Minutes 04-19-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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� Craig Benedict said that this has been an ongoing report that comes to the Board in various forms. There are various initiatives. House Bill 148 allows Orange, Durham, and Wake Counties to proceed with a funding mechanism for light rail or some alternative in the region. This could include bus rapid transit and regular bus service. There is an alternatives analysis that is being headed by Triangle Transit and its consultant, URS. There is also the Orange County Transit Plan, which includes areas in Durham County because there will be a linkage and a cost-sharing mechanism between Orange County and Durham County. With the monies that are projected to be left over from a light rail project in the Durham/Orange area, staff is looking at what type of bus services could be provided to enhance the future light rail public transit system. As part of that discussion, a meeting has been held with Durham City and County officials about the cost-sharing mechanism. There has been one meeting so far, but no determinations have been made about which option is better. Chair Pelissier said that this is just providing a general update on the process and they will bring specifics forward after these decisions are made by the elected officials group. The question is where to draw the boundaries. The other thing is will the type of model allow them to have the type of enhanced bus service that is needed. Commissioner Foushee said that she has nothing to add since the Chair covered the highlights, but the County cannot sell this plan to Orange County unless it works for Orange County. Commissioner Gordon provided some additional information about the plan. She reiterated that this plan for bus service and rail service has to be acceptable to residents in all parts of Orange County. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the vehicle registration fee and how the Triangle Regional program will address public transportation for people that do not live in Chapel Hill or in urban areas. Chair Pelissier said that this is the crux that they are talking about for this plan. If there were a limited amount of hours according to some of the scenarios for the light rail, it would not meet the needs because it would only be enhancing services in the urban areas. Craig Benedict made reference to the timeline and said that he would send an email about this to everyone. Originally the light rail plan was supposed to be available in March, but this has shifted. The final financial model for this will probably not be ready for another month. Chair Pelissier said that, regardless of what is decided about a sales tax referendum, the County is doing the work that it needs to do, which is to come up with an Orange County Transit Plan that interfaces with the Durham County Transit Plan. She thinks that a lot of progress has been made. Commissioner Jacobs said that, based on this timetable, the Board of County Commissioners will vote on putting a %2-cent sales tax on the referendum along with the '/4-cent sales tax and Chair Pelissier said that this is a possibility. 10. County Manaqer's Report Frank Clifton said that the Town of Carrboro voted to approve the rezoning of the property which the County has the option to put a library on. There is a 120-day extension timeframe. The staff is pursuing the normal due diligence. No timeframe has been established, but it is up to the County Commissioners. The deadline for deciding on whether or not to purchase the property is August 17tn The second issue is the State budget process. School funding is an issue that is on the table. Lottery proceeds seem to be the primary criteria. The other impacts to the County that are direct are the misdemeanor housing issues.