GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
QUARTERLY BOARD MEETING
Radisson Hotel
Henrietta, NY
September 8, 2011
GTC BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Jeffrey Adair, Monroe County
Jerry Davis, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (G/FLRPC)
Mary Pat Hancock, Genesee County (Chairperson)
James Hoffman, Wayne County (Vice Chairperson)
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
Chris Bollin, Monroe County At-Large, representing Daniel Hogan
Angela Ellis, Livingston County, representing James Merrick
Thomas Goodwin, Monroe County, representing Linda A. Faubel
E. Joseph Gozelski, Wyoming County, representing A. Douglas Berwanger
Andrea Guzzetta, Rochester City Council, representing Lovely Warren
Daniel Hallowell, NYS Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), representing Joan McDonald
Paul Holahan, City of Rochester, representing Thomas Richards
Donald House, Yates County, representing H. Taylor Fitch
Dorothy Huber, Ontario County, representing Theodore Fafinski
Edward Muszynski, Empire State Development, representing Kenneth Adams
Thomas E. Pericak, NYS Thruway Authority, representing Thomas J. Ryan
Terrence J. Rice, Monroe County, representing Maggie Brooks
C. Mitchell Rowe, Seneca County, representing Chuck Lafler
GTC BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED
David B. Callard, Orleans County
Daniel DeLaus, Monroe County At-Large
Brigid Hynes-Cherin, Federal Transit Administration
Joe Martens, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Jonathan McDade, Federal Highway Administration
Ronald Nesbitt, Monroe County Supervisors Association
James Redmond, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA)
Steven Urlass, Federal Aviation Administration
David L. Watson, Rochester City Planning Commission
(Vacant), City of Rochester At Large
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE
Bill Carpenter, RGRTA
Erik Frisch, City of Rochester
Kristen Mark Hughes, Ontario County
Dennis Judson, Fisher Associates
Richard Perrin, GTC staff
John Polimeni, NYSDOT Region 4
James Stack, GTC staff
John Thomas, City of Rochester
Robert Torzynski, GTC staff
David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Chairperson Hancock called the meeting to order at 8:33 a.m.
James Stack, GTC staff, called the roll; a quorum was present.
2. Public Forum
No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.
3. Approval of Minutes
James Hoffman moved for approval of the minutes from the June 16, 2011 Quarterly Meeting; Jerry Davis seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
4. Communications and Announcements
Richard Perrin noted the following GTC Board designations:
Thomas J. Ryan, by his appointment as Acting Executive Director of the New York State Thruway Authority, is now a voting member of the GTC Board.
Jonathan McDade, by his appointment as Federal Highway Administration-New York Division Administrator, is now a non-voting member of the GTC Board.
Rochester Mayor Thomas Richards has designated Paul Holahan, City of Rochester Department of Environmental Services Commissioner, as his Alternate to the GTC Board.
5. Reports and Action on Old Business
a. Planning Committee Report Kristen Hughes, Chairperson
Kristen Hughes provided the following report:
The Planning Committee met August 11 and recommends that the GTC Board:
Amend the FY 2011-2012 UPWP to decrease Federal Transit Administration Metropolitan Planning funds and delete the New York State Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations Staff Training task;
Accept the submission of updated data and reports as evidence of completion of five Unified Planning Work Program tasks; and
Adopt 37 amendments to the 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as requested by the City of Rochester, Monroe County, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority.
Additionally, the Planning Committee took the following actions:
Approved three administrative modifications to the 2011-2014 TIP as requested by Monroe County and by NYSDOT on behalf of Orleans County.
b. GTC Staff Report Richard Perrin, Executive Director
Richard Perrin provided the following report:
Since this Board adopted the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region 2035 (LRTP 2035) at its last meeting on June 16th, GTC staff is progressing the recommendations and developing a status and monitoring report to the track them. As part of this, staff is working with new partners such as the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency on addressing the transportation needs of seniors as their numbers are increasing and will continue to at a significant rate. To identify ways we can improve connections between the economies of the larger mega-region that includes Buffalo and Toronto, staff has begun discussions with the Buffalo-Niagara Region Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Given the emphasis of the LRTP 2035 on using technology to better manage and operate our existing infrastructure and services, we are also in conversations with Xeroxs research and technology department on potential partnership opportunities that can leverage their work within the region.
At the June 16th meeting, it was reported that there were three major initiatives being advanced by GTC staff: the regional freight plan, the coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan, and the commuter choice program. The regional freight plan is approximately 60 percent complete. The needs assessment is being developed based on the completed economic and freight profile of the region and input from transportation professionals from the private and public sectors. Public meetings are scheduled for Monday, September 26 to gather input.
