Since July 1997, the State of Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) - Developmental Disabilities Division (DD) has contracted with MET Transit to provide specialized transportation for developmentally disabled individuals to and from their home or group home and their respective DD Division day/work programs.  MET Transit averages 2,300 rides to approximately 67 persons per month. The service MET Special Transit provides improves the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities. The contract payments for this service are based on a per-person, per-mile ridership.  Revenue received over the last three years is $130,665 for FY 07/08, $116,162 for FY 08/09, and $89,176 for FY 09/10.  Renewal of this contract will provide Paratransit with approximately $90,000 in additional revenue for FY 10/11.
 
On October 9, 2007, City Council approved the current contract, which was awarded by the State on July 1, 2007.  This contract contains a clause, which allows the service to be extended for three additional one-year periods, not to exceed a total contractual term of four years.  On August 24, 2009, Council did approve the extension of the contract through June 30, 2010.  The DD Division is again requesting that we extend the current contract, utilizing the last additional one year extension period which will end June 30, 2011.   

The City Council may:

• Approve the contract amendment extension; or
• Not approve the contract amendment extension.

Through this contract amendment the City's Transit Division may receive up to $90,000 in revenue for FY 10/11 for the services provided.

Staff recommends that Council approve the one year contract amendment and authorize the Mayor to execute the transportation contract amendment between the City's MET Transit Division and the State of Montana DPHHS-DD.