GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
QUARTERLY BOARD MEETING
Radisson Inn
Henrietta, NY
June 19, 2003
GTC BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
A. Douglas Berwanger, Wyoming County
John Doyle, Monroe County Executive
Marvin Decker, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (GTC Chairman)
James Fabino, Wayne County
Paul E. Haney, Rochester At-Large Member
Daniel Hogan, Monroe County At-Large Member
Jeanne L. Loberg, Monroe County Association of Town Supervisors
Ed Marianetti, Monroe County At-Large Member
Dana K. Miller, Rochester City Planning Commission
William Nojay, RGRTA
Dennis Pelletier, Monroe County
Marcia Tuohey, Orleans County
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
Richard Beers, FHWA, representing Robert Arnold
Bill Bordeau, Seneca County, representing Robert N. Favreau
Samuel J. Casella, Ontario County, representing Donald Ninestine
Ed Doherty, City of Rochester, representing William Johnson
John Hicks, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, representing Erin M. Crotty
Charles E. Moynihan, NYSDOT Region 4, representing Joseph Boardman
Charles H. Nesbitt, Empire State Development Corporation, representing Charles Gargano
Richard Rudolph, Genesee County, representing Mary Pat Hancock
William Sullivan, Rochester City Council, representing Lois Giess
David Thielman, NYS Thruway Authority, representing Michael Fleischer
David Woods, Livingston County, representing James Merrick
GTC BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED
Philip Brito, Federal Aviation Administration
Bonnie Coles, Monroe County Planning Board
Robert Multer, Yates County
Letitia Thompson, Federal Transit Administration
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE
Phyllis Cohen
Edwin H. Cohen
Megan Connor, Rochester Business Journal
Dave DiSalvo, Town of Mt. Morris
Joan Dupont, NYSDOT-Region 4
Deborah Elliott, GTC Staff
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (cont.)
Matt Ferr
Erik Frisch, GTC Staff
Jim Gardner, WHAM 1180
Steve Gleason, GTC Staff
Kristen M. Hughes, Ontario County
Wendy Leimbach, Erdman Anthony
Kristine Lopez, WHEC 10 NBC
Bud Lowell, WXXI
Calvin Lee, Jr., Monroe County Legislature
Dave McKinley, WROC TV
Doug Midkiff
Wendy Mills, R-News
James V. Murray, Mayor, Village of Mt. Morris
Jim Olverd, Town of Mt. Morris Supervisor
Rich Perrin, GTC Staff
F. M. Proz, Trustee Village of Mt. Morris
Terrence Rice, Monroe County
Don Riley, RGRTA
Rob Slaver, NYSDOT- Region 4
James Stack, GTC Staff
John Thomas, City of Rochester
1. Call to Order
Chairman Decker called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
2. Roll Call
James Stack, GTC Staff, called the roll; a quorum was present.
3. Public Forum
Chairman Decker invited anyone from the public to speak.
Doug Midkiff read a prepared statement concerning the Rochester Central Station project and submitted it to the Genesee Transportation Council for the record. (Note: Available at GTC office.)
4. Approval of Minutes
James Fabino motioned for approval of the minutes from the March 13, 2003 GTC Quarterly Board meeting; John Doyle seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as submitted.
5. Communications and Announcements
James Stack announced the following appointments to the Planning Committee:
RGRTA Paul Holahan appointed as second Alternate to Don Riley
James Stack announced the following appointments to the GTC Board:
Monroe County Tara Maurer appointed as Alternate to Dennis Pelletier
City of Rochester Paul Haney appointed as an At-Large Member and Dana Miller representing the City Planning Commission
New York State Thruway Authority David Thielman appointed as a second Alternate to Michael Fleischer
Copies of the appointment letters are on file at the GTC office.
