Okaloosa County BOCC — September 2, 2014 — July15,2014 RegMeeting — reading text

He said for the taxpayers it is an issue of how much it will cost to run the buses and what is the return on the investment. For the riders, it is a question of whether or not the buses will run. Mr. Boyles said he expects OCT to be a good return on investment. He asked if the Board could provide consensus to Mr. Padgett to put $260,000 into the FY 2015 budget before public comments. Upon inguiry by Mr. Parisot, Mr. Kampert acknowledged the $255,000 figure does not include costs for county staff time and must be added back in. Upon further inguiry, Mr. Kampert estimated that cost at $85,000. Mr. Parisot asked what will happen if the OCT projections are not accurate and there is a shortfall. He asked if it will require a 60-day notification to end it, to which Mr. Kampert said “You are entirely correct.” Mr. Kampert added if there is a shortfall something must be done with the routes or more money would have to be provided to continue the routes. Discussion continued. Mr. Parisot opined an option is to rebid the service and get a professional company, not a non-profit. Mr. Harris spoke on the two routes which were cancelled in Crestview and asked if the same ultimatums were given to other cities. He said he agrees with Mr. Parisot to some degree but noted there is new leadership at OCT and he would like to give him an opportunity to excel. Mr. Harris asked Mr. Bucksdresser to look at possibly adding back Routes 11 and 12 in the future. Mr. Harris polled the audience to see how many of the riders live within the city limits. He stated the Board is willing to do this but the frustration is the cities in which these people live are not willing to help. Mr. Harris said he is asking the representatives of the municipalities to come back to the table and for city leadership to help us. -Mr. Amunds commented letters from the cities have been received about the establishment of a transportation cooperative down the road. The floor was opened for public comment. The following individuals came forward to speak: FWB Mayor Anderson Michelle Mashow, bus rider July 15, 2014 -12- Minute Book 71, Page 154 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners John Finch, Sunshine Shuttle Patrick , bus rider Bernard , bus rider Jerry Melvin, Elder Services Jim Wood, Destin City Council David McDonald, Manager, Santa Rosa Mall Frances Johnson, bus rider William Craig, bus rider Lee Moore, Howard Group Lisa Bicoup, Florida Transportation System Richard Ferrari, bus rider Martha Bayer, bus rider Alan Roberts, Sunshine Shuttle Roy Stone, citizen Matthew Schumaker, bus rider Linda Hermanette, bus rider Mr. Kampert said based on feedback from the cities, staff began discussions before Christmas last year about an interlocal agreement. He said a Memorandum of Understanding for a transit cooperative has been drafted. Mr. Kampert reported staff is ready, willing and able to work on this proposal. He said at the five formal meetings with the cities, staff focused on contributions for this year. Mr. Kampert advised the agreement is out there right now for review with the cities. With regard to Sunshine Shuttle vs OCT, he said the county has a contract with OCT but OCT could enter into contract with another company. Mr. Boyles suggested aggressive action by staff on funding. He said he believes OCT is in a position to take a leadership role which had not been done in the past. Mr. Boyles made motion to take no action to discontinue the fixed routes; to direct staff to program $260,000 into the budget for the coming fiscal year for OCT to continue to operate the program; and to direct staff to work to partner with the cities and OCT to develop a transportation cooperative. Mr. Amunds seconded the motion. After a brief discussion, the vote was taken—-5 yeas. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no further public comment on any issues. July 15, 2014 -13- Minute Book 71, Page 155 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m. DON W. HOWARD CHARLES K. WINDES, JR., CHAIRMAN CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (These minutes were transcribed by Teresa Ward.) July 15, 2014 -14- Minute Book 71, Page 156 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners