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1 POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE MINUTES Members Attending: Date: Time: Place: Friday, February 14, :00 AM COG Sequoia Conference Room 2035 Tulare St., Suite 201, Fresno, CA Rob Woolley, City of Clovis, Chair Jack Castro, City of Huron Anthony B. Lopez, City of Parlier David Elias, City of Fowler Rene Ramirez, City of Coalinga Ken McDonald, City of Firebaugh Bernard Jimenez, Fresno County Cruz Ramos, City off San Joaquin Briann Haddix, City of Sanger Brucee Rudd, City off Fresno Luis Patlan, City of Kerman Alex Henderson, City of Kingsburgg Nicole Zieba, City of Reedley Others Attending see attachment PRESENTATIONS JOINT Transportation Technical Committee / Policy Advisory Committee The TTC and the PAC meet as a joint Committee to consider scheduled public presentations brought before the Committees. This portion of the meeting began at 10:00 a.m. 1. Caltrans Report [CALTRANS] Mr. Padilla, Caltrans gave a brief update on current activities. A copy of the Caltrans Quarterly Report was included in the meeting package. Mr. Padilla also handed out additional information to the Committees. 2. SCORE Presentation Peter Fong Central Valley SCORE Peter Fong, District Director for SCORE gave a short presentation regarding resources available for small business owners. More information is available on the SCORE website at POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mr. Woolley, Chair called the Policy Advisory Committee meetingg to order. I. TRANSPORTATION CONSENT ITEMS About Consent Items: 1

2 All items on the consent agenda are considered to be routine and non controversial by COG staff and will be approved by one motion if no member of the Committee or public wishes to comment or ask questions. If comment or discussion is desired by anyone, the item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered in the listed sequence with an opportunity for any member of the public to address the Committee concerning the item before action is taken. A. Executive Minutes of January 17, 2014 [APPROVE] B. FY Transportation Funding Claims [Fawcett] [INFO/APPROVE] C. FY 2014/15 TDA Fund Estimates [Fawcett] [APPROVE] D. FY Second Quarter Progress Report [Beshears] [ACCEPT] E. FY 2012/13 Financial and Compliance Audits [Beshears] [ACCEPT] F. FY Transit Productivity Evaluation Report (Long) [ACCEPT] G California Statewide Local Streets and Roads Needs Assessment Survey [Garza] [INFORMATION] H. Retrofit Soundwall Study Report: Request for Proposals Withdrawn[Garza] [INFORMATION] I. UPDATE: California Road Repairs Act Not in 2014 [Garza] [INFORMATION] J. Update on Fresno COG Highway Litter Cleanup /Policy Board presentation [Dawson] [INFORMATION] K. Prop 84 Update [Terry] [INFORMATION] L. 3rd Annual Central California Planning Commissioner s Workshop May 16, 2014 [Terry] [INFORMATION] M. Blueprint Integration Infill Housing Feasibility [Terry] [INFORMATION] N. Greenprint Update [Thompson] [INFORMATION] O. Assembly Bill No A Bill to Provide for the Classification of Class IV Bikeways [Thompson] [INFORMATION] P. Update of the Unmet Needs Process [Long] [INFORMATION] Q. Measure C Citizen Oversight Committee Appointments [Veenendaal] [INFORMATION] R. Regional Transportation Mitigation Fee Figarden Drive Apartments, LLC Appeal [Beshears] [INFORMATION] S. Monthly Grant/Call for Project/Request for Proposals Reminder [INFORMATION] T. FCRTA ITEMS Proposed Transition of Kingsburg Transit s Dispatching Arrangements [Webster] [INFORMATION] For a complete summary of these items, please see the February 14, 2014 Annotated Agenda. A motion was made by Mr. Rudd (Fresno) and seconded by Mr. Haddix (Sanger) to approve the Transportation Consent Items as presented. A vote was called for and the motion carried. II. TRANSPORTATION ACTION / DISCUSSION ITEMS A. FY DRAFT Overall Work Program [Beshears] [45 Day Review Period] Tony Boren, Executive Director, presented this item, explaining that the FY Overall Work Program (OWP), totaling $12,388,140, was being released for review and comment. Mr. Boren referred to the memorandum included in the meeting package highlighting items in this OWP. This year s budget total reflects a decrease of 12% ($1,680,551) from the approved FY budget. This decrease is largely a factor of projects in the FTA 5316 & 5317 (JARRC and New Freedom) programs as they draw down on existing grants. Map 21 discontinued the 5316 & 5317 programs, therefore we will be winding those programs down in future budgets. Mr. Boren went on to explain that last year FCOG also had a major expense programmed for its RTP update that is not programmed this year. The overall budget reduction is also representative of the partial completion of State planning grants that are 2

