Calendar:
Wednesday, February 2
12:00 pm - Economic Development and Planning Committee Meeting, CH-14. AGENDA: Economic Development Strategic Plan; Industrial Study; Neighborhood Improvement Issues; FY06-07 Strategic Focus Area Plan
Information Items:
Weekend Storm Preparation
Staff Resource: Ken Martin, 704-432-3141
The City of Charlotte is expecting a possible winter storm developing around mid-morning on Saturday, January 29. Weather reports indicate a possible mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain beginning between 10:00 am and Noon. Temperatures should remain below freezing throughout the day with possible accumulations from ¼" to ½" of ice. Bridges and culverts could possibly freeze and there may be some icy spots on roadways throughout the city.
Based upon this weather report, the City of Charlotte Street Maintenance Division is currently putting salt brine on bridge and culvert locations throughout the city of Charlotte today. The Street Maintenance Division will deploy staff from 7:00 am Saturday morning through 7:00 am Sunday morning with "B Condition" coverage, which is 27 routes including bridges and culverts throughout the city. We will be spreading salt on all routes as the storm warrants. Priority 1 is major thoroughfares, major arterial streets, hospital entrances and emergency calls. Priority 2 is minor thoroughfares, collector streets and bus routes. We do not anticipate ice or snow depths that will warrant residential street coverage. However, if necessary, staffing levels should be sufficient to handle icing calls. For all calls concerning this storm or any questions, citizens may contact the City Customer Service and Information at 704-336-7600.
Metropolitan Transit Commission Meeting
Staff Resource: Ron Tober, 704 336-7245
The Metropolitan Transit Commission met January 27 and considered an amendment to the Federal Full Funding Grant Agreement for the South Corridor Light Rail Project. CATS staff made a presentation on the recent efforts to review the Project in light of initial construction bids coming in well over the original budget. The presentation was very similar to the one that City Council received on January 10. The MTC discussed the status of the Project and accepted CATS staff recommendations on Project cost savings.
The MTC unanimously approved the amended FFFGA with the $426.84 million budget and the staff recommended financing plan that included issuing additional long-term debt to finance the local share of the South Corridor Project and the elimination of transit funding for construction of the Historic Trolley Barn Project on Bland Street in the South End. The MTC directed CATS staff to pursue other means of funding the Historic Trolley Barn in conjunction with Mecklenburg County, Charlotte Trolley Inc. and other private interests.
The MTC also heard a detailed presentation of the proposed CATS Operating Budget for FY2006-07. The presentation included adjustments to the budget for both years as a result of the six-month delay in the opening of the south Corridor Light Rail Line. Next month, the MTC will review the proposed CATS Capital Budget for FY2006-07. The MTC is scheduled to act on the CATS FY2006-07 Budget at its March 23 meeting. City Council will receive a presentation on the proposed transit budget at its March 2 budget workshop.
Finally, CATS staff reported that ridership on the transit system increased 11.5% in December compared to December 2003. Year-to-date thru December 31, 2004 ridership on the transit system was up 7.5% compared to the same period in 2003.
