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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUrbanized 08-27-08 Meeting Notic~ JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - 4:30 p.m. Emma Harvat Hall, Iowa City City Hall Agenda 1. Call to order a. Recognize alternates b. Consider approval of May 21, 2008 meeting minutes c. Set date of next meeting 2. Public Discussion 3. Administration I' a. Update on the formation of the JCCOG Affordable Housing taskforce b. Status report on Joint Emergency Communications Center c. Consider an appointment to the ECICOG Board of!Directors d. Items from .the Executive Director 4. Transportation Planning a. Consider revisions to the scoring criteria for JCCOG Surface Transportation Program (STP) and Transportation Enhancement (TE) funds b. Consider how to proc€;led with anticipated surplus JCCOG FY09-10 Surface Transportation Program and Transportation Enhancement funds c. Consider an amendment to the FY09-12 Transpprtation Improvement Program to add a Coralville Clear Creek Trail project d. Consider amendments to the Iowa DOT I JCCOG! Federal Functional Classification map e. Update on the state Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (i) Consider approval of a letter of support for explmsion of Amtrak service to Iowa f. Consider approval for JCCOG to apply for a Roaqway Safety Foundation Grant g. Update on the JCCOG Metropolitan Bicycling Plan h. Update on the JCCOG Expansion of Public Transit Exploratory subcommittee i. Update on air quality non-attainment issues in Sco~ County j. Consider an amendment to the JCCOG FY09 Work Program to develop a flood event resource document k. Consider an amendment to the FY09 Transport~tion Planning Work Program to add a project to assist the City of Coralville with a Transit !facility Feasibility Study I. Update on recent activities 5. Human Services Division a. Highlights from the Human Services Division 6. Other Business 7. Adjournment s\pcd\\agendas~ccog\uapb-agd 08-27 -08. doc MINUTES JCCOG URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD WEDNESDAY, MAY 21,2008 -- 5:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CORALVILLE CITY HALL PRELIMINARY DRAFT MEMBERS PRESENT: Coralville: Iowa City: Henry Herwig, John Weihe Amy Correia, Matt Hayek, Mike Wright Sally Stutsman, Rod Sullivan, Jim Wozniak Royce Phillips Louise From David Ricketts Johnson County: North Liberty: Tiffin: University Heights: University of Iowa: STAFF PRESENT: Kristopher Ackerson, Darian Nagle~Gamm, Brad Neumann, Kent Ralston, Linda Severson, John Yapp. 1. CALL TO ORDER a. Recognize Alternates Ricketts called the meeting to order at 5:01, p.m. b. Approval of meeting minutes; set date for ~ext meeting. The March 26th, 2008 minutes were moved for approval by Mike Wright and seconded by Matt Hayek. The motion pa,sed unanimously. The next JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board Meeting date, was set for 4:30 on August 2ih at the Iowa City City Hall. 2. PUBLIC DISCUSSION There was no public discussion. 3. ADMINISTRATION a. Update on the formation of the JCCOG Aff<lrdable Housing Taskforce Yapp stated that Andy Johnson, director pf the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund, would serve as the primary staff for ,the Affordable Housing Taskforce and set up individual meetings with stakehold$rs to determine overlaps in interests. Jeff Schott, director of the University of hpwa's institute of public affairs, would then work with Andy Johnson to identify tre overlaps in interest and facilitate a group meeting between stakeholders. The !group meeting is tentatively set for the end of the summer. b. Status report on Joint Emergency Commu~ications Center subcommittee Wright discussed several items from the recent joint emergency communications center meeting including sighting bound~ries, radio communications systems, and facility layout. Wright noted that another meeting was tentatively scheduled for June. . JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes May 21,2008 Page 2 Yapp stated two other significant items r~lating to the status report, one being proposals from Iowa City and Johnson, County for support services under consideration, and the other being the job ~escription for the executive director to be advertised. c. Items from the Executive Director Yapp noted that JCCOG did not receive !the brownfields assessment grant for areas along the Iowa River. Yapp mention!ed that a meeting was set to convene with the EPA to discuss how to strengt~en the brownfield assessment grant application for next year. Yapp mentioned the Iowa DOT Transpottation Planning Commission meeting would be a good opportunity for agencies! to highlight upcoming projects for the Iowa DOT to be aware of. Yapp introduced Darian Nagle-Gamm as the new JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner an~ stated that the upcomin~ Midwest Transportation Planning Conference would, be held June 4th, 5th and 6t . 4. TRANSPORTATION PLANNING a. Consider approval of the FY09 JCCOG Transportation Planning Work Program Yapp went over the work program and noted one addition to include a fringe area discussion between Johnson County, Tiffiin, North Liberty, Coralville and Iowa City where growth areas overlap. The motion to approve the FY09 JCCOG Transportation Planning Work Program wa!s moved by Ricketts and seconded by Stutsman. The motion carried unanimou$ly. b. Consider approval of the FY09 JCCOG Transportation Improvement Program Ackerson outlined the draft FY09 JCCOG. Transportation Improvement Program noting it was approved by the JCCOCS Transportation Technical Advisory Committee save for two minor changesf The first is a list of transportation projects that have not yet received fed~ral funding but should likely receive funding in the near future. The second change is that three new projects were submitted by the Iowa DOT to be include~ in the TIP: repaving of Highway 6 in Tiffin, rehabilitating the pedestrian bridge over Riverside Drive in Iowa City, and repaving the Burlington Street Bridge ov1er the Iowa River in Iowa City. The motion to approve the FY09 JCCOG Tran~portation Planning Work Program was moved by Wright and seconded by Wozni~k. The motion carried unanimously. c. Consider approval of an authorizing resplution regarding JCCOG's status in applying for FT A 5307 Grant Funds Neumann explained a resolution for JCCO~ to be a designated recipient of funds from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). It was noted that the FTA wanted to ensure that JCCOG is eligible to be ~ designated recipient. Neumann also stated that a designation letter which desi$nates Brad Neumann eligible to carry out the grant process on the transit