Orange County NC Website
9 <br /> 15. In the event of a significant cost overrun or an unmitigated funding shortfall as set forth <br /> in Paragraphs 13 or 14, representatives of each Party shall meet as set forth in <br /> Paragraphs 13 or 14 to attempt in good faith to resolve the matter(s). All Parties must <br /> be represented by a person with the authority to settle the matter(s) on behalf of the <br /> Party. The Parties may by agreement and in good faith conduct further meetings as <br /> necessary to resolve the matter(s). <br /> If resolution is not achieved, any Party may demand mediation in writing. Upon such <br /> demand, all Parties shall be required to participate in mediation. The dispute(s) to be <br /> mediated shall be memorialized in writing. The Parties shall in good faith select a <br /> mediator certified in accordance with the rules of mediator certification in Superior <br /> Court in North Carolina. If the parties are unable to agree to a mediator, a mediator will <br /> be appointed by the American Arbitration Association. If, after all reasonable good faith <br /> attempts to resolve the matter have been made, and it appears to the mediator that the <br /> parties are at an impasse with no significant likelihood of reaching resolution, the <br /> mediator shall issue a written notice of impasse identifying the unresolved issue(s) <br /> between the Parties. <br /> Following a declaration of impasse by the mediator, the unresolved issue(s) shall be <br /> arbitrated upon the written demand of any Party. The arbitration shall be expedited, <br /> and the American Arbitration Association rules shall apply to the arbitration, unless the <br /> Parties agree otherwise. Prior to arbitration, the Parties may bring forward all possible <br /> remedies that may be considered by the arbitrator(s). The arbitration hearing shall take <br /> place in Wake County, North Carolina, before a panel of three (3) arbitrators, with <br /> Orange selecting one (1) arbitrator, Durham selecting one (1) arbitrator, and those two <br /> (2) arbitrators jointly selecting the third arbitrator, unless Durham and Orange can reach <br /> consensus on a single arbitrator. The decision of the arbitrator(s) shall be by simple <br /> majority and binding upon the Parties. Judgment on an award rendered in any such <br /> arbitration may be entered in the Superior Court of Wake County. <br /> Each Party shall bear its own costs related to the foregoing dispute resolution process, <br /> including reasonable attorneys' fees, except that all mediation and/or arbitration fees <br /> charged by a mediator or arbitration panel shall be divided equally among the Parties. <br /> Each Party hereby consents to any such disputes being so resolved. <br /> 16. If the balance of the Dedicated Local Transit Revenues attributed to a county is <br /> insufficient to meet that county's respective share of costs, then neither Orange nor <br /> Durham shall be obligated to use revenues other than the Dedicated Local Transit <br /> Revenues to pay its respective share. <br /> 17. If, after the effective date of this Agreement, the Parties are authorized to levy new <br /> transit-specific taxes or fees, or if the limits of the Dedicated Local Transit Revenues are <br /> expanded by the North Carolina General Assembly, this Agreement shall not obligate <br /> the use of such additional revenues for the D-O LRT Project. <br />