GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL

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GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING

Ontario County Municipal Building

Canandaigua, New York

April 12, 2012

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

Marcia Barry, Rochester City Planning Commission

James Fletcher, Monroe County At Large

Erik Frisch, City of Rochester At Large

Todd Gadd, Wyoming County

Thomas Goodwin, Monroe County Planning Board

Andrea Guzzetta, Rochester City Council

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

Paul Holahan, City of Rochester

Terrence J. Rice, Monroe County

Kevin Rooney, Wayne County

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

ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT

Don Higgins, Livingston County, representing Angela Ellis

Jim Pond, Monroe County, representing Scott Leathersich

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED

Bill Carpenter, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA)

Robert Colby, Monroe County

Robert Griffith, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Timothy Hens, Genesee County

Kristen Mark Hughes, Ontario County (Chairperson)

Peter McCann, Monroe County Supervisors Association

Edward Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation

Thomas Pericak, NYS Thruway Authority

Mitchell Rowe, Seneca County

Henry Smith, Jr., Orleans County

Steven Urlass, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

(Vacant), Federal Transportation Administration (FTA)

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

(Vacant), Yates County

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE

Greg Albert, G/FLRPC

Joe Bovenzi, GTC staff

Glenn Cooke, Webster Community Coalition for Economic Development (WCCED)

Jim Costello, Town of Penfield

Katie Evans, Town of Penfield

Tony Favro, GTC staff

Roy Gates, Seneca County

Paul Gee, Village of Scottsville

Razy Kased, G/FLRPC

Rod Penniman, Popli Design Group

Richard Perrin, GTC staff

Mary Rowlands, Barton & Loguidice, P.C.

James Stack, GTC staff

1. Call to Order & Introductions

Richard Perrin welcomed everyone and explained that neither Kris Hughes, Planning Committee Chairperson, nor Scott Leathersich, Planning Committee Vice Chairperson, were able to attend todays meeting. By concurrence, the Members and Alternates present designated Kevin Rooney to serve as Acting Chairperson for the meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 10:02 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

Terry Rice moved for approval of the minutes from the February 9, 2012 Planning Committee meeting; Jim Fletcher seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as presented.

Richard Perrin suggested that the agenda be revised to move item 5.b, Action concerning consideration of UPWP Project Scopes of Work, forward in order to accommodate the Committees guests. No Member or Alternate objected.

5. Action Items

b. Action concerning consideration of UPWP Project Scopes of Work

1. Task 5231 Regional Population Projections

Razy Kased discussed the update of the regional population projections with 2010 U.S. Census data. He noted that the previous population projections based on the 2000 Census were very close to the actual population figures in 2010 and, therefore, G/FLRPC staff is very comfortable using the same methodology again.

2. Task 5820 Regional Atlas

Greg Albert discussed the Regional Atlas update, which will include new census data. Dan Hallowell asked if Limited English Proficiency (LEP) populations would be identified in the atlas. Richard Perrin replied that they would and that the GTC Title VI plan uses American Community Survey (ACS) data to identify LEP areas.

3. Task 6806 Village of Scottsville Traffic Circulation and Safety Study

Paul Gee, the Mayor of Scottsville, discussed the project. He explained that the study will focus on the North Road corridor, which is a heavily traveled route that has seen three crashes involving pedestrians. Issues along this corridor include heavy truck traffic generated by a nearby garbage transfer station and conflicts between school dismissal times and factory shift changes.

Don Higgins noted that there is a gravel mine located to the south of the garbage transfer station that also generates truck traffic in the area.

Dan Hallowell observed that this project might result in more than roadway improvements, so he suggested adding the phrase and other options to the Objective section of the scope. Mayor Gee acknowledged that the study may call for adding new sidewalks along roads just outside the village boundaries and agreed with the suggestion.

Terry Rice suggested that the project steering committee specify that the Monroe County Department of Transportation will represent the county and that the recommendations include a justification for changes.

Jim Pond asked if North Road will be the main focus of the study and if the Village was in communication with the garbage transfer station operators. Mayor Gee replied in the affirmative. Terry noted that the transfer station operators could be included on the steering committee.

Richard Perrin suggested that after GTC staff works with the Village to prepare a draft Request for Proposals (RFP), both NYSDOT-Region 4 and MCDOT could have an opportunity to review and comment on the draft RFP before it is published. Mayor Gee agreed to this suggestion.

