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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.13.24 UAPB Agenda Packet MEETING NOTICE MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Wednesday November 13, 2024 – 4:30 PM Johnson County Health & Human Services Building - 2nd Floor Conf. Rm. 855 S. Dubuque St, Iowa City IA AGENDA 1. Call to Order A. Recognize alternates B. Consider approval of meeting minutes C. Set next Board meeting date, time and location (January 29th, Iowa City City Hall) 2. Public Discussion of any item not on the agenda* 3. Administration A. Confirm entities that will nominate Johnson County representatives to the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) Board of Directors B. Appoint a nominating committee for Calendar Year 2025 Urbanized Area Policy Board officers C. Preliminary discussion of the FY26 MPOJC Budget D. Authorize the Executive Director to execute a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant on behalf of participating entities E. Consider a Resolution providing the Executive Director the authority to execute grants and contracts on behalf of the MPOJC 4. Transportation Planning A. Consider approval of scoring criteria for Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funds allocated by MPOJC B. Update on the Federal Functional Classification revision process for local roadways C. Consider approval of safety targets and performance measures for the MPO as required by the Federal Highway Administration D. Presentation of the CRANDIC Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study 5. Other Business A. Update from the Iowa Bicycle Coalition 6. Adjournment To request disability-related accommodations or language interpretation, please contact MPOJC staff at 319-356-5230 or kent-ralston@iowa-city.org 48 hours prior to the meeting. MINUTES DRAFT MPOJC URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD JULY 10, 2024 – 4:30 PM CORALVILLE CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1512 7th STREET, CORALVILLE, IA MEMBERS PRESENT: Iowa City: Laura Bergus, Megan Alter, Josh Moe Johnson County: Jon Green, Rod Sullivan North Liberty: Brian Wayson, Erek Sittig University Heights: Louise From University of Iowa: Greg Schmitt Coralville: Meghann Foster, Royce Peterson ICCSD: Molly Abraham STAFF PRESENT: Kent Ralston, Emily Bothell, Hannah Neel, Sarah Walz, Madelyn Stoen OTHER: 1. CALL TO ORDER From called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. The meeting was held in the City of Coralville Council Chambers at Coralville City Hall. a. Recognize alternates Ralston recognized Erek Sittig as an alternate for Chris Hoffman of North Liberty. b. Consider approval of meeting minutes Green moved to approve; Moe seconded. The motion carried unanimously. c. Set next Board meeting date, time, and location Tentatively scheduled for September 18, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. (location to be determined). 2. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA None. 3. Administration a. Consider a Resolution approving adjustments to the MPOJC Planning Area Boundary as a result of the 2020 Census. Stoen stated that after each decennial census, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) are required to review their Planning Area Boundaries to ensure they include census-defined urbanized areas and any area that is expected to become urbanized in the next 20 years. Stoen explained that as a result of the 2020 decennial census, the proposed changes to the MPOJC Planning Area Boundary include the incorporation of small portions of Iowa City and Tiffin. Stoen shared that these changes would increase the population of the Planning Area Boundary by approximately 3,600 people. Furthermore, federally classified roads in the Planning Area Boundary would be eligible to receive funding from the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC). These changes would remain in effect until the 2030 decennial census unless there were a special census or an approved Planning Area Boundary change prior to that. Stoen noted that the changes to the Planning Area Boundary were approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) and the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG). Stoen asked the Urbanized Area Policy Board for approval of the proposed boundary adjustment, resulting population adjustment, and for the Board Chair to sign the attached resolution. Bergus asked whether MPOJC would voluntarily expand the Planning Area Boundary into other areas that are rapidly growing, such as North Liberty or Tiffin, prior to the 2030 decennial census. Stoen stated that any future changes to the Planning Area Boundary, prior to the 2030 census, could occur through a special census or a Planning Area Boundary change approved by this Board. Sullivan moved to approve; Alter seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 4. TRANSPORTATION PLANNING a. Public Hearing and consideration of resolutions of adoption and certification for the FY2025-2028 MPOJC Transportation Improvement Program i. Staff presentation of the FY2025-2028 MPOJC Transportation Improvement Program Neel stated that the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the programming document for all surface transportation projects that receive state or federal funds. This includes streets, highways, transit, rail, bicycle, and pedestrian projects in the urbanized area. Neel noted that the Board approved the draft TIP project list at their May meeting. Furthermore, Neel shared that the TIP also includes project status reports, regionally significant projects, an outline of the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County’s (MPOJC) public input process, project selection procedures for the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, Transportation Alternative Program, and Carbon Reduction Program; and a fiscally constrained review of the projects in the TIP. Neel noted that the MPOJC published a notice of public hearing in the Press Citizen and the Gazette 30 days prior to the meeting and did not receive any comments. Pending Board approval, the MPOJC will submit the TIP to the Iowa Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and Federal Transit Administration