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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.17.21 UAPB MinutesMINUTES APPROVED MPOJC URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD NOVEMBER 17, 2021 – 4:30 P.M. JOHNSON COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES BUILDING – 2ND FLOOR CONF. RM 855 S. DUBUQUE ST, IOWA CITY, IA MEMBERS PRESENT: Coralville: Meghann Foster, Laurie Goodrich Iowa City: Pauline Taylor, Laura Bergus, Janice Weiner, Eric Goers Johnson County: Royceann Porter North Liberty: Terry Donahue, Brian Wayson University Heights: Louise From University of Iowa: Erin Shane STAFF PRESENT: Kent Ralston, Emily Bothell, Brad Neumann, Frank Waisath, Sarah Walz, Brady Vanlo OTHERS PRESENT: Amanda Martin (Iowa DOT), Tammy Nicholson (Iowa DOT), 1. CALL TO ORDER Donahue called the meeting to order at 4:32 PM. The meeting was held at the Johnson County Health & Human Services Building in the 2nd floor conference room. a. Recognize alternates Eric Goers was recognized as an alternate for John Thomas (Iowa City) and Brian Wayson as an alternate for Chris Hoffman (North Liberty). b. Consider approval of meeting minutes Motion to approve made by Taylor; Donahue seconded. The motion carried unanimously. c. Set next Board meeting date, time and location Ralston tentatively scheduled the next Board meeting for January 26, 2022 – location to be determined. 2. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA Ralston recognized outgoing Board members Terry Donahue (North Liberty), Susan Mims (Iowa City), and Mazahir Salih (Iowa City). 3. ADMINISTRATION a. Confirm entities that will nominate Johnson County representatives to East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) Board of Directors Ralston explained that MPOJC bylaws stipulating appointments to the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) Board of Directors were revised and approved last year. Per the revised bylaws, each January, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors will now appoint one elected official representative and one citizen representative to the ECICOG MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes _________________ Page 2 Board. The Urbanized Area Policy Board will appoint two elected official representatives to the ECICOG Board annually. One elected official seat will be filled by the four largest municipalities and will alternate annually. Ralston confirmed that the 2022 representative will be designated by Iowa City. Another elected official seat will be filled by the remaining municipalities and will also alternate annually. Ralston confirmed that the 2022 representative will be designated by Lone Tree. Lastly, Ralston confirmed that he will contact Johnson County, Iowa City, and Lone Tree and request that they designate representatives to the ECICOG Board of Directors. The designees will be recognized at the Board meeting in January. b. Appoint nominating committee for Calendar Year 2022 Urbanized Area Policy Board officers Ralston confirmed that at the upcoming January 2022 meeting, entities will be voting on a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the calendar year 2022 Urbanized Area Policy Board. The Chairperson is responsible for presiding over all meetings of the Board and the Chairperson and/or Director will be responsible for signing contracts and other federally required documents throughout the year. The Vice Chairperson will assume the duties of the Chairperson when they are not available. Ralston asked the Board to consider appointing a three-person nominating committee to recommend a Chair and Vice Chair for the 2022 Urbanized Area Policy Board. Ralston confirmed that the current Chair, Terry Donahue (Mayor, City of North Liberty) and the Vice-Chair, John Thomas (Iowa City, City Council) have served for two years; which is the maximum term limit for these positions. Louise From (University Heights), Laurie Goodrich (Coralville) and Janice Weiner (Iowa City) volunteered for the three-person committee. Ralston confirmed that he will contact the three volunteers for further discussion. c. Preliminary discussion of FY23 MPOJC Budget Ralston explained that prior to consideration of the MPO budget in January, it has been his practice to discuss proposed changes to the MPO scope of services or operations with the Board in advance. Ralston explained that capital expenses for FY23 are expected to be very similar to recent years which includes a replacement schedule for traffic counting equipment, traffic model and traffic signal software maintenance, and mapping software maintenance. Ralston did not propose any changes to staff levels, nor any changes to the scope of services. Ralston explained that he anticipates a 3.9% increase in the total MPO budget – primarily due to annual increases in salaries and health benefits. Ralston anticipates using approximately $230,000 of the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) ‘Planning Funds’ in FY23; similar to previous years to ensure an appropriate balance of funds per DOT guidelines and to defray local funding necessary for MPO operations. Ralston also anticipates using approximately $50,000 of internal reserves to ensure an appropriate balance of funds per internal guidelines and minimize increases in assessments. MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes _________________ Page 3 Ralston explained that with changes to federal funding/legislation; there is a possibility of the MPO receiving additional planning funds. Ralston confirmed that in the event the MPO receives additional funding, he will re-evaluate the budget prior to the January meeting. Ralston will present the formal budget for approval at the January Board meeting. d. Consider a Resolution approving updates to the MPOJC Title VI Compliance Plan Neumann explained that as required by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), MPOJC has prepared a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI program for approval by the Urbanized Area Policy Board. Since MPOJC receives federal funding, MPOJC is required to submit a Title VI program every three years. Neumann