GTC PLANNING COMMITTEE
Wayne County Court House
February 19, 2004
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
James Brady, Wayne County
Joan Dupont, NYSDOT Region 4
Sean T. Hanna, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Kristen Mark Hughes, Ontario County
Charles Nesbitt, Jr., Empire State Development Corporation
Terrence J. Rice, Monroe County
George Stam, City of Rochester
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
Richard Beers, Jr., representing Robert Griffith, FHWA
David Cook, representing Donald Riley, RGRTA
Tom Goodwin, representing Paul Johnson, Monroe County Planning Board
Don Higgins, representing David Woods, Livingston County
Christopher Lucas, representing Wayne Zyra, Monroe County
David Thielman, representing Richard Garrabrant, NYS Thruway Authority
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE
Mark Anduze, NYS Thruway Authority
Ambrose Barbuto, NYS Thruway Authority
Kristin Bennett, GTC Staff
James E. Clements, NYSDOT Region 6
Deborah Elliott, GTC Staff
Brian Lakeman, GTC Staff
Richard Perrin, GTC Staff
Bob Scholl, NYSDOT Region 4
Rob Slaver, NYSDOT Region 4
James Stack, GTC Staff
John Thomas, City of Rochester
Thomas Tucker, RGRTA
Ann Wallace, RGRTA
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED
Philip Brito, FAA
Glenn Cooke, Seneca County
Stephen Ferranti, Monroe County At Large
Timothy Hens, Genesee County
Tracy Logel, Monroe County Supervisors Association
Kenneth Rush, Orleans County
Larry Stid, City of Rochester Planning Commission
William Sullivan, Rochester City Council
Clara Wallace-Douglas, FTA
(Vacant), Wyoming County
(Vacant), Yates County
David Zorn, G/FLRPC
1. Call to Order
Kris Hughes called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
Kris welcomed Richard Perrin as the new Acting Executive Director of the Genesee Transportation Council.
2. Public Forum
No public comment was offered.
3. Approval of Minutes
Terrence Rice moved for approval of the minutes from the January 15, 2004 Planning Committee meeting; David Cook seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
4. Reports and Action on Old Business
a. Reports on UPWP Projects and Other Activities
GTC
Richard Perrin reported:
The Rural County Resource Development Initiative work plan has been finalized and staff is proceeding on the project
An update on the Long Range Transportation Plan will be presented later in the meeting
An update on Air Quality Planning and Outreach will be presented later in the meeting
The scope of work is being finalized for Transportation and Industrial Access Phase 2 to procure professional services to review access issues and offer concept-level recommendations for high priority industrial sites in the region
The Regional Rights-Of-Way Preservation Study is progressing with continued classification of existing rights-of-way
The Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Study Steering Committee met on January 29. Two round table discussions have been scheduled for February 26 and a public meeting is scheduled for the evening of March 11, all will be held at the Henrietta Town Hall. The Steering Committee will consider input from these meetings before finalizing the report. Project close-out is anticipated at the May Planning Committee meeting.
The Priority Trails Advancement has three sub-projects. The consultant for the Canandaigua Rail with Trail project is finalizing a draft report for review by the City prior to being forwarded to the Steering Committee. The consultant for the Auburn Corridor Trail is producing a draft report and working with NYSDOT on signal warrant issues at one crossing as well as discussing the possibility of using land owned by the NYS Canal Corporation with that agency. The consultant for the City of Rochester Neighborhood Connectors project is continuing work on the various neighborhood connectors
Staff is finalizing the scope of work for the On-Street Bicycle Facility Opportunities Review and will begin work shortly
A report on the Regional Trails Initiative Phase 2 will be presented later in the meeting
The TIP Management Enhancement Study contract is awaiting the consultants signature. An initial project meeting is being scheduled
G/FLRPC
Richard Perrin spoke with Dave Zorn prior to the meeting and reported:
The methodology for the Regional Development Projections was reviewed by the G/FLRPC Planning Coordination Committee and work is progressing
Last month the Planning Committee recommended that the GTC Board accept the Regional Population Forecasts at its March 11 meeting
GTC Staff met with G/FLRPC staff to discuss final edits to the Regional Atlas. The project is nearly complete awaiting GTC Staff review and approval of the maps
Monroe County
Tom Goodwin reported:
Reponses are being received for the Monroe County Land Use Monitoring project. The County has already received 22 out of 30 surveys
Paul Johnson previously alerted the Committee to a potential rollover situation on the Monroe County Parking Study. This project will rollover so parking demand for additional seasonal uses can be surveyed
Terry Rice reported:
Work will begin this spring on the Monroe County Traffic Count Collection
Consultant work for the GIS Database Integration for Monroe County DOT is complete. QA/QC is underway. Project completion is expected in March
Legislative approval of the contract for the Pedestrian Activity Safety Study will be sought in March
