HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.22.18 TTAC Minutes
APPROVED
MPOJC TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, May 22, 2018 - 10:30 AM
EMMA HARVAT HALL, IOWA CITY CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Coralville: Vicky Robrock, Dan Holderness, Ellen Habel
Iowa City: Mark Rummel, Scott Sovers, Jason Havel,
Ron Knoche, Darian Nagle-Gamm
Johnson County: Tom Brase, Greg Parker
North Liberty: None
Tiffin: Doug Boldt
University Heights: Virginia Miller
University of Iowa: Brian McClatchey
RTBC: Bob Oppliger
Iowa DOT: Newman Abuissa
ECICOG: Brock Grenis
STAFF PRESENT: Kent Ralston, Brad Neumann, Emily Bothell,
OTHERS PRESENT: None
1. CALL TO ORDER; RECOGNIZE ALTERNATES; CONSIDER APPROVAL OF
MEETING MINUTES
From motioned to approve the meeting minutes. Knoche seconded the motion. The
motion carried unanimously.
2. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
Ralston stated that Bob Oppliger of the Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee (RTBC)
would be joining the TTAC as their representative, replacing Terry Dahms.
Ralston informed the TTAC that Darian Nagle-Gamm has left MPOJC to be the new
Transportation Services Director for Iowa City.
3. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE MPOJC URBANIZED AREA POLICY
BOARD FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION SECTION 5307 TRANSIT
OPERATING FORMULA FUNDING APPORTIONMENT FOR FY2018 AND TRANSIT
STATISTICS FOR FY2017
Neumann stated that the MPO has around $2.5 million to apportion for FY18 in Section
5307 transit operating formula funding. Available funding is lower than FY17. Funds are
apportioned by the Urbanized Area Policy Board to Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit,
and the University of Iowa Cambus. Formula funding for apportionment is based on four
factors: operating costs, locally determined income (LDI), revenue miles, and fare
revenue. LDI has been calculated by adding total revenue minus state and federal
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revenue. Staff is recommending changing the LDI formula to total operating costs minus
state and federal dollars. This change would level the playing field for the three transit
agencies. The proposed change follows how the MPO reports transit data annually, and
follows the process the state uses to apportion their funding. Staff is asking for approval
of the change to the definition of LDI and a recommendation for the FY18 apportionment
funding using the new formula.
McClatchey stated that the proposed change is not a change in definition, but a
clarification of the definition for LDI. McClatchey also stated that member entities should
consider retroactively adjusting their funding for FY16 and FY17 using the new formula.
Neumann stated that the MPO had discussions with Iowa City, and they were against
adjusting funding for the last two fiscal years, but support using the new formula for the
FY18 and future calculations. There were questions if retroactively adjusting funding for
the last two fiscal years would require a policy decision from the Board. Ralston stated a
policy decision from the Board would not be necessary, and the issue could simply be
handled by city and university administrations because it was not something the Board
would be able to dictate.
TTAC members were in favor of using the new funding formula in FY18 and beyond but
were against recommending retroactively adjusting the funding to the Board. Members
hoped that this issue could be resolved administratively.
McClatchey motioned to approve the revision and FY18 apportionment; Andrew seconded
the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
4. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE MPOJC URBANIZED AREA POLICY
BOARD REGARDING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ADOPTED FY18-21 MPOJC
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM – ADOPTING STATE SAFETY
TARGETS FOR THE URBANIZED AREA
Ralston stated that a memo had been sent out to TTAC members in October outlining
safety performance measures as part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program. The
MPO was required to adopt the state’s safety targets, or create their own. MPO staff had
recommended adopting the state’s safety targets for three reasons: uncertainty in future
reporting requirements, potential future penalties for not meeting targets set by the MPO,
and time constraints. Safety targets must be approved annually, and can be adjusted
annually, if needed. No comments were received; the Board approved adopting state
targets at their November meeting.
Ralston informed the Board that the DOT provided language to be added to the FY18-21
Transportation Improvement Program to comply with FHWA requirements.
Staff is asking for a recommendation for the Board, to amend the language for the adopted
FY18-21 Transportation Improvement Program.
Holderness motioned to approve the amendment; W heatley seconded the motion. The
motion carried unanimously.
5. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD
REGARDING APPOINTMENT OF A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE STATEWIDE URBAN
DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS (SUDAS) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ralston informed the TTAC that the Board is asked every other year to approve a MPO
representative to the SUDAS Board of Directors. SUDAS is a non-profit organization that
maintains Iowa manuals for public improvements including streets and sidewalks, utilities,
sewers, etc. Scott Larson, the Assistant City Engineer for Coralville, is the current
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representative and is interested in serving another term. The only requirement for this
position is being a licensed engineer for one of the MPO entities.
Staff is asking for a recommendation to the Board; approving Scott Larson or another
engineer as the MPO SUDAS representative for another term.
Knoche motioned to approve Scott Larson as the representative; Boldt seconded the
motion. The motion carried unanimously.
6. DISCUSSION OF THE POTENTIAL FOR A ‘FEDERAL-AID SWAP’ IN IOWA WHEREBY
STATE FUNDING COULD REPLACE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ROAD/BRIDGE
PROJECTS
Ralston stated that House File 203 was signed into law this past legislative session. The
law permits the Iowa DOT Commission to allow for ‘Federal-Aid Swaps’, where city road
and bridge projects formerly funded through federal funds and programmed by the MPO,
are instead funded by state funds, a 1:1 match. The goal of this program is to minimize
requirements that delay projects and increase costs, improving efficiency.
The DOT has completed their stakeholder engagement process and has provided a rough
draft for review. The DOT will seek approval from the commission as early as their
February 13th meeting. The federal-aid swap would officially go into effect in FFY19,
beginning in October 2018.