GTC staff has completed the updated coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan for the region, which identifies strategies to enhance mobility and access for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income persons while minimizing duplication of services and improving cost-effectiveness. The plan will be considered later in the agenda as item 6.b.(5).
The third major initiative is the commuter choice program. The program website that will provide information on potential carpool matches, link to public transportation trip planning tools, and present preferred bicycling routes has been developed and is being tested. We expect the project to be complete within the next 60 days and provided for your consideration at the December 8th Board meeting.
Looking forward to future planning activities, GTC will be issuing the call for projects for next years Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) on September 16th. The call for projects is sent to every county, city, town, and village in the region as well as the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority and Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council. After funding GTC staff activities, we expect that approximately $525,000 in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Section 104(f) Metropolitan Planning (FHWA-PL) funds and $150,000 in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5303 Metropolitan Planning Program (FTA-MPP) funds will be available for concept-level planning, analysis, and design initiatives. Applications will be due October 21 and a workshop is scheduled for September 28 at Henrietta Town Hall.
c. Old Business
1. Federal Transportation Funding Update and impacts on 2011‑2014 TIP
Richard Perrin provided a presentation on the status of Federal Transportation Funding and its impacts on the 2011-2014 TIP. Richard described the impacts which include decreases in funding that range from approximately 25 percent (Highways) to more than 53 percent (Bridges) from current levels.
Terry Rice asked for clarification regarding the change to the bridge formula. Dan Hallowell explained that the change added factors that account for the extent of the system and its condition.
Richard Perrin discussed the planned approach to revise the 2011-2014 TIP in light of these funding considerations. Terry Rice suggested that projects for which design is complete that are ready to go should get preference. Richard Perrin responded that this will need to be discussed by the TIP Development Committee however deliverability is a key factor in project selection.
Joseph Gozelski noted that counties are now subject to a 2 percent tax cap so there will be even more pressure on the non-federal aid. Joseph further commented that raising the federal gas tax would be very unpopular and questioned where this leaves local officials.
Dorothy Huber asked if Board Members and Alternates could be provided a copy of the presentation and Richard Perrin responded that it will be distributed as requested.
6. Action Items
a. Amending the FY 2011-2012 UPWP to decrease FTA Section 5303 funds and delete Task 9310 NYSMPO Staff Training / Proposed Resolution 11-130.
Richard Perrin noted that this resolution amends the current Unified Planning Work Program by decreasing Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5303 Metropolitan Planning Program (MPP) funds by $892 and by deleting Task 9310.
The reduction in FTA MPP funds is necessary to account for the difference between the amount programmed in the FY 2011-2012 UPWP based on November 2010 estimates provided by NYSDOT and the statewide appropriation published in the Federal Register on May 20, 2011. As a result of the difference between the NYSDOT estimate and the FTA apportionment, every Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) UPWP in New York State including the GTC FY 2011-2012 UPWP is over-programmed. The $892 reduction would be taken from UPWP Task 1600 Program Reserve so that no existing projects will be impacted.
GTC manages the New York State Association of MPOs (NYSAMPO) staff training initiative, UPWP Task 9310. NYSAMPO has decided that additional funds are needed for NYSAMPO staff services to address statewide planning and collaboration needs, monitoring and review of the reauthorization of the federal surface transportation legislation, and facilitation of working group activities. These additional funds, in the amount of $25,000, would come from Task 9310 NYSMPO Staff Training, leaving this task with a balance of zero dollars. Accordingly, GTC staff is proposing that UPWP Task 9310 be deleted. This change would have no impact on GTC as these funds are not available for programming to GTC staff or member agencies.
Richard Perrin stated that this resolution was reviewed and recommended for GTC Board approval by the Planning Committee at its August 11, 2011 meeting.
Dan Hallowell moved to approve Resolution 11-130; Donald House seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
b. Accepting the submission of updated data and reports as evidence of completion of various UPWP Tasks.
Chairperson Hancock suggested that proposed Resolutions 11-89 through 11-93 be considered as a single action; no Member or Alternate objected.
(1) Accepting the submission of updated Transportation Analysis Zones and Transportation Analysis Districts as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 4186 / Proposed Resolution 11-89.
(2) Accepting the Land Use Report for Monroe County, New York 2010 as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 4210 / Proposed Resolution 11-90.
(3) Accepting the 2010 Regional Land Use Monitoring Report as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 4220 / Proposed Resolution 11-91.
(4) Accepting the report, Monroe County Department of Transportation Vertical Curve Safety Study, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 6202 / Proposed Resolution 11-92.
