Michigan Transportation Planning Association. Meeting Minutes. March 17, MDOT Horatio S. Earle Learning Center

Transcription

1 Michigan Transportation Planning Association Meeting Minutes March 17, 2015 MDOT Horatio S. Earle Learning Center 1. Call to Order Chair Ryan Buck called the meeting to order at 10:04 A.M. and led the group in introductions. 2. Changes or Additions to the Agenda None. 3. Approval of February 17, 2015 Minutes Ryan Buck issued a reminder about voting membership; that each member agency, including MDOT, had just one vote on MTPA. FHWA is an ex-officio member, meaning they do not have a vote. There was a bit of confusion on this matter as non-voting members had made motions at meetings in the past. A motion by Maja Bolanowska with support by Steve Duke to approve the minutes with the corrections noted above. Motion passed. 4. Treasurer s Report None. 5. FHWA Updates Training Calendar Rachael Tupica said that with a large number of upcoming trainings scheduled by FHWA, MDOT, and the MTPA Education Committee, Andy Pickard thought it might be helpful to establish a training calendar on MTPA s web page with a listing of all of the trainings so that MPOs may be more fully aware of all opportunities. Gautam Mani said he would be discussing this calendar further with Andy Pickard, as so far, he had only had a very preliminary discussion. PBPP Self Assessment Tupica once again strongly encouraged MPOs to complete the Performance Based Planning and Programming (PBPP) Self Assessment Tool prior to the Peer Exchange in April. Tupica said that it would help MPOs determine exactly where they are in terms of readiness for using performance measures in decision making. 1

2 Environmental Justice Training Tupica said that FHWA s Michigan Division was looking to bring an environmental justice training to Michigan, conducted by Brian Betlion who works for FHWA in DC. When it comes to Long Range Transportation Plan development and Certification Reviews, there are many opportunities to improve how we do our EJ analysis. Tupica said she would be sending out an requesting input from MPOs on what items they would like to see as part of the training Ozone Standard Tupica said that the 1997 Ozone Standard Revocation had been entered in the Federal Register, and so the standard would no longer be in effect on April 6. This means that areas that were previously in attainment maintenance for ozone under the 1997 standard would now be on a five-year long range plan update cycle, as opposed to a four year cycle. John Watkin suggested that members contact Donna Wittl, MDOT s Air Quality Specialist, if they had further questions. 6. MDOT Updates TIP Amendment Transmittal Form Dal McBurrows said that the new version of the TIP Amendment Transmittal Form provided for a better explanation of different amendment types. The new version of the form also clarifies that total revenues and commitments should be listed, not just for highway and transit. Jon Start clarified that total constraint was what MPOs needed to show. Steve Skinker asked why 2014 was still listed on the form when 2014 obligation was over. McBurrows said he would delete 2014 from the form. Bolanowska asked how a YEAR change ought to be noted in the TIP. Kloha said that since year changes were sometimes amendments for FHWA s purposes, and sometimes not, it would be helpful to have a column for a year change. Buck reminded MTPA members that we could also request changes to the form at a later date; the form could be constantly improved, but it was a good idea to take action on this version of the form so that MPOs could start using it. A motion by Start with support by Bolanowska to endorse the TIP Amendment Transmittal Form with the following changes: a) addition of a column for a YEAR change and b) deletion of 2014 from the form. Motion passed. HPMS Data Collection Joyce Newell thanked MPOs that had included HPMS data collection in their work plans, and asked them to continue to do so. Newell also said that Melissa Carswell, who is in charge of 2

3 HPMS traffic data collection, would appreciate it if MPOs kept or added that specific data collection into their work plans. Melissa Carswell said that traffic data collection required both volume and commercial counts. Newell said that MPOs often struggled with providing commercial counts, and that this process required greater data sharing between local agencies, MPOs, and MDOT. There needs to be cooperation in gathering the traffic data. Newell said that the new rutting and faulting data collection on an additional 1200 miles of nontrunkline federal aid (NTFA) roads had caused a lot of confusion for MPOs and regions as there had been no process in place. Newell said that for the next round of data collection, MDOT would be handling rutting/faulting data collection, so that burden would be taken off of the MPOs and RPAs. MDOT Peer Exchange McBurrows reminded MTPA members that the Performance Based Planning and Programming Peer Exchange would be taking place April 27 and 28 at the Horatio Earle Center. McBurrows said that based on MDOT s invite list, 93 or 94 of the 100 available slots were filled. McBurrows said that 28 slots were available for MPOs. There would also be representation from FHWA, MDOT, the regions, and transit agencies. Peers from Arizona, Minnesota and Ohio would be attending, including the Columbus TMA. The Volpe Center would be leading the exchange. Jason Nordberg and Ryan Buck pointed out that 28 slots equated perfectly to two staff members per MPO. McBurrows said that invites would be going out within the next week, and he also distributed copies of the preliminary agenda for the Exchange. McBurrows said that breakfast and lunch would be provided, and that slots had been reserved at two hotels in the area. McBurrows pointed out Chris Hundt from MDOT had a lot of input in the peer exchange development, and that Tom Bruff of SEMCOG had attended a Peer exchange in New York that formed the basis of the agenda. Bruff clarified that the Peer Exchange he attended in New York was at a time when no rulemakings had been developed and there had been little guidance available on target setting. Bruff said that now that several of the rulemakings were now available, this peer exchange could be an opportunity to really assess Michigan s readiness for performance measures. Bruff suggested that compiled data on such items such as pavement and bridge condition be available during the Exchange so that participants can assess what targets we would be able to meet currently, and what new targets would mean for statewide programs such as pavement preservation. This Exchange offers an opportunity to go into a little more detail than the one in New York. 3

