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This program, which U City's Senior Commission has taken the lead on, has nowresulted in eight County municipalities joining together to initiate a pilot project similar to the full- scale project that has been going on in St. Charles over the past five years. While it is a fee-based service, the cost is less than other means of transportationand provides seniors who are unable to manage their personal transportation needs the ability to stay fully connected to their social network. She stated she is pleased thatCouncil has agreed to continue funding for the Senior Services Coordinator, but believes this request is just as deserving as some of the other non-profits that have been included in next year's budget. Therefore, she would ask Council to reconsider their objections and at the very least, allocate the initial $2,000 needed to establish an office in St. Louis County. The motion was seconded by CouncilmemberJennings. Councilmember Carrstated as the liaison to the Senior Commission she understands that members will probably be very unhappy with her lack of support, which is based on sustainability and relative cost. ITN's joining fee is $50.00 for a single person and $75.00 for a couple, before you can ride mile one. And in her opinion, seniors need a service that attends to the population with the most need; those who are economically challenged. So while she is amenable to the idea of supporting the transportation needs of seniors, if it is really the Commission's intent to find something for everyone, she does not think this particular company is the right way to go. Everyone doesn't need a scholarship. And no one has provided her with a clear understanding of what will happen in year two, three, or four. In addition, she believes that if someone were to conduct a cost-accounting of this service they would find that it is probably much more expensive than a taxi. Councilmember Carrstated her hope is that everyone will start working together to find other alternatives that fit the niche she believes exists for seniors and the visually impaired. CouncilmemberCrow reminded everyone that just a few weeks ago the City appropriated over $100,000 in Block Grants for senior citizen housing, and a few minutes ago, willingly refunded the position of Senior Services Coordinator. So he thinks Council has kept their commitment to the seniors in this community, while being as fiscally prudent and responsible as possible, in order to meet the needs of the entire community. Mayor Welsch informed Council that the scholarships would be administered to seniors based on their income, with the hope that those individuals would spread the word throughout the community. In addition, the data provided by ITN illustrates that their total cost is lower than a taxi or Uber. She stated that U City used to have a Senior Service Board, of which Mr. Mulligan was the President of, as well as a van and driver. However, the cost ofproviding that same level of transportation for seniors on a 24/7 basis is something that the City simply cannot afford to do. Transportation available to seniors through St. Louis County has a predetermined list of destinations, which may not suit the needs of U City's seniors. Other services are limited to addressing basic needs such as food or medical services. MayorWelsch stated she hopes that this Commission will come back in the future to seek support for their transportation needs. Page 7 of 16