5. REPORT and VOTE: The Tomorrow Plan Quantitative Survey... Page 10 Report on quantitative survey to supplement The Tomorrow Plan.

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1 NOTICE OF MEETING Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Executive Committee *************************** 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 10, 2012 Des Moines Area MPO - Mead Conference Room *************************** TENTATIVE AGENDA The established protocol for minutes of this meeting will be to list all attendees, and with each item on which a vote is conducted in the ordinary course in order to take formal action, those voting nay or abstaining will be identified by name. Any member who is absent from the meeting for any period of time during which a vote of the body is taken, is expected to notify the recording secretary at the conclusion of the meeting so that the absence can be duly noted in the minutes. Roll Call votes will be taken as required by law or upon the request of any member that is approved by the chair, and the vote of each member for or against the proposition, or abstention, will be incorporated in the minutes or recorded on a separate sheet attached to the minutes. 1. Call To Order 2. VOTE: Approval of Agenda 3. VOTE: Approval of Meeting Minutes...Page 3 Approve the September 12, 2012, meeting minutes. 4. REPORT and VOTE: Federal Fiscal Years Transportation Improvement Program Amendment Request... Page 7 Report on the Iowa Department of Transportation s request to amend three project descriptions in the Federal Fiscal Years Transportation Improvement Program; consider approval. 5. REPORT and VOTE: The Tomorrow Plan Quantitative Survey... Page 10 Report on quantitative survey to supplement The Tomorrow Plan. 6. REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: City of West Des Moines Request to Update Termini... Page 11 Report on a request from the City of West Des Moines to update the eastern termini of the Southwest Connector. 7. REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Rail Grant Award... Page 14 Report on the award given to the MPO through the Iowa Department of Transportation s Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program; consider approval. 8. REPORT: US 65/Iowa 5 Interstate Designation Update... Page 15 Report on efforts to re-designate the US 65/Iowa 5 corridor to an interstate. 9. REPORT: Morningstar Drive Bridge Over Interstate 35/80... Page 16 Report on the proposed replacement of the Morningstar Drive Bridge over Interstate 35/ REPORT: Long-Range Transportation Plan Growth Scenario Process Update... Page 17 Report on efforts to begin the growth scenario process for the next long-range transportation plan. 11. REPORT: Priority Project Solicitation Process... Page 18 Report on the process to select projects for the Greater Des Moines Partnership s 2013 trip to Washington, D.C.

2 12. REPORT: MAP-21 Funding Update... Page 19 Report on potential funding changes stemming from MAP REPORT: Polk County Request for Surface Transportation Program Funds... Page 20 Report on a request from Polk County for additional Surface Transportation Program funds for the Southwest Connector. 14. REPORT: Ames-Des Moines Corridor Transit Study... Page 21 Report on a potential transit study along the Ames-Des Moines corridor. 15. REPORT: The Tomorrow Plan Update... Page 22 Update on activities related to The Tomorrow Plan. 16. INFORMATION: Combat Hunger Initiative... Page Other Non-Action Items of Interest to the Committee 18. VOTE: Approval of the October 18, 2012, MPO Agenda 19. Next Meeting Date 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2012, Des Moines Area MPO Office. 20. Adjournment 2

3 Item No. 3 ISSUE: Approval of Meeting Minutes VOTE: Consider approval of the September 12, 2012, meeting minutes. The minutes of the September 12, 2012, meeting are enclosed on the following pages. Approve the minutes of the September 12, 2012, meeting. Jennifer Ratcliff, jratcliff@dmampo.org; 3

4 MEETING MINUTES Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Executive Committee 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2012 Des Moines Area MPO Meeting Room Des Moines, Iowa The held a meeting at 11:30 a.m., on September 12, 2012, in the MPO Meeting Room. Before the meeting, the MPO staff sent agenda packets to the s representatives and posted the agenda at the MPO office at 9:00 a.m., on September 7, The fiscal year-to-date publication cost of meeting minutes for the MPO: $ In addition to these published tentative minutes, there also may be additional meeting notes on file with the MPO staff that are public records and available upon request as provided by law. These tentative minutes reflect all action taken at the meeting. Members Present: Chris Coleman, City of Des Moines Tom Hockensmith, Polk County Tom Armstrong, City of Grimes Ted Ohmart, City of West Des Moines Paula Dierenfeld, City of Johnston Members Absent: Angela Connolly, Polk County Robert Mahaffey, City of Des Moines Others Present: Scott Dockstader, Iowa Department of Transportation* Staff Present: Todd Ashby, Executive Director Jonathan Wilson, MPO General Counsel Dylan Mullenix, Principal Transportation Planner Luke Parris, Senior Transportation Planner Zach Young, Associate Transