Cache County Council Workshop Meeting – 06-23-2026
2026-06-24
Mark isn't able to be here, and Nolan said he would come for the regular meeting. Oh, no. Mark's in Washington DC. Mark is not coming tonight at all. Nolan will be here for a regular council meeting. So we'll go ahead and call this meeting to order. Thank you for being here. And we have some we have Elizabeth Aceguerra. Did I say that right? Yes. Oh, good. Okay. And Avery Walsh. And we're gonna just turn some time over to you guys to present to us if we'll we'll have you come to the podium up here and state your name and who you are with and start your presentation. Oh, perfect. Welcome. Welcome. Welcome.
Mark isn't able to be here, and Nolan said he would come for the regular meeting. Oh, no. Mark's in Washington DC. Mark is not coming tonight at all. Nolan will be here for a regular council meeting. So we'll go ahead and call this meeting to order. Thank you for being here. And we have some we have Elizabeth Aceguerra. Did I say that right? Yes. Oh, good. Okay. And Avery Walsh. And we're gonna just turn some time over to you guys to present to us if we'll we'll have you come to the podium up here and state your name and who you are with and start your presentation. Oh, perfect. Welcome. Welcome. Welcome.
Okay. Do I Yep. I like to touch the mic? Yes. Please make it You know, sometimes they're like, don't touch the mic. It's perfect. Wendy, are you? Avery Walsh. I'm a support right start consulting. I'm a subcontractor for the state of Utah through the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council.
Okay. Do I Yep. I like to touch the mic? Yes. Please make it You know, sometimes they're like, don't touch the mic. It's perfect. Wendy, are you? Avery Walsh. I'm a support right start consulting. I'm a subcontractor for the state of Utah through the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council.
And I am Elizabeth, Osagara, aka Libby. So you can call me Libby if you'd like. And I am the executive director of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. Do you wanna introduce yourself? Or yeah. Are we doing introductions first, or should we just dive in? Okay. That's perfect.
And I am Elizabeth, Osagara, aka Libby. So you can call me Libby if you'd like. And I am the executive director of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. Do you wanna introduce yourself? Or yeah. Are we doing introductions first, or should we just dive in? Okay. That's perfect.
Hi. I'm Alyssa Cronin. I'm the mobility manager over at FRAG Forever Association of Governments for transportation stuff, and I'm also a member of the UDDC council.
Hi. I'm Alyssa Cronin. I'm the mobility manager over at FRAG Forever Association of Governments for transportation stuff, and I'm also a member of the UDDC council.
Perfect. Alyssa? Is that Alyssa? Alyssa. K.
Perfect. Alyssa? Is that Alyssa? Alyssa. K.
Well, thank you very much. I appreciate your time today having us here. First, I just wanted to introduce who we are, who is the developmental disabilities council. And just in short, we are a state entity, and we are housed within the the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. And we are federally funded through the Administration for Community Living. We we have a pretty unique situation going on where we like I said, we are a state entity who receives federal funding, and we have some autonomy to help support and advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to, live self determined and community based lives as independent and, you know, the the lives that they would like to live. We we really promote choice and self direction and these kinds of things. Our members are governor appointed, and the federal law that guides us is the developmental disabilities assistance and Bill of Rights Act. And that law requires that at least 60% of our membership are either individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or family members of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And the other 40% of our membership are vital state partners who either provide services for people with disabilities or related conditions. So those would be individuals from maternal and child health, vocational rehabilitation. We've got representation from the State Board of Education and partners such as these. We operate on a state plan, a five year state plan. And what we do to create this is kind of this little model we've got in front of you here. We take public input, right, we survey the state asking people with disabilities what kind of needs and what kind of services they would like to receive. We also review different data sources. What kind of services are available? Were we finding gaps? What federal mandates exist? What do best practices look like? And then we take those and we shape them into what are our state plan goals. Currently, we've got four goals in this current plan period, which is our 2022 to 2026 plan. And within that, it's supporting physical and mental health and safety, improving public policy skills and community advocacy skills, expanding and enhancing access to formal and informal community supports. And what we came to talk you about today and very important is transportation. Expanding access to accessible and affordable transportation. We do this a number of different ways. We have the DD Act, which is, like I said, the legislation that authorizes us, is very prescriptive in how the council can do our work. And we've got some different activities like building coalitions, working with policymakers and government leaders to help to improve policies, to change laws, to work with these kinds of different mechanisms as far as policy advocacy goes. We also deliver training. We provide technical assistance, and we also include stakeholder voices, like, through building coalitions and stuff like that. We also provide funding. So we will provide grants or subawards with our federal funding so that communities can try new and innovative ways to provide services to people with disabilities who live in Utah's communities. So just before I turn it over to my colleagues here, one of the reasons that transportation is officially designated in our state plan as well as been identified as one of our vital gold areas is because we really want to cultivate this idea of systems change in expanding accessible transportation options because it really helps naturally include included. Right? That's kind of like I said earlier, the the whole mission of our council is making sure that people are included in their communities and also, more empowered to work and live and play independently, where they wanna be. Right? We we all wanna be a part of our our neighborhood to the fullest extent, and transportation really can make or break that for a lot of individuals.
