Meeting Summary
The city council held a study session to discuss the potential transfer of the Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART) program from the University of Oklahoma to another operator, possibly the city. The council decided to move forward with developing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a consultant to assist with the transfer process. Additionally, the council discussed proposed charter amendments to make the City Attorney and a new Internal Auditor position report directly to the City Council, ultimately deciding to send both proposals to a newly convened Charter Review Committee for further consideration.
Key Decisions & Votes
Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART) Program Transfer Consultant
50:00The council agreed to proceed with developing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to hire a consultant to assist with the transfer of the CART system from the University of Oklahoma, exploring options for a new operator and funding.
Charter Amendments for City Attorney and Internal Auditor Reporting Structure
1:40:00The council decided to send the proposed charter amendments, which would make the City Attorney and Internal Auditor report directly to the City Council, to a newly convened Charter Review Committee for further discussion and recommendation.
Financial Matters
CART Program Funding and Operations
Discussion about the insufficiency of current revenues to cover CART expenses, the need for additional capital and operational funding, and the multi-million dollar value of federal assets (buses, buildings, bus stops) currently held by CART.
Consultant for CART Program Transfer
Discussion about hiring a consultant with expertise in FTA regulations and transit system transfers to assist the city in developing a plan for the CART service transfer. Potential grant funding for this consultant was mentioned.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Proposed charter amendments for City Attorney and Internal Auditor reporting structure (referred to Charter Review Committee)
Deadlines
- University of Oklahoma's goal to transfer CART service by June 30th (end of current fiscal year)
- RFQ for CART consultant to Council in January for approval
- Consultant to submit CART plan to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in Spring
- Resolution to convene Charter Review Commission by October 13th
Watch For
- Discussions with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding CART transfer process
- Exploration of regional partnerships for transit (Cleveland County, City of Moore, RTA, Embark)
- Consideration of a parking authority concept in conjunction with transit
- Formation of a citizen advisory group for transit planning
- Other Charter Review issues including council member seating, term length, and utility rate fee power
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding Cleveland Area Rapid Transit program funding and operations
Presentation on the history, current funding, and future challenges of CART, operated by the University of Oklahoma. Discussion focused on OU's desire to transfer the city portion of bus service and the process for identifying a new operator and funding model, including the need for a consultant and potential regional partnerships.
Discussion regarding possible charter amendments to have the City Attorney and Internal Auditor positions report directly to the City Council
Discussion on proposed changes to the city charter to shift the reporting structure of the City Attorney and the new Municipal Auditor from the City Manager to the City Council, drawing comparisons to Oklahoma City's governmental structure.