4. Task 6807 Village of Webster Village Core Circulation, Accessibility and Parking Study

Glenn Cooke discussed development trends in and around the Village of Webster. The study will focus on the Villages core business district along Main Street, as well as North Avenue and the NYS Route 104/North Avenue interchange. Key concerns Webster officials would like to address in the study include accommodating the transportation needs of senior citizens living in the area and improving access to the farmers markets and community events that are steadily attracting increasing numbers of people to the village core. Glenn noted that the steering committee will look to engage a consulting firm with strong transportation and community planning expertise.

Terry Rice noted that the tasks listed in the scope do not directly address transportation concepts. Glenn replied that the steering committee would look to the consultant to identify those concepts.

Richard Perrin indicated that GTC staff would work with the Village to prepare the draft RFP and that he fully expected the RFP to include a planning process similar to other circulation, parking, and accessibility studies that have been performed in the region.

5. Task 6221 Yates County Safe Passing Zone Study

Richard Perrin informed the Committee that Dave Hartman of Yates County couldnt attend because of a death in the family and he understood if the Committee wanted to postpone consideration of the scope of work until the May 10 meeting. Richard noted that the RFP for this study would be essentially the same as the other safe passing zone studies developed for other counties in the region and asked the Planning Committee to consider the scope of work in Daves absence. No Member or Alternate objected. Richard then discussed the scope of work.

6. Task 6227 Wayne County Horizontal Curve Sign Study

Kevin Rooney discussed the project and stated that this study would be very similar to the other horizontal curve studies done for other counties in the region.

7. Task 6228 Wyoming County Horizontal Curve Sign Study

Todd Gadd said that this study would be very similar to the Wayne County horizontal curve study. Terry Rice asked for clarification of whether the Wyoming County study would look at all curves or just signed curves. Todd responded that it would include all curves, noting that there are curves within the County that do not currently have signs that may need them. Terry noted that based on previous experiences the proposed budget may be tight for this scope and suggested that the RFP specify digital ball-bank and not look at sign conditions since signs need to meet new standards by 2016. Todd agreed and responded that the County is on pace to have all signs updated to meet the new standards by the deadline.

8. Task 7121 Travel Time Data Collection Program

Joe Bovenzi explained that GTC staff is interested in acquiring real-time traffic data for arterials and collectors in the region. This data set will provide a more comprehensive view of traffic conditions in the region and allow staff to identify various types of congestion. It will be useful for a range of projects, including the Congestion Management Process, future iterations of the Long Range Transportation Plan, and various other local studies.

Richard Perrin commented that GTC previously had a scope of work approved for using the floating car method. This new approach will use propriety data sets from GPS-enabled devices. GTC staff will consider licensing agreements when identifying providers so that this data can be shared with member agencies.

9. Task 8170 Regional Mobility Management Business Plan

Richard Perrin discussed this project. It will be similar to the regional commuter choice program in that it will connect individuals with unique mobility needs to the most appropriate transportation providers, including public, private, and not-for-profit services. The business plan will project start-up costs and operating costs at the three- and five-year marks in order to identify a financially sustainable operating model.

10.Task 8514 NYS Route 250 Transit Supportive Mixed Use Development District

Katie Evans discussed development trends along NYS Route 250 north of the Perinton-Penfield town line. She noted that there are about 400 acres of open land in this area that several developers are interested in and the Town would like to facilitate the coordinated development of this land in accordance with mixed-use principles.

Terry Rice asked if this project would build on the recently completed NYS Route 250 corridor study. Katie replied in the affirmative and stated that the Town conducted a land use analysis following completion of that study. The Town has recently completed a new comprehensive plan. These will serve as the basis for the new study, which will provide the Town with the ability to guide new mixed-use development. It will also result in a mixed-use development guidebook and model ordinance that other municipalities in the region can use.

Richard Perrin reiterated that the final products will be transferable throughout the region and that this is a topic that is gaining interest in many communities. Jim Fletcher said this type of study is important for aging populations to be allowed to age in place.

Dan Hallowell commented that these types of studies are critical for smart growth.

Jim Fletcher moved to approve the Project Scopes of Work as discussed; Terry Rice seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

a. Action concerning classifying Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Unified Planning Work Program (FY 2012-2013 UPWP) tasks in accordance with the GTC Public Participation Plan

Richard Perrin discussed the proposed FY 2012-13 UPWP project classifications. GTC staff prepared recommended project classifications and that all of the new UPWP projects were straightforward with respect to their associated classification and public requirements. He noted that the scopes of work that were just approved utilized the proposed classifications.

