GTC Planning Committee - Minutes

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GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING

NYSDOT Region 4 Offices

Henrietta, New York

November 17, 2005

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

Joan Dupont, NYSDOT Region 4

James Fletcher, MonroeCounty At Large

Paul Johnson, MonroeCounty Planning Board

Scott Leathersich, MonroeCounty At Large

Edward Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation

George Stam, City of Rochester

David Woods, LivingstonCounty

David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council

ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT

Timothy Frelier, MonroeCounty, representing Terrence J. Rice

David Thielman, NYS Thruway Authority, representing Richard Garrabrant

Charles Walker, RGRTA, representing Mark Aesch

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED

Jeffrey Adair, MonroeCounty

James Brady, WayneCounty

Philip Brito, FAA

Glenn Cooke, SenecaCounty

Robert Griffith, FHWA

Timothy Hens, GeneseeCounty

Kristen Mark Hughes, OntarioCounty

Fred Humphrey, WyomingCounty

Tracy Logel, MonroeCounty Supervisors Association

Kenneth Rush, OrleansCounty

William Sullivan, Rochester City Council

Chris Wilson, YatesCounty

(Vacant), FTA

(Vacant), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

(Vacant), City of Rochester At Large

(Vacant), RochesterCity Planning Commission

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE

Geoff Benway, Town of Penfield

James Clements, NYSDOT Region 6

Deborah Elliott, GTC Staff

Erik Frisch, GTC Staff

Dan Hallowell, NYSDOT Region 4

Richard Perrin, GTC Staff

Peter Plumeau, Wilbur Smith Associates

Christine Quinlan, Village of Avon

Robert Scholl, NYSDOT Region 4

Rob Slaver, NYSDOT Region 4

James Stack, GTC Staff

Phil Swanson, Village of Avon

John Thomas, City of Rochester

Robert Traver, NYSDOT Region 4

1.        Call to Order & Introductions

Prior to calling the meeting to order, the Planning Committee observed a moment of silence for Larry Stid.

David Woods, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 10:02 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

          James Fletcher moved for approval of the minutes from the August 18, 2005 Planning Committee meeting; Joan Dupont 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:

         With respect to the GTC Strategic Plan, GTC staff have reviewed SAFETEA-LU and assessed provisions and requirements impacting metropolitan planning organizations. Interviews for the vacant planner position were conducted with two candidates the week of November 14

         Minor work has been accomplished on the Rural County Resource Development Initiative since the last planning committee meeting. This project will be a priority for the individual who fills the vacant planner position

         The Transportation Safety Information Analysis project is progressing. A survey based on issues and concerns of information users was developed and distributed to information providers, primarily law enforcement agencies, on November 2. Questions focus on how the information is collected, when it is available, and the format in which it is provided. Responses to the survey are due by November 18; to date, 30 of the 65 surveys distributed have been returned

         The covers for the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee Finger Lakes Region: 2005-2025, the next LRTP, as well as future UPWPs and TIPs have been finalized. A draft of the final LRTP document has been provided by the graphic designer and revisions are currently being made. Printing of the final document is expected by the January 2006 Planning Committee meeting

         With respect to Air Quality Planning and Outreach, a draft validation document has been developed for the new GTC TransCAD travel demand model for review by the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG). The model validation is required before a conformity analysis can be conducted. The conformity analysis for the current LRTP and TIP was conducted using the TModel2 travel demand model formerly used by GTC. The air quality consultant is continuing work on CMAQ evaluation criteria which will be included in future TIP project evaluation. The consultant is also beginning discussions with the ICG regarding the regions Motor Vehicle Emissions Budget (MVEB). Conformity analyses are now done based on a build/no-build test. Once the MVEB is approved, conformity will be based on whether emissions exceed the MVEB