Legislative approval of the contract for the Ballantyne Road Corridor Study will be sought in April
Ontario County
Kris Hughes reported:
Final edits to Phase I of the Route 332 Corridor Management Study are underway. The scope of work for Phase 2 is being finalized
The Routes 5 & 20 Corridor Study is nearly complete. The final public meeting attracted approximately 65 participants
The Canandaigua Regional Transportation Study Steering Committee met on February 5. A focus group on Land Use issues is being planned for mid-March
City of Rochester
George Stam reported:
The Street Condition Rating Update Study is nearly complete. The City is currently testing and debugging the database reports
The consultant is developing the final recommendations for the Highland Park/Canalway Neighborhood Connector Trail Study
RGRTA
David Cook reported:
A report on the RGRTA Transit Focus Group Study will be presented later in the meeting
The RFP for the ITS Implementation Plan is being completed this is a priority for RGRTA
No progress to report on the Gates-Chili Transit Study
No progress to report on the Area Wide Job Access and Reverse Commute Plan
No progress to report on the Security and Safety Plan for Public Transportation
The Route Analysis Information System project is expected to be presented for close-out at the April Planning Committee meeting
Wyoming County
Richard Perrin reported:
Delays in the Transportation & Scenic/Historic Resources in Wyoming County are due to elimination of the County Planner position in Wyoming County and the closing of the consultants Western New York office. GTC staff has completed a review of the work to date and needs to discuss next steps with the consultant
Yates County
Richard Perrin reported:
GTC staff discussed comments on the draft Route 14A Corridor Study with the consultant. The consultant is revising the alternatives. The next Steering Committee meeting is expected in April
Other Agencies
Richard Perrin reported:
Review of the draft report and guidebook is underway for the Conesus Transportation and Safety Management Plan
The Monroe Avenue/I-590 Interchange Study final report is almost complete with project close-out expected in April
b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements
1. Per direction from the Planning Committee at its January 15 meeting, the Call for Projects for the next round of the Regionally-Significant Corridors program was issued February 5 with proposals due March 12
2. Jim Stack announced that since the last Planning Committee meeting GTC has received the following Appointments:
Monroe County Supervisors Association Supervisor Tracy Logel appointed to the Committee
Orleans County Legislator Kenneth Rush appointed to the Committee, Wayne Hale designated as Alternate to Mr. Rush
Monroe County Christopher Lucas designated as Alternate to Wayne Zyra
3. Richard Perrin announced that the J.P. Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge will be held on May 27 at R.I.T. This is the fifth year that GTC will be hosting a team. He encouraged Committee members to hold the date and consider participating
5. Planning Committee Action Items
a. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning the Draft FY 2004-05 & FY 2005-06 Unified Planning Work Program / Proposed Council Resolution 04-1
Richard Perrin distributed and summarized the one public comment that was received on the Draft FY 2004-05 & FY 2005-06 Unified Planning Work Program.
Richard also distributed a copy of a letter received from Dennis Pelletier, then-President of the Monroe County Legislature, supporting the Village of Spencerports East Avenue proposal. He noted that the UDC specified that $5,000 of GTC Staff time be allocated to Local Study Support to assist the Village on this proposal
Joan Dupont noted that NYSDOT Main Office staff also reviewed the draft UPWP. They commented that the draft provided a clear understanding of project objectives and budgets. Main Office would like a commitment to the New York State Energy Plan through analysis of the TIP and LRTP. They also noted interest in MPOs abilities to accommodate and respond to the outcomes of the NYSDOT Transformation initiative as reflected in their respective UPWPs.
Terrence Rice asked how Spencerport would be notified of this funding if the project itself was not funded.
Richard responded that the $5,000 worth of GTC staff time from Local Study Support for Spencerports proposal would be reflected in the Villages disposition letter.
David Cook moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-1; Terry Rice seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
b. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning the Draft GTC Public Participation Policy / Proposed Council Resolution 04-3
Jim Stack explained the proposed changes and additions that were made to the draft Policy that was approved for public review based on comments received from FHWA.
Joan Dupont moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-3; David Thielman seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
c. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Accepting the report, Regional
Trails Initiative Phase 2 Final Report and Action Plan, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 8740 / Proposed Council Resolution 04-4
Kristin Bennett gave an overview of the Regional Trails Initiative Phase 2.