by July 15th, 2024. Neel asked for the Board’s approval of the FY2025-2028 MPOJC TIP. Moe asked for clarification on the funding timeline of projects. Ralston explained that funding procedures and timeline is dependent on the funding source and project. For example, the next round of MPOJC Surface Transportation Block Grant Program funds will not be available until FY2029-2030. This could be beneficial because it provides communities with time to begin the design process. Alternatively, the next round of MPOJC Carbon Reduction Program and Transportation Alternatives Program funding is available today and can be allocated toward various projects. ii. Public Hearing From opened the public hearing and there were no members of the public present. She then closed the public hearing. iii. Consider a resolution adopting the FY2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program for the Iowa City Urbanized Area and authorizing the MPO Chairperson to sign associated documents contained therein Sullivan moved to approve; Moe seconded. The motion carried unanimously. iv. Consider a resolution certifying compliance with federal requirements for conducting the urban transportation planning process in the Iowa City Urbanized Area Sullivan moved to approve; Bergus seconded. The motion carried unanimously. b. Update on the CRANDIC Bus Rapid Transit Study from MPO staff Ralston explained that in the fall of 2023, the Urbanized Area Policy Board authorized a Bus Rapid Transit feasibility study on the CRANDIC rail corridor between Penn Street (in North Liberty) and Burlington Street (in Iowa City). Ralston noted that this study is being conducted by Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig and Nelson Nygaard. The consultants are currently refining runtime, stop locations, and frequencies. Those amounts look similar to HDR’s 2020 Rail Passenger Study, with exception to stop locations. Ralston also shared that the consultants are examining whether it would be feasible to operate a multi-use trail parallel to the corridor. Additionally, they are identifying possible grant opportunities such as the Small Starts grant which is through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The FTA will compare project costs with ridership estimates to determine if the system would qualify for the grant. Ralston stated that the fourth stakeholder meeting will be held in August and the study will likely be completed soon after that. Moe asked about the composition of the stakeholder group. Ralston stated the stakeholder group is made up of representatives from Iowa City, North Liberty, Coralville, Tiffin, The University of Iowa, Johnson County, and the Iowa Department of Transportation. Sullivan asked if the consultants would provide cost estimates for the various ways rail line could be adapted. Ralston explained that the methods used to install rail lines are relatively similar, so there will not be a significant difference in cost. Regardless, the consultants can address this in more detail. c. Update on the Safe Streets & Roads for All (SS4A) grant from MPO staff Walz noted that in December 2023, the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC) was awarded the Safe Streets & Roads for All grant, which is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIL). The BIL allows the MPOJC to establish a Safety Action Plan, which focuses on reducing and eliminating roadway deaths and serious injuries. Walz shared that the adoption of that plan would also allow MPOJC communities to be eligible for additional grants that address roadway safety issues. In the spring of 2024, staff submitted a draft agreement to the Federal Highway Administration. Once the agreement is finalized, MPOJC can begin working with a consultant. Finally, Walz stated that once a contract is in place, MPOJC will connect with communities to discuss the $63,000 cost share. 5. OTHER BUSINESS None. 6. ADJOURNMENT Moe moved to adjourn the meeting; Alter seconded. The motion carried unanimously. From adjourned the meeting at 5:03 p.m. Date: November 6, 2024 To: Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kent Ralston, Executive Director Re: Agenda Item #3(A): Confirm entities that will nominate Johnson County representatives to the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) Board of Directors You may recall that the MPOJC Bylaws stipulating how appointments are made to the ECICOG Board of Directors were revised and approved in 2020. Per the revised Bylaws, each January the Johnson County Board of Supervisors appoints one elected official representative and one citizen representative to the ECICOG Board, and the Urbanized Area Policy Board appoints two elected official representatives to the ECICOG Board according to the following process: A. One elected official seat and one citizen representative will be designated by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. The 2025 representatives are to be designated by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. B. One elected official seat will be filled by the four largest municipalities by population which will alternate annually. The 2025 representative is to be designated by Tiffin. C. One elected official seat will be filled by the remaining municipalities which will alternate annually. The 2025 representative is to be designated by Hills. I intend to contact Johnson County, Tiffin, and Hills and request that they designate representatives to the ECICOG Board of Directors. The designees will be recognized by the MPOJC Policy Board at our January meeting. I will also ask each entity to designate alternates and encourage them to send alternates to ECICOG Board meetings when the designee cannot attend. I will be available at your November 13th meeting to answer any questions you may have. Date: To: From: Re: November 6, 2024 Urbanized Area Policy Board Kent Ralston; Executive Director Agenda Item #3(B): Appoint a nominating committee for calendar year 2025 Urbanized Area Policy Board officers At your January meeting, you will elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the calendar year 2025 Urbanized Area Policy Board. The Chairperson is responsible for presiding over all meetings of the Board. The Chairperson and/or