DRAFT NOTES on PUBLIC COMMENTS & COUNCIL MEMBER RESPONSE
(Approximately five members of the public in attendance)
PUBLIC COMMENT: Someone who identified as a nurse aide at a residential facility for People Living With AIDS expressed concern about the loss of transportation for patients and asked if the Planning Council could refund the Shanti van service. He explained how the Shanti van was courteous, on time, and respectful of clients. The current service, through MUNI, is unreliable, the drivers are rude and often late.
CM DURIO: Responded with a comment about budget cuts and that the model of transportation used in the past will most likely not be brought back.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Discussed how this service is critical for someone who cannot walk to get to medical appointments.
CM SIRON: Explained how money had been put into vouchers.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Responded that this amounted to $1.65/trip.
CM DURIO: Repeated that the old transportation model will never be funded again, and in lieu of that suggested making the existing service more reliable.
Discussion clarified that the current transportation is Medi-vans through MUNI.
RICHARD BARGETTO: Suggested to the person with concerns about transportation to attend a Council meeting and any comments made by [the public] would be incorporated into the planning process. Richard also suggested writing letters to MUNI.
CM ORTIZ: Discussed funding streams and explained how specific agency service cannot be funded. Recommended advocating for the service, attending meetings, and possibly joining the Council.
CM DICROCCO: Encouraged the person making comments to contact MUNI about how to improve their service, since it is City funded the service should be more reliable.
CM SIRON: Explained how the Planning Council wants to hear that kind of information so they can ensure that excellent service will be provided.
CM ORTIZ: Discussed how the Planning Council is interested in hearing from the public and having people join.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Suggested talking to District Supervisors about the transportation issue.
REPRESENTATIVE FROM ALRP: Offered an in-depth description of the needs of Latino immigrants and refugees, providing a number of poignant examples. She encouraged the Planning Council to keep these issues in mind when making decisions.
RICHARD BARGETTO: Asked what specific services the Planning Council should look at to help the clients of ALRP, and the Latino immigrants.
ALRP REPRESENTATIVE: Stated quite clearly that the biggest need is housing.
CM SIRON: Asked how the Planning Council can reach out to the Latino community. What can be done to help?
ALRP REPRESENTATIVE: She explained how her radio and television spots in the past have resulted in a large number of people calling her who were previously unaware of the services available to them. She suggested outreach through Spanish radio and television will get a response, as many of these people are devoted listeners/watchers of these programs.
CM BANKS: Asked the ALRP Representative if ALRP has a criminal defense attorney and, if not why not?
ALRP REPRESENTATIVE: She suggested the public defender was available and that ALRP has no volunteer criminal defense attorney. She indicated that there is definitely a need, but there are no funds to pay for the high rates of a criminal defense attorney, and no volunteers.
CM ORTIZ: Shared how he has used ALRP services three times, and it was always a positive response.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Discussed experience with putting his voice and face as an HIV+ person in Marin County out to the community resulted in a positive response from others in the Latino community.
CM DICROCCO: Invited ALRP Representatives to speak at the Planning Council meetings, especially during the prioritization process.
CM SIRON: Announced that there would be an upcoming Community Forum, to be announced on the website regarding location, date, and time.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Asked how the Planning Council is looking at the issue of medical marijuana.
CM DURIO: Explained how Federal Monies cannot be used for this issue and it is in conflict with federal regulations and laws. He stated that Planning Council members are in various places with regard to this issue.
CM DICROCCO: Reiterated that federal funds cannot be allocated for this service.
CM SIRON: This is a good topic to discuss, but federal funds cannot be used and clearly the Planning Council cannot discuss, and is prohibited from discussing. He added that this issue may be addressed through the Mayor’s Council.
CM ORTIZ: Explained how the Planning Council advocates for the community but the Council does not set policy, because of their very nature of receiving federal money and being responsible for allocating those funds.
CM SIRON: Explained again the restrictions and work involved. Encouraged people to join the Planning Council. He concluded by saying that the Planning Council advocates for a better system of care.
No further public comment or discussion.
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