GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Monroe County Fleet Center
Chili, New York
August 13, 2009
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
David Dunning, Monroe County Supervisors Association
James Fletcher, Monroe County At Large
Erik Frisch, City of Rochester At Large
Todd Gadd, Wyoming County
Tom Goodwin, Monroe County Planning Board
Daniel Hallowell, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Region 4
Paul Holahan, City of Rochester
Kristen Mark Hughes, Ontario County (Chairperson)
Edward Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation
Terrence J. Rice, Monroe County
Kevin Rooney, Wayne County
Mitchell Rowe, Seneca County
William Sullivan, Rochester City Council
Chuck Thomas, Rochester City Planning Commission
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
Wayne Hale, Jr., Orleans County, representing Gary Kent
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED
Robert Colby, Monroe County
Angela Ellis, Livingston County
Robert Griffith, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Timothy Hens, Genesee County
Scott Leathersich, Monroe County At Large
Steve Urlass, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
(Vacant), FTA
(Vacant), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
(Vacant), Yates County
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE
Jayme Breschard, G/FLRPC
Don Hannon, NYSDOT Office of Integrated Modal Services
Razy Kased, G/FLRPC
Marvin Kleinberg, NYSDOT Region 4
Bob McNary, Empire State Development Corporation
Richard Perrin, GTC staff
Troy Samson, NYSDOT Region 4
Rob Slaver, NYSDOT Region 4
James Stack, GTC staff
Chuck Switzer, RGRTA
Robert Torzynski, GTC staff
Miguel Velazquez, RGRTA
1. Call to Order & Introductions
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Kris 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 be amended, replacing the word committees with communities in the last paragraph on page 4. Richard Perrin indicated that the proposed revisions will be made. Terry Rice moved for approval of the minutes from the July 9, 2009 Planning Committee meeting as amended; 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:
A meeting is being set to restart the Supplemental Professional Services Database Programming project.
As part of the Strategic Planning and SAFETEA-LU Succession Program tasks, GTC staff continues to review, comment, and provide feedback on proposed authorization and climate change legislation with the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, NYSDOT, and other organizations.
As part of the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Update/Implementation, GTC staff is working to create a structure for a financial plan that will more fully incorporate non-federal funds, maintenance costs, and innovative finance. GTC staff is developing materials for the initial LRTP Development Committee meeting, which is anticipated to be held in late August or early September.
With regard to the Air Quality Planning and Outreach task, GTC staff has finalized the Regional Travel Demand Model (Model) validation document for Interagency Consultation Group consideration in September. The Model needs to be validated in order to conduct the required air quality conformity analysis on the next TIP and LRTP. TIP amendments recommended by the Planning Committee will be provided to the ICG for consideration at the August ICG meeting prior to action by the GTC Board in September.
The GTC Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program and SRTS Site Assessments will be presented later in the meeting as Agenda Item 5.a.3.
For the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Strategic Plan Update, a meeting will be scheduled with Steering Committee members to identify growth areas where ITS may be beneficial in the future; relevant performance measures are also being developed.
The consultant selection team for the Diversion Route Planning Initiative selected Dunn Engineering with Fisher Associates as the preferred consultant. A contract will be developed this summer with project kickoff anticipated this fall.
The 2007-2008 Priority Trails Advancement Program consists of three projects. The final public meeting for the I-590 Bicycle Pedestrian Bypass project was held on July 27 and the draft final report is being developed. The consultant is continuing development of the draft report for the Lehigh Valley (Honeoye Falls) project. The draft study for the Erie Canal Glenwood Lake Connector project was provided for Steering Committee Review on August 6 and will be discussed at a Steering Committee meeting on August 25. Final public meetings will be scheduled for the Honeoye Falls and the Erie Canal Glenwood Lake Connector projects following steering committee review of the respective draft reports.
The 2008-2009 Priority Trails Advancement Program consists of two projects. Draft Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the Route 104 Ontario to Sodus Trail and the Pultneyville to Marion Trail were provided to the respective communities for review and comment and, depending on the comments received, could be advertised in the August 17, 2009 NYS Contract Reporter.
