GTC PLANNING COMMITTEE

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GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING

Monroe County Fleet Center

Chili, New York

August 12, 2010

 

 

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

James Fletcher, Monroe County At Large

Erik Frisch, City of Rochester At Large

Todd Gadd, Wyoming County

Tom Goodwin, Monroe County Planning Board

Daniel Hallowell, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Region 4

Paul Holahan, City of Rochester

Kristen Mark Hughes, Ontario County (Chairperson)

Kevin Rooney, Wayne County

C. Mitchell Rowe, Seneca County

Chuck Thomas, Rochester City Planning Commission

Douglas Tokarczyk, New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA)

David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (G/FLRPC)

 

ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT

Timothy Frelier, Monroe County, representing Terrence Rice

Don Higgins, Livingston County, representing Angela Ellis

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED

Mark Aesch, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA)

Robert Colby, Monroe County

Robert Griffith, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Andrea Guzzetta, Rochester City Council

Timothy Hens, Genesee County

Scott Leathersich, Monroe County At Large (Vice Chairperson)

Peter McCann, Monroe County Supervisors Association

Edward Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation

Henry Smith, Jr., Orleans County

Steven Urlass, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

(Vacant), Federal Transportation Administration (FTA)

(Vacant), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)

(Vacant), Yates County

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE

Scott Allen, Town of Macedon

Crystal Benjamin, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA)

Hon. Bill Hammond, Town of Macedon

Larry Heininger, Town of Irondequoit

Razy Kased, G/FLRPC

Marvin Kleinberg, NYSDOT Region 4

Richard Perrin, GTC staff

John Polimeni, NYSDOT Region 4

Jody Pollot, GTC staff

James Stack, GTC staff

Robert Torzynski, GTC staff

Patrick K. Waterman, T.Y. Lin International

 

1. Call to Order & Introductions

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Kris Hughes welcomed everyone and Members, Alternates, and others present introduced themselves.

Richard Perrin noted several changes to the agenda. The Town of Greece has requested that agenda item 5.c.3, accepting the Dewey Avenue Traffic Calming Corridor Study, be withdrawn to ensure that project steering committee members have had sufficient time to review the final product. Also, Action item 5.d.22. will be added to consider a TIP Administrative Modification to change the name of the Downtown Transit Center project if determined by FTA that this is necessary.

2. Public Forum

No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.

3. Approval of Minutes

Chuck Thomas moved for approval of the minutes from the May 13, 2010 Planning Committee meeting; James Fletcher 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:

          Regarding the Supplemental Professional Services Database Programming project, issues with the beta version of the TIP database are being resolved with the consultant and, once completed, the consultant will provide a framework for the library database.

          As part of GTC Strategic Planning, GTC staff coordinated discussions with regional stakeholders for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program that will be discussed later in the meeting. GTC staff is continuing as the lead in revising the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) position statement on the next Authorization. An FHWA-sponsored report on the staffing and administrative capacities of MPOs nationwide was released last month and GTC staff is conducting a benchmarking process based on the findings of that report along with our own peer review that was conducted previously.

          As part of Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Update/Implementation, GTC staff is continuing the development of the next LRTP including the preparation of a memorandum for LRTP Development Committee (LDC) consideration and comment prior to conducting the first round of public involvement this fall. Information collected for the HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program is being incorporated to the extent practical.

          With regard to the Air Quality Planning and Outreach task, FHWA and FTA issued a positive conformity determination for the adopted 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) on July 23. This means that projects in the TIP can proceed. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is proposing changes to the portion of state regulations that address conformity; GTC staff is reviewing these proposed changes and will work with the NYSMPO Association to develop comments for NYSDEC consideration.

          A scope of work for the GTC Household Travel Survey is being developed for consideration at the October 14 Planning Committee meeting.

          The ITS Strategic Plan final report has been completed and the second phase of the project, updating the Regional ITS Architecture, is beginning.

          There is no progress to report for the Diversion Route Planning Initiative.

          The Priority Trails Advancement Program consists of two projects. With regard to the Pultneyville to Marion Trail, the second steering committee meeting was held July 28 and the consultant is continuing the development of the inventory of existing and planned conditions with a meeting of affected property owners being scheduled. The first meeting of the Route 104 Ontario to Sodus Trail steering committee was held July 19 and information on existing and planned conditions is being compiled.