         Interviews for the Transportation and Industrial Access Phase 1 & 2 projects have been conducted with the City of Rochester Economic Development Department and all of the county Industrial Development Agencies. OntarioCounty has requested that GTC staff discuss the project with the City of Geneva Economic Development Department. Due to the lapse of time in the project, LivingstonCountyIDA and Planning Department staff will be re-interviewed

         GTC staff developed a work plan for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Supportive Code Language project consistent with the Scope of Work approved at the July 21 Planning Committee meeting. GTC staff met with G/FLRPC staff on October 3 to finalize a work plan. They also discussed the project with the G/FLRPC Planning Coordination Committee (PCC) at their meeting on October 7. On November 1, a memo regarding topics on which to survey the PCC was provided to G/FLRPC staff, who will conduct the survey.

         A kickoff and initial Steering Committee meeting for the Greater Rochester Transportation Operations and Management Organization Feasibility Study was held September 15. Steering Committee interviews were held on October 19 and 20. Peer area reviews have been completed. A Steering Committee roundtable will be held on November 30 to discuss findings and hear a presentation by John Mason, a former six-term mayor of Fairfax, Virginia, who is with FHWAs Office of Operations

         The three studies that comprise the 2004-05 Priority Trails Advancement project are progressing. Draft reports have been developed for the Oatka Creek Trail and Lakeville-Livonia Trail projects. Steering Committee meetings to review the draft reports will be held December 21 for the Oatka Creek Trail and December 7 for the Lakeville-Livonia Trail. A public meeting for the City of Rochesters Genesee Riverway Trail (Downtown to LowerFallsPark) was held on September 8. The next round of applications will be solicited early next year; this is being done so as not to coincide with FY 2006-07 UPWP applications

         The Rochester Bicycling Club has yet to finish their ratings of roads in the Rochester TMA for the On-Street Bicycle Facilities Opportunities Review. These ratings form the foundation of the inventory task of the project and are expected to be completed by the end of the month. The ratings that have been completed are being converted to GIS format

         Technical memoranda providing an introduction, overview, and baseline requirements have been drafted for the GTC Congestion Management System (CMS) project. GTC staff should have a document for review and comment by the CMS Working Group early next year. An outline for the NYSMPO CMS Study shared cost initiative final report was developed in October. GTC staff attended a statewide workshop on September 16 as part of that project. A final report is being drafted

         A Scope of Work for the Travel Time Data Collection Assessment project has been drafted and will be presented to the Planning Committee at the January 2006 meeting. The results of the project will be integral to the GTC CMS

         The Strategic Plan for Public Transportation in YatesCounty project will begin once the Route 14A Corridor Study advances further

         This years topic for Transportation Information Resources, Integrating Safety in Transportation Planning will be complete and posted to the website by the end of the year

         The Scope of Work for the Regional Goods Movement Strategy for Planning Committee review will be developed in early 2006 with input from Economic Development Departments and IDAs in the region

         The TIP Management Enhancement Study will be presented to the Planning Committee for recommendation to the GTC Board later in the meeting

G/FLRPC

David Zorn reported:

         The 2004 RegionalLand Use Monitoring Report has been distributed and posted to the G/FLRPC website

         With respect to the Preparing Village Main Streets for Planning project, steering committees in the two communities have been meeting. An update of the project was provided to the project Technical Committee on November 8. Draft reports are under review and public meetings will be held in January

         Identification of corridors and research is ongoing for the Optimizing Transportation Infrastructure through Effective Land Use project. A list of candidate corridors has been distributed to the Steering Committee. The postponed September Steering Committee meeting will be rescheduled for December

         Distribution of the completed Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Atlas is underway

Livingston County

 

David Woods reported:

         The Horizontal Alignment Safety Study final report is being finalized and is expected to be presented at the January 2006 Planning Committee meeting for recommendation to the GTC Board

Monroe County

Paul Johnson reported:

         Data collection will begin in January 2006 for the 2005 Monroe County Land Use Monitoring project

