Calendar:
NC Thinking Ahead Regional Transportation Forum - Fri., Oct. 7
Staff Resource:  Jim Humphrey, 704-336-3883 -- jhumphrey@ci.charlotte.nc.us

The NC Thinking Ahead Regional Transportation Forum will be held Friday, October 7 from 1:00 until 4:00 pm at the Harris Conference Center on the CPCC West Campus.  The Harris Center is located at 3216 CPCC West Campus Drive off Morris Field Drive (directions are attached).  It will be an important opportunity for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and NC Thinking Ahead Committee to hear local ideas on how to address the shortfall between NCDOT funding needs and revenues.

We have been told that the first 30-40 minutes will include Opening Remarks and a Power Point presentation that provides background, statistics and current short and long-term needs.  The remaining time will be facilitated breakout and large group dialogue to solicit and study ideas that help raise more revenues for transportation improvements.  The last 10 minutes will include a wrap up and explanation of next steps.  The forum is planned to be highly interactive.  Comments and suggestions will be documented on table top materials and a series of large wall papers around the room.

Also attached is the Transportation Legislative Action Plan approved by City Council.

Agenda Notes:
Dinner Briefing Item #2: Proposed Ordinance on Public Display of Firearms
Staff Resource:  Chief Darrel Stephens, 704-336-2360 -- dstephens1@cmpd.org

At next Monday's dinner briefing, the Police Department plans to introduce a proposed ordinance that would prohibit a pedestrian from displaying firearms on the public streets and sidewalks in the city of Charlotte.  This type of activity is currently not prohibited by state law or city ordinance.  State law allows municipalities to adopt ordinances to "regulate the display of firearms on the streets, sidewalks, alleys, or other public property."  Chapel Hill has adopted such an ordinance.

CMPD continuously evaluates the measures needed to make Charlotte a safe city.  CMPD feels that the open display of firearms on a public street, especially in an area where large crowds have gathered, presents some significant public safety concerns.    The proposed ordinance is a proactive way of addressing a potential problem.

After the dinner presentation, the ordinance will be referred to the Community Safety Committee for discussion.  The ordinance would then be placed on the October 24 Council agenda.

Agenda Items #16 and #17: DNA Grants for CMPD Crime Lab
Staff Resource: Roger Thompson, 704-353-1100 – rthompson@cmpd.org

At its October 10 meeting, Council will be asked to accept two grants for DNA analysis in the CMPD Crime Lab.  CMPD successfully applied for grants under programs that the U.S. Department of Justice is funding to advance DNA analysis and address case work backlogs.

One of the grants will provide a temporary DNA Analyst position to enable the Crime Lab to begin analyzing DNA evidence in robbery, assault, and burglary cases.  The other will provide funds to pay for overtime for DNA analysts to address the backlog in cases with DNA evidence. 

The current case backlog is approximately 280 cases. Approximately 30-35 cases are added each month and an average of 20 are completed.

Use of these grant programs is a proactive way to address the case backlog issue.  CMPD plans to continue applying for funding under these grant programs.

Attachments:
- Directions to Harris Conference Center
- State Transportation Legislative Action Plan
- Economic Development & Planning Committee Summary 9-21-05