The Chronicle's Carolyn Feibel took a look recently at Metro once again rehiring a consultant to help the agency build light rail.

The Metro board has renewed a contract with a $107-per-hour consultant, continuing a pattern of hiring outside experts to help build four new light rail lines.

It's the Metropolitan Transit Authority's third contract with Dhiren K. Chakraborty, who specializes in the design and purchase of vehicles for transit agencies. The contract did not have to go out for bid because it is for professional services.

Chakraborty has already been paid $74,500 under two previous Metro contracts; the new one-year contract has a cap of $96,300.

For additional information about Metro's no-bid and highly paid consultants, check out the story Texas Watchdog published last week: Metro says it lacks expertise to manage light-rail project; hired $2,400/day consultant who is associate of Metro CEO

Also, Feibel penned a column today about just how difficult it is for regular folks to find out when Metro committee meetings are held.

Feibel writes:

In committee meetings, Metro board members discuss the nitty-gritty issues of finance, operations and governmental relations. Since Metro is a taxpayer-funded agency, the meetings are open to the public. But finding out when these committees meet is difficult.

Over here at Texas Watchdog we think that any governmental body should go above and beyond when it comes to publicizing its meetings. Thanks to Feibel for putting a spotlight on this issue.