         The database for the Monroe County Parking Study is being finalized and reports should be ready for printing and distribution by the March 31 deadline

          Scott Leathersich reported:

         A Scope of Work for the Accident Rate Database project will be presented at the January 2006 Planning Committee meeting

         A Scope of Work for the Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity Study will be presented at the January 2006 Planning Committee meeting

         A Scope of Work for the Safe Passing Zone Survey will be presented at the January 2006 Planning Committee meeting

         The Pedestrian Activity Safety Study is progressing. MCDOT staff is reviewing preliminary recommendations from the consultant

         Results of the Ballantyne Road Corridor Study will be presented later in the meeting

Ontario County

Richard Perrin reported:

         There is no progress to report on the State Route 96/State Route 318 Rural Corridor Study Phase 2

         The Canandaigua Regional Transportation Study is progressing. The Steering Committee met August 25 to review alternatives. The consultant is drafting the report

City of Rochester

John Thomas reported:

       Chapters of the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Concept Design and Implementation Study have been drafted

       Analysis of the collected traffic counts, turning movements, and other observations is underway for the Port of Rochester Transportation Evaluation and Support Study. The second Steering Committee meeting was held on November 16. Recommendations of this study will be integrated with the Citys Port of Rochester Master Plan being developed by Sasaki Associates

       The final report for the ITS/AVL Implementation Plan will be presented to the Planning Committee for recommendation to the GTC Board later in the meeting

RGRTA

Charles Walker reported:

        RGRTA hopes to combine the Lift Line Strategic Plan and the Area Wide Job Access and Reverse Commute Plan into one study to fulfill SAFETEA-LU requirements. This request will be presented later in the meeting

        The Security and Safety Plan for Public Transportation is finishing up. The RGRTA Leadership Team received incident management training on October 25

        The RTS Fare Modification Study is approximately 50-75% complete. RGRTA is looking at new technologies for fare collection and options for new types of fare media

        The Alternative Fuels Technology Study/RTS Hybrid Bus Study will be completed within the next 60-90 days

Seneca County

         

Richard Perrin reported:

         There is no progress to report on State Route 96/State Route 318 Rural Corridor Study Phase 1

         WayneCounty

Richard Perrin reported:

         A meeting with the consultant for the Cluster Development Enhancement Project Feasibility Study was held August 25

         The Scope of Work for the Palmyra Route 21 Truck Traffic Study will be presented later in the meeting

Wyoming County

 

Richard Perrin reported:

        There is no progress to report on Transportation & Scenic/Historic Resources in WyomingCounty

 

Yates County

Richard Perrin reported:

         The Route 14A Corridor Study project is progressing. Chris Wilson has begun work as the new YatesCounty planner. A draft report was received from the consultant on October 14. A project team meeting is scheduled for December 9

Other Agencies

         The Regional Traffic Count Collection project is a four-county effort. OntarioCounty is progressing their portion of the project in-house. Wayne and Livingston counties will meet this month to finalize the RFP for consultant services. MonroeCounty resumed their counts in September and will finish this week.

         The Scope of Work for the Erie-AtticaRailroadBridge and Trail will be presented later in the meeting

         The Scope of Work for the Route 250 Corridor Study will be presented later in the meeting

b.      Any Other Old Business or Announcements

A heads up letter for the FY 2006-07 UPWP was mailed on September 9 and a Call for Projects package was mailed on September 23. GTC held a workshop on October 12 at HenriettaTown Hall. Forty-one proposals were received by the October 28 deadline. Thirty-three were received by eligible jurisdictions; eight by GTC staff. Proposals received totaled over twice the amount of funds available.

The UPWP Development Committee was scheduled to meet following the November 17 Planning Committee meeting but the meeting has been postponed. A meeting schedule is being finalized to develop a program of projects for the Planning Committee to consider for public review at its January 2006 meeting.

