GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Ontario County Safety Training Facility
2914 County Road 48, Hopewell
April 10, 2014
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
James Fletcher, Monroe County At-Large
Erik Frisch, City of Rochester At-Large
Todd Gadd, Wyoming County
Roy Gates, Seneca County
Thomas Goodwin, Monroe County Planning Board
Andrea Guzzetta, Rochester City Council
Daniel Hallowell, NYSDOT-Region 4
David Hartman, Yates County
Scott Leathersich, Monroe County At-Large (Chairperson)
Terry Rice, Monroe County
Kevin Rooney, Wayne County
Bill Wright, Ontario County
David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (G/FLRPC)
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
David Cook, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA), representing Bill Carpenter
Donald Higgins, Livingston County, representing Angela Ellis
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED
William Eick, Orleans County
Mitch Rowe, Rochester City Planning Commission
Robert J. Colby, Monroe County
Timothy Hens, Genesee County
Edward Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation
Douglas J. Tokarczyk, NYS Thruway Authority
Steven Urlass, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
(Vacant), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
(Vacant), Federal Transportation Administration (FTA)
(Vacant), Monroe County Supervisors Association
(Vacant), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE
Jody Binnix, GTC Staff
Lora Barnhill, NYSDOT-Region 4
Adam Frosino, McFarland Johnson Engineering
Jack Marren, Town of Victor
Richard Perrin, GTC staff
John Polimeni, NYSDOT-Region 4
Christopher Reeve, NYSDOT-Region 4
James Stack, GTC staff
1. Call to Order & Introductions
Scott Leathersich, Planning Committee Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. Members, Alternates, and others present introduced themselves.
2. Public Forum
No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.
Scott Leathersich suggested that item 5.b. be moved forward in the agenda out of courtesy to guests. No Member or Alternate objected.
5. Action Items
b. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning accepting the Victor Transportation Systems Plan reports as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 7700 / Proposed Council Resolution 14-31
Victor Town Supervisor Jack Marren presented the findings of the Victor Transportation Systems Plan. Over the past decade, the Town of Victor has experienced significant population growth and increased commercial development which has led to transportation challenges within the Town and Village of Victor. The Victor Transportation Systems Plan was initially developed as part of the Towns Comprehensive Plan and was followed by additional planning activities that resulted in recommendations addressing both specific improvements and broader strategies. These recommendations were developed cooperatively with stakeholders and are consistent with the communitys growth management and land use goals.
Terry Rice asked if the recommendation to reconfigure the I-490 interchange at Exit 29 with a potential diverging diamond is the same location where a new traffic signal was recently installed at the Interstate 490 and Exit 29 interchange.
Richard Perrin stated that it is the same interchange and a diverging diamond is a potential long-term solution. Supervisor Marren noted that the Town of Victor advocated for the new signal to improve safety at the interchange, recognizing that long-term options need to continue to be explored.
Terry noted that there may be a need for the Town of Victor, Ontario County, Monroe County, NYSDOT, and the New York State Thruway Authority to coordinate regarding the synchronization of signals along the Route 96 corridor.
Richard agreed and added that Dave Goehring of NYSDOT-Region 4 has also identified transportation improvements that can be implemented at Eastview Mall to further address traffic issues along the corridor.
Terry Rice moved to recommend that the GTC Board adopt Proposed Council Resolution 14-31; David Hartman seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
3. Approval of Minutes
Erik Frisch moved for approval of the minutes from the February 13 Planning Committee meeting incorporating the revision; Jim Fletcher seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as presented.
4. Reports and Action on Old Business
a. Reports of UPWP Projects and Other Activities
GTC
Richard Perrin reported:
The GTC Board adopted the Planning Committee-recommended Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Unified Planning Work Program (FY 2014-2015 UPWP) at its March 13 meeting. Beginning with the May Planning Committee package, the Project Status Report will include projects from the FY 2014-2015 UPWP.
