3/26/10: WASPS (Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters, Inc.) Business Plan Overview
P.O. Box 797, Webster, NY 14580-0797
PRESIDENT Sue Zientara
The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters was formed in 2006 when its founders recognized the need for enhanced transportation for Webster seniors. In 2007 the Association was incorporated and granted SOl(c)(3) tax exempt status as a non-profit corporation. Our first goal was to improve the transportation available to seniors in Webster. Our initial efforts were devoted to promoting awareness and cooperation between all levels of the public, private agencies and government, in order to make funding for such transportation available.
A study of census data shows that Webster has a significant population of seniors some of whom are disabled. Our current focus is to purchase, and put 2 vehicles into service, to meet some of the transportation needs of the senior residents of Webster, including those with physical disabilities.
Webster is a town with very limited public bus service. The public buses run down the central Ridge Road corridor only during the morning and late afternoon. The bus stops are widely spaced and are often no more than a road-side sign. There are no shelters for waiting passengers during inclement weather, or loading platforms for disabled or wheelchair passengers. And, the lack of sidewalks makes getting to the bus stops dangerous for pedestrians on most roadways. Because of these limitations our goal is to provide portal to portal service rather than service from a central location.
It is not our intent to replace any existing transportation service currently available to Webster residents. Our goal is to supplement such service(s). Models of successful and sustainable senior transportation services abound in our neighboring towns and in aliSO States. WASPS members have spent many hours meeting with the local organizations to learn from their experiences. We have met with Elderberry Express (Pittsford), Faith Link (Irondequoit), and the Fairport Baptist Home, as well as Lifespan. We will adopt as many of their successful approaches as apply to the Webster environment and our specific goals.
The senior residents of Webster we propose to serve have everyday medical transportation needs. Examples are the need to get to appointments with the doctor, dentist, physical therapist, to dialysis, to chemotherapy, and other necessary medical appointments, to the pharmacy to pick up their prescriptions or health related products. These transportation needs can be thought of as "essential". But, who among us wants only their "essential" needs met? Each of these residents should also have opportunities for "life enriching experiences".  These might include visiting local museums, festivals, or other cultural and educational events. Many of our transportation needy neighbors have no independent transportation and have few, if any, opportunities for such enriching experiences. These "essential" and "life enhancing" transportation needs are growing as Webster's population grows, and as the population ages. We will give first priority to servicing the "essential" transportation needs in the community and provide "enriching" transportation as scheduling permits.
US Census data show that Webster has a population of 42,240 residents. Of these, 8715 (20.6%) are over the age of 60. There are 2392 (5.7%) of Webster residents over 80 years old. (See Appendix A) Of course, age alone does not define a critical need. But when combined with information on People With Disabilities, Household Income, and Households With No Vehicle, a picture emerges that tells of a significant need for 'essential transportation' in Webster (See Appendices, B, C, and D). Briefly: There are 1509 households in Webster headed by seniors 65 or older with household income below $25,000. There are 1526 people who live in Webster who live in households with no vehicle available.
Noting these community needs, the members of WASPS propose to obtain and operate vehicles to help meet the transportation needs of 'the whole' Webster  transportation needy resident by meeting their 'essential' and 'enriching'  transportation needs, and contributing to their feelings of freedom and independence.  To accomplish this we propose to obtain and operate two vehicles. These vehicles should be sized and equipped to meet both the essential needs and as many of the life enriching opportunities as possible. Initially we propose two 6 passenger mini-vans. Each mini-van should be equipped with a ramp to assist wheel chair bound passengers to board. The ramp will also enable passengers with physical limitations to board more easily. These vehicles are best suited to provide 'essential' transportation needs, but, can be used to provide 'enriching' transportation, limited only by capacity. (See Appendix E)
As the need for 'enriching' transportation is better defined and the number of users identified, WASPS hopes to expand 'enriching' service by obtaining an additional vehicle, or by replacement with one or more vehicles with higher capacity. Passenger eligibility is defined as 'door to door ambulatory' (passengers must get themselves to the mini-van, they will be assisted in boarding, and into their appointment after being assisted off). Passengers must fill out an "eligibility form" (see Appendix F) before services will be provided. The form will allow us to qualify passengers before service can be provided.
We currently have no permanent location for our dispatch office and phone. We are working with Mayor Elder for potential sites in the Village. Phone requests to schedule transport will be accepted Monday through Friday from gam to lpm. Rides must be scheduled at least two days in advance, or on Friday for Monday appointments. Exceptions will be made for emergencies and shorter notice as schedules permit (See Appendix Gfor scheduling worksheet). WASPS will solicit volunteer drivers and dispatcher/schedulers from the community. We will partner with Lifespan. Lifespan will provide driver training, monthly educational meetings, check the volunteers' driving records, and provide added liability insurance for the drivers. Volunteer drivers training will include requirements as defined in Appendix I in addition to that provided by Lifespan. WASPS plans to fund our operations by soliciting Webster residents and service organizations, with fund raisers and the WASPS membership fee of $5. Significant funds will be raised from donations made by the users ($5 suggested donation per one way ride). In addition, we will pursue grants from Village, Town, County, State, and Federal government agencies (See Appendix Hfor Proposed Operating Budget). WASPS has an Advisory Committee which includes a local business owner, a local Pastor, a Village of Webster Trustee, and a representative of the Town of Webster.
In the event that the WASPS organization is dissolved, the vehicles could be turned over to the Webster Parks and Recreation Department or other Webster Department. Alternatively, they could be sold to the van conversion supplier. If sold, the proceeds along with the other assets of WASPS would be distributed to charitable organizations. The mini-vans will be parked at the Webster Recreation Center, Chiyoda Drive, when not in use.

