MINUTES OF THE TRANSPORTATION POLICY COUNCIL FOR THE HOUSTON-GALVESTON TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT AREA

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1 MINUTES OF THE TRANSPORTATION POLICY COUNCIL FOR THE HOUSTON-GALVESTON TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT AREA DATE: Friday December 21, 2018 TIME: PLACE: 9:30 a.m. Houston-Galveston Area Council, 3555 Timmons Lane, 2 nd Floor, Room B, Houston, Texas Chairman Matt Sebesta called the Transportation Policy Council (TPC) to order at 9:32 a.m. ITEM 1. CERTIFICATION OF QUORUM Secretary Tom Reid announced that a quorum of TPC membership was present; 14 members comprise a quorum. A quorum was declared present and recorded on the Roll Call, which is included with these Minutes as Attachment 1. ITEM 2. INTRODUCTIONS Chairman Sebesta invited introductions from Council members and staff. ITEM 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS The following persons addressed the Council regarding Agenda items: 1. Dominic Mazoch Mr. Mazoch addressed the Council regarding his belief that the Memorandum of Understanding between Houston-Galveston Area Council and Texas Central Railway should be delayed until the new Commissioners Court has reviewed the agreement. Mr. Mazoch would like to see a push for the METRONext Bus Rapid Transit extension from the Northwest Transit Center to the proposed Northwest Mall station. 2. Irv Smith Mr. Smith, representing Rail Passengers Association, addressed the Council regarding Agenda Items 7-9. The Rail Passengers Association s immediate goal is for Amtrak s Sunset Limited from Houston to Dallas to be a daily train instead of three times per week. His organization supports the Texas Central Railway effort and thinks there should be a link downtown, possibly at the Burnett Transit Center. Mr. Smith hopes the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan considers a national railroad network. 3. David Smith Mr. Smith addressed the Council regarding the Memorandum of Understanding with Texas Central Partners. He supports the for-profit high-speed rail proposal; however, he is concerned that the cost will eventually be transferred to taxpayers. He believes if H-GAC allows TCP to accept Federal Guaranteed Loans, the high-speed rail cost will end up being nationalized to taxpayers due to a 1

2 probability that TCP will go bankrupt. He urged members to vote against the MOU and insert an item that TCP agrees not to accept Federal Guaranteed Loans, keeping the project a strictly for-profit endeavor. 4. Temidayo Ogan - Ms. Ogan, representing TOCSS Foundation International, addressed the Council regarding transportation safety and the METRONext Plan. TOCSS recognizes METRONext Plan as a useful innovation that promotes road traffic safety. The organization recommends that to further achieve a more comprehensive and improved Safety Plan within the region, engineering, infrastructure and METRONext plan management systems should seek to integrate a Star standard safety plan for all types of transportation in the region. TOCSS suggests complying with, and adopting applicable international standards published by International Organization for Standardization (IOS). 5. Pamela Hale Ms. Hale addressed the Council regarding the Palomino land extension project submitted by League City. Ms. Hale expressed concerns regarding the proposed bridge placement which is projected to span FM 518 to Palomino, over Clear Creek, and end on Grissom Road. The plan considers two route options, both of which will go through the Clear Creek Shores subdivision. Ms. Hale requested that the Council reject the Palomino Lane Extension project. 6. Mary Sullivan Ms. Sullivan expressed concerns that the Palomino Land extension project will cause more flooding. She requested that the Council reject the project due to unfavorable public comments received in other locations. Council Member Amanda Edwards stated for the record that Nominating Committee members should consider the diversity of our region s population in its consideration of TPC officers. She urged Council to be mindful of geographic, demographic, and gender diversity. Commission Chair Janiece Longoria, Port of Houston, added that a permanent position should be created for Port of Houston because of its impact on transportation issues affecting the region and the State of Texas. She stressed that Port of Houston is to freight movement as METRO is to passenger transportation. The Port of Houston processes as much as 10,000 trucks per day at two containers. Carrin Patman (METRO) expanded on Council Member Edwards statement, specifically focusing on gender diversity and hopes that the next slate of officers will include women. ITEM 4. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 26, 2018 MEETING MINUTES SUMMARY Secretary Reid motioned for approval of the October 26, 2018 meeting Minutes and Commissioner Ken Clark seconded the motion. The Council voted and approved the Minutes. ITEM 5A. RESOLUTIONS OF COMMENDATION FOR OUTGOING TPC MEMBERS Chairman Sebesta read Resolutions of Commendation for each of the following outgoing members: Scott Elmer, P.E., City of Missouri City. Scott Elmer served on H-GAC s Transportation Policy Council representing City of Missouri City, Scott Elmer also represented the 2

