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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.18.22 TTAC MinutesMINUTES Approved MPOJC TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022 - 10:30 AM CITY OF IOWA CITY – EMMA HARVAT HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Coralville: Kelly Hayworth, Vicky Robrock, Scott Larson Iowa City: Jason Havel, Ron Knoche, Darian Nagle- Gamm, Mark Rummel, Scott Sovers Johnson County: Tom Brase North Liberty: Ryan Rusnak University of Iowa: Brian McClatchey Other: Brian Willham, Jason Reichart STAFF PRESENT: Kent Ralston, Emily Bothell, Brad Sarah Walz, Frank Waisath, Hannah DeBruin 1. CALL TO ORDER Ralston called the meeting to order at 10:32 AM. a. Recognize alternates There were no alternates. b. Consider approval of meeting minutes McClatchey moved for approval, Sovers seconded. Motion carried unanimously. 2. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA None. 3. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE MPOJC URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD REGARDING FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION SECTION 5307 TRANSIT OPERATING FORMULA FUNDING APPORTIONMENT FOR FY2022 Waisath stated that $2,972,321 was available for the MPOJC in FY2022 to distribute between Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and Cambus based on the four factors in the formula: operating cost, locally determined income, revenue miles, and fair revenue. Due to ongoing impacts of Covid-19, distribution will be based on 2019 numbers (the last year of pre-Covid data possible). This distribution was okayed by the transit managers. Waisath said there was a small increase in funding this year, and each transit agency will see a modest increase in their funding based on the operating formula. Nagle-Gamm asked if the funding estimates were preliminary or if the bipartisan infrastructure law might impact the estimates. Ralston answered that the numbers were final numbers for FY2022, and FY2023 numbers would likely be available in March. Ralston added that because the other Covid emergency funds have already been released, the FY2022 numbers are not likely to be impacted, unless the FTA decides differently. Nagle-Gamm moved for approval, Brase seconded. Motion carried unanimously. 4. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD REGARDING APPOINTMENT OF A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE STATEWIDE URBAN DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ralston explained that this appointment happens once every other year. MPOJC is asked to appoint one MPOJC representative to serve on the Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS) Board of Directors. The board is a non-profit organization which maintains Iowa’s manuals for public improvement design standards and specifications for sewers, water mains, streets, utilities, and so forth. SUDAS is managed by Iowa State University’s Institute for Transportation. Ralston stated that Scott Larson, City Engineer for the City of Coralville, is the current MPO representative and has served on the board since 2005, currently as SUDAS Board President. Larson has indicated a willingness and desire to continue to represent the MPO for another two-year term. The only requirement for this appointment is that the representative is a professional engineer working for one of the MPOJC entities. McClatchey recommended that they reappoint Larson, especially given that he is the President. Ralston stated that SUDAS had expressed desire that Larson return to serve as President. Larson reiterated his interest. Hayworth moved to approve the appointment of Scott Larson to the SUDAS Board of Directors. Knoche seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 5. UPDATE ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT & JOBS ACT (IIJA) AND TIMELINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION Ralston explained that in November 2021, the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) was passed by congress. The legislation includes reauthorization of surface transportation programs for FY2022-FY2026, including more than $550 billion in new funding, approximately half going to transportation. Approximately $764 million annually for roads/bridges and $62 million annually for transit programs for the life of the bill (five years). Both of those numbers represent a 30% increase over current federal aid levels. FY2022 funding for road and bridge programs must be approved by the Iowa DOT Commission and likely won’t be available until next fall. Ralston presented the FAST Act timeline the Iowa DOT used for the last large transportation legislation, noting it would not take effect until September 2022. The Iowa DOT plans to use roughly the same timeline for the IIJA; accelerated if possible. Ralston added that this timeline will work well for MPOJC because funding rounds for the STBG and TAP programs occurs every two years, which means they will receive the targets in the fall and then allocate STBG/TAP funding late winter / early spring 2022. Hayworth asked what years those funds would be available for, and Ralston answered that the years would be FY2027 and FY2028. Ralston added that as part of the IIJA, the Iowa DOT indicated that MPO planning funds, used for operations, would increase by $60,000 annually, which may lower future assessments to member entities and first appear in the FY2024 MPO Budget. 