The 2007 Circulation, Accessibility, and Parking (CAP) Program consists of four projects. The Village of Perry, Village of Hilton, and Village of Macedon projects are complete. The draft report for the Browns Square Neighborhood study has been developed and GTC staff provided comments on July 17.
The 2008 CAP Program consists of one project. The first public meeting for the Village of Fairport Central Business District Study was held July 21 with approximately 30 attendees.
Development of the Congestion Management Process (CMP) continues as a major part of the activities for the next LRTP. GTC staff reviewed congestion data for areas outside the TMA and one area the City of Batavia was identified as having peak period, non-recurring congestion. The next step is to review the causes of the congestion and select strategies from the CMP toolbox to address the causes.
Specific Minor Arterial and Collector roadways to be included in the next phase of the Travel Time Data Collection Program have been identified for Steering Committee review and comment later this month.
The Regional Goods Movement Strategy RFP will not be issued in August as previously anticipated. A NYSDOT conference call with MPOs and local officials completing freight studies was scheduled for July 15, but was cancelled and has not been rescheduled.
G/FLRPC
David Zorn reported:
The Local Update of Census Addresses Appeals project continues to advance and G/FLRPC staff is waiting on the Census Bureau to provide the forms needed for the appeals process.
G/FLRPC staff is continuing map and data development, data acquisition, and research for the 2010 Census TAZ Analysis and Revisions project.
G/FLRPC staff will present the 2008 Regional Land Use Monitoring project later in the meeting as Agenda Item 5.a.1.
G/FLRPC staff will present the Historic Transportation Gateway Inventory and Assessment project later in the meeting as Agenda Item 5.a.2.
Monroe County
Tom Goodwin reported:
The Planning Committee recommended the 2008 Monroe County Land Use Monitoring project for approval at its July 9 meeting.
Terry Rice reported:
The first Steering Committee meeting for the Monroe County Audible/Tactile Pedestrian Signal Device Study was held July 29 and it is anticipated that a public meeting will be held in October.
The Monroe County Overhead Traffic Sign Visibility Upgrade study is approximately 89 percent complete.
Data collection is continuing for the Monroe County Vertical Curve Safety Study.
There is no progress to report for the Monroe County Sign Inventory Location Upgrade.
There is no progress to report for the Monroe County High Accident Location Program.
Ontario County
Kris Hughes reported:
The Planning Committee recommended the State Routes 96/318 Rural Corridor Study for approval at its July 9 meeting.
The CATS Route Analysis and Service Improvement Plan is progressing on schedule.
City of Rochester
Erik Frisch reported:
Monroe County DOT is reviewing the final draft of the Port of Rochester Transportation Evaluation and Support Study and a presentation of the study is expected at the October 8 meeting.
An RFP for the Center City Circulator Study was advertised in the New York State Contract Reporter on July 13 and three proposals were received by the August 7 deadline.
Chuck Thomas reported:
City staff is working with Monroe County DOT on the final edits to the draft Neighborhood Traffic Calming Concept Design and Implementation Study and a presentation of the study is expected at the October 8 meeting.
There is no progress to report for the Center City Tourist/Visitor Circulation and Pedestrian Wayfinding Study.
The Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Parking and Circulation Study project is expected to be complete by the end of August or early September and presentation of the study is expected at the October 8 meeting.
Terry Rice requested that the City of Rochester work with Monroe County DOT to ensure County involvement in reviewing and commenting on the study. Chuck Thomas indicated that the City would do so and he would contact Monroe County DOT to facilitate the review.
RGRTA
David Cook reported:
There is no progress to report for the Market Research for RGRTA Regional Services task.
RGRTA staff will present the RGRTA Suburban Transportation Service Study later in the meeting as Agenda Item 5.a.4.
The consultant has provided a draft technical paper for review by the RTS Signal Prioritization Study Steering Committee and the project is approximately 25 percent complete.
RGRTA staff will present the Information Technology Assessment Study later in the meeting as Agenda Item 5.a.5.
Stantec was selected as the consultant for the RGRTA Energy Study last month and a contract is being negotiated.
There is no progress to report for the RGRTA Transit-Supportive Development Guidelines task.
The RGRTA Route Analysis project is on-going.