3 City of Missouri City on the Technical Advisory Committee, , and he served as its Chairman from Judge Ed Emmett, Harris County. Judge Ed Emmett served on H-GAC s Transportation Policy Council representing Harris County from He served as First Vice Chair from and Chairman, , and as Past Chair from , and Co-Chair of the restored Freight Committee. Commissioner James Patterson, Fort Bend County. Commissioner Patterson served on H- GAC s Transportation Policy Council representing Fort Bend County from He served as Chairman to the Transportation Policy Council from and as First Vice Chair, Commissioner Rusty Senac, Chambers County. Commissioner Senac served on H-GAC s Transportation Policy Council representing Chambers County He served as First Vice Chair in 2017 and Second Vice Chair in In , he served as Chairman of the High Capacity Transit Task Force. He also represented Chambers County on the Technical Advisory Committee from After many motions and seconds for approval, the Council voted and unanimously approved the Resolutions of Commendation as stated above. All members received much applause and congratulations. Outgoing members expressed thanks to the Council for their recognition and for the opportunity to serve our region. ITEM 6A. RESOLUTION FOR APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE 2040 RTP AND THE TIP Mr. Jim Dickinson introduced six amendments to the TIP and RTP that involved the following action: Replace Metropolitan and Urban Area Corridor Projects (Category-2) funding with $127.6M of Surface Transportation Block Grant (Category-7) funding for two SH 36 4-lane widening projects. Program $4.49M of Surface Transportation Block Grant (Category-7) funding to cover 50% of cost overrun of the Clinton Drive reconstruction project. Program $3.8M of newly awarded FTA 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Program funding to the Texas City Park & Ride construction project and update project description to reflect addition of administration and operation center to the project. Cancel the locally funded Fort Bend County Transit Operations and Administration Facility placeholder project from the TIP. Add Metro s locally funded signing and pavement marking project for the off-peak HOV lane into FY 2019 of the TIP. Commissioner Janiece Longoria motioned for approval of amendments to the TIP and RTP, and Commissioner Ken Clark seconded the motion. The Council voted and approved Resolution No

4 ITEM 6B. ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE TIP AND RTP Mr. Dickinson reviewed 13 Amendments to the TIP and RTP which were approved administratively. Change the funding category from Local to Local Contribution on three Fort Bend County roadway construction projects to satisfy FHWA STIP exception comments. Correct the Total Project Cost on the Clear Creek Trail construction project to satisfy an FHWA STIP exception comment. Delay the City of Galveston 61st Street extension project from FY 2019 to FY 2022 at sponsor s request. Change the funding category from Category 2 to Category 7 on a SH 36 widening project. Correct the number of Transportation Development Credits programmed on H-GAC s Commute Solutions Program Implementation project. Delay the H-GAC FY 2019 Commute Solutions project to FY 2020 to manage program budgets and update the project descriptions (2) to satisfy an FHWA STIP exception comment. Clarify the project description of the SH 225 direct connectors construction project to satisfy an FHWA STIP exception comment. Clarify the project description of the US 290 HOV/HOT access ramp and update the cost with a small reduction. Clarify the project description of the Mykawa Right-of-Way acquisition project to satisfy an FHWA STIP exception comment. Clarify the project description of the Rideshare Program to the Travel Demand Management, Ridesharing Platform and Outreach Program Update the planning CSJ number on the Lynchburg Ferry Rehabilitation project to a permanent one. These Administrative Amendments are presented for information only and do not require action by the Council. ITEM 6C. FUTURE AMENDMENTS TO THE TIP AND RTP Ms. Karen Owen previewed one draft amendment to the TIP and RTP for possible future action by the TPC which includes an initial list of preliminary transportation planning studies intended to support passenger, vehicle and freight mobility. Planning studies currently under consideration include: Southeast Harris County/SH 225 Subregional Study Montgomery County Precinct 2 Mobility Plan Liberty County Transportation Plan Regional Travel Survey support High Crash Intersection Safety Studies Livable Centers Program Follow-up on High Capacity Transit Taskforce Recommendations Regional Goods Movement Plan Update 4