6. Reports and Action on Old Business
a. Planning Committee Report Mr. Woods
David Woods provided the following report:
At its April 17, 2003 meeting, the Planning Committee:
Recommended that the Board amend the 2001-2006 TIP by adding the Canalway Trail Long Pond Road to Lock E-32 (Clover Street) project
Recommended that the Board approve Resolution 03-9, certifying that all Federal planning requirements are met
Recommended that the Board accept the Route 14 Truck Study, and the CATS Bus Project - Linking People to the Workplace reports as evidence of completion of their respective UPWP Tasks
Approved the Ballantyne Road Corridor Study as the second year project for the Regionally Significant Corridors Program
Approved the Scopes of Work for the following UPWP Tasks: the Highland Park/Canalway Neighborhood Connector Trail Study, Regional Development Projections, Regional Population Forecasts, Monroe County Traffic Count Collection, the Pedestrian Activity Safety Study, and the Town of Conesus Transportation and Safety Management Plan
Approved the Draft 2003-2008 Transportation Improvement Program Project List for 10-Day Public Review
At its May 22, 2003 meeting, the Planning Committee:
Recommended that the Board accept the Wayne County Strategic Plan for Public Transportation and the Wyoming County Strategic Plan for Public Transportation reports as evidence of completion of their respective UPWP Tasks
Recommended that the Board amend the 2001-2006 TIP by adding the Thruway Rehabilitation Interchange 43 to 44 project, by adding a Recreational Trails Program placeholder, and by increasing the funding for the Job Access and Reverse Commute Program project
Recommended that the Board adopt the 2003-2008 Transportation Improvement Program and Re-endorse the Long Range Transportation Plan Update for the Greater Rochester Area 2000-2020
Approved the Scopes of Work for the following UPWP Tasks: Transportation & Industrial Access Phase 2 and the TIP Management Enhancement Study
Recommended that the Board amend the FY 2003-2004 UPWP by amending the Budget to reflect the final FY 2003-2004 FHWA PL allocation and contribution of audited FY 2002-2003 rollover amounts
Recommended that the Board approve the supplemental funding request for UPWP Task 4360 Monroe County Traffic Count Collection and the TIP Management Enhancement Study supplement to UPWP Task 6100 TIP Management
b. GTC Executive Directors Report Mr. Gleason
Steve Gleason provided the following report:
Staff has begun development of the 2005-2025 Long Range Transportation Plan. This will be an 18-24 month process and is due for adoption in the Fall of 2004. The Planning Directors in the region have concurred on the overall approach. Staff has begun background data development. The first series of public meetings will be held this Fall
The Transportation and Industrial Access project is underway. Staff will be meeting with the Industrial Development Agencies in the region to identify access issues at priority sites
GTC is the first and only MPO in the state to conduct an analysis of the TIP under the new State Energy Plan. Staff conducted an analysis of the emissions of five pollutants and energy consumption. The results demonstrate that the actions being undertaken by GTC will result in reductions in all measured pollutants as well as overall energy consumption
GTC hosted a series of Walkable Communities Workshops during the week of May 5th. The workshops were held throughout the region, were well attended and were well received. Staff is finalizing workshop materials to be added to the GTC website as a resource
The first Steering Committee meeting for the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Study was held on May 28, 2003. The Steering Committee includes transportation providers and leaders from the health care community. A needs assessment is underway. The next Steering Committee meeting will be held in early September
The Statewide Long Term Funding Needs Study is wrapping up and the results will be reported at the next Board meeting
Staff has spent a considerable amount of time on the TIP which will be discussed later in the meeting
The GTC website can be accessed for current status and updates on all projects
c. Old Business
There was no old business
7. New Business
a. Accepting final project reports as evidence of completion of various UPWP Tasks
Accepting the report, Route 14 Truck Study, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 6610 Action on Resolution 03-10
Accepting the report, CATS Bus Project Linking People to the Workplace, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 8215 Action on Resolution 03-11
Accepting the report, Wayne County Strategic Plan for Public Transportation, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 8250 Action on Resolution 03-12
Accepting the report, Wyoming County Strategic Plan for Public Transportation, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 8260 Action on Resolution 03-13
Steve Gleason gave an overview of the reports that were submitted for the various UPWP tasks.
John Doyle motioned to group Resolutions 03-10, 03-11, 03-12, and 03-13 into one block; Mr. Woods seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
Charles Moynihan motioned to approve the block of Resolutions; John Doyle seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
b. Adoption of amendments to the 2001-2006 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Amending the 2001-2006 TIP by adding the Canalway Trail Long Pond Rd. to Lock E-32 (Clover St.) project Action on Resolution 03-8
.