Tom Goodwin moved to approve the classification of 2012-2013 Unified Planning Work Program tasks as presented; Dan Hallowell seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

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, as well as discuss the associated implications with elected officials, national and state organizations, and the media at their request. GTC participated in a March 23 discussion with representatives from the Transportation & Climate Initiative. GTC has also been involved in a working group to develop a regional sustainability plan to strengthen the region's ability to access various public, private, and not for profit funding opportunities.

LRTP Update/Implementation: Adopted by the GTC Board at its June 16, 2011 meeting. Initial drafts of the Recommendation Advancement Plans for each of the recommendations of the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region 2035 (LRTP 2035) were completed by the end of February and revised drafts are due tomorrow.

Air Quality Planning and Outreach: GTC staff participated on the February 15 and March 21 Interagency Consultation Group teleconferences. GTC staff made a presentation on communicating climate change and energy considerations in transportation as part of a national webinar on March 6. GTC staff also participated in the New York State Association of MPOs Climate Change Working Group meeting on April 11. GTC discussed the forthcoming attainment designation of the current nonattainment area under the new ozone standard with EPA.

GTC Household Travel Survey: Model calibration incorporating the new data is underway. Initial survey results regarding preferences and attitudes about a variety of transportation issues were provided and GTC is working with the consultant on select cross tabulations of the data.

Diversion Route Planning Initiative: The first steering committee meeting was held February 16. Requested GIS and crash data has been provided to the consultant.

Priority Trails Advancement: The steering committee for the Pultneyville to Marion Trail Feasibility Study met March 1 and final edits to the draft report are being made. Closeout is expected at the May 10 Planning Committee meeting.

Congestion Management Process: 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 roll-out of the program was held April 6 with excellent media coverage due in large part to assistance from RGRTA. Fact sheets for commuters and employers/organizations as well as an administrator's manual have been developed. GTC staff are willing to provide a presentation of the program to any interested parties to increase awareness.

Travel Time Data Collection Program: The scope of work discussing an improved methodology has been developed and was discussed earlier in the meeting.

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

Regional Goods Movement Strategy: A technical memorandum discussing the project evaluation process and describing the alternatives considered was completed. The steering committee met April 5 to review the memorandum and public meetings will be held in May. GTC staff will be available to make presentations to legislatures and boards of supervisors at that time as well.

G/FLRPC

Dave Zorn reported:

2010 Census TAZ Analysis and Revisions: The project is complete.

Regional Land Use Monitoring Report: Surveys for the 2011 report have been distributed and follow-up is underway while data entry has begun.

Livingston County

Don Higgins reported:

Livingston County Safe Passing Zone Survey: The project is complete.

Richard Perrin reported:

Livingston County Transportation Connectivity Plan: The plan is progressing with the consultant developing the inventory of existing and planned conditions.

Monroe County

Tom Goodwin reported:

Monroe County Land Use Monitoring Report: All surveys have been returned and the survey data is being compiled. Monroe County Planning Department staff will meet with G/FLRPC to coordinate on building permit data.

Terry Rice reported:

Monroe County Audible/Tactile Pedestrian Signal Device Study: The project is complete.

The Monroe County Vertical Curve Safety Study: The project is complete.

Monroe County Sign Inventory Location Upgrade: The consultants work is complete.

Monroe County Horizontal Curve Study: A contract has been awarded and the consultant is developing a work plan.

Monroe County High Accident Location Program: There is a correction from previous reports; analysis for 25 out of the 54 sites is complete. Follow-up studies are being prepared for seven locations studied under previous cycles.

Monroe County Accident Rate Database GIS Conversion: The conversion process has been worked out for a pilot area and is now being applied to the whole study area.

Ontario County

Richard Perrin reported:

Routes 5 & 20 and State Route 364 Multi-Modal Study: The RFP was issued on February 10 and six proposals were received. Consultant interviews have been scheduled for April 17.

City of Rochester

Erik Frisch reported:

Center City Tourist/Visitor Circulation and Pedestrian Wayfinding Study: The consultant is working on the final plan. Project closeout is expected in July.

Center City Circulator Study: The project is complete.

