GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL

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GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING

Wayne County Courthouse

Lyons, NY

July 12, 2012

 

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

James Fletcher, Monroe County At Large

Erik Frisch, City of Rochester At Large

Tom Goodwin, Monroe County Planning Board

Andrea Guzzetta, Rochester City Council

Daniel Hallowell, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Region 4

Timothy Hens, Genesee County

Paul Holahan, City of Rochester

Kristen Mark Hughes, Ontario County (Chairperson)

Scott Leathersich, Monroe County At Large (Vice Chairperson)

Terrence J. Rice, Monroe County

Kevin Rooney, Wayne County

David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (G/FLRPC)

ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT

David Hartman, Yates County

Don Higgins, Livingston County, representing Angela Ellis

Paul Zakrzewski, NYS Thruway Authority, representing Douglas J. Tokarczyk

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED

Donald Allport, Orleans County

Marcia Barry, Rochester City Planning Commission

Bill Carpenter, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA)

Robert Colby, Monroe County

Todd Gadd, Wyoming County

Robert Griffith, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Peter McCann, Monroe County Supervisors Association

Edward Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation

Mitchell Rowe, Seneca County

Steven Urlass, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

(Vacant), Federal Transportation Administration (FTA)

(Vacant), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE

Crystal Benjamin, RGRTA

Roy Gates, Seneca County

James Hoffman, Chairman, Wayne County Board of Supervisors

Razy Kased, G/FLRPC

Richard Perrin, GTC staff

Andre Primus, GTC staff

John Polimeni, NYSDOT-Region 4

Chris Reeve, NYSDOT-Region 4

James Stack, GTC staff

Robert Torzynski, GTC staff

1. Call to Order & Introductions

Kris Hughes, Planning Committee Chairperson called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m. James Hoffman, Supervisor of the Town of Williamson and Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors, welcomed everyone to Wayne County. Members, Alternates, and others present introduced themselves.

2. Public Forum

No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.

3. Approval of Minutes

Kevin Rooney moved for approval of the minutes from the May 10, 2012 Planning Committee meeting; Don Higgins seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as presented.

4. Reports on UPWP Projects and Other Activities

a. Reports on UPWP Projects and Other Activities
 

GTC

Richard Perrin reported:
 

         GTC Strategic Planning: GTC staff has continued to monitor reauthorization proposals and action, including the development of a summary to be presented later in the meeting. The New York State Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations in conjunction with NYSDOT and FHWA is continuing the development of an integrated planning initiative with the most recent meeting on May 18. GTC has continued its involvement in a working group to develop a regional sustainability plan with the submission of an application to NYSERDA on April 23 that received funding on June 25. GTC is acting as the contract administrator on behalf of Monroe County, as the applicant, and is conducting the solicitation of proposals for Project Management/Coordination/Outreach Services and Professional Planning Services. Two proposals were received for the Project Management/Coordination/Outreach task on June 11 and proposals for the Professional Planning Services task are due July 13.

         Regional Traffic Count Collection: American Traffic Information (ATI) was selected as the preferred consultant. The contract was executed on July 9.

         LRTP Update/Implementation: The Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region 2035 (LRTP 2035) was adopted by the GTC Board at its June 16, 2011 meeting. GTC staff has completed Recommendation Advancement Plans for each of the recommendations of the LRTP 2035 and an associated prioritization framework for identifying an order to advance the recommendations is being developed.

         Air Quality Planning and Outreach: The conformity statement for the LRTP 2035 and 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to include the Kendrick Road interchange project was adopted by the GTC Board at its June 21 meeting. GTC staff presented as part of an Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations/FHWA webinar series on June 26 and provided comments to the Genesee Region Clean Communities on their Request for Proposals (RFP) for alternative fuel vehicle projects as part of their CMAQ-funded outreach and implementation program.

         GTC Household Travel Survey: Model calibration incorporating the new data collected through the survey is complete. Additional cross tabulations of the data have been received and GTC staff has drafted a report that presents analysis on trip making characteristics and travel preferences. GTC staff has reviewed and provided comments on the final report and model documentation. Presentation to the Planning Committee is expected at the August 9 meeting.

         Diversion Route Planning Initiative: A project status meeting was held with the new consultant project manager on July 9 and the second Steering Committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for August 1.

         Priority Trails Advancement: The Pultneyville to Marion Trail Feasibility Study was adopted by the GTC Board at its June 21 meeting.

         Congestion Management Process (CMP): The update of the CMP is included in the LRTP 2035 that was adopted by the Board on June 16, 2011.

         Greater Rochester Regional Commuter Choice Program: The project will be presented for Planning Committee consideration later in the meeting.

