Sun-News report

LAS CRUCES - If federal funding is going to be used for certain services or programs, the city is required to present regular public updates.

That's the case as city transit administrator Mike Bartholomew updates city council on Las Cruces' transit and paratransit programs. The presentation will come during Monday's 1 p.m. city council work session at City Hall, 700 N. Main St.

"I will provide a brief overview of the city's Dial-a-Ride service, including a brief history of how the service developed, how it currently operates, and issues facing the service," said Bartholomew, in a memorandum sent Friday to city council members. "The current Dial-a-Ride is actually two services in one. First, there is the federally mandated service required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires federally funded public transit systems to operate a complementary paratransit service for persons whose disabilities prevent them from using regular fixed route service.

"Second, Dial-a-Ride is a senior citizen's transportation system which actually makes up about 70 percent of all Dial-a-Ride trips."

Bartholomew added it is relatively uncommon among urban transit systems to combine the two programs. The two programs work well in Las Cruces, but Bartholomew said they can create issues that are not generally seen in other transit systems.

Also Monday, the council will discuss the display of U.S. flags outside of city-owned buildings. Some residents have

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raised concerns with council members about how and when American flags are being displayed. Some residents have complained there is no consistency as to when flags should be raised or lowered to half-staff.

That inconsistency has also upset some military veterans, who have said there have been some holidays or specially designated days when flags were not flown at half-staff, when they should have been. There have been other concerns that some city departments, or agencies, are apparently not aware when flags should be flown at half-staff, and city administrators should be more diligent in assuring consistency.

"There is probably room for improvement," City Manager Robert Garza said.

The council will also be updated on changes with the city's Senior Programs. Notable improvements have been made at Munson Senior Center, and those physical changes have raised some concerns from some senior citizens who attend classes or programs at the center, or participate in its weekday meal program, or other programs offered there.

"This is a chance for Senior Program administrators to come before the council and update them about some of the changes in operations," Garza said.

If you go

•What: Las Cruces City Council work session.

•When: 1 p.m. Monday.

•Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main.

•TV/Internet: The work session will be televised live at 1 p.m. Monday on CLC-TV, Comcast Cable channel 20. It will also be webcast live at 1 p.m. at www.clctv.com. People watching the webcast should click on the "Meetings" link to access the web page that will have a link to watch the work session.