Information Items:
TASER Deployment Study
Staff Resource: Captain Mike Campagna, 704-943-2401
The Police Department has completed a study of its first full year of deployment of TASERs. The study contains information on the device itself, how officers were trained in its use, and a synopsis of some of the incidents in which it was deployed.
The study indicates that TASERs were deployed
122 times in 2004. They were used most frequently in disturbance calls and traffic incidents. 68.4% of the TASER deployments were in incidents involving suspects between the ages of 20-39. Police report a reduction in assaults on officers and their resulting injuries as a result of TASER use as well as a reduction of injuries to suspects.
The full study is attached.
2004 Water Quality Report to be Released this Week
Staff Resource: Doug Bean, 704-391-5070
Charlotte has a lot to smile about -- 38 billion reasons. The 2004 Water Quality Report is complete and it tells a great story. Over 38 billion gallons of clean, safe, healthy drinking water was treated and distributed all over the Charlotte area in 2004. The tests are in to show that Charlotte water is some of the best anywhere. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - required report shows Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities tap water continues to meet and exceed state and federal drinking water standards, with zero violations of water quality. This report covers all tests for 2004 and will begin arriving in customers' mailboxes on Friday,May 13, 2005. A copy of the report is attached. (print copy only) The report is available on-line.
The report details the substances detected in our drinking water. With over 150,000 tests conducted by our water treatment professionals, customers can be assured their tap water is safe and clean. The bottom line is that all substances detected were well within stringent regulatory limits, good news for our customers who expect the highest quality tap water.
We are sharing this report beforehand with department and city/county staff who may receive questions about it from customers, as well as distributing a news release on Thursday. A Spanish-speaking version will be published in the center spread of La Noticia on May 25, 2005.
While a legal requirement, staff is always enthusiastic about the Water Quality Report because it serves as a valuable educational tool for our customers and it gives an opportunity to showcase the quality of this vital service. An annual performance report on wastewater collection and treatment will be available in water/sewer bills in September.
Gay Pride Festival Update
Staff Resource: Keith Parker, 704-336-3855
The Gay Pride Festival was held Saturday, May 7, in Marshall Park. CMPD's advanced planning appears to have been successful. There were two arrests, both of which were for drug possession. Operation Save America was issued a citation for exceeding the decibel limit allowed under the noise ordinance (they had a live band playing in the park).
CMPD estimated that approximately 2,100 people attended the event, including about 100 members of Operation Save America. CMPD is investigating a small number of complaints that are unlikely to be prosecutable.
Metropolitan Transit Commission Meeting Summary
Staff Resource: Ron Tober, 704-336-7245
On Wednesday, April 27, 2005 the MTC unanimously approved Resolution 2005-03, which adopted three CATS recommendations regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the North Corridor, incorporating the following:
- The existing Norfolk Southern railroad right-of-way alignment as well as the one-mile realignment at Hambright Road, in order to accommodate planned transit-oriented development.
- Inclusion of two possible termini, both in Iredell County/Mooresville; and
- Twelve potential station locations (Charlotte Multimodal Station, Derita, Harris Boulevard, Eastfield/Hucks, Hambright Road, Huntersville (Gilead Road), Sam Furr Road, Cornelius (Catawba Avenue), Davidson (Depot Street), Mt. Mourne, Mooresville, and Williams Street)
Additionally, the MTC received information briefings as follows:
Market Research Results:This is the fifth annual survey and the first year in which a new shorter survey was used. The study includes surveys of both riders and non-riders and asks them to rate
CATS on key customer satisfaction elements. Conclusions drawn from the study are that CATS is reaching a broader base of the community and growth markets. CATS is also retaining and building customer loyalty and riders are consistently rating CATS high on customer service elements. Those areas involving non-riders requiring further research and focus, as shown by the study are:
- Value to the community rates highly but quality of service ratings have dropped.
- Perceptions regarding planning for the future and CATS ability to meet transportation needs are lower.
- Addressing safety and security concerns.
Charlotte Transportation Center Plans: In follow up to information presented to the MTC at its November meeting, staff updated the MTC on the progress of talks with Bank of America regarding the Charlotte Transportation Center. Plans to renovate key areas of the Transportation Center to allow for growth and efficiency of the transit system are nearing completion. All construction is to be completed in advance of the South Corridor Light Rail operation commencing and would require CATS to assume more space in the transit center, increasing the rental costs.
Because of these facility modifications, as well as the significant growth in CATS transit service and ridership at the CTC, a review of the management structure for the Center was initiated. During its 10-year life, the CTC has been owned by Charlotte Transportation Center, Inc., a non-profit corporation with a four-member Board of Directors comprised of two City representatives and two Bank of America representatives. The Corporation contracts with Lincoln Harris LLC to provide day-to-day property management over the facility. As the largest user of the facility, CATS pays almost 80% of the annual operating costs of the facility.
Bank of America has indicated a willingness to examine ways to modify the Corporation to provide CATS more direct management control over the Center operations. Discussions are underway between the City's and Bank's legal counsels over how the management structure might be adjusted to accomplish this goal. Any major change to the Corporation or other aspects of the CTC management would be brought back to the MTC for consideration and approval prior to implementation.
Regional Express Routes Costing Methodology: Currently, CATS maintain six regional express route contracts with Mooresville, Concord, Gastonia, Lincoln County, Rock Hill and Union County; and one contract with Wachovia for special shuttle service. The contracts include a cost sharing formula for the regional services which calls for a 50/50 split between CATS and the regional partner. CATS is proposing a new cost sharing formula wherein the costs would be calculated upon total operating hours rather than on only revenue hours. Annual increases in costs will be based upon the approved annual budget rather than a flat percentage. A 2% administrative overhead charge would be passed along to the regional partners. Using this formula, CATS and the regional partners will still share the costs 50/50, but the costs shared will be net rather than gross. The MTC is expected to take action on this proposal at its May meeting.