         Travel Time Data Collection Program: The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been finalized and statements of qualifications are due August 3. Thirteen RFQ packages have been requested to-date.

         Coordinated Public Transit/Human Services Transportation Planning: The plan was accepted by the Board at the September 8, 2011 meeting.

         Regional Mobility Management Business Plan: GTC staff is continuing the development of the RFP.

         Regional Goods Movement Strategy: The second round of public meetings was held on May 16. The final Steering Committee meeting was held June 16. The full draft report was received on July 10 and presentation to the Planning Committee is expected at the August 9 meeting.

Genesee County

Tim Hens reported:

         Genesee County Horizontal Curve Sign Study: The RFP is being finalized and is expected to be advertised this month.

 

 

G/FLRPC

Dave Zorn reported:

         Regional Land Use Monitoring Report: The report has been completed and will be presented by Razy Kased later in the meeting.

         Genesee-Finger Lakes Region Population Projections: The initial data has been entered and additional data sources are under consideration as the model undergoes review in preparation for analysis.

         Regional Atlas: Data has been collected and materials are being prepared for inclusion in the document.

Livingston County
 

Don Higgins reported:

        Livingston County Transportation Connectivity Plan: Focus groups were held on May 15 and 16, a business survey has been conducted, and public and general transit user surveys are being developed while the consultant continues to gather data on existing conditions.

Monroe County

Tom Goodwin reported:

        Monroe County Land Use Monitoring Report: The project is on the agenda for presentation later in the meeting.

Scott Leathersich reported:

         Monroe County Sign Inventory Location Upgrade: The County is working with the consultant to integrate the inventory with the existing database.

         Monroe County Horizontal Curve Study: Data collection using the ball-bank indicator is nearly complete for the county roadway system outside of the City of Rochester and collection on the roads within the City will begin soon.

         Monroe County High Accident Location Program: One additional site has been completed for a total of 26 out of 54 locations (48 percent) completed.

         Monroe County Accident Rate Database GIS Conversion: Database conversion is underway for the pilot study area.

Ontario County

Kris Hughes reported:

        Routes 5 & 20 and State Route 364 Multi-Modal Study: There have been several internal team meetings. Data collection is continuing with a site visit conducted June 29 to observe ingress and egress from the CMAC Performing Arts Center during a concert.

City of Rochester

Erik Frisch reported:

         Center City Tourist/Visitor Circulation and Pedestrian Wayfinding Study: A steering committee meeting was held on June 7 and the final report is under development with closeout expected at the August Planning Committee meeting.

         City of Rochester Urban Trail Linkages Feasibility Study: An Advisory Committee meeting was held on July 10. Preliminary recommendations are being finalized and the final public meeting is anticipated for mid/late-September.

         Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Parking and Circulation Study: The final report is under development.

         St. Paul and North Clinton Two-Way Conversion Study: A revised draft was released the week of May 14 for review in advance of the Advisory Committee Meeting and the Public Meeting which were held on May 17. The consultant has further revised the draft in response to comments received since May 14 and the next Advisory Committee Meeting is anticipated for September.

        Rochester Bicycle Boulevard Plan: No progress to report.

        Mt. Read Boulevard Corridor Study: Draft RFP under development.

Following Erik Frischs report, Scott Leathersich requested that Monroe County be provided a copy of the draft St. Paul and Clinton Two-Way Conversion Study for review and was advised by Erik that this would be done.

RGRTA

Crystal Benjamin reported:

       RGRTA Suburban Transit Station Study: Project will be presented for closeout later in the meeting.

       RTS Signal Prioritization Study: Project will be presented for closeout later in the meeting.

       RGRTA Transit-Supportive Development Guidelines: RGRTA is looking at the possibility of doing the project in-house.

       RGRTA Route Analysis: The project is ongoing and Regional Transit Service has instituted routing changes in the Town of Greece to better serve major new development on Dewey Avenue based on the work conducted under this task.

Wayne County

Kevin Rooney reported:

      Wayne County Horizontal Curve Sign Study: Thirteen proposals were received by the July 9 deadline for the RFP, with one rejected because it was not responsive to the proposal requirements. Twelve are under review with a preferred consultant anticipated to be identified in mid-August.

Wyoming County

Richard Perrin reported:

      Wyoming County Horizontal Curve Sign Study: The RFP was advertised on July 2 with proposals due July 22. Twenty-three RFP packages have been distributed to-date.

 

Yates County

Dave Hartman reported:

      Yates County Safe Passing Zone Survey: Three proposals were received by the June 11 deadline. A contract with the preferred consultant was authorized by the Yates County Legislature on July 9.

