PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Chili,
November 16, 2006
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
James Brady,
James Fletcher,
Daniel Hallowell, NYSDOT Region 4
Paul Holahan, City of
Kristen Mark Hughes,
Paul Johnson,
Scott Leathersich,
Terrence J. Rice,
Chuck Thomas,
Chris Wilson,
David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
Matthew Latko, NYSTA, representing William Leslie
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED
Jeffrey Adair,
Philip Brito, FAA
Glenn Cooke,
William Eick,
Robert Griffith, FHWA
Timothy Hens,
Fred Humphrey,
Tracy Logel,
Edward Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation
William Sullivan,
(Vacant), City of
(Vacant), FTA
(Vacant), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE
Erik Frisch, GTC Staff
Richard Perrin, GTC Staff
James Pond,
Robert Scholl, NYSDOT Region 4
Robert Slaver, Jr., NYSDOT Region 4
James Stack, GTC Staff
Paul Zakrzewski, NYSTA
1. Call to Order & Introductions
2. Public Forum
No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.
3. Approval of Minutes
Terrence Rice moved for approval of the minutes from the August 17, 2006 Planning Committee meeting; Kristen Mark Hughes 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 Gantt chart to meet SAFETEA-LU requirements by the July 1, 2007 deadline has been completed. Richard attended a TRB Conference on the future of MPOs and significant factors affecting them including SAFETEA-LU and the next surface transportation bill, the issue of responsibility versus influence, and the evolving role of federal funding and the increase in earmarked monies.
No progress to report on the Rural County Resource Development Initiative.
GTC staff have been meeting to develop the work plan for updating the LRTP for Board adoption in June 2007. The work plan is approximately 75 percent complete and all necessary elements have been identified including: reorganization of the existing document, splitting of the Safety & Security goal into two separate goals, update of the Region chapter including a specific travel component, inclusion of the Congestion Management Process, addition of critical facilities and non-air environmental features, and restructuring of recommendations to emphasize operations.
The conformity statement for the amended TIP was provided for public review from August 14 to September 12. The GTC Board adopted the statement on September 14, 2006. GTC received a positive conformity determination from FHWA and FTA on October 27 and was notified of this on November 2. Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding questions and criteria for the 2007-2012 TIP were completed and included in the TIP Call for Projects package and application. Thirty project proposals requesting CMAQ funds either to fund the entire project or specific portions of larger projects were received. Eligibility is still being reviewed for each proposed project.
Dewberry was selected as the preferred consultant for the Transportation and Industrial Access Phase 2 project. The consultant had issues with the standard GTC contract, namely the indemnification clause, and extensive correspondence was required to ultimately resolve the issues. RGRTA legal counsel was extremely helpful and responsive in resolving this.
Resource Systems Group was selected as the preferred consultant for the GTC Travel Demand Model Enhancement project. The TAZ structure and link/node network have been updated. Traffic count tabulation for calibration is underway. Review of land use data for the new TAZ structure is also underway.
The Bicycle & Pedestrian Supportive Code Language project is a joint project with G/FLRPC. Two of three technical memos on priority topics were received by GTC. GTC staff is continuing work on a summary memo of priority topics. Examples from outside the region are nearly complete. The next step will be to develop templates for presenting the combined findings.
The Greater Rochester Transportation Operations and Management Organization Feasibility Study is complete and implementation of its recommendations is continuing. The Transportation Management Committee approved mission and vision statements. Also, a proposal to update the regions ITS strategic plan was developed and submitted for UPWP funding.
The three FY 04-05 Priority Trails Advancement studies are complete. Lu Engineers has begun work on inventorying existing conditions for the FY 06-07 Lehigh Valley Railroad Corridor and NYC Westshore Branch Corridor projects. The Notice to Proceed was issued on October 13. EDR has not begun work on the FY 06-07 Irondequoit Creek Stream Corridor and the Citys
The Bike Map is progressing for the On-Street Bicycle Facility Opportunities Review. All elements are nearly complete and GTC will bring a graphic designer on board. The map is progressing independent of the NYSDOT Bicycle Level of Service initiative. A technical memo on proposed improvements was drafted based on Rochester Bicycling Club ratings, NYSDOT and MCDOT guidelines, FHWA design treatments, and available data on traffic volumes and roadway characteristics.