GTC Strategic Planning: GTC staff are finalizing all of the necessary components to develop the draft strategic plan document for Fiscal Years 2014-2015 through 2016-2017. Through the joint New York State Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (NYSAMPO)-NYSDOT Integrated Planning initiative, training priorities have been established and opportunities identified, including partnering with the University Transportation Research Center at the City College of New York. Reauthorization priorities have been discussed with Senator Schumers staff, staff from the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Senate Baking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Senate Finance Committees, as well as U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary staff. GTC staff are reviewing the Notice of Proposed Rulemakings for the national safety performance measures and Highway Safety Improvement Program and will coordinate comments with NYSAMPO and AMPO as appropriate.
Regional Traffic Count Collection: An RFQ was issued for the FY 2014-2015 UPWP component on March 7. Ten RFQ packages were distributed but no responses were received by the April 4 deadline. Traffic counts will be conducted in seven of the nine counties in the region Monroe and Ontario Counties conduct their counts separately. GTC staff will revise the RFQ to provide the specific number of count locations and types as well as allow the counts to be conducted over two years in the hope that multiple responses can be elicited. GTC staff has also obtained a list of the vendors used by NYSDOT.
Terry Rice asked if GTC could piggyback on the NYSDOTs traffic count contract in order to complete the regional counts.
Richard Perrin responded that GTC will explore all options and thanked Terry for his suggestion, noting that GTC staff will check on the opportunity to do so with NYSDOT.
LRTP Update/Implementation: An initial draft of the Customer Engagement Plan for the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region 2040 (LRTP 2040) has been produced. Per previous updates, GTC staff will rely less on traditional public meetings and more on targeted outreach to members of the community. Accordingly, we are looking for initial input from the Planning Committee later in the meeting under New Business, agenda item 6.b.
Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Critical Transportation Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment: A preferred consultant was selected April 3 with an internal review of the draft contract completed and transmittal to the consultant expected by the end of the week.
Diversion Route Planning Initiative: GTC has requested an update from the consultant on next steps and is awaiting a response.
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. The CMP Technical Documentation report that expands on the information included in the LRTP 2035 was accepted by the GTC Board at its June 20, 2013 meeting. GTC staff are continuing work on an addendum to the current documentation to incorporate travel time reliability and associated performance measures.
Greater Rochester Regional Commuter Choice Program: GTC staff continue to post messages regarding any planned downtimes of the site as enhancements are made. GTC will begin the renewal of the program and the procurement of marketing services in April.
Travel Time Data Collection Program: Access to the data for the second year of the contract was obtained February 27. Processing of user agreements for member agencies is continuing.
Regional Mobility Management Business Plan: GTC staff are working with the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agencys Sage Commission to identify potential sub-regional planning opportunities that would serve as pilots and be transferable within the region.
Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Trails Initiative Update: GTC staff presented at the annual Penfield Trails Committee's Hikers' Jamboree on February 15 and have been collecting and responding to proposed trails from members of the community.
Rochester Area Bike Sharing Program Study: The initial Steering Committee meeting was held March 5. A project management call was held March 28 to review the outreach plan, discuss data needs, and review the website and online wiki map. Focus groups are being formed and will meet on April 21 and 22.
Jody Binnix has been accepted to and will attend the I-95 Corridor Coalitions 2014 Freight Academy later this month. The Academy is a one-week immersion program of approximately 30 participants held at Rutgers University. The Academys purpose is to train public sector agency staff whose planning, operational, and/or management work impact goods movement decisions, investments, and interactions and it culminates with a Capstone Project.
Genesee County
Richard Perrin reported:
Genesee County Horizontal Curve Sign Study: The study was accepted by the GTC Board at its June 20, 2013 meeting.
G/FLRPC
David Zorn reported:
Regional Land Use Monitoring Report: Data entry, review, and follow-up with communities is underway. The report is being developed.
