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Commissioner Hale outlines RTC disputes, hiring question and grant opportunities
Summary
Commissioner Hale reported on three RTC items: a dispute over a new scribe-party agreement that has generated a lawsuit with Denton County; negotiations to start appointing Michael Morris as RTC/MPO transportation director, raising bylaw questions; and opportunities under the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program.
Commissioner Hale provided an update on recent Regional Transportation Council matters, flagging several items that could require future local attention.
Hale said a new scribe-party agreement involving the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the RTC and TxDOT has prompted disagreement about who qualifies as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) and has led to litigation between Denton County and the NCTCOG Executive Board. He also said the RTC moved to begin negotiations for Michael Morris to be appointed as the MPO transportation director, a step that raised questions about whether the RTC bylaws permit direct hiring rather than the COG acting as the employer. "It it passed even though it's in contradiction of bylaws because they said it was only to begin negotiations," Hale said.
Hale also described the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program and encouraged future discussion about whether Collin County should apply directly rather than relying on COG or RTC routes. He noted the program provides substantial funding for planning and safety projects and that countywide application could broaden options beyond project-by-project awards.
The report was informational; no court action was taken.