3 carried over into the new year s budget at lesser amounts. Operational revenues remain intact, reserves are adequate and the agency continues to operate within the bounds of prudent management. The Draft OWP was attached as an exhibit to this item and is also available on the Fresno COG website at 0. Hard copies are available upon request. Following a short discussion, the Committee concurred with TTC s recommendation to recommend that the Policy Board concur with the release FY Overall Work Program for 45 day review and comment period beginning February 14, B. FY 2013 RTSP Call for Projects Funding Recommendations [Monge] [APPROVE] Melissa Garza (FCOG) presented this item. On September 26, 2013 the Fresno COG Policy Board issued a formal Call for Projects for the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP). Project applications were due on November 27, The available funding for this round of RSTP is $8,911,925; 74 projects were submitted during the call with a total of $52,816,319 in requested RSTP funds. On January 23, 2014 the RSTP scoring committee (as appointed by the Programming Sub Committee) met and reviewed the submitted applications and recommended 13 projects to receive funding. The scoring committee s recommendations as well a funding breakdown by member agency were included as an exhibit to this item. A motion was made by Mr. Haddix (Sanger) and seconded by Mr. Ramirez (Coalinga) to recommend approval of the recommendations for the 2013 RSTP Call for Projects as made by the RSTP Scoring Committee. Approved projects will be programmed for funding in the 2015 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). A vote was called for and the motion carried. C. Blueprint Fiscal Impact Analysis Model for the San Joaquin Valley [Terry] [APPROVE] Barbara Steck (FCOG) presented this item noting that on January 10, 2014, Fresno COG released an RFP for consultation services to complete the final Blueprint funded task relating to fiscal analysis modeling. In response to the RFP, Fresno COG received one submission (AECOM) to deliver the proposed services. The proposal has been shared with staff at each COG for their review and comment as part of the monthly Blueprint Project Manager meeting, which includes staff members from Fresno COG, as well as discussed by the COG Directors at their February 6 th meeting. The consensus of both groups was to recommend awarding of the contract to AECOM in the amount of $60,000, as indicated in the RFP. Contract work associated with this task will be completed by June 30, The final deliverable will result in a valley customized, excel based fiscal analysis tool available for no cost use by any agency, and will be housed on the Blueprint Toolkit website. A motion was made by Mr. Jimenez (County) and seconded by Mr. Patlan (Kerman) to recommend the Policy Board award the Fiscal Impact Analysis Model contract to AECOM, not to exceed the amount of $60,000, as indicated in both the RFP and the consultant s proposal. A vote was called for and the motion carried. D. Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Update (2 Items) [Steck] [INFORMATION] 1. Policy Advisory Committee Sub committee Formation Ms. Steck also presented this item. On November 21, 2013 the COG Policy Board directed the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) to initiate a discussion group to: (1) continue discussion on policy issues suggested by City of Fresno (Bruce Rudd) and responded to by County of Fresno (Bernard Jimenez) 3