Well, thank you very much. I appreciate your time today having us here. First, I just wanted to introduce who we are, who is the developmental disabilities council. And just in short, we are a state entity, and we are housed within the the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. And we are federally funded through the Administration for Community Living. We we have a pretty unique situation going on where we like I said, we are a state entity who receives federal funding, and we have some autonomy to help support and advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to, live self determined and community based lives as independent and, you know, the the lives that they would like to live. We we really promote choice and self direction and these kinds of things. Our members are governor appointed, and the federal law that guides us is the developmental disabilities assistance and Bill of Rights Act. And that law requires that at least 60% of our membership are either individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or family members of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And the other 40% of our membership are vital state partners who either provide services for people with disabilities or related conditions. So those would be individuals from maternal and child health, vocational rehabilitation. We've got representation from the State Board of Education and partners such as these. We operate on a state plan, a five year state plan. And what we do to create this is kind of this little model we've got in front of you here. We take public input, right, we survey the state asking people with disabilities what kind of needs and what kind of services they would like to receive. We also review different data sources. What kind of services are available? Were we finding gaps? What federal mandates exist? What do best practices look like? And then we take those and we shape them into what are our state plan goals. Currently, we've got four goals in this current plan period, which is our 2022 to 2026 plan. And within that, it's supporting physical and mental health and safety, improving public policy skills and community advocacy skills, expanding and enhancing access to formal and informal community supports. And what we came to talk you about today and very important is transportation. Expanding access to accessible and affordable transportation. We do this a number of different ways. We have the DD Act, which is, like I said, the legislation that authorizes us, is very prescriptive in how the council can do our work. And we've got some different activities like building coalitions, working with policymakers and government leaders to help to improve policies, to change laws, to work with these kinds of different mechanisms as far as policy advocacy goes. We also deliver training. We provide technical assistance, and we also include stakeholder voices, like, through building coalitions and stuff like that. We also provide funding. So we will provide grants or subawards with our federal funding so that communities can try new and innovative ways to provide services to people with disabilities who live in Utah's communities. So just before I turn it over to my colleagues here, one of the reasons that transportation is officially designated in our state plan as well as been identified as one of our vital gold areas is because we really want to cultivate this idea of systems change in expanding accessible transportation options because it really helps naturally include included. Right? That's kind of like I said earlier, the the whole mission of our council is making sure that people are included in their communities and also, more empowered to work and live and play independently, where they wanna be. Right? We we all wanna be a part of our our neighborhood to the fullest extent, and transportation really can make or break that for a lot of individuals.
Can I ask a question real quick? Yes. I I just I'm wondering how that all melts into our senior population, especially those that are homebound or, like, is that I I I think when you think of disabilities, you maybe don't think of just older people who are just older people, and that's their that's not really a disability, but they are just as hampered sometimes. How does that work into the plan that you have?
Can I ask a question real quick? Yes. I I just I'm wondering how that all melts into our senior population, especially those that are homebound or, like, is that I I I think when you think of disabilities, you maybe don't think of just older people who are just older people, and that's their that's not really a disability, but they are just as hampered sometimes. How does that work into the plan that you have?