Inventory and Mapping of Regional Zoning District Boundaries and Inventory of Land Use: Digitizing and additional follow-up with municipalities is underway.
Regional Rights-of-Way Study: The schedule has been updated.
Genesee-Finger Lakes Region Population Projections: The project was accepted by the GTC Board at its June 20, 2013 meeting.
Planning for Transportation and Climate Change: The project was accepted by the GTC Board at its March 13, 2013 meeting.
Regional Atlas: Final edits, formatting, and layout are underway.
Livingston County
Don Higgins reported:
Dansville Transportation and Commercial & Industrial Access Study: The first public meeting was held April 3 and public comments may be received through April 17. The consultant team is finishing the inventory of existing conditions and is working on the needs assessment and market analysis for development scenarios. The next public meeting will be held in May.
Livingston County Transportation Connectivity Plan: The project was accepted by the GTC Board at its March 13, 2013 meeting.
Monroe County
Tom Goodwin reported:
Monroe County Land Use Monitoring: All surveys have been collected. Coordination with G/FLRPC regarding building permit data is underway. The report is being drafted.
Terry Rice reported:
Monroe County Sign Inventory Location Upgrade: The study was accepted by the GTC Board at its September 12, 2013 meeting.
Monroe County High Accident Location Program: One additional location has been finalized for a total of 13 of 52 locations completed (25 percent).
Ontario County
Richard Perrin reported:
Routes 5 & 20 and State Route 364 Multi-Modal Study: The study was accepted by the GTC Board at its September 12, 2013 meeting.
City of Rochester
Erik Frisch reported:
City of Rochester Urban Linkages Feasibility Study: The project was accepted by the GTC Board at its March 13, 2013 meeting.
JOSANA Trail Feasibility Study: Proposals were reviewed and a preferred consultant was selected. The contract will be executed in May and the project will commence in June.
Mt. Read Boulevard Corridor Study: The second public meeting was held on March 20. Follow-up meetings with major stakeholders are also being held. The consultant is revising the draft recommendations based on public and stakeholder feedback. The Draft Corridor Vision Plan is under development and project close-out is anticipated in July.
Rochester Bicycle Boulevard Plan: The consultant compiled and analyzed public comments received during the first round of public involvement. A draft project briefing sheet for community groups has been developed. The draft preliminary identification of Bicycle Boulevard routes has been reviewed by the Project Manager. The consultant is revising the draft prior to distribution to the Project Advisory Committee next week.
RGRTA
David Cook reported:
RGRTA Transit-Supportive Development Guidelines: RGRTA no longer wishes to advance this project and has relinquished the funds, which were made available for reprogramming in the FY 2014-2015 UPWP.
RGRTA Route Analysis: This project is ongoing. Scheduling changes have been implemented on Route 20 (Brockport) and Route 30 (Webster). Scheduling changes concerning Route 4 (Hudson/Genesee) are anticipated to be completed in June.
RTS Route Overhaul and Refinement Analysis: This project is ongoing. The planning and analysis staff are currently conducting major route overhauls in coordination with the Downtown Transit Center opening on November 28.
Bus Stop Optimization Study: Passero Associates has completed the inventory of signage and recommendations are being developed. A public meeting will be held in May.
Wayne County
Kevin Rooney reported:
Wayne County Horizontal Curve Sign Study: The study was accepted by the GTC Board at its June 20, 2013 meeting.
Wyoming County
Todd Gadd reported:
Wyoming County Horizontal Curve Sign Study: The study was accepted by the GTC Board at its June 20, 2013 meeting.
Other Agencies
Richard Perrin reported:
Auburn Trail Connection to the Ontario Pathways Trail: The study was accepted by the GTC Board at its June 20, 2013 meeting.
Irondequoit Seneca Multi-Use Trail Feasibility Study: The study was accepted by the GTC Board at its March 13 meeting.
Black Creek Stream Corridor Trail Feasibility Study: The study was accepted by the GTC Board at its June 20, 2013 meeting.
Village of Scottsville Traffic Circulation and Safety Study: The study was accepted by the GTC Board at its September 12, 2013 meeting.
Webster Village Core Circulation, Accessibility, and Parking Study: The study was accepted by the GTC Board at its March 13 meeting.
East Rochester Transportation Improvement Study: The Steering Committee met March 4 to finalize the alternatives for public review and the second public meeting was held March 25.
Victor Transportation Systems Plan: The Plan was recommended for acceptance by the Planning Committee earlier in the meeting as part of agenda item 5.b.
NYS Route 250 Transit Supportive Mixed Use Development District: The summary of the comments received on the "80 percent" draft is continuing to be developed.
Town of Penfield Transit Supportive Mixed Use Development District: The RFP has been finalized and will be advertised when the "80 percent" design manual for Task 8514 (NYS Route 250 Transit Supportive Mixed Use Development District) is complete.
Brighton Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Plan: The study was accepted by the GTC Board at its June 20, 2013 meeting.
Town of Greece Active Transportation Plan: The final Steering Committee meeting to review final edits to the draft plan is scheduled for April 24.
Village of Pittsford Active Transportation Safety Plan: The Villages proposal was consolidated with the Town's proposal in the FY 2014-2015 UPWP. GTC staff met with the Town Supervisor and Village Mayor on March 21.
Town of Chili Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Study: The inventory of conditions and assessment of needs is underway.
Town of Perinton Active Transportation Plan: Five proposals were received by the March 31 deadline and are under review by the consultant selection committee.
b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements
Richard Perrin provided the following announcements:
Seneca County has appointed Bill Bordeau to serve as the GTC Board Alternate to Chairman Robert Hayssen and appointed Roy Gates as the Planning Committee member.
City of Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren has appointed Norman Jones as her Alternate to the GTC Board and as her Planning Committee Member. Mayor Warren has reappointed Allen Casey as her At-Large Designee to the GTC Board and John Thomas as his Alternate and Erik Frisch and Jeff Mroczek as the Planning Committee Member and Alternate, respectively. Mitch Rowe has been appointed to serve as the Rochester City Planning Commission Alternate to the GTC Board and as the Planning Committee Member.
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks has reappointed Daniel DeLaus and Daniel Hogan as her At-Large Designees to the GTC Board and Scott Leathersich and Chris Bollin as their respective Alternates.
Penfield Town Supervisor, Tony LaFountain as President of the Monroe County Supervisors Association has appointed Gates Supervisor Mark Assini as his Alternate to the GTC Board and Supervisor Assini as the Planning Committee Member and Chili Supervisor David Dunning as Planning Committee Alternate.
1. Status of Functional Classification Update based on 2010 Census
Richard Perrin reported that on March 6, FHWA-NY Division and FTA Region 2 formally approved the Rochester Adjusted Urbanized Area Boundary as recommended by the GTC Board via Resolution 13-150 at its September 13, 2013 meeting. This starts the three-year clock for making updates to Functional Classifications based on the 2010 Census.
GTC staff prepared and transmitted a memo outlining next steps and corresponding dates for conducting a review and update of Functional Classifications in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Area. Richard provided an overview of these steps and the associated timeline for completing the updates by March 2015.
Richard informed those in attendance that this timeline may be ideal since NYSDOT-Main Office has indicated that they would like to delay the development of the next TIP and Statewide TIP (STIP) to summer/fall 2016 rather than 2015, as indicated in February. By delaying the development of the next TIP one year, Functional Classifications based on the 2010 Census can be finalized a few months prior to the call for projects in summer/fall 2015.
