GTC Board - Minutes

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GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL

QUARTERLY BOARD MEETING

Park Plaza Hotel

Henrietta, NY

May 5, 2005

GTC BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT

Maggie Brooks, Monroe County (GTC Vice Chair)

Marvin Decker, Wayne County (GTC Chairman)

Lois Giess, Rochester City Council

Paul E. Haney, Rochester At-Large

Daniel Hogan, Monroe County At-Large

Edward Marianetti, Monroe County At-Large

Wayne Zyra, Monroe County

ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT

Mark Aesch, RGRTA, representing John G. Doyle, Jr.

Richard Beers, Jr., Federal Highway Administration, representing Robert Arnold

Bill Bordeau, Seneca County, representing Robert Shipley

Samuel Casella, Ontario County, representing Carmen Orlando

Edward Doherty, City of Rochester, representing William Johnson

E. Joseph Gozelski, Wyoming County, representing A. Douglas Berwanger

William Leslie, NYS Thruway Authority, representing Michael Fleischer

Charles Moynihan, NYSDOT Region 4, representing Joseph Boardman

Edward G. Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation, representing Charles Gargano

Richard Rudolph, Genesee County, representing Mary Pat Hancock

David Woods, Livingston County, representing James Merrick

David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, representing Esther Leadley

GTC BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED

Philip Brito, Federal Aviation Administration

Dana K. Miller, Rochester City Planning Commission

Robert Multer, Yates County

Bonnie Pedrick-Coles, Monroe County Planning Board

David W. Schantz, Monroe County Supervisors Association

Denise M. Sheehan, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Letitia Thompson, Federal Transit Administration

Marcia Tuohey, Orleans County

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE

Joan Dupont, NYSDOT Region 4

Deborah Elliott, GTC Staff

James Fabino, Town of Lyons

Erik Frisch, GTC Staff

Ron Hayes, NYSDOT

Kristen Mark Hughes, Ontario County

Amy Jackson-Grove, FHWA

Kevin OBuckley, NYSDOT Region 4

Richard Perrin, GTC Staff

Terrence J. Rice, Monroe County

Robert Scholl, NYSDOT Region 4

Robert Slaver, NYSDOT Region 4

James Stack, GTC Staff

John Thomas, City of Rochester

Kevin Yost, Rochester Rail Transit Committee



1. Call to Order

Chairman Decker called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.

2. Roll Call

James Stack, GTC staff, called the roll; a quorum was present.

3. Public Forum

Kevin Yost, Rochester Rail Transit Committee, expressed concern about the Renaissance Square project and specifically the underground bus terminal location. He feels the bus terminal should be located in the Sibley building. He mentioned that he would be attending the Broad Street Tunnel Project public meeting the evening of Thursday, May 5 and would reserve his comments on that project. He also spoke in favor of developing a light rail system in the area.

4. Approval of Minutes

David Woods moved for approval of the minutes from the March 10, 2005 GTC Quarterly Board meeting; Samuel Casella seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as submitted.

5. Communications and Announcements

         Richard Perrin announced the following appointment to the GTC Board:

      Empire State Development Corporation Edward G. Muszynski appointed as Charles Garganos Alternate to the Board

Charles Moynihan informed the Board of the implementation of the Transformation process that NYSDOT has been undergoing. He explained the four new divisions that are currently in place. He will now be the Director of the Program Support Division for the Western Region. Charles introduced Kevin OBuckley who will be the Regional Director of Region 4. He also introduced Ron Hayes, the Statewide Policy Group Western Region Integrator.

Chairman Decker thanked Charles Moynihan for his dedicated service to the GTC Board.

