GTC PLANNING COMMITTEE
Livingston County Government Center Room 205/208
May 20, 2004
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
James Brady, Wayne County
Joan Dupont, NYSDOT Region 4
Richard Garrabrant, NYS Thruway Authority
Fred Humphrey, Wyoming County
Scott Leathersich, Monroe County At Large
George Stam, City of Rochester
David Woods, Livingston County
David Zorn, G/FLRPC
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
Richard Beers, Jr., FHWA, representing Robert Griffith
James Fletcher, Monroe County At Large, representing Michael Garland
Timothy Frelier, Monroe County, representing Terrence J. Rice
Tom Goodwin, Monroe County Planning Board, representing Paul Johnson
Charles E. Walker, RGRTA, representing Mark Aesch
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE
James E. Clements, NYSDOT Region 6
Deborah Elliott, GTC Staff
Erik Frisch, GTC Staff
Don Higgins, Livingston County
Richard Perrin, GTC Staff
Christine Rumble, Town of Conesus
Bob Scholl, NYSDOT Region 4
Rob Slaver, Jr., NYSDOT Region 4
James Stack, GTC Staff
John Thomas, City of Rochester
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED
Philip Brito, FAA
Glenn Cooke, Seneca County
Timothy Hens, Genesee County
Kristen Mark Hughes, Ontario County
Tracy Logel, Monroe County Supervisors Association
Charles Nesbitt, Jr., Empire State Development Corporation
Kenneth Rush, Orleans County
Larry Stid, City of Rochester Planning Commission
William Sullivan, Rochester City Council
Clara Wallace-Douglas, FTA
Wayne Zyra, Monroe County
(Vacant), Yates County
(Vacant), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
1. Call to Order
David Woods called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
2. Public Forum
No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.
3. Approval of Minutes
Scott Leathersich moved for approval of the minutes from the April 15, 2004 Planning Committee meeting; James Brady seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as submitted.
4. Reports and Action on Old Business
a. Reports on UPWP Projects and Other Activities
GTC
Richard Perrin reported:
GTC staff will restart work on the GTC Strategic Plan now that a permanent Executive Director has been appointed. Staff expect to bring the Plan before the Planning Committee for close out at its October 21 meeting
GTC staff is completing the inventory of in-house resources for the clearinghouse component (ARTIC) of the Rural County Resource Development Initiative
GTC staff has made progress in identifying survey respondents for the Transportation Safety Information Analysis
An update on the Long Range Transportation Plan will be provided later in the meeting
An update on Air Quality Planning and Outreach will be provided later in the meeting
There is no progress to report on the Transportation and Industrial Access project
GTC staff will develop a scope of work for the Greater Rochester Transportation Operations and Management Organization Feasibility Study later this year
GTC staff has completed the classification of rights-of-way by potential future uses and is assessing opportunities and threats as part of the Regional Rights-Of-Way Preservation Study
The final report for the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Study will be presented for close-out later in the meeting
Priority Trails Advancement (PTA) has three sub-projects: The consultant has incorporated comments from the Steering Committee into the Canandaigua Rail-with-Trail project report. The Town of Pittsford, NYSDOT, and the consultant met on May 7 to discuss alternatives related to crossing issues with the Auburn Corridor project. The City of Rochester has received the final report for the Neighborhood Connectors project and is reviewing it to ensure that the Citys suggested changes were incorporated. In addition, the 2004-05 PTA call for projects was reviewed by the Regional Trails Initiative Steering Committee and sent to interested parties with proposals due June 11
GTC staff has reviewed federal and state guidance and developed draft matrices of accepted accommodations and facilities per the On-Street Bicycle Facilities Opportunities Review work plan
GTC staff met on May 13 to discuss next steps necessary to advance the Congestion Management System (CMS). Staff is preparing a summary of activities to date and is refining the standards and measures to be used for review by the CMS Working Group
The TIP Management Enhancement Study Steering Committee met on May 6 to review and discuss a flow chart of the existing TIP process and a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis as prepared by the consultant
G/FLRPC
David Zorn reported:
Data collection follow-up for Regional Land Use Monitoring is underway. The narrative and maps are complete for three counties
