AGENDA #4L

 

MEMORANDUM

 

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

 

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

 

SUBJECT:       Project Ordinance for a Real-Time Passenger Information and Automatic Vehicle Location System

 

DATE:             June 14, 2004

 

 

The attached project ordinance would establish a budget for a grant awarded to the Town for a Real-Time Passenger Information and Automatic Vehicle Location system for Chapel Hill Transit.

 

BACKGROUND

 

In the summer of 2003, we received notification from Congressman David Price's office that the Town would receive grant funds for an Intelligent Transportation System deployment program. Funds are to be used for a Real-Time Passenger Information System and Automatic Vehicle Location system for Chapel Hill Transit.

 

The system will use Global Positioning System (GPS)-based technology to provide vehicle location status and arrival information for transit users. This technology will provide the real time that buses will arrive at bus stops via passenger display signs, the Internet, and other potential outlets. It will be integrated with other technologies that Chapel Hill Transit is implementing, including regional trip planning, an automatic stop annunciation system, and electronic destination signs.

 

The project was advertised on March 14 and one proposal was received on May 3.  The Council adopted a resolution on May 24 to reject the proposal because the bid was over budget, and to revise the specifications and issue a new request for proposals.  There is no schedule for installation of the equipment at this time.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The project is funded with $623,957 in federal funds, $249,583 in State funds and $106,680 in previously-awarded State technology funds that will be used as local match, for a total of $980,220.

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That the Council enact the attached ordinance.


AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A GRANT PROJECT BUDGET FOR A REAL-TIME PASSENGER INFORMATION AND AUTOMATIC VEHICLE LOCATION SYSTEM (2004-06-14/O-6)

 

BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of 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 Real-Time Passenger Information and Automatic Vehicle Location System funds authorized are from Congressional earmark from Congressman David Price’s office.

 

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 Federal Transit Administration and 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.

 

Advanced Technology

 

            Federal Transit Administration                                       $623,957

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)            249,583

 

                                                                                    TOTAL            $873,540

 

SECTION IV

 

The following amounts are appropriated for the FY 2004 Real-Time Passenger Information and Automatic Vehicle Location system.

 

            Capital Equipment                                $873,540

 

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 14th day of June, 2004.