GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Livingston County Government Center
Geneseo, New York
February 12, 2009
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Angela Ellis, Livingston County
James Fletcher, Monroe County At Large
Todd Gadd, Wyoming County
Tom Goodwin, Monroe County Planning Board
Daniel Hallowell, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Region 4
Kristen Mark Hughes, Ontario County (Chairperson)
Terrence J. Rice, Monroe County
Kevin Rooney, Wayne County
Douglas Tokarczyk, New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA)
David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (G/FLRPC)
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
David Cook, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA), representing Mark Aesch
John Thomas, City of Rochester, representing Paul Holahan
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED
Robert Colby, Monroe County
Robert Griffith, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Timothy Hens, Genesee County
Scott Leathersich, Monroe County At Large (Vice Chairperson)
Gary Kent, Orleans County
Edward Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation
William Sullivan, Rochester City Council
Chuck Thomas, Rochester City Planning Commission
Steve Urlass, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
(Vacant), Monroe County Supervisors Association
(Vacant), City of Rochester At Large
(Vacant), FTA
(Vacant), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
(Vacant), Seneca County
(Vacant), Yates County
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE
Josh Artuso, City of Rochester
Doug Benson, City of Rochester
Erik Frisch, City of Rochester
Julie Gotham, GTC Staff
Don Higgins, Livingston County
Richard Perrin, GTC Staff
Rob Slaver, NYSDOT Region 4
James Stack, GTC Staff
Patrick Waterman, FRA Engineering
Ed Welsh, NYSDOT Region 4
Bill Wright, Ontario County
1. Call to Order & Introductions
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Kristen Mark Hughes welcomed everyone and Members, Alternates, and others present introduced themselves.
2. Public Forum
No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.
3. Approval of Minutes
Terry Rice requested that the minutes from the January 8 Planning Committee meeting be amended to include the action taken (motion, second, and vote) to approve the Draft FY 2009-2010 UPWP Project List for public review.
Terry Rice moved for approval of the minutes from the January 8, 2009 Planning Committee meeting; Dan Hallowell seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as amended.
4. Reports and Action on Old Business
a. Reports on UPWP Projects and Other Activities
GTC
Richard Perrin reported:
There is no progress to report for the Supplemental Professional Services Database Programming project.
As part of Strategic Planning, GTC staff is continuing development of the cooperative planning agreement between GTC, NYSDOT, and RGRTA. Richard Perrin is scheduled to attend the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) Policy Committee meeting on February 19 and 20. Meeting topics include a legislative update, policy positions for authorization, performance measures, and economic stimulus.
LRTP Update/Implementation activities include the inventory of projects completed and recommendations of UPWP studies completed since the last LRTP. Development of a public involvement plan is 75 to 80 percent complete. A review of other LRTPs has been completed.
With regard to the Air Quality Planning and Outreach task, GTC staff participated on a January conference call with NYSDEC regarding new ozone designations. There has been no change to transportation conformity for our TIP area. A potential issue may be the addition of Seneca County to the nonattainment area. GTC staff is working with NYSDOT Environmental Science Bureau and NYSDOT Region 3 to make the case for not including Seneca County in the nonattainment area. GTC staff participated in a February 11 conference call with the Interagency Consultation Group regarding air quality exemption classifications for projects proposed for economic stimulus funding. The ICG concurred with GTC proposals with minor follow-up needed.
For the GTC Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program and SRTS Site Assessments, the development of a guidebook is continuing. The consultant is revising action plans for the five selected schools.
For the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Strategic Plan Update, the second workshop was held on January 28 and the third is scheduled for March 3. Interviews with stakeholders have been completed. Goals and objectives have been identified. An inventory of current ITS deployment is underway.
There is no progress to report for the Diversion Route Planning Initiative.
All four of the 2006-2007 Priority Trails Advancement Program projects are complete.
The 2007-2008 Priority Trails Advancement Program consists of three projects. The consultant is refining the alternatives for the I-590 Bicycle Pedestrian Bypass project. The third Steering Committee meeting was held on January 21. For the Lehigh Valley (Honeoye Falls) project, a Town of Macedon representative met with property owners along the proposed alignment on January 20. The first public meeting is scheduled for February 12. For the Erie Canal Glenwood Lake Connector project, the consultant is refining the alternatives. The third Steering Committee meeting was held on February 4.
The 2007 Circulation, Accessibility, and Parking (CAP) Program consists of four projects. The Village of Perry and Village of Hilton projects are complete. The Village of Macedon project was recommended for acceptance by the GTC Board at the January 8 meeting. The Browns Square Neighborhood project is progressing.
The 2008 CAP Program consists of one project. A preferred consultant has been selected and a Steering Committee has been formed for the Village of Fairport Central Business District study.