Seneca County
Mitch Rowe reported:
A steering committee meeting for the NYS Routes 5 & 20/414 Corridor Study was held to review needs and opportunities that will be used to evaluate proposed alternatives. Study completion is expected by the end of the year with a presentation to the Planning Committee anticipated in January 2010.
Wayne County
Kevin Rooney reported:
There is no progress to report on the Cluster Development Enhancement Project Feasibility Study.
Wyoming County
Todd Gadd reported:
The RFP for the Wyoming County Safe Passing Zone Survey was published on July 13 with two proposals received by the August 5 deadline. The proposals are being reviewed and a recommended selection is expected to be considered by the County Public Works Committee later this month.
Other Agencies
Terry Rice reported:
The budget for the 2008 Monroe County component of the Regional Traffic Count Collection Program has been fully expended and the remaining counts were prioritized and included as part of the 2009 component of the project. The consultant has begun collecting counts at the locations originally included in the 2009 component.
Richard Perrin reported:
The steering committee for the Village of Arcade Main Street Study met July 28 to review the draft Existing Conditions Report.
The Village of Geneseo Circulation and Parking Study is progressing. Alternatives are being developed and the next Steering Committee meeting is to be scheduled.
The next Steering Committee meeting for the Dewey Avenue Corridor Traffic Calming Study is scheduled for August 17.
The draft final plan for the Spencerport Eastern Village Corridor Concept Study was provided to the Steering Committee on July 15 for review and is being revised based on steering committee comments.
Alternatives are being developed for the Town of Macedon NYS Route 31 Corridor Study.
Nine proposals were received in response to the RFP for the Genesee County Central Corridor Plan. Consultant evaluations have been completed and consultant selection is anticipated later this month.
The RFP for the City of Geneva Lakefront/Downtown Connectivity Study was advertised July 27 with proposals due August 24.
The next steering committee meeting for the Victor Transportation Systems Plan is scheduled for August 18 to discuss the transportation component to the Plan. Data collection is nearly complete.
b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements
1. Update on the status of projects funded via The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Dan Hallowell discussed the status of projects funded via The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Dan stated that only three projects totaling approximately $4.8 million have not yet been obligated. Kris Hughes asked if there will likely be a redistribution of funds from other states. Dan stated that all states will likely meet the deadlines so no redistribution is anticipated. Dan noted that FHWA is looking at projects with a lack of expenditures and that project sponsors may get calls from the NYSDOT Region 4 Local Project Liaisons regarding these projects.
Richard Perrin noted that the TIP Development Committee (TDC) has held discussions on how to best handle cost savings on projects that will be let next construction season. Based on that discussion, projects with a cost estimate included in their bid packages that is lower than the programmed amount will retain the full programmed amount to account for potential material cost increases next construction season. The actual savings will be accounted for and made available to Illustrative Projects. Dan Hallowell noted that savings are not to be used to cover increased scopes or unidentified project elements. Richard Perrin noted that project sponsors are still responsible for the full project scope. James Fletcher asked if any regions in New York State will be giving up funds and Dan Hallowell replied that it doesnt appear likely that will occur.
Paul Holahan asked for clarification on the timing of reprogramming savings. Dan Hallowell noted that several projects will be completed by February 17, 2010 and that savings will be identified at that time. Dan indicated that NYSDOT is determined to obligate 100 percent of the funds.
2. Update on the development of the 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Richard Perrin discussed the status and planned schedule for developing the 2011-2014 TIP. The target date for adopting the next TIP is March 2010. A Call for Projects was issued June 19 with applications due July 24. Ninety-seven applications were received totaling $202.8 million. Requested funding for bridge and air quality improvement projects exceeds the available funding. Applicant presentations have been scheduled between August 19and August 27.
Richard noted that GTC was still determining revenue allocations with NYSDOT and that allocations are expected to be less than originally anticipated. A conference call meeting is scheduled for later today to further discuss this issue. Dan Hallowell noted that the regional allocations may not be available as soon as hoped.
GTC and NYSDOT staff will conduct preliminary ranking of projects beginning in early-September and the TDC will develop a recommended list of projects for Planning Committee consideration at the November 12 Meeting. Public review is expected in November and December with four public meetings planned.
