GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority
1372 East Main Street, Rochester
November 13, 2014
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Mark Assini, Monroe County Supervisors Association
Bill Carpenter, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA)
Angela Ellis, Livingston County (Vice Chairperson)
Erik Frisch, City of Rochester At-Large
Todd Gadd, Wyoming County
Thomas Goodwin, Monroe County Planning Board
Andrea Guzzetta, Rochester City Council
Daniel Hallowell, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)-Region 4
Scott Leathersich, Monroe County At-Large (Chairperson)
Terrence Rice, Monroe County
Kevin Rooney, Wayne County
Douglas J. Tokarczyk, NYS Thruway Authority
Bill Wright, Ontario County
David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (G/FLRPC)
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
David Cook, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA), representing Bill Carpenter for a portion of the meeting
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED
Robert J. Colby, Monroe County
William Eick, Orleans County
James Fletcher, Monroe County At-Large
Roy Gates, Seneca County
David Hartman, Yates County
Timothy Hens, Genesee County
Norman Jones, City of Rochester
Edward Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation
Mitchell Rowe, Rochester City Planning Commission
Steven Urlass, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
(Vacant), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
(Vacant), Federal Transportation Administration (FTA)
(Vacant), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE
Lora Barnhill, NYSDOT-Region 4
Jody Binnix, GTC staff
Don Higgins, Livingston County
Dennis Judson, Fisher Associates
Joel Kleinberg, NYSDOT-Region 4
Sharon Lilla, Barton & Loguidice
Richard Perrin, GTC staff
Christopher Reeve, NYSDOT-Region 4
James Stack, GTC staff
1. Call to Order & Introductions
Scott Leathersich, Planning Committee Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. Members, Alternates, and others present introduced themselves.
2. Public Forum
No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.
3. Approval of Minutes
David Cook moved for approval of the minutes from the October 9 Planning Committee meeting; Terry Rice seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as presented.
Richard Perrin informed the Planning Committee of additional items that are being added to the agenda. NYSDOT is introducing three revised and four new Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments as part of Agenda Item 5.b. These amendments have been considered and concurred with by the TIP Development Committee.
Richard further noted an informational item regarding Preventative Maintenance for RTS and Lift Line for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2014 that will be introduced as Agenda Item 6.b.
4. Reports and Action on Old Business
a. Reports of UPWP Projects and Other Activities
GTC
Richard Perrin reported:
GTC Strategic Planning: GTC staff worked with the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) to develop comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Incorporate Additional Authorities for Planning and Environmental Linkages that was issued on September 10; the comments were submitted on November 10. GTC staff provided input to Senator Schumer's staff on infrastructure banks and other financing mechanisms on November 5. GTC staff reviewed and provided feedback on a letter from various organizations representing local interests to Senate and House transportation leaders on the need for more Surface Transportation Program funds in the next reauthorization.
Regional Traffic Count Collection: Counts for Genesee, Livingston, and Orleans Counties are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
LRTP Update/Implementation: A presentation and discussion on the status of the LRTP 2040 was provided at the October 9 Planning Committee meeting. Two public meetings were held in Rochester City Council Chambers on the evening of October 27 and the afternoon of November 5. These were the last of 15 events that GTC staff participated in as part of the first round of customer engagement. GTC staff is reviewing and considering the comments with emphasis shifting to developing the initial draft of the document. As with the LRTP 2035, GTC staff would like to hold a separate Planning Committee meeting in early-March to present, discuss, and get approval to release the draft document for public review.
Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Critical Transportation Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment: Work is continuing on the inventory of existing conditions and hazard extents based on input received during the first round of Steering Committee meetings. It is anticipated that draft technical memoranda presenting and discussing the inventory of existing conditions and hazard extents will be provided for review in December.
Diversion Route Planning Initiative: GTC staff is continuing to develop the maps of the draft preferred diversion routes for all Principal Arterials in the region and the associated document.
Congestion Management Process (CMP): GTC staff has begun reviewing potential travel time reliability performance measures that will be included as an addendum to the current documentation as a work task of the LRTP 2040. The update of the CMP is included in the LRTP 2035 that was adopted by the Board on June 16, 2011. The CMP Technical Documentation report that expands on the information included in the LRTP 2035 was accepted by the GTC Board at its June 20, 2013 meeting.
Greater Rochester Regional Commuter Choice Program: An awareness campaign document that identifies likely customers and potential outreach and marketing strategies is under development. Once finalized, GTC staff will work with RGRTA to determine how they may be able to assist us in advancing the campaign.
Travel Time Data Collection Program: Access to the data is available and GTC staff are conducting analyses as requested by outside agencies and as needed for internal activities. The most recent data mining and analysis was for the Town of Geneva's comprehensive plan update on November 6.
Regional Mobility Management Business Planning: No progress to report.
Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Trails Initiative Update: The inventory of existing conditions and outline for the full document have been provided, and incorporate comments received during the first round of public review in September and early-October.
Regional Walkability Improvement Program: The windshield surveys and walkability audits are currently being conducted for the Villages of Avon and Bergen and the Cities of Canandaigua and Geneva.
Rochester Area Bike Sharing Program Study: The draft final document business model and phasing plan were provided for Steering Committee review on October 24 and comments were due November 7. The final Steering Committee meeting is being scheduled for December.
G/FLRPC
David Zorn reported:
Regional Land Use Monitoring Report: Work on the upcoming report will commence in January 2015.
Inventory and Mapping of Regional Land Use Regulations: The report is complete and was accepted by the GTC Board at its September 11 meeting.
Regional Rights-of-Way Study: G/FLRPC staff completed an initial parcel inventory.
Regional Viewshed Inventory and Analysis: The final criteria for Viewshed identification have been developed. A matrix for site identification has been sent to the county planning departments for review and comment.
Regional Atlas: The Atlas is complete and was accepted by the GTC Board at its June 19 meeting.
Livingston County
Angela Ellis reported:
Dansville Transportation and Commercial & Industrial Access Study: The Steering Committee is meeting next week to discuss the recommendations and implementation. The project is scheduled to be finalized in December.
Monroe County
Tom Goodwin reported:
Monroe County Land Use Monitoring: Work on the upcoming report will commence in January 2015.
Terry Rice reported:
Monroe County High Accident Location Program: Two additional locations have been studied and 20 of 52 locations are complete (38 percent). Additionally, three follow-up studies for previously completed locations were conducted.
Ontario County
Richard Perrin reported:
Ontario County Freight Corridor Development Plan: The RFP was advertised on November 7 with proposals due December 19.
Erik Frisch reported:
JOSANA Trail Feasibility Study: The inventory and analysis is nearly complete and the second Project Advisory Committee meeting will be held on December 11.
Rochester East Main Arts & Market District Plan: The project kickoff meeting is scheduled for November 18.
Mt. Read Boulevard Corridor Study: The Corridor Study is complete and will be presented for close-out under Agenda Item 5.a.
Rochester Bicycle Boulevard Plan: The Project Advisory Committee met November 12 and confirmed priority routes. The consultant is preparing concept plans and cost estimates. The project is anticipated to be closed out in early-spring of 2015.
RGRTA
David Cook reported:
RGRTA Regional Operational Service Audit: RGRTA is requesting additional funding through next years UPWP. The RFP is being revised in order to phase the project in the event that the additional funding requested is included in the FY 2015-2016 UPWP.
RTS Route Overhaul and Refinement Analysis: No progress to report.
Bus Stop Optimization Study: RGRTA staff are placing informational decals on RTS bus stop signs alerting riders to the change in route numbers that will accompany the Transit Center opening on November 28.
Rochester Area Vanpool Feasibility Study: The RFP was reissued, two proposals were received, and both proposing firms were interviewed on November 11. The recommendation of a preferred consultant will be presented to the RGRTA Board on December 8.
Other Agencies
Richard Perrin reported:
Downtown Seneca Falls Parking and Improvement Study: The RFP was advertised on November 7 with proposals due December 12.
Hojack Trail Feasibility Study: The RFP was advertised on November 4 with proposals due December 15. Thirty RFP packages have been distributed as of November 7.
East Rochester Transportation Improvement Study: The project was accepted by the GTC Board at its September 11 meeting.
Village of Scottsville Zoning Code Update: The Village is reviewing the draft contract that GTC staff completed on October 28.
NYS Route 250 Transit Supportive Mixed Use Development District: The draft design manual is continuing to be revised prior to being submitted to the Steering Committee for its review.