The Regional Development Projections are progressing. G/FLRPC staff is developing projections for six counties and is awaiting data for the remaining three counties
The scope of work for the Preparing Village Main Streets for Planning project was approved at the April 15 Planning Committee meeting
The scope of work for the Optimizing Transportation Infrastructure through Effective Land Use project will be presented for consideration at the August 19 Planning Committee meeting
G/FLRPC staff is waiting for GTC staff review of the maps for the Regional Atlas
Livingston County
David Woods reported:
The scope of work for the Horizontal Alignment Safety Study will be presented later in the meeting
Monroe County
Tom Goodwin reported:
Most responses have been received for the Monroe County Land Use Monitoring project and data is being compiled
The Monroe County Parking Study is progressing with parking counts for seasonal uses being collected
Scott Leathersich reported:
The Monroe County Traffic Count Collection project is proceeding with completion expected in October
The final report for the GIS Database Integration for Monroe County DOT project will be presented for close-out later in the meeting
Legislative approval of a consultant for the Ballantyne Road Corridor Study was received on April 20. The initial Technical Committee meeting will be held June 3 at Monroe County DOT offices
A kick-off meeting for the Pedestrian Activity Safety Study was held on April 30. The consultant is analyzing 911 data and other information as part of the inventory phase of the project
Ontario County
Richard Perrin reported:
The final report for the Routes 5 & 20 Corridor Study was presented to the Planning Committee at its April 15 meeting and recommended for approval by the GTC Board at its June 17 meeting
The consultant is working to refine the Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZ) in the GTC Travel Demand Model for improved analysis in the study area of the Canandaigua Regional Transportation Study
David Zorn reported:
The first phase of the Route 332 Corridor Study has been completed and work has begun on the UPWP-funded second phase of the project
City of Rochester
George Stam reported:
The final report for the Street Condition Rating Update Study was presented to the Planning Committee at its April 15 meeting and recommended for approval by the GTC Board at its June 17 meeting
John Thomas reported:
Scopes of work for the Port of Rochester Transportation Evaluation and Support Study and Neighborhood Traffic Calming Concept Design and Implementation Study will be developed for Planning Committee approval
A draft final report for the Highland Park/Canalway Neighborhood Connector Trail Study is being reviewed. The City is also reviewing Monroe County DOT comments on issues and opportunities related to signalization and crosswalks. The City expects to present the final report to the Planning Committee at its July 15 meeting
RGRTA
Chip Walker reported:
RGRTA staff issued the RFP for the Security and Safety Plan for Public Transportation on April 19 with proposals due May 24
The final report for the Route Analysis Information System was presented to the Planning Committee at its April 15 meeting and recommended for approval by the GTC Board at its June 17 meeting
Seneca County
Richard Perrin reported:
A scope of work for the State Rt. 96/State Rt. 318 Rural Corridor Study Phase I will be developed for Planning Committee approval
Wayne County
James Brady had no report on the Cluster Development Enhancement Project Feasibility Study.
Wyoming County
Fred Humphrey reported:
A draft report of the Transportation Elements of Scenic and Historic Resources in Wyoming County has been reviewed by Wyoming County staff and comments were sent to the consultant
Yates County
Richard Perrin reported:
No progress has been made on the Route 14A Corridor Study
Other Agencies
Richard Perrin reported:
The final report for the Conesus Transportation and Safety Management Plan will be presented for close-out later in the meeting
The final report for the Monroe Avenue/I-590 Interchange Study was presented to the Planning Committee at its April 15 meeting and recommended for approval by the GTC Board at its June 17 meeting
The scope of work for the Regional Traffic Count Collection project will be presented later in the meeting
b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements
Since the last Planning Committee meeting, GTC has received the following appointment:
RGRTA Mark Aesch appointed to the Committee
A mail ballot for Proposed Council Resolution 04-16 Cartersville Waste Weir Rehabilitation project was passed with 13 responses for and none against.