 

Other Agencies

Richard Perrin reported:

         Auburn Trail/Ontario Pathways Trail Connection Feasibility Study: Alternatives are being revised and a Steering Committee meeting was held on July 9.

         Irondequoit Seneca Trail: Ten proposals were received by the June 8 deadline and are being reviewed.

         Black Creek Corridor Trail: The initial public meeting was held May 23. The draft existing conditions report was provided to the Steering Committee on June 18. The Steering Committee is scheduled to meet July 18.

         Village of Scottsville Traffic Circulation and Safety Study: The Steering Committee met June 11 and an RFP was issued on June 22 with proposals due August 3.

         Webster Village Core Circulation, Accessibility and Parking Study: An RFP is under development. The Steering Committee met July 10.
 

Kris Hughes reported:

    • Victor Transportation Systems Plan: The final draft of the full comprehensive plan update was posted to the Town of Victor website for public review on May 17 and a public information meeting was held on May 21. The plan was accepted by the Town Board on July 9.

Richard Perrin reported:

         NYS Route 250 Transit Supportive Mixed Use Development District: The Steering Committee met on May 15 and June 1. The RFP was issued on June 8 with proposals due July 20.

         Brighton Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Plan: Results of the survey to assess needs were distributed on May 29. The second public meeting was held June 28 and the Steering Committee is scheduled to meet on July 16.

         Town of Greece Active Transportation Plan: The town developed a draft of the RFP and GTC staff provided comments on July 3.

         Village of Pittsford Active Transportation Safety Plan: No progress to report.

b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements

Richard Perrin reported:

A. Douglas Berwanger, Chairman of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors, has designated Jerry Davis, Supervisor of the Town of Covington, as his alternate to the GTC Board.

Mary Pat Hancock, Chairperson of the Genesee County Legislature, has designated Esther Leadley, Genesee County Legislator, as her alternate to the GTC Board.

The September quarterly meeting of the GTC Board, originally scheduled for September 13, is being rescheduled as it conflicts with the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Fall Seminar that will be held in Syracuse. GTC and G/FLRPC staffs are working together to find an alternate date of either Monday, September 17th or Tuesday, September 18th for the rescheduled meetings. The rescheduled meetings would be held at their normal times: GTC Board at 8:30 a.m., G/FLRPC Executive Committee at 9:30 a.m., and G/FLRPC at 10:30 a.m.

GTC staff is also receiving requests for changes to the Functional Classification of roads in the region. This is dependent on a number of items; namely, the finalization of the adjusted urbanized area (UZA) boundary. The initial Census Bureau-recommended UZA boundary was provided in March 2012 and any revisions to it must be recommended to and approved by the Governor and the FHWA-NY Division office. The deadline for this to occur is June 2014.

Once the UZA boundary is finalized, a review of current Functional Classification of roads can occur and changes can be proposed. FHWA is currently updating the guidance for updating UZAs and Functional Classification with release expected in August/September 2012.

1.      Proposed federal legislation update

Richard Perrin distributed a summary of MAP-21 and discussed his analysis. The summary will be provided to the GTC Board later in the day.

Following Richards discussion, Crystal Benjamin asked if in consolidating the Section 5307 Program and the Jobs Access Reverse Commute (JARC) Program there was still a requirement that some of the funds be spent for JARC activities. Richard responded that he did not know the answer but would review the legislation and respond to Crystal after the meeting.

Paul Holahan asked if we had enough information to reprogram existing TIP projects into the consolidated funding sources included in MAP-21 as well as program additional years via the next TIP. Richard responded that at this point we would look to shift the fund sources of existing projects to match the programs included in MAP-21 and that GTC and NYSDOT-Region 4 are participating in a statewide group that is reviewing the statewide regional funding allocations and planning targets for future years to be programmed in the next TIP.

Erik Frisch asked about impacts to the next TIP cycle. Richard Perrin responded that GTC staff is still intending to progress the development of the next TIP on its normal schedule (with required exceptions).

Erik noted that this region has a history of supporting alternative modes and asked if this will continue. Richard Perrin responded that GTC has moved away from specific set-asides for specific modes but this has increased flexibility and the ability to fund the best projects for all modes of transportation, resulting in alternative modes being funded relative to the emphasis they receive in the LRTP.

Dan Hallowell asked about the impact of the region becoming an attainment area with regard to the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program. Richard Perrin responded that this region, even if designated as an attainment area, is still eligible to receive CMAQ funds under MAP-21 but that hes not sure at this point in time how CMAQ funds will be distributed on a statewide basis.