         The Circulation, Accessibility, and Parking (CAP) Program consists of two projects. The final public meeting for the Browns Square Neighborhood project was held May 18 and the report is being finalized. The Village of Fairport Central Business District project is complete and was adopted by the GTC Board at its June 17 meeting. Chuck Thomas noted the Browns Square Neighborhood report should be complete in September.

           With regard to the Congestion Management Process (CMP), GTC staff has included a discussion of the CMP in the memorandum being developed for review by the LRTP Development Committee, identified congested links using travel time data, and are assessing sources of congestion using the regional travel demand model.

           With regard to the Greater Rochester Regional Commuter Choice Program, two proposals were received by the June 23 deadline and the consultant selection committee has identified a preferred consultant. GTC staff are preparing a draft of the contract with execution expected by early-September.

         With regard to the Travel Time Data Collection Program, data collected on select Minor Arterials and Collectors has been formatted and analyzed with a draft report under review by GTC staff prior to distribution to the steering committee for its review before being finalized. The request for proposals (RFP) for the second round of data collection on Principal Arterials was advertised in the May 17 edition of the NYS Contract Reporter and a preferred consultant has been selected. The contract is being developed and data collection is expected to begin after Labor Day.

         The Coordinated Public Transit/Human Services Transportation Plan Update RFP was advertised in the May 24 edition of the NYS Contract Reporter with three proposals received by the July 8 deadline. Proposals have been evaluated by the consultant selection committee and a meeting to discuss the overall rankings is being scheduled for the week of August 23.

         The contract for the Regional Goods Movement Strategy was executed July 19. A memorandum on data requirements was drafted and reviewed by GTC staff in July. A meeting between the consultant, NYSDOT, and GTC staff is being scheduled to discuss obtaining the required data. An initial work plan for study coordination, stakeholder involvement, and the regional economic and freight profile was drafted and reviewed by GTC staff. A project management plan meeting between the consultant, NYSDOT, and GTC staff is being scheduled. GTC staff provided an article for the Rochester Business Alliance's Transportation Council newsletter to inform shippers, carriers, and receivers of the status of the project.

Richard asked for the Planning Committees feedback on the identification of steering committee members for the Regional Goods Movement Strategy. He proposed two options: 1.) a letter sent directly to local elected officials soliciting appointment of a member and alternate to the steering committee or 2.) Planning Committee members personally reaching out to the local lead elected officials requesting they appoint a member and alternate.

Kris Hughes responded that a letter sent directly to local lead elected officials would raise the profile of the project. The letter should also include the project purpose. Other Committee Members and Alternates concurred with Kris assessment.

Richard stated that GTC will send letters directly to local lead elected officials with Committee Members and Alternates copied.

         Richard highlighted the schedule for the 2011-2012 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), noting that the advance mailing will be sent out September 3. GTC expects similar resources will be available as in the current year. The biggest influence on changes to the GTC core budget will likely be the NYS pension contribution.

         Richard informed the Committee that the Senate passed legislation to provide $26 billion in aid for education and Medicare on August 11. It is worth noting that $2.2 billion of the $26 billion came from the Highway Trust Fund. New York State can expect to see a $101 million rescission in FHWA core funding programs as a result.

G/FLRPC

Dave Zorn reported:

         There is no progress to report on the 2010 Census TAZ Analysis and Revisions project.

         The 2009 Regional Land Use Monitoring Report has been completed and will be presented later in the meeting.

         The Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Inventory of Culturally Significant Areas is progressing. The counties have been submitting historical sites and G/FLRPC staff has been filtering the list accordingly; some sites may not be able to proceed to the next stage given the lack of data.

 

Livingston County

Don Higgins reported:

         There is no progress to report on the Livingston County Safe Passing Zone Survey.

Monroe County

Tom Goodwin reported:

         The 2009 Monroe County Land Use Monitoring Report has been completed and will be presented later in the meeting.

Tim Frelier reported:

         A scoring method for the Monroe County Audible/Tactile Pedestrian Signal Device Study has been reviewed and agreed upon. The consultant is compiling data to develop a list of candidate locations.

         The consultant for the Monroe County Vertical Curve Safety Study provided a candidate list of locations for MCDOT review and comment; the list is being revised based on comments.