City of Rochester Urban Trail Linkages Feasibility Study: The Project Advisory Committee met to review the report and is discussing alternate routes for trails. The City has begun discussing potential locations with property owners.

Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Parking and Circulation Study: The final Project Advisory Committee and public meetings were held in March. Public comments are being addressed and the project closeout is expected in July.

St. Paul and North Clinton Two-Way Conversion Study: The draft Feasibility Assessment Report was distributed to the Project Advisory Committee on April 10. The next Project Advisory Committee meeting will be held in mid-May and project closeout is expected in July.

Dan Hallowell asked if NYSDOT was represented on the project. Erik Frisch responded in the affirmative.

Mt. Read Boulevard Corridor Study: A draft RFP is under development and is expected to be released in May.

RGRTA

Richard Perrin reported:

RGRTA Suburban Transit Station Study: The public meeting was held February 28. Project closeout is expected in July.

RTS Signal Prioritization Study: Final revisions are being made to the study.

RGRTA Transit-Supportive Development Guidelines: No progress to report.

The RGRTA Route Analysis: The project is ongoing.

Wayne County

Kevin Rooney reported:

Cluster Development Enhancement Project Feasibility Study: The project is complete.

Wayne County Safe Passing Zone: The project is complete.

Other Agencies

Richard Perrin reported:

Auburn Trail/Ontario Pathways Trail Connection Feasibility Study: Feasible alignments have been refined along with evaluation criteria for selection of a preferred alignment. The Town and consultant met with affected property owners on March 28.

Irondequoit Seneca Trail: No progress to report.

Black Creek Corridor Trail: Work is progressing on the inventory of existing and planned conditions.

Genesee County Central Corridor Plan: The report was accepted by the GTC Board at the December 8, 2011 meeting.

Victor Transportation Systems Plan: The Master Plan steering committee discussed the transportation component at its April 2 meeting.

Brighton Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Plan: The existing conditions inventory including level of service analyses for bicyclists and pedestrians has been completed. The first public meeting was held March 29.

b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements

Richard Perrin reported:

Orleans County Legislature Chairman David Callard has designated Gerald Gray as his alternate to the Board and designated Legislator Donald Allport as the Countys Planning Committee member and re-designated Wayne Hale as his alternate.

Thomas J. Madison, Jr., by his appointment as Executive Director of the New York State Thruway Authority, is a voting member of the GTC Board and has re-designated Tom Pericak as his alternate. Mr. Madison has re-designated Tom Pericak as the Authoritys Planning Committee member and designated Thomas Sheehan as his alternate.

Maggie Brooks, Monroe County Executive, has re-designated Daniel M. DeLaus, Jr. and Daniel Hogan as her At-large members to the GTC Board and Scott Leathersich and Chris Bollin as their respective alternates.

Rochester City Planning Commission Chairman David Watson has designated Marcia Barry as his alternate to the Board and designated Ms. Barry as the Commissions Planning Committee member.

1. Proposed federal legislation update and discussion

Richard Perrin reported:

In late-February, House leadership recognized that their version of the transportation reauthorization bill, The American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, would not be able to gain the needed 218 votes to be passed. At that time, House leadership began negotiations with coalitions of members on specific items within the proposed legislation but no efforts have been made to get it on the House floor for a vote.

On March 14, the Senate passed Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). The version of the bill that passed included an amendment by Senator Blunt of Missouri that an off-system bridge (in this case, non-National Highway System bridges) set-aside of 15 percent of the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2009 apportionment of Highway Bridge Program funds to each state be included.

The eighth extension to SAFETEA-LU expired on March 31. On March 30, the President signed another extension, this one for 90 days (i.e., through June 30). Congress is currently in a two-week recess and will not return to Washington until the week of April 16. House Speaker Boehner and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica plan to continue to educate members about the provisions the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act in an attempt to obtain the 218 votes necessary to pass the bill.

Despite consistent pressure from Senate Democrats, House Republicans are not seriously considering passing the Senate version, MAP-21, at this time. Absent passing their own version, the House would not have much, if any, leverage when the transportation reauthorization bill goes to conference with the Senate. It appears highly likely that there will be additional extensions and that a new multi-year reauthorization will not be in place until 2013.

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies is tentatively scheduled to move the FFY 2013 appropriations bill on April 17, with action at the full Appropriations Committee on April 19. The House Appropriations Committee has not announced its schedule for moving legislation but the House Budget Committee proposal calls for reduced funding for transportation.

