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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMPOJC Public Participation Plan - July 2022 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County Adopted by the Urbanized Area Policy Board July 13, 2022 1 | P a g e Acknowledgements Urbanized Area Policy Board Laurie Goodrich Coralville City Council Meghann Foster Mayor, Coralville Janice Weiner Iowa City City Council Shawn Harmsen Iowa City City Council John Thomas (Chair) Iowa City City Council Megan Alter Iowa City City Council Pauline Taylor Iowa City City Council Laura Bergus Iowa City City Council Jon Green Johnson County Board of Supervisors Rod Sullivan Johnson County Board of Supervisors Chris Hoffman Mayor, North Liberty Brian Wayson North Liberty City Council Steve Berner Mayor, Tiffin Erin Shane University of Iowa Louise From (Vice-Chair) Mayor, University Heights Ruthina Malone (non-voting) Iowa City School Board Rural Policy Board Tim Kemp, Chairperson Mayor, Hills Christopher Taylor, Vice Chairperson Mayor, Swisher Mickey Coonfare Mayor, Shueyville Steve Stange Mayor, Solon Heather Johnson Mayor, Oxford Jon Green Johnson County Board of Supervisors Rod Sullivan Johnson County Board of Supervisors Matt Zadow Lone Tree City Council Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) Vicky Robrock Manager, Coralville Transit Scott Larson City Engineer, City of Coralville Kelly Hayworth City Administrator, City of Coralville Darian Nagle-Gamm Director, Trans. Services, City of Iowa City Ron Knoche Director, Public Works, City of Iowa City Jason Havel City Engineer, City of Iowa City Mark Rummel Asst. Director, Trans. Services, Iowa City Scott Sovers Asst. City Manager, City of Iowa City Ryan Rusnak Planning Director, City of North Liberty Louise From Mayor, City of University Heights Doug Boldt City Administrator, City of Tiffin Greg Parker Johnson County Engineer Tom Brase Director, Johnson County SEATS Brian McClatchey Manager, University of Iowa Cambus David Kieft Business Manager, University of Iowa Bob Oppli ger MPO Regional Trails & Bicycling Committee Cathy Cutler (ex-officio) Planner, Iowa DOT Darla Hugaboom (ex-officio) Federal Highway Administration, Ames Brock Grenis (ex-officio) East Central Iowa Council of Governments Jeremiah Shuler (ex-officio) Federal Transit Administration, Kansas City *The Transportation Technical Advisory Committee is chaired by MPOJC staff. (TTAC is charged with making technical recommendations to the Urbanized Area Policy Board) 2 | P a g e Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee (RTBC) Louise From City of University Heights Bob Oppliger Bicyclists of Iowa City Doug Boldt City of Tiffin Becky Soglin Johnson County Sherri Proud City of Coralville Jay Geisen University of Iowa Ryan Rusnak City of North Liberty Juli Seydell Johnson City of Iowa City Liz Hubing Bike Iowa City *The Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee is a subcommittee of the MPOJC Transportation Technical Advisory Committee. (RTBC is charged with making recommendations to the TTAC and Urbanized Area Policy Board) MPO Transportation Planning Division Staff Kent Ralston Director/Transportation Planner Emily Bothell Sr. Associate Transportation Planner Sarah Walz Associate Transportation Planner Hannah Neel Associate Transportation Planner 3 | P a g e 4 | P a g e Introduction Providing opportunities for public input during planning processes ensures that future development is informed by the interests of the community. As a result, residents of MPOJC entities are routinely encouraged to participate in local planning processes. The following MPOJC Public Participation Plan, in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations section §450.316 “Interested parties, participation, and consultation”, documents a process for providing citizens and stakeholders with reasonable opportunities to be involved in the planning process. The core public involvement opportunities for MPOJC work products include the development and adoption of the Long Range Multimodal Transportation Plan, the Transportation Improvement Program, the Passenger Transportation Plan, the Transportation Planning Work Program, and apportionment of Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and Transportation Alternatives Program funds. Similarly, the entities of Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, Tiffin, University Heights, Johnson County, and the University of Iowa each follow their own public involvement processes when developing or updating local plans. The University of Iowa uses the MPO’s Public Participation Plan process to satisfy the public participation requirements for its annual Program of Projects for transit. The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) public notice of public involvement activities and time established for public review and comment on the TIP will satisfy the Transit Program of Projects requirements of the FTA Section 5307 Program. 5 | P a g e MPO Planning Boundary 6 | P a g e MPO Public Input Process Outreach Strategies MPOJC gathers public comment on each key work product and forwards the comments to the Urbanized Area Policy Board and sub-committees for consideration during the decision making process. The following three methods form the foundation for public involvement during development of key MPOJC products. Public Comment Period MPOJC staff initiates a formal public comment period lasting 30 days prior to the adoption and/or amendment of the Long Range Transportation Plan, the Transportation Improvement Program (15 days minimum prior for TIP amendments), and the Passenger Transportation Plan. During public comment periods, residents are encouraged to submit written comments on the given topic. MPOJC staff then forwards these comments to the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board for consideration