GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Ebenezer Watts Conference Center
47 S. Fitzhugh Street, Rochester
January 8, 2015
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Erik Frisch, City of Rochester At Large
Andrea Guzzetta, Rochester City Council
Daniel Hallowell, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)-Region 4
James Fletcher, Monroe County At-Large
Scott Leathersich, Monroe County At-Large (Chairperson)
Terrence Rice, Monroe County
Kevin Rooney, Wayne County
Mitchell Rowe, Rochester City Planning Commission
David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (G/FLRPC)
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
Rochelle Bell, Monroe County Planning Board, representing Thomas Goodwin
David Cook, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA), representing Bill Carpenter
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED
Mark Assini, Monroe County Supervisors Association
Robert J. Colby, Monroe County
William Eick, Orleans County
Angela Ellis, Livingston County (Vice Chairperson)
Todd Gadd, Wyoming County
Roy Gates, Seneca County
David Hartman, Yates County
Timothy Hens, Genesee County
Norman Jones, City of Rochester
Edward Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation
Douglas J. Tokarczyk, NYS Thruway Authority
Steven Urlass, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Bill Wright, Ontario County
(Vacant), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
(Vacant), Federal Transportation Administration (FTA)
(Vacant), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE
Jody Binnix, GTC staff
Joel Kleinberg, NYSDOT-Region 4
Richard Perrin, GTC staff
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.
3. Approval of Minutes
Daniel Hallowell moved for approval of the minutes from the November 13, 2014 Planning Committee meeting; Terry Rice 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:
GTC Strategic Planning: GTC staff participated on U.S. Department of Transportation-sponsored Peer Exchanges with the North Carolina DOT on cross-modal project prioritization and the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (the metropolitan planning organization, or MPO, for the Cleveland area) on integrating system management and operations in the metropolitan planning process. GTC staff provided an overview and information on our Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) development process to the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M and data on railroad bridges to Senator Schumer's staff. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the National Performance Management Measures for pavements and bridges was published January 5 with comments due April 6; a meeting of the NYS Association of MPOs' MAP-21 Working Group is being scheduled for late-January/early-February to discuss this NPRM.
Regional Traffic Count Collection: Counts for Genesee, Livingston, and Orleans Counties have been provided for review by the respective highway superintendents.
LRTP Update/Implementation: GTC staff is advancing the development of the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region 2040 (LRTP 2040) based on the approach presented and discussed at the October 9, 2014 Planning Committee meeting. This includes developing the initial draft of the document, a second survey for the general public and a freight-specific survey which will be distributed this week, and the expansion of the GTC Travel Demand Model to fully incorporate what will be the expanded Rochester Metropolitan Planning Area. After further discussion, GTC staff does not see a need to hold a separate Planning Committee meeting in early-March to present, discuss, and get approval to release the draft document for public review. Staff feels that this can be accomplished at the April 9 Planning Committee meeting.
Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Critical Transportation Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment: GTC staff has reviewed and commented on the draft technical memoranda presenting and discussing the inventory of existing conditions and hazard extents. The consultant is revising the documents for distribution to the Steering Committee by the end of January.
Diversion Route Planning Initiative: GTC staff will complete the maps of the draft preferred diversion routes for all Principal Arterials in the region by the second week of February.
Congestion Management Process (CMP): GTC staff is continuing the review and assessment of potential travel time reliability performance measures for incorporation in the LRTP 2040. 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.
Greater Rochester Regional Commuter Choice Program: GTC is continuing to develop an awareness campaign document that identifies likely customers and potential outreach and marketing strategies. Once finalized, GTC staff will work with RGRTA to determine how they may be able to assist us in advancing the campaign.
Travel Time Data Collection Program: Access to the data is available and GTC staff are conducting analyses as requested by outside agencies and as needed for internal activities.
Regional Mobility Management Business Planning: No progress to report.
Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Trails Initiative Update: The inventory of existing conditions is being finalized and draft alternatives have been developed for Steering Committee review prior to scheduling the second round of public involvement.
Regional Walkability Improvement Program: The windshield surveys and walkability audits have been completed for the Villages of Avon and Bergen and the Cities of Canandaigua and Geneva. Draft reports for each community are under development for review by the local Steering Committees.