6. Reports and Action on Old Business

a.      Planning Committee Report David Woods, Chairman

David Woods provided the following report:

At its April 21, 2005 meeting, the Planning Committee:

         Recommended that the Board adopt the Draft 2005-2010 Transportation Improvement Program and re-endorse the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region: 2005-2025

         Recommended that the Board adopt the Transportation Conformity Determination for the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region: 2005-2025 and 2005-2010 Transportation Improvement Program

         Recommended that the Board amend the 2003-2008 TIP by:

      Adding the Mill Road II project

      Adding the Monroe County Intelligent Transportation System project

      Adding the Jefferson Avenue, Ayrault Road to Route 31F project

      Increasing the total cost of the Mount Read Boulevard Bridges project

      Increasing the total cost of the Route 590 Reconstruction; Titus to SeaBreeze project

         Approved the Draft FY 2005-2006 UPWP Update Public Review Document for 30-day public review

         Recommended that the Board amend the FY 2004-05 & 2005-06 UPWP to reflect the reprogramming of FTA Section 5303 Metropolitan Planning Program funds for RGRTA

         Recommended that the Board accept the report, Route 332 Corridor Development Analysis Phase II, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 6620

         Approved the scopes of work for UPWP Task 5370 Optimizing Transportation Infrastructure through Effective Land Use and UPWP Task 8531 RTS Fare Modification Study

b.      GTC Executive Directors Report Richard Perrin

Richard Perrin provided the following report:

         A significant amount of GTC staff time has been spent producing the Draft 2005-2010 Transportation Improvement Program and Conformity Determination for the LRTP for the Genesee Finger Lakes Region: 2005-2025 and the 2005-2010 TIP

GTC and NYSDOT Region 4 sent a letter signed jointly by Chairman Decker and Charles Moynihan to NYSDOT Main Office requesting CMAQ funds be allocated to this region.

As a nonattainment area for ground level ozone, GTC and NYSDOT Region 4 are eligible to receive these funds for the six-county Rochester MSA. Currently, the region does not receive these funds because, as a newly-designated nonattainment area, we are not included in the federal allocation formula. The formula is part of TEA-21 and it is expected that newly designated nonattainment areas will be included in the CMAQ allocation formula in the forthcoming reauthorization.

In expectation of receiving CMAQ funds, GTC staff is working with the Air Quality Planning and Outreach consultant to develop a project selection process for CMAQ eligible projects. As noted in the FHWA/FTA Certification Review document, USDOT requires that CMAQ funds be allocated to projects that provide significant air quality benefits.

         GTC staff has also been developing the FY 2005-2006 UPWP Update. This is a result of an additional $380,000 in FHWA PL funds as part of the extensions to TEA-21. A call for projects was issued to all counties and municipalities in the region on January 28. Seventeen proposals were received by the March 4 deadline. The UPWP Development Committee reviewed the proposals and met on March 15 and 30 to develop a program of projects. The Planning Committee approved the UDC recommended program of projects for 30-day public review and comment at its April 21 meeting.

The public review and comment period began on April 25 and ends on May 24. The document is available for review at county planning offices, NYSDOT Region 4, and GTC offices as well as the central library in Monroe, Livingston, Ontario and Wayne counties and on the GTC website. Comments are accepted via mail, fax and through a dedicated GTC e-mail address.

         A meeting was held on April 28 with a graphic designer to discuss the layout for the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes: 2005-2025. Future UPWP and TIP covers will also be designed.

c. Old Business

There was no old business.

7. New Business

a.      Adopting the 2005-2010 Transportation Improvement Program and Re-endorsing the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region: 2005-2025 Action on Proposed Resolution 05-9

Richard Perrin explained that the TIP is the program of federal funds for all surface transportation modes over the next five years and must be updated every two years. It is a joint effort between GTC and NYSDOT Region 4. The TIP development process included a 30-day public review and comment period along with four public meetings. Richard acknowledged the efforts of the TIP Development Committee and the Planning Committee who developed the program, considered public comments, and recommended the program of projects presented.

In addition, more recent information has been received regarding specific information on a minority of projects with respect to timing of expected obligation of funds. Some funds that are listed as being in prior years will be included in current years as a result of review of detail sheets by project sponsors. Part of this is a result of developing the 2005-2010 TIP on an accelerated schedule due to air quality conformity requirements. Part is due to migrating the TIP from a spreadsheet to a database format in order to improve GTCs record management and tracking capabilities.

Based on the Environmental Justice analysis, 80% of the value of all projects is located in low income areas and 60% of the value of all projects is located in minority areas.