Town of Penfield Transit Supportive Mixed Use Development District: The RFP has been finalized and is expected to be advertised when the draft design manual from the NYS Route 250 Transit Supportive Mixed Use District is complete.
Village of Brockport Active Transportation Plan: The inventory of existing conditions is under development.
Town of Henrietta Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Plan: Notice to proceed was issued to the preferred consultant on October 14. The inventory of existing conditions is under development and the initial Steering Committee meeting was held on November 6.
Pittsford Active Transportation Plan: The RFP is being finalized with advertisement expected after Thanksgiving.
Town of Greece Active Transportation Plan: The project was accepted by the GTC Board at its September 11 meeting.
Town of Chili Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Study: The Steering Committee met to provide feedback on the draft introduction, inventory and analysis, and needs assessment. The development of alternatives is beginning.
Town of Perinton Active Transportation Plan: A survey is being finalized based on Steering Committee comments that were due October 28. The project website is under development.
b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements
Richard Perrin provided the following updates:
1. Regional Bridge Network Needs Assessment and Investment Strategy
Richard Perrin reported that the Steering Committee met on October 14 where the initial results of the Maintenance of Existing Conditions and Management of Declining Assets scenarios were presented. In addition, the thresholds for State of Good Repair were also agreed to at the meeting and the framework for the two tools were discussed. GTC staff followed up with Steering Committee members after the meeting to provide additional input on factors to be included in the prioritization tool, which is currently under development for further discussion at the next Steering Committee meeting on November 20. In addition to finalizing the factors for the prioritization tool at that meeting, the final results for all three scenarios will be presented and there will be a demonstration of the tool that calculates optimum work types by investment level. The project is still on schedule to have all final deliverables by the end of the calendar year.
Terry Rice noted that Rich will be presenting the results of the project at the New York State Association of County Highway Superintendents meeting in January.
Todd Gadd asked Rich if he thought other MPO Directors or NYSDOT-Main Office staff would be interested in attending the January presentation. Rich responded that he could share information as appropriate.
2. Functional Classification Update
There was a general discussion at the October 30 TIP Development Committee (TDC) meeting regarding the proposed revisions that were provided for member agency review. However, final decisions were not made and GTC staff will be providing the TDC a comprehensive list with descriptions of the approximately 75-80 proposed reclassifications by the end of this week. Comments from the TDC will be due by the end of the calendar year and GTC staff will work to finalize the list of proposed reclassifications that will be presented to the TIP Development Committee at its January 2015 meeting and this Committee at its February 2015 meeting. We anticipate GTC Board action on March 12, 2015, which means that GTC work tasks will be completed approximately two years before the Federal Highway Administration deadline for the decennial functional classification update.
Terry Rice noted that Monroe County DOT followed up with two towns regarding proposed changes to respective town-owned roads and received concurrence.
3. FY 2015-2016 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Development
Richard Perrin stated that the FY 2015-2016 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Call for projects was issued on Friday, September 12. An applicant workshop was held on Wednesday, September 24 at the Henrietta Town Hall with three potential project sponsors attending.
Nineteen proposals requesting $1,105,400 in federal transportation planning funds were received by the Friday, October 17 deadline. There is $917,823 available for programming in the FY 2015-2016 UPWP. Based on the discussion at the October 9 Planning Committee meeting, GTC staff will use $75,000 for on-call travel demand model assistance and travel time data collection.
The 19 proposals were evaluated by GTC staff. The proposals and an associated summary were distributed to the UPWP Development Committee (UDC) on Monday, October 20. The UDC will meet as necessary to review the proposals and discuss additional factors based on their professional judgment. The first meeting of the UDC will be held after this Planning Committee meeting and additional meetings have been scheduled for November 25 and December 8.
A draft FY 2015-2016 UPWP Project List will be developed for presentation to the Planning Committee at its January 8, 2015 meeting. Based on any changes made at that meeting, a draft Project List will be approved for 30-day public review. A draft FY 2015-2016 UPWP will be presented to the Planning Committee at its February 12, 2015 meeting for consideration and recommendation to the GTC Board. Based on any changes made at that meeting, the GTC Board will consider the final draft FY 2015-2016 UPWP at its March 12, 2015 meeting and the adopted UPWP will take effect April 1, 2015.
