METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

Transcription

1 METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION A meeting of the MPO was held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, in the County Administration Building B, Room B1 501, th Street, Vero Beach, Florida. Note: Audio and video recordings of the meeting can be found at MPO members present were: Vice Chairman Bob McPartlan, Council Member, City of Sebastian; IRC Commissioners: Commissioner Wesley Davis, District 1; Commissioner Joseph Flescher, District 2; Commissioner Tim Zorc, District 3; Commissioner Peter O Bryan, District 4; Commissioner Bob Solari, District 5; Pilar Turner, Council Member, City of Vero Beach; Jay Kramer, Mayor, City of Vero Beach; Shawn Frost IRC School Board; Richard Gillmor (alternate), Mayor, City of Sebastian; Sara Savage, City of Fellsmere; Dick Haverland, Council Member, Town of Indian River Shores; Hal Ofstie, Town of Orchid, Arlene Tanis, and Yanique Kelly, FDOT; (non voting members). Absent was: Andrea Coy, Council Member, City of Sebastian (excused). IRC staff present were: Joe Baird, County Administrator; Jason Brown, IRC Budget Director; William DeBraal, IRC Deputy County Attorney; Kate Cotner, IRC Assistant County Attorney; Stan Boling, IRC Community Development Department Director; Kimberly Graham, IRC Engineering Department; Chris Mora, IRC Public Works; Phil Matson, IRC MPO Director; Brian Freeman, MPO Senior Planner; Andy Sobczak, MPO Senior Planner; and Sharon Schalm, MPO Staff Assistant/Recording Secretary. Also present were: Frank Watanabe, City of Sebastian Engineering; Michelle Stromberg, City of Sebastian Airport Administrator; Randy Old, Council Member, City of Vero Beach; Karen Deigl, Senior Resource Association; Greg Kyle, William Roll, Ravi Wijesundera, Kimley Horn and Associates; John Krane, Barry Ehrlich, Keith and Schnars; Carlos Rodrigues, Metric Engineering; Jeff Robbert, Stefan Escanes, FDOT Consultant; Bryan Corrigan, Corrigan Ranch; Tony Brown, FL Dept. of Health; Kim Michael, Maschmeyer Concrete; Susan Adams, Tammy Vogel, Interested Citizens. Call to Order Vice Chairman McPartlan called the meeting to order at 10:02AM at which time it was determined a quorum was present. Approval of Minutes of the MPO Meeting of October 14, 2015 Vice Chairman McPartlan asked if there were any additions or corrections to the MPO minutes of October 14, There were none. 1

2 ON MOTION BY Commissioner Flescher, SECONDED BY Commissioner Solari, the members voted (11 0) to approve the minutes of the Metropolitan Planning Organization of October 14, 2015 as presented. Status Report of Other MPO Advisory Committees Mr. Matson reviewed his memorandum, dated December 1, 2015, included in the agenda packet and on file in the MPO Office. Review of Progress Report & Reimbursement Invoice #1 for the 2015/16 Planning Grant Mr. Matson referred to his memorandum dated December 1, 2015, a copy of which is included in the agenda packet and on file in the MPO Office. ON MOTION BY Commissioner Solari, SECONDED BY Commissioner Fletcher, the members voted (11 0) to approve the Progress Report and Reimbursement Invoice #1 for the 2015/16 Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Planning Grant as presented. Approval of the MPO s Safe Routes to School Non Infrastructure Grant Subcontract Mr. Matson, noted that, in an effort to improve safety for children in Indian River County, in 2010 MPO staff developed a bicycle and pedestrian safety training program. He explained that, using bicycles and safety gear donated by FDOT, MPO staff began training children at local elementary schools. Mr. Matson stated that the program was an instant success with the participating schools and children, consequently, in 2011 FDOT awarded a Safe Routes to School Non Infrastructure Grant to the MPO in support of the program. He noted that, in order to continue these activities, MPO staff is seeking approval of the subcontract for safety training. Commissioner Solari praised Mr. Sobczak for his hard work doing the Bike Roadeos and outreach to the schools and Commissioner Flescher suggested that everyone get involved in the Bike Safety events. ON MOTION BY Mayor Kramer, SECONDED BY Commissioner Davis, the members voted (11 0) to approve the Safe Routes to School Non Infrastructure Grant Subcontract as presented. 2

3 Consideration of the Final Indian River County 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan Mr. Matson introduced Mr. Roll of Kimley Horn and Associates, who gave a PowerPoint presentation, a copy of which is on file in the MPO Office. He noted that the draft 2040 LRTP was approved by the MPO in October. He explained that a vote needed to be taken to close the public comment period and to adopt the 2040 LRTP. Mr. Roll noted this was the final report and was now coming before the MPO for adoption. Mr. Rolle mentioned that the FHWA had just allocated more funding for the State of Florida so the LRTP might have to be updated if there were additional funding dollars, through that allocation. Commissioner Davis inquired about moving money from Oslo Road to CR510. Mr. Matson explained that FDOT is accelerating the work on CR510. ON MOTION BY Commissioner Solari, SECONDED BY Council Member Turner, the members voted (11 0) to close the Public Comment Period and approve the Final 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan as presented. The vote was taken via roll call by the Recording Secretary. Commissioner O Bryan made a motion to remove the 43 rd Avenue widening project, (16 th Street to Oslo Road), from the adopted 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan. The motion was seconded by Mayor Kramer. Discussion ensued. (Mr. Frost arrived at 10:26 PM). A vote was taken via roll call by the Recording Secretary. THE MOTION BY Commissioner O Bryan, SECONDED BY Mayor Kramer, to remove 43 rd Avenue widening (16 th Street to Oslo Road), from the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan failed by a vote of 5 for and 7 against. (Councilmember Haverland left at 10:35 AM). Consideration of the 2040 Regional Long Range Transportation Plan Memorandum of Understanding and Scope of Services Mr. Matson noted that, in 2006, the Florida Legislature established the Transportation Regional Incentive (TRIP) grant program. Through this program, Indian River County was allocated approximately $14 million in funding for various roadway priorities. He explained that FDOT had urged Indian River County to merge with St. Lucie and Martin Counties into a single MPO. He explained that, in lieu of merging, the MPOs retained their autonomy by engaging in regional coordination. Mr. Matson noted that, in order to maintain eligibility for TRIP funding, and in order to 3

4 maintain the Indian River County MPO as an autonomous MPO separate from the St. Lucie and Martin County MPOs, he recommended approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), as well as the transfer of up to $20,000 in Federal Highway Planning (PL) funds to the Martin County MPO for development of the three county RLRTP. ON MOTION by Commissioner Davis, SECONDED by Commissioner Flescher, the members voted (11 0) to approve the 2040 Regional Long Range Transportation Plan Memorandum of Understanding and Scope of Services as presented. Commissioner Davis noted that the MPO should be looking for a regional connection with Brevard County. He noted that Palm Bay touches Indian River County and will have more connectivity with the construction of the St. John s Heritage Parkway. Commissioner Solari suggested having a presentation at a future meeting showing the parameters of the new Parkway and the affect it might have on Indian River County. Commissioner Zorc noted that a meeting was needed with the representatives from Osceola County concerning future plans west of Indian River County. ON MOTION by Commissioner Davis, SECONDED by Commissioner Solari, the members voted (11 0) to approve meeting with representatives from Osceola County and Brevard County concerning future regional connections. Update on Oslo Road/I 95 Interchange and Oslo Road Widening (58 th Avenue I 95) No Mr. Matson explained that FDOT recently announced that the Federal Highway Administration had approved the Interchange Justification Report for a new I 95 Interchange at Oslo Road. Mr. Matson introduced Mr. Krane, Consultant Project Manager for the PD&E study of the Oslo Road and I 95 Interchange Projects. Mr. Krane noted that there were two PD&E studies, the Oslo Road widening project, from 82nd Avenue to 58 th Avenue and the Oslo Road at I 95 Interchange. Mr. Krane gave a PowerPoint presentation a copy of which is on file in the MPO office. Mr. Krane gave a status update on the Oslo Rd IJR and presented two scenarios, one with a diamond formation, the other with loop ramps. He noted that the preferred scenario is the one with loop ramps. Mr. Krane introduced Mr. Rodriguez, Consultant Project Manager for the PD&E study at Oslo Road from 82nd Avenue to 58 th Avenue. Mr. Rodriguez completed the PowerPoint presentation concerning the PD&E study for the Oslo Road widening (from 82nd Avenue to 58 th Avenue). He discussed access management, environmental analysis, project cost, project 4

5 schedule and public involvement. Mr. Rodriguez noted that the widening would be compatible with the Oslo Road Interchange construction, would enhance regional connectivity but would require a realignment of 82 nd Avenue. Commissioner Davis inquired what the speed limit would be on Oslo Road after the widening. Mr. Rodriquez explained that the speed limit would be 55 mph until it crosses 58 th Ave, then 45 mph east of 58 th Avenue in keeping with the currently posted speed limit. Mr. Krane noted that a public meeting would be held on December 16 th at the IRSC Mueller Center in Vero Beach. Discussion of All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Initiative No Mr. Matson referred to his memorandum dated December 1, 2015 included in the agenda packet and on file in the Commission Office. He introduced Assistant Attorney Kate Cotner who gave a brief overview concerning the Martin County meeting with AAF. She noted that Indian River County had not received the 90% plan and spoke about the delay in receiving it from the FRA. Presentation of National Award for Outstanding Overall Achievement by a Small to Mid Sized Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Awarded to the Indian River County MPO Other Business No Mr. Matson announced that Indian River County MPO was named outstanding MPO by the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) in Washington DC and received a national award. Mr. Matson congratulated the members of the MPO board for their contribution in winning the award. Quarterly Status Report of MPO Staff Activities No Mr. Matson summarized the Quarterly Status Report of MPO Staff Activities from July 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015, a copy of which is on file in the MPO Office. Other Business Commissioner Solari explained that House Bill #791 would require 60% of the electorate to approve a hike in local option sales tax, unlike the current system that requires a majority vote. He asked the Board members to contact the Florida League of Cities and request that they vote against the bill. Commissioner Davis asked if this was a motion. Commissioner Solari noted that he would like to make a motion. 5

6 ON MOTION by Commissioner Solari, SECONDED by Commissioner Davis, the members voted (11 0) to approve sending a letter to the Florida League of Cities requesting a no vote for House Bill #791. Commissioner Davis inquired of the Sebastian Board members if stop signs were warranted on Indian River Drive in Sebastian at Davis Street and Jackson Street. Mayor Gillmor noted that he had seen no speeding problem and had not heard of a speeding problem on Indian River Drive. Mr. Watanabe said that they would put up counters. Mr. Matson introduced the new MPO Board members, Council Member Savage of Fellsmere and Council Member Old of Vero Beach and thanked the outgoing Chairman, Ms. Adams. Comments from the Public Adjournment There were none. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:25 AM. 6