explained that the FTA also requires Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and the University of Iowa Cambus to also submit a Title VI program. Neumann confirmed that MPOJC prepares and submits these Title VI programs separately on behalf of these transit agencies. Neumann explained that the Title VI program assures nondiscrimination as outlined in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving Federal funding assistance. Neumann presented the Board with an attached document that provides guidelines for MPOJC to follow in order to comply with all Title VI requirements for nondiscrimination. The document also includes a limited English proficiency assessment, and MPOJC’s Public Participation Plan which was approved by the Board in 2017. Neumann explained that the policy statements and assurances have been signed by MPOJC’s Director, Kent Ralston, and the Iowa City Civil Rights Coordinator, Stefanie Bowers. The MPOJC Title VI plan, and complaint forms can be found on the MPOJC website. The Transportation Technical Advisory Committee unanimously recommended approval of the Title VI compliance plan at their November 9th meeting. Shane asked for clarification about who would be the governing authority in the event of complaints depending on which transit system the complaint occurred on. Ralston and Neumann both explained that as each transit has its own Title VI compliance plan, the complaint would be handled by each respective entity. Motion to approve made by Wayson; From seconded. The motion carried unanimously. e. Consider approval of staff authorization to execute actions on behalf of MPOJC for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Neumann explained that in May of 2018 the Board approved cooperative agreements on behalf of Coralville Transit, Iowa City Transit, and University of Iowa Cambus that clarified MPOJC’s standing as the Designated Recipient for FTA’s 5307 operating funds. The cooperative agreements identify mutual responsibilities to be completed by MPOJC staff and each transit agency. As part of the agreements, a specific MPOJC staff person needs to be designated to execute the Section 5307 operating grants process. Neumann explained that due to upcoming staff changes, Associate Planner, Frank Waisath, will be named in the FTA letter as the new authorized designee. Neumann requested Board approval of the new staff authorization to execute actions on behalf of MPOJC for the Federal Transit Administration. Neumann stated that the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee unanimously recommended approval at their November 9th meeting. MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes _________________ Page 4 Neumann explained that upon approval, the chairperson of the Board would sign the formal letter that will be sent to the Federal Transit Administration. Motion to approve by From; Weiner seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 4. TRANSPORTATION PLANNING a. Consider approval of safety targets and performance measures for the MPO as required by the Federal Highway Administration Ralston explained that the Federal Highway Administration requires the MPO set targets for five safety performance measures as a part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and report them to the Iowa DOT by February 27th of each year. Ralston continued that for each measure the Board will need to choose one of two options: (1) support the State’s 2021 targets 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) the Board sets their own quantifiable target for each measure within the metropolitan area. Ralston explained that in either event, the MPO is required to state how annual projects programmed in the Transportation Improvement Program show progress towards meeting the adopted targets and provide similar information about how projects are sat isfying the performance measures in the Long Range Transportation Plan, which is currently in development. While MPO targets will not be formally evaluated to measure annual progress toward meeting adopted targets, the State’s targets will be assessed by the Federal Highway Administration. Ralston recommended that the Board adopt the State’s targets, elaborating that if at any time the Board feels that creating their own local targets would provide additional benefit, they will have an opportunity to do so each year. The Transportation Technical Advisory Committee unanimously recommended approval of supporting the State’s targets at their November 9th meeting. Donahue questioned whether MPOJC staff is consistent in keeping up to date with the State’s targets. Ralston affirmed, stating that MPOJC keeps track of whether projects that are approved meet the State’s targets. Motion to approve made by Bergus; Goodrich seconded. The motion carried unanimously. b. Update on the MPOJC Long Range Transportation Plan revision process Bothell explained to the Board that staff has been busy finalizing the Travel Demand Model and drafting Plan chapters. The remaining chapters will be provided at the January Board meeting. Bothell explained that the chapters have been drafted as data and materials have become available, which is why materials will not be received sequentially, and that the Board will have an opportunity to review the document in its entirety early 2022 (most likely March). Bothell reminded the Board of the framework of the Long Range Plan, explaining that the layout has remained the same, with each respective chapter containing general statistics, a vision, and challenges and successes. Staff has also updated maps, as well as included a new section that included impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic. MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes _________________ Page 5 c. Discussion on CRANDIC passenger rail and potential next steps Ralston began discussion with introducing both Amanda Martin and Tammy Nicholson from the Iowa DOT. Martin serves as the Director of the Rail Transportation Bureau and Nicholson serves as Director of the Modal Transportation Division. Neumann continued with updating the Board of the 3 studies that MPOJC has conducted