Director are also responsible for signing contracts and other federally required documents. As Director, it has been my practice to discuss agenda items and major work program activities with the Chair prior to each Board meeting. The Vice Chairperson assumes the duties of the Chair when they are not available. Please consider appointing a three-person nominating committee to recommend a Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2025 Urbanized Area Policy Board – past practice has not included the Director in these discussions. The nominating committee will then report at the January meeting where the Chair and Vice-Chair will be elected. Currently the Chair is Louise From (Mayor, University Heights) and the Vice-Chair is Rod Sullivan (Johnson County Board of Supervisors). Both the Chair and Vice-Chair have served in these roles for one year; there is a two-year maximum term for these posts. A list of past Board Chairpersons is attached for your reference. I will be available at your November 13th meeting to answer any questions you may have. MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Chairpersons Year Chairperson Organization 2024 From University Heights 2023 Thomas Iowa City 2022 Thomas Iowa City 2021 Donahue North Liberty 2020 Donahue North Liberty 2019 Berner Tiffin 2018 Berner Tiffin 2017 Mims Iowa City 2016 Mims Iowa City 2015 Gill Coralville 2014 Gill Coralville 2013 Neuzil Johnson County 2012 Kuhl North Liberty 2011 Kuhl North Liberty 2010 From University Heights 2009 From University Heights 2008 Ricketts University of Iowa 2007 Bailey Iowa City 2006 Bailey Iowa City 2005 Stutsman Johnson County 2004 Weihe Coralville 2003 Champion Iowa City 2002 Dorst North Liberty 2001 O’Donnell Iowa City 2000 Herwig Coralville 1999 Hippee North Liberty 1998 Stutsman Johnson County 1997 Lacina Johnson County 1996 Kubby Iowa City 1995 Axeen Coralville 1994 Novick Iowa City 1993 Ambrisco Iowa City 1992 Duffy Johnson County 1991 Courtney Iowa City 1990 Courtney Iowa City 1989 Schottelius University Heights 1988 Roberts North Liberty 1987 Ambrisco Iowa City 1986 Donnelly Johnson County 1985 Dvorsky Coralville 1984 Sehr Johnson County 1983 Balmer Iowa City 1982 Kattchee Coralville 1981 Kattchee Coralville Date: November 6, 2024 To: Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kent Ralston, Executive Director Re: Agenda Item #3(C): Preliminary discussion of the FY26 MPOJC Budget Prior to the preparation of the MPO budget for your consideration in January, it has been my practice to discuss any proposed changes to the MPO scope of services or operations with the Board. Administratively MPOJC is part of the City of Iowa City and follows Iowa City budgeting procedures. Pages from the current year (FY25) budget are attached for reference. The focus and purpose of the MPO remains to: • Fulfill requirements necessary for local communities to receive state and federal transportation capital and operating funds. • Produce professional studies to support transportation-related decisions and capital project selection/funding. • Coordinate transit planning and transit reporting consistent with state and federal regulations for Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and the University of Iowa Cambus system. • Assist local entities with review of development proposals and associated transportation planning. • To serve as a forum for other regional issues/discussions. Capital expenses for FY26 are expected to be very similar to recent years; including a replacement schedule for our traffic counting equipment, traffic model and traffic signal software maintenance, and mapping software maintenance. I am not proposing any changes to the level of MPO staffing for FY26 and anticipate an approximate 2.4% increase in the total MPO budget – primarily due to increases in staff salaries and health benefit costs. I anticipate using $280,000 of Iowa Department of Transportation ‘Planning Funds’ in FY26. This is an increase from $230,000 used in previous years as a result of increases provided by the new transportation legislation. This increase ensures an appropriate balance of funds per DOT guidelines and defrays local funding necessary for MPO operations. I also anticipate utilizing approximately $24,000 of internal reserves to ensure an appropriate balance of funds per internal guidelines and to stabilize local assessments. I will be available at your November 13th meeting to answer any questions you may have. The formal budget will be provided to the Board for consideration at your January meeting. MPOJC Budget FY25 – FY27 MPOJC is designated by the Governor of the State of Iowa as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Iowa City Urbanized Area. The MPOJC Transportation Planning Division must fulfill the state and federal requirements of the 3-C transportation planning process. This process is required of all urbanized areas to maintain eligibility for grant programs and transportation operations funds of the United States Department of Transportation and the Iowa Department of Transportation. The Administration Division consists of a half-time Executive Director, and a .2 FTE Administrative Secretary. The Administration Division provides oversight and support to the staff of MPOJC. The Executive Director supervises all MPOJC personnel, coordinates the budget process and the preparation of division work programs. As MPOJC staff also serve the City of Iowa City Neighborhood and Development Services Department, this budget reflects Iowa City specific funding for 0.5 FTE Administration and 1.0 FTE Transportation Planner for Iowa City duties. 1Forecasts assume a 3% increase 2Student interns are funded entirely by the University of Iowa FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 Budgeted Proposed Forecast1 Forecast1 Salaries and Benefits $665,251 $690,100 $710,803 $732,127 Technical and Professional Services & Maintenance, Travel and Education $70,416 $68,219 $70,266 $72,374 Operating Costs;including office supplies,traffic counting and mapping equipment/software $10,195 $8,700 $8,961 $9,230 Subtotal $745,862 $767,019 $790,030 $813,730 University of Iowa Student Interns 2 $23,817 $23,817 $23,817 $23,817 TOTAL $769,679 $790,836 $813,847 $837,547 Expenditures Summary of FY25 Assessments Note: Figures do not include specific funding for Iowa City Neighborhood & Development Services, equivalent to 0.5 Administration Budget ($89,250) and 1.0 FTE Transportation Planning ($147,130). MPOJC Assessment Explanation 1. Assessment for Rural entities is 1% of the overall MPO assessment. Rural Board communities utilize MPO planning services but are not eligible for MPO grant funds. 