         The consultant contract for the Monroe County Sign Inventory Location Upgrade was approved on August 10.

         The Monroe County High Accident Location Program is underway and four additional Priority Investigation Locations (PILs) have been analyzed, bringing the total completed to nine locations or 16 percent.

         The consultant for the Regional Traffic Count Collection has completed 57 of the 112 counts scheduled this year. The remaining sites are waiting on the processing of a change order to extend the contract, as approved by GTCS, Inc. on August 5.

City of Rochester

Chuck Thomas reported:

        The RFP for the Center City Tourist/Visitor Circulation and Pedestrian Wayfinding Study has been advertised in the New York State Contract Reporter and sent to 12 firms. Proposals are due August 27 and consultant selection is expected in September.

       The steering committee for the Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Parking and Circulation Study met with the Susan B. Anthony House to discuss bus drop off sites and a community parking lot. The draft report is being revised. The steering committee is expected to meet in September to review the draft final report. The final report is expected this fall.

Erik Frisch reported:

       The advisory committee for the Center City Circulator Study met June 7 to review the survey results and best practices report and discuss objectives for the next phase. Potential routes for a circulator service are being developed. A steering committee meeting is expected to be held in late-September and a second public meeting is tentatively scheduled for the second week in October.

       The RFP for the St. Paul and North Clinton Two-Way Conversion Study is being developed. The City has received data on the Downtown Transit Center and will coordinate with Monroe County on finalizing the RFP.

RGRTA

Based on information from David Cook, Richard Perrin reported:

        The scope of work for the RGRTA Suburban Transit Station Study is being refined to ensure that the project budget can be adhered to.

        The consultant for the RTS Signal Prioritization Study is incorporating stakeholder comments into the draft Concept of Operations report.

        The RGRTA Energy Study is complete and will be presented to the Planning Committee in October.

        The RFP for the RGRTA Transit-Supportive Development Guidelines has been advertised.

        The RGRTA Route Analysis project is ongoing.

Seneca County

Mitch Rowe reported:

         The NYS Routes 5 & 20/414 Corridor Study is complete and was accepted by the GTC Board at its June 17 meeting.

Wayne County

Kevin Rooney reported:

         The development of the report for the Cluster Development Enhancement Project Feasibility Study is still underway.

         The RFP for the Wayne County Safe Passing Zone Survey was advertised in the New York State Contract Reporter and sent to five requesting firms with three proposals submitted. MasterMind Systems was selected as the preferred consultant; the contract has been approved and work will commence shortly.

Other Agencies

Richard Perrin reported:

         The final public meeting for the Village of Arcade Main Street Study was held July 13. The draft final report is being reviewed and will be discussed at the final steering committee meeting.

         The final review of the report for the Dewey Avenue Corridor Traffic Calming Study is being completed and it is anticipated that the project will be presented at the Planning Committee meeting in October.

         The Town of Macedon NYS Route 31 Corridor Study has been finalized and will be presented later in the meeting.

         The final report for the Genesee County Central Corridor Plan was presented to steering committee members on June 17. The project is expected to wrap up soon.

         The final public meeting for the City of Geneva Lakefront/Downtown Connectivity Study was held on June 10 and the steering committee met June 16. The draft final report is being developed for review.

         The steering committee for the Victor Transportation Systems Plan met June 2 and various revisions are being made to the plan components, including the transportation section.

Kris Hughes noted the Town of Victor has retained the current consultant team for additional work.

b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements

Richard Perrin reported that City of Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy has designated Alinda Drury as his alternate to the GTC Board and City of Rochester Planning Commission Chairman David Watson has designated Chuck Thomas as his alternate to the GTC Board.

1.      U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program

Since this program was last discussed at the May 13 Planning Committee meeting, GTC staff convened a meeting of a regional working group that included all nine counties, the City of Rochester, NYSDOT, the Greater Rochester Enterprise, University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Rochester Area Community Foundation. The working group met on May 27 where GTC presented an overview of the program and regional opportunities and issues were discussed as they related to submitting an application to the program based on the content of the advance Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) that was issued on February 10. GTC staff made a presentation on the program to G/FLRPC at their annual meeting on June 10 and the program was discussed at the June 17 GTC Board meeting. In addition, there were numerous discussions among the working group via e-mail and GTC staff moderated a session on the program at the NYSMPO Association annual meeting.