The Pedestrian Facilities Inventory project is 50% complete. It was being conducted by summer interns who are now back in school. The position was posted at five local colleges in early September but no applications were received. Given the time of year, GTC will repost the position in early-Spring 2007 and have next summers interns complete the project.
The Circulation, Accessibility, and Parking Program will be discussed as agenda item 5b.
The Congestion Management Process (CMP) will be included in the Long Range Transportation Plan update and will use regional travel demand model results to determine congested areas with an emphasis on reliability. Some preliminary model runs and analysis have been conducted. Richard noted that the biggest issue in this region is incident-related, or non-recurring, congestion.
A teleconference was held on September 18 to review the final draft report for the Travel Time Data Collection Assessment project. The final report is being developed and is expected to have all Steering Committee comments incorporated by December. A January 2007 Planning Committee recommendation to the Board is anticipated.
Stuart I. Brown was selected as the consultant for the Strategic Plan for Public Transportation in Yates County and has begun the study. A Notice to Proceed was provided on September 22. The first Steering Committee meeting was held October 13. A public meeting is scheduled for December 6. The Second Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for December 8. Chris Wilson noted that initial research indicates the current dispersed system may be more costly than a consolidated or coordinated system.
No progress to report for the Transportation Information Resources project.
Staff has had discussions with NYSDOT Main Office regarding supplemental FHWA Statewide Planning and Research funds to expand the scope and depth of the Regional Goods Movement Strategy. NYSDOT is currently funding studies in
G/FLRPC
David Zorn reported:
The Local Update of Census Addresses - Phase I project has not started. Staff is working with the Census Bureau and the
The 2005 Regional Land Use Monitoring report has been completed.
The draft for Task 3 of the LRTP Non-Air Environmental Scan was reviewed and revised by GTC staff. Other tasks in the project are progressing.
Draft reports for the two pilot communities are being reviewed and revised for the Preparing Village Main Streets for Planning project. The guidebook is under development.
A Technical Advisory Committee meeting was held on October 17 for the Optimizing Transportation Infrastructure through Effective Land Use project. A report will be submitted to the committee for review.
Paul Johnson reported:
The 2005 Monroe County Land Use Monitoring report has been completed and work will start on the 2006 report in January.
Negotiation is underway with a potential contractor for the Monroe County Parking Study project.
Terrence Rice reported:
A kickoff meeting will be held this week for the Accident Rate Database project.
The Monroe County Overhead Traffic Sign Visibility Upgrade study is ten percent complete.
No progress to report on the Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity Study.
Field work has been completed for the Safe Passing Zone Survey.
The Monroe County High Accident Location Program project is progressing as an in-house effort with two locations completed and four others being reviewed.
The final report for the Pedestrian Activity Safety Study is on the agenda for later in the meeting.
A presentation is scheduled for later in the meeting for the Canandaigua Regional Transportation Study.
City of
Changes to the Scope of Work for the
A draft of the manual for the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Concept Design and Implementation project has been completed.
Terrence Rice requested that
The City of Rochester Vehicle Fleet Alternative Fuels Systems Study is very active. The first Steering Committee meeting has been held. The consultant reviewed the inventory and analysis, and discussed alternative fuel options.
The Center City Parking Development & Management project is generating a high level of interest after advertisement in the Contract Reporter. Proposals are due the first week of December when consultant selection will begin.
RGRTA
The Market Research for Regional Transit Service project is underway.
A RFP was issued for the Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan but no responses were received.
The Security and Safety Plan for Public Transportation project is complete.
A draft report for the RTS/Lift Line Operational Analysis & Facility Utilization Study has been submitted by the consultant for internal review.
The RTS Fare Modification Study is complete.
The RGRTA Route Analysis is an on-going project for the Scheduling Department and RGRTA would like to fund this through the UPWP again next year.
A request to reallocate funds from the Alternative Fuels Technology/RTS Hybrid Bus Study to new tasks has been made as part of the UPWP update.