Member agencies are requested to provide GTC staff with items for the July 15 Planning Committee meeting by June 30 to insure timely distribution of the agenda package given the July 4 holiday.
5. Planning Committee Action Items
a. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the FY 2004-05 UPWP budget to reflect the contribution of audited FY 2003-04 rollover amounts/Proposed Council Resolution 04-17
Richard Perrin reviewed the attached financial table detailing Proposed Council Resolution 04-17.
Joan Dupont moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-17; Richard Garrabrant seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
b. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning accepting an executive summary and final project reports as evidence of completion of various UPWP tasks
David Woods, Chairman, suggested grouping the three UPWP tasks under one motion. The Committee concurred.
1. Accepting the executive summary, GIS Database Integration of Geodetic Survey Data for Monroe County Department of Transportation, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 4410/Proposed Council Resolution 04-18
Scott Leathersich reviewed the project noting that there was a demonstration at the April 15 Planning Committee meeting.
2. Accepting the final project report, Town of Conesus Transportation & Safety Management Plan, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 5350/Proposed Council Resolution 04-19
Christine Rumble, Supervisor of the Town of Conesus, reviewed the attached executive summary of the Town of Conesus Transportation & Safety Management Plan. Supervisor Rumble highlighted steps the Town is currently taking to implement recommendations included in the Plan.
Richard Perrin discussed the second phase of this project, the development of a guidebook for conducting Transportation Plans in rural communities. He noted that the consultant had fulfilled their contractual obligation to create the guidebook; however, Mr. Perrin felt the document presentation could be improved with additional effort by GTC staff. Mr. Perrin suggested using Local Study Support to do so. The Committee had no objections.
3. Accepting the final project report, Strategic Plan to Improve Access to Non-Emergency Medical Services, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 6400/Proposed Council Resolution 04-20
Richard Perrin reviewed the Strategic Plan and highlighted next steps.
David Zorn moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolutions 04-18, 04-19, and 04-20; Joan Dupont seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
c. Recommendations to GTC Board concerning various amendments to the 2003-2008 TIP
1. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Livingston County Transportation Center project/Proposed Council Resolution 04-21
Chip Walker reviewed the proposed amendment. He noted the funding source is the FFY 2004 USDOT Appropriations Act.
David Woods discussed the history of the project and benefits that will come to Livingston County upon its completion.
Richard Garrabrant moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-21; Scott Leathersich seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
2. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2003-2008 TIP by increasing the funding to the Rochester Central Station project/Proposed Council Resolution 04-22
Chip Walker reviewed the proposed amendment. He noted the funding source is the FFY 2004 USDOT Appropriations Act.
Scott Leathersich moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-22; Richard Garrabrant seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
3. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Port of Rochester Security/ITS project/Proposed Council Resolution 04-23
John Thomas reviewed the proposed amendment. He noted the funding source is the FFY 2004 USDOT Appropriations Act.
George Stam moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-23; Joan Dupont seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
4. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adjusting the schedule of the Smith Street Bridge project/Proposed Council Resolution 04-24
John Thomas reviewed the proposed amendment.
George Stam moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-24; Scott Leathersich seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
5. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adjusting the schedule of the Genesee River Trail project/Proposed Council Resolution 04-25
John Thomas reviewed the proposed amendment.
Rob Slaver noted the funding source should be National Highway System. Richard Perrin stated that the correction will be made on the TIP table and in Proposed Council Resolution 04-25.
George Stam moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-25 with the noted correction; Richard Garrabrant seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
6. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2003-2008 TIP by consolidating the Historic Erie Canal Aqueduct Development project and the Broad Street Tunnel East Approach project into the Broad Street Tunnel East Approach/Aqueduct project and adjusting the schedule for the project/Proposed Council Resolution 04-26
John Thomas reviewed the proposed amendment.