(5) Accepting the report, Genesee-Finger Lakes Region Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan Update, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 8150 / Proposed Resolution 11-93.
With respect to UPWP Task 4186, Richard Perrin stated that GTC uses Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs) as the geography in its travel demand model, which provides projections of future traffic volumes for planning and design of infrastructure and services as well as conducting regional emissions analyses to demonstrate conformity with Clean Air Act requirements. Richard noted that G/FLRPC completed this project on behalf of GTC by updating the current TAZ structure using 2010 Census data.
Richard Perrin explained that the Monroe County and Regional Land Use Monitoring reports are complementary initiatives that are developed by Monroe County and G/FLRPC, respectively. They collect data on the number of building permits issued and the status of major projects, both proposed and under construction. The information that these reports provide is important for not only transportation planning but also land use planning in that trends in the number, type, and size of buildings serve as the basis for historical analysis and future projections.
Richard discussed the Vertical Curve Safety Study indicating that Monroe County conducted the study to evaluate existing vertical curves and associated operating characteristics on the Countys roadway network and, using a system for filtering the locations, identify and prioritize future safety improvements.
As mentioned in the GTC staff report, Richard Perrin reviewed the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan Update, which identifies strategies to enhance mobility and access for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income persons while minimizing duplication of services and improving cost-effectiveness. This plan included significant stakeholder involvement via a steering committee, four public meetings, and focus groups. Seventeen strategies have been identified within three major categories: Mobility Management; Information; and Service Improvements.
Richard Perrin stated that proposed Resolutions 11-89 through 11-93 were reviewed and recommended for GTC Board approval by the Planning Committee at its August 11, 2011 meeting.
Dorothy Huber moved to approve Resolutions 11-89 to 11-93; Jeffrey Adair seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
c. Adopting amendments to the 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Richard Perrin stated that the proposed amendments to the TIP were reviewed and recommended for GTC Board approval by the Planning Committee at its August 11, 2011 meeting. Richard also noted that all of the amendments maintain the fiscal constraint of the 2011-2014 TIP by either providing an offset for any increase or identifying new funding.
(1) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by increasing the cost of the Rochester Amtrak Station Improvements project / Proposed Resolution 11-94.
Richard Perrin discussed the proposed TIP amendment.
Joseph Gozelski moved to approve Resolution 11-94; Dorothy Huber seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
Chairperson Hancock suggested that proposed Resolutions 11-95 through 11-97 and proposed Resolution 11-131 be considered as a single action; no Member or Alternate objected.
(2) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by increasing the cost of the Kirk Road Bridge over Round Pond Creek and Round Pond Creek Tributary project / Proposed Resolution 11-95.
(3) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by increasing the cost of the Penfield Road Bridge over Irondequoit Creek project / Proposed Resolution 11-96.
(4) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by modifying the project type and project description, and decreasing the cost of the Klem Road Bridge over Mill Creek Tributary project / Proposed Resolution 11-131.
(5) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by combining five Monroe County highway preventive maintenance projects / Proposed Resolution 11-97.
Richard Perrin discussed the proposed TIP amendments.
Terry Rice moved to approve Resolutions 11-95 through 11-97 and 11-131; Jeffrey Adair seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
Chairperson Hancock suggested that proposed Resolutions 11-98 through 11-105 be considered as a single action; no Member or Alternate objected.
(6) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by increasing the cost of the Scott Crescent Bridge over Millrace project / Proposed Resolution 11-98.
(7) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the York Landing Culvert Washout Repairs project / Proposed Resolution 11-99.
(8) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by combining three City of Rochester highway preventive maintenance projects / Proposed Resolution 11-100.
(9) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by combining two City of Rochester highway projects / Proposed Resolution 11-101.
(10) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by combining three City of Rochester multi-use trail projects / Proposed Resolution 11-102.
(11) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by combining two Wyoming County bridge preventive maintenance projects / Proposed Resolution 11-103.
(12) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by increasing the cost of the West Street Bridge over Cattaraugus Creek project / Proposed Resolution 11-104.
(13) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by modifying the scope and description of the High Risk Rural Road Improvement in Wyoming County project / Proposed Resolution 11-105.
Richard Perrin discussed the proposed TIP amendments.
Dorothy Huber moved to approve Resolutions 11-98 to 11-105; Daniel Hallowell seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
Chairperson Hancock suggested that proposed Resolutions 11-106 to 11-128 be considered as a single action; no Member or Alternate objected.
(14) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by reinstating six railroad crossing projects / Proposed Resolution 11-106.
(15) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding nine railroad crossing projects / Proposed Resolution 11-107.
