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