Okaloosa County BOCC — February 18, 2014 — Action Item Printout

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: February 18, 2014 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Elliot Kampert SUBJECT: Set Public Hearing for Transit Route 33 DEPARTMENT: Growth Management BCC DISTRICT: All STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Discuss the setting of a public hearing regarding the possible termination of Transit Route 33. As provided by County's transit policies, it is necessary to hold a public hearing whenever significant changes to a transit route are considered. BACKGROUND: During its meeting of September 3, 2013, the Board of County Commissioners approved a motion to fund Transit Route 33 for 180 days, after which time if the City of Destin cannot assist with funding, Route 33 will be discontinued. March 29, 2014 is the 180th day for which the Board has provided funding. The cost to continue Route 33 for the remainder of the fiscal year is $38,000. As provided in the Okaloosa County Public Transit Fare and Route Modification Policy, the County must hold a public hearing to receive comments on proposed rate or route changes prior to adoption, followed by a 60 day period during which service will continue in order to give riders of the affected routes time to make alternate arrangements if necessary. If the hearing is conducted on March 18, the final day of service will be May 16. There are adequate grant funds (US 98 Corridor) to cover the cost of the 60 day period without local contribution. The Destin City Council is meeting to discuss the funding on February 18. It is anticipated that City staff will notify the County as soon as a decision is rendered. OPTIONS: The Board may set the public hearing, or not set the public hearing. If the City Council is able to provide the necessary funding, the public hearing will be cancelled. RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners set a public hearing for March 18, 2014 to receive public comments regarding the termination of Transit Route 33, the hearing to be held at 9:00 AM or soon thereafter in the BCC Chambers located in the County Water and Sewer Building located at 1804 Lewis Turner Blvd in Ft Walton Beach. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: Ernie Padgett, County Administrator