The Presidents FFY 2013 budget proposal includes $74 billion in discretionary and mandatory transportation resources, an increase of 2 percent over the FFY 2011 enacted level. It includes a six-year reauthorization proposal totaling $476 billion. Although lower than the FFY 2012 proposal, it is still much higher than either Congressional plan, and is mostly similar in content to the FFY 2012 version. The proposal would provide $50 billion in upfront spending on infrastructure, rename the Highway Trust Fund the Transportation Trust Fund, consolidate 55 programs into five, and provide $47 billion for intercity passenger rail. The funding would come from money saved by ending overseas wars, a plan derided by Republicans.

Dan Hallowell discussed the New York Works program, noting that projects have been selected by NYSDOT-Main Office. The NYSDOT website lists the specific projects to be funded. The region received about 6 percent of the total statewide allocation.

Terry Rice asked Dan to clarify comments from a Buffalo-area State Senator regarding extra funds Western New York would receive as a result of a correction made to the allocation formula. Dan stated those comments are not accurate, there are no new funds, and there were no errors in the allocation formula.

Dan Hallowell requested the committee add a TIP Amendment request to the agenda. No Member or Alternate objected.

5. Action Items

c. Action concerning amending the Transportation Improvement Program to add the I-390 Interchange Improvements at Exit 16 Phase 2A (Kendrick Road Bridge/Ramp) project

Dan Hallowell distributed a request from NYSDOT to amend the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to add a new project for the improvement of Kendrick Road and the addition of a ramp from Kendrick Road to I-390 northbound. He noted that a portion of the funding for this project was identified as part of New York Works and the remainder is being provided from a NYSDOT-Main Office set-aside of Interstate Maintenance funds. The project will use the recently authorized design-build approach and is expected to be ready to bid within six months.

Richard Perrin clarified that the Planning Committee is being asked to approve three associated items: 1.) amend the TIP to include the Kendrick Road project; 2.) Amend the LRTP 2035 to remove the Kendrick Road project from the Illustrative Projects section; and 3.) approve the development of a new air quality conformity statement for public review.

Terry Rice moved to recommend amending the Transportation Improvement Program to add the I-390 Interchange Improvements at Exit 16 Phase 2A (Kendrick Road Bridge/Ramp) project; Paul Holahan seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

6. New Business

a. Long Range Transportation Plan for Genesee-Finger Lakes Region 2035 discussion

Richard Perrin stated that he would be brief but wanted the Committee to be aware of two main points regarding the development of the LRTP 2035 and next LRTP. First, GTC staff is working on a Systems Status Report that will be completed next year and will provide an update on progress made in implementing the LRTP 2035, including updated data for the LRTP performance measures. Second, GTC staff will be looking at improving the process used to develop the next LRTP compared to the LRTP 2035 both in terms of the technical approach employed and the expansion of public input activities beyond traditional town hall-style meeting.

Dave Zorn noted that there are multiple studies going on at the regional level and asked if there was a possibility of convening one public meeting for all these projects as a way of making them more accessible to the general public.

b. Regional Sustainability Plan Discussion

Richard Perrin reported that a group including Monroe County, the City of Rochester, Governor Cuomos regional office, the Rochester Institute of Technology, the Center for Governmental Research, LeChase Construction, and GTC staff began discussions about submitting an application through the next round of the Governors Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process to develop a regional sustainability plan. There is an approximately $10 million dollar set-aside for the 10 regions of the state to conduct these plans. Seven of the 10 regions in the State submitted applications and were awarded funds through the last round of the CFA process. This region did not submit an application because of issues related to the consultant procurement process and the identification of a local government to serve as the applicant. Monroe County has agreed to serve as the lead applicant and the group has been expanded to include the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council. An application is being prepared for submittal by the April 24 deadline.

Tom Goodwin noted that there was strong support from local agencies regarding the development of the scope of work for this plan, which would be prepared over the next eight months.

Terry Rice commented that the TIP includes several major projects that have construction phases spread out over multiple years. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of NYSDOT-Region 4 and GTC staff in advancing the projects by addressing NYSDOT-Main Office requests to get the approvals necessary for these projects to be advertised for bids.

7. Public Forum

No one from the public spoke during the public forum.

8. Next Meeting

Next Meeting: May 10, 2012 in the Rochester City Council Chambers
30 Church Street
Rochester, NY

9. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:44 a.m.