Agenda Notes:
Dinner Briefing: Fiscal Year 2005 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Staff Resource: Greg Gaskins, 704-336-5885 - ggaskins@ci.charlotte.nc.us
The fiscal year 2005 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is attached for your information and review. During the January 23 dinner session, a full presentation will be made regarding these financial statements by Finance staff and the external auditor.
Information Items:
Street Re-Naming for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Staff Resource: Doreen Szymanski, 704-336-7527 - dszymanski@ci.charlotte.nc.us
At the January 3, 2006 workshop, Council agreed to place re-naming a street for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the January 9, 2006 agenda. As a result of the discussion on January 9, City Council asked staff to identify additional options for the re-naming in addition to Stonewall Street, including naming the northern portions of I-485 for Dr. King. Council directed staff to bring those back to Council for consideration. Staff is currently gathering that information and it is anticipated that re-naming a street for Dr. King will be placed on Council's February 13, 2006 agenda for consideration.
Regional Planning for Air Quality Board Update
Staff Resources: Julie Burch, 704-336-3187 - jburch@ci.charlotte.nc.us
Jim Humphrey, 704-336-3883 - jhumphrey@ci.charlotte.nc.us
Late last year, staff presented the framework for the Regional Planning for Air Quality Board which would help facilitate cooperation between businesses and governmental agencies on Air Quality issues. The Mayor serves on the Board.
The Board met January 6, 2006. Some of the items of discussion included:
Regional Transportation Demand Management Pilot Project for 2006
Staff of the Board membership reported on response to Request for Proposals for a pilot program in 2006 to test how businesses could affect improved air quality through employee work trip behaviors and operational changes. The firm of URS, which has a local office, was selected for contract negotiations. The fee was slightly under $1 M.
The Board requested more information on the amount of staff and financial support businesses would contribute in order to assist the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioner's decision on whether to allocate all or part of $500,000 in funds set aside for air quality programs to the pilot program. The Board of County Commissioners' decision is scheduled for tonight. Other funds ($500,000) in Congestion, Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds have already been approved by the MUMPO. The Board also wanted to receive more information on incentives and raised the need for policy decisions by elected bodies if cash incentives funded by government are suggested. County staff will lead negotiations with URS and expects to approve a contract later this month so work with businesses can begin as soon as possible.
Governance
The Board agreed on a governance document (attached). It specifies a 7- member Board including the Mayor of Charlotte. Votes will be made by consensus of Board members and minutes of meetings will be recorded. Staff of the Regional Planning Alliance will manage Board activities. Management of Board projects will be conducted with resources provided by Board members. The Board agreed to meet monthly during program start-up, then expects to meet quarterly.
We will continue to keep you apprised of work by the Regional Planning for Air Quality Board and give you an update on the key elements of the Pilot TDM Project when negotiations are completed, potentially at the February or March Council Workshop.