3. Update and discussion on upcoming authorization of surface transportation legislation
Richard Perrin noted that a transfer of $7 billion from the General Fund to the Highway Trust Fund was signed into law on August 7. This transfer should keep the Highway Trust Fund solvent through the end of the Federal Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2009. A top priority for Congress when they return from recess on September 8 is to discuss a clean extension of SAFETEA-LU or new authorization. This may have an impact in future years if (as expected) the extension provides no increase from 2009 to 2010, due to the compounding effect on current revenue estimates that would be lost.
Richard Perrin discussed the FY 2010-2011 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) with respect to the current funding situation. Given the uncertainty of future funding levels, GTC will proceed with development of the 2010-2011 UPWP based on funding levels in the current UPWP (FY 2009-2010). By holding anticipated revenues flat, between approximately $500,000 and $600,000 of Federal Highway Administration and $180,000 and $210,000 of Federal Transit Administration Planning Funds would be available for member agencies, communities, and professional services to GTC staff for regional planning and data development activities.
In terms of schedule, an advance notice of the availability of the funds will be mailed to all communities in the region on September 4. The Call for Projects will be mailed two weeks later on September 18 with proposals due October 23. A workshop for potential applicants will be held the week of October 5.
A draft program will be developed for Planning Committee consideration at the January 7, 2010 meeting and public review will be conducted from January 8 through February 8, 2010. GTC Board adoption is anticipated in March 2010.
Terry Rice asked if there have been discussions between GTC and NYSDOT regarding additional traffic counts using PL funds. Richard Perrin noted that NYSDOT will be taking additional counts through their expanded Highway Performance Monitoring System program. A list of count locations has been sent to each county for review and, if there are locations not covered, the counties can apply for UPWP funds to conduct these counts.
5. Action Items
a. Recommendations to the GTC Board concerning accepting submission of reports as evidence of completion of various UPWP Tasks
At the suggestion of Kris Hughes and with the concurrence of the Committee, Action Items 5.a.1. and 5.a.2. were moved to later in the Agenda.
3. Accepting the report, Safe Routes to School Guidebook for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region and the five Safe Routes to School Action Plans, as evidence of completion of UPWP Tasks 5520 and 5521, respectively / Proposed Council Resolution 09-43
Robert Torzynski reviewed Tasks 5520 and 5521, highlighting the coordinated development of the Guidebook and the Action Plans project findings. Terry Rice asked how the Guidebook will be released and Richard Perrin responded that GTC will send a letter to all school district superintendents and transportation directors in the region informing them of the availability of the Guidebook on the GTC website. GTC will also offer to present the program to and work with interested school districts as requested.
Kris Hughes asked if there will be an effort to reach out to schools that were interested but not selected for the site assessments. Richard Perrin noted that all five schools that applied for site assessments were approved and that there are no districts that expressed interest but were not selected.
Todd Gadd asked if NYSDOT can incorporate Safe Routes to School principles on the project being conducted in Attica. Richard Perrin responded that GTC will get the applicable Action Plan to Dan Hallowell for NYSDOT consideration.
Chuck Thomas moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 09-43; Terry Rice seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
4. Accepting the report, RGRTA Satellite Centers Study, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 8300 / Proposed Council Resolution 09-44
Chuck Switzer discussed the project background, process, and findings. Chuck described typical amenities to be provided per the study recommendations and discussed design concepts for the Strong Hospital, West Main Street, Lake and Ridge, Brighton Twelve Corners, and City Gate sites.
Paul Holahan asked if the designs envisioned getting buses off the street. Chuck responded that it would depend on the location and the need to provide opportunities for transfer points.
Erik Frisch asked if RGRTA coordinated with the City Engineering Bureau on the Mount Hope site. Chuck responded that RGRTA coordinated with Paul Way in developing the study. William Sullivan suggested that RGRTA should reach out to neighborhood groups and Erik Frisch noted that City efforts in the Bulls Head neighborhood would benefit from coordination with RGRTA. Chuck stated that RGRTA would be interested in coordinating with the City.
