Minutes 11-07-2019 Regular Meeting

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25 Commissioner Bedford referred to page 2 of the abstract agenda, and said she liked that there will be a 20-year finance horizon, depending on the recommendations. She said there might also be other ways to ensure representation. Chair Rich said there may end up being two members from Chapel Hill and Carrboro, and only one from Hillsborough and Mebane, which could shift the weighting of the steering committee. A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Price for the Board to: 1) Approve the planning framework for updating the Orange County Transit Plan; and 2) Authorize staff to proceed with implementing the planning framework and issuing request for qualifications for consulting services as outlined in this abstract. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Dorosin referred to recommendation #3, and proposed putting the Chair on the Committee, as well as Commissioner Marcoplos, since he has been the Board’s point person on transportation. Commissioner McKee said he would prefer the Board not consolidate its transportation group representation to one or two people, and would rather see it spread across the Board. He said this would allow different perspectives to be involved. Commissioner Dorosin referred to page 15, and thought the idea was the representation from GoTriangle and the MPO would be achieved by the County and municipal appointments. Chair Rich said that is correct. Commissioner Bedford said the way it reads to her is that the towns would be included. Commissioner McKee said he thinks it would be difficult to represent both GoTriangle and a competing group at the same time. He said he would like to appoint people to this group who are not currently holding any other transportation positions. Commissioner Marcoplos asked Commissioner McKee if he has noticed competing interests. Commissioner McKee said not at all, but having different people can bring different perspectives. Commissioner Price said she is concerned that Commissioner Dorosin’s recommendation will not provide for any additional representation from the northern part of the County, other than Hillsborough, and there will not be representation from the a rural part of Orange County. Commissioner Greene said the Board represents the entire County as at large members. Commissioner Price said understands that, but the interests are different in the northern part of the county. Commissioner Bedford said she would recommend Commissioner Greene and Commissioner Marcoplos, who have experience living in the more rural parts of the County, as well as experience with Chapel Hill Transit. Chair Rich said she thinks it is important for Commissioner Marcoplos to be on this committee, as his focus and dedication is very well respected. Commissioner Greene said she is happy to serve if called. A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Price to appoint Commissioner Marcoplos and Commissioner Greene to serve as co-chairs of the Policy Steering Committee.