6. UPDATE ON THE MPOJC LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN REVISION PROCESS Bothell presented the final draft Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) chapters and MPOJC Arterial Streets Map. Bothell requested feedback on the draft chapters which included the Background, Regional Context, Guiding Principles, Transportation Funding, and Road and Bridge Network. Bothell explained that each chapter has been updated as information has been made available, hence why they have been released in stages. Bothell explained that the layout of the plan remains the same, as it is just an update to the last edition of the document. Bothell highlighted areas where information was added or enhanced, such as information on electric and autonomous vehicles found in the Road and Bridge chapter, Covid-related data available throughout the plan, and tracking of the region’s performance measures with trendlines. Bothell explained that the MPOJC Arterial Streets Map is typically updated at the same time as the LRTP. The map may not match existing maps for local municipalities, but existing arterials and major arterial corridors should be reflected. Bothell stated that she would reach out to each municipality after the meeting to verify existing and proposed arterials. The LRTP draft document will be made available to the TTAC, UAPB, FHWA, Iowa DOT, and the public for comment in March. The March TTAC meeting will be the last opportunity for the group to comment on the plan and following that meeting all comments will be integrated into the draft document, and a final draft document will be submitted to the Committee for approval in May. Ralston reiterated the importance of the MPOJC Arterial Street Map, as it is referenced in some of the member entities’ city codes. Ralston emphasized that member entities review this map to ensure that the streets selected reflect what the entities want reflected for city codes. Bothell added that the attached map did include streets that were just recently reclassified in the federal functional classification system. 7. DISCUSSION OF CHANGES TO THE IOWA DOT PAVEMENT DATA COLLECTION PROGRAM Bothell explained that the Institute for Transportation at Iowa State University developed the Iowa Pavement Management Program (IPMP) to create a statewide comprehensive management program for all roads in the state. Until 2020, pavement data was collected on interstates, national highway systems, Iowa DOT routes, and local routes every two years and was made available at no cost to local jurisdictions to support local pavement management. While interstate, national highway system route, and Iowa DOT route pavement condition data will continue to be collected every two years, local route data is now collected every four years. However, the Iowa DOT will allow agencies (MPO or individual jurisdictions) to pay for the cost of local route data to continue a two-year data collection cycle. Bothell stated that pavement condition data was last collected on local routes in the metropolitan area in 2021, and the MPO or individual communities may opt in for data collection in 2023, with the next paid data collection year in 2025. Bothell presented estimated pavement data costs for each jurisdiction, noting that those numbers are from 2020 and cost increases are expected in future years. Bothell estimated the present cost for the whole MPOJC is about $50,000 now. Surface Transportation Block Grant funding would be used if the MPO were to opt in. Ralston added that STBG funds have already been allocated for the next round of funding, and the DOT said the MPO account would just be debited if it opts in, and there would be funding to cover it. Ralston explained that the MPO wanted to hear from each jurisdiction. Ralston added that the MPO staff is not familiar with how often or how well data is utilized. Ralston also said he reached out to Louise From of University Heights and Doug Boldt from Tiffin, who were not present at the meeting, and let them know they should look over the information as well. Knoche noted that Iowa City would opt in regardless because the information is critical to the city. Ralston said that 10-14 years ago the Iowa DOT assessed the MPO for pavement data off the top, then got away from charging for it, and now is returning to that model. Ralston noted that if the data is useful, it seems like a bargain at the price. Larson said that he would want to discuss with his constituents. Bothell said she would bring the issue back in March, and the Committee could determine if they want to opt in or not at that time. Ralston added that the MPO is available until then for any administrative questions and requested that the communities be prepared to make a final decision in March. 8. UPDATE ON THE MPOJC FY23 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING WORK PROGRAM & FY23-26 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM SCHEDULES Ralston stated the FY23 Transportation Planning Work Program is a document developed each year to identify projects which will be addressed by MPO staff for the upcoming fiscal year. The Work Program is a coordinated effort involving the Committee, the Urbanized Area Policy Board, and the Iowa DOT, and annual work program items include all state and federally required planning processes and documentation, ongoing and routine projects, and special projects requested by member entities. Ralston reminded committee members that FY23 projects will be requested in February, which is typical, and said if they had any questions they should reach out to staff. Once projects are collected, the final work program will be submitted to Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Iowa DOT by April 1st. Ralston explained that the FY23-26 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the programming document for federally funded transportation improvements within the urbanized area, including projects for all modes of transportation whether it be streets, highways, transit, bicycle, or pedestrian projects. The TIP formalizes the specific projects to receive federal funds, and the year in which the projects receive funding. In 2021 the Urbanized Area Policy Board apportioned $7.38 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant and $520,000 in Transportation Alternative Program funds. Because funding is approved every two years, the last TIP did not include two projects that will be included in the FY23 document: $2.9 million for North Liberty’s Ranshaw Way project and $520,000 for the Iowa City Highway 6 Trail project. Ralston added that in July, the UAPB will consider adoption of the FY23-26 TIP, but in preparation, MPO staff will reach out to communities to ensure that projects are programmed in the correct year, considering projects with delays or carryover. 