For the Congestion Management Process (CMP), a comparison of modeled speeds on principal arterials to observed travel time data is being conducted.
There is no progress to report for the Travel Time Data Collection Program.
There is no progress to report for the Regional Goods Movement Strategy.
G/FLRPC
David Zorn reported:
The Local Update of Census Addresses Phases 1 and 2 projects are complete.
The 2010 Census TAZ Analysis and Revisions project is progressing. G/FLRPC staff is continuing GIS mapping with trip generation data.
Surveys have been returned and follow-up activities are being conducted for the 2008 Regional Land Use Monitoring project.
For the Historic Transportation Gateway Inventory and Assessment task, analysis is being performed and the report is being developed.
The Preparing Village Main Streets for Planning project is complete.
The Optimizing Transportation Infrastructure through Effective Land Use project is complete.
Monroe County
Tom Goodwin reported:
Data has been received and follow-up activities are taking place for the 2008 Monroe County Land Use Monitoring project. Permit data for 2008 has been received.
The Monroe County Parking Study is complete.
Terry Rice reported:
A consultant has been selected for the Monroe County Audible/Tactile Pedestrian Signal Device Study. Contract negotiations are underway.
The Monroe County Overhead Traffic Sign Visibility Upgrade study is complete. The final report will be presented at the April Planning Committee meeting.
A consultant has been selected for the Monroe County Vertical Curve Safety Study. Contract negotiations are underway.
Funding for the Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity Study was relinquished by Monroe County and used to satisfy a portion of the FHWA funding rescission.
The Monroe County High Accident Location Program is 30 percent complete with analysis of fifteen locations conducted. A summary will be presented at the April Planning Committee meeting.
Ontario County
Kris Hughes reported:
The State Routes 96/318 Rural Corridor Study is in the final stages.
Two consultants responded to the RFP for the CATS Route Analysis and Service Improvement Plan. Consultant interviews are scheduled for February 13.
City of Rochester
Doug Benson reported:
No progress to report for the Port of Rochester Transportation Evaluation and Support Study.
Comments on the final draft report for the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Concept Design and Implementation Study were received from Monroe County this week. The report will be made available on CD once it is complete.
A Scope of Work for the Center City Tourist/Visitor Circulation and Pedestrian Wayfinding Study will be presented later in the meeting.
The Center City Parking Development & Management project is complete.
The Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Parking and Circulation Study is progressing. A neighborhood meeting is being scheduled.
Doug also reported on the Browns Square Neighborhood CAP project that was previously reported on by GTC. He added that a public meeting is being scheduled for March.
RGRTA
David Cook reported:
There is no progress to report for the Market Research for RGRTA Regional Services task.
There is no progress to report for the RGRTA Suburban Transportation Service Study.
The RTS/Lift Line Operational Analysis & Facility Utilization Study was recommended for acceptance by the GTC Board at the January 8 meeting.
The RTS Operational Process Study is complete.
Two consultant proposals for the RTS Signal Prioritization Study were received. The proposals were distributed to the Steering Committee for review.
There is no progress to report for the Information Technology Assessment Study.
The RGRTA Route Analysis project is on-going.
Genesee County
Richard Perrin reported:
The Genesee County Safe Passing Zone Survey was recommended for GTC Board acceptance at the January 8 meeting.
Seneca County
Richard Perrin reported:
A consultant has been selected for the NYS Routes 5&20/414 Corridor Study.
Wayne County
Kevin Rooney reported:
The Cluster Development Enhancement Project Feasibility Study is progressing.
The Palmyra Route 21 Truck Study is complete.
Wyoming County
Richard Perrin reported:
Funding for the Transportation Elements of Scenic/Historic Resources in Wyoming County project was relinquished by Wyoming County and used to satisfy a portion of the FHWA funding rescission.
Other Agencies
Richard Perrin reported:
The Regional Traffic Count Collection Program consists of three contracts to conduct traffic counts in eight counties. Counts are complete in seven counties. Counts in Monroe County will resume in the spring of 2009.
A preferred consultant has been chosen for the Village of Arcade Main Street Study. Traffic data was provided to the consultant.
A Steering Committee meeting for the Village of Geneseo Circulation and Parking Study was held on January 27. Existing conditions and a community survey were discussed. A public meeting is scheduled for February 28.
GTC is conducting travel demand modeling for an initial lane reduction (i.e., road diet) scenario for the Dewey Avenue Corridor Traffic Calming Study is being finalized.
Terry Rice noted that MCDOT resurfaced Dewey Avenue two years ago. MCDOT did not consider lane changes at that time since they were unaware of any potential changes at that time.
A Steering Committee meeting for the Spencerport Eastern Village Corridor Concept Study was held on January 22. GIS files were provided to the consultant on January 21. The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for February 19.
The Route 250 Corridor Study is complete.