agenci$s behalf was developed. JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes May 21, 2008 Page 3 Yapp summarized that this resolution forrilalizes what JCCOG has done in the past in regards to JCCOG being the designated recipient of funds from the FTA and then distributing the funds among the! three transit agencies. Hayek moved to approve the resolution and the motion was seconded by Correia. The motion carried unanimously. d. Update on the JCCOG Expansion of Publiq Transit Exploratory subcommittee Yapp gave an update on the status of t~e exploratory committee stating that representatives from each entity appointe~ to the transit taskforce and an initial meeting is scheduled for late June. The! meeting seeks to explain how each agency operates. Because it is an advisory1 committee, the end product will be an advisory statement or recommendation to the JCCOG board for further action. Rickets suggested that Yapp initially chair the meetings until a permanent chair was appointed. e. (i) Update on potential Eastern Iowa Amtrak service and the Iowa DOT Passenger Rail Advisory Committee. Yapp stated that last April a news conferertlce was held to release the findings of potential Amtrak service to Iowa City and said this has generated much interest in the potential for Amtrak service. Yapp stated future steps necessary to establish Amtrak service. Sullivan recommended that a formal letter! of approval be assembled at the next meeting to show the interest of the board f~r Amtrak service to the state DOT. (ii) Consider an appointment to the I~wa DOT Passenger Rail Advisory Committee Yapp explained that the State DOT ha~ asked each Metropolitan Planning Organization to designate a representative to the Statewide Passenger Rail Advisory Committee. Yapp stated that ~owa City Mayor Regina Bailey has expressed interest in the position and that !the appointment would be determined by the JCCOG Board. Correia moved to ~ppoint Regina Bailey to the committee and the motion was seconded by Wright. The motion carried unanimously. f. Update on the Transportation Investment ~oves the Economy in the 21st Century fund Ralston highlighted two items from the roa~ use tax fund report released from the Iowa general assembly in 2006. The first r$commendation was to generate funds to repair Iowa's failing roads, and the seqond was to create the TIME-21 fund. Ralston stated how in 2007 the TIME-21 f~nd was passed by legislation and that appropriation of money to the TIME-21 fun~ was approved by Governor Culver in April 2008. Ralston outlined projected revenues and allocation of anticipated TIME-21 funds. JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes May 21, 2008 Page 4 g. Update on recent activities 5. HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION a. Highlights from the Human Services Divisiq..o. Severson explained the Johnson County! Earned Income Tax Credit outreach campaign and stated it provides free tax preparation at six sites throughout the county for low income residents. Volunteer work was completed by University of Iowa students and served 660 taxpayers.! The total amount of returned income was $352,000, much of which is expected to be spent locally in the community. 6. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other Business. 7. ADJOURNMENT Ricketts moved to adjourn; Sullivan seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 5:51 S:\PCD\Minutes\JCCOG-UAPB\2008 Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County 322 East Second Street Iowa City~ IA 52240 Email: fIndy@htfjc.org Website: www.htfjc.org Qffice: 319.358.0212 Fax: 319.358.0053 Housing r.rust Fund Johnson County Board of Directors Sally Stutsman, President Johnson Counry Board of S upef7Jisors Bob Dvorsky, Vice President State Senator, 15th District Ron Mavrias, Secretary Rural Advisory Committee Jake Young, Treasurer M?Gladrry & Pullen, UY Jerry Anthony ,Universiry of Iowa, Urban & Regional Planning Bob Burns, Burns & Burns, Lc.. Crissy Canganelli, Shelter House Maryann Dennis, Ex-officio The Housing Fellowship Kirsten Frey, Kenneqy, Cruise, Frry and Gelner Steve Gordon, AM Management Ellen Habel, Ciry of Coralville Steve Long, Iowa Ci(y Planning & Communi(y Development Dee Miller, REI MAX Real Estate Centre Scott Schroeder, Iowa State Bank and Trust Jason Waldman, US Bank Dean Wheatley, Ci(yofNorth Liber!J Larry Wilson, Universi(yofIowa FM-Campus and Facilities Planning Staff Andy Johnson, Executive Director MEMO To: From: Re: Date: Johnson County Council of Governments (JCCOG) Andy Johnson, Executive Director Status of Affordable Housing Task Force July 30, 2008 In late May and early June, Jeff Schott of the University ofIowa's Institute of Public Affairs and I met with the members appointed to the task force from Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Johnson COl.mty, the University oflowa, and the Iowa City Community School District. The purp~se of these meetings was to get some initial input regarding the findings ofthe Affc>rdable Housing Market Analysis commissioned by the City of Iowa Cit)f. Several members invited key staff members to join the meetings. Meetings with th~ members from University Heights and Tiffin were yet to be scheduled. Each entity had different perspectives on questions of affordable housing. As a general matter: · There was not significant dlsagreement with the study's findings regarding housing needs. · Members agreed that transportation issues were important in addressing housing needs. · There was interest in seeing what was available - in terms of zoning - for multifamily housing on a countywide basis. · Quality of housing - and m~agement - was a concern of several entities and there may be an opportlilnity for sharing information about inspection requirements. · Implementation of housing strategies will require community education and support. Shortly after these meetings were comwleted, the flooding occurred. After checking with several of the participants, it was ~etermined that this process should be put on hold until issues raised by the flooding!are less pressing. The flooding has changed the housing situation in several comm4nities as well and the issues may be different. Therefore, we have decided to check in with Iowa City, Coralville and the University in September and see if there are addit~onal matters they would like included in this process, and if the timing would be right to continue. If there are any questions about this, pl~ase feel free to contact me. JCCOG ___ m e m 0 Date: August 20,2008 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: John Yapp, Executive Director 7 j ~ Re: Agenda item #3(b): Status report on the Joint! Emergency Communication Center Following is