Kris Hughes asked if some of the mega-projects such as the Tappan Zee Bridge could take a lot of the funding off the top. Richard Perrin responded that this is unknown at this time but certainly an area that GTC staff is monitoring.

Dan Hallowell commented that NYSDOT is trying to implement a needs-based program. NYSDOT-Region 4 is in the middle of the pack on bridge condition system wide and above average on pavement condition system wide. This creates more preservation candidates. Dan also noted that this region has the highest percentage of poor pavement segments that are candidates for capital projects.

5. Action Items

a.      Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning accepting reports and a website as evidence of completion of various UPWP Tasks / Proposed Council Resolutions 12-99 through 12-103
 

1.      Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning acceptance of the report, Land Use Report for Monroe County, New York 2011, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 4210 / Proposed Council Resolution 12-99

Tom Goodwin discussed the development of the report and its principal findings.

Scott Leathersich moved to recommend that the GTC Board adopt Council Resolution 12-99, James Fletcher seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
 

2.      Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning acceptance of the report, 2011 Regional Land Use Monitoring Report, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 4220 / Proposed Council Resolution 12-100

Razy Kased discussed the development of the report and its principal findings.

Terrence Rice moved to recommend that the GTC Board adopt Council Resolution 12-100, Tom Goodwin seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

3.      Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning acceptance of the website, ROCEASYRIDE, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 7115 / Proposed Council Resolution 12-101

Robert Torzynski discussed the development of the website, its principal features, and GTC plans for further enhancement of the site.
 

Terrence Rice moved to recommend that the GTC Board adopt Council Resolution 12-101, Kevin Rooney seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

4. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning acceptance of the report, RGRTA Suburban Transit Station Feasibility Study, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 8301 / Proposed Council Resolution 12-102

Crystal Benjamin discussed the development of the report including the metrics used to screen prospective station locations and the stakeholder interviews conducted to further understand transit needs in the study area. She then discussed the plan recommendations and noted that many of these recommendations will be included in the Multi-Year Service Plan currently under development by RGRTA staff.

Dan Hallowell asked if the study was done assuming the development of the City Gate and College Town projects. Crystal Benjamin responded that these projects were not explicitly considered in this report because it was intended to evaluate sites outside of the City, which were previously assessed as part of the Satellite Stations Study that included the College Town and City Gate projects.
 

5.      Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning acceptance of the report, RGRTA Signal Prioritization Study, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 8423 / Proposed Council Resolution 12-103

Crystal Benjamin discussed the development of the report and its principal findings and recommendations. She noted that the primary focus areas for the study include the Lake Avenue and Dewey Avenue corridors and that the study prioritized near-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations. She also noted that many of the study recommendations will be included in the Multi-Year Service Plan currently under development by RGRTA staff.

Scott Leathersich commented that it would be useful to include additional information from other parts of the full report in the Executive Summary.

Terrence Rice stated that the Monroe County Department of Transportation may be able to accommodate transit prioritization-related signal equipment at minimal additional cost. He also noted that additional information already included in the full report should be added to the Executive Summary so it can better stand alone and that RGRTA staff should contact James Pond to review potential revisions to the text. In response to Richard Perrins question whether the report could be approved at this time, Terrence Rice replied in the affirmative stating that the requested changes werent significant to require reconsideration at the August Planning Committee Meeting.

Terrence Rice asked for clarification on the project approach. Crystal noted that all bus routes were examined and screened for those that could most benefit.

Terrence Rice moved to recommend that the GTC Board adopt Council Resolutions 12-102 and 12-103, Erik Frisch seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

6. New Business

a. Discussion regarding TIP development process and management procedures

Terrence Rice noted that representatives from several of the counties and cities in the region met with NYSDOT to discuss the State-Local Agreement (SLA) process to look for improvements.

Richard Perrin noted that there are considerations outside the TIP development and management process (and, therefore, the purview of GTC) that can have a significant impact on project delivery a significant consideration in the GTC TIP management process.

Dan Hallowell noted that NYSDOT and the counties and City of Rochester had had a productive discussion on this topic at their last in-person meeting. He added that the SLA process generally impacts sponsor reimbursement, not project delivery. And, delivering a project on time and on budget avoids most issues.

Given that several Planning Committee members were under time constraints, it was suggested that this item be further discussed at a future meeting.

 

7. Public Forum

No one from the public spoke during the public forum.
 

8. Next Meeting

Next Meeting: August 9, 2012 at

Monroe County Fleet Center

Building 10, Room 140

145 Paul Road (NYS Rt. 252A)

Chili, NY
 

9. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 12:04 p.m.