Rochester Area Bike Sharing Program Study: The final Steering Committee meeting was held on December 15, 2014. Based on comments received, final revisions to the business plan are being made with the second public meeting to be held later this month.
Terry Rice asked for clarification regarding the Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Trails Initiative Update. Specifically, if this project will identify gaps in the multiuse trail network.
Richard responded in the affirmative adding that the project will update Phases 1 and 2 of the original Regional Trails Initiative. The current effort is aiming to be more selective regarding the feasibility of what trails are included to ensure a greater level community support up front.
G/FLRPC
David Zorn reported:
Regional Land Use Monitoring Report: The contact list has been updated and surveys have been distributed to assess 2014 activity.
Inventory and Mapping of Regional Land Use Regulations: The report is complete and was accepted by the GTC Board at its September 11, 2014 meeting.
Regional Rights-of-Way Study: G/FLRPC staff completed an initial parcel inventory and mapping is underway.
Regional Viewshed Inventory and Analysis: Four counties have identified sites. G/FLRPC staff will be working with the remaining five counties to help identify sites. The criteria for the windshield survey are being developed.
Regional Atlas: The Atlas is complete and was accepted by the GTC Board at its June 19, 2014 meeting.
Livingston County
Richard Perrin reported:
Dansville Transportation and Commercial & Industrial Access Study: The draft final report was received by GTC staff on December 19, 2014. Edits and comments on the draft report were sent to the consultant on December 23, 2014. The final report is currently being reviewed by the remaining Steering Committee members.
Monroe County
Rochelle Bell reported:
Monroe County Land Use Monitoring: The contact list has been updated and surveys have been distributed to assess 2014 activity.
Terry Rice reported:
Monroe County High Accident Location Program: Seven additional locations have been studied and 27 of 52 locations (52 percent) are complete.
Ontario County
Richard Perrin reported:
Ontario County Freight Corridor Development Plan: Five proposals were received by the December 19, 2014 deadline and are being reviewed by the Consultant Selection Committee.
City of Rochester
Erik Frisch reported:
JOSANA Trail Feasibility Study: The inventory and analysis report is completed and has been revised based on comments received. Preliminary design concepts are under development. The first public meeting is scheduled for January 27.
Rochester East Main Arts & Market District Plan: The project kickoff meeting was held November 18, 2014. Data collection is underway, a draft public outreach plan has been developed, and focus group meetings will be held in late-January and early-February.
Mt. Read Boulevard Corridor Study: The study is complete and was accepted by the GTC Board at its December 11, 2014 meeting.
Rochester Bicycle Boulevard Plan: A conference call was held on November 25, 2014 to finalize priority corridors. Concept designs for signage and branding are under development.
Terry Rice asked if Monroe County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) had a representative on the Rochester East Main Arts & Market District Plan Steering Committee and inquired regarding the selected consultant.
Erik responded that MCDOT is represented and the selected consultant is Sam Schwartz Engineering with EDR as one of the local sub-consultants.
RGRTA
David Cook reported:
RGRTA Regional Operational Service Audit: RGRTA requested additional funding through the FY 2015-2016 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) to approach the project in phases. Approval has been received from NYSDOT to move forward with the Request for Proposals (RFP).
RTS Route Overhaul and Refinement Analysis: Route 12 which serves the 19th Ward and Monroe Community College has been reviewed with public meetings scheduled for January 27 and 29. Draft alternatives have been developed for Route 24 serving the Marketplace Mall area and public meetings will be scheduled in February.
Bus Stop Optimization Study: The draft report is complete and has been sent to the City of Rochester, Monroe County, and GTC for comments.
Rochester Area Vanpool Feasibility Study: Authorization to award the contract was received from the RGRTA Board of Commissioners at their December 2014 meeting. Staff are working with NYSDOT to finalize the documentation needed to enter into the contract.
Terry Rice asked Erik Frisch if he was aware of impacts to parking based on changes made to the bus stops through the Bus Stop Optimization Study. If the draft report has not noted such impacts, then the County will have minimal comments.
Erik noted that impacts to parking were not identified in the draft report.
Other Agencies
Richard Perrin reported:
Downtown Seneca Falls Parking and Improvement Study: Ten proposals were received by the December 12, 2014 deadline and are being reviewed by the Consultant Selection Committee.