Richard Perrin reported:
No progress to report on the Genesee County Safe Passing Zone Survey.
Richard Perrin reported:
The State Route 96/State Route 318 Rural Corridor Study Phase 1 has been consolidated with Phase 2 and will be led by Ontario County.
Richard Perrin reported:
FRA has been selected as the new consultant for the Cluster Development Enhancement Project Feasibility Study. A Notice to Proceed was provided and the second Steering Committee meeting will be held on November 17.
FRA was selected as the preferred consultant for the
Terrence Rice asked what options might be available if there are high percentages of truck traffic. Dan Hallowell responded that NYSDOT is expecting community desire to move the trucks off of Route 21 but has not determined what can be done. Terrence Rice added that removing the trucks from Route 21 will only move the problem somewhere else and that there is a need to coordinate any solution with areas beyond
Richard Perrin reported:
No progress to report on the Transportation & Scenic/Historic Resources in
Chris Wilson reported:
The Route 14A Corridor Study is complete.
Other Agencies
Richard Perrin reported:
A draft RFQ for the Regional Traffic Count Collection project has been distributed to all the participating counties for their review and comment.
Terrence Rice asked if the goal of the RFQ is to have a pre-qualified list of consultants. Richard Perrin responded that GTC would like to have an estimate of what each consultant would charge per count, where the consultant is located, and other items. Jim Pond noted that the cost per count may vary by location across the region because the cost of travel in rural areas is different.
Fisher Associates has started work on the New York Route 96 Traffic Signal Coordination Study. A Steering Committee meeting will be scheduled.
The Erie-Attica Railroad Bridge and Trail Feasibility Study is progressing. A Steering Committee meeting was held September 21 and a second is scheduled for November 17. The project has been submitted funding through the TIP.
Stantec has been selected as the preferred consultant for the Meridian Centre Boulevard Extension Study and work is underway.
The Route 250 Corridor Study is progressing. The consultant has performed traffic counts and a driveway survey. A Steering Committee meeting was held on November 8.
The RFP for the Williamson Route 104 & Route 21 Gateway Concepts project was advertised in the NYS Contract Reporter with only one proposal received. The Steering Committee decided to re-advertise the project; the new RFP will be issued on November 20.
Jim Brady inquired who submitted the one proposal. Richard Perrin responded that the firm was Clark Patterson Associates.
b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements
1. 2007-2012 TIP Development
CMAQ and Preventive Maintenance projects were incorporated into the Call for Projects and Application package. Advance notice was mailed on August 11th and the Call for Projects was issued on August 25. Approximately 220 proposals requesting a total of $292 million were received. An $85 million shortfall is anticipated between available funding and requests after accounting for public transportation and air quality projects. This is significantly more proposals than in previous TIP cycles (105 in 2004 and 130 in 2002). Preventive Maintenance and CMAQ account for a substantial portion of the additional proposals. Applicant presentations were held with GTC and NYSDOT staff on October 30, October 31, and November 1. GTC and NYSDOT staffs are reviewing proposals separately. TIP Development Committee (TDC) meetings are scheduled for December 4, December 18, January 9, and January 25.
The TDC has not yet discussed the issue of minor TIP amendments that was raised at the last meeting.
2. 2007-2008 UPWP Development
The advance notice was mailed September 8 and the Call for Projects was mailed September 22 with proposals due October 27. Fifteen proposals were received from member agencies and municipalities throughout the region. GTC staff submitted seven proposals for professional services. The UPWP Development Committee (UDC) is meeting immediately following this Planning Committee meeting with additional meetings scheduled for November 28, December 6, and December 11. GTC expects to bring the draft program to the Planning Committee on January 11, 2007 for approval for 30-day public review and Board action on March 8, 2007.
3. Announcements
David Watson, Chair of the Rochester City Planning Commission, has appointed Chuck Thomas, Director of Planning, as his representative to the Planning Committee and reappointed
Wayne Zyra, Monroe County Legislature President, has appointed Anthony Scalia as Jeffrey Adairs alternate to the Planning Committee effective October 11.