5 If approved by the Council, these studies will be programmed in the TIP and the Unified Planning Work Program. This information was presented for information only and is subject to change prior to a request for action by the Council at their next meeting. More details regarding these studies can be accessed at: ITEM 6D. RESOLUTION FOR APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE UPWP Ms. Neely Kim previewed three revisions to five tasks in the UPWP. These changes have to do with carryover funds from FY2018 to FY2019, reprogramming of funds among various tasks, and addition of new funds incorporated into the 2019 UPWP Commissioner Janiece Longoria motioned for approval of amendments to the UPWP, and Council Member Trisha Pollard seconded the motion. The Council voted and approved Resolution No. 18/19-9. ITEM 7. REQUEST FOR MOU BETWEEN TEXAS CENTRAL PARTNERS, LLC AND THE HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL MPO Mr. Patrick Mandapaka briefed the Council on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Texas Central Partners and H-GAC MPO. This information was presented to the Council last month and staff received some very good comments, one of which was to seek legal advice and clarification on the wording of the MOU document. These comments were incorporated into the MOU, and the revised version is included in the green sheets distributed to the Council at today s meeting. Mr. Mandapaka introduced Mr. Travis Kelly from Texas Central Partners who provided additional information at today s meeting as requested by the Council at their October meeting. Mr. Mandapaka assured the Council that there will be no exchange of funding for the MOU and that it is not legally binding. There were questions and much discussion from the Council following Mr. Kelly s presentation, and that discussion is available in the meeting archives at: After a request for approval of the revised MOU, Dr. Carol Lewis motioned for approval, and Council Member David Robinson seconded the motion. The Council voted and approved the revised MOU. There was one vote in opposition from Commissioner Rusty Senac, Chambers County. ITEM 8. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE 2040 RTP TO ADD HIGH-SPEED RAIL Mr. Adam Becom explained that the proposed draft amendment would be to add the high-speed rail project to the 2040 RTP and TIP. This is an $18 billion project for a 240-mile high-speed passenger train with three stations between Houston and Dallas. This project, once implemented, could improve air quality and economic benefits to the region. Staff will bring this amendment back to the Council for consideration and action at their January meeting. 5

6 ITEM 9. REPORT ON TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ACTIVITIES A. Transportation Planning Activities Mr. Clark invited questions from members regarding planning activities for December. Mr. Clark mentioned that there will be more discussion regarding the Call for Projects and the 2045 RTP public meetings early next year. Regarding the public meetings flyer distributed at today s meeting, Mr. Clark invited attendance and participation in these meetings from Council members. Mr. Clark also mentioned the response by the TCEQ concerning the Volkswagen settlement which was discussed at a previous meeting. He is pleased that the TCEQ did respond positively to some of staff comments. They changed the required local share for participation from 40% to 20% and increased the amount of funds earmarked for the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas, still well below what we consider to be a reasonable share given the number of Volkswagen offending vehicles in those two markets. It was somewhat disappointing that they did not respond favorably to staff s regional approach. The TCEQ still intends to administer these funds entirely from Austin, one grant at a time. We are going to continue our dialog with TCEQ in the hope that they may be open to an attempt to make sure these funds are spent, so that collectively, we will receive more than just the sum of our individual projects. B. H-GAC Board of Directors Items submitted to the H-GAC Board of Directors in December are summarized in this item. ITEM 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Clark reminded the Council to submit their nominations for the TAC at-large members and the Transportation Safety Committee at large membership before the end of the year. Next TAC meeting January 16, 2019, at 9:30 a.m., Rm B Next TPC meeting January 25, 2019, at 9:30 a.m., Rm B ITEM 11. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Sebesta adjourned the meeting of the TPC at 11:05 a.m. Hon. Tom Reid, Secretary Transportation Policy Council 6