9. UPDATE ON THE 2021 MPOJC COLLISION ANALYSIS DeBruin explained that the last update to the MPOJC Metro Collision Analysis was in 2017 using collision data from the years 2013-2015, and the same methodology was used for this update. The analysis identifies all intersections and mid-block locations that experienced three or more collisions in the urbanized area between 2017 and 2019, then uses a formula considering number of collisions, crash rates, and severity of collisions at each location. The document can be helpful in determining which locations within the jurisdiction could benefit from increased enforcement, infrastructure improvements, or other countermeasures that could reduce the number and severity of collisions. DeBruin presented the top five highest ranking intersection locations by jurisdiction and how those intersections rank in the urbanized area as a whole. DeBruin noted that the entire published document can be found on the MPO website and opened the floor to questions. Havel asked if there was much change in the highest-ranking locations. DeBruin answered that the top ten locations throughout the urbanized area stayed fairly consistent, or at least the corridors they were along remained the same. Ralston agreed that the top ten or fifteen locations seem to shuffle at the top every few years, but no alarming changes have been noted. Havel explained that he was curious about the effect that road improvement projects (such as the ones on Mormon Trek and Melrose) have on rankings. Ralston answered that nothing jumps out so far, but over time the MPO would expect to see more change. McClatchey asked if the MPO maintains any record or presentation of how the location rankings change through the years. Ralston answered that they did not but could work on putting that together to graphically represent how the top ten locations have changed throughout the years. Ralston noted that the document will be a good resource for communities as it takes a while to pull together, and McClatchey said that it would be useful information for transit planning as well. Ralston added that law enforcement can also utilize the information for enforcement. 10. OTHER BUSINESS Sovers stated the American Legion Road construction is in its second year of construction. Last year the extent from Scott Boulevard to Buckingham was completed (full reconstruction), Buckingham Lane to Taft Avenue is this year’s phase. Utility work is being completed presently. The Scott Boulevard and First Avenue intersection was redesigned from an all-way stop to a roundabout, and contractor All-American Concrete will get started with construction in the spring. The Benton street rehabilitation project from Mormon Trek to Greenwood Drive opens for bidding Wednesday January 19th. Rochester Avenue reconstruction from 7th to 1st Avenue is in the design and acquisition phase and would hopefully be bid in the spring/summer with construction starting right away. Knoche stated that Iowa City was finalizing the purchase of an asset management program, which will require a three-year initiation with a five-year contract. Larson stated that Clear Creek Trail connection between Highway 6 and Harkin Trail Head along Camp Cardinal Boulevard is under design, and construction will be pushed to June. The other project under design is the 10th Street reconstruction from 12th Avenue to 20th Avenue. Utility relocations for this project will hopefully happen in this construction season, with the bulk happening in 2023 and carrying on into 2024. The diverging diamond interchange at First Avenue and I-80 remains on schedule with the Iowa DOT. McClatchey stated that Cambus is updating their training program February 7th with new TSA training requirements. Cambus will be hiring two full-time trainers with a minimum of two years of experience required, which is significant to Cambus. McClatchey added that the University of Iowa released a ten-year master plan with various projects scheduled that will have implications for University operations. Robrock thanked MPO staff for providing data to their ongoing projects in Coralville, and Ralston encouraged her to continue reaching out to the MPO if any more assistance was needed. Nagle-Gamm stated that Iowa City Transit is launching electric buses this week. Iowa City Transit has been road testing them and preparing them for service. The four electric buses will take the place of four older diesel buses. Nagle-Gamm added that the next transit study implementation phase will highlight a two-year Sunday service pilot starting in the summer, which will require additional staffing, hence why it’s starting in the summer. Rummel added that a handful of bus shelters have been delivered and will likely be installed in the spring/summer. Rusnak stated that construction of the intersection of Front Street and Dubuque will start in the spring and building demolition will happen soon. One project that is advancing is the extension of North Jones Boulevard. North Liberty is also in the process of updating its comprehensive plan, with a virtual public meeting tomorrow. 11. ADJOURNMENT Knoche moved to adjourn, Larson seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Ralston adjourned the meeting at 11:11 am.