar De Leon, Public Transit ager
Approved by: Date: '2
Michelle Arnold, PTNE Division Director
01/2018
ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPLICANT
ROUTING MEMORANDUM
FROM: Jessica Hayes, Office of the County Attorney
DATE: February 6, 2019
APPLICANT:
James Caton
5840 Ferrari Avenue
Naples, FL 34108
APPLYING FOR: Public Transit Advisory Committee
We currently have three vacancies expiring on March 22, 2019 on the above referenced advisory
committee. The vacancies were advertised and persons interested in serving on this committee were
asked to submit an application for consideration.
TO ELECTIONS OFFICE: Attn: Shavontae Dominique
Please confirm if the above applicant is a registered voter in Collier County, and in what commissioner
district the applicant resides.
Registered Voter: yes Commission District: 5
TO STAFF LIAISON: Attn: Michelle Arnold cc: Tessie Sillery
The application submitted by Mr. Caton is attached for your review. Please let me know, in writing, the
recommendation for appointment to the advisory committee. In accordance with Resolution No. 2006-
83, your recommendation must be provided within 41 days of the above date. Your recommendation
memo should include:
_____ The names of all applicants considered for the vacancy or vacancies.
_____ The committee’s recommendation for appointment or non-appointment.
_____ The category or area of qualification the applicant is to be appointed in.
_____ Please include recommendation letter from the Collier County School Board for this applicant.
_________________________________________________________________________________
TO ADVISORY BOARD COORDINATOR: Attn: Wanda Rodriguez
____ This applicant is not recommended for appointment. –OR–
_____ This applicant is recommended for appointment. A recommendation memo is attached, please
prepare an agenda item for the next available BCC agenda.
If you have any questions, please call me at 252-8123. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Advisory Board Application Form
Collier County Government
3299 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 800
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-8400
Application was received on: 2/6/2019 7:47:20 AM.
Name: james caton Home Phone: 7034037862
Home Address: 5480 ferrari avenue
City: ave maria Zip Code: 34142
Phone Numbers
Business: 7034037862
E-Mail Address: jmcaton@gmail.com
Board or Committee: Public Transit Advisory Committee
Category: Not indicated
Place of Employment: SAS Institute
How long have you lived in Collier County: 1-2
How many months out of the year do you reside in Collier County: I am a year-round resident
Have you been convicted or found guilty of a criminal offense (any level felony or first degree
misdemeanor only)? No
Not Indicated
Do you or your employer do business with the County? No
Not Indicated
NOTE: All advisory board members must update their profile and notify the Board of County
Commissioners in the event that their relationship changes relating to memberships of organizations
that may benefit them in the outcome of advisory board recommendations or they enter into contracts
with the County.
Would you and/or any organizations with which you are affiliated benefit from decisions or
recommendations made by this advisory board? No
Not Indicated
Are you a registered voter in Collier County? Yes
Do you currently hold an elected office? No
Do you now serve, or have you ever served on a Collier County board or committee? No
Not Indicated
Please list your community activities and positions held:
Good morning. My wife and three daughters and myself have just moved to Collier County after living in
India for three years. Prior to that we lived in Washington DC. My community activities while in DC were
focused on Emergency Management as a volunteer first responder (2001-2005), and professionally
within the Hispanic community as mentor, advisor, and on the Board of a DC area Hispanic Professional
and MBA association.
Education:
Cornell University, Engineering Georgetown, MBA
Experience / Background
I am smart cities expert: global leader for smart cities at IBM, then leading smart cities efforts in India
for a 100 smart cities program, and now I lead smart cities again for SAS, a software analytics company
based out of Raleigh. This position interests me as it is related to transit, a key component of smart
cities. I think I can contribute based on my global expertise in smart city solutions.
01/2018
ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPLICANT
ROUTING MEMORANDUM
FROM: Jessica Hayes, Office of the County Attorney
DATE: February 15, 2019
APPLICANT:
Clifford Donenfeld
5527 Cynthia Ln
Naples, FL 34112
APPLYING FOR: Public Transit Advisory Committee
We currently have two vacancies on the above referenced advisory committee. The vacancies were
advertised and persons interested in serving on this committee were asked to submit an application for
consideration.