a short status report on the Joint Emerg$ncy Communication Center project. Let us know at our August 27 meeting if you have ainy questions, or feel free to contact Jeff Davidson directly with any questions at 356-525~. . Congratulations to Henry Herwig, who has ~een elected as Chairperson of the Joint Emergency Communication Center Poli~y Board. . Consideration of approval of the Plans and &pecifications of the Communication Center are on the Policy Board's agenda on I+riday, August 22. . Construction of the facility is expected to begin this October. The anticipated expense of the building is $6 Million; the expense of the radio system including towers is $14 Million. . The funding source for the capital costs is i the emergency management levy, administered by the Board of Supervisors. ! This year the levy related to the communication center is 0.77 per $1,000 qf property valuation. JCCOG has been assisting Dave Wilson the County Emergency Management Coordinator on several grant funding opportunities which, if "warded, would lower this levy in the future. . The building is anticipated to be complete !by July, 2009; the radio system is expected to be operational by December, 20~9. Jccogadm/mem/jecc statusreport.doc ~JCCOG r(ii.... m e m 0 Date: August 19, 2008 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: John Yapp, Executive Director 7 (~.,-- Re: Agenda Item #3(c): Consider an appointment to the ECICOG Board of Directors At your January 2008 meeting, the Board appointed Amy Correia as a representative to the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) Board. Amy has resigned her position, due to time constraints. While this position is appointed by the JCCOG Board and can be held by any elected official from Johnson County, it has traditionally been held by an elected official from Iowa City. The Iowa City City Council has nominated Regenia Bailey as Amy Correia's replacement. The other JCCOG-appointed representatives to the ECICOG Board include: Henry Herwig (City Councilor - Coralville) Pat Harney (Supervisor - Johnson County) Larry Wilson (Citizen Representative) Please consider an appointment to the ECICOG Board of Directors. jccogadm/mem/ECICOGAppointment.doc =- ~JCCOG ~ r~ m e m 0 r.... Date: August 19, 2008 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: John Yapp, Executive Director 7 j ~ Re: Agenda Item # 3(d): Items from the Executive Director 1. October 14 Iowa DOT Transportation Commission meeting The next Iowa DOT Transportation Commission meeting will be on October 14 in Muscatine. These meetings are a good opportunity to thank the Transportation Commission for state investment in transportation infrastructure in our area, and to get new projects on their radar. Iowa DOT staff typically begins contacting city staff several weeks before the scheduled meeting to coordinate municipal delegations to present to the Transportation Commission. 2. Letters of Support for State Recreational Trail Program grant applications Recently I worked with Chairperson Ricketts on several letters of support for applications to the State Recreational Trails Grant Program. Chairperson Ricketts signed three letters of support; one for a western extension of the Coralville Clear Creek Trail, one for a trail around Sand Lake in Iowa City, and one for an extension of the Dubuque Street Trail north of West Overlook Road in Johnson County. All three trails are part of the adopted JCCOG Trails Plan. I wanted to take this opportunity to let the Board know thqt it has been our practice to work with the Chairperson on letters of support for projects and pQlicies when they are part of existing, adopted plans and documents. If we are asked for a letter of support for something which is not part of an existing, adopted document, I would bring the request to the full Board for discussion. 3. Interstate 80 aesthetics project and Living Roadwa~s Trust applications On August 6, JCCOG, Iowa City, and Coralville hosted a public open house on the Interstate 80 aesthetics concepts. All property owners abutting the Interstate were notified of the open house, as well as the JCCOG public participation organizations. .It was nice to see participation in the open house from some property owners, as well as elect~d officials and staff from local entities. Our next step is to assist Iowa City and Coralville with applications to Iowa DOT's Living Roadways Trust grant program to begin acquiring funding for the landscaping improvements proposed in the corridor. jccogadm/mem/ltems-Exec.Director.doc ~JCCOG ...~ m e m 0 r.... Date: August 19, 2008 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kent Ralston; Assistant Transportation PlannerJ\r- Re: Agenda Item #4(a): Consider revisions to the scoring criteria for JCCOG Surface Transportation Program (STP) and Transportation Enhancement (TE) funds Last fall, during the funding process for JCCOG Surface Transportation Program and Transportation Enhancement funds, the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TT AC) discussed the potential for amending the current funding application scoring criteria (attached) and recommended the scoring criteria be revised. The desire to revise the scoring criteria stems from the need to better reflect current philosophies on how JCCOG funds should be utilized. There are also new Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) SAFETEA-LU planning requirements and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality standards that should be acknowledged. In addition to meeting FHWA and EPA requirements, the TTAC recommended specifically focusing on questions regarding fiscal constraints and en,vironmental sustainability. Questions regarding fiscal constraints may include inquiries about the availability of local match funds or cost/benefit analysis, while questions concerning environmental sustainability may focus on reductions in vehicle emissions, vehicle miles traveled, and vehicle congestion. If the Board concurs with the TTAC recommendation, staff will draft new scoring criteria for consideration. Revisions to the scoring criteria will nec~ssarily be adopted by the Urbanized Area Policy Board and would be used during the next JCaOG STP and TE grant cycle. We would like your input on any changes to the scoring criteria the Board would like to emphasize, in addition to those noted by the TTAC. Please bring any questions you may have to the August 27,2008 meeting. Attachment jccogtp/mem/UAPB TE STP Scoring Criteria.doc JCCOG STP Project Evaluation Scoring System Effective 5/28/03 1. Is the capital asset a new facility or an existing facility proposed for improvement within five years of the end of its useful service life? A. No - 0 points B. Yes - 3 points; major rehabilitation project C. Yes - 5 points; reconstruction project 2. Will the proposed project improve the traffic accident history at an intersection or midblock, or improve safety at an identified hazard for bicyclists or pedestrians? A. No - 0 points B. Yes - 1 point; not in top 25 high accident intersections or top 10 highest accident mid-blocks C. Yes - 3 points; top 25 high accident inter$ections or top 10 highest accident mid- blocks 3. Is the proposed project consistent with the community's comprehensive plan? A. No - 0 points B. Yes - 5 points 4. Will the proposed project facilitate the use of multiple modes of transportation? This may be indicated by the provision of such amenities a~ overwidth sidewalks, wide curb lanes, trails separated from the roadway, or bus stop PUIl-offs and shelters. A. No - 0 points B. Yes/moderate - 3 points C. Yes/significant - 5 points 5. Will the proposed project improve the flow of traffic? A. No - 0 points B. Yes, it will have an undocumented, positive effect - 3 points. C. Yes, it will improve a projected traffic flow deficiency - 4 points. D. Yes, it will improve an existing traffic flow deficiency - 5 points. 6. Does the project involve more than one JCCOG j!urisdiction? A. One JCCOG jurisdiction - 0 points B. Two JCCOG jurisdictions - 3 points C. Three or more JCCOG jurisdictions -5 points Evaluation Criteria - Scoring System The following information about your Transportation Enhancement project proposal will be used to establish a point total for your proposed project. This point total will be one of several factors considered by the JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board in making a decision of which projects to fund. 1 . Does the proposed project involve establishing ~ new facility, or improving an existing facility which is within five years of the end of its useful service life? A. No - 0 points B. Yes - 3 points; major rehabilitation project C. Yes - 5 points; reconstruction project or new facility 2. Will the proposed Transportation Enhancement project improve safety at a location which is in the top 25 highest collision intersections or top 10 highest collision mid- blocks in the Iowa City Urbanized Area, or improve an identified hazard or barrier for bicyclists or pedestrians? (collision lists attached) A. No - 0 points B. Yes - 3 points; not in top 25 highest c<>lIision intersections or top 10 highest collision mid-blocks C. Yes - 5 points; top 25 highest collision intersections or top 10 highest collision mid-blocks 3. Will the proposed project provide access or improve access to a major origin or destination point in the community? A. No - 0 points B. Yes - 5 points 4. Is the project an extension of an existing pedestrian/bicycle facility, or part of the JCCOG Long Range Trails Plan or Long Range Wide Sidewalks Plan? (copies attached) A. No - 0 points B. Yes - 5 points : ~JCCOG = =::: ~ r~ m e m 0 ( .,11 Date: August 20, 2008 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kristopher Ackerson, Assistant Transportation Planner~ Re: Agenda Item #4(b): Consider how to proceed with anticipated surplus JCCOG FY09-10 Surface Transportation Program and Transportation Enhancement funds Iowa DOT has recently released updated allocation figures for FY09 and revised funding targets for FY10, for both Surface Transportation Program (STP) and Transportation Enhancement (TE) funding programs. These are the funds allocated! to JCCOG by Iowa DOT for local apportionment. JCCOG recently programmed STP and TE funds through FY09. For STP funds, based on Iowa DOT's estimated allocation for FY09 and FY10, JCCOG could have an additional $401,213 available for local apportionment in FY10. For Enhancement funds, based on Iowa DOT's projected funding targets, JCCOG could have a total of $181,954 available for FY10 apportionments. Given these funding balances, we wanted to ask what the preference of the Board is in how to treat these funds. At its August 12th meeting, the TTAC recommended unanimously to combine these surplus funds with the FY10-11 STP grant cycle to be conducted in fall of 2009. The other option would be to conduct a grant cycle yet his fall for just these funds. Please keep in mind these "surplus" funds are based on funding targets which fluctuate, and are not guaranteed. These funding targets are based on the best information available. Please consider how to proceed with anticipated STP and TE funds at the August 2th meeting. W:\wpdata\jccogtp\MEMOS\Memo Update on Funding Targets_8_20_08.doc ~JJCCOG ~ ...".... m e m 0 Date: August 20,2008 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kristopher Ackerson, Assistant Transportation Pla;nner Re: Agenda Item #4(c): Consider an amendment to the FY09-12 JCCOG Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to add a Coralville Clear Creek Trail project In 2006, the City of Coralville was awarded Congr~ssionally Designated Funds totaling $198,000 for trail development associated with the Cleqr Creek Trail, identified as part of the anticipated American Discovery Trail route through Joh~son County (see attached maps). The proposed trail project will be programmed for federal FY2(i)09, pending environmental review, and will connect Iowa Highway 6 and First Avenue in Coralville. To program the funds for FY09, the JCCOG TIP must. be amended to include the proposed project (see attached). If the JCCOG Board does not aPlJrove this action, the unused funds for the project would be returned to the federal government. The JCCOG Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee and the JCCOG Transportation Technical Advisory Committee recommended unanimously at their August 5th and August 12th meetings, respectively, to amend the TIP for this project. Please consider this amendment at your August 2ih mee!ting. Enclosures: Regional Bike Trail and Route Plan JCCOG Recommended Route for AmericC\n Discovery Trail Coralville Bike & Pedestrian Trails ~ &J Montice~ I p Ana. ~ ~ ~n o Regional Bike Trail & . . Route Plan . . II Jones I Cedar IJ CJ c:b TIpton 0 " <> o n Scott Muscatrne . Louisa Henry . r :us Jun~..... "'~"""'\ wapell~)'" tomlng Sun Des Mo American Discovery Trail follows parts of Cedar Valley Nature Trail, Hoover Nature Trail, and Mississippi River Trail. Colu KEY . Mississippi RlverTrall . American Discovery Trail o . '. ....-'t\. I I Hoover Nature Trail · Mt. ;eas!!l ,. New London Proposed 'Old Capitol loop' of the Hoover Nature Trail and American Discovery Trail It /'/ ExlstingTralls /'/ Proposed Bike Routes .........~.... ... Proposed Trails ~ - \~...... Lee . Oonnellsonl W:\wpdata~ccogtp\MEMOS\TIP Amendment_ADT Demo_8-20-08.doc 2 ~ ~ ~ oN ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ " 8 ~ ~ ON ~ :---..