An analysis was also performed within the context of the State Energy Plan. The completion of projects will result in an approximately 35% decrease in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 40% decrease in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide, and decreases in energy and carbon dioxide versus if the projects were not built.

Ed Muszynski asked about the new database that was created for the TIP.

Richard responded that it took a lot of time to develop but will allow GTC staff to efficiently track all aspects of the TIP projects.

Paul Haney asked if the Inner Loop Bridge over Browns Race project included the portion over the Genesee River. Joan Dupont responded that it did.

Paul Haney asked for an explanation of the ADA Detectable Warning Surfaces Retrofit project and why it was not on the map.

Joan Dupont explained that as a result of the Americans with Disabilities Act any newly constructed sidewalk ramps on federal-aid projects are required to have a textured surface for the visually impaired. Unfortunately, specifications for the textured surface were not finalized until after the requirement took effect. This created the need to retrofit recently completed projects.

Richard Perrin noted that projects with multiple locations, including the ADA Detectable Warning Surfaces Retrofit, are not shown on the index map in the TIP.

Paul Haney inquired about the Route 590 Reconstruction; Titus to SeaBreeze project.

Joan Dupont responded that the Town of Irondequoit is taking the lead on the project. She added that traffic volume drops significantly on this section of Route 590. The Town is looking at ways to enhance the community character in SeaBreeze.

Paul Haney asked if there had been consideration of connecting Route 590 and Route 104 in Irondequoit.

Joan responded that GTC funded a study to look at that situation several years ago. However, there is no project being proposed at this time.

Paul Haney asked about the source of the local share for the Renaissance Square project.

Richard responded that it has not yet been determined what the contributions will be from the local partners, but that it must occur before federal funds are released.

Paul Haney asked why the additional earmark for Renaissance Square was shown in the notes section as opposed to the project table.

Richard responded that the decision was made not to include those funds in the adoption of the TIP because the public review document for the TIP included only the formula funds and associated match. Rather than cause the appearance that additional funds above those included in the public review document were being allocated to the project, it was decided that the earmark would be acted on by the Board separately at a later date.

Paul Haney asked how much the annual operating costs of the bus terminal portion of the project would be and who would pay them.

Richard responded that these costs are not yet known. He explained that the TIP programs funds for projects that meet a demonstrated need. Operating costs are determined as part of the scoping and design phases of project development which are typically funded through the TIP.

Richard noted that the Proposed Resolution was reviewed and recommended for approval at the Planning Committee meeting of April 21, 2005.

Paul Haney made a motion to separate the Renaissance Square project from the rest of the Resolution. The motion was not seconded.

Charles Moynihan moved to approve Resolutions 05-9; Maggie Brooks seconded. The motion passed with one abstention.

b. Chairman Decker moved item 7.b. to a later time on the agenda.

c. Adopting amendments to the 2003-2008 Transportation Improvement Program

Chairman Decker suggested that the following five Proposed Resolutions be considered under one motion. The Board concurred.

Richard Perrin explained the amendments and noted that Proposed Resolutions 05-11, 05-12, and 05-13 were new projects; 05-14 was amending an existing project and 05-15 increases the federal share of an existing project via earmark. Richard asked if there were any questions.

Richard noted that the following Proposed Resolutions were reviewed and recommended for approval at the Planning Committee meeting of April 21, 2005.

(1) Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Mill Road II project Action on Proposed Resolution 05-11

(2) Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Monroe County Intelligent Transportation System project Action on Proposed Resolution 05-12

(3) Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by adding the Jefferson Avenue, Ayrault Road to Route 31F project Action on Proposed Resolution 05-13

(4) Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by increasing the total cost of the Mount Read Boulevard Bridges project Action on Proposed Resolution 05-14

(5) Amending the 2003-2008 TIP by increasing the total cost of the Route 590 Reconstruction; Titus to SeaBreeze project Action on Proposed Resolution 05-15

Daniel Hogan moved to approve Resolutions 05-11 through 05-15; Richard Rudolph seconded. The motion passed unopposed.

d. Amending the FY 2004-05 & FY 2005-06 UPWP to reflect the reprogramming of FTA Section 5303 Metropolitan Planning Program (MPP) funds Action on Proposed Resolution 05-16

Richard Perrin explained the adjustments with projects being added, removed and altered to better reflect regional initiatives being undertaken by RGRTA. There is no net increase to the program of projects included in the current UPWP and all are consistent with the LRTP.

