HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.07.23 TTAC MinutesMINUTES APPROVED
MPOJC TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023 - 10:30 AM
CITY OF IOWA CITY – EMMA HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Coralville: Vicky Robrock, Scott Larson, Ellen Habel
Iowa City: Scott Sovers, Ron Knoche, Mark Rummel,
Darian Nagle-Gamm, Jason Havel
North Liberty: Ryan Rusnak
University Heights: Louise From
University of Iowa: Brian McClatchey
Tiffin: Doug Boldt
STAFF PRESENT: Kent Ralston, Emily Bothell, Sarah Walz, Hannah Neel
OTHER: Cady Gerlach, Austin Korns
1. CALL TO ORDER
Ralston called the meeting to order at 10:30 AM.
a. Recognize alternates
Ralston recognized Ellen Habel as an alternate for Kelly Hayworth.
b. Consider approval of meeting minutes
Boldt moved to approve, Knoche seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
2. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
Ralston reminded the Committee that the City of North Liberty now has two members
serving on the committee as a result of their 2020 population numbers.
3. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD
REGARDING SAFETY TARGETS AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES FOR THE MPO
AS REQUIRED BY THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Ralston reminded the Committee of the requirement set by the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to set targets for
five safety performance measures as part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program.
Ralston stated that there are two options for these targets: to support and adopt the State’s
targets or to create individualized, quantifiable targets for each measure as a metropolitan
area. Ralston recommended the adoption of the State’s targets and mentioned that there
is the opportunity to create local targets each year if it is felt that they would provide
additional benefit. Ralston then detailed the targets from the Iowa Department of
Transportation (DOT) and the data behind their methodology and current trends. Ralston
asked for a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board to adopt the State’s
safety targets and performance measures.
Habel moved to approve the recommendation; Boldt seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
4. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD
REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO THE FY24-27 MPOJC TRANSPORTATION
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP)
Neel explained that the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the programming
document for all surface transportation projects that receive state or federal funds,
including street and highway, transit, rail, bicycle, and pedestrian projects. Neel stated that
in order to utilize state and federal funding sources, projects and their funding sources
must be included in the TIP with accurate information. To maintain this accuracy, four
amendments were requested as follows:
a. Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) – add the Bridge Investment
Program (BIP) funding for the Burlington Street / Highway 1 bridge
improvements project.
Neel stated that this project has been awarded $300,000 in earmarked Bridge
Investment Program (BIP) funds through the Iowa DOT. These funds will be
used for a study of alternates, stakeholder involvement and outreach, and
environmental review. Neel mentioned that Iowa City will provide a $300,000
local match for these funds.
b. Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) – Adjust funding amounts for the
Interstate 380 project from north of Forevergreen Road to north of Swan Lake
Road.
Neel stated that the Iowa DOT is requesting this amendment due to project
costs increasing by over 50% in FY2024. Total funding amounts for FY2024
increased from $8,523,000 to $13,000,000. Costs for FY2025-2027 remain
unchanged.
c. City of Coralville and University of Iowa – Add Iowa Department of
Transportation (DOT) shortfall funding for two light-duty transit buses.
Neel explained that this funding has been made available through the Iowa
DOT to make up for the increase in costs for vehicle replacements.
d. University of Iowa – Adjust funding amounts and project description for a
maintenance facility expansion project.
Neel explained the change in project description and associated changes in
federal and local amounts.
Neel asked for a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board for approval of the
proposed amendments.
McClatchey moved to approve the recommendation; Nagle-Gamm seconded. The
motion carried unanimously.
5. UPDATE ON THE CRANDIC BUS RAPID TRANSIT FEASIBILITY STUDY
Ralston stated that with direction from the Urbanized Area Policy Board, a Bus Rapid
Transit Feasibility study for the CRANDIC Railroad corridor between Iowa City and North
Liberty has been started. The goal of the study is to allow local stakeholders the
opportunity to compare elements of the Passenger Rail Studies completed in July 2020
with elements of a Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility study. Ralston noted that the contract for
this study has been awarded to Felsburg, Holt and Ullevig (FHU) with Nelson Nygaard
Associates and should be completed by June 2024.
6. UPDATE ON THE SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL (SS4A) GRANT
Walz explained that in July staff submitted an application for a Safe Streets and Roads for
All (SSFA) grant established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Walz noted that
unfortunately the MPOJC application was not included in the first round of awards
announced on October 27, 2023, but that another round of funding will be announced in
December.
Ralston explained that the funding would be used to hire a consultant to analyze all
collision data for the metro, helping communities to prioritize projects and resources.
7. UPDATE ON 380 EXPRESS FUNDING FROM ECICOG – PRESS RELEASE
Ralston shared the press release from East Central Iowa Council of Governments
(ECICOG) regarding the continuation of the Interstate 380 Express bus service until at
least June 2026. The Iowa Department of Transportation will continue to fund the service
due to the success of the program with approximately 350 riders per day.
8. UPDATE ON THE FINAL ‘SEVERSON CHARITY CHALLENGE’ FROM STAFF
Walz reminded the Committee of the past 11 years of the Linda Severson Charity
Challenge and the approximate $90,000 in donations that have been collected benefitting
local charities. Walz explained that a memorial bench was installed at Wetherby Park in
Linda’s honor. Walz thanked all who had contributed for their generosity.
9. OTHER BUSINESS
Bothell noted that Tiffin is applying for Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program funding for the
construction of a double-lane roundabout on North Park Road. Bothell explained that the
application requires a resolution stating that the project is in compliance with the MPOJC
Long Range Transportation Plan. Because the project is in compliance with the plan, Staff
will be asking the Urbanized Area Policy Board to approve that resolution at their next
meeting. Bothell reminded the Committee of the application cycle and to reach out early
for assistance, if needed.
Larson provided an update on the 1st Avenue and I-80 interchange project. The pedestrian
path on the east side of 1st Avenue is now open and the existing west side pedestrian path
is closed. Larson also explained that the northbound movement coming off I-80 eastbound
will be detoured to Dubuque Street while construction is being completed on the
interchange.
Knoche noted that the public works facility is near completion with the recent installation
of a solar array on the roof and that they will now apply for Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Sovers noted that both the American Legion Road and Benton Street projects are
wrapping up. Sovers also mentioned that the bid for the replacement of the Gilbert Street
bridge over Ralston Creek was awarded to Boomerang with a predicted start date of late
March.
Havel noted that Iowa City is beginning the bidding process for the Dubuque Street project
from Washington Street to Iowa Avenue.
McClatchey gave an update on the construction of the Health Sciences building at Melrose
Avenue and Grand Avenue and the new parking garage near the West Campus
Transportation Center (WCTC). McClatchey also mentioned an automated passenger
counting system that they hope to install on a few CAMBUS buses soon. The purchase of
two minibuses was also noted.
Nagle-Gamm gave an update on Iowa City Transit ridership after the implementation of
the fare-free service and stated that there has been a significant increase in monthly
ridership after two months of the program. Nagle-Gamm also mentioned the grant Iowa
City Transit has received for the construction of a new transit facility and that the design
process will begin soon.
Rusnak noted the upcoming completion of the new North Liberty City Hall.
Boldt mentioned two upcoming projects, a new traffic signal along Highway 6 and the
widening of Highway 6 between Roberts Ferry Road and North Park Road.
From noted that University Heights will have traffic cameras installed for speed
enforcement by the end of the year.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Havel moved to adjourn the meeting; McClatchey seconded. The motion carried
unanimously. Ralston adjourned the meeting at 11:07 AM.