George Stam moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-26; Richard Garrabrant seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
7. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Route 590 Reconstruction; Titus to Sea Breeze project/Proposed Council Resolution 04-27
Rob Slaver reviewed the proposed amendment. He noted the funding source is the FFY 2004 USDOT Appropriations Act.
Richard Garrabrant moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-27; James Brady seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
8. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Route 531; Brockport to Rochester project/Proposed Council Resolution 04-28
Rob Slaver reviewed the proposed amendment. He noted the funding source is the FFY 2004 USDOT Appropriations Act.
Richard Garrabrant moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-28; Joan Dupont seconded the motion. The motion passed with one opposed.
9. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2003-2008 TIP by increasing the funding to the FTA Section 5310 Blocked Program project/Proposed Council Resolution 04-29
Rob Slaver reviewed the proposed amendment.
Fred Humphrey moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-29; Scott Leathersich seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
d. Planning Committee concurrence concerning the Approval of UPWP Project Scopes of work
1. Task 4370 Regional Traffic Count Collection
Scott Leathersich reviewed the scope of work for Task 4370 Regional Traffic Count Collection, a collaborative project between Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne counties. The project will result in updated traffic counts throughout the TMA.
2. Task 6200 Horizontal Alignment Safety Study
Don Higgins reviewed the scope of work for Task 6200 Horizontal Alignment Safety Study. Mr. Higgins demonstrated how a ball bank indicator determines appropriate advisory signage for the horizontal curves of roads.
George Stam moved to approve the UPWP Project Scopes of Work for Tasks 4370 and 6200. James Fletcher seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
6. Planning Committee Information Items
a.. Long Range Transportation Plan Update
Richard Perrin updated the Committee on progress made in the development of the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). GTC staff is continuing to identify transportation alternatives that will ultimately come before the Committee for review and comment. This identification includes recommendations from the current LRTP and completed UPWP studies as well as altogether new alternatives from GTC staff, member agencies, and the public.
The second round of public involvement has begun and includes a series of six public meetings between May 24 and June 8. The meetings announcement and schedule was sent to nearly 40 local news media outlets, the approximately 230 agencies in the GTC environmental justice database, and other interested parties. In addition, the dedicated LRTP comment page on the GTC website was updated with a new comment form and the meetings announcement and schedule.
GTC staff has decided to conduct focus groups in early-Fall 2004 prior to the third round of public involvement to gather professional input and direction on the development of the preferred transportation alternatives. GTC staff have decided not to hire a professional facilitator for the focus groups and third round of public meetings it is felt that the money would be better spent elsewhere.
b. Air Quality Update
Richard Perrin updated the Committee on issues relating to air quality and their impacts on GTC activities. Following the Committee meeting on April 15, EPA announced the new designations pursuant to the 8-hour ground-level ozone standard. The Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Area was designated basic nonattainment despite strong opposition by the local leadership.
A conference call between Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 (EPA-2) officials and GTC Board alternates Ed Doherty, Terry Rice, and David Woods as well as Richard Perrin and GTC air quality consultant Sarah Siwek was held on April 23. EPA-2 provided the reasoning for their decision to designate the Rochester MSA as nonattainment. The GTC contingent expressed their displeasure with the designation but restated their willingness to work cooperatively with EPA-2 and others to insure that the impacts will be minimal on GTC activities.
The GTC Executive Committee met on May 12 and decided against pursuing legal action against EPA to reverse the designation given the uncertainty of victory and cost of such a lawsuit. GTC staff was instructed to draft a letter to NYSDEC Commissioner Crotty on behalf of the lead elected officials of the Rochester MSA insisting that GTC be involved early and often in the development of the State Implementation Plan.
7. New Business
There was no new business to report.
8. Next Meeting
The next Planning Committee meeting will be held July 15, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. It will be hosted by NYSDOT at a location to be determined.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.