TO ELECTIONS OFFICE: Attn: Shavontae Dominique
Please confirm if the above applicant is a registered voter in Collier County, and in what commissioner
district the applicant resides.
Registered Voter: yes Commission District: 1
TO STAFF LIAISON: Attn: Michelle Arnold cc: Tessie Sillery
The application submitted by Ms. Kanter is attached for your review. Please let me know, in writing, the
recommendation for appointment to the advisory committee. In accordance with Resolution No. 2006-
83, your recommendation must be provided within 41 days of the above date. Your recommendation
memo should include:
_____ The names of all applicants considered for the vacancy or vacancies.
_____ The committee’s recommendation for appointment or non-appointment.
_____ The category or area of qualification the applicant is to be appointed in.
_____ Please include recommendation letter from the Collier County School Board for this applicant.
_________________________________________________________________________________
TO ADVISORY BOARD COORDINATOR: Attn: Wanda Rodriguez
____ This applicant is not recommended for appointment. –OR–
_____ This applicant is recommended for appointment. A recommendation memo is attached, please
prepare an agenda item for the next available BCC agenda.
If you have any questions, please call me at 252-8123. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Advisory Board Application Form
Collier County Government
3299 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 800
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-8400
Application was received on: 2/15/2019 11:06:28 AM.
Name: Clifford Donenfeld Home Phone: 239-398-0335
Home Address: 5527 Cynthia Ln
City: Naples Zip Code: 34112
Phone Numbers
Business: 239-398-0335
E-Mail Address: naplescliffnotes@gmail.com
Board or Committee: Public Transit Advisory Committee
Category: Not indicated
Place of Employment: Coldwell Banker
How long have you lived in Collier County: 10-15
How many months out of the year do you reside in Collier County: I am a year-round resident
Have you been convicted or found guilty of a criminal offense (any level felony or first degree
misdemeanor only)? Yes
DUI about 25 years ago.
Do you or your employer do business with the County? No
Not Indicated
NOTE: All advisory board members must update their profile and notify the Board of County
Commissioners in the event that their relationship changes relating to memberships of organizations
that may benefit them in the outcome of advisory board recommendations or they enter into contracts
with the County.
Would you and/or any organizations with which you are affiliated benefit from decisions or
recommendations made by this advisory board? Yes
I believe everyone would benefit from a stronger more accessible Public Transportation system!
Are you a registered voter in Collier County? Yes
Do you currently hold an elected office? Yes
Do you now serve, or have you ever served on a Collier County board or committee? No
Not Indicated
Please list your community activities and positions held:
In Boston I started "The Real Santa" program in conjunction with the Post Office there. I brought it with
me to Collier County and with the help of others, adopted hundreds of children, families and seniors at
Christmas time. I've had gift card and gift drives, and distributed them dressed as Santa Claus at
Salvation Army, Youth Haven, and nursing homes throughout Collier County and have also been the
Easter Bunny for Salvation Army's children's program. I'm active with and attend regularly Naples
Community Church. As a member of Collier County Republican Executive Committee, which I am now
Vice Chairman, I've been active with campaign activities, voter registration ,elections and government
oversight committee. I am also a well known Naples/Collier County Ambassador as Creator/Producer
and cast member of the local television show "Billionaire's Coast".
Education:
Started Hartwick College in Upstate NY at age 16 which I attended for 4 years including a term at
University of Bristol in England. I have also attended Journalism Workshops at Ball State University. I am
a licensed Realtor and Real Estate Broker.
Experience / Background
Having lived in cities such as Boston and Manhattan, and in dispensing info on Naples as a business
owner and realtor, I noticed a lacking in our Public Transportation. While attending the Collier
Commissioners meetings(which I attend regularly) , during Michelle Arnold's compelling presentation
on our public transportation system, it was very clear that this aspect of Collier County's services is
considerably underfunded both within our own budget and in comparison to other nearby counties. Mr.
Weeks and Mr. Demarco both encouraged me to join the board. I will be a tireless worker on its' behal