A kick-off meeting for the Town of Macedon NYS Route 31 Corridor Study was held on January 27. The consultant discussed and revised the schedule and collected Steering Committee input on issues and opportunities.
There is no progress to report for the Genesee County Central Corridor Plan.
The Williamson Route 104 & Route 21 Gateway Concepts project was recommended for acceptance by the GTC Board at the January 8 meeting.
Kris Hughes reported that there has been no progress regarding the Victor Transportation Systems Plan, as other portions of the full Comprehensive Plan update are progressing at this time.
The final draft for the Town of Penfield Bicycle Facilities Plan is 95 percent complete. A presentation of the report is expected at the Planning Committee meeting in April.
Terry Rice noted that MCDOT will provide comments on the final draft.
b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements
1. Update on the development of the 2010-2014 Transportation Improvement Program
Richard Perrin discussed the TIP Update process to date. After going through an exercise to update costs and schedules, GTC determined that there are sufficient funds for a targeted solicitation of new bridge and air quality improvement projects.
Richard noted that GTC and NYSDOT Region 4 planned to issue a targeted Call for Projects on January 20. Shortly before then there was a conference call with FHWA to discuss TIP and STIP updates in relation to economic stimulus. FHWA indicated that a new STIP is not required this year.
NYSDOT Main Office has not decided on a new schedule, but the consensus is to delay the TIP and STIP updates. GTC provided the TDC with options for updating the TIP based on NYSDOTs schedule (original or revised). GTC does not expect to present the TIP update at the GTC Board meeting in June.
Terry Rice noted that the TDC discussed the possibility of issuing the targeted Call for Projects at the end of February. He asked if this is still the case.
Richard Perrin responded that the focus is on economic stimulus right now. Richard reinforced the need for a Call for Projects. He noted that once NYSDOT determines its plan to progress the STIP update, GTC will provide a new schedule for the TDC.
2. Update on the proposed economic stimulus legislation and project selection for the GTC Transportation Improvement Program Area
Richard Perrin discussed the economic stimulus public review. The Planning Committee approved the list of economic stimulus projects on January 8. A public review was held from January 9 through February 9. A public meeting was held on January 28. No one from the public attended.
The TDC will meet following this Planning Committee meeting to deliberate over the projects. GTC expects to receive approximately $85 million in economic stimulus funding. However, we have received approximately $312 million in funding requests.
There will be special Planning Committee and Board meetings on February 18 to consider amending the TIP to include projects to benefit from economic stimulus legislation.
GTC staff worked with the TDC to consider projects based on a streamlined TIP evaluation process. GTC staff developed a quantitative evaluation as a starting point for prioritization.
The House and Senate conference committee agreed to legislation on February 11 and the President is expected to sign the legislation by February 16.
Dan Hallowell stated that NYSDOT Main Office is determined to utilize all economic stimulus funds apportioned to the State for transportation. NYSDOT Main Office has indicated that if projects do not progress as expected, the funds will be reassigned to other projects
Terry Rice stated that NYSDOT has developed a template for an Initial Project Proposal/Final Design Report. He has shared it with some Towns already and can share with anyone else who would like it.
Dan Hallowell stated that Ed Welsh has worked out a plan for local project sponsors to potentially use the States OGS contract for Vendor Placed Pavement (VPP) projects.
Dan also noted that NYSDOT Region 4 is setting up workshops for local project sponsors in order to identify what needs to be done to advance the projects as quickly as possible.
Terry Rice asked if there is settlement on contract award date versus obligation date.
Richard Perrin responded that GTC will have to wait to see the final legislation.
5. Action Items
a. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning adopting the FY 2009-2010 Unified Planning Work Program / Proposed Council Resolution 09-5.
Richard Perrin discussed the draft FY 2009-2010 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The UPWP contains new and continuing planning projects for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2009 and ending March 31, 2010. The UPWP Development Committee has not recommended any changes to the public review document that was approved at the January 8 Planning Committee meeting. He also mentioned that there were no public comments on the draft UPWP project list.
GTC staff will provide proposed project classifications for public participation purposes to the Planning Committee at the April meeting. The draft UPWP document includes anticipated classifications for new projects.
Per preliminary recommendations from the federal certification review site visit, work schedules have been added for each UPWP task. He noted that these schedules provide a substantial improvement in terms of making the UPWP not just a work program but also a work plan that will allow for better management of projects.
There are fewer new projects this year, and the upcoming federal rescission is a potential issue. GTC anticipated a 40 percent reduction in FFY 2009 FHWA PL funds. Other MPOs have not anticipated a reduction, meaning that some may be discussing layoffs. Some MPOs may be looking to the stimulus to maintain their budgets instead of infrastructure since some MPO activities are eligible for stimulus funding.
Dave Zorn noted a missing project name for Task 4186 in Table 1.