5. Action Items
a. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning accepting the Mount Read Boulevard Corridor Study: NYS Route 33 (Buffalo Road) to Stone Road as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 7574 / Proposed Council Resolution
14-106
Erik Frisch presented the Mount Read Boulevard Corridor Study. He noted that the study area was multi-jurisdictional and contained a variety of land uses. Accordingly, the Project Advisory Committee was broad-based and diverse. Erik highlighted the recommendations for various sections of the corridor in recognition of the variety of land uses. The final recommendations proposed total over $47 million in investments over a 20-year timeframe.
Terry Rice moved to recommend that the GTC Board adopt Proposed Council Resolution 14-106; Kevin Rooney seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
b. Action and recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program / Proposed Council Resolutions 14-107 through 14-137
Scott Leathersich noted that, as mentioned earlier in the meeting, there will be some additional amendment requests added to the end of this agenda item. He suggested grouping all amendments concerning the 2014-2017 TIP under a single action. No member or alternate objected.
1. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by deferring select phases of the East Henrietta Road Improvements (Rochester City Line to Stan Yale Drive) project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-107 (City of Rochester)
2. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by advancing a portion of a phase of the City of Rochester Highway Preventive Maintenance Group # 2 project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-108 (City of Rochester)
3. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by reprogramming select phases of the Elmwood Avenue/Collegetown Cycle Track project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-109 (City of Rochester)
Erik Frisch gave an overview of Proposed Council Resolutions 14-107 through 14-109. There were no questions.
4. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by deferring select phases of the Erie Canalway Trail West of NYS Route 414 project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-110 (NYSDOT on behalf of the Village of Clyde)
5. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by reprogramming select phases of the Downtown Perry Streetscape project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-111 (NYSDOT on behalf of the Village of Perry)
6. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by reprogramming select phases of the Ellicott Trail project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-112 (NYSDOT on behalf of the Town of Batavia)
Richard Perrin gave an overview of Proposed Council Resolutions 14-110 through 14-112. There were no questions.
7. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by deferring a portion of a phase of the I-390 Interchange Improvements @ Exit 16 project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-113 (NYSDOT)
8. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by deferring a portion of select phases of the Rt. 441 Intersection Improvements at Salt Road and Harris Road project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-114 (NYSDOT)
9. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by adding the Pavement Markings for 2015 (Eastside) project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-115 (NYSDOT)
10. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by decreasing the cost of the HSIP Block Program project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-116 (GTC staff)
Chris Reeve gave an overview of Proposed Council Resolutions 14-113 through 14-116. There were no questions.
11. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by adding the Elmwood Ave. @ Lac de Ville Blvd Intersection Improvement project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-117
(Monroe County)
Terry Rice gave an overview of Proposed Council Resolution 14-117. Richard Perrin noted a typo and indicated the total federal share should be $193,500. There were no questions.
12. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by increasing the cost of the Rt. 404 Intersection Improvements @ Five Mile Line Rd. & Hard Rd. project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-118 (NYSDOT)
Chris Reeve gave an overview of Proposed Council Resolution 14-118. There were no questions.
13. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by increasing the cost of the Huffer Road Curve project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-119 (Monroe County)
Terry Rice gave an overview of Proposed Council Resolution 14-119. There were no questions.
14. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by deleting the NYSDOT Principal Art. or Higher Prev. Maint. @ 4 Locations (2015) project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-120 (NYSDOT)
15. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by decreasing the cost of the NYSDOT Principal Art. or Higher Prev. Maint. @ 6 Locations (2016) project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-121 (NYSDOT)
16. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by adding the Route 332 and Route 5&20 Preventive Maintenance project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-122 (NYSDOT)
17. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by adding the Route 441 and I-490 Concrete Repairs / Proposed Council Resolution 14-123 (NYSDOT)
18. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by deferring a phase of the Village of Webster Pavement Preventive Maint. (Rts. 404 & 250) project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-124 (NYSDOT)
19. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by reprogramming select phases of the Upgrade of the Rochester/ Monroe County ITS project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-125 (NYSDOT on behalf of Monroe County)
20. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by decreasing the cost of the NYSDOT Bridge Preventive Maintenance at 7 locations (FFY 2015) project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-126 (NYSDOT)
21. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by increasing the cost of the I-590 (I-390 to Highland Ave.) Preventive Maintenance project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-127 (NYSDOT)
Chris Reeve gave an overview of Proposed Council Resolutions 14-120 through 14-127.
