AGENDA #4n
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Project Ordinance for a Transportation Advanced Technology Grant
DATE: September 12, 2005
PURPOSE
The attached project ordinance would establish a budget for a transit technology grant awarded to the Town to purchase mobile data terminals.
In 1997, the North Carolina General Assembly began appropriating public transportation funds for technology assistance upgrades to rural and urban systems. The technology grants are intended to provide State funds to support the purchase of advanced technologies. On July 1, 2005, the Town was awarded a total of $52,530 to purchase mobile data terminals for the Transportation Department’s demand-responsive fleet.
A Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) is a computerized device used in vehicles to communicate with a central dispatch office. Mobile Data Terminals permit real-time communication between the dispatcher and driver without the need for voice radios. A digital display on the Mobile Data Terminal shows short messages from the dispatcher and a keypad permits the driver to respond. The Mobile Data Terminals will be used to reduce dispatcher time, providing more efficient dispatching and reducing data entry. The terminals will be able to communicate with the existing computer-assisted dispatch software and will be capable of communicating with the automatic vehicle locator system soon to be purchased.
Of the total expenses of $52,530, the N.C. Department of Transportation will provide 90 percent ($47,277). The 10 percent local matching share ($5,253) is available in the Transportation Department’s capital reserve fund.
That the Council enact the attached project ordinance.
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A GRANT BUDGET FOR A TRANSIT TECHNOLOGY PROJECT (2005-09-12/O-5)
BE IT ORDAINED by the Town of Chapel Hill that, pursuant to Section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following grant project budget is hereby adopted:
SECTION I
The Advanced Technology funds authorized are from 2005 State funds from an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
SECTION II
The Manager of the Town of Chapel Hill is hereby directed to proceed with the implementation of the project within the terms of the grant agreements executed with the
North Carolina Department of Transportation within the funds appropriated herein.
SECTION III
The following revenue is anticipated to be available to the Town to complete activities as outlined in the project application.
N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) $47,277
Town of Chapel Hill (local match) 5,253
TOTAL $52,530
SECTION IV
The following amounts are appropriated for the FY2003 Advanced Technology project:
Advertising $ 300
Capital Equipment $52,230
TOTAL $52,530
SECTION V
The Manager is directed to report annually on the financial status of the project in an informational section to be included in the Annual Report. He shall also keep the Council informed of any unusual occurrences.
SECTION VI
Copies of this project ordinance shall be entered into the Minutes of the Council and copies shall be filed within 5 days of adoption with the Manager, Finance Director and Town Clerk.
This the 12th day of September, 2005.