Kevin OBuckley has been appointed as Regional Director of NYSDOT-Region 4.
5. Action Items
a. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the FY 2006-07 UPWP Budget to incorporate a FTA Section 5303 Metropolitan Planning Program (MPP) grant / Proposed Council Resolution 06-74
Richard Perrin explained that $3,440 from the FTA MPP Grant from 2000-2001 was identified during a November 3 meeting with RGRTA to review the current status of UPWP projects receiving FTA MPP funds. NYSDOT is currently looking to close out this grant at the request of FTA. GTC is proposing to offset funds from an older grant with an equal amount from a newer grant (2004-2005) so the funds wont be rescinded. The $3,440 would be put into the GTC core budget for staff activities so the balance will be spent as quickly as possible. In order to maintain the GTC core budget amount, the newer grant balance will be allocated to Program Reserve (Task 1600) for reprogramming at a later date.
Kristen Mark Hughes moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 06-74; Chris Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
b. Approval of project recommendations for FY 2006-2007 Circulation, Accessibility, and Parking (CAP) Program Funding
Richard Perrin noted that the Scope of Work was approved at the August 17 Planning Committee meeting and that a Call for Projects was subsequently issued. Notice of funding availability was sent to the 192 cities, towns, and villages in the region on September 1. Seven proposals were received by the October 13 due date. The UDC, as project selection committee, met on November 2 and selected four projects to recommend for funding at up to $50,000 each. The four recommended proposals are the Hilton Village Center Parking & Circulation Study, the
Kristen Mark Hughes moved to recommend approval of project recommendations for FY 2006-2007 Circulation, Accessibility, and Parking Program Funding; Terrence Rice seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
c. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning accepting the report, Monroe County Pedestrian Activity Safety Study, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 6540 / Proposed Council Resolution 06-75
Jim Pond gave a brief synopsis of the findings of the Pedestrian Activity Safety Study, noting the identified locations and recommended improvements. Paul Holahan asked about the location of a recent pedestrian fatality on
Terrence Rice added that this study was unique as ambulance records were reviewed in addition to police reports which do not capture all accidents. There were approximately 100 locations that had more than one accident in the time period studied. Dan Hallowell inquired if any improvements had been made at any of these locations over the last ten years. Jim Pond responded that he was unsure of any changes other than along Lake Avenue. Paul Johnson asked about the different crosswalk striping strategies identified. Jim Pond responded that, in addition to providing increased visibility, the type of striping patterns chosen are based on their appearance and durability. Paul Holahan asked if pedestrian signals are common. Terrence Rice responded that there are approximately twelve in Monroe County.
James Fletcher moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 06-75; Dan Hallowell seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
d. Recommendations to the GTC Board concerning various amendments to the 2005-2010 TIP
1. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by adding the Paul Road-Fisher Road Corridor Improvements project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-76.
2. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by decreasing the total cost of the John Street Extension, Bailey Rd. to Lehigh Station Rd. project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-77.
3. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by increasing the federal share of the Erie Station Road Reconstruction project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-78.
Terrence Rice discussed Proposed Council Resolutions 06-76 through 06-78. He noted that Proposed Council Resolution 06-76 is for a project that was earmarked in SAFETEA-LU. With respect to Proposed Council Resolutions 06-77 and 06-78, the John Street project was earmarked more funds than needed and Monroe County has received approval from the Congressional sponsor to shift the extra funds to the Erie Station Road reconstruction project.
4. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by decreasing the federal share of the Routes 5 & 19 Reconstruction project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-79.
5. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by decreasing the federal share of the Route 77 Rehabilitation, Route 20 to the Thruway project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-80.
6. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by decreasing the federal share of the I-390 Concrete Pavement Restoration in Geneseo (SR 408 - US 20A) project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-81.
7. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by decreasing the federal share of the I-390 Concrete Pavement Restoration in Rush (Routes 5&20 - SR 251) project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-82.
8. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by deleting the Route 63 Bridge project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-83.
9. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by increasing the total cost of the Route I-490 Highway and Bridges project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-84.
10. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by adding the Route I-490; Troup Howell Pylons (Lighting) project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-85.