4 (2) Evaluate the feasibility of the policy recommendations submitted by the CBOs (3) Engage the community in the discussion (specifically mentioned were LAFCo staff, School Districts, Service Providers, Coalition of CBOs) PAC is to come back to the Policy Board in 120 days (end of March) with an outline of what early steps would look like, including a timeline and an update on progress Members of the PAC Sub committee were appointed by PAC at their meeting on January 17, 2014: Rob Woolley (Clovis), Bruce Rudd (Fresno), Bernard Jimenez (County), Dave Elias (Fowler/Eastside Cities), and Rene Ramirez (Coalinga/Westside Cities). The first meeting of this sub committee is scheduled for February 14th at noon following the regularly scheduled PAC meeting. The sub committee agenda was included in the meeting package. 2. Pending Release of DRAFT Regional Transportation Plan and associated documents Ms. Steck reported that staff is finalizing the Draft 2014 RTP and associated conformity and environmental documents. The documents will be released for public review early in March with adoption by the Policy Board anticipated on June 26, This was an information item and required no further action by the Committee. E. Bus Rapid Transit Update [Downs][INFORMATION] John Downs (FCOG/FAX) gave a brief update on this item. Bruce Rudd (Fresno) also commented. Staff will continue to update the Committee as needed. This was an information item and required no further action by the Committee. III. ADMINISTRATIVE CONSENT ITEMS About Consent Items All items on the consent agenda are considered to be routine and non controversial by COG staff and will be approved by one motion if no member of the Committee or public wishes to comment or ask questions. If comment or discussion is desired by anyone, the item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered in the listed sequence with an opportunity for any member of the public to address the Committee concerning the item before action is taken. A. Monthly Legislative Update [Garza] [INFORMATION] For a complete summary, see the February 14, 2014 Annotated Agenda. A motion was made by Ms. Ramos (San Joaquin) and seconded by Mr. Jimenez (County) to approve the Administrative Consent Items as presented. A vote was called for and the motion carried. IV. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Fresno COG 2014 One Voice April 5 10, 2014 [Garza] [APPROVE] 4

5 Melissa Garza (FCOG) presented this item explaining that Fresno COG held a One Voice Subcommittee Meeting on January 22, 2014 to discuss the One Voice trip to Washington, DC. The Fresno COG Policy Board approved the following 2014 regional priorities in November of 2013 (not prioritized): 1. Support for STIP in Federal Transportation Bill Veterans Blvd: With limited resources for local agencies, it is imperative that Congress continues to authorize adequate funding for the STIP in the context of the next Transportation Reauthorization bill. 2. Funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP): DOJ s discontinuation of SCAAP funds for criminal aliens that are unknown in the federal government database, would result in a drastic decline to Fresno County reimbursements which are already historically low 3. Air and Health Quality Empowerment Zone Designation: Support of an Air and Health Quality Empowerment Zone Designation to provide new incentive funding for non attainment areas like the San Joaquin Valley while emphasizing how the drought conditions are adversely affecting the San Joaquin air and health quality. 4. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program: Support continued and increased funding for the CDBG program. 5. Farm Bill Funding to include Pest and Disease Management Programs: Support for continued and reliable funding for pest prevention and exclusion activities, as well consistent funding of pest and disease management programs by up to $615 million over the ten year budget baseline. 6. Water Policy Support: Support for Federal legislation and programs that fund water supply related projects and construction of new water storage and recharge projects that give priority to areas experiencing long term groundwater overdraft. 7. HSR Training Facilities: Create policy or regulations that require high speed rail training facilities be located alongside high speed rail testing facilities in the Central Valley. 8. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): Maintain Federal CSBG funding because it gives organizations like the Fresno EOC the opportunity to provide emergency assistance to communities affected by the current water drought. 9. United States Department of Transportation Consistent Policies for Targeted Hiring Programs and Workforce Development Funds: Development of a uniform policy pertaining to focused hiring programs to be implemented by all administration departments within the U.S. DOT. Also, enforce a requirement that all administration departments within the U.S. DOT identify workforce training funds that can be used by schools screened by Workforce Investment Act recognized workforce boards and those used by union apprentice programs. Ms. Garza noted that since the approval of the regional priorities in November, the issues relating to Water have increased and Fresno COG has been instrumental in voicing support of Federal and State legislation and programs that could assist in addressing the complex issues surrounding water supply, reliability, and quality. The One Voice Subcommittee recommended that Water Policy be considered the number one priority for this year s trip on the basis that Water is currently the most critical issue being faced by the San Joaquin Valley. Additionally, the U.S. drought monitor has labeled approximately 63% of the state as being in an extreme drought, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated Fresno County as part of the natural disaster areas and Governor Jerry 5