2. 0.5 FTE of Administration Division and 1.0 FTE of Transportation Planning Division are for Iowa City related functions and are not reflected in assessments to other communities. 3. This budget does not include East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) assessments. 4. Assessment figures may not reflect exact population percentages shown due to rounding. Date: November 6, 2024 To: Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kent Ralston, Executive Director Re: Agenda Item #3(D): Authorize the Executive Director to execute a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant on behalf of participating entities In July 2023, staff received direction from each MPO urbanized area community to jointly apply for a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant to create a Safety Action Plan focused on reducing roadway deaths and serious injuries. SS4A grants go directly to regional, local, and tribal communities for implementation, planning, and demonstration projects driven at the local level to improve safety and help prevent deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways. The adoption of a Safety Action Plan will in turn make MPO urbanized area communities eligible for demonstration and implementation grants through the same program to correct issues identified in the Plan. In December 2023, following the joint application, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the MPO a $300,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant. Please be prepared to authorize the MPOJC Executive Director to execute the SS4A contract to accept funds. Following this authorization, staff will work directly with Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin and University Heights to secure the required local matching funds to advance the project, publish a request for proposals, and hire a consultant to complete the Safety Action Plan I will be available at your November 13th meeting to answer any questions you may have. Date: November 6, 2024 To: Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kent Ralston, Executive Director Re: Agenda Item #3(E): Consider a Resolution providing the Executive Director the authority to execute grants and contracts on behalf of the MPOJC After recent discussions with legal staff, a determination was made that the MPOJC Executive Director does not currently have explicit authority, per the adopted MPOJC bylaws, to execute contracts and grants on behalf of MPOJC or its member communities. This, coupled with the infrequency of MPOJC Urbanized Policy Board meetings, has caused recent delays in executing contracts and advancing projects desired by the Policy Board and/or its member communities. Legal staff has therefore advised that in order to avoid these delays in the future, a Resolution authorizing the MPOJC Executive Director to execute contracts and grant agreements be considered. And, that the Executive Director be required to submit the contract or grant agreement to the Iowa City Attorney’s Office (which performs legal work for MPOJC) for their review prior to executing said documents. Please be prepared to consider the attached Resolution providing the Executive Director (or designee) the authority to execute grants and contracts on behalf of MPOJC. I will be available at your November 13th meeting to answer any questions you may have. Prepared by: Kent Ralston, Executive Director, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356 -5253 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-__________ RESOLUTION PROVIDING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE GRANTS AND CONTRACTS ON BEHALF OF THE MPOJC WHEREAS, governmental bodies in the Iowa City Urbanized Area have established the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC); and WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Iowa has designated the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County as the metropolitan planning organization for the Iowa City Urbanized Area; and WHEREAS, the MPOJC Executive Director does not currently have explicit authority, per the adopted MPOJC bylaws, to execute contracts and grants on behalf of MPOJC member communities; and WHEREAS, the MPOJC Urbanized Policy Board meetings are typically months apart; and WHEREAS, the infrequency of MPOJC Urbanized Policy Board meetings has recently become problematic and caused delays in executing contracts and grant agreements and performing work directed by the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board and/or its member communities; and WHEREAS, the MPOJC Urbanized Policy Board wishes to avoid these delays in the future by authorizing the MPOJC Executive Director to execute contracts and grant agreements advancing the work directed by the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board and/or its member communities, in consultation with the City of Iowa City Attorney’s Office, which performs legal work for MPOJC. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD OF THE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY, THAT: 1. The MPOJC Executive Director (or designee) is hereby given the authority to execute contracts and grant agreements on behalf of MPOJC when carrying out work directed by the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board and/or its member communities. 2. Before executing any contract or grant agreement pursuant to this grant of authority, the MPOJC Executive Director shall submit the contract or grant agreement to the Iowa City Attorney’s Office for their review. It was moved by __________ and seconded by __________ the Resolution be adopted. The motion passed on a vote of ____ affirmative and ____ negative. Considered on this 13th day of November 2024. ___ Louise From (Chairperson) MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Date: November 6, 2024 To: Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Emily Bothell; Senior Associate Transportation Planner Re: Agenda Item #4(A): Consider approval of scoring criteria for Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funds allocated by MPOJC MPOJC grant applications for Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funding will be available in February 2025. Before we begin the grant application process, we would like the Urbanized Area Policy Board to review the adopted STBG, TAP, and CRP scoring criteria (attached). These scoring criteria were last reviewed and approved by the Board in November 2022 for the 2023 grant application cycle. In addition to evaluating grant applications, these criteria were also utilized to score and rank projects included in the MPOJC 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan, which was adopted in May 2022. The criteria align with the ‘Guiding Principles’ outlined in the MPOJC 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan, ensuring the MPO is funding projects that meet the organization’s goals. At their November 5th meeting, the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) unanimously recommended approval of the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) scoring criteria. Please be prepared to discuss the criteria and consider the TTAC recommendation at your November 13th meeting. If the Board decides to modify the criteria, staff recommends that the modifications align with the ‘Guiding Principles’ in the adopted Long Range Transportation Plan. Please keep in mind that the scoring criteria is just one tool for assessing and comparing potential grant-funded projects. The Policy Board is not obligated to award funding solely based on project scores. I will be available at your meeting on November 13th to answer any questions you may have. Surface Transportation Block Grant , Transportation Alternatives Program , and Carbon Reduction Program Scoring Criteria MPOJC Policy Board Approved November 16, 2022 1: Economic Opportunity – Supports metro area growth, innovation, job creation, and productivity A. Project improves/provides direct access to planned growth area, existing jobs, or retail +5 B. Project involves more than one MPO jurisdiction +1 each (Points Possible: 7) Total Points Possible: 12 (13%) Score: 2: Environment1 – Preserves and protects our natural resources, including land, water and air quality A. Project promotes air quality improvements via congestion reduction through one or more of the following: Geometric improvements (physical improvements that improve motorist operations), ITS/signalization improvements, Reduction of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), Improvement to turning movements +1 each (Points Possible: 4) B. Project preserves the natural environment through Stormwater Management practices such as: Incorporating permeable pavements, bioretention, soil restoration, etc. +1 each (Points Possible: 3) Total Points Possible: 7 (8%) Score: 3: Quality of Life – Enhances livability and creates vibrant and appealing places that serve residents throughout their lives A. Project directly enhances safe route(s) to school, or improves transportation choices for locations specifically serving multi-family developments or elderly populations +5 Total Points Possible: 5 (5%) Score: 4: System Preservation – Maintained in good and reliable condition A. Maintenance or improvement to existing facility/infrastructure +5 Total Points Possible: 5 (5%) Score: 5: Efficiency – Builds a well-connected transportation network and coordinating land use patterns to reduce travel demand, miles travelled, and fossil fuel consumption A. Project in a corridor with existing congestion (defined as having LOS E or F during peak hours according to the adopted MPO Travel Demand Model) +7 B. Project in a corridor with forecasted future congestion (defined as having LOS E or F during peak hours according to adopted MPO Travel Demand Model, LOS map is attached) +7 Total Points Possible: 14 (15%) Score: 6: Choice – Offers multi-modal transportation options that are affordable and accessible A. Project is on existing bus route (bus route map is attached) +3 B. Separated trail or wide sidewalk (8’ or wider) +3 C. Project reduces modal conflict (pedestrian hybrid beacons, grade separation, dedicated bicycle lanes or sharrows, bus pull-off, etc.) +3 Total Points Possible: 9 (10%) Score: 7: Safety – Designed and maintained to enhance the safety and security of all users A. History involving two or more documented bicycle or pedestrian collisions in the last five years (collision maps are attached) +7 B. Top 25 highest MPO accident locations or top 10 highest accident mid-blocks in last three years (accident tables are attached) +7 OR C. Sight distance or related safety issue documented by an expert (planner/engineer) +7 Total Points Possible for A&B: 14 (15%) OR Total Points Possible for C: 7 Score: 8: Health – Invites and enhances healthy and active lifestyles A. Project extends regional trail network (map is attached) +3 B. Project addresses critical gap in the regional trail network +5 Total Points Possible: 8 (9%) Score: 9: Equity2 – Provides access and opportunity for all people and neighborhoods A. Project improves transportation network in lower-income neighborhoods +5 B. Focus of the project is to correct ADA non-compliance +3 Total Points Possible: 8 (9%) Score: 10: Local Commitment – Gauges local commitment to the project including local and/or state funds pledged A. Local match 20.1% - 30% +1 B. Local match 30.1% - 40% +3 C. Local match 40.1% - 50% +5 D. Local match 50.1% - 60% +7 E. Local match 60.1% - or more +9 Total Points Possible: 9 (10%) Score: Total Score: 1Not used to score Transportation Alternatives Program or Carbon Reduction Program projects 2Lower-income neighborhoods are defined as being at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) by block group. Source: 2020 Decennial Census Date: November 6, 2024 To: Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Emily Bothell; Senior Associate Transportation Planner Re: Agenda Item #4(B): Update on the Federal Functional Classification revision process for local roadways The MPOJC grant application for Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding will be available in February 2025. These federal funds can only be used for roadways classified as collectors or higher on the Federal Functional Classification (FFC) system. At the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee meeting on November 5th, we asked members to review the current FFC map and submit any needed revisions by November 30th, 2024. The functional classification system categorizes roadways into five classes, identifying which roads qualify as Federal Aid Routes. The classes, ranked from highest to lowest, are: interstates, principal arterials, minor arterials, collectors, and local streets. Higher-classified roadways offer better mobility but provide limited access to individual properties, while lower-classified roadways allow greater access to properties but offer less overall mobility. To be included on the FFC system, roadways must demonstrate a high level of transportation connectivity. Roadways that do not show this connectivity or new roadways not included in a community’s Capital Improvement Program will not be approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). Additionally, only 35% of the total road mileage within the urban area can be designated on the FFC System. Once staff receives these requests from Committee members, we will work with the Iowa DOT to obtain 'pre-approval'. After receiving 'pre-approval' from the DOT, staff will present a recommendation to the Committee and Urbanized Area Policy Board for final approval. I will be available at your meeting on November 13th to answer any questions you may have. Link to the Highway Network Interactive Map: https://iowadot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=ee5e09b37329492587f8dd 4dca4f8e75 Date: November 6, 2024 To: Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kent Ralston; Executive Director Re: Agenda Item #4(C): Consider approval of safety targets and performance measures for the MPO as required by the Federal Highway Administration As you may recall, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) now requires that MPO’s set targets for five safety performance measures as part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program and report them to the State DOT by February 27th each year. For each measure, we will need to choose one of the following options: 1) support the State’s targets (below) by agreeing to plan and program projects so that they contribute to the accomplishment of the State’s target for each performance measure, or 2) set our own quantifiable target for each measure within our metropolitan area. Similar to the safety target setting, the FHWA also requires that MPO’s set targets for pavement, bridge, and system reliability performance measures as part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program and report them to the State DOT every two-years. Previously, the MPO unanimously chose to support the State’s two and four-year targets (below). Since that time, and as part of the State’s two-year review and update to the FHWA, the DOT revised three of the adopted four-year performance measures. 2 Subsequently, for each of the adjusted four-year targets, we will also need to choose one of the following options: 1) support the State’s adjusted four-year targets by agreeing to plan and program projects so that they contribute to the accomplishment of the State’s adjusted targets for the performance measure, or 2) set our own quantifiable target for each measure within our metropolitan area. In either event, we are required to state how our annual projects programmed in our Transportation Improvement Program show progress towards meeting the adopted targets and provide similar information about how projects are satisfying the performance measures in our next required update to the Long Range Transportation Plan in 2027. While MPO targets are not formally evaluated to measure annual progress toward meeting adopted targets, the State’s targets will be reviewed by the FHWA. Similar to past years, staff does not see a clear benefit to adopting our own criteria and recommend that we adopt the State’s targets. If at any time we feel that creating our own local targets would provide an additional benefit, we will have an opportunity to do so each year. The Transportation Technical Advisory Committee unanimously recommended approval of adopting the State’s targets for both sets of performance measures at their November 5th meeting. I have attached additional information provided by the Iowa DOT for your reference. Please be prepared to consider this item and provide staff with direction. I will be at your November 13th meeting to answer any questions you may have. Date: November 6, 2024 To: Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kent Ralston; Executive Director Re: Agenda Item #4(D): Presentation of the CRANDIC Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study Last fall the MPO Policy Board gave staff direction to hire a consultant to complete a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Feasibility study on approximately 9.0 miles of the CRANDIC freight rail line between Penn Street in North Liberty and Burlington Street in Iowa City. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU) and Nelson Nygaard were awarded the contract and the study was led by a steering committee comprised of representation from Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Johnson County, the University of Iowa, CRANDIC Railroad, the Iowa DOT, and Greater Iowa City, Inc. The purpose of the study was to examine the feasibility of providing BRT service in the study corridor and to make comparisons with previous passenger rail studies conducted in the same corridor - completed in 2020. The study is now complete and confirms that converting the existing freight rail line for BRT service is feasible. Following are key take-aways from the study: • A two-tier screening process was utilized to determine a final set of alternatives with differing start/end points. Tier 1 screening compared 8 alternatives against 18 criteria and Tier 2 screening compared 3 final alternatives against 11 additional criteria to develop a final alternative. • The final alternative