Terrence Rice asked what happens now that this Initiative has been laid out for the entire region. Kristin responded that projects can move forward through the Priority Trails Advancement project in the UPWP and construction funds would be available through the TIP. Other sources of funds may also become available.
Terrence Rice moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-4; James Brady seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
d. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Accepting the report, RGRTA Focus Group Research Services, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 4710 / Proposed Council Resolution 04-5
Ann Wallace from RGRTA gave an overview of the project. She discussed the objective and the parameters for selection to a Focus Group. She then discussed the findings and recommendations.
David Cook moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-5; David Thielman seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
e. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Updating the Functional Classification System and National Highway System within the Rochester Transportation Management Area / Proposed Council Resolution 04-6
Richard Perrin explained the purpose of and process to update the Functional Classification System and the National Highway System.
Bob Scholl from NYSDOT Region 4 explained NYSDOTs involvement in the update process. Bob noted that the next step is NYSDOT Main Office and FHWA review and approval.
John Thomas and Terrence Rice requested that a map showing the proposed changes be made for the GTC Board meeting.
Terrence Rice moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-6; Don Higgins seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
f. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Lift Line Radio Communications System project and removing the Purchase Trolley Buses project / Proposed Council Resolution 04-7
David Cook from RGRTA explained that RTS no longer needs to purchase trolley buses because of the termination of the EZ Rider program. RGRTA would like to be able to improve and expand the communication system for the Lift Line program, which will improve privacy.
David Cook moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-7; George Stam seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
g. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Trip Itinerary Planning Software project and reducing the cost of the RTS Bus Shelter Replacements project / Proposed Council Resolution 04-8
David Cook gave an overview of the RTS Bus Shelter Replacement program over the last four years. RTS is now looking to develop smart shelters at major activity centers. This would allow RTS to offer real-time next bus information and trip itinerary planning. The trip itinerary software is web-based and the trip planning feature would initially be available through the RGRTA website and RTS Customer Service department. RGRTA wants to eventually place kiosks out in the field for public use. RGRTA has already replaced nearly 100 shelters and will continue to replace the oldest of the inventory.
Joan Dupont moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-8; David Thielman seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
h. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the FFY 2004 Jobs Access Reverse Commute Program project / Proposed Council Resolution 04-9
David Cook gave an overview of the Jobs Access Reverse Commute program and the funding earmarked in the latest USDOT Appropriations Act.
David Cook moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-9; Terrence Rice seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
i. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Thruway Concrete Repair, Interchange 44 to 45 project / Proposed Council Resolution 04-10
Ambrose Barbuto from the NYS Thruway Authority explained the need for the proposed project.
Terrence Rice requested that the NYS Thruway Authority expand on the proposal given the amount of funding to be added, including the date of the last repair/upgrade and uses on that segment of the Thruway.
Discussion ensued regarding the repair and use of concrete products versus asphalt products.
Kris Hughes moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-10; David Thielman seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
j. Recommendation to GTC Board concerning Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by increasing the total cost of the Canalway Trail Long Pond Road to Clover Street project / Proposed Council Resolution 04-11
Mark Anduze from the NYS Thruway Authority gave an overview of the proposed amendment.
George Stam from the City of Rochester expressed concern for the lack of canal trail improvements on some sections. Most notably, improvements to Section #2 in the City and the Town of Brighton were not included in the draft design report.
The committee requested that the Canal Corporation address the City of Rochesters concerns before the March 11 Board meeting.
Charles Nesbitt moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 04-3; David Thielman seconded. 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). He noted the next step will be to identify the universe of alternatives to address transportation issues. An Environmental Justice Survey will be sent out shortly. The next round of public meetings is expected in May with focus groups of professionals to be held in March.
b. Air Quality Update
Richard Perrin updated the Committee on Air Quality issues. At the direction of the Executive Committee, letters were sent to Governor Pataki and NYSDEC Commissioner Crotty regarding the EPA proposal to designate the six-county Rochester MSA as non-attainment for ground level ozone. NYSDEC did not comment to EPA prior to the deadline. The Executive Committee plans to request a meeting with EPA regional officials to discuss the issue prior to final designations being promulgated.
Sean Hanna discussed the NYSDEC perspective. Since the issues and potential solutions are statewide in nature, the department does not feel the designation of an individual region is a disadvantage.
7. New Business
No new business was reported.
8. Next Meeting
The next Planning Committee meeting will be held April 15, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the GTC offices.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.