That's a that's a wonderful question. So where, we don't necessarily exclude those who are aging, our our immediate focus is those individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But we do closely partner with aging and adult services because, like you're saying, those populations overlap and they have a lot of very similar needs. So through some of these initiatives like transportation, we're trying to work very creatively on how can we engage senior centers and area area agencies on aging to solve these problems and and to identify solutions for transportation because they're very similar. So our plan doesn't immediately address aging adults, but it also does. Yeah. Yeah. The
That's a that's a wonderful question. So where, we don't necessarily exclude those who are aging, our our immediate focus is those individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But we do closely partner with aging and adult services because, like you're saying, those populations overlap and they have a lot of very similar needs. So through some of these initiatives like transportation, we're trying to work very creatively on how can we engage senior centers and area area agencies on aging to solve these problems and and to identify solutions for transportation because they're very similar. So our plan doesn't immediately address aging adults, but it also does. Yeah. Yeah. The
future. Yeah. Any comments about the senior the senior population that you work with? So this is nationwide. Just some statistics and facts for you. I think the most interesting part about the facts that I've shared here is that across all the different states, a 145 different standalone services cost $781,000,000 at the time of this study that is, referenced here. So instead of, you know, putting that 781,000,000 into more thoughtful programs or direct care, you know, you're spending it on transportation because the infrastructure doesn't necessarily support a larger volume based type of service. Medicaid requires the individuals who receive waivers, for home and community based services, which is geared towards the, the disability community that they have access to transportation. If the transportation system doesn't exist or the infrastructure's not there, then the provider, is required to provide that transportation service. So you'll see a lot of transportation programs interwoven into residential and day programs, that becomes part of the service that they provide. And then I guess cash is sort of an exception, but 40% of rural counties in The United States don't offer any form of public transit. We're aware of how great you guys are doing with some of your transportation. But you should know that you're kind of in the the minority for how that most counties in, America that are rural don't offer any form of public transit. Specifically so that's nationwide. And then statewide, the council did a survey, and here's some of the results of the survey. And I can let let Libby speak to how the survey was conducted
future. Yeah. Any comments about the senior the senior population that you work with? So this is nationwide. Just some statistics and facts for you. I think the most interesting part about the facts that I've shared here is that across all the different states, a 145 different standalone services cost $781,000,000 at the time of this study that is, referenced here. So instead of, you know, putting that 781,000,000 into more thoughtful programs or direct care, you know, you're spending it on transportation because the infrastructure doesn't necessarily support a larger volume based type of service. Medicaid requires the individuals who receive waivers, for home and community based services, which is geared towards the, the disability community that they have access to transportation. If the transportation system doesn't exist or the infrastructure's not there, then the provider, is required to provide that transportation service. So you'll see a lot of transportation programs interwoven into residential and day programs, that becomes part of the service that they provide. And then I guess cash is sort of an exception, but 40% of rural counties in The United States don't offer any form of public transit. We're aware of how great you guys are doing with some of your transportation. But you should know that you're kind of in the the minority for how that most counties in, America that are rural don't offer any form of public transit. Specifically so that's nationwide. And then statewide, the council did a survey, and here's some of the results of the survey. And I can let let Libby speak to how the survey was conducted
and maybe some of the results. Yeah. And Lisa can speak to this as well because she
and maybe some of the results. Yeah. And Lisa can speak to this as well because she
To this as well, because she helped she was very instrumental in creating the survey instrument and helping us to collect this information. At the time, the survey is a little bit our data is a few years old. And the reason for that is because at the time, we didn't have statewide data that represented where accessible, affordable transportation was available and where some services were lacking. So although we didn't have although we didn't have necessarily the number of people that would be ideal, we did have, a pretty good representation of, cities and counties across the state. So we do have a pretty good picture of what people are really experiencing when it comes to transportation limitations and what they're reporting as far as what they're experiencing in their communities. And when we talk about transportation, we're not just talking about fixed route service. Right? Getting on and off the bus and and whether a bus is even available. We're talking about whether or not your community has sidewalks or if you've got debris in pathways or are there curb cuts available so that you can navigate your wheelchair. Or if we wanna be more universally designed minded, lots of people benefit from curb cuts. Right? Wagons, people with strollers, shopping carts. I know bikes aren't allowed on the sidewalk, but if you got little ones, you you kinda want them on the sidewalk. So, anyway, these are some of the things that are people are experiencing in their communities. So what we found that I think is we really wanna call attention to was most people express that they had very limited access to their very fundamental needs, medical visits and access to grocery shopping, accessing prescription medication. Right? They can't even go to Walgreens to fill their prescriptions. They can't get their groceries. They can't get to medical appointments, which is concerning enough, but they didn't have access to recreational opportunities or the ability to participate in their community, which has a pretty hefty toll on how you feel as far as being included in your community and takes a toll on people's mental health. Right? If you're excited to go to the the 20 the the Pioneer Day Parade, but you can't get there and you wanted to go and enjoy the fireworks and the community barbecue at the park, and you don't have no way there, that that really has a big impact on an individual's life. So these are just some of the things that the survey brought to our attention. So I guess I don't know if you have any questions about that. Like I said, the data is a little bit old, and I can share with you what cities participated from Cache.