6 Brown has declared a state of emergency due to the drought. Fresno COG passed a resolution in January asking President Obama for Federal designation of emergency so that communities in Fresno County can receive emergency assistance funds. Furthermore, the One Voice Subcommittee requested that each member agency provide feedback to Fresno COG staff as to the local actions being instituted to conserve water during this drought season. This information will be included in a form of resolution to provide to Federal Legislators. The County of Fresno has requested that Fresno COG consider adding a tenth priority relating to the Continuation of Payments in Lieu of Taxes Program which makes up for the diminished tax revenues stemming from Federal ownership of land within the County s boundaries. This was part of the regional priorities in 2008 and is consistent with the County s legislative platform. There was a short discussion regarding the priorities and how the priorities are chosen. The One Voice Sub committee and staff recommended three actions on this item: 1. Recommend Water Policy as the number one priority for the 2014 One Voice DC trip 2. Request that each member agency provide a resolution identifying the implementation of water conservancy measures in their communities 3. Recommend adding a tenth regional priority Continuation of Payments in Lieu of Taxes Program A motion was made by Ms. Ramos (San Joaquin) and seconded by Mr. Jimenez (County) to recommend approval of the three actions. A vote was called for and the motion carried. B. Water Update[Boren] [INFORMATION/DISCUSSION] Tony Boren gave a short update. There was discussion regarding President Obama s visit to Fresno that was scheduled for the afternoon of February 14 th and other issues affecting the Valley regarding the drought and bills being introduced in the House and Senate. This was an information item and required no further action by the Committee. C. Fresno County Abandoned Vehicle Ballot Argument and Signatures [Thompson] [APPROVE]] Clark Thompson (FCOG) reported that placement of the proposed ten year extension of the Fresno County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) program (Measure A) on the June 3, 2014 ballot for voter consideration has been approved by the Board of Supervisors. A two thirds vote of the electorate favoring extension is required for the program to be extended. The filing period for arguments for and arguments against (if any) the Measure will open on Wednesday, February 26 and will close on Friday, March 7. The argument for Measure A is listed below for your review and recommendation for approval. It will also be necessary for the Fresno County AVA Service Authority Board (Fresno COG Policy Board) to identify up to five individuals whose names will appear on the ballot along with the ballot argument. Argument for Measure A Vote Yes on Measure A to continue an important local program for all residents of Fresno County and its 15 cities through the Fresno County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) program. Removal of abandoned vehicles helps reduce risks to the environment, remove safety hazards and maintain the visual beauty of our communities. Risks to the environment include fluids leaking or rust leaching from abandoned vehicles that can enter waterways or 6

7 habitats through drainage systems. Vehicles abandoned in roadways present safety hazards for other motorists and pedestrians by occupying a portion of a roadway or shoulder. Abandoned or wrecked vehicles left on our roadways and open areas in our communities and rural areas are an eyesore. The AVA program is responsive to resident complaints and results in proper removal of abandoned vehicles. The Fresno County AVA program started as a ten year program in Since 2004, all of us who register vehicles in Fresno County have paid a $1 annual fee per vehicle and $2 annual fee for certain commercial vehicles. Voting Yes on Measure A will not create a new fee but will continue for an additional ten year period the same fee that has been collected since Within just the last full year, 4,427 abandoned vehicles have been removed. The City Councils of all 15 cities have adopted resolutions urging the Board of Supervisors to place the extension of the abandoned vehicle abatement fee on the ballot. County and city budgets are stretched thin. There is simply no money in existing local budgets to replace the approximately $700,000/year generated by the abandoned vehicle abatement fee, and without a renewal of the fee abandoned vehicles will accumulate throughout the county and within its cities. Vote Yes on Measure A. Ms. Zieba suggested that the last two sentences of the second paragraph should be moved to the beginning of the statement. Following a brief discussion, a motion was made by Ms. Ramos (San Joaquin) and seconded by Mr. McDonald (Firebaugh) to recommend the Fresno County AVA Service Authority approve the ballot argument for Measure A with the suggested changes. A vote was called for and the motion carried. V. OTHER BUSINESS A. Items from Staff 1. Mr. Boren announced that the Fresno COG Policy Board meeting for March has been moved to March 20 th due to a water meeting in Sacramento on March 27 th that most of the Mayors will be attending. B. Items from Members VI. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. Public Presentations This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Committee on items within its jurisdiction but not on this agenda. There were no presentations. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Tony Boren, Executive Director 7

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9 Others Attending: Heather Dumais, American Lung Association in CA Moses Stites, FCRTA Jeff Webster, FCRTA David Padilla, Caltrans Peter Fong, SCORE Lydia Zabrycki, QuadKnopf Daniel O Connor, American Farmland Trust Fresno COG Staff: Tony Boren Barbara Steck Mike Bitner Laural Fawcett Melissa Garza Clark Thompson Kristine Cai Brenda Veenendaal John Downs, Fresno COG/FAX Marla Day 9