GTC PLANNING COMMITTEE
Genesee Transportation Council City Place Atrium
April 21, 2005
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
James Brady, Wayne County
Joan Dupont, NYSDOT Region 4
Michael Garland, Monroe County At Large
Kristen Mark Hughes, Ontario County
Paul Johnson, Monroe County Planning Board
Charles Nesbitt, Jr., Empire State Development Corporation
Terrence J. Rice, Monroe County
David Woods, Livingston County
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
James Pond, Monroe County At Large, representing Scott Leathersich
David Thielman, NYS Thruway Authority, representing Richard Garrabrant
John Thomas, City of Rochester, representing George Stam
Charles Walker, RGRTA, representing Mark Aesch
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED
Jeffrey Adair, Monroe County
Philip Brito, FAA
Glenn Cooke, Seneca County
Robert Griffith, FHWA
Timothy Hens, Genesee County
Fred Humphrey, Wyoming County
Tracy Logel, Monroe County Supervisors Association
Kenneth Rush, Orleans County
Larry Stid, Rochester City Planning Commission
William Sullivan, Rochester City Council
David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council
(Vacant), FTA
(Vacant), Yates County
(Vacant), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
(Vacant), City of Rochester At Large
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE
Deborah Elliott, GTC Staff
Mikaela Engert, GTC Staff
Erik Frisch, GTC Staff
Jason Haremza, G/FLRPC
Richard Perrin, GTC Staff
Robert Scholl, NYSDOT Region 4
Rob Slaver, NYSDOT Region 4
Ellen Micoli Soffa, G/FLRPC
James Stack, GTC Staff
1. Call to Order & Introductions
David Woods, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 9:10 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
John Thomas moved for approval of the minutes from the February 17, 2005 Planning Committee meeting; Joan Dupont seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as submitted.
4. Reports and Action on Old Business
a. Reports on UPWP Projects and Other Activities
GTC
Richard Perrin reported:
The next UPWP Monthly Progress Report will reflect the 2005-06 projects
GTC is participating in the NYSMPO staffing and operations survey. The results of the associated statewide analysis will be incorporated in the GTC Strategic Plan. An interview will be conducted with an individual in California on April 25 for the Bicycle/Pedestrian Program Manager position
Staff is scheduled to meet and restart work on the Rural County Resource Development Initiative on April 22
A roundtable discussion with transportation safety information users held on February 22 for the Transportation Safety Information Analysis project yielded good insights on limitations and difficulties accessing information. A survey of transportation safety information providers is being developed
An RFQ was issued to four graphic designers on March 1 for the final layout of the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee Finger Lakes Region: 2005-2025. Two responses were received by the March 23 deadline. Nadine Ball Graphic Design was selected. A kickoff meeting is scheduled for April 28
Staff has devoted a significant amount of time and effort to developing the conformity statement for the LRTP and TIP as part of the Air Quality Planning and Outreach project. The conformity statement will be discussed later in the meeting. The Air Quality consultant has been providing information and reviews of CMAQ project selection processes of other MPOs for applicability to GTC. Staff is working with the Center for Environmental Information and numerous other organizations on the development of an air quality portion of a proposal for an EPA Community Action for a Renewed Environment grant
Staff held a meeting on February 21 to restart work on the Transportation and Industrial Access project. The next steps are to coordinate with G/FLRPC on an update of priority industrial sites and parks and completing interviews with county IDAs and the City of Rochester Economic Development Department
A draft RFP for the Greater Rochester Transportation Operations and Management Organization Feasibility Study was distributed to TMC member agency representatives on April 20 for review and comment. The RFP is expected to be advertised in the May 16 edition of the NYS Contract Reporter
The Regional Rights-Of-Way Preservation Study Action Plan is complete. The final study was adopted by the GTC Board at its March 10 meeting
The Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Study (NEMS) is complete
The 2003-04 Priority Trails Advancement (PTA) project is complete. Four final studies were adopted by the GTC Board at its March 10 meeting. The 2004-05 PTA project is underway for two of the three studies. Kickoff meetings, site visits/trail walk-throughs, and second steering committee meetings have been held for the Lakeville-to-Livonia Trail and Oatka Creek Trail. Public meetings are scheduled for May