To this as well, because she helped she was very instrumental in creating the survey instrument and helping us to collect this information. At the time, the survey is a little bit our data is a few years old. And the reason for that is because at the time, we didn't have statewide data that represented where accessible, affordable transportation was available and where some services were lacking. So although we didn't have although we didn't have necessarily the number of people that would be ideal, we did have, a pretty good representation of, cities and counties across the state. So we do have a pretty good picture of what people are really experiencing when it comes to transportation limitations and what they're reporting as far as what they're experiencing in their communities. And when we talk about transportation, we're not just talking about fixed route service. Right? Getting on and off the bus and and whether a bus is even available. We're talking about whether or not your community has sidewalks or if you've got debris in pathways or are there curb cuts available so that you can navigate your wheelchair. Or if we wanna be more universally designed minded, lots of people benefit from curb cuts. Right? Wagons, people with strollers, shopping carts. I know bikes aren't allowed on the sidewalk, but if you got little ones, you you kinda want them on the sidewalk. So, anyway, these are some of the things that are people are experiencing in their communities. So what we found that I think is we really wanna call attention to was most people express that they had very limited access to their very fundamental needs, medical visits and access to grocery shopping, accessing prescription medication. Right? They can't even go to Walgreens to fill their prescriptions. They can't get their groceries. They can't get to medical appointments, which is concerning enough, but they didn't have access to recreational opportunities or the ability to participate in their community, which has a pretty hefty toll on how you feel as far as being included in your community and takes a toll on people's mental health. Right? If you're excited to go to the the 20 the the Pioneer Day Parade, but you can't get there and you wanted to go and enjoy the fireworks and the community barbecue at the park, and you don't have no way there, that that really has a big impact on an individual's life. So these are just some of the things that the survey brought to our attention. So I guess I don't know if you have any questions about that. Like I said, the data is a little bit old, and I can share with you what cities participated from Cache.
We can pull that up. But We can provide the full report if you guys like it. We can Is this so this is just Cache County? Or this is the whole state? This is the whole state. Some of our cities were part of it. Okay. Got it. Yeah. So
We can pull that up. But We can provide the full report if you guys like it. We can Is this so this is just Cache County? Or this is the whole state? This is the whole state. Some of our cities were part of it. Okay. Got it. Yeah. So
one of the pieces of the research council is is funding, that we're leading through this activity is really understanding what other counties are doing, and what works. And we've we are finding that innovative solutions is really the answer in rural counties. Fixed route doesn't make sense all the time. And I know you guys have Connect Transit that has a pretty solid fixed route, but that you're only hitting, you know, a certain bubble. And so being able to expand beyond that is a is a big solution that rural counties really need to lean on. Cache County does really well, and Bragg, thanks to Alyssa, I think, really helps a lot serve a lot of individuals across the region. We've found that the the use of these, you know, voucher type programs or mobility management programs really helps put the dollars to use in in a effective volume based way, and can serve a lot of people with a little bit of little bit of money that may not require as much infrastructure that maybe a fixed route does. So we've, we've, you know, we've talked to a number of different government groups and counties, rural counties across the region, including I spoke with some folks in Twin Falls who have a similar voucher style program with buses and vans. And then Bragg help support with Connect Transit's help voucher programs and then also single source contracting. And then there's also mileage reimbursement available in other areas of the state through the Basin and down in the five county region. We see solutions like this being applied in these rural counties, and they seem to be working really well. And we just we love to see those kinds of things continue and make sure that you are all aware of, you know, the efficacy of the the dollars that you're spending, in this area.
one of the pieces of the research council is is funding, that we're leading through this activity is really understanding what other counties are doing, and what works. And we've we are finding that innovative solutions is really the answer in rural counties. Fixed route doesn't make sense all the time. And I know you guys have Connect Transit that has a pretty solid fixed route, but that you're only hitting, you know, a certain bubble. And so being able to expand beyond that is a is a big solution that rural counties really need to lean on. Cache County does really well, and Bragg, thanks to Alyssa, I think, really helps a lot serve a lot of individuals across the region. We've found that the the use of these, you know, voucher type programs or mobility management programs really helps put the dollars to use in in a effective volume based way, and can serve a lot of people with a little bit of little bit of money that may not require as much infrastructure that maybe a fixed route does. So we've, we've, you know, we've talked to a number of different government groups and counties, rural counties across the region, including I spoke with some folks in Twin Falls who have a similar voucher style program with buses and vans. And then Bragg help support with Connect Transit's help voucher programs and then also single source contracting. And then there's also mileage reimbursement available in other areas of the state through the Basin and down in the five county region. We see solutions like this being applied in these rural counties, and they seem to be working really well. And we just we love to see those kinds of things continue and make sure that you are all aware of, you know, the efficacy of the the dollars that you're spending, in this area.