Amending the 2001-2006 TIP by adding the Thruway Rehabilitation Interchange 43 to 44 project Action on Resolution 03-14
Amending the 2001-2006 TIP by adding a Recreational Trails Program placeholder Action on Resolution 03-15
Amending the 2001-2006 TIP by increasing the funding for the Job Access and Reverse Commute Program project Action on Resolution 03-16
Steve Gleason reviewed the proposed amendments to the 2001-2006 TIP
Joan Dupont provided information on the specific Recreational Trails Program projects for FFY 2002-03 that was received the day before by NYSDOT-Region 4. She noted that this information can be substituted into the TIP amendment in lieu of creating the placeholder for FFY 2002-03.
John Doyle motioned to amend Resolution 03-15 to reflect the new detailed information; Charles Nesbitt seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
John Doyle motioned to group Resolutions 03-8, 03-14, 03-15 as amended, and 03-16 into one block; David Thielman seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
John Doyle motioned to approve the block of Resolutions; David Thielman seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
Ed Doherty added a clarification on the Canalway Trail Long Pond Road to Lock E-32 (Clover Street) project. He noted that this project will bypass the 1.5 mile portion of the trail in the City of Rochester that was recently repaved with City funds. He stated that the City still supports the project.
c. Adoption of the Proposed 2003-2008 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Action on Resolution 03-17 and 03-9
Mr. Hogan motioned to approve Resolutions 03-17 and 03-9. Mr. Pelletier seconded.
Ed Doherty gave comments on behalf of Mayor Johnson and himself. He discussed the use of flex funds, which he maintained has the effect of postponing other projects. The City has several reservations about the Rochester Central Station, but has formally agreed to cooperate with RGRTA to advance the project.
Ed Doherty stated that Mayor Johnson is prepared to support the TIP with qualifications:
The Rochester Central Station is an underground facility, and the City believes that the funding gap should not be relieved by eliminating this design feature. The City feels that this would abrogate the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
It is important that the project moves forward so that other developments can proceed.
The City has not given support for the office tower and is concerned about the amount of office space downtown.
The City understands RGRTA has agreed to follow the SEQR process and encourages RGRTA to make the process as comprehensive as possible with appropriate public involvement.
Terry Rice addressed Ed Dohertys characterization that projects would be delayed by funding the Rochester Central Station with flex funds. He clarified that the two highway projects, which have been discussed, were never in the TIP, and it would be more accurate to say that while the construction component of these projects is not proposed for funding, design and right-of-way elements on both projects are proposed for funding in 2004, several years earlier than originally anticipated.
Jack Doyle stated that Monroe County has been lobbying for several years on behalf of this project. He understands that Congresswoman Slaughter still opposes the project and is blocking funding. He also understands that Senator Schumer will not support the funding as long as Congresswoman Slaughter opposes it. He expressed concern that the funding needed to build the terminal underground like the City wants is being blocked by the Citys Congressional representative.
Ed Doherty responded that the underground feature is in the MOU and the City is stating its support for the project.
Jack Doyle stated the need for bipartisan support to get funding for the project. Ed Doherty reiterated that the City has continued to support funding for the project.
Dennis Pelletier commented that, as a signer of the MOU, he feels the agreement was to support the project in seeking funding, and not predicated on an underground facility.
William Sullivan noted that he was party to the development of the MOU, and that Lois Giess would not have signed it without the inclusion of the extension of Stone Street and the underground design feature. She supports this TIP, but these conditions for the Rochester Central Station must be preserved.
Paul Haney noted that as the City of Rochester At-large representative, he is opposed to the TIP.
Paul Haney made a motion to sever the Rochester Central Station project from the rest of the Resolution so that it can be discussed separately. Ed Doherty seconded. The motion was defeated.
Paul Haney noted that the costs associated with the Rochester Central Station project detail sheet are all listed under the Other category and asked what the source of the Local share is.
Paul Haney noted that the Rochester Central Station project detail sheet shows project cost and funding totaling less than the $58.5 million that has been reported in the paper. He asked where the remaining funding would come from.