A Technical Memo of accepted treatments for the On-Street Bicycle Facilities Opportunities Review has been finalized and converted to PDF for distribution. Staff met with Rochester Bicycling Club executive committee members on April 19. RBC members will field check conditions and provide ratings of on-street bicycle facilities that will be useful for the GTC bike map update
Work on the draft Congestion Management System (CMS) plan is on hold for certain components pending work being done by ICF Consulting for upstate MPOs. This is a NYSMPO shared cost initiative. GTC is participating as a Steering Committee member
Staff will begin identifying components for the FY 2005-06 Transportation Information Resources to be advanced this summer
The TDC which is the Steering Committee for the TIP Management Enhancement Study provided comments on the recommendation portion of the study on March 3. Comments were sent to the consultant and revised recommendations were received by GTC staff on April 18 and will be distributed to the TDC
$5,000 of GTC staff Local Study Support was allocated to assist the Village of Spencerport with the East Avenue Extension Study which was submitted for UPWP funding but not selected. The project was expanded into the South Side Waterfront Redevelopment Concept Plan and received a NYSDOS EPF grant. GTC staff has been working with the Village on the inventory of the study area and met with the project manager on March 28 and April 6. Another meeting is scheduled for April 22 to discuss a presentation to the Village board on April 27
The Regionally Significant Corridors call for projects was issued with proposals due April 29
G/FLRPC
Jason Haremza reported:
Staff continues to receive information on the Regional Land Use Monitoring Report for 2004. Staff will update the local law library this summer
The Regional Development Projections report is complete
A kickoff meeting for the Preparing Village Main Streets for Planning project was held on April 15. Staff will meet with GTC on April 28
Approval of the scope of work for the Optimizing Transportation Infrastructure through Effective Land Use project will be presented later in the meeting
No progress to report for the Regional Atlas
Livingston County
David Woods reported:
A kickoff meeting with the consultant for the Horizontal Alignment Safety Study was held April 21
As a follow up to the Strategic Plan for Public Transportation, a public transportation forum to assess recent changes is being planned for June 7
Monroe County
Paul Johnson reported:
Data collection for the Monroe County Land Use Monitoring project for 2004 is 95% complete and should be finished within a week
Analysis of the count results for the Monroe County Parking Study is continuing and the project is on schedule for completion by the end of 2005
Terry Rice reported:
The Monroe County Traffic Count Collection project is complete and was adopted by the Board on March 10
The consultant is continuing work on the Pedestrian Activity Safety Study
The Steering Committee for the Ballantyne Road Corridor Study met in March. The consultant is making revisions before the public meeting
Ontario County
Kris Hughes reported:
The final report for the Route 332 Corridor Management Study will be presented later in the meeting
The consultant for the Canandaigua Regional Transportation Study provided a draft of the background component for Ontario County review. GTC travel demand model information will be provided by GTC
City of Rochester
John Thomas reported:
The Planning Committee approved the scope of work for the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Concept Design and Implementation Study at their February 17 meeting. Staff has started background research
Terry Rice requested that the City contact MCDOT in the near future regarding this project.
Kristen Hughes inquired into the role of the Rochester Regional Community Design Center. John responded that they conduct a number of charettes in the city and would be included on an advisory basis but not as a sub-consultant.
An RFP was issued for the Port of Rochester Transportation Evaluation and Support Study. Proposals are due May 2, 2005. City Council approval is expected in June
A draft report has been received for the ITS/AVL Implementation Plan. A trip to the Erie County Water Authority is planned on May 11 to look at their AVL system
RGRTA
Charles Walker deferred making a progress report because of the programmatic changes RGRTA has requested which will be discussed later in the meeting.
Seneca County
No progress reported for the State Route 96/State Route 318 Rural Corridor Study Phase I
Kris Hughes noted that there will be a reassessment of the timing of Phase 2 and that both phases may proceed simultaneously.