Hojack Trail Feasibility Study: Six proposals were received by the December 15, 2014 deadline and are being reviewed by the Consultant Selection Committee.
East Rochester Transportation Improvement Study: The project was accepted by the GTC Board at its September 11, 2014 meeting.
Village of Scottsville Zoning Code Update: The contract between the Village and the preferred consultant was executed on December 17, 2014 and the first Steering Committee meeting is being scheduled.
NYS Route 250 Transit Supportive Mixed Use Development District: The draft design manual is continuing to be revised prior to being submitted to the Steering Committee for its review.
Town of Penfield Transit Supportive Mixed Use Development District: The RFP has been finalized and is expected to be advertised when the draft design manual from the NYS Route 250 Transit Supportive Mixed Use District is complete.
Jim Fletcher stated that the Town of Penfield may decide not to proceed with the project. Town leadership would be interested in using the UPWP funds for another purpose.
Village of Brockport Active Transportation Plan: The inventory of existing conditions continues to be developed for Steering Committee review.
Town of Henrietta Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Plan: The inventory of existing conditions continues to be developed for Steering Committee review.
Pittsford Active Transportation Plan: The RFP was advertised on November 28, 2014 with four proposals received by the January 6 deadline.
Town of Greece Active Transportation Plan: The project was accepted by the GTC Board at its September 11, 2014 meeting.
Town of Chili Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Study: The Steering Committee is scheduled to meet on January 8 to review draft alternatives.
Town of Perinton Active Transportation Plan: The first public meeting was held December 4, 2014. The existing conditions and needs assessment are being finalized based on comments received at the public meeting.
b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements
Richard Perrin provided the following updates:
Federal Highway Administration-New York (FHWA-NY) Division Administrator Jonathan McDade has designated Maria Chau as his Alternate to the GTC Board and as the FHWA-NY Division Planning Committee Member.
Jim Fletcher, Monroe County-At Large Planning Committee Member, has announced that he will be retiring in April. Jim began his service to GTC in April 2004 and his insights, dedication, and candor have been greatly appreciated by GTC staff. Planning Committee Members, Alternates, and others present thanked Jim and wished him well in his future endeavors.
1. Federal Legislative and Funding Update
Richard Perrin reported that, unable to enact a budget by the beginning of Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2015, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution on September 19, 2014 to fund federal agencies and activities through December 11, 2014. After multiple short-term extenders, Congress reached agreement on an omnibus appropriations package to fund nearly all government agencies for the remainder of FFY 2015 (with the exception being the Department of Homeland Security) and convened on December 16, 2014 at 11:30 p.m.
As discussed previously, the current federal surface transportation authorizing legislation, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), was extended through May 31. In recognition of this, the appropriators kept the highway and transit portions of the appropriations that come from the Highway Trust Fund flat since the extension required another transfer from the General Fund. This means for the entire FFY there will be $41 billion for highways and $8.6 billion for the transit formula grants. In addition, there is also $500 million for National Infrastructure Investments, which are more commonly known as the TIGER program.
The MAP-21 extension also makes additional Federal Highway Administration Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funds available. Based on the language in the extension and our FFY 2014 allocation, this regions share would be approximately $4 million. GTC staff have requested confirmation of the availability of these funds from NYSDOT-Main Office and have been told that they are concerned that there have been cost overruns on existing projects that would need to be paid for with the revenues made available through the extension. NYSDOT-Region 4 staff is conducting their own analyses of CMAQ-funded project expenses.
Its all but certain that there will be at least one more extension of MAP-21 as there is a lack of consensus on how to pay for a federal transportation bill. General fund revenues will be necessary to cover the shortfall between authorized funding levels and the amount deposited into the Highway Trust Fund. The most plausible resolution to the funding issue would be for revenues to be identified through a comprehensive tax reform measure but that could take six to nine months at the minimum.
Terry Rice asked about the impact to the Transportation Improvement Program cycle.
Richard responded that the current TIP was updated on a three-year cycle and NYSDOT-Main Office and all the MPOs in New York have agreed to conduct an update for adoption in summer 2016. The extensions of MAP-21 are not expected to change the schedule since we would only have one year remaining on the current TIP (FFY 2017).
Terry noted that updating the TIP with flat revenues or holding some back may be ideal given that its easier to add projects if more funding becomes available rather than cutting projects if revenue is less.