NYSDOT-Main Office has asked for input from the MPOs on the schedule of the next update of the STIP and TIPs but, ultimately, NYSDOT has the final say. The reasoning behind the one-year deferral is that there cannot be any more uncertainty regarding federal highway and transit funding in summer/fall 2015 (when the call for projects for a TIP to be approved in summer/fall 2016 would be issued) compared to this year, and this is when Planning Targets of reasonably expected funds would be developed. Deferring TIP development for a year would also allow NYSDOT to continue to revise its definitions of and guidance on preservation, preventive maintenance, and capital activities and, potentially, overhaul its formula for distributing federal and state dedicated highway funds to regions.
A potential downside is that NYSDOT would be providing a program update to the state legislature that would include projects that may or may not be selected to receive federal funding through the TIP process. NYSDOT has stated that this has happened in previous program updates and all project lists include a statement that federal funding for individual projects is subject to MPO approval in urbanized areas.
Richard provided a brief overview of the Presidents four-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal that was released on March 4 as part of the transmission of the FFY 2015 budget proposal to Congress and the Houses FFY 2015 budget proposal that was released on April 1 and is scheduled to be voted on today.
Dan Hallowell discussed NYSDOT-Main Offices needs-based approach to project selection and priority. Last years project cycle was NYSDOT-Main Offices first attempt using the needs based approach. For the upcoming cycle NYSDOT-Main Office will be taking the lessons learned and tweaking the approach. The focus will be on functional classification and condition to determine the appropriate improvements to the funding process. The definition of preservation may be expanded and adjusted to include replacement-in-kind and a focus on system renewal.
Terry Rice noted the need for the County Highway Superintendents to be at the table as the capital program is developed. The counties want to see an increase in the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding and other programs. It is clear that increases to the funding levels should be included at the start of the capital program.
Richard Perrin asked Terry to discuss the most recent increase in CHIPS funding. Terry responded that the State made $40 million in additional funds available to upstate for CHIPS-eligible improvements for this year only.
Given the uncertainty in regards to the funding the Committee discussed the merits of delaying the TIP update to align with the STIP. The Committee agreed that the deferral of the TIP development is acceptable.
5. Action Items
a. Action concerning classifying 2014-2015 Unified Planning Work Program Project List tasks in accordance with the GTC Public Participation Plan
Richard Perrin reported that the GTC Public Participation Plan (Plan) requires the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)-funded projects to establish public input opportunities. In accordance with the Plan, GTC staff must recommend to the Planning Committee a classification for each UPWP-funded task.
The classification for each task must be one of three categories: Administrative, Technical/Data Collection, or Planning/Policy. The Planning Committee must concur on the classification of every task.
UPWP-funded tasks that are classified as Administrative or Technical/Data Collection do not require any additional public input. UPWP-funded tasks that are classified as Planning/Policy typically require a public input component that must be discussed in the Scope of Work submitted for Planning Committee approval.
GTC staff has reviewed and is recommending classifications for tasks new to the FY 2014-2015 UPWP. Justifications for the GTC staff recommendations are provided in the meeting package.
Bill Wright moved to recommend the 2014-2015 Unified Planning Work Program Project List tasks in accordance with the GTC Public Participation Plan; David Cook seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
Dan Hallowell asked for clarification regarding the Regional Viewshed Inventory and Analysis designation as a Technical/Data Collection project given that model language is a component of the project.
David Zorn responded that the proposed project budget was reduced and the Scope of Work was revised accordingly. The project will focus on inventorying and identifying viewsheds. Examples of model language will be provided but specific recommendations concerning local municipalities will not be made.
c. Action concerning modifying the 2014-2017 TIP by making minor changes to the costs of select phases of the Inner Loop East Reconstruction project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 14-8
Erik Frisch discussed the need for the administrative modification to the TIP. All the funding for engineering is currently programmed to the Scoping phase. In order to continue with the project, a portion of the funding needs to be programmed to the Detailed Design phase. There is no change to the total cost or federal share and this change does not impact any other projects in the TIP.