Can I ask what, Alyssa, what Bragg how how Bragg participates in the like, I know that there's people with disabilities that can call Connect? Right? And does Bragg is Bragg a part of that? Is that the conduit? Or how does that usually work? Yeah. So
Can I ask what, Alyssa, what Bragg how how Bragg participates in the like, I know that there's people with disabilities that can call Connect? Right? And does Bragg is Bragg a part of that? Is that the conduit? Or how does that usually work? Yeah. So
the caller ride system and stuff that Connect has Bragg doesn't interface directly type of services that they need to get to, and we can connect them with whatever is available. So we'll go out and teach people how to ride the bus or fill out applications for the paratransit caller ride system. One of the other options that we do have at Braggis, we run our Lifeline Mobility program, which is a voucher program for people in the county that cannot use Connect Transit to get to their critical quality of life services, medical, nutrition, and stuff like that. And we use, volunteers, usually family members, something that then can take their
the caller ride system and stuff that Connect has Bragg doesn't interface directly type of services that they need to get to, and we can connect them with whatever is available. So we'll go out and teach people how to ride the bus or fill out applications for the paratransit caller ride system. One of the other options that we do have at Braggis, we run our Lifeline Mobility program, which is a voucher program for people in the county that cannot use Connect Transit to get to their critical quality of life services, medical, nutrition, and stuff like that. And we use, volunteers, usually family members, something that then can take their
The so the family member would get reimbursed for fuel type of a thing? Yes. Okay. We have we have the
The so the family member would get reimbursed for fuel type of a thing? Yes. Okay. We have we have the
mileage reimbursement that we can do under that program, and if they do not have a friend or
mileage reimbursement that we can do under that program, and if they do not have a friend or
So I I didn't even know about this. So if someone wanted to help with that, would they contact Susie's or would they contact Bragg and just say, hey. I have some time and I could take people places.
So I I didn't even know about this. So if someone wanted to help with that, would they contact Susie's or would they contact Bragg and just say, hey. I have some time and I could take people places.
If they would like to, we are going to be starting that this fiscal year in July of actually having volunteers. We've been working through transport them. It didn't matter who, but they had to select whoever it was. And then we had people that were in a wheelchair, for instance, or needed a needed that accessible vehicle, and a friend or family didn't have it, or somebody that just didn't have have family. And Susie's has been wonderful. They came in and were like, yeah. We'll we'll go ahead and help you help you do that. So Yeah. Because I'm sure there'd be a vetting process. You'd wanna do a background check. You wanna make sure their car is up to standard, that sort of thing. Yeah. That's that's our next step for first one when we have them. I'm like, well, there we go. We've got at least people can get the transportation they need, but that's our end goal because, when it includes the community, there's all sorts of other benefits other than just the just the transportation, and it makes individuals that would like to volunteer and give to the community and the members and the opportunity to do so without being something that they feel like they can't do because they can't afford it. Right. And then Yeah. Really would like that not to be a barrier, especially when it is shown to be the most cost affordable way to provide transportation
If they would like to, we are going to be starting that this fiscal year in July of actually having volunteers. We've been working through transport them. It didn't matter who, but they had to select whoever it was. And then we had people that were in a wheelchair, for instance, or needed a needed that accessible vehicle, and a friend or family didn't have it, or somebody that just didn't have have family. And Susie's has been wonderful. They came in and were like, yeah. We'll we'll go ahead and help you help you do that. So Yeah. Because I'm sure there'd be a vetting process. You'd wanna do a background check. You wanna make sure their car is up to standard, that sort of thing. Yeah. That's that's our next step for first one when we have them. I'm like, well, there we go. We've got at least people can get the transportation they need, but that's our end goal because, when it includes the community, there's all sorts of other benefits other than just the just the transportation, and it makes individuals that would like to volunteer and give to the community and the members and the opportunity to do so without being something that they feel like they can't do because they can't afford it. Right. And then Yeah. Really would like that not to be a barrier, especially when it is shown to be the most cost affordable way to provide transportation
that gets out there so far. I mean, I'd like to help promote that when it is available. So I would appreciate that. Let us know. Yeah.
that gets out there so far. I mean, I'd like to help promote that when it is available. So I would appreciate that. Let us know. Yeah.