Wayne County
James Brady reported:
The Steering Committee for the Cluster Development Enhancement Project Feasibility Study met on April 20 and selected a preferred consultant
Wyoming County
Richard Perrin reported:
A termination letter to the consultant for the Transportation & Scenic/Historic Resources project in Wyoming County is being reviewed by RGRTA legal counsel. GTC staff will progress the remaining project tasks
Yates County
Richard Perrin reported:
GTC staff met with the consultant for the Route 14A Corridor Study on February 18. Progress is being made on updating the inventory and needs assessment
Other Agencies
The Regional Traffic Count Collection project is a four-county effort. Ontario County is progressing their portion of the project in-house. Wayne and Livingston counties are still developing a joint RFP. Monroe County is proceeding with their counts later this month
b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements
Since the last Planning Committee meeting, GTC has received the following appointments and designations:
RGRTA Stephen Hendershott and Charles Walker have been designated as additional alternates to Mark Aesch on the Planning Committee
5. Planning Committee Action Items
a. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning Adopting the 2005-2010 Transportation Improvement Program and Re-endorsing the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region: 2005-2025 / Proposed Council Resolution 05-9
Richard Perrin reviewed the Draft 2005-2010 TIP Update program of projects that the Committee approved for public review at the January 21 meeting. The 30-day public review period was held from January 24 through February 22 and included four public meetings. The TDC reviewed comments at its March 3 meeting and recommended no changes to the project list.
Richard noted that draft Project Detail Sheets have been prepared. The TIP information is being reformatted from a spreadsheet to a database. Final information still needs to be entered and QA/QC must be conducted.
Richard discussed the preliminary results of the State Energy Plan and Environmental Justice analyses.
Richard reiterated that the TDC recommended approval of the list of projects for GTC Board consideration at its March 3 meeting.
Terry Rice asked about the availability of the detail sheets. Richard responded that they could be provided to the agencies for review. It was agreed that the detail sheets will be provided to project sponsors for review in advance of publication of the final document.
Dave Thielman asked if the TIP funds were over programmed as they sometimes are in other regions. Richard responded that they are not. GTC used conservative revenue projections and adhered to strict fiscal constraint.
Richard added that in addition to the project list presented in Schedule A, all projects in the current 2003-2008 TIP that have not been completed will be rolled over into the 2005-2010 TIP.
Kris Hughes moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 05-09; Terrence Rice seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
b. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning Adopting the Transportation Conformity Determination for the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region: 2005-2025 and 2005-2010 Transportation Improvement Program / Proposed Council Resolution 05-10
When the Rochester MSA was designated by the EPA as being in nonattainment of the 8-hour ground level ozone standard, it meant that GTC and NYSDOT would be required to demonstrate that the LRTP and TIP conform to federal air quality standards for the next twenty years.
In order to continue to receive federal transportation funds, the first conformity determination is due by June 15, 2005. The process of determining conformity is guided by FHWA and FTA through MPOs and NYSDOT regional offices working with the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG). The final determination of conformity is made by FHWA and FTA.
The conformity determination is a compliance document. No changes to policy or project selection will result from adoption by the GTC Board. The conformity determination document requires ICG concurrence and a 30-day public review. The public review will focus on the technical compliance document and introduce the public to the associated issues and their role in improving air quality.
The conformity determination document will be provided to the Board at its next meeting on May 5. After a 30-day public review period, the document, along with public comments will be provided to the Board for action via mail ballot.
Terry Rice asked about time constraints regarding the upcoming Board meeting. Richard responded the ICG concurrence will take approximately two weeks which will result in a mail ballot by the Board. Although it is not desirable, the conformity statement must be acted on via mail ballot to avoid a conformity lapse. This was communicated to the Board at the March 10 meeting.
Terry Rice asked about the definition of and impacts to non-exempt projects if conformity was not determined prior to June 15.
Richard explained that non-exempt projects are those that have the potential to impact air quality both positively and negatively.
Joan Dupont noted the consequences of a conformity lapse.
Terry Rice commented on the reductions in ozone precursors as presented in the document. Richard responded that the majority of these reductions will result from stricter emissions standards and fleet turnover.
David Woods commented that it would be interesting to see how much time has been expended to meet conformity requirements and the associated cost.
Richard responded that he was documenting the expenses.
Michael Garland moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 05-10; James Brady seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
c. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning Various Amendments to the 2003-2008 TIP
David Woods, Chairman, suggested grouping the five TIP amendments under one motion. The Committee concurred.
1. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Mill Road II project / Proposed Council Resolution 05-11
Richard Perrin reviewed the Proposed Council Resolution 05-11.
2. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Monroe County Intelligent Transportation System project / Proposed Council Resolution 05-12
Richard Perrin reviewed the Proposed Council Resolution 05-12.
Rob Slaver asked Terry Rice for clarification on the credits to match ITS funds.
Terry reviewed the calculation of local match from other county ITS projects.
3. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Jefferson Avenue, Ayrault Road to Route 31F project / Proposed Council Resolution 05-13
Richard Perrin reviewed the Proposed Council Resolution 05-13.
4. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by increasing the total cost of the Mount Read Boulevard Bridges project / Proposed Council Resolution 05-14
Richard Perrin reviewed the Proposed Council Resolution 05-14.
5. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by increasing the total cost of the Route 590 Reconstruction; Titus to SeaBreeze project / Proposed Council Resolution 05-15
Richard Perrin reviewed the Proposed Council Resolution 05-15.
David Thielman moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolutions 05-11 through 05-15; John Thomas seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
d. Planning Committee Action concerning the Draft FY 2005-2006 UPWP Update Public Review Document
Richard Perrin explained the need for the update because of the additional $380,000 in FHWA Planning funds allocated to GTC above the estimates provided in 2003 as a result of extensions to TEA-21.
David Woods asked if it was necessary for the UPWP Development Committee (UDC) to meet again at the end of the public review.
Richard Perrin responded that no date has been set and, depending on the volume of comments, the UDC may be able to consider them via email.
Terry Rice asked for clarification on the Palmyra Route 21Truck Traffic Study. Joan Dupont noted that expectations need to be managed. Paul Johnson added that the scope of work would come before the Planning Committee prior to the project moving forward. He expressed concern about positioning for a pre-determined outcome.
David Woods informed the committee about a development affecting the Erie Attica Railroad Trail project in the Village of Avon. The property owner has dropped his offer to donate land for the project. The County and Village will continue to monitor and work on this issue.
Charles Nesbitt moved to approve the DRAFT FY 2005-2006 UPWP Update Public Review Document; James Brady seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
e. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning Amending the FY 2004-05 & FY 2005-06 UPWP to reflect the reprogramming of FTA Section 5303 Metropolitan Planning Program (MPP) funds / Proposed Council Resolution 05-16
Richard Perrin explained the need for RGRTA to reprogram funds to other studies and noted the UDC recommended approval.
Charles (Chip) Walker discussed the fare modification study and the possible need to increase fares within the next few years. There has not been an increase in fares in ten years and the goal will be to look at the impact that will have on ridership.
James Pond asked about the impact of dropping the ITS Implementation Plan project.
Chip responded that RGRTA would continue to work on ITS Implementation outside of UPWP studies and coordinate with other agencies.
Joan Dupont moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 05-16; David Thielman seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
f. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning Accepting the report, Route 332 Corridor Development Analysis Phase II, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 6620 / Proposed Council Resolution 05-17
Jason Haremza from G/FLRPC reviewed the study process and recommendations.
Kris Hughes thanked the G/FLRPC staff for all the hard work and NYSDOT for their input on this joint project.
Kris Hughes moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 05-17; James Pond seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
g. Planning Committee concurrence concerning the Approval of UPWP Project Scopes of Work
1. Task 5370 Optimizing Transportation Infrastructure through Effective Land Use
Jason Haremza reviewed the scope of work.
2. Task 8531 RTS Fare Modification Study
Chip Walker reviewed the scope of work.
Richard Perrin explained that RGRTA is requesting Planning Committee concurrence on the scope of work so that the project may be advanced upon adoption of Proposed Council Resolution 05-16 by the GTC Board at its May 5 meeting.
John Thomas moved to approve the UPWP Project Scopes of Work for Tasks 5370 and 8531; Joan Dupont seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
6. Planning Committee Information Items
a. 2005 FHWA/FTA Certification Review
Richard Perrin informed the Committee that the final certification document has been received in electronic format. GTC is fully certified. One point of emphasis was that GTC must publish an annual list of federal fund obligations for TIP projects within 24 months. The recommendation from the TIP Management Enhancement Study is that GTC staff work with NYSDOT to accomplish this within 12 months. When the hard copies of the certification document are received, the executive summary will be distributed to Planning Committee and Board members and alternates, with full reports available to those who would like them.
7. New Business
Joan Dupont informed the Committee of the changes, re-organization, and new appointments at NYSDOT resulting from Transformation. She noted that Kevin OBuckley will become the Acting Regional Director. Charles Moynihan will become Director of the Western Regional Design Center.
8. Next Meeting
The next Planning Committee meeting will be held June 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Rochester City Council Chambers.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.