~ ~ ~~~Ot: l::S~~\.) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~8~~~ ~ o~ ~ ~ ~ ....Q~~~ ~~~~] ;... l::S ~ -~ N ~ .1",) ~ ~'N ~ t ~ ~ ~ o ~ 0 ~ ~ O~f,Je~ ~~~~S o ~r CII - ;; >.(11 .CJCII al< 1"0"0 c: Q) I ~.~ E(1It! 8:5 (11 ~(!)cil I ~o ~ II :J U.- oue . 0:::..., a. W:\wpdata~ccogtp\MEMOS\TIP A mendment ADT D _ emo_8-20-08.doc 3 ~! ! d~ ! ! B l.LJ ...J ...J > ...J <( 0::: o U Z <t Cl(la::(J) wt-= ~(J)<t: -we:: coat- w a. o as Cl w -' . . . . . . ..-!..-'-'\.._-. / " ..J r ~ ~ / ; ./ ! I i ./ j..... , \ - \' , , { f _-If'" _ -J....... _ _ _ _ _ I ~--l, l.." -1 ,/~) I 10 1.;'/ ,"\ ~ r-; - -- - '-'-4i5.---t \ ~ j i'" ....../ , I itlj I / .....--J:.. ..,:.'/ {j j~ /'"" /' ~'" ~ (I i~ / >....... ,/ ....~. I i.~ / l ....-1 ,j~ (.- i I ~I\ \ j ! t // )l- j-- Ii.. /......... ," ~....---....... .. .J... J J..... ~. 1-'--- ,-.-.-----~ ..' ;,...... . 1 i j ,f'-...... _., --..- I' 'i INTE,J1ATE380 ~,l _..... ...~ ., -,. -; - - - -. - :!. . 1 I ' Ii I " \- . _ ; :~'b /~ ~ I J"'::.~ W:\wpdata~ccogtp\MEMOS\TIP AmendmenCADT Demo_8-20-08.doc 4 Date: August 19, 2008 =. ~JCCOG ~--=a ~ rr..... m e m 0 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kent Ralston; Assistant Transportation Planner ~ Re: Agenda Item #4(d): Consider amendments to the Iowa DOT / JCCOG Federal Functional Classification System map JCCOG is currently in the process of working with the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to update the Federal Functional Classification System map for the Iowa City Urbanized Area which shows which roads are Federal Aid Routes. Functional classification is a hierarchy of five roadway classes. The classes, from highest to lowest, are: interstates, principal arterials, minor arterials, collectors, and local streets. These classifications are based on federal definitions; for example, we consider Mormon Trek Boulevard to be an arterial street, but under the federal definition it is a 'minor arterial'. Roadways with higher classifications better serve mobility and provide less access to individual properties. Roadways with lower classifications provide better access to individual properties and provide less overall mobility. The functional classification system's significance to JCCOG's activities is that federal funding can only be used on roadways functionally classified as collector, or higher, in the classification system. Only 35% of the total road mileage in an urbanized area Gan be listed in the Federal Functional Classification System. Currently, we are 9.73 miles under the 35% limit. The Transportation Technical Advisory Committee was asked to recommend which roadways to add to the Federal Aid Route list. The TT AC recommendation for which roadways should be added to the Federal Functional Classification map is attached. If the Board concurs with the TTAC recommendation, staff will submit our requests to the Iowa DOT. If the Iowa DOT concurs with the Board recommendation, we will prepare a resolution of approval for a subsequent Board meeting. Use the following link to view the current Iowa City Urbanized Area Federal Functional Classification System map. http://www.sysplan.dot.state.ia.us/pdf/rffc0327 . 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(:) l"- e e C'\l I 'Ot e e C'\l E .g Cl) :c ..!!! offi > t1l 1: :J 8 1: ~ ~ 1il o ::E II f- o <( i< ~~JCCOG ~memo r.... Date: August 19, 2008 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: John Yapp 7 r w--- Re: Agenda Item #4(e): Update on passenger rail planning efforts Agenda Item #4(e)(i): Consider approval of a letter of support for the 2008 Amtrak Reauthorization Bill There is movement on several fronts related to regional passenger rail service, or Amtrak. Amtrak Reauthorization Bill Amtrak has been operating without a formal reauthorization lDill since 2002. Federal funds have been appropriated since 2002 to assist with operating costs, but investment in capital maintenance has been curtailed. There is now an approximate $4-6 billion backlog in maintenance needs including desired upgrades to bridges and tunnels, according to congressional testimony. An Amtrak reauthorization bill would address funds for the deferred maintenance as well as establish a funding source for investment in expansion of service. The United States Senate version of the Amtrak reauthorization bill passed last October (S294), and the House version passed last month (HR6003). Representative Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) was recently named to the conference committee for the 2008 Amtrak Reauthorization Bill. The main differences in the House and Senate versions of the bill include both the overall amount of authorized funding, and the amount of funds dedicated to capital investment and expansion versus just operations. The House version of the bill also includes a provision mandating the Federal Railroad Administration study the potential for widespread use of bio-Iubricants in freight and passenger rail as an alternative to petroleum-based lubricants. Congressman Braley is a supporter of this provision. Both versions of the bill call for an 80% federal/20% state funding share for capital expense including expansion of infrastructure (the current maximum federal split is 50%). Congressman Braley's staff has let us know his preference for any Amtrak expansion would be for cities that already have completed Amtrak studies, which includes Dubuque, the Quad Cities, and Iowa City. State Passenger Rail Advisory Committee The other front is the formation of the State Passenger Rail Advisory Committee, on which Iowa City Mayor Regenia Bailey is the MPO representative. The first meeting of the advisory committee was held on August 14. The main purpose of this committee is to advise on the formation of a state program to fund the state's share of investment in passenger rail infrastructure and to advise on prioritization and coordination with our neighboring states and federal representatives. The initial action items identified by the advisory committee include: 1. Continue to develop the Passenger Rail Plan, including the vision and mission statements, and how to address commuter rail in the map. 2. Incorporate transit and multi-modal connections throughout the plan. 3. Continue development of the Passenger Rail Roles chart. 4. Investigate incorporating the passenger rail program into the Governor's Rebuild Iowa Initiative. 