7 TRANSPORTATION POLICY COUNCIL (TPC) FOR THE HOUSTON-GALVESTON TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT AREA December 21, 2018 ROLL TPC Agenda Item 4 Attachment 1 AGENCY VOTING MEMBER/ALTERNATE REPRESENTING Baytown, City of X Honorable Robert Hoskins City of Baytown Council Member, District 5 Honorable Charles Johnson Alternate Conroe, City of Thomas Woolley City of Conroe Interim Director of Engineering Chris Bogert Alternate Galveston, City of Honorable Craig Brown City of Galveston Council Member Rick Beverlin - Alternate Houston, City of X Honorable David W. Robinson 2 nd VC City of Houston Council Member, At-Large 2 Hon. Martha Castex-Tatum- Alternate Houston, City of X Honorable Amanda Edwards City of Houston Council Member Karla Cisneros - Alternate Houston, City of X Jeffrey Weatherford, P.E. City of Houston Director, Public Works & Engineering Maureen Crocker Alternate League City, City of X Honorable Larry Millican Council Member, Position 3 Hon. Hank Dugie - Alternate City of League City Missouri City, City of x Scott Elmer, P.E. City of Missouri City Assistant City Manager X Shashi Kumar, P.E. Alternate Pasadena, City of Honorable Cary Bass City of Pasadena Council Member James Rodriguez Alternate 1

8 TPC Agenda Item 4 Attachment 1 AGENCY VOTING MEMBER/ALTERNATE REPRESENTING Pearland, City of X Honorable Tom Reid City of Pearland Mayor - Secretary Jon Branson Alternate Sugar Land, City of X Honorable Joe Zimmerman City of Sugar Land Mayor x Hon. Jennifer Lane Alternate Texas City, City of X Phil Roberts City of Texas City Mayor Pro Tem x Doug Kneupper, P.E. - Alternate City of Bellaire X Honorable Trisha Pollard Smaller Cities, Harris County Council Member, City of Bellaire x Honorable Natalie Picha - Alternate Brazoria County X Honorable Matt Sebesta Brazoria County County Judge - Chairman Honorable David Linder Alternate Chambers County X Honorable Rusty Senac Chambers County Commissioner Jimmy E. Gore - Alternate Fort Bend County X Honorable James Patterson Fort Bend County County Commissioner, Pct 4 x Paulette Shelton Alternate Galveston County X Honorable Kenneth Clark Galveston County Commissioner 1 st Vice Chair Judge Mark Henry Alternate Harris County X Honorable Ed Emmett Harris County County Judge Past Chair Honorable Jack Morman Alternate Harris County Honorable Steve Radack Harris County County Commissioner, Pct 3 X Gary Trietsch, P.E. Alternate Liberty County David Douglas Liberty County Engineering Director Honorable Greg Arthur - Alternate 2

9 TPC Agenda Item 4 Attachment 1 AGENCY VOTING MEMBER/ALTERNATE REPRESENTING Montgomery County Honorable Charlie Riley Montgomery County County Commissioner, Pct 2 Honorable Craig Doyal Alternate Waller County Hon. Justin Beckendorff Waller County County Commissioner Yancy Scott, P.E. - Alternate Houston Metropolitan X Carrin Patman METRO Transit Authority METRO Chair x Thomas Lambert - Alternate Houston-Galveston X Chuck Wemple H-GAC Area Council At Large Executive Director Jeff Taebel Alternate TxDOT X Quincy Allen, P.E. TxDOT Houston District District Engineer x Eliza Paul, P.E. Alternate TxDOT X Tucker Ferguson, P.E. TxDOT Beaumont District District Engineer x Adam Jack, P.E. Alternate Port of Houston Authority X Honorable Janiece Longoria Other Transportation Commissioner/POH Chair Interests Phyllis Saathoff Alternate Gulf Coast Rail District Bert Keller Gulf Coast Rail District Chairman, GCRD X Carol Lewis, TSU Alternate 28 Total Voting Membership 22 Voting Membership Present 14 Required Quorum 3

10 TPC Agenda Item 4 Attachment 1 AGENCY NON-VOTING MEMBERS REPRESENTING Freight Rail Interests X Brenda Mainwaring Union Pacific Railroad Vice President, Public Affairs Freight Rail Interests X Hugh McCulley BNSF Railway Texas State Legislator Hon. Ed Thompson 8-County Region Texas State Legislator Hon. Sylvia Garcia 8-County Region Wharton County X Hon. Phillip Spenrath Wharton County County Judge TxDOT Yoakum District X Paul Reitz, P.E. TxDOT Yoakum District District Engineer 4