Yates County Planner, Chris Wilson, has been designated as the Countys Planning Committee member and alternate to the GTC Board effective November 15.

5.         Planning Committee Action Items

a.      Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the FY 2005-06 UPWP budget to incorporate FTA MPP grant balances / Proposed Council Resolution 05-35

Richard Perrin informed the committee that these leftover FTA planning monies from FY 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 will be rescinded if GTC does not reprogram and spend these funds by the end of the current fiscal year, March 31, 2006.

NYSDOT Main Office wants to close out these older FTA planning grants per FTA instructions. By adding the funds to the GTC core budget for staff activities, we know they will be expended by March 31 of next year. The GTC core budget must be maintained at the level approved by the GTC Board.

To allow GTC staff to expend these funds, an equal amount of FTA funds from a more recent grant must be removed from the GTC core budget. The funds from the newer grant will be reprogrammed to UPWP Task 1600 Program Reserve and will then be reprogrammed in FY 2006-07; situations such as these are one reason the Program Reserve task is included in the UPWP. Essentially, we are switching funds from a newer grant for an equal amount from older grants so we do not lose them.

                   James Fletcher moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 05-35; Scott Leathersich seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

b.  Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the FY 2005-06 UPWP to reprogram FTA MPP Funds / Proposed Council Resolution 05-36

Richard Perrin explained that SAFETEA-LU includes a requirement that a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan be in place by October 1, 2006 to qualify for receipt of federal transit funds from Jobs Access Reverse Commute, Elderly and Disabled, and New Freedom programs.

RGRTA is requesting an amendment at this time because the other option would be to reprogram the funds in the FY 2006-07 UPWP which does not become effective until April 1, 2006, six months before the plan is due. The projects from which the funds are being reprogrammed, the Area Wide Jobs Access and Reverse Commute Plan and the Lift Line Strategic Plan, are major elements of the mandated public transit-human services transportation plan. Consolidating them is more prudent than conducting them separately and then having to integrate their findings and recommendations into the mandated format. The UPWP Development Committee reviewed the amendments and recommends favorable action on them.

David Thielman moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 05-36; Joan Dupont seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

 

c.  Recommendations to the GTC Board concerning accepting final projects reports as evidence of completion of various UPWP Tasks

1.  Accepting the report, City of Rochester Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL) Study, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 5610 / proposed Council Resolution  05-37

     John Thomas explained what an AVL system is and reviewed the Executive Summary for the study and key recommendations.

     Ed Muszynski asked if this was the same system that is used by RTS. Charles Walker noted that it was a similar radio-based system, though operated differently. John Thomas noted that the RTS system is focused on schedule adherence.

     James Fletcher noted that this type of system could be useful in determining the proportion of public works services on town, county, and state routes. John Thomas added that this system would also be useful for disaster billing to FEMA.

     James Fletcher stated that he could see labor issues involved with implementing such a system. John Thomas responded that a grievance has already been filed by the City water bureau workers.

     Ed Muszynski asked if the City could obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds to implement this system. John Thomas responded that the City is looking into potential funding sources, including DHS.

     Robert Traver asked if the recommendations of this study are transferable to other municipalities in the region. John Thomas stated that any agency could make use of the recommendations included in this report.

     David Woods inquired as to the difficulty in obtaining a radio frequency from the FCC. John Thomas agreed that it would be a long process, but that the City is hoping to utilize one of its unused frequencies.

Ed Muszynski moved to recommend approval of proposed Council Resolution 05-37; James Fletcher seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

2.  Accepting the report, GTC TIP Management Enhancement Study, as evidence of completion of a component of UPWP Task 6100 / proposed Council Resolution 05-38

     Richard Perrin noted this project was conducted by GTC staff with the TIP Development Committee serving as the Steering Committee. The TIP Development Committee recommended favorable action on this report at its November 3 meeting.