during the decision making process. Written public input may be submitted to: Kent Ralston, Executive Director Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52245 kent-ralston@iowa-city.org Urbanized Area Policy Board Public Meetings In addition to written input, residents are encouraged to attend and provide comments at regularly scheduled Urbanized Area Policy Board meetings where MPOJC work products are adopted or amended. Staff typically provides a brief presentation followed by a period for formal public comment. Anyone wishing to provide input is given an opportunity. All comments become part of the public record and are provided to the Urbanized Area Policy Board in full prior to action by the Urbanized Area Policy Board. Public meetings of the Urbanized Area Policy Board are open to the public and are subject to the Iowa’s Open Meetings Law. MPO member entities may request a special meeting of the Urbanized Area Policy Board to consider time sensitive amendments to the adopted Transportation Improvement Program. This capability is intended to prevent costly delays in the project letting process. Public Workshops/Open Houses Public workshops are informal and open to all residents. The purpose of the workshop is to provide information to the public and to solicit public comment. An attendance record is kept and attendees are given the opportunity to sign up for the MPOJC mailing list. MPOJC staff typically provides a brief presentation, share information using displays and handouts, and interact with the public to answer questions. Public workshops are frequently used for key MPOJC work products. Accommodations for Special Populations: All meeting rooms are accessible by ADA standards. Additionally, any MPO documents can be made available in alternative formats upon request. Individuals with disabilities may request special accommodations by contacting MPOJC staff at (319) 356-5230. 7 | P a g e Getting the Word Out MPOJC uses five outlets to notify residents about upcoming public comment periods and public workshops: 1. Residents may sign-up to receive email notices of public input opportunities by visiting www.icgov.org/e-subscriptions and completing the subscription form. 2. Notices of public input opportunities are published in the Iowa City Press Citizen. 3. The MPOJC website (www.MPOJC.org) lists upcoming meeting information. 4. Posters are displayed in Iowa City, Coralville, and University of Iowa Cambus buses regarding TIP approval. 5. Notices are sent to the following MPOJC Public Input Organizations: ▪ Access 2 Independence ▪ Bicyclists of Iowa City ▪ Chamber of Commerce ▪ Citizens for Sensible Development ▪ Climate Action Committee ▪ Coralville Parks & Recreation Commission ▪ Coralville Planning and Zoning Commission ▪ CRANDIC Railroad ▪ Environmental Advocates ▪ Friends of Historic Preservation ▪ Goodwill of the Heartland ▪ Iowa City Area Association of Realtors ▪ Iowa City Area Development Group ▪ Iowa Bicycle Coalition ▪ Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission ▪ Iowa City /Johnson County Senior Center ▪ Iowa City Neighborhood Services Office ▪ Iowa City Sierra Club ▪ Iowa Interstate Railroad ▪ Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission ▪ Johnson County Historical Society ▪ Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission ▪ Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission ▪ Johnson County SEATS ▪ League of Women Voters of Johnson County ▪ MPOJC Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee ▪ North Liberty Parks & Recreation Commission ▪ North Liberty Community Center ▪ Project GREEN ▪ Soil & Water Conservation Service ▪ Systems Unlimited ▪ Tiffin Planning and Zoning Commission To request being added to the MPOJC Public Input Organization list, please contact MPOJC staff at (319) 356-5235. 8 | P a g e Procedural Notices and Processes Public Participation Plan The Public Participation Plan outlines the process MPOJC will follow to adequately involve the community and gather meaningful input regarding transportation decisions. A minimum public comment period of 45 days will be established prior to any Public Participation Plan adoption or revision. Notice is sent to interested parties and posted on the MPOJC website. Long Range Transportation Plan The Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) provides direction and guidance for each MPO to make efficient transportation investment decisions over a 20-year planning horizon and to address major transportation needs in the Iowa City Urbanized Area. The LRTP must be updated every five years. A minimum of two public workshops shall be held to present new or major updates to the Long Range Transportation Plan prior to adoption. At least one of these meetings shall be held a mini mum of 30 days prior to adoption of the Long Range Transportation Plan to provide for a 30-day comment period. Notice is sent to interested parties and posted on the MPOJC website. Amendments to the LRTP require a recommendation from the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC). A 30-day public input notice will be published in the Iowa City Press-Citizen prior to the Urbanized Area Policy Board meeting. Notice is sent to interested parties and posted on the MPOJC website. Transportation Improvement Program The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a four-year schedule of projects to improve or maintain the quality of the public transportation network. A new TIP is developed and adopted annually. Revising the Approved TIP: Revisions are defined as any changes to the TIP that occur outside of the annual updating process. There are two types of changes that occur under the umbrella of revision. The first is a major revision or “Amendment.” The second is a minor r evision or “Administrative Modification.” The MPO uses the following definitions and thresholds when determining an amendment vs. an administrative modification. Amendments: An amendment is a revision to the TIP that involves a major change to a project included in the TIP, the creation of a new project, a major change in design concept, or a change in scope or project cost. The following criteria define the need for an amendment: • Project Cost: Projects in which the recalculated project costs increase federal aid by more than 30% or increase total federal aid by more than $2 million from the original amount. • Schedule Changes: Projects added or deleted from the TIP. • Funding Sources: Adding an additional federal funding source. • Scope Changes: Changing the project termini, project alignment, the amount of through lanes, type of work from an overlay to reconstruction, or a change to include widening of the roadway. 