Ralston stated that there is no inherent risk for opting-in or opting-out, and asked for
feedback from TTAC members on how their communities feel about this program. The
preference of the DOT is to have the MPO opt-in or opt-out during the TIP approval
process; TIP projects will be presented to the TTAC in May. The MPO is automatically
opted-in to the program, if no decision has been reached.
Ralston informed the TTAC that opting-in to the program would require policy changes
that would have to be approved by the Board. One of the required policy changes would
be that the MPO can determine if a local match will be required for projects (it is currently
an 80-20 match). There would no longer be a match requirement from the State.
Currently, for the TIP process, each community is allocated funding that is programmed
in the correct year of the TIP. Opting-in eliminates this requirement, allowing projects to
be frontloaded. This would require a prioritization process for projects that have been
allocated funding. Ralston informed the TTAC that one issue is that this process assumes
state funding is available; frontloading projects across the state could reduce the amount
of available funding from the state.
If the decision is made to opt-in, it would be a full commitment from all entities. The MPO
would be unable to pick-and-choose which projects to fund through this process, all
projects would be subject to this requirement. Ralston stated that projects that have been
“federalized” would not be eligible, since they are projects in progress.
Wheatley asked if the primary goal of this program is to fund smaller projects. Ralston
responded that the primary goal is to improve efficiency and streamline the process.
Havel stated that the main benefit of this program is time saved, through the elimination
of overlapping requirements. Havel stated that the expectation is that there will be little
savings regarding environmental requirements.
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McClatchey asked if construction costs would be reduced. Ralston stated that because
projects would be state-funded, Davis-Bacon and Buy America requirements would no
longer apply, which may reduce construction costs.
Ralston informed the TTAC that projects under the STBG program are eligible for the
Federal-Aid Swap, projects funded through TAP would not be eligible for the swap at this
time.
Ralston asked the Committee if they wanted to provide a recommendation to the Board,
or postpone a decision until the next meeting. The Committee recommended to opt-in to
the swap program.
Knoche motioned to approve; Holderness seconded the motion. The motion was
approved unanimously.
7. UPDATE ON THE MPOJC FY19 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING WORK PROGRAM &
FY19-22 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM SCHEDULES
Neumann stated that the Work Program is a document that identifies all major projects the
MPO will address in FY19. This program is a coordinated effort between the TTAC, the
Board, and Iowa DOT. The Work Program includes all state and federally required
planning processes, documentation for ongoing projects, and special projects requested
from member entities. The MPO will be asking for FY19 projects beginning in February.
The draft Work Program must be submitted to the Iowa DOT, FHWA, and FTA by April
1st. The Board will approve the final Work Program in May.
Neumann stated that the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is where federally-
funded transportation improvements in the Iowa City urbanized area are programmed.
The document includes all federally-funded transportation projects for all modes of
transportation. The TIP formalizes specific projects and the year they are receiving
funding. The MPO will not apportion funding this spring for STBG and TAP. Two projects
were funded last year that are not in the current TIP, but will be included in the FY19-22
TIP; Highway 965 in North Liberty and Melrose Avenue in University Heights; both are
programmed in FY22. A draft will be presented to the TTAC in May. Final approval will
occur in July. The approved TIP will be submitted to the Iowa DOT by July 15.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
Ralston informed the TTAC of the attachment to their packet identifying the FHWA notice
of termination of approval for rectangular rapid flashing signs. These signs are primarily
used at mid-block pedestrian crossings.
From stated that construction on the new hotel in University Heights will begin in July 2018.
Construction will take approximately 1.5 years.
Havel stated that Iowa City will begin reconstructing the pedestrian mall in 2018. It will
take approximately two years to complete. The Dubuque Street portion will be
reconstructed in 2018-19, and the College Street portion in 2019.
Havel also stated that Iowa City is partnering with the Iowa DOT to overlay Highway 6 and
Riverside Drive from Iowa City limits to the Highway1/6 split. Governor Street from
Burlington to Dodge will also be overlaid.
Knoche stated that construction is ongoing for the Gateway project. The hope is that the
project will be completed by August. One portion of the bridge deck has been completed.
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The approach spans will be completed in the spring. Park Road will be tied into Dubuque
Street after the approach spans are completed.
Holderness stated that Coralville bid Phase 2 of the Coral Ridge Avenue project from
Oakdale to Forevergreen Road in January. Construction is expected to begin this year.
The 1st Avenue project from 6th Street to 9th Street was approved by the Iowa DOT in
January; Construction is expected to begin this year.
Holderness stated that the Clear Creek Trail was also let in January. It will be awarded in
February. Construction is expected to begin this year.
Rummel stated that the City will begin a bike-share program this year. The City will also
install electric vehicle charging stations, and expand and replace bus shelters. Iowa City
has received eight new buses over the last few weeks. They will enter service within the
next month.
Grenis stated that the RFP for the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids express bus service will be
released at the end of the month. Service was expected to begin July 1st, but will be
pushed back due to delays in the funding authorization process. Fall 2018 is the new
anticipated start date for the service.
Cutler stated that the Iowa DOT conducted a study on I-80 to examine the overpasses.
The DOT will instead offer an incentive plan to encourage low-volume overpasses to
close.
Wheatley stated that the interchange project at Forevergreen Road in North Liberty is
ongoing. The city is also opening a new elementary school on North Front Street in North
Liberty. Designs are in progress for two new roundabouts, including the North Front Street
and the South Slope entrance. Highway 965 is ongoing with the next phase of construction
occurring from Penn Street to Zeller Street.
McClatchey stated that Evashevski Drive will be closed for 1.5 years for the reconstruction
of Kinnick Stadium.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Wheatley motioned to adjourn; Knoche seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.