Erik Frisch noted that he would like the Center City Circulator Study to have RGRTA added as a participating agency in the UPWP document.
David Cook moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 09-5; Terry Rice seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
b. Action and Recommendations to the GTC Board concerning amendments to the 2007-2012 TIP.
Richard Perrin discussed the TIP amendments.
1. Action concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by increasing the total cost of Highland Park / Canal Connector Trail project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 09-1
The Town of Brighton is seeking additional funds for design. The source of federal funds is unprogrammed CMAQ funds.
3. Action concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the Notes portion of the Project Detail Sheet for the At-grade Railroad Crossing Improvements Block Program project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 09-2
Rob Slaver discussed the selection of a specific project under the railroad block project.
John Thomas moved to recommend approval of Proposed Planning Committee Resolutions 09-1 and 09-2; Kevin Rooney seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
2. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by adding the New York State Scenic Byways Program (2009) project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-6
Dan Hallowell discussed the Scenic Byways Program and the need for an amendment.
Rob Slaver noted a clarification to the project notes that the share for NSYDOT Region 5 is $138,000 and not $276,000 as stated.
4. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by adding the I-390 /Calkins Fencing Encroachment project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-7
Dan Hallowell discussed the need for the I-390/Calkins Fencing Encroachment project.
5. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by increasing the total cost and changing the obligation dates of the I-590 Interchange at Winton Road project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-8
Dan Hallowell discussed the need to amend the I-590 Interchange at Winton Road project. He noted that the Right-of-Way obligation was delayed due to externalities.
6. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by increasing the funding to the FTA Section 5310 Blocked Program project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-11
Richard Perrin distributed Resolution 09-11. Richard discussed the FTA 5310 program. He noted that NYSDOT Main Office provided notification of the awards after the meeting package was mailed.
This is a NYSDOT-administered program. MPOs conduct an advisory evaluation of the proposed projects. Recent regulations now require applicants to get a certification letter from the MPO confirming the project is included in the Coordinated Public Transit/Human Services Transportation Plan for the region.
Terry Rice asked if any applicants in the region did not get an award. Richard Perrin referred to the attached list of awards.
Jim Fletcher moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolutions 09-6, 09-7, 09-8 and 09-11; Dan Hallowell seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
c. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by changing the FFY 2009 phase costs and schedules of select TIP Projects / Proposed Council Resolution 09-9.
Richard Perrin discussed the effort to update costs and schedules for FFY 2009. Richard noted that some of the projects were not able to progress as originally planned.
Richard distributed a letter from the City of Rochester requesting a minor adjustment to the amounts shown for the Broad Street Tunnel project; the total project cost is not changing but costs are being shifted between phases. He noted that the TDC concurred with the request.
Don Higgins expressed concern because he thought there was agreement to progress the Swanson Road Bridge and Wildcat Road Bridge projects together.
James Stack responded that there were not sufficient balances in FFY 2009 to fund both projects. Richard Perrin asked if there is an opportunity to defer a portion of funds on another project and seek reimbursement in October 2009, which is the beginning of FFY 2010.
The Committee discussed various options to satisfy Livingston Countys concern.
It was agreed to add the Wildcat Road Bridge project Scoping and Detail Design phases to FFY 2009 by deferring a portion of the funding for the Construction phase of the Pioneer Road Bridge project. The balance of the Pioneer Road Bridge construction will be funded in FFY 2010.
Terry Rice moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 09-9 with changes to Exhibit 1; Jim Fletcher seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
Subsequent to the Planning Committee meeting, GTC staff was able to identify sufficient funding to progress the Swanson Road Bridge and Wildcat Road Bridge projects together without affecting the funding for the Pioneer Road Bridge project.
d. Action concerning a UPWP Project Scope of Work.
1. Task 6311 Center City Tourist/Visitor Circulation and Pedestrian Wayfinding Study
Doug Benson discussed the proposed scope of work for Task 6311 and the Citys efforts to-date that support the study. He then detailed the tasks to be undertaken.
Kris Hughes commented that the project looks very exciting but he is concerned that the budget may be limiting.
Kris asked if there can be an effort to identify how the Center City can connect to the surrounding neighborhoods. Doug responded that the Center City Master Plan had a core area and the City is working with neighborhood groups to develop neighborhood-specific plans that also look at connections to the Center City.
Terry Rice offered to work with the City to ensure any new signs meet current standards and offered MCDOT participation on the steering committee. Doug noted that the City will add MCDOT and NYSDOT to the steering committee.
John Thomas moved to approve the Scope of Work for Task 6311; David Cook seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
6. New Business
There was no new business.
7. Public Forum
No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.
8. Next Meeting
April 16, 2009 at Ontario County Municipal Building in Canandaigua.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:44 a.m.