Richard concurred that the TIP Development Committee can decide on a plan to handle future programming. NYSDOT-Main Office needs to be contacted to see if they will continue to hold back a portion of the states FHWA apportionment and, if so, from what programs.
Erik Frisch asked if CMAQ funding will be available to the region.
Richard noted that GTC is currently working with NSYDOT-Region 4 staff to verify what was spent. NYSDOT-Main Office told GTC staff that CMAQ was over programmed but in actuality, CMAQ funds were over-obligated to cover cost overruns.
Dan Hallowell noted that NYSDOT is still working to verify the amounts regarding the CMAQ funds, verifying that there were some cost overruns.
Terry Rice asked Dan if NYSDOT-Main Office has indicated if another solicitation for safety projects is forthcoming this spring. Dan responded that NYSDOT-Region 4 has not heard from NYSDOT-Main Office regarding the status of making additional Highway Safety Improvement Program funds available.
5. Action Items
a. Action concerning approving the Draft FY 2015-2016 Unified Planning Work Program Project List for public review
Richard Perrin stated that GTC staff and the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Development Committee (UDC) have developed the Draft FY 2015-2016 UPWP Project List for public review. The UPWP is the program of federally-funded transportation planning projects and is developed annually. The FY 2015-2016 UPWP will cover the period of April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016. GTC member agencies and every municipality in the region were sent a postcard on September 12, 2014 announcing the availability of funds for initiatives that advance the long range transportation plan. An applicant workshop was held on September 24, 2014 at Henrietta Town Hall and applications were due October 17, 2014. The submitted proposals and an associated summary were distributed to the UDC on Monday, October 20, 2014.
Nineteen proposals requesting $1,105,400 in federal transportation planning funds were received. There is $931,262 available for programming. The 19 proposals were evaluated and scored by GTC staff. These evaluations were provided to the UDC, which met on November 13 and 25, 2014 and finalized the initial draft of the FY 2015-2016 UPWP via e-mail on December 22, 2014, as presented in the public review document.
Based on any changes made at this meeting, an initial draft program will be approved for 30-day public review from January 9 through February 9 and will be posted on the GTC website and made available at the eight county planning offices outside of Monroe County, the NYSDOT-Region 4 offices, and the central repository libraries in Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne Counties (those in the Rochester Metropolitan Planning Area).
GTC staff will work with the UDC to consider any public comments received and develop a Draft FY 2015-2016 UPWP document for your consideration at the February 12 meeting. Based on any changes made at that meeting, the GTC Board will consider the Final Draft FY 2015-2016 UPWP at its March 12 meeting. Richard thanked the UDC for their efforts.
David Cook suggested that the description of the RTS Route Overhaul and Refinement project (#13) in the public review document be modified to note that RTS is continuing to conduct overhauls to the current routes. It currently appears that this project is a one-time activity however, each year different routes are reviewed.
Rich suggested the project description be edited to indicate the analysis be conducted on select routes. The Committee agreed to this suggestion.
Jim Fletcher moved to approve the Draft FY 2015-2016 Unified Planning Work Program Project List, with the modification to the description to project #13 noted above, for public review; David Cook seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
6. New Business
Dan Hallowell discussed the Portageville Bridge Project noting that NYSDOT-Main Office programmed CMAQ funds in FFY 2014 that were not obligated. NYSDOT-Region 4 will be preparing an eSTIP ballot to move the CMAQ funds to FFY 2015 in order for the project to move forward.
Richard added these funds are from a NYSDOT-Main Office set aside for a non-highway project outside the Rochester MPA.
No Member or Alternate had any questions regarding the adjustment.
a. Presentation and discussion: Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Bridge Network Needs Assessment and Investment Strategy Results
Richard Perrin presented the finding and results of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Bridge Network Needs Assessment and Investment Strategy and also provided a demonstration of the two tools: the Bridge Asset Management Planning Tool and the Bridge Prioritization Screening Tool.
7. Public Forum
No member of the public spoke during the Public Forum.
8. Next Meeting
February 12, 2015 at Livingston County Highway Department
4389 Gypsy Lane
Groveland, NY
All materials for items to be considered at this meeting should be submitted to GTC staff no later than Friday, January 30, 2015.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:58 a.m.