5. A small group was formed to focus on a marketing strategy and materials. A draft letter of support for expansion of Amtrak service into Iowa is attached. The intent is for a letter of support from the JCCOG Board to be sent to Iowa senators and representatives to show support for regional passenger rail service. Please consider approval of a letter of support for regional Amtrak service. jccogadm/mem/ttac-amtrak.doc Johnson County Counc;I of Governments 410 E \XJoshngton St Iowa City Iowa 52240 DRAFT August 19, 2008 Iowa Senator/Representative Re: 2008 Amtrak Reauthorization Bill Dear Senator/Representative: The Johnson County Council of Governments (JCCOG) Urbanized Area Policy Board encourages you to support the Amtrak Reauthorization Bill (S294/HR6003). Funding for both maintenance and investment in existing Amtrak corridors, and in expansion of regional passenger rail in the Midwest is important for our nation's transportation future. Investing in a fuel-efficient transportation resource like passenger rail will also improve freight rail operations, another important part of our economy. We are also in favor of the study and encouraged use of bio-Iubricants in freight and passenger rail as an alternative to petroleum-based lubricants, as presented in the House version of the bill. A feasibility study of expansion of Amtrak service from Chicago to the Quad Cities and Iowa City was completed in Spring 2008 and was favorable in terms of ridership and operating expense. Similar to other transportation networks, however, state and federal investment is necessary. The Iowa Department of Transportation has formed a Passenger Rail Advisory Committee to which JCCOG has appointed a representative to discuss and advise on a state passenger rail funding program. The federal reauthorization bill is a key component for passenger rail to be successful. We value your important work on this issue. Sincerely, Chairperson, Johnson County Council of Governments Urbanized Area Policy Board jccog ad m/ltrs/08amtrak-reauthorization. doc IIIJCCOG ~memo Date: August 20, 2008 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: John Yapp, Executive Director 7 ( v----- Re: Agenda Item #4(f): Consider approval for JCCOG to apply for a Roadway Safety Foundation Grant As part of our efforts in working with Iowa DOT and the local Livable Communities group, we were made aware of a new grant program !available to fund an advertising and marketing campaigns related to traffic safety. The ~rant will fund up to $75,000 to pay for an advertising or marketing firm to create a catnpaign, and to pay for advertising materials related to the campaign. There is no loc~1 match required, though we would like to offer staff time as the local match. JCCOG staff recently conducted a Senior Citizen Mobility Survey to determine what transportation issues senior citizens were having. Tpe focus of the survey was directed at seniors in retirement and assisted living facilitie~, and using senior dining facilities. Our intent is to use the results of the survey to dev~lop a test-project to improve senior mobility and to better incorporate senior mobility ~eeds into our daily transportation planning work. One of the things we learned from th$ survey is that many senior citizens are not aware of some of the transportation-related wrograms which are available in our community. One of the programs we would specifically like to: advertise is the 'CarFit' program, where a trained specialist helps to adjust the sea~, steering wheel and mirrors on a vehicle for optimal vision while driving. A staff per$on at the Senior Center has been trained in CarFit assessment and techniques. <Dther programs we would like to advertise for seniors who are in transition from beingl able to drive independently include Johnson County SEATS, curb ramp construction programs, sidewalk maintenance laws, and Medicare-related transportation funds to nam~ a few. If we are awarded grant funds, it would be our intent to 'advertise' many of o~r existing programs and operations to the senior community in an effort to improve! the comfort level with using the transportation system, whether it be transit, driving on walking. Please consider approval for JCCOG to apply for a ~oadway Safety Foundation grant. Date: August 20,2008 ~JCCOG r~ m e m 0 r.... To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kristopher Ackerson, Assistant Transportation Plamner~f( Re: Agenda Item #4(g): Update on the JCCOG Metropolitan Bicycle Plan In January, 2008, the City of Iowa City requested that Johnson County Council of Governments (JCCOG) staff develop a bicycle master plan for the city as part of the JCCOG FY2009 Transportation Planning Work Program. At the February meeting of the JCCOG Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee (RTBC), staff proposed that other communities in the urbanized area participate in the planning process and expand the scope to create one JCCOG Regional Bicycle Plan. Since then, all JCCOG member communities requested inclusion in the plan. The purpose of a regional approach to bike planning is establishing common goals among communities in the metropolitan area, as well as identifying unique needs and priorities of each community. The plan is anticipated to contain the following elements to build on the existing trails plan that has been so successful: 1. Introduction 2. Existing Conditions 3. Goals and Objectives . Education 6. Appendix B - Funding options . Enforcement 7. Appendix C - Types of Riders · Engineering 8. Appendix 0 - Summary of · Encouragement Workshops At its August 5th meeting, the RTBC discussed serving ~as the steering committee during the planning process. The RTBC includes a staff person or elected official from each JCCOG entity, the Bicyclists of Iowa City, and the Friends of the Iowa River Scenic Trail. Other bicycling advocates regularly attend the meetings as well. During the planning process, JCCOG staff plan to meet with city engineers, parks directors, planners, police, and elected officials to discuss opportunities and constraints, in addition to hosting publicworkshops. 