Jack Doyle responded that Monroe County and RGRTA continue to seek federal funding.
Paul Haney stated that he was confused by the postponement of projects.
Terry Rice responded that the two highway projects (East Ridge Road and Mount Hope Ave./East Henrietta Road) were submitted for funding for the first time in this TIP update. He stated that todays vote is on the results of the TIP development process. The proposed TIP includes funding for design and right-of-way activities for these two highway projects. There is an understanding that these two projects will get preference for additional funding in the next TIP update. As originally proposed, design of these projects would not have started until 2007 or 2008; it is now proposed to start in October 2004.
Paul Haney asked if these two highway projects would have been funded if the $30 million was not flexed to the Rochester Central Station project.
Paul Haney stated his reasons for opposing the Rochester Central Station project. He maintains that it perpetuates the hub-and-spoke system, which he feels is antiquated. Although he supports public transportation and maintains that RGRTA has done many good things in recent years, he notes that the RGRTA Strategic Plan does not mention the Rochester Central Station project. He is concerned about the loss of Satellite Transit Centers that are mentioned in the Strategic Plan. He also feels that the project will create a monster of an intersection at East Main Street and Clinton Avenue.
Ed Marianetti moved the previous question. Jeannne Loberg seconded. The motion passed with three opposed.
A vote was held on the original motion. The motion passed with one opposed.
At this time, the Chairman called for a five-minute recess.
d. Amending the FY 2003-2004 UPWP budget to reflect the final FY 2003-2004 FHWA PL allocation and contribution of audited FY 2002-2003 rollover amounts Action on Resolution 03-18
Steve Gleason discussed the proposed UPWP budget amendment. He noted that the UPWP budget is developed in advance of the fiscal year end with estimates of new funding and year-end project balances. This amendment reflects the actual funding allocations and the audited project balances for those projects that have rolled over into the FY 2003-2004 UPWP.
John Hicks motioned for approval of Resolution 03-18; Charles Nesbitt seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
e. Amending the FY 2003-2004 UPWP to reflect rescission of funding for UPWP Task 7210 and supplemental funding for UPWP Task 4360 Action on Resolution 03-19
Steve Gleason discussed Monroe Countys request to rescind the funding for the Multi-Lane Conversion Study. He noted that a preliminary screening of eligible roadway sections did not identify sufficient conversion opportunities to justify further investigation and analysis. Both Monroe County and City of Rochester staffs elected not to pursue this project further. Steve also discussed Monroe Countys request to supplement the funding for the Monroe County Traffic Count Collection project.
John Doyle motioned for approval of Resolution 03-19; James Fabino seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
f. Amending UPWP Task 6100 to fund and execute the TIP Management Enhancement Study Action on Resolution 03-20
Steve Gleason discussed the proposed TIP Management Enhancement Study. He noted the TIP Development Committee, the GTC Planning Committee, and the Monroe County Association of Town Supervisors requested GTC staff to develop a means to better manage the development and delivery of TIP projects. Steve noted that no changes are proposed for the TIP development process; this study focuses on the development and delivery of individual TIP projects.
John Doyle motioned for approval of Resolution 03-20; David Thielman seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
g. Discussion / possible action on recommendation to NYSDEC regarding air quality designation
Steve Gleason informed the Board that Governor Pataki will be making recommendations to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for all areas in the State regarding air quality status per the Clean Air Act on or before July 15. The Genesee Transportation Council Executive Committee met with officials from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the NYS Department of Transportations Environmental Analysis Bureau on June 4th to discuss options for the Genesee Transportation Council region.
John Doyle motioned for approval of a resolution requesting that Governor George E. Pataki recommend to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that the GTC region be designated as an unclassifiable attainment area for purposes of air quality regulations; Jeanne Loberg seconded. The motion passed unopposed. (Note: This resolution was numbered 03-21.)
David Thielman from the NYS Thruway Authority thanked and commended the Department of Transportation and the Genesee Transportation Council for all their hard work on the TIP.
8. Next Meeting
The next Board Meeting will be held Thursday, September 11, 2003 at 8:30 a.m. at the Radisson Inn in Henrietta.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:05