Information Items:
Environmental Initiatives Manager
Resource:
Curt Walton, City Manager, 704-336-5019, cwalton@ci.charlotte.nc.us
At an earlier meeting City Council requested a report on an Environmental Initiatives Manager to lead development of the Environment Focus Area and other environmental initiatives within the organization. As you will recall, the Environmental Initiatives Manager was the subject of debate in the budget process last spring. Council made the request for additional information following the Chicago inter-city visit, which included considerable focus on environmental initiatives being undertaken by the City of Chicago. That report is attached. If you have any questions or would like any additional information, please feel free to give me a call.
Metropolitan Transit Commission Meeting Summary November 12, 2008
Resource:
Keith Parker, CATS, 704-336-3855, kparker@ci.charlotte.nc.us
At its meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, the MTC had no action items on the agenda, but received information briefings on the following:
MTC Legislative Priority Review: The City's and CATS' federal lobbyist, Holland & Knight, provided the MTC with an overview of the current and future economic atmosphere in Washington, D.C. and emerging issues that may impact the President-elect and the incoming Congress in January 2009. In addition, staff provided information on key projects to prepare the MTC to take action on a federal transit legislative agenda in December.
Regional Transit Discussion: CATS staff provided updates on the 2030 Corridor System Plan and on Regional Bus Services to surrounding Counties. While these services have seen rapid increases in ridership, they constitute less than 2% of CATS overall budget. The MTC also received updates on transit activities in several surrounding areas, including Rock Hill/York County, Gaston County, Lake Norman, and Cabarrus County.
Roadway Cost Estimates: Mecklenburg-Union MPO (MUMPO) staff and consultants updated the cost estimates for road projects in the region. In less than five years, the cost of the projects has more than doubled.
CEO Report
Under the Director's report, Mr. Parker discussed the following:
1. Ridership: Ridership went up significantly in October with an overall increase of about 39% as compared to October 2007. LYNX had its biggest month with 475,000 riders.
2. Financial Update: Staff gave an overview of CATS financial situation, noting that sales tax revenues were not meeting projections. Estimates for September indicate a 12% decline from September 2007. As a result, staff is looking at three alternatives: 1) relatively minor cuts within operations, 2) significant changes to a limited number of routes, or 3) comprehensive review of all routes and services that may lead to the reduction or elimination of several routes.
3. December MTC Meeting: Per the inter-local agreement, the Charlotte Mayor begins a 1-year term as the MTC Chair in December. The Chair of the Mecklenburg County Commission served as Chair for the previous year. The MTC will also elect a Vice-Chair from one of the Town Mayors in December.
The next MTC meeting will be Wednesday, December 17 at 5:30 p.m.
AT&T Requests State Video Franchise for Charlotte
Resource:
Chuck Robinson, BSS, 704-336-3064, clrobinson@ci.charlotte.nc.us
In a November 13, 2008 filing with the North Carolina Secretary of State (NC SOS), AT&T requested a State Video Franchise for the city of Charlotte and other portions of Mecklenburg County. According to the requirements of the North Carolina Video Service Competition Act (SL2006-151), AT&T has 120 days from the effective date of its filing to "begin providing cable service." Under the Act, cable service "begins" when AT&T's video physical plant "passes one or more households in the described service area." When this occurs, AT&T must file a "Notice of Service" with the NC SOS.
Once AT&T files the Notice of Service, Time Warner Cable is eligible to file a "Notice of Termination" of their existing local cable franchise agreement with the City of Charlotte. At the end of the calendar month in which the City receives this notice, our local franchise and the contractual requirements therein will end. Time Warner must then file a request for State Video Franchise with the NC SOS to serve the City.
City staff will continue to monitor franchise activities and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Public Meeting for Street Closures in Paw Creek Tuesday, December 9
Resource:
Tim Gibbs, CDOT, 704-336-3917, tgibbs@ci.charlotte.nc.us,
The Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) is working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the CSX Railroad to protect motorists and trains in the Paw Creek area. To allow for safer travel in the corridor through the Paw Creek community, Kenstead Circle and Craig Street have been identified for closure at the CSX Railroad crossing. A new road, Fred D. Alexander Boulevard, will be built to provide access to Mt. Holly and Old Mt. Holly roads.
A second public workshop has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 9 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the Paw Creek Presbyterian Church gymnasium, 7400 Mount Holly Rd. It will provide an opportunity for citizens to learn more about the proposed closing.
This workshop is a follow-up to a June 2008 meeting where citizens reviewed information, asked questions and provided feedback on the proposed changes. While there will be no formal presentations, the workshop format will allow citizens to review information and talk one on one with staff to address their collective and individual concerns.
Information on other proposed area transportation projects also will be available at the workshop. Council will be asked to act on the street closures at later date.
A map showing the proposed street closing locations is attached.
Solid Waste Services Facility Contract B – Bid Protest
Resources:
Bren Yett, E&PM, 704-336-3633, byett@ci.charlotte.nc.us
Alban Burney, Economic Development, 704-336-4178, aburney@ci.charlotte.nc.us
Cindy White, City Attorney's Office, 704-336-3012, cwhite@ci.charlotte.nc.us
On Monday, November 24, 2008, City Council voted to accept alternates #3, #4 & #5 and award to Shelco, Inc. for the Solid Waste Services bid. Shelco did not meet the SBE goal or the minimum Good Faith Efforts points. The SBO Program Manager issued a non-compliance waiver under Part B: Section 6.2 of the program on the following grounds:
(a) Shelco's proposed SBE utilization was higher than that of the second low bidder (2.99% vs. 1.12%);
(b) Shelco made a diligent effort to comply with the Program, earning 130 out of 155 of the minimum Good Faith Effort points; and
(c) Shelco has no instances of past non-compliance with the Program.
Shelco committed 2.99% ($165,099) of their total base bid plus Alternates 3, 4, and 5 to the following SBE firms: Blind Man ($5,700), Bullington Construction ($54,000), Carolina Fire Dogs, LLC ($42,000), Oliver Construction of the Carolinas ($28,000) and Vecumex Construction ($35,399). In addition, subsequent to bid opening, Shelco committed an additional 14.23% ($785,316) to two other SBEs: Gastonia Iron Works ($646,500) and Siteworks LLC ($138,816).
On Tuesday, November 25, Edison Foard, Inc. filed a formal bid protest objecting to the waiver the City had given to Shelco. This protest is based in part on the fact that Shelco incorrectly listed the name of one of its SBEs as "Oliver Paving" instead of "Oliver Construction" on the bid documentation. Oliver Construction is an SBE whereas Oliver Paving is not. Shelco subsequently produced documentation showing that the company it received a proposal from and entered into a letter of intent with was indeed Oliver Construction. City staff is scheduled to meet with Edison Foard on Thursday to address the issues raised in their bid protest.