4. Recommendations 5. Appendix A - Types of Bicycle Facilities The following project timeline is proposed to allow time for communities to apply for the Bike Friendly Communities program in August, 2009: · August 5th - Kick-off meeting with RTBC · August/September - Meet with city staff · Late September - Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, Johnson County Community Workshop · Early October - Iowa City, Univ. Heights, University of Iowa Community Workshop · Early November - Summary of Community Work$hops for RTBC · Early February - Draft Plan Submitted for RTBC lReview · May - Public Open House during Bike to Work Week Let us know if you have any questions at your August 2ih meeting. W:\wpdata~ccogtp\MEMOS\Bike Plan Kick-off8-20-08.doc ~JCCOG r~ m e m 0 r.... Date: August 19, 2008 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: John Yapp '"77---- Re: Agenda Item #4(h): Update on JCCOG Public Transit Expansion Exploratory Taskforce On July 22, 2008 JCCOG staff met with members of the JCCOG Public Transit Expansion Exploratory Taskforce for an inaugural meeting. Members of the League of Women Voters, several transit managers, the University Parking and Transportation Director, and North Liberty administration were also present. JCCOG staff began the meeting by giving an overview of how transit systems are funded, including the array of federal, state, and local resources necessary to support public transit. Much of the discussion revolved around the difficulty of providing extensive fixed-route transit service to other parts of Johnson County without significatlt subsidy due to the lower population densities and longer travel times. There was some discussion of alternatives to fixed-route transit in Johnson County, including the existing SEATS service, which is provided to all non-urban Johnson County residents by appointment, and the University of Iowa van pool program and the potential for other municipal or employer-based van pool programs. As a next step, the consensus was for staff to collect additional information and bring it back to the committee: 1. Survey the passengers on the existing North Liberty route to determine what factors are important for them in choosing transit service. 2. Speak to the other incorporated towns in Johnson County to determine the interest level in transit service and how much they currently budget for SEATS service. 3. Investigate the costs, travel time, and population demographics for a transit route between Iowa City and North Liberty on North Dubuque Street. 4. Contact major employers in the area to determine interest in employer-based van pool programs. We hope that this information will help the committee have a more informed discussion on potential expansion scenarios. Let us know at our August 27 meeting if you have any questions. jccogadm/mem/uapb-pteet,doc ~JCCOG ...(..... m e m 0 Date: August 19, 2008 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kent Ralston, Assistant Transportation Planner ~ Re: Agenda Item #4(i): Update on air quality non-attainment issues in Scott County It has come to our attention that the level of fine particulates (PM 2.5) measured at at least one monitoring site in Scott County has exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 35 ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter of air). As a result, a portion of Scott County may be declared by the EPA to be in "non-attainment". Measurements of PM 2.5 are based on a three- year, 24-hour average, and fluctuate regularly depending on weather patterns and atmospheric conditions. Winter readings of PM 2.5 tend to be higher than summer readings - some Scott County officials believe that the elevated winter readings are inaccurate and are caused by unusual winter air conditions. The monitoring site in Johnson County is also measuring high amounts of fine particulates during winter months. Although the Johnson County three-year average does not yet exceed the 35 ug/m3 threshold, JCCOG has been identified as a potential stakeholder in this issue. In order to better understand the unusual PM 2.5 episOdes during winter months, Bi-State Metropolitan Planning Organization (the Quad Cities MPO) has contracted with two University of Iowa professors to study whether particulate formation during winter months impacts air quality monitoring. JCCOG staff has offered to act as a local liaison between the Bi-State MPO and the University of Iowa research team. We hope to share the results of the study with you once it is complete. The following bullet points summarize this issue: . The National Ambient Air Quality Standard threshold for fine particulates (PM 2.5) is 35 ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter of air). The three-year average for the Johnson County measurement is 34 ug/m3; the monitor is located at Hoover Elementary School. . Measurements of fine particulates are exceeding the threshold in Scott County. . PM 2.5 is particulate matter including dust and pollutants smaller than 2.5 microns. . Measurements are based on a three-year, 24-hour average. Winter readings are typically higher than summer readings and vary from year to year. . Some Scott County officials believe that abnormally high PM 2.5 readings during winter months are not representative of true air quality and that the readings may be inaccurate, and/or are the result of weather patterns outside of human control. Once an area is designated as non-attainment, there are implications for how and where local transportation capital funds may be spent. The next step for non-attainment areas is to work with the state to develop an implementation plan to re-establish compliance with air quality standards. We wanted to bring this issue to the Board's attention as it may affect our urbanized area in the future. Please bring any questions you have to the August 27,2008 meeting. jccogtp/mem/uapb-airqualityB-19.doc A ~ i --= -~ ~~W~'r ~~-~., -. - CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: August 19, 2008 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Darian Nagle-Gamm; Traffic Engineering Planne):;'& Brad Neumann; Transportation Plan~ Re: Agenda Item #40): Consider an amendment to the JCCOG FY09 Work Program to develop a flood event resource document Following the 2008 floods, JCCOG collected four twenty-four hour vehicle counts and nine peak hour intersection counts along the Melrose Street and Dodge Street corridors. These corridors were identified as recommended routes into Iowa City upon closures of the Park Road, Iowa Avenue, and Highway 6 bridges and other local roadways. The tables below reflect the location of each count and the percentage change from the last count performed under non-flooding conditions. JCCOG would like to use this information coupled with the CFS outflow data from the Coralville dam to determine the roads likely to be closed at varying CFS outflow levels from the reservoir. This data will assist in the development of a traffic routing plan to be used in case of future flooding. 