Minutes 12-05-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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32 he does have some concerns, and the Board needs a better comfort level before the April deadline. Commissioner Jacobs asked the Manager to look into an independent consultant to review the value engineering and finances. He suggested the possibility of Kimley-Horn, who worked on Wake County's transit plan. He would like to review the possibilities of cuts; combining the Dowling Creek and Woodmont stations; shortening the platforms; and a full explanation of why BRT is not a preferable option. He asked the Manager to talk with the Durham County Manager about the financial split between the two counties, especially given the addition of the NCCU stop, and that most of the economic development is in Durham County. He said Orange County is paying 23% of the plan. He said Chapel Hill — Orange bus split should be reviewed again. He said the BOCC must set Orange County's transportation priorities. He said a greater public forum is needed to discuss the issues in depth, with Orange and Durham County staff, and GoTriangle staff. Commissioner Jacobs said he has problems that over time, GoTriangle has been a translucent organization, such as the numbers changing; and who will be giving them the money. He referred to the MLK BRT, and said Orange County is the funding entity but there have been no conversations with Chapel Hill. He said GoTriangle is working for the County, and not the other way around. Commissioner Jacobs said he is going to support the MOU, with the following addition: Proposed Item 2 under NOW, THEREFORE The Orange County Board of Commissioners considers this non-binding MOU between the Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority and Orange County to keep faith with voters who, by a large majority, approved the half-cent sales tax for enhanced public transportation, including light rail. Our support for light rail has not wavered. However, the MOU does not express an obligation, moral or implied, to fund the Durham-Orange Light Rail project beyond currently authorized levels if further investigation proves financial burden to taxpayers would, in our judgment, compromise Orange County's ability to reasonably fund other, more critical goals and functions of government. Commissioner Rich said all partners have never been together in the same room to have some of the discussions to which Commissioner Jacobs referred. She asked if the Manager would talk with Durham County and the MPO. Commissioner Burroughs said she is satisfied that the MOU is non-binding. She said it is imperative to take an opportunity to re-negotiate with Durham County. Commissioner McKee said when the Board approved the sales tax he stood down, and has stayed that way for the last five years; however, this last minute request for additional funds from Orange County has caused him to speak up. Commissioner McKee said he submitted several questions to GoTriangle prior to this meeting: - how much has been spent, to date, on light rail -- $27,681,063 - What is the monthly burn rate for light rail -- $400,000 He said the amount spent over the past 36 months is $768,918 per month. Finance staff from GoTriangle said $400,000 is the average over the last 12 months. Commissioner McKee said for the three years prior to that, the average was up to $700,000.