since 2015 on passenger rail. Phase 1 included an Iowa City to Cedar Rapids Passenger Rail Conceptual Feasibility Study. Phase 1 identified the Iowa City to North Liberty segment as feasible and further study was warranted. Phase 2 included an Iowa City to North Liberty Passenger Rail Conceptual Feasibility study. The phase explored the feasibility of passenger rail service between Gilbert Street in Iowa City to Forevergreen Road in North Liberty, a distance of 7.1 miles. Phase 3 extended the route to Penn Street in North Liberty and focused more on specific ridership and cost estimates and focused on getting MPOJC ready for future grant applications through the Federal government. Neumann explained that CRANDIC has indicated that they are not currently interested in developing a trail on the segment and would potentially be willing to assist in the financing of the passenger rail project. However, these statements were made prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Neumann informed the Board that more details on the studies can be found on the MPOJC website, then passed discussion to Amanda Martin. Ralston mentioned that when the studies were conducted, the surveys were done in a way that was approved by the FTA. Stating that this was important in the event that the Passenger rail would need FTA funding. Martin prefaced her discussion on passenger rail by describing how the corridor area was originally implemented to serve as a commuter rail, in contrast with requests from the Des Moines/Ames metro area. Martin recognized that there would be a need for a locally funded effort as the Iowa DOT would not have the funding to lead such efforts. Though, affirmed that Iowa DOT is committed to helping with such efforts and administration. The agency has never done commuter rail but would be willing to make efforts to make it happen. Martin concluded with giving an update on the feasibility of an Amtrak commuter rail service from Iowa City to Chicago. Goodrich raised a question about whether or not there would be any benefit to starting the project smaller than originally proposed; Ralston, Martin and Neumann responded that they felt the rail would only show its true benefit if its fully funded due to ridership, revenue, and frequency of service. Nicholson took over discussion with ridership data from the I-380 Express Commuter Bus Line and emphasized the need for additional modes and services for citizens in the metropolitan area. Donahue pointed discussion to Bergus, who also emphasized the need for another mode of transportation due to an expected increase in population as well as economic development and environmental benefits. Donahue raised a question about Amtrak funding and whether or not those funds would be available for the CRANDIC commuter rail. Ralston responded that though the Amtrak funds may not be directly available towards commuter rail, upon passing of the Federal infrastructure bill, there will be many opportunities to apply for grants and other funding MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes _________________ Page 6 avenues in the future. Donahue raised a question on possible next steps. Ralston replied that MPOJC takes direction from the Board, though staff is unsure about what the exact next steps are but plans to have an update for the Board at the January meeting. Weiner continued discussion again by reiterating the economic, health and environmental benefits of passenger rail. Foster agreed. Shane approached the rail from an operative perspective, and had reservations, but reiterated that the timing for passenger rail is right, especially in the event of Federal funding. Porter added, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors allocated funding for transportation needs as part of their FY23 program and also asked for next steps. Ralston concluded the discussion on passenger rail by affirming that staff would identify potential next steps for discussion at the January Board meeting. d. Update on local traffic volume data Waisath presented an update on local traffic volume data since the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Waisath affirmed that staff has been monitoring local traffic volume data with data available from the Iowa DOT’s network of Automatic Traffic Recorders (ATR). Staff analyzed peak hour counts and 72-hour traffic data and compared it with historical 5-year data as a baseline. Waisath pointed out that in order to ensure reliable data for traffic studies, an adjustment factor was added to local traffic counts collected between September 2020 and May 2021. Waisath also presented that since May 2021, Monthly Average Daily Traffic (MADT) for Iowa City has remained consistent with the state average and within the normal observed fluctuation by month. Waisath affirmed that based on the MPO’s analysis, traffic volumes across the state and in the Iowa City Metro Area have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels. 5. OTHER BUSINESS a. Discuss the ‘Severson Charity Challenge’ for this holiday season Walz began gave a brief history of the annual ‘Severson Charity Challenge’. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the MPO initiated the “Trails to Table Challenge” which encouraged people to take advantage of local and regional trails. The challenge also encouraged staff and the public to make donations through the Community Foundation of Johnson County to benefit community food pantries in Iowa City, North Liberty and Coralville. Walz asked the Board for suggestions on how to approach the charity challenge and whether to continue the Severson Challenge or if some other effort is appropriate given the continued need in our communities. The Board decided to carry on with the traditional challenge and Walz affirmed that she will be in touch with staff from each community. MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes _________________ Page 7 b. Recognition Ralston recognized Brad Neumann, who will be retiring from the MPO after serving for over 31 years. 6. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn was made by Weiner; From seconded. Meeting adjourned by Donahue at 5:34 PM.