24-Hour Counts: (performed June 18th - 19th, 2008) Location Pre-Flood Post-Flood % Change in Average ADT Average ADT # vehicles · Melrose Avenue 13,500 (2006) !in Universitv Heiahts\ 24,339 +80% Melrose Avenue 12,700 (2006) (at Finkbine\ 27,271 + 115% North Dodge St 18,940 (2007) 35,465 + 87% (near Acn North Dodge St 7,342 (2007) 12,286 +67% (near Horace Mann\ Peak Hour Intersection Counts: Time & Date Pre-Flood Post-Flood % Change in Intersection Post-Flood #Vehicles Enteri",g # Vehicles Entering Peak Hour Intersection Intersection # vehicles Melrose / Hawkins AM - June 20th 1480 (2006) 1823 +23% Melrose / Hawkins PM - June 19th 1803 (2007) 1712 -5% Melrose / Sunset AM - June 20th 1565 (2007) 1842 +18% Melrose / Sunset PM - June 24th 1903 (2006) 2557 + 34% Melrose / Mormon Trek AM - June 2ih 2809 (2005) 2706 -4% Melrose / Camp Cardinal AM - June 24th (no previous cournt) 3225 ------ Dodae / Scott AM - June 16th 2843 (2002) 3937 +47% Dodae / Prairie du Chien AM - June 24th 1965 (2002) 2891 + 20% Dodae / Prairie du Chien PM - June 1ih 2508 (2002) 2578 +3% On August 1ih, 2008, the TTAC recommended that a project be added to the FY09 Work Program to develop a flood traffic planning resource document. Please consider an amendment to the JCCOG FY09 Work Program to develop a flood event resource document. Jccogtp/memos/dng-flood event resource - bd,doc I ~JCCOG ~ ri(..... m e m 0 Date: August 20,2008 To: JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board From: John Yapp, Executiye Director 7 'I ~ Re: Agenda Item # 4(k): Consider an amendm~nt to the FY09 Transportation Planning Work Rrogram to add a project to assist thS City of Coralville with a Transit Facility Feasibility Study The City of Coralville has requested JCCOG's asSistance in developing a feasibility study for a new Coralville Transit Facility. Coralville. Transit has been operating out of a temporary location due to flood damage of their e*isting facility. A feasibility study is one of the first steps required in order to access federal!funding programs for a new facility. Consider an amendment to the FY09 Transporta~ion Planning Work Program to add a project to assist the City of Coralville with a Transit Facility Feasibility Study. = . ~JCCOG == --- ~ ...~ m e m 0 ..-.... Date: August 20,2008 To: JCCOG Transportation Urbanized Area Policy Board From: John Yapp, Executive Director 7 y ~ Re: Agenda Item #4(1): Update on recent activities The following is an update on recent activities of the JCCOG Transportation Planning Division. Let us know if you have any questions at our August 27 meeting. Streets and Highways 1. Update Highway 1/5th Street signal warrant study for Solon 2. Coordinate road closure information and maps during flood event 3. Iowa City Foster Road traffic calming project 4. Assist Iowa DOT with update of JCCOG traffic model 5. Scales Bend Road traffic study 6. North Dubuque Street/North Liberty Road traffic study 7. Data collection for Dubuque Street traffic study from Church Street to Jefferson Street 8. Oak Crest Hill Road/Main Street traffic study in Hills 9. Lower Muscatine Road traffic study Transit 1. Coordinate JCCOG Public Transit Expansion Exploratory taskforce 2. Assist with Iowa City triennial review 3. Monthly National Transit Database reporting 4. Paratransit eligibility appeals 5. Quarterly Iowa DOT and FTA reporting 6. Passenger rail planning and research, including a presentation to the Chamber of Commerce 7. PTDP best practices presentation at state-wide MPO meeting in Ames Pedestrian and Bicycle 1. Process TIP amendment for a segment of the Clear Creek Trail 2. Study of "Yield-to-Pedestrians in Crosswalk" signs 3. Conduct downtown Iowa City bike rack survey 4. Complete North Liberty sidewalk survey and map 5. Develop options for downtown and east Iowa City bikeways 6. Survey area trails for compliance with AASHTO standards 7. Johnson County Trails Committee 8. Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee activities Traffic Engineering Activities 1. Administer Iowa City traffic calming program 2. On-street parking evaluations 3. Administer requests for street lights in Iowa City 4. Ongoing five-year traffic signal efficiency study 5. Evaluate requests for traffic control signs 6. Ongoing sight distance evaluations and access evaluations Multi-Modal/Other 1. Work with UI and Iowa DOT on older drivers study 2. Coordinate Interstate 80 aesthetics and landscaping design process 3. Help coordinate discussion of Fringe Area Agreements 4. Assist with evaluation of a new University commuter lot 5. Assist Iowa City with Central District Plan 6. Senior mobility study 7. EPA Brown Fields grant debriefing 8. Coordinate JCCOG Affordable Housing taskforce 9. Assist University Heights with land use planning jccog adminl agd/uapb-recentactivities. doc 2 ~JCCOG rr..... m e m 0 Date: August 19, 2008 To: JCCOG l)rbanized Area Policy Board /1- ~'L/ From: Linda<Se~erson, Human Services Coordinator Re: Agenda Item 5(a): Highlights from the Human Services Division Following is a summary of recent activities: 1. With assistance, I have completed the application for the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care funding process. This is sutpmitted along with funding applications from HACAP (transitional housing) and STAR (supportive services for people who are homeless). If approved, it will bring in $662,145 to the community. 2. Assisted the JC Livable Community of Successful Aging Initiative with development of "A Guide for Seniors: Transportation & Mobility Options in Johnson County". There are funds available to make copies and it will be posted on several websites, including the Livable Community website (www.livablecommunity.org) 3. We continue to administer the Iowa City bus strip ticket program and distribution of monthly bus passes (both Iowa City and Coralville) for Department of Human Services, STAR, and Goodwill clients. I also serve as the Review Person for people who have been denied for SEATS (paratransit) and have filed an appeal. 4. Working with a committee, we are updating the eighth edition of "Tell Me Where To Turn" brochure which lists services and resources for people with mental illness. This brochure is offered at no cost and we are close to raising $2,414.00 to print 4,000 copies to be distributed over the next two years. 5. I have participated in the weekly meeting of the Johnson County/United Way Flood Relief Committee. The group will be dividing into sub-committees (5) to work on specific issues. 6. We have completed 50 Welcome to the Neighborhood packets for the Grant Wood School Family Resource Center. This packet is targeted for new families to the community with information about the school district and community resources. 7. We have completed the metro area Senior Mobility Survey. About 80 seniors completed surveys about their mode of transportation, concerns and issues. We intend to use this information to focus on specific educational initiatives directed at seniors. We are also participating in a senior drivers' study being conducted by the University of Iowa Civil Engineering Department. 8. I have attended or participated in the regular scheduled meetings or activities for the Human Services Division. A number of meetings were either cancelled or rescheduled due to the flood. jccoghs/mem/JCCOGbdmtg08-08,doc