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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.