March 11, 2010: Proposed Design Elements Committee. This is proposal I have asked the Village Board to approve for The Village of Webster DESIGN ELEMENTS COMMITTEE
Mission
(1)        To compose informal design elements for building types in the Central Business (CB), Neighborhood Business (NB) and West End Business (WEB) Districts that would advise the Planning, Zoning and/or Village Board, the Building Inspector and/or Code Enforcement Officers and residents, developers, builders, and property owners.
(2)        To refer such plan to the Village Board by December 1, 2010.
Objective
The Committee shall carefully evaluate the design characteristics of the CB, NB and WEB zones and produce a comprehensive, informal guide of design recommendations for various structures and uses in the applicable zoning districts.
Composition
The Design Elements Committee shall be composed of:
1.      Not more than 7 residents of the Village, one of who shall be appointed Chair by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Trustees;
2.      The Planning Board Chair;
3.      A liaison from the Village Board appointed by the Mayor;
4.      The Chair of the Historic Preservation Committee
5.      The Building Inspector
6.      The President of the Business Improvement District or their designee.
It is desirable that members appointed to this Board have some sort of design or architectural knowledge.
Terms of Members
One year: reappointment at each Organizational Meeting.
Meetings
The Design Elements Committee shall meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm in the Village Community Meeting Room or adjacent room.
Subcommittees
The Design Elements Committee may initially divide itself into subcommittees to meet the goals of the objective and mission of the Committee.
Completion of Preliminary Plan & Public Input
The Design Elements Committee shall conduct two public hearings prior to the plan’s referral to the Village Board. Such public hearings shall be not more than 90 days or less than 30 apart.
Resources
The Design Elements Committee may make reasonable use of Village office resources such as paper, the copier, and envelopes.

March 11, 2010: Proposed Water Committee. This is proposal I have asked the Village Board to approve for The Village of Webster WATER COMMITTEE
Mission
(1)     To compose a plan for the future water supply of the Village of Webster.
(2)     To refer such plan to the Village Board within 1 year.
Objective
The Committee shall investigate all aspects of the water supply, including, but not limited to, the retention and/or improvement of the current supply or the transfer to a new water supply and/or the disposition or enhancement of assets connected to the Village Water Company.
Composition
The Water Committee shall be composed of:
1.     Not more than 7 Village residents, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Trustees;
2.     The Water Department Administrator;
3.     The Planning Board Chair;
4.     The Village Board liaison to the Water Department.
One member of the committee shall be appointed Chair by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Trustees.
Terms of Members
One year: reappointment at each Organizational Meeting.
Meetings
The Water Committee shall meet the forth Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm in the Village Community Meeting Room or adjacent room.
Subcommittees
The Water Committee may divide itself into subcommittees to meet the goals of the objective and mission of the Committee.
Completion of Preliminary Plan & Public Input
The Water Committee shall conduct two public hearings prior to the plan’s referral to the Village Board. Such public hearings shall be not more than 90 days or less than 30 apart.
Resources
The Water Committee may make reasonable use of Village office resources such as paper, the copier, and envelopes.

Summary Results of Village Survey 2 (posted April 8, 2009): This the Summary Results, to date, for Village Survey 2: Services. The full document includes all comments given and is at the Village Hall or I can EMAIL a copy if you request one at pelder@villageofwebster.com.

Summary Results of Village Survey 1 (posted May 27, 2008): This the Summary Results, to date, for Village Survey 1: Quality of Life. The full document includes all comments given and is at the Village Hall or I can EMAIL a copy if you request one at pelder@villageofwebster.com.

2008-2009 Budget: Click HERE to view the budget for the General Fund. Property taxes in 2008-2009 will remain flat for the third year at $2.22 per thousand.

Village Survey: To date, over 240 people have participated in our first VILLAGE SURVEY. Please feel free to download the image at the left and send it into Village Hall. I am tabulating all the results and will present a preliminary report at the Village Board meeting on May 22. I just completed survey two (Village Services) and it will be in residents' water bills in June.