Rob Slaver discussed Proposed Council Resolutions 06-79 through 06-82. He noted that NYSDOT will use state funds, not federal funds, to advance these projects.
Rob noted that the Route 63 bridge has stabilized and is proposed to be removed from the TIP. NYSDOT will extend the useful life of the bridge through preventive maintenance activities paid for with state funds.
Rob noted that, to fully fund the Route I-490 Highway and Bridges project, additional Interstate Maintenance (IM) funds will come from the statewide allocation.
Terrence Rice asked if the additional IM funds represent new funding to the region. Rob responded that NYSDOT needs about $2 million and that will come from the statewide IM allocation which would be new to the region.
Rob discussed Proposed Council Resolution 06-85. Rob noted that the lighted pylons were previously included in the Route I-490 Highway and Bridges project. NYSDOT would like to advance this as a stand alone project and would like to reschedule the construction so that it does not interfere with the overall Troup Howell Bridge construction project.
11. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by decreasing the total cost of the FFY 2006 Jobs Access Reverse Commute Program project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-86.
Chip Walker discussed Proposed Council Resolution 06-86 which would reduce the amount programmed to the Jobs Access Reverse Commute (JARC) Program to match actual allocations. Richard Perrin noted that there was a Call for Projects for other agencies to apply for JARC funds in accordance with FTA guidance for coordinated plans.
12. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by adding the Butterhole-Seneca Park Rail Trail project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-87.
13. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by adding the RS&E Hikeway/Bikeway Erie Canal Crossing project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-88.
14. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by adding the Auburn Trail Extension project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-89.
15. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by adding the Manchester Gateway Pedestrian/Bicycle Pathway System project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-90.
16. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by adding the Glasgow Street (NYS Route 414) Streetscaping project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-91.
17. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by adding the Wilder Road Sidewalk Construction Project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-92.
18. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by adding the Ellicott Street Improvements project / Proposed Council Resolution 06-93.
Richard Perrin explained that these projects were the top seven from the Transportation Enhancements Program (TEP) priority list endorsed by the GTC Board in September. We had expected to receive funds for the top three or four projects only. Terrence Rice asked if the funding amounts were the same as what was requested for these projects. Richard responded that the funding represents the full amount requested for each project.
Richard Perrin stated that all of the proposed TIP amendments were reviewed and recommended for approval by the TIP Development Committee at its November 2 meeting.
Terrence Rice moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolutions 06-76 through 06-93; Kristen Mark Hughes seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
e. Revising a UPWP Project Scope of Work
1. Task 4370 Regional Traffic Count Collection
Richard Perrin noted that there was no amendment to the UPWP needed because the project budget is not changing. This revision is only shifting funds between the contractual and staff line items.
Terrence Rice discussed the scope amendment proposal. He noted that Monroe County had savings on professional services and is looking to use the savings for staff activities to support the project.
James Fletcher moved to recommend approval of UPWP Project Scope of Work Task 4370; James Brady seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
6. Planning Committee Information Items
a. Canandaigua Regional Transportation Study (Ontario County)
Chris Wilson asked what some of the reasons were for not recommending a bypass.
Scott Leathersich asked if the final report identified specific improvements at the selected locations.
b. 2007 Meeting Calendar
Richard Perrin noted that next years meeting calendar was included in the meeting package. Terrence Rice noted a potential conflict with a Highway Superintendents meeting in January; he suggested moving the Superintendents meeting to Livingston County. Terry stated that he will follow up with Don Higgins to determine the availability of meeting space in Livingston County on that date.
Chris Wilson requested that a Planning Committee meeting in 2008 be considered in Penn Yan. Richard Perrin stated that meetings are typically scheduled for locations in the Rochester Transportation Management Area because they are central for all member agencies and that it would be considered for 2008.
7. New Business
Terrence Rice asked about tracking TIP projects as recommended in the TIP Management Enhancement Study. Richard Perrin noted that GTC has begun doing so through development of the annual obligations list.
8. Public Forum
No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.
9. Next Meeting: January 11, 2007 Livingston County Government Center
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.