     Richard noted that the last two pages of the results in brief and recommendations were inadvertently left out of the mailed package. He apologized for this omission and distributed copies of the missing pages. The recommendations contained on these pages deal primarily with monitoring the progress of TIP projects and obtaining the information to do so.

GTC staff have begun to work on a TIP procedures manual to implement the recommendations of the study. The TDC will oversee the development of the manual, which will be brought to the Planning Committee for recommendation to the GTC Board.

Richard introduced Peter Plumeau from Wilbur Smith Associates who discussed the findings of the project.

Joan Dupont noted that one of the recommendations of the study, to provide GTC with an annual listing of TIP obligations, is already being advanced; GTC should receive an obligations list in the next few weeks.

Scott Leathersich moved to recommend approval of proposed Council Resolution 05-38; Joan Dupont seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

 

d.  Recommendations to GTC Board concerning various amendments to the 2005-2010 TIP

    The Committee agreed to consider the RGRTA projects together and the NYSDOT projects together under two separate motions.

1.     Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by increasing the total cost of the Preventive Maintenance project / proposed Council Resolution 05-39

2.     Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by increasing the total cost of the Transit Enhancements project / proposed Council Resolution 05-40

3.     Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by increasing the number of vehicles for Lift Line Vehicle Purchase project / proposed Council Resolution 05-41

4.     Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by decreasing the total cost of the Lift Line Bus Replacement project / proposed Council Resolution 05-42

5.     Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by increasing the number of vehicles purchased through the RTS Bus Replacement project / proposed Council resolution 05-43

6.     Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by increasing the total cost of the RTS Fare Collection System Replacement project / proposed Council Resolution 05-44

7.     Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by adding the FFY 2006 Jobs Access Reverse Commute Program project / proposed Council Resolution 05-45

Richard Perrin explained that the first seven amendments are requested by RGRTA and result from notification from FTA of the availability of funds above the estimates used to develop the 2005-2010 TIP and changes to projects for which FTA approved grants prior to adoption of the 2005-2010 TIP that must now be included in the current TIP.

Charles Walker, RGRTA, reviewed each of the seven amendments.

Richard Perrin noted that the TDC recommended approval at its November 3 meeting.

      Ed Muszynski moved to recommend approval of proposed Council Resolutions 05-39 through 05-45; George Stam seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

8.     Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by adding a Right-of-Way Acquisition phase to the Route 15A (

Jarley Road
Crittenden Road
) Rehabilitation/Reconstruction project / proposed Council Resolution 05-46

9.     Recommendation to GTC Board concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by adding a Right-of-Way Acquisition phase to the I-590 Interchange at

Winton Road
project / proposed Council Resolution 05-47

    Joan Dupont discussed both of the NYSDOT amendments. She noted that these project phases were originally scheduled for obligation prior to October 1, 2005 and, therefore, were shown in prior years in the TIP. Richard Perrin noted that the increased Right-of-Way Acquisition costs for the Route 15A project is covered using State funds, not Federal funds.

    Richard Perrin noted that the TDC recommended approval at its November 3 meeting.

      David Thielman moved to recommend approval of proposed Council Resolutions 05-46 and 05-47; James Fletcher seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

f.  Planning Committee concurrence concerning the classification of FY 2005-06 UPWP Update Tasks in accordance with the GTC Public Participation Policy

    Richard Perrin explained that the Planning Committee must determine the classifications of UPWP projects prior to approving Scopes of Work for UPWP projects. GTC staff recommendations for each project class and associated justifications are provided in the agenda package. This item does not require GTC Board action.

    James Fletcher moved to approve the classification of FY 2005-06 UPWP Update Tasks in accordance with the GTC Public Participation Policy; Scott Leathersich seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

g.  Planning Committee concurrence concerning the approval of UPWP Project Scopes of Work

    Richard Perrin explained that the Planning Committee must concur with the Scope of Work for each project included in the UPWP prior to work beginning on the project.