Do you have any questions for us other than that? I would appreciate that question.
Do you have any questions for us other than that? I would appreciate that question.
You say you were a 100% federally funded? That is correct. Is it matched with state monies at all? We
You say you were a 100% federally funded? That is correct. Is it matched with state monies at all? We
I don't know if we need I don't talk very loud, so I'll come to the microphone. We don't
I don't know if we need I don't talk very loud, so I'll come to the microphone. We don't
have any state funding. No state money or anything? No. So are you concerned? Yeah. There's a lot of federal monies that are starting to kinda
have any state funding. No state money or anything? No. So are you concerned? Yeah. There's a lot of federal monies that are starting to kinda
That is that is true. Yes. And I I can I can understand your question? And there have been some days when we've been like, oh, buckle up. But I think we're we have I think we're well positioned. I think Congress really understands the value of our program and in the budget recommendations at the federal level for the next fiscal year, we've remained level funded. So if that comes to pass, that's that's good news. When lots of programs are seeing reduction in funding, we're we're hanging in there. So
That is that is true. Yes. And I I can I can understand your question? And there have been some days when we've been like, oh, buckle up. But I think we're we have I think we're well positioned. I think Congress really understands the value of our program and in the budget recommendations at the federal level for the next fiscal year, we've remained level funded. So if that comes to pass, that's that's good news. When lots of programs are seeing reduction in funding, we're we're hanging in there. So
Sure. But how much of your money that comes from the federal is actually passed through in the form of grants? And is that to counties, to nonprofits, or to who who applies for these?
Sure. But how much of your money that comes from the federal is actually passed through in the form of grants? And is that to counties, to nonprofits, or to who who applies for these?
Anybody with a tax ID number. We we do a competitive process, so we'll, you know, release a scope of need, and anyone can apply that's eligible. We do have to follow the the state of Utah's competitive bid process, and then we review those based on the project. And we usually will open projects based on our goal areas. Right now, we are wrapping up our state plan. So the only open grant we have at this time is a I'm losing my words here. It is a health related project, and the funding is is a kind of a small amount, to be honest. It's about $50,000 And so what we typically do is either mini grants that are either, you know, 10 to $50,000 up annually and then that are open for, you know, whether or not the contractor is meeting their deliverables, we'll renew up to three years. Years. That's usually how we write our agreements. But if it's a larger scope, obviously not obviously. Sometimes you can do a whole lot in transportation for $10,000, but sometimes it takes a a bigger amount of money. And those kinds of projects, we've invested more like a $100,000 for those kinds of activities. But
Anybody with a tax ID number. We we do a competitive process, so we'll, you know, release a scope of need, and anyone can apply that's eligible. We do have to follow the the state of Utah's competitive bid process, and then we review those based on the project. And we usually will open projects based on our goal areas. Right now, we are wrapping up our state plan. So the only open grant we have at this time is a I'm losing my words here. It is a health related project, and the funding is is a kind of a small amount, to be honest. It's about $50,000 And so what we typically do is either mini grants that are either, you know, 10 to $50,000 up annually and then that are open for, you know, whether or not the contractor is meeting their deliverables, we'll renew up to three years. Years. That's usually how we write our agreements. But if it's a larger scope, obviously not obviously. Sometimes you can do a whole lot in transportation for $10,000, but sometimes it takes a a bigger amount of money. And those kinds of projects, we've invested more like a $100,000 for those kinds of activities. But
Yep. Depends on what it is we're trying to accomplish. Right? Well, Bragg's really easy to work with. Right? Yeah. I mean, they they they written some Just just keep dumping it to them and they'll be fine. Yeah. Yeah. They're they're they're really good with their dollars. Yes. Well,
Yep. Depends on what it is we're trying to accomplish. Right? Well, Bragg's really easy to work with. Right? Yeah. I mean, they they they written some Just just keep dumping it to them and they'll be fine. Yeah. Yeah. They're they're they're really good with their dollars. Yes. Well,
just so we're very clear on this, Alyssa is not a grant recipient. She is a governor appointed council member. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. So they are not one of our grantees. Does that mean that she that Brad can't can a grant Brad apply for those grants? No. Not not while she is a council member. But that's that's okay. But the county probably could. The county could. Leverage those dollars and Yes.
just so we're very clear on this, Alyssa is not a grant recipient. She is a governor appointed council member. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. So they are not one of our grantees. Does that mean that she that Brad can't can a grant Brad apply for those grants? No. Not not while she is a council member. But that's that's okay. But the county probably could. The county could. Leverage those dollars and Yes.