would provide weekday service on 15-minute frequencies during peak hours servicing a total of 18 stops and an end-to-end travel time of 27 minutes. Service is reduced to 30-minute frequencies on nights and weekends. • Total daily ridership is estimated at 3,665 in 2024 increasing to 4,360 in 2045. For comparison, Iowa City Transit had a weekday average ridership of 3,443 in FY23. • Total estimated capital cost for implementation is $92 million which includes 7 new 40’ electric buses and charging equipment, a new maintenance facility, necessary improvements to the fixed guideway and crossings, stop platforms/improvements, park and ride facilities, a new north transit center, and a 10’ wide adjacent trail facility (where not currently present). The cost estimate does not include payment to CRANDIC for the purchase or lease of the tracks. • Total estimated annual operations and maintenance cost is $2.35 million and is based on annual costs from Iowa City, Coralville, and Cambus transit systems. A formal presentation of the final study will be provided to you at your November 13th meeting (presentation slides attached). The final study can be accessed at HTTPS://WWW.IOWA- CITY.ORG/WEBLINK/DOCVIEW.ASPX?ID=2215875&DBID=0&REPO=CITYOFIOWACITY I will be available at your meeting to answer any questions you may have. 11/6/2024 1 1 BUS RAPID TRANSIT FEASIBILITY ON THE CRANDIC RAIL CORRIDOR Agenda Project Overview Alternatives Analysis Capital Improvements Operations Ridership Modeling & Forecasts Recommended Alternative Funding Next Steps 1 2 11/6/2024 2 Project Overview Cedar-Iowa River Rail Transit Project Feasibility Study (2006) Iowa City – Cedar Rapids Passenger Rail Conceptual Feasibility Study (2015) Iowa City – North Liberty Passenger Rail Conceptual Feasibility Study (2016) Iowa City – Oakdale CRANDIC Right-of-Way Rails-to-Trails Conversion Study (2018) Iowa City – North Liberty Commuter Rail Conceptual Feasibility Study (2020) Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility on the CRANDIC Rail Corridor (2024) Steering Committee OrganizationPositionName Johnson CountyCounty SupervisorJon Green Iowa City TransitDirector of Transportation ServicesDarian Nagle-Gamm University of Iowa, CAMBUSCAMBUS ManagerBrian McClatchey Coralville TransitDirector of Parking and TransportationVicky Robrock North LibertySpecial Projects CoordinatorAngela McConville CRANDICDirector – Business DevelopmentJeff Woods Iowa DOTDirector, Rail TransportationAmanda Martin Iowa DOTTransit Programs AdministratorMatthew Oetker Greater Iowa City, Inc.Senior Director of Economic Development Austin Korns MPOJCExecutive DirectorKent Ralston 3 4 11/6/2024 3 Alternatives Analysis Two Tier Analysis Tier 1 Criteria Serve a high number of transit riders. Increase mode share for transit over driving. Reduce the need for parking. Achieve the fastest end-to-end travel time. Increase connections to other transit routes and services. Improve rider access to the multimodal transportation network. Increase the ability to utilize active transportation uses. Increase connections for disadvantaged populations. Avoid project costs that are far above the average for transit projects. Avoid impacts to other transportation uses (driving lanes, parking, railroads). Avoid costly obstacles such as bridges and major utilities. Serve a high amount of existing population density. Serve a high amount of existing employment density. Serve a high amount of future population density. Serve a high amount of future employment density. Increase connections to major activity centers. Increase connections to healthcare facilities. Increase connections to planned development projects. Alternatives Analysis Tier 2 Criteria Travel Time Operating Costs Right-of-Way Conditions and Physical Constraints Capital Costs and Fundability Potential Ridership Market Population Density Employment Density Low-Income Population Minority Population Zero Car Households Redevelopment Potential 5 6 11/6/2024 4 Capital Improvements Fixed guideway (cost to remove the railroad, grade the corridor, and construct a new roadway). Bridge repairs and construction; including, rehabilitating or replacing existing railroad infrastructure. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) improvements for traffic intersections, including Transit Signal Priority (TSP) and bus queue jumps. Street crossing upgrades for BRT at areas that currently feature railroad crossings. Other street crossing improvements for pedestrians to access the BRT stops from sidewalks near the alignment. BRT stop platforms and amenities including shelters, bicycle racks, and trash cans. Cross Section –Two-Lane with Trail 7 8 11/6/2024 5 Cross Section – One-Lane with Trail Cross Section – Center Island Stop 9 10 11/6/2024 6 Capital Costs Cost Item Alternative 1 Alternative 5 Alternative 7 Bus Vehicles ($1.2M per vehicle) $8.40 $8.40 $7.20 Vehicle Maintenance Facility ($3-4M) $3.50 $3.50 $3.00 Vehicle Chargers/Fueling Facilities $15.85 $15.85 $15.85 Fixed Guideway* $48.90 $48.90 $51.90 Trail $4.60 $4.60 $4.60 Stations ($0.3M per station) $3.60 $2.70 $2.40 Park and Rides ($0.5M per station) $3.00 $3.00 $3.00 North Transit Center $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 Environmental and Design Studies $3.00 $3.00 $3.00 Contingency (15%) $23.96 $23.74 $23.99 Total Capital Cost Estimate $92.85 $91.95 $92.95 Cost Per Mile $8.84 $9.99 $10.21 * Fixed Guideway costs include the removal of tracks, corridor preparation, street construction, bridge constructions and storm sewer. 