GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL

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GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL

QUARTERLY BOARD MEETING

Radisson Hotel

Henrietta, NY

March 13, 2008

GTC BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT

Maggie Brooks, Monroe County (GTC Chairperson)

Linda M. Dobson, Monroe County Supervisors Association

Mary Pat Hancock, Genesee County (GTC Vice Chairperson)

James Hoffman, Wayne County

Wayne Zyra, Monroe County

ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT

Chris Bollin, Monroe County At-Large, representing Daniel Hogan

David Cook, RGRTA, representing John G. Doyle, Jr.

E. Joseph Gozelski, Wyoming County, representing A. Douglas Berwanger

Dan Hallowell, NYSDOT Region 4, representing Astrid C. Glynn

Kristen Mark Hughes, Ontario County, representing Theodore Fafinski

Paul Johnson, Monroe County Planning Board, representing Linda A. Faubel

Scott Leathersich, Monroe County At-Large, representing Edward Marianetti

Edward G. Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation, representing Daniel Gundersen

William Sullivan, Rochester City Council, representing Gladys Santiago

Douglas J. Tokarczyk, NYS Thruway Authority, representing Michael Fleischer

David Woods, Livingston County, representing James Merrick

David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council

GTC BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED

Philip Brito, Federal Aviation Administration

Robert Duffy, City of Rochester

Pete Grannis, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Paul E. Haney, Rochester At-Large

Brigid Hynes-Cherin, Federal Transit Administration

Jeff Kolb, Federal Highway Administration

Chuck Lafler, Seneca County

Robert Multer, Yates County

Henry Smith, Jr., Orleans County

David L. Watson, Rochester City Planning Commission

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE

Deborah Elliott, GTC Staff

Rick Hannon, City of Rochester

Marvin Kleinberg, NYSDOT Region 4

Richard Perrin, GTC Staff

Jody Pollot, GTC Staff

Terrence J. Rice, Monroe County

James Stack, GTC Staff

John Thomas, City of Rochester

Ed Welsh, NYSDOT Region 4



1. Call to Order and Roll Call

Chairperson Brooks called the meeting to order at 8:33 a.m.

James Stack, GTC staff, called the roll; a quorum was present.

2. Public Forum

No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.

3. Election of Officers

Chairperson Brooks turned the meeting over to David Woods, Chairman of the Nominating Committee. David Woods presented the Nominating Committees slate of officers of Maggie Brooks, Monroe County Executive, for the office of Chairperson and Mary Pat Hancock, Genesee County Legislature Chairperson, for the office of Vice Chairperson. Additional nominations were solicited from the floor. No additional nominations were made.

Wayne Zyra moved to approve the nomination of officers for the GTC Board; E. Joseph Gozelski seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

4. Approval of Minutes

Kristen Mark Hughes moved for approval of the minutes from the December 13, 2007 GTC Quarterly Board meeting; Mary Pat Hancock seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as submitted.

5. Communications and Announcements

Richard Perrin announced the following appointments to the GTC Board:

By his election as Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature, Henry Smith, Jr. is now a Genesee Transportation Council Member with voting privileges.

By his election as Chairman of the Seneca County Board of Supervisors, Chuck Lafler is now a Genesee Transportation Council Member with voting privileges.

By her election as President of the Monroe County Supervisors Association, Linda M. Dobson is now a Genesee Transportation Council Member with voting privileges.

By her election as President of the Rochester City Council, Gladys Santiago is now a Genesee Transportation Council Member with voting privileges.

6. Reports and Action on Old Business

a.      Planning Committee Report David Woods, Chairman

David Woods provided the following report:

The Planning Committee met January 10 and February 14and recommends that the GTC Board:

         Adopt the FY 2008-2009 Unified Planning Work Program

         Accept reports and the updated GTC Regional Travel Demand Model and associated documentation as evidence of completion of three Unified Planning Work Program tasks

         Adopt thirteen amendments to the 2007-2012 Transportation Improvement Program as requested by the City of Rochester, Monroe County, and NYSDOT

Additionally, the Planning Committee took the following actions:

         Approved the Draft FY 2008-2009 Unified Planning Work Program Project List for public review and considered public comments received

         Approved a minor amendment to the FY 2007-2008 Unified Planning Work Program by changing the auditable budget for the Transportation Elements of Scenic/Historic Resources in Wyoming County study as requested by Wyoming County

         Approved scopes of work for Unified Planning Work Program tasks to be conducted by GTC staff

b.      GTC Staff Report Richard Perrin, Executive Director

Richard Perrin provided the following report:

GTC staff continues to advance strategic planning related to both external and internal considerations. GTC needs to ensure that SAFETEA-LU reauthorization addresses the regions needs in the context of a new national vision for transportation which rebuilds our infrastructure in a cost-effective and efficient manner, ensures global competiveness, and furthers energy independence. GTC staff are participating in the national discussion on these issues via our position on the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations Policy Committee.