4 Start said that he had been involved at a much earlier stage in some discussions with Tri-County RPC on MPO involvement in performance-based planning, and wanted to know where the State was with developing a plan to set targets and meet performance measures. Start was also curious about when MPOs would be brought into that statewide planning process for performance measures. Start said that he would like MPOs to be involved early in the process so that they are not left scrambling to meet performance targets later on. Polly Kent said that performance measures rulemakings had not been finalized yet, so MDOT was just issuing comments on those proposed rulemakings at this point. No setting of targets had taken place. Bruff asked whether it was possible to do some sort of video or audio conferencing that works better than the current conference call setup so that more than two participants from each MPO could be involved in the Exchange, at least in part. Pam Boyd said she would look into it. Tupica again suggested that MPOs use the PBPP Self Assessment Tool to determine their readiness for performance measures and to help inform statewide target setting from an early stage. 7. Asset Management Council Update Start said that the release of pavement and bridge data collected in 2014 is currently happening. In addition, PASER training for 2015 is beginning, with trainings next week in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Dearborn. Start also said that there was a work group in SE Michigan handling issues with the IRT and ADARS systems. Particular issues include who should be entering project data and making it possible for multiple users to make entries into ADARS on behalf of an Act 51 agency. Start also said that TAMC was emphasizing the need to complete ratings on missed road segments. There were several segments, even on trunklines, which had been consistently missed during the rating process each year. Start said that TAMC was still looking for opportunities to systematically collect local data. 8. State Transportation Revenue Legislation Discussion Polly Kent of MDOT gave a presentation on the Transportation Funding Ballot Measure that is up for a vote in May. Kent emphasized several points that had served as points of confusion for various agencies and members of the public. The registration fees for a new passenger vehicle would still be based on the value of vehicle. However, the registration fee rollbacks that occur in the years after the purchase of the new vehicle would no longer be in effect. This change would constitute a 36% increase in registration fees four years after purchase of a new vehicle. 4

5 Commercial truck registration fees would go up on a sliding scale. Competitive bidding on projects would be required on projects costing over $100,000; warranties would be required where possible. The seven largest road agencies (by funding) would engage in performance-driven maintenance contracting. Compressed or Liquid Natural Gas will be taxed at the same rate as diesel fuel Built into the wholesale tax is a price floor, so that the amount of revenue generated through that tax will never be below approximately 41 cents per gallon, the amount charged when gasoline costs $3.50 per gallon. Kent distributed a handout that MDOT had produced outlining specifics of the ballot measure. The document can be found at: 9. Education Committee/ Annual Conference Updates Buck noted that registration for the annual conference was now open, and that the cost was $325 per registrant. Buck said that the title of the conference was Access and Mobility in a Performance Measures Framework. Buck said that the agenda had been arranged in such a way that sessions during the conference would spill over into trainings throughout the year. Registration is available at: McBurrows asked whether any MDOT speakers had been added to the agenda as yet. Buck said that Jason Firman would be speaking on RITIS data, Jason Latham on initiatives in Kalamazoo, and there would be a presentation on M2D2 non-motorized initiatives. Pat Karr asked about hotel accommodations. Buck said that the nightly rate at the Campus Inn for the conference was approximately $161 per night. Buck said that MTPA had received a pledge of $1,000 from AECOM as a sponsor for the conference. 10. Other New Business Eric Mullen said that the financial workgroup had begun meeting again. Mullen encouraged MPOs to look back at financial chapter in their last TIP to see if there were any issues they wanted the group to address before the next TIP submittal. There is a core group that is working on finance, but the group and its meetings are open to anyone. Tupica asked where MPOs could find the Financial Plan Template that the work group developed. Mullen said it was on the MTPA website, and Mani said he would look to see if it was there. 5

6 Boyd said that information regarding ADA Transition Plans had been sent out to MTPA members by Gautam Mani. The guidelines did not apply to any MPOs in Michigan currently, but were definitely something useful to be aware of. Karr said that she noted from the newspaper in Battle Creek that there had been a change to state law regarding Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations. By July 1, government agencies need to establish procedures and guidelines for FOIA, and provide a link to these guidelines on the web. Pam Boyd said she would investigate the new regulations. Tupica said that FHWA was soliciting input on what public participation strategies had been successful for them so far. Tupica said that MTPA members should contact her so that FHWA can establish a list of best practices in the state. Mani said that a few Public Participation Plans that MTPA cited last month as exemplary could be found at: Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 11:07 AM. Minutes compiled by Gautam Mani, MTPA Secretary on March 17, In Attendance: Jay Anderson Doug Bell Maja Bolanowska Tom Bruff Andy Brush Ryan Buck Steve Bulthuis (phone) Melissa Carswell Elisha DeFrain Andrea Dewey Steve Duke Rick Fowler Josh Grab David Hartman Darrell Harden Don Howe Pat Karr Polly Kent Bay City Area Transportation Study Saginaw Area Transportaiton Study Midland Area Transportation Study Southeast Michigan Council of Governments Washtenaw Area Transportation Study Macatawa Area Coordinating Council Federal Highway Administration Jackson Area Comprehensive Transportation Study Michigan Department of Transportaiton Battle Creek Area Transportation Study 6

7 Jim Koenig Mark Kloha John Lanum Paul Lott Gautam Mani Dal McBurrows Eric Mullen Brian Mulnix Jason Nordberg Darrell Robinson Steve Skinker Jon Start Rachael Tupica John Watkin Kris Welch Ola Williams Southwest Michigan Planning Commission West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission Grand Valley Metro Council Tri County Regional Planning Commission Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study Federal Highway Administration 7