Jim Fletcher moved to recommend that the GTC Board adopt Proposed Council Resolution 14-8; Erik Frisch seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
d. Action concerning consideration of a UPWP Project Scope of Work for Task 5333 Regional Viewshed Inventory and Analysis
Dave Zorn presented the Regional Viewshed Inventory and Analysis Scope of Work. Working with the nine counties, the City of Rochester, and other stakeholders, six priority viewsheds per county will be identified and inventoried along the federal-aid system. A photographic inventory will be conducted, a GIS basemap will be created, and the methodology used to identify the viewsheds will be used to further educate local municipalities. A matrix of regulatory and non-regulatory methods of protecting viewsheds will be created.
Bill Wright moved to approve the UPWP Project Scopes of Work for Task 5333; Dave Zorn seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
6. New Business
Richard Perrin informed the Planning Committee of the following two items:
a. Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) Infrastructure and Transportation Workgroup Project Solicitation
Most of the FLREDCs attention is on projects that request funding through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process and, for the most part, there are no funding programs included in the CFA process for infrastructure and transportation projects.
At its March 21 meeting, the workgroup discussed how to ensure that infrastructure and transportation projects were presented to the FLREDC since having its approval may be beneficial in decisions made by State departments, agencies, and authorities regarding funding outside of the CFA process.
It was decided that the workgroup would conduct outreach throughout the region to solicit projects to be considered. The FLREDC created an online Potential CFA Project Letter of Interest form that proposers can complete and would be provided to the workgroup for its consideration.
Richard encouraged attendees to submit projects that are important to their communities to demonstrate how significant the level of need is for transportation and infrastructure projects throughout the region. Richard offered to send the link to the online template to Planning Committee Members and Alternates for them to complete for their projects and distribute to other interested stakeholders.
Terry Rice agreed and further noted that projects seeking state funding outside of the CFA process will benefit from being vetted and supported by the FLREDC and encouraged the Committee to complete the template.
b. Long Range Transportation Plan Customer Engagement
Richard Perrin stated that the Customer Engagement component of LRTP 2040 will kick off this spring. Traditionally two series of public meetings have been held. Public participation at these meetings was often limited. In order to increase participation in the long range planning process, GTC is seeking to go directly to the customers in addition to offering traditional input and comment opportunities.
Starting this spring, GTC will send a request to meet letter offering to meet directly with interested groups and organizations where and when it is convenient for them to have a dialog about transportation opportunities and issues in the region. Concerted efforts will be made to identify and engage Title VI/Environmental Justice groups.
Additionally, a request for space letter will be sent to regional retail outlets, festivals, and cultural attraction venues to allow passive opportunities for members of the public to have a discussion with GTC staff at their convenience regarding the transportation system.
GTC recognizes that localized concerns such as potholes may come up in conversation, such comments will be conveyed directly to member agencies as appropriate. Local transportation concerns build on the strategy of the long range plan potholes indicate broader preventive maintenance needs.
GTC is seeking feedback from the Planning Committee regarding what organizations to meet with and assistance accessing member-agency run venues.
Public meetings will also take on a new format. GTC is proposing to conduct open house style meetings with stations. This approach differs from the traditional presentation followed by a question and answer session that has been used in past LRTP public involvement periods.
Dan Hallowell noted that the TDC will need to discuss preventive maintenance. The past winter was extremely rough and the pothole season has been so bad that NYSDOT has to reprioritize funding. There will also be a need at the upcoming TDC meeting to discuss multi-year funded projects.
Dan Hallowell announced that John Polimeni will be moving on to a new position in the next few months. The Committee thanked John for his support and efforts.
7. Public Forum
No member of the public spoke during the Public forum.
8. Next Meeting
May 8, 2014 at Rochester City Council Chambers
30 Church Street
Rochester, NY
All materials for items to be considered at this meeting should be submitted to GTC staff no later than Friday, April 25, 2014.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:48 a.m.