Internally, GTC staff are conducting a review of peer MPOs with respect to number and responsibilities of staff members, governance and committee structure, budget and use of funds, and planning emphases based on the size and complexity of the peer regions. This will allow GTC staff to possibly identify ways to more effectively carry out our current activities and identify potential new initiatives that we can conduct which would benefit the region.

In December 2007, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) provided recommendations to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for areas to be designated as nonattainment of the new fine particulate matter standard. The Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has met the new, more stringent standard and has been recommended to be designated as attainment.

NYSDOT issued a Call for Projects for the second and final round of SAFETEA-LU Transportation Enhancements Program (TEP) funding. Approximately $3.5 million is available for non-motorized transportation projects in the region. Draft proposals for review by NYSDOT and GTC are due May 16 and final proposals are due June 27.

GTC staff continue to advance the other activities and projects funded through the current UPWP.

c. Old Business

1.      Status report on bridges in the region

Richard Perrin reported the minor progress on the status of bridges is based on available completed data. A survey of county highway superintendents and City of Rochester engineers has been drafted. The Bridge Performance and Safety Committee needs to convene to identify potential improvements to the TIP selection process for bridge projects to ensure we are funding those projects that best protect the safety of the traveling public.

7. New Business

a.      Adopting the FY 2008-2009 Unified Planning Work Program Action on Proposed Resolution 08-2

David Woods moved to approve Resolution 08-2; William Sullivan seconded. The motion passed unopposed.

b. Accepting reports and the updated GTC Regional Travel Demand Model and associated documentation as evidence of completion of various UPWP Tasks

Chairperson Brooks suggested that Resolutions 08-01, 08-03 and 08-04 be considered under one motion. The Board concurred.

(1)         Accepting the report, NYS Route 96 Traffic Signal Coordination Study, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 5630 Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-1

(2)         Accepting the report, Monroe County Intersection Accident Database Enhancement Project, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 4380 Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-3

(3)         Accepting the updated GTC Regional Travel Demand Model and associated documentation as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 5410 Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-4

Wayne Zyra moved to approve Resolutions 08-1, 08-3 and 08-4; William Sullivan seconded. The motion passed unopposed.

c. Adopting amendments to the 2007-2012 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

Chairperson Brooks suggested that Resolutions 08-5 and 08-6 be considered under one motion. The Board concurred.

(1)        Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by decreasing the total cost and changing the name and scope of the Mount Hope Avenue & East Henrietta Road Reconstruction project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-5

(2)        Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by increasing the total cost and changing the scope of the Broad Street Tunnel project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-6

William Sullivan moved to approve Resolutions 08-5 and 08-6; Wayne Zyra seconded. The motion passed unopposed.

David Cook stated that the scope of the Broad Street Tunnel project seems to be cut in half with an increase in the cost. He asked if the City expects to apply for TIP funds to finish the project.

John Thomas noted that the City is looking at many alternatives for the remaining portion of the Broad Street Tunnel, including light rail and possibly re-watering portions of the roadway as it parallels the former route of the Erie Canal. He does not know what the preferred alternative will be, but expects there will be a TIP application submitted for additional federal funds.

David Cook asked what the timeline would be for the discussion. John Thomas responded that the City is beginning the feasibility study which will take approximately one year to complete. The City will have to see how far along they are when TIP applications for the next round of funding are due.

Chairperson Brooks suggested that Resolutions 08-7 and 08-8 be considered under one motion. The Board concurred.

(3)        Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by changing the name and scope of the Wilder Road Bridge Rehabilitation project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-7

(4)        Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by adding the Hylan Drive (Calkins Rd. to Rt. 252) Rehabilitation project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-8

Scott Leathersich moved to approve Resolutions 08-7 and 08-8; Kristen Mark Hughes seconded. The motion passed unopposed.

Chairperson Brooks suggested that Resolutions 08-9 through 08-17 be considered under one motion. The Board concurred.

Dan Hallowell stated that NYSDOT needs to revise Resolution 08-9. He explained that the project cost is increasing slightly but the increase will be covered by state funds with no change in the amount of federal funds. He distributed a revised proposed Resolution 08-9 that reflects the necessary changes.

(5)        Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the costs of phases of the Route 252 (Jefferson Road) - Stage 2 project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-9

Kristen Mark Hughes moved to approve Resolution 08-9 as revised; Mary Pat Hancock seconded. The motion passed unopposed.

