[ back ]
Changes for Groveport Town Hall and senior transportation
(by Rick Palsgrove, Southeast Editor - January 07, 2010)
The trimming of the village of Groveport's 2010 budget will result in some changes to the senior transportation program as well as community programming.
Some of these changes were addressed in an interview I conducted the week of Jan. 5 with Groveport Village Administrator Steve Morris.
Rick Palsgrove: Has the senior transportation program been moved from Groveport Town Hall to the Groveport Senior Center?
Steve Morris: "Not yet. The move will take place as soon as we can work out the logistics. We had to wait until the budget was approved before we could start the relocation process."
RP: Who will supervise the senior transportation program at the Senior Center?
SM: "Bob Dowler will continue to coordinate the program."
RP: What phone number should people call for information about senior transportation?
SM: "At this time 836-3333. The number will change when we have everything set up at the Senior Center. We plan an all out information blitz to all senior transportation clients before any change in the number is made."
RP: What are the new eligibility guidelines for senior transportation?
SM: "Presently, the requirements as set by Groveport Village Council are: 1) clients must be residents of the village of Groveport; 2) clients must be age 60 or handicapped."
RP: What days/hours will senior transportation operate?
SM: "It will operate Tuesday through Friday, with pick ups from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m."
RP: What kind of trips will be made under senior transportation?
SM: "Medical M:and personal."
RP: How many drivers were originally used and how many will be used now for senior transportation?
SM: "We have eight part time drivers, one coordinator and one full time person who drives part time. We plan on keeping all on staff. Now that we are only providing service to the village, I am sure we will see a reduction in hours by the part time drivers."
RP: How many and what kind of vehicles does senior transportation use?
SM: "The village has five vehicles: two sedans, two vans, and one freight liner bus assigned to senior transportation."
RP: Why was senior transportation moved to the Senior Center?
SM: "A number of members on village council indicated they wanted Groveport Town Hall to expand the activities of children, expand the cooperation of youth activities with the schools, expand the art activities at Town Hall and KidSpace, and do more to enhance the lives of children in the village. By moving the senior transportation program to the Senior Center, Town Hall staff can put all their energy and focus in developing additional art and cultural programs, and Senior Center staff can take over where Town Hall left off and develop additional programs at the senior center for the seniors in the village."
RP: Is the operation of the Log House and the Nature Center, previously under Groveport Town Hall supervision, now under Parks and Recreation and, if so, what was the reason for the change? Who will supervise their use and the naturalist?
SM: "Yes, as I noted, Town Hall staff's mission is to expand cultural and art programs. Tara Palm, of Parks and Recreation, will supervise the village naturalist, Tina Dillman, who will still have programs at the Log House."
RP: Are park shelter reservations now under Parks and Rec.? What number should people call to reserve a park shelter?
SM: "The shelter reservations are going to be moved to the recreation center. As they maintain the shelters it makes sense to have them handle the reservations as well. We will release more information once the move takes place."
RP: Will Groveport Town Hall and KidSpace have new operating hours/days? What about existing rental/program contracts that conflict with the new operating hours/days?
SM: "Community Affairs Director Linda Haley will be making a recommendation on operating hours. It is the intention of the village to honor all rental/program contracts."
RP: What kind of programs will Community Affairs offer at Groveport Town Hall and KidSpace? What phone number should people call for information?
SM: "These are in the process of being developed by Town Hall staff. For information people may call 836-3333."
RP: Have any employees been laid off as a result of the above changes?
SM: "None. We use part time staff on a as needed basis. Their hours are strictly based on our senior transportation needs."
RP: How much money has been saved by instituting the above changes?
SM: "The budget for senior transportation in 2009 was $269,000. In 2010 it is $150,000."
Groveport Village Council plans to discuss the above changes and related issues at its committee of the whole meeting on Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the municipal building, 655 Blacklick St.
[ back ]