The final NOFA was released on June 23 with applications due August 23 and had significant additions to the advance NOFA from February. The most relevant of these additions to this region were 1.) that eligible applicants of the program were required to be consortiums that, at a minimum, included the MPO or regional planning council for the area, the principal city, the largest unit of local government outside of the principal city, and a not-for-profit institution; 2.) that there were eight mandatory outcomes for the regional plan for sustainable development that would be developed with funding from the program; and 3.) that other federal funds were able to be used towards the 20 percent cost-share.

GTC staff prepared a proposal outline and associated budget for the professional services needed to develop a regional plan for sustainable development, offered to provide 25 percent of the cost-share toward these services as well as provide all project management expenses (including hiring an experienced professional on a temporary basis to serve as project manager), and developed a resolution template that working group members and other potential consortium partners could bring before their respective governing bodies to get authorization to sign a partnership agreement, memorandum of understanding, or other instrument signifying their commitment.

The short timeframe for forming a consortium via adopted resolutions from the governing bodies and the fact that certain mandatory outcomes may not have been achievable or were not consistent with individual working group members goals resulted in there not being unanimous agreement to submit an application for this initial round of the program.

There is interest in continuing discussions on regional opportunities and issues. GTC is proposing to do so via a regional planning working group that would meet regularly over the next nine months to one year. GTC is preparing a proposal outline for this initiative. The proposed approach will include a survey of working group members and others to prioritize opportunities and issues so that discussions among the group (both in-person and through e-mail) will be structured. GTC has discussed this with G/FLRPC and will be reaching out further to determine their level of interest and ability to partner. The likely deliverable from this initiative will be a white paper documenting the process and findings.

It is anticipated that by undertaking this effort, we will have a better understanding of where our limited regional planning resources can be best used and possibly be better positioned for future federal funding opportunities, including another round of the program that HUD anticipates advancing next year.

Kris Hughes asked what the cost would be to take on the effort over the next year.

Richard responded that GTC would pursue this effort through existing staff resources. Additional outreach to G/FLRPC would also occur to see if they have existing capacity to support the effort.

Richard added that, from the GTC staff perspective, the discussion is valuable as it will go beyond transportation issues and this is an opportunity to make the case for the value of transportation infrastructure and how it relates to other regional needs.

Kris Hughes agreed that the working group discussions were valuable and committee members can help shape policy decisions and look at larger issues that are influenced by or have an influence on transportation.

Richard noted that GTC staff is not looking at this as a GTC product but rather the regional planning working group would be an altogether new venue for advancing regional planning discussions with an expanded set of stakeholders.

Kris Hughes noted the structure of GTC offers a direct line to elected officials.

Chuck Thomas added that it cannot be emphasized enough how important this is to the region given the shifting population within the region combined with a low growth rate.

Kris noted Ontario County is involved in housing discussions where they are facing significant funding shortfalls and there is a great need for a cohesive discussion to take place across all issues affecting the region.

Jim Fletcher thanked GTC staff for taking the lead on this effort.

2.      Mohawk-Erie Multimodal Transportation Corridor

Dan Hallowell discussed the intent of the Mohawk-Erie Multimodal Transportation Corridor study. The study will create a multimodal vision for highways, passenger and freight rail, and air passenger and cargo throughout the corridor. Invitations for participation in four regional subgroups will be sent out shortly. These subgroups will have direct input on the study. Currently, stakeholder outreach is in the beginning stages.

Erik Frisch asked if this study has any connection to the Continental 1 corridor.

Dan responded that he was not aware of any connections at this time.

Richard Perrin noted that Wilbur Smith Associates is the lead consultant and this is being coordinated with the Regional Goods Movement Strategy so some data can be used by both studies.

5.                 Action Items
 

Kris Hughes recommended a change in the order of the agenda by moving up action item 5.f.3. to allow Larry Heininger from the Town of Irondequoit to present first. No Committee Member or Alternate objected.

f.       Action concerning consideration of UPWP Project Scopes of Work.

3.      Task 6523 Irondequoit Seneca Multi-Use Trail Feasibility Study

Larry Heininger presented the project scope and explained the study process.

Paul Holahan asked if the trail will use the old rail line.

Larry responded in the affirmative.

Paul noted some of the old railroad bridges are dilapidated and may not be able to support the trail.

Dan Hallowell emphasized the importance of researching right-of-way issues beforehand since these issues may negatively impact project implementation if not addressed early.

Kevin Rooney moved to approve the Scope of Work for the Irondequoit Seneca Multi-Use Trail Feasibility Study as presented; Paul Holahan seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

Kris Hughes recommended a change in the order of the agenda by moving up action item 5.c.4. to allow Scott Allen from the Town of Macedon to present next. No Committee Member or Alternate objected.

c.      Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning accepting submission of reports as evidence of completion of various UPWP Tasks.

4.      Action concerning accepting the Route 31 Corridor Study as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 7571 / Proposed Council Resolution 10-56

Scott Allen discussed the Route 31 Corridor Study. The corridor has seen significant development in the last 10 to 15 years. There remains significant infrastructure to support additional development and growth along this commercially-zoned corridor. The Town of Macedon felt it was important to plan for the future of the corridor. Wayne County also wanted to study the Wayneport Road Bridge to see if it warranted an expansion, therefore this was also included in the study. Bergmann Associates was retained as the consultant. Steering committee participation and public involvement were successful in soliciting meaningful feedback. Scott reviewed the study recommendations.

Kris Hughes asked if there was outreach to the Towns and Villages along the corridor to the east given the recommendation to reduce the speed limit.

Scott responded given the realities of the current traffic volumes it is difficult to even reach the posted speed limit.

Kris then asked if the Town has looked at alternative facilities to pull traffic off of NYS Route 31.

Scott noted the Town is implementing several shared access routes across adjoining properties to allow cross access between properties instead of using NYS Route 31. Scott thanked the GTC and the Planning Committee for their support and noted this study will be useful for future land use decisions.

Kevin Rooney moved to accept the Route 31 Corridor Study as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 7571; James Fletcher seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

a.      Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region: 2007-2027 Update and the 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program to include the Southern Corridor Improvement (including Kendrick Road Interchange) Project as an illustrative project with identified federal discretionary fund source, associated non-federal matching funds, and commitment to maintain and operate / Proposed Council Resolution 10-51

Richard Perrin discussed the proposed amendment. NYSDOT will be submitting the Southern Corridor Improvement Project for a grant under the U.S. Department of Transportations National Infrastructure Investments (TIGER II) program. The addition of the project to the LRTP and TIP is not required before the application is submitted but would be needed upon selection and/or award.

This action would strengthen the application and would not require additional action to remove the illustrative status if selected for the grant.

Richard added that, by adding this project to the LRTP, the action establishes a precedent for requirements to include a project as illustrative.

Paul Holahan asked if this is the only project NYSDOT-Main Office is submitting for the TIGER II program.

Dan Hallowell noted that he expects four projects will be submitted.

Mitch Rowe noted that Seneca County has changed its position and is taking the lead on submitting a TIGER II application on behalf of Finger Lakes Railway. Finger Lakes Railway needs to resolve several issues prior to submission.

Richard noted that one requirement of the application is a letter that demonstrates the project is consistent with the LRTP. Letters will be provided to applicants if the requirements are met.

Erik Frisch asked if the Southern Corridor Improvement Project will be automatically dropped if the application is not successful.

Richard responded that is the intent and the proposed resolution should be amended by adding language confirming this. GTC staff can make the change prior to sending the proposed resolution to the GTC Board.

Paul Holahan moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 10-51 as amended; Thomas Goodwin seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

b.     Action concerning modifying the FY 2010-2011 UPWP to reflect the contribution of corrected FY 2009-2010 rollover amounts / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 10-8

Kris Hughes asked the Planning Committee if there were any questions before asking for a motion to approve.

Dan Hallowell moved to recommend approval of Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 10-8; James Fletcher seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

c.      Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning accepting submission of reports as evidence of completion of various UPWP Tasks.

Kris Hughes suggested that proposed Resolutions 10-53 and 10-54 be considered as a single action; no Member or Alternate objected.

1.      Recommendation to the GTC Board accepting the Land Use Report for Monroe County, New York 2009 as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 4210 / Proposed Council Resolution 10-53

Thomas Goodwin presented the findings of the 2009 Land Use Report for Monroe County.