(6)        Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by adding the Seaway Trail: Innovations in Technology & Development project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-10

(7) Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by adding the Construct Wayne County, NY Rails to Trails Initiative project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-11

(8) Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by adding the Route 15A Access Right of Way Control (East Side) project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-12

(9) Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by decreasing the total cost of the I-390 Interchange Improvements @ Rt. 15 (Exit 16 Part 2) project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-13

(10) Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by decreasing the total cost of the I-390 Interchange Improvements @ Rt. 15A (Exit 16 Part 1) project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-14

(11) Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by decreasing the total cost and changing the scope of the Inner Loop Bridge over Brown's Raceway project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-15

(12) Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by decreasing the total cost and changing the scope of the Rt. 390 Bridges Preventive Maintenance project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-16

(13) Amending the 2007-2012 TIP by increasing the cost of FTA Section 5311 Blocked Program project Action on Proposed Council Resolution 08-17

E. Joseph Gozelski moved to approve Resolutions 08-10 through 08-17; William Sullivan seconded. The motion passed unopposed.

8. Any Other New Business

Chairperson Brooks noted the upcoming retirement of David Woods. She thanked him for his significant contributions to the Genesee Transportation Council. She distributed and read a Special Resolution recognizing David Woods efforts.

Scott Leathersich moved to approve Special Resolution 08-1; Dan Hallowell seconded. The motion passed unopposed.

Richard Perrin explained that during the review of the TIP amendments considered at this meeting it was determined that federal funds have been obligated to certain projects in excess of the amounts programmed to these projects in their respective TIPs. If this is happening in our region, it is not consistent with our adopted TIP procedures or federal regulations. The impact to this region is not as severe as originally thought and only one project in the region has been affected to-date.

The larger issue is that NYSDOT Main Office in Albany does not have the ability to quickly determine the variance between programmed funds and obligated amounts. NYSDOT Region 4 has been very cooperative in working to resolve issues as they arise and providing obligation information for projects in the current and previous TIP.

Given inflation in transportation material costs, over obligation (i.e., providing federal funds to a project in excess of the amount programmed in the TIP) has the potential to reduce the amount of funding available to future projects. The number of new projects added in the next TIP may be modest as federal funds are limited and existing projects may require additional funds because estimates didnt adequately account for materials costs increases.

Dan Hallowell stated that FHWA is looking at New Yorks Statewide TIP given that approximately forty percent of the projects programmed in it are being delivered but a greater percentage of the available funding is being spent. He noted that NYSDOT is currently conducting an assessment to identify the issues. They are also implementing new financial software that may provide better tools.

Chairperson Brooks requested concurrence from the Board to direct GTC staff to conduct an assessment of projects programmed in the TIP with respect to programmed and obligated amounts to determine if this is occurring in this region and, if so, to what extent it may impact future projects. She stated that the intent of the analysis is to improve the accountability of GTC members to each other and the public and is not meant to embarrass any agencies using federal funds through the TIP.

Dan Hallowell expressed concern that the analysis could be misconstrued if not presented in an objective manner that analyzed how the region as a whole is doing, as opposed to an assessment of individual agencies.

The Board concurred with Chairperson Brooks and she instructed GTC staff to conduct the assessment and report back at the June 19, 2008 Board meeting.

Chairperson Brooks announced that she has appointed Kris Hughes as Planning Committee Chairman and Scott Leathersich as Planning Committee Vice-Chairman effective at the April 10, 2008 Planning Committee meeting.

Richard Perrin informed the Board that the NYS Diesel Emissions Reduction Act 2006 (DERA) was passed June 12, 2006 and became effective February 12, 2007. DERA requires that all state agencies and authorities as well as agencies contracted by the state must use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and best available retrofit technology for heavy duty diesel engines. The use of ultra-low sulfur diesel is a non-issue because it was mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency in Fall 2006. However, the requirement for retrofit technology may have far reaching implications, including impacting municipalities that have agreements with the state for snow and ice removal.

Dan Hallowell noted that the state is looking at options to minimize impacts and disruptions to needed services that would be impacted by the legislation.

E. Joseph Gozelski expressed concern about the impact to small towns.

Terry Rice noted that this issue was raised at the NYS County Highway Superintendents Association legislative meeting last week.

David Cook noted that this has a significant impact on RGRTA. They are working on a technical solution and have not yet determined a funding solution.

Doug Tokarczyk informed the Board that the New York State Thruway Authority is holding a public meeting on April 1, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at Monroe Community College regarding proposed toll increases. He noted several upcoming Thruway Authority capital projects in the region.

9. Next Meeting

The next GTC Board meeting will be held Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Henrietta.

10. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:17 a.m.