Richard noted that the Proposed Resolution was reviewed and recommended for approval at the Planning Committee meeting of April 21, 2005.

Daniel Hogan moved to approve Resolution 05-16; Maggie Brooks seconded. The motion passed unopposed.

Paul Haney questioned the removal of the Strategic Plan for Transportation Service to Universities and Colleges.

Mark Aesch responded that RGRTA is advancing the objectives of the project internally by meeting with various colleges and universities to determine the viability of service for their campuses.

e. Accepting the report, Route 332 Corridor Development Analysis Phase II, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 6620 Action on Proposed Resolution 05-17

Richard Perrin explained that this report was conducted by G/FLRPC Staff for Ontario County. The first phase included build-out scenarios and associated fiscal impact analyses funded through a NYS Department of State as part of a Quality Communities Grant. The second phase was funded through the UPWP and reviewed existing land use and infrastructure plans in relation to projected needs, providing an assessment of the adequacy of the plans to the projected needs.

Richard noted that the Proposed Resolution was reviewed and recommended for approval at the Planning Committee meeting of April 21, 2005.

Samuel Casella moved to approve Resolution 05-17; Paul Haney seconded. The motion passed unopposed.

Sam Casella commended everyone involved for all of the effort that was put into the completion of the project.

f. Presentation concerning the triennial FHWA/FTA certification of the GTC transportation planning process

Richard Perrin provided background on the joint certification review and thanked the board members for their participation in the review process. Richard Perrin introduced Richard Beers and Amy Jackson-Grove from FHWA. Amy Jackson-Grove, Deputy Division Administrator of the FHWA New York Division, presented the findings of the certification review. She noted the Noteworthy Practice activities and the recommendations to strengthen the GTC planning process.

b. Adopting the Transportation Conformity Determination for the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region: 2005-2025 and 2005-2010 Transportation Improvement program Action on Proposed Resolution 05-10.

Richard Perrin explained that the six-county Rochester MSA was designated by the EPA on April 15, 2004 as being in nonattainment of the 8-hour ground level ozone standard. That resulted in GTC and NYSDOT Region 4 being required to demonstrate that the LRTP and TIP conform to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards in order to continue receipt of federal transportation funds.

The first conformity determination is due by June 15, 2005. The process of determining conformity is guided by FHWA and FTA through MPOs and NYSDOT regional offices working with the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG), which includes representatives from EPA, NYSDEC and NYSDOT Environmental Analysis Bureau.

The conformity determination is a compliance document with no changes to policy or project selection. The LRTP and TIP will result in 82% reduction in NOx and 72% reduction in VOCs, the ozone precursors.

A 15-day public review period including one public meeting will be required after ICG provides final comments on the document. Any public comments of a technical nature will be provided to the Board. Due to timing, the Board vote will be conducted via mail ballot or special meeting.

Richard suggested a mail ballot be conducted and the Board agreed.

Richard noted that the Proposed Resolution was reviewed and recommended for approval at the Planning Committee meeting of April 21, 2005.

Lois Giess asked how much of the state is in nonattainment for ozone. Richard responded that the area included the Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester metropolitan areas, all of downstate, plus Jefferson County and Chautauqua County. Richard explained that this regions air quality did not get worse, the standards changed.

Ed Doherty commended the staff on a terrific job. He was unclear on the lack of an emissions budget. Richard responded that there is not an emissions budget in place for the region. One will be developed by the NYSDEC in consultation with GTC and NYSDOT. The interim option for analysis is a Build/No Build scenario or a not greater than 2002 scenario. GTC staff conducted the more stringent Build/No Build analysis.

g. Any Other New Business

There was no other new business.

8.                 Next Meeting

The next Board Meeting will be held Thursday, September 8, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. at the Park Plaza Hotel in Henrietta.

9. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.