Kris Hughes asked if the funding for the Satellite Centers is tied to the funding for Renaissance Square, and if any funds from Renaissance Square would be available for other projects. David Cook responded that the Satellite Transfer Facilities are included as separate projects in the TIP. Richard Perrin added that, even though the Renaissance Square project is no longer being advanced, there is still a demonstrated need for a downtown transit center and that will have to be addressed with less funding due to expiring earmarked funds. Richard added that RGRTA will be reevaluating the requirements for that project and it is premature to be discussing what happens to the funding until that reevaluation is complete. Marvin Kleinberg stated that the Satellite Centers TIP projects will need to be consistent with the LRTP. Richard responded that the project is consistent with the LRTP.
David Cook moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 09-44; William Sullivan seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
5. Accepting the report, IT Audit and Assessment Services General IT Controls Audit Report, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 8424 / Proposed Council Resolution 09-45
Miguel Velazquez provided a presentation discussing the IT Audit and Assessment Services General IT Controls Audit Report. He gave an overview of the study purpose, process, and findings. David Cook discussed efforts to implement the recommendations of the study.
William Sullivan moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 09-45; James Fletcher seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
1. Accepting the report, Regional Land Use Monitoring Report (2008), as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 4220 / Proposed Council Resolution 09-41
Razy Kased gave an overview of the Regional Land Use Monitoring Report (2008), including the addition of new data items to the survey. David Zorn noted that the report includes trend data. Richard Perrin thanked G/FLRPC staff for conducting this valuable task and noted that the report is extremely useful to member agencies and others throughout the region.
Chuck Thomas moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 09-41; Erik Frisch seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
2. Accepting the report, Historic Transportation Gateway Inventory and Assessment, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 5331 / Proposed Council Resolution 09-42
Jayme Breschard discussed the Historic Transportation Gateway Inventory and Assessment. She gave an overview of the study purpose, process, and findings and explained that the review was in conformance with national and state standards to allow the assessment to support potential applications for historical preservation funding. Terry Rice asked if a list of locations and a map could be made available. Dave Zorn indicated that G/FLRPC can make these available.
Chuck Thomas moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 09-42; Terry Rice seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
b. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by changing the FFY 2010 phase costs and schedules of select TIP Projects / Proposed Council Resolution 09-46
Richard Perrin discussed the need for FFY 2010 adjustments as part of the effort to right the ship. Richard noted that the new TIP was expected to include FFY 2010, but that will not occur due to the level of effort required by NYSDOT to administer and implement the transportation components of ARRA. Dan Hallowell noted that this action does not change costs for the other years in the TIP and as such there will be a mismatch between the TIP and the State Transportation Improvement Program. To address the issue, NYSDOT-4 will need to identify offsets on an as-needed basis.
Terry Rice moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 09-46; David Cook seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
c. Recommendations to the GTC Board concerning amendments to the 2007-2012 TIP
Following a brief discussion of Agenda Item 5.c.1., Dan Hallowell suggested that the Committee consider and act on items 1 through 23 as a group, subject to questions. William Sullivan stated that, if that were done, he would need to abstain from voting on item 21 pending further discussion with project neighbors. Dan modified the previous motion to exclude item 21 from the group and the Committee agreed to consider items 1 through 20 and items 22 and 23 as a group, subject to questions.
1. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by decreasing the cost of and changing the estimated completion date of the University Avenue/ArtWalk II project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-47
2. Action concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the costs of phases of the Clover Street Preventive Maintenance project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 09-4
3. Action concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the costs of phases of the Pixley Road Preventive Maintenance project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 09-5
4. Action concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the costs of phases of the Lee Road Preventive Maintenance project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 09-6
5. Action concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the costs of phases of the Fetzner Road Preventive Maintenance project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 09-7
6. Action concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the costs of phases of the Vintage Lane Preventive Maintenance (Long Pond Rd. to Rt. 390) project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 09-8
7. Action concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the costs of phases of the Vintage Lane Preventive Maintenance (Rt. 390 to Mt. Read Blvd) project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 09-9
8. Action concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the costs of phases of the Elmwood Avenue Preventive Maintenance project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 09-10
9. Action concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the costs of phases of the Panorama Trail Preventive Maintenance project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 09-11
10. Action concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the costs of phases of the South Winton Road Preventive Maintenance project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 09-12
11. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by changing the FFY 2009 phase costs of the Computerized Traffic Signal System Communication Conduit project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-48
12. 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 09-13
13. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by reducing the total cost of the High Risk Rural Road Improvements for 2010 project, reducing the total cost of the High Risk Rural Road Improvements for 2011 project, and adding the NYS Route 20 at Genesee County Road 35 (East Road) project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-49
14. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by adding the Conesus Inlet Fish & Wildlife Management Area Trail project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-50
15. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by adding the Junction Lock Trailhead and Trail project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-51
16. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by adding the Finger Lakes Spur at Grimes Glen County Park project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-52
17. Action concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the Notes portion of the Project Detail Sheet for the Route 390 Reconstruction project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 09-14
18. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the scope and increasing the total cost of the Replace 6 RTS Transit Buses project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-53
19. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by decreasing the total cost of the Purchase 18 Lift Line Buses project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-54
20. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by modifying the scope and decreasing the total cost of the Replace 6 Lift Line Buses project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-55
22. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by increasing the total cost of the Preventive Maintenance project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-57
23. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by decreasing the total cost of the Transit Enhancements project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-58
Richard Perrin provided a summary of the amendments associated with items 1 through 20 and items 22 and 23.
Terry Rice moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolutions 09-47 through 09-55, 09-57, and 09-58 and Proposed Planning Committee Resolutions 09-4 to 09-14; Dan Hallowell seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
21. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by decreasing the total cost of the RGRTA Site & Facility Improvements project / Proposed Council Resolution 09-56
David Cook described the history of how the RGRTA site developed, the need for the facility improvements included in the project, and that the change is a minor adjustment to the cost of this project utilizing ARRA funds. David noted that RGRTA shared the plans with neighborhood groups and attempted to alleviate concerns and mitigate the impacts of the improvements.
Terry Rice asked if Planning Committee action would endorse a design for the project or would be limited to programming funding for the project. Richard Perrin responded that this action would only amend the funds programmed to an identified need as would be done for any other project, and that the project sponsor is responsible for selection of a preferred alternative and associated design and public involvement. Paul Holahan expressed appreciation for RGRTA efforts to date, but noted that the City still has some concerns based on neighbors concerns and would need to abstain from the vote at this time.
James Fletcher moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 09-56; David Cook seconded the motion. The motion passed with Erik Frisch, Paul Holahan, William Sullivan, and Chuck Thomas abstaining.
6. Empire Corridor High-Speed Rail Initiative Presentation
Donald Hannon, Director of the NYSDOT Office of Integrated Modal Services, provided a presentation on the Empire Corridor High-Speed Rail (HSR) Initiative and answered questions including those provided in advance of the presentation by the Planning Committee. He discussed the anticipated level and type of service, costs and funding, community impacts, regional coordination, rail stations, and the proposed schedule for advancing the HSR Initiative.
Key points included:
NYSDOT would be applying for a total of $5.4 billion dollars to implement and conduct additional planning for the initiative
The top speed for the service would be 110 miles per hour; the average speed would be lower
There would be an approximately one hour and 45 minute decrease in travel time between the Rochester and Rensselaer (Albany) stations
The line could be electrified in the future
Stops could be added in Lyons/Geneva and other areas of the state if demand is warranted
Federal funds will likely not be able to be used for operations and maintenance; New York State would attempt to pay for these activities
New York State is in discussions with CSX for the right-of-way; eminent domain does not apply to railroads
All at-grade crossings will not be reconfigured but there will be substantial upgrades to signalizations as safety is the primary consideration
It is too early to discuss specific improvements to stations; initial improvements would include making platforms ADA-accessible and accommodating high-speed rail service
The Committee thanked Mr. Hannon for the presentation and he provided contact information should members and alternates have additional questions on the HSR Initiative.
7. New Business
No new business was presented.
8. Public Forum
No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.
9. Next Meeting
October 8, 2009 at RGRTA.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.