Yes. And there's been some ways that the council's funded, like the pilot project, first project, first last mile Mhmm. Other transportation initiatives that have been innovative in their approach, trying to see what actually works, what the infrastructure requirements are, and larger partners throughout EPA, connect to make sure that we actually
Yes. And there's been some ways that the council's funded, like the pilot project, first project, first last mile Mhmm. Other transportation initiatives that have been innovative in their approach, trying to see what actually works, what the infrastructure requirements are, and larger partners throughout EPA, connect to make sure that we actually
stay intact. So we need to link up our grant writer with Bragg. You guys put together what your needs are, so and then we can apply for those. Right? Yep. We can do that. Yep.
stay intact. So we need to link up our grant writer with Bragg. You guys put together what your needs are, so and then we can apply for those. Right? Yep. We can do that. Yep.
Yep. Good to know. Yeah. And I mean, that's one of the council's goals, especially, in the area of transportation is building capacity and seeing what we can do to make things a little bit more more robust for the communities that you guys serve, to represent. And if a grant from the council helps build capacity, then that's definitely a conversation I think the council would be interested in. So k. So I'm really today, our goal is to just inform you and make sure you're aware of who the council is and what we're trying to accomplish and the importance of transportation. I mean, I think you guys already know that you have a very strong transportation focus, but ensuring that people with disabilities are included in those plans is is paramount for the council's goals.
Yep. Good to know. Yeah. And I mean, that's one of the council's goals, especially, in the area of transportation is building capacity and seeing what we can do to make things a little bit more more robust for the communities that you guys serve, to represent. And if a grant from the council helps build capacity, then that's definitely a conversation I think the council would be interested in. So k. So I'm really today, our goal is to just inform you and make sure you're aware of who the council is and what we're trying to accomplish and the importance of transportation. I mean, I think you guys already know that you have a very strong transportation focus, but ensuring that people with disabilities are included in those plans is is paramount for the council's goals.
I have to apologize. I'm not a multitasker. So when you called, was I in the middle of hauling hay? You're outside for sure. Okay. It was a Saturday, so. That's why I hate you. You were very helpful. I appreciate it. Oh, well, okay. I work at a Hey. Could you say that again so he could hear that? And he takes off.
I have to apologize. I'm not a multitasker. So when you called, was I in the middle of hauling hay? You're outside for sure. Okay. It was a Saturday, so. That's why I hate you. You were very helpful. I appreciate it. Oh, well, okay. I work at a Hey. Could you say that again so he could hear that? And he takes off.
Laborious the bad is. So Thank you. I can I'm synthetic. Does anyone else have any questions or comments?
Laborious the bad is. So Thank you. I can I'm synthetic. Does anyone else have any questions or comments?
I used the service myself with Bragg, so it worked worked in my case well.
I used the service myself with Bragg, so it worked worked in my case well.
The transportation Okay. Reimbursement. I'd had hip surgery, and I had to go to Salt Lake and stuff. And so I used it, and then I was taking care of my son. And so I got reimbursed for taking him to Salt Lake for his appointments.
The transportation Okay. Reimbursement. I'd had hip surgery, and I had to go to Salt Lake and stuff. And so I used it, and then I was taking care of my son. And so I got reimbursed for taking him to Salt Lake for his appointments.
I'm glad to hear that. I always like when I started out, hardly nobody knew about it. We'd get two two or three
I'm glad to hear that. I always like when I started out, hardly nobody knew about it. We'd get two two or three
Well, the only reason I found out about it was through the senior citizens. And now I don't even remember how who I contacted. So I might have to need that someday again. You never know. Send over the information to everybody so you have it in
Well, the only reason I found out about it was through the senior citizens. And now I don't even remember how who I contacted. So I might have to need that someday again. You never know. Send over the information to everybody so you have it in
your hand. Yeah. And I think one thing you mentioned to me yesterday that I thought was really interesting is, part of that program for transportation with Bragg is what did you call the transportation social worker, where it's, like, linking to other county resources or other public resources that the person may have, qualifications for so that they can we can really use as many of the services as possible.
your hand. Yeah. And I think one thing you mentioned to me yesterday that I thought was really interesting is, part of that program for transportation with Bragg is what did you call the transportation social worker, where it's, like, linking to other county resources or other public resources that the person may have, qualifications for so that they can we can really use as many of the services as possible.