    1.   Task 6521 Erie-AtticaRailroadBridge and Trail (Village of Avon)

          Phil Swanson, Trustee from the Village of Avon, discussed the Scope of Work.

     Charles Walker asked if this bridge is located north or south of Routes 5 & 20. Phil Swanson responded that it is about 100 yards north of Routes 5 & 20 near a newly created fishing access site on the GeneseeRiver.

     Ed Muszynski asked for clarification on the nature of this study. Phil Swanson stated that the project will examine the usefulness of the abandoned historic railroad bridge as well as trail options in its vicinity. Joan Dupont noted that it is important to have completed preliminary planning work and determine feasibility to secure funds for construction.

 

    2.   Task

6611 Palmyra Route
21 Truck Traffic Study (WayneCounty)

Richard Perrin discussed the project Scope of Work, noting that the Town of Manchester has been invited to participate in the study. Joan Dupont stated that NYSDOT has met with the Town and Village of Palmyra regarding access to High Acres Landfill and that the Town and Village were not satisfied with the options provided by NYSDOT.

George Stam asked for clarification on where the landfill is located. Joan Dupont responded that the landfill is located in Perinton and Macedon and that trucks heading for the landfill are coming from the east on the Thruway, mostly from downstate. She added that it is understandable why truckers are using their current route and that moving the truck route will require agreements from the neighboring towns.

 

James Fletcher suggested looking at the number of trucks using Thruway Exit 43 relative to the total number of trucks going to High Acres landfill. He added that the Town of Penfield is observing that trucks are using its roads to access the landfill.

    3.   Task 7570 Route 250 Corridor Study (Town of Penfield)

Geoffrey Benway from the Town of Penfield discussed the project Scope of Work. He noted that while Penfield has the most open space along the corridor, all municipalities involved have agreed on the need for planning.

James Fletcher moved to approve UPWP Project Scopes of Work for Tasks 6521, 6611, and 7570; Scott Leathersich seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

6.         Planning Committee Information Items

a. 

Ballantyne Road
Corridor Study

     Richard Perrin explained that the Ballantyne Road Corridor Study was conducted by the Monroe County Department of Transportation. This study was not a UPWP project. It was funded through the TIP using funds allocated for the Regionally Significant Corridors program. Therefore, no action is required by the GTC Board or the Planning Committee.

Scott Leathersich from the Monroe County Department of Transportation discussed the project process, findings, and preliminary recommendations. He noted that the recommendations were well received at a public meeting held on October 26.

Charles Walker asked about the benefits of a modern roundabout as opposed to a traffic signal at the

Beaver Road/Chili Avenue
intersection. Scott Leathersich explained that a traffic signal would not solve the backup problem on
Beaver Road
while a roundabout would. Joan Dupont added that installing a modern roundabout is also a safety improvement because traffic signals can lead to rear-end accidents. Accident rates are typically much lower after a roundabout is installed. Scott Leathersich also noted that a roundabout would slow traffic on
Chili Avenue
.

 

Scott Leathersich stated that these recommendations could be completed as separate projects or together in one major project. Joan Dupont stated that construction scheduling will depend on agency timing and priorities.

 

b.  2006 Meeting Calendar

Richard Perrin presented the 2006 Planning Committee Meeting Calendar. He noted that GTC staff will determine locations for the May, July, August, and November 2006 meetings and include an updated calendar in the January 2006 Planning Committee package.

7.        New Business

            Scott Leathersich asked about Section 406 funds for highway safety contained in SAFETEA-LU. An article in Governing Magazine stated that $500 million is available through this program. Joan Dupont stated that NYSDOT is currently examining SAFETEA-LU for all of the various funding programs. Richard Perrin stated that GTC will look into it as well but cautioned that these funds may already be allocated.

 

8.         Next Meeting

The next Planning Committee meeting will be held January 12, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Livingston County Government Center in Geneseo.

9.         Adjournment

         The meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.