9 | P a g e Procedural Requirements for an Amendment: Amendments are considered major revisions and therefore have additional procedural requirements. When the TIP is amended, MPOJC is required to conduct our adopted amendment process, including public review and comment, re-demonstration of fiscal constraint or a conformity determination (non-exempt projects in nonattainment and maintenance areas), review by the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC), and Policy Board approval. Notices announcing TIP amendments are published in the Iowa City Press-Citizen a minimum of 15 days prior to an Urbanized Area Policy Board meeting. Iowa DOT-sponsored projects located within the MPO planning boundary must also use the MPO’s public participation process. Illustrative projects that are found to be regionally significant must also be revised using the MPOJC adopted amendment process. Administrative Modifications: A minor revision to a TIP is known as an administrative modification. Administrative modifications include minor changes to project costs, minor changes to funding sources, and minor changes to project phase initiation dates. Administrative modifications are subject to re-demonstration of fiscal constraint of the TIP. The following criteria define the need for an administrative modification: • Project Costs: Projects in which the recalculated project costs do not increase federal aid by more than 30% or do not increase total federal aid by more than $2 million from the original amount. • Schedule Changes: Changes in schedules to projects included in the first four years of the TIP. • Funding Sources: Changing funding from one source to another. • Scope changes: All changes to a project’s scope will require an amendment. Procedural Requirements for an Administrative Modification: Administrative modifications have simplified procedures which allow more flexibility when processing changes. Public participation procedures are not required for administrative modifications (both local and DOT projects). Passenger Transportation Plan The MPOJC Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP) promotes joint, coordinated passenger transportation planning programs and provides needs-based justification for passenger transportation projects. The PTP involves key community organizations, including human services organizations, public and private transit providers, and local business representatives. The PTP identifies transportation needs and service requests and recommends strategies or projects to overcome these needs. The PTP is updated every 5 years with annual updates provided to the Iowa DOT. Amendments to the Passenger Transportation Plan will be required when any changes are proposed to Section 5310 funding. Amendments will be presented to the TTAC and a recommendation will be presented to the Urbanized Area Policy Board for approval. A 30-day public input notice will be published in the Press-Citizen prior to the Urbanized Area Policy Board meeting. A notice is sent to interested parties and is posted on the MPOJC website. 10 | P a g e Transportation Planning Work Program The Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP) is developed each year by MPOJC in a coordinated effort involving the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee, the Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee, and the Urbanized Area Policy Board. The TPWP includes special requested projects, ongoing and routinely occurring projects, projects required by the FHWA, FTA, and Iowa DOT, and carry-over projects from the previous year. Public participation is required in the preparation of the TPWP. The Transportation Technical Advisory Committee reviews and makes a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board for approval. A notice is sent to interested parties and is posted on the MPOJC website. 11 | P a g e MPO PROGRAMDESCRIPTIONREQUIREMENTSPublic Participation PlanPublic input process forUpdated as necessarytransportation planningLong Range Transportation Plan20-year long range planAdopted every 5-years by MPOJCincluding policies and projectsUrbanized Area Policy BoardAmending the LRTPChanges to projects and Adopted as necessaryfinancial constraints4-year schedule of projectsAdopted annually by MPOJCUrbanized Area Policy BoardAwarding STBG/TAP fundingLocal process to awardAwarded by MPOJC federal fundingUrbanized Area Policy BoardAmending the TIPChanges to programmedAdopted as necessaryprojectsPassenger Tranportation ProgramCoordinated transitAdopted every 5-years by MPOJCplanningUrbanized Area Policy BoardTransportation Planning Work ProgramAnnual Work ProgramAdopted annually by MPOJCUrbanized Area Policy BoardPUBLIC INPUT OPPORTUNITIES(45 days)(30 days)Public Input/MtgOpen HouseTransportation Improvement ProgramPublic Notice/Public CommentBus Notice/PosterNotice to Interested PartiesSocial Media Web NoticeSummary of Public Partitipation Procedures(30 days)(30 days)(30 days)(15 days min) SUMMARY OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCEDURESTYPE OF PUBLIC INPUT NOTICE