I'm trying to expand that. That that's just a whole mobility management thing for what
I'm trying to expand that. That that's just a whole mobility management thing for what
How do how do people discover if they're eligible? What's the best way to do that? For the transportation services? Yeah. Or just any of the services, really. For which one? I was gonna say the mobility management travel training.
How do how do people discover if they're eligible? What's the best way to do that? For the transportation services? Yeah. Or just any of the services, really. For which one? I was gonna say the mobility management travel training.
Absolutely, anybody's qualified. There is no restriction at all. Somebody all they have to do is call, and we'll to be able to afford it themselves. So we would still connect them with a place like Susie's or one of the other providers that would expect a payment that they they can afford. I but they advocate for supporting Susie's because they're the only nonprofit that provides transportation in their service, and they do a sliding scale based on income. So if they don't qualify for ours, they'll be paying less
Absolutely, anybody's qualified. There is no restriction at all. Somebody all they have to do is call, and we'll to be able to afford it themselves. So we would still connect them with a place like Susie's or one of the other providers that would expect a payment that they they can afford. I but they advocate for supporting Susie's because they're the only nonprofit that provides transportation in their service, and they do a sliding scale based on income. So if they don't qualify for ours, they'll be paying less
according to how much they can actually afford. So it it wouldn't be, like, the same as a Uber or something?
according to how much they can actually afford. So it it wouldn't be, like, the same as a Uber or something?
No. It would be it would usually be less than that, and it would also have the, they do other services
No. It would be it would usually be less than that, and it would also have the, they do other services
for seniors and individuals with disabilities that need help. So they actually do, like, the door to door versus an Uber
for seniors and individuals with disabilities that need help. So they actually do, like, the door to door versus an Uber
they actually do, like, the door to door versus an Uber that will come and pick you up at the curb. Yeah. But for a senior or somebody that might struggle to get out all the way down to the path, they can actually have their aid come up to the door, help them in and out of the car and stuff like that. Yeah. And then they can all of them, in the Tri County area up here for
they actually do, like, the door to door versus an Uber that will come and pick you up at the curb. Yeah. But for a senior or somebody that might struggle to get out all the way down to the path, they can actually have their aid come up to the door, help them in and out of the car and stuff like that. Yeah. And then they can all of them, in the Tri County area up here for
the track services. Yeah. Susie's applied for either a RAPS tax or ARPA funding when we were going through the nonprofits for ARPA to get a new vehicle. I think that somehow we helped fund one of their vehicles, if I remember correctly.
the track services. Yeah. Susie's applied for either a RAPS tax or ARPA funding when we were going through the nonprofits for ARPA to get a new vehicle. I think that somehow we helped fund one of their vehicles, if I remember correctly.
Yeah. You guys have helped fund some of their accessible mini vans through the community block development
Yeah. You guys have helped fund some of their accessible mini vans through the community block development
And so that's where it's like using your procurement tools, right, to help them to get them in because maybe it's a lower cost or it's easier to acquire than it would be if they were to just go out and buy it off of the lot. So there's other ways that counties can support solutions like that that doesn't necessarily require money.
And so that's where it's like using your procurement tools, right, to help them to get them in because maybe it's a lower cost or it's easier to acquire than it would be if they were to just go out and buy it off of the lot. So there's other ways that counties can support solutions like that that doesn't necessarily require money.
Yeah. Well, we appreciate your time. But, you know, we've already talked where funding is limited. Anytime we can work together on a similar goal and kind of connect parts and and pieces that are already happening around the state. We're all moving in the same direction in a more coordinated way. I think we'll all be happier and spending our dollars more efficiently.
Yeah. Well, we appreciate your time. But, you know, we've already talked where funding is limited. Anytime we can work together on a similar goal and kind of connect parts and and pieces that are already happening around the state. We're all moving in the same direction in a more coordinated way. I think we'll all be happier and spending our dollars more efficiently.
Okay. Thank you so much for joining us. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thanks for presenting. Thank you, Andrew.
Okay. Thank you so much for joining us. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thanks for presenting. Thank you, Andrew.
Thank you for the extra time as well. Jen for three minutes. Yep. K. Thank you. Thank you. We didn't we didn't buy food today. No. And I
Thank you for the extra time as well. Jen for three minutes. Yep. K. Thank you. Thank you. We didn't we didn't buy food today. No. And I