Richard Perrin distributed an additional amendment request letter from NYSDOT along with revisions to Proposed Council Resolutions 14-121, 14-123, and 14-127, and new Proposed Council Resolutions 14-133 through 14-136 as noted below.
Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by decreasing the cost of the I-490 EB to Route 590 NB Safety Improvements project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-133 (NYSDOT)
Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by decreasing the cost of the STP-Flex Block Program project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-134 (NYSDOT)
Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by deferring select phases of the County Road 9 Preventive Maintenance project / Proposed Council Resolution
14-135 (NYSDOT)
Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by deferring select phases of the River Street over Tonawanda Creek Minor Rehabilitation project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-136 (NYSDOT)
Chris Reeve gave an overview of the additional amendments requested by NYSDOT. There were no questions.
Richard Perrin added that it is difficult to know the locations that will need preventive maintenance within a given window of opportunity when TIP projects are solicited years in advance. The new TIP projects (Resolutions 14-122 and 14-123) were evaluated and they rank similarly to the projects they are replacing. The TDC concurred with the proposed changes.
Richard noted that GTC staff will prepare Proposed Council Resolution 14-137 to achieve the change to the Downtown Two-Way Conversion Phase II project requested in the NYSDOT letter.
22. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by increasing the cost of the Jones Lane Railroad Crossing project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-128 (NYSDOT)
23. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by increasing the cost of the Hiedenrich Road Railroad Crossing project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-129 (NYSDOT)
24. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by increasing the cost of the Dresser/Snell Road Railroad Crossing project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-130 (NYSDOT)
Chris Reeve discussed Proposed Council Resolutions 14-128 through 14-130. There were no questions.
25. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by reinstating the Erie Station Road Reconstruction project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-131 (Monroe County)
Terry Rice discussed Proposed Council Resolution 14-131. There were no questions.
26. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2014-2017 TIP by adding seven Transportation Alternatives Program project / Proposed Council Resolution 14-132 (NYSDOT on behalf of various project sponsors)
Dan Hallowell discussed Proposed Council Resolution 14-132. There were no questions.
Bill Wright moved to recommend that the GTC Board adopt Proposed Council Resolutions 14-107 through 14-137; Bill Carpenter seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
6. New Business
a. 2015 Meeting Calendar
Richard Perrin stated that the 2015 Meeting Calendar has been finalized, noting the location of January 8, 2015 meeting has been confirmed. The next Planning Committee meeting will take place on January 8, 2015 at the Ebenezer Watts Conference Center.
b. Preventative Maintenance for RTS and Lift Line for FFY 2014
Richard Perrin stated that, as part of the package of additional Proposed Council Resolutions and associated TIP Project Detail Sheets that was distributed earlier in the meeting, there was an updated version of the Project Detail Sheet for the Preventive Maintenance RTS & Lift Line for FFY 2014 project. The table has been edited to more clearly note the use of FFY 2013 FTA Section 5307 funds on this project. RGRTA is the designated recipient of these funds and has up to three years to get the funds into a grant. Since the funds pre-date the TIP, they cannot be shown within the four-year window of the TIP; however, GTC wishes to make it clear that these funds are intended for use on this project. Therefore, the funds are identified in the Prior Years column and described in the Notes section. These changes are editorial and do not require formal action by the Planning Committee but are being discussed for informational purposes.
Terry Rice noted that the NYS County Highway Superintendents Association has asked NYSDOT to have bridge inspection contracts include recommendations for minor repairs that can be accomplished quickly and cost-effectively. Terry further inquired if the next contract for local bridge inspection may accommodate this request.
Dan Hallowell noted he would follow-up with NYSDOT-Main Office regarding this request. One item that would need to be addressed is how to handle the contract terms for the additional work.
7. Public Forum
No member of the public spoke during the Public Forum.
8. Next Meeting
January 8, 2015, at the Ebenezer Watts Conference Center
47 S. Fitzhugh Street
Rochester, NY
All materials for items to be considered at this meeting should be submitted to GTC staff no later than Friday, December 26, 2014.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m.