2024 Costs in Millions Operations – Service Hours & Frequency Service Day Type Early Morning Peak Midday Afternoon Peak Evening Late Night 5-6 AM 6-9 AM 9 AM-3 PM 3-6 PM 6-9 PM 9-11 PM Mondays-Fridays 30 15 30 15 30 30 Saturdays* - 30 30 30 30 30 Sundays/Holidays* - 30 30 30 30 - * Weekend service would be required for Federal Transit Administration Capital Investment Grants (CIG) 11 12 11/6/2024 7 Operations - Statistics Alternative 1 Alternative 5 Alternative 7 Cycle Time (Minutes) 75 75 60 Peak Frequency (Minutes) 15 15 15 Peak Vehicles 5 5 4 Spare Vehicles 2 2 2 Total Vehicles 7 7 6 Annual Miles 359,835 315,284 311,857 Weekday Hours 68.63 68.17 51.30 Weekend Hours 54.91 54.53 41.04 Annual Weekday Hours 17,501.50 17,382.50 13,081.50 Annual Weekend Hours 6,039.73 5,998.67 4,514.40 Total Annual Hours 23,541.23 23,381.17 17,595.90 Operations – Changes to Existing Service CAMBUS Existing routes should largely remain unchanged Align stops with new BRT stops Iowa City Transit Existing routes should largely remain unchanged Align stops with new BRT stops Coralville Transit Existing routes should largely remain unchanged Align stops with new BRT stops Evaluate Route 22 for ridership and operations impacts Sunday Service May need service for Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit May need paratransit service in all communities At least $500,000 per year 13 14 11/6/2024 8 Operations - BRT Costs Alternative 1 Alternative 5 Alternative 7 Weekday Cost $6,912 $6,865 $5,167 Weekend Cost $5,530 $5,492 $4,133 Annual Weekday Cost $1,762,644 $1,750,659 $1,317,489 Annual Weekend Cost $608,285 $604,149 $454,663 Total Annual Cost $2,370,929 $2,354,808 $1,772,152 Ridership Modeling & Forecasts Simplified Trips on Software (STOPS) application is a stand-alone ridership forecasting software package developed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Current year - 2023. Horizon year - 2045 15 16 11/6/2024 9 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 North Liberty TC Alexander Way Jones Boulevard Highway 965 Cherry Street Zeller Street Golf View Drive Ashley Court Forevergreen Road University Parkway Oakdale Boulevard East Lot 12th Avenue Holiday Road 10th Street 7th Avenue 1st Avenue 5th Street U of I Events U of I Hospitals Riverside Drive Iowa Avenue Clinton Street Alternative 1: On/Offs by Station 2023 2045 North Liberty Coralville Iowa City 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 North Liberty TC Penn Street Cherry Street Zeller Street Golf View Drive Ashley Court Forevergreen Road University Parkway Oakdale Boulevard East Lot 12th Avenue Holiday Road 10th Street 7th Avenue 1st Avenue 5th Street U of I Events U of I Hospitals Riverside Drive Iowa Avenue Clinton Street Alternative 5: On/Offs by Station 2023 2045 North Liberty Coralville Iowa City 17 18 11/6/2024 10 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 North Liberty TC Penn Street Cherry Street Zeller Street Golf View Drive Ashley Court Forevergreen Road University Parkway Oakdale Boulevard East Lot 12th Avenue Holiday Road 10th Street 7th Avenue 1st Avenue 5th Street U of I Events U of I Hospitals Iowa Avenue Clinton Street Alternative 7: On/Offs by Station 2023 2045 North Liberty Coralville Iowa City Daily Ridership Forecast 4,424 4,356 4,201 5,149 5,075 4,821 Alt 1 Alt 5 Alt 7 2023 2045 ICT 2023 3,864 19 20 11/6/2024 11 Recommended Alternative $91.95 MCapital Cost $2.35MOperations Cost (per year) 4,350 (2023) 5,075 (2045)Daily Ridership Alternative 5 Funding Federal Funding Capital Investment Grants (CIG) National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) Program Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program Urbanized Area Formula Grants (Section 530) Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) State Funding Public Transit Infrastructure Grant (PTIG) State Sales Tax Vehicle Registration Fee Local Funding Hotel-Motel Tax (Des Moines Case Study) Local Option State and Service Tax (LOSST) 21 22 11/6/2024 12 Federal Funding: FTA CIG Program Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Small Starts Total project cost < $400M Small Starts funding < $150M New fixed guideway systems (CRT, Streetcar, etc.) Extension to existing system (phasing) Fixed guideway BRT system At least 50% of alignment Corridor-based BRT system Project Justification Warrants Pre-qualification thresholds to receive automatic “Medium” rating Project meets minimum eligibility infrastructure components, operating span and frequency, etc. Simplified Environmental Benefits & Financial Plans rating (key inputs) Ridership and transit VMT data Incremental O&M cost < 5% current agency total CIG Project Development Process 23 24 11/6/2024 13 Benefits of BRT vs Rail Transit on CRANDIC ROW Benefits of BRT vs Rail Transit on CRANDIC ROW Capital Cost: BRT - $91.95 million (2024). Rail (Iowa City to North Liberty) - $49.0 million (2019). $60.1 million (2024) Operating Cost: BRT - $2.4 million per year (2024). Additional Transit Service - $500,000 per year Rail (Iowa City to North Liberty) - $4.8 million (2019). $5.9 million (2024) Capacity Tailored to Demand: BRT – 4,350 (2023), 5,075 (2045) Rail (Iowa City to North Liberty) – 5,282 (2019), 7,728 (2042) Lower capacity of the BRT alternative aligns well with current ridership demands, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized without excess. Flexibility in Adjusting End Terminals: BRT - Can adapt and use local streets if needed, especially at the north and south terminals. Rail (Iowa City to North Liberty) – Fixed based on track alignment. Opportunities for Development: There remains significant potential for further development along the route that could benefit both bus and rail transit. Next StepsNext Steps Immediate next steps to advance the proposed BRT alternative include: Determine the preferred approach to transit on the CRANDIC corridor – rail or BRT. Submit a RAISE planning grant application to advance design, environmental, and modeling. Coordinate with CRANDIC on the timing and approach to railroad abandonment (if desired). Determine regional consensus on agency to operate service. Determine the financial capacity and need for additional Sunday service (if desired). Identify preferred regional funding source for operating costs. Prepare application and secure funding for CIG or other funding for construction. 25 26 Date: November 6, 2024 To: Urbanized Area Policy Board From: Kent Ralston, Executive Director Re: Agenda Item #5(A): Update from the Iowa Bicycle Coalition Attached are several items provided by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. Staff from the Iowa Bicycle Coalition will be present at your November 13th meeting to provide an update and answer any questions you may have. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is an organization working to promote Iowa cycling as safe and enjoyable recreation and transportation. The 501(c)(3) non-profit group was launched by bicycling advocates from across Iowa.