2.      Action concerning accepting the 2009 Regional Land Use Monitoring Report as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 4220/ Proposed Council Resolution 10-54

Razy Kased presented the findings of the 2009 Regional Land Use Monitoring Report.

Dave Zorn expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation from the counties.

Kris Hughes asked what the difference between the Monroe County report and the G/FLRPC report was.

Richard Perrin responded that the regional report used to only include areas outside of Monroe County which required those looking for regional data to consult the Monroe County report as well. Now, the regional report provides a uniform report of all the counties and TAZ data for the non-Monroe County portion of the Rochester Transportation Management Area (TMA). The Monroe County report provides more detailed information and tracks the status of major projects for the bulk of the Rochester TMA (i.e., Monroe County).

Erik Frisch moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolutions 10-53 and 10-54; Kevin Rooney seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

d.      Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amendments to the 2007-2012 TIP and 2011-2014 TIP

Kris Hughes suggested that proposed Resolutions 10-57 through 10-72 be considered as a single action; no Member or Alternate objected.

1.             Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP and the 2011-2014 TIP by changing the FFY 2010 and FFY 2011 phase costs and schedules of select TIP Projects / Proposed Council Resolution 10-57

2.             Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the FFY 2012 Railroad Crossing Block Program project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-58

3.             Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the FFY 2013 Railroad Crossing Block Program project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-59

4.             Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the FFY 2014 Railroad Crossing Block Program project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-60

5.             Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the High Risk Rural Road Improvements for 2011 project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-61

6.             Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the NYS Route 20 at Genesee County Road 35 (East Rd.) project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-62

7.             Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the High Risk Rural Road Improvements for 2012 project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-63

8.             Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the High Risk Rural Road Improvements for 2013 project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-64

9.             Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the High Risk Rural Road Improvements for 2014 project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-65

10.         Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the Intelligent Transportation Systems project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-66

11.         Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the Inner Loop East project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-67

12.         Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the Midtown Redevelopment Transportation Infrastructure Improvements project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-68

13.         Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the Butterhole-Seneca Park Rail Trail Project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-69

14.         Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the Rochester Safe Routes to School Program project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-70

15.         Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the Jefferson Avenue Rehabilitation Project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-71

16.         Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Road Improvements project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-72

Dan Hallowell discussed the efforts that led to Proposed Council Resolution 10-57. Due to the time required to process phase obligation requests, they need to be submitted by mid-August to be obligated in the current Federal Fiscal Year. NYSDOT Region 4 indentified project phases scheduled for FFY 2010 that are not likely to be obligated by September 30. If this action is not taken, it would require that $14 million be accommodated in the 2011-2014 TIP. This amendment ultimately protects obligation authority in the region.

Dan summarized the remaining amendments.

Chuck Thomas moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolutions 10-57 through 10-72, Timothy Frelier seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

Kris Hughes suggested that proposed Resolutions 10-73 through 10-77 be considered as a single action; no Member or Alternate objected.

17.         Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2007-2012 TIP by renaming and increasing the cost of the FFY 2008 & FFY 2009 Jobs Access/Reverse Commute project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-73

18.         Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the Medical Motor Service Transportation ACCESS (TRAC) project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-74

19.         Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the Automated Phone System Individual Bus Stop Coding project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-75

20.         Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the Purchase and Operation of an Accessible Bus project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-76

21.         Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the RGRTA New Freedom Program Administration project / Proposed Council Resolution 10-77.

Richard Perrin discussed the proposed amendments. All deal with FTA Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) and FTA New Freedom funds allocated to large urban areas. RGRTA is the direct recipient of these funds in this region. There is a solicitation for projects and competitive selection process, which includes GTC staff participation in review and evaluation of the proposals.

Richard further stated the need to clarify with RGRTA whether the 2007-2012 TIP or the 2011-2014 TIP needs to be amended due to expiring funds. Planning Committee recommendation to the GTC Board is sought for amendment of whichever TIP is necessary.

James Fletcher moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolutions 10-73 through 10-77 with clarifications as necessary, Thomas Goodwin seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

22.         Action concerning modifying the 2011-2014 TIP by changing the name of the Downtown Transit Center project (TIP # T99-02-MN1, PIN 482073) to Renaissance Square if it is determined by the Federal Transit Administration that it is necessary to change the name of the project for it to receive previously awarded discretionary funds / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 10-9.