(16) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by modifying the source of a portion of the funding for the I-590 Interchange at Winton Road project / Proposed Resolution 11-108.
(17) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by decreasing the cost of the I-490 Bridge over Marsh Road project / Proposed Resolution 11-109.
(18) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by increasing the cost of the Rt. 64 over Irondequoit Creek project / Proposed Resolution 11-110.
(19) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by decreasing the cost of the Rt. 98 at Genesee Rd. in Wyoming County project / Proposed Resolution 11-111.
(20) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by a decreasing the cost of the Rt. 33A Bridge over Black Creek project / Proposed Resolution 11-112.
(21) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by decreasing the cost of the ITS Operations project / Proposed Resolution 11-113.
(22) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the Route 590 ITS Improvements Part I project / Proposed Resolution 11-114.
(23) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by adding the Route 590 ITS Improvements Part II project / Proposed Resolution 11-115.
(24) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by deleting the Underwater Bridge Inspection (2014) project / Proposed Resolution 11-116.
(25) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by decreasing the cost of the Geneva Park & Ride, Intersection of Rt. 14 and the Thruway project / Proposed Resolution 11-117.
(26) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by increasing the cost and modifying the scope of the Canandaigua Road Bridge over the Erie Canal project / Proposed Resolution 11-118.
(27) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by advancing phases of the Rt. 390 Ramp Bridge over Rts. 104 and 390 project / Proposed Resolution 11-119.
(28) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by deleting the Hindsburg and Allens Rd. Canal Bridges project / Proposed Resolution 11-120.
(29) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by decreasing the cost of the Highway Safety Improvement Block Program project / Proposed Resolution 11-121.
(30) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by increasing the cost of the Rt. 251 Rehabilitation project / Proposed Resolution 11-122.
(31) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by decreasing the cost of the Rt. 590 Bridges over Rt. 941V (Blossom Rd.) project / Proposed Resolution 11-123.
(32) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by increasing the cost of the Route 590 and Route 104 Bridge Repairs project / Proposed Resolution 11-124.
(33) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by increasing the Federal share of the Rt. 33 from Marway Circle to the Canal MbC project / Proposed Resolution 11-125.
(34) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by decreasing the cost of the Rt. 18 over Moorman Creek project / Proposed Resolution 11-126.
(35) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by increasing the cost of the I-390 Rest Areas project / Proposed Resolution 11-127.
(36) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by advancing phases of and increasing the cost of the Underwater Bridge Inspection (2012) project / Proposed Resolution 11-128.
Richard Perrin discussed the proposed TIP amendments.
Daniel Hallowell moved to approve Resolutions 11-106 to 11-128; Mitchell Rowe seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
(37) Amending the 2011-2014 TIP by increasing the cost of the Replace 5 RTS Transit Buses (FFY 2010) project / Proposed Resolution 11-129.
Richard Perrin discussed the proposed TIP amendment.
Thomas Pericak moved to approve Resolution 11-129; Daniel Hallowell seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
7. New Business
a. City of Rochester Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grants Funding Application Request / Proposed Resolution 11-132.
Richard Perrin noted that the City of Rochester is making an application for the third round of TIGER Discretionary Grants Funding. Paul Holahan discussed the citys proposal to raise the southeast portion of the Inner Loop.
Richard Perrin noted that the LRTP 2035 includes this project as an Illustrative Project. Richard also noted that the Boards previous endorsement of the I-390 at Kendrick Road Project is proposed to serve as the template for this endorsement, if approved.
Daniel Hallowell noted that New York State is not going to resubmit the I-390 at Kendrick Road proposal, but it does intend to submit for other projects. Daniel stated that NYSDOT is supportive of the Inner Loop proposal if new funding becomes available and noted that NYSDOT has already had some preliminary discussions on land transfers that relate to the citys proposal.
Terry Rice noted that the second round of TIGER funding precluded the resubmitting of prior project proposals and asked if there was a similar prohibition on round three. Richard Perrin and Daniel Hallowell both stated that they were not aware of a similar prohibition for the third round of TIGER funding.
Terry Rice commented that if NYSDOT-Main Office is not submitting another application for the I-390 at Kendrick Road Project, then the state should fund the project with other resources.
Ed Muszynski asked for clarification on the extent of the project. Paul Holahan responded that it includes less than half of the Inner Loop and that the volumes on the north side of the Inner Loop preclude that sections conversion to an at-grade facility.
Mitchell Rowe moved to approve Resolution 11-132; Edward Muszynski seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.
8. Next Meeting
The next GTC Board meeting will be held Thursday December 8, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 175 Jefferson Road, in Henrietta.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m.