Richard Perrin distributed Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 10-9 and discussed the potential need to list the project as Renaissance Square to be able to access the earmarked funding.

James Fletcher moved to recommend approval of Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 10-9, Thomas Goodwin seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

e.      Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning adopting a revised Transportation Improvement Program Procedural Manual / Proposed Council Resolution 10-78

Richard Perrin discussed the TIP Project Delivery Review and three primary actions recommended by that review. He added that the TDC discussed methods to better monitor and react to project changes.

Richard summarized the most significant changes to the Procedures Manual and noted this was the first full scale revision to the Manual since its adoption in 2006.

Kris Hughes expressed his appreciation for the GTC staff and the TDC efforts.

Erik Frisch moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 10-78, Kevin Rooney seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

f.       Action concerning consideration of UPWP Project Scopes of Work.

Kris Hughes suggested that action items 5.f.1, 5.f.2, and 5.f.4 be considered as a single action; no Member or Alternate objected.

1.      Task 6231 Monroe County Accident Rate Database GIS Conversion

Timothy Frelier discussed the proposed scope of work and the need to make changes to allow continued access to the accident data.

Kris Hughes asked if the need to convert the data was unique to Monroe County.

Richard Perrin responded that this is unique to Monroe County as it is the only entity in the region that utilizes a geo-database that incorporates state crash data. New York State has begun using a new system for reporting crash data the Accident Location Information System requiring the conversion of the Monroe County database to be able to utilize more current data.

2.      Task 6522 Auburn Trail/Ontario Pathways Trail Connection Feasibility Study

Kris Hughes discussed the proposed scope of work.

4.      Task 6524 City of Rochester Urban Trail Linkages Feasibility Study

Erik Frisch discussed the proposed scope of work.

Paul Holahan moved to approve the Scopes of Work for the Monroe County Accident Rate Database GIS Conversion; Auburn Trail/Ontario Pathways Trail Connection Feasibility Study; and the City of Rochester Urban Trail Linkages Feasibility Study as presented; James Fletcher seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

6. New Business

a.      Discussion on development of next Long Range Transportation Plan

Richard Perrin discussed the current status of the LRTP update and asked for input on how best to proceed based on the following:

         SAFETEA-LU expired September 30, 2009 but has since been extended to December 31, 2010. There is uncertainty as to what will happen beyond this extension. This in turn creates uncertainty in planning especially in relation to emphasis areas and future funding.

         There are major efforts underway that could significantly contribute but most likely will not be available for inclusion in the next LRTP when it is adopted in June 2011, including: 2010 Census, ITS Strategic Plan Update, Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan Update, Regional Goods Movement Strategy; and the findings of the Regional Planning Working Group.

         An analysis of socioeconomic data shows that not much has changed in relation to commuting patterns, population, and employment over the past 20 years.

         Other relevant issues include future energy costs, the next authorization that will likely include new metropolitan planning provisions and require revisions to the LRTP adopted in 2011, and additional considerations related to increased attention regarding fiscal constraint.

Richard noted that GTC staff is prepared to make a full revision versus an update. He asked the Planning Committee for input, which can be provided even after this meeting if they have additional ideas, questions, or concerns that need to be addressed.

Erik Frisch asked if FHWA has offered any suggestions.

Richard responded that GTC wanted to ask the Committee for its input before discussing with FHWA and FTA. He noted that the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council adopted an updated LRTP in the spring that was similar to their previous plan.

Kris Hughes asked if it is possible to not update the plan without harming the region.

Richard offered to ask FHWA and FTA if there is any precedent for extending the timeframe of the existing plan.

Richard noted all comments and concerns would be presented to the LDC for their consideration.

Richard noted that GTC has brought on two new staff members. Tony Favro has been hired for the Program Manager Community Transportation Planning position and Joe Bovenzi has been hired for the Assistant Program Manager Transportation System Management and Operations Planning position.

Dan Hallowell stated that NYSDOT Region 4 has been asked to provide an end game strategy for bid savings on ARRA funded projects in the region by August 15. He is committed to keeping as much ARRA funding in the region as possible.

7. Public Forum

No one from the public spoke during the public forum.
 

8. Next Meeting
 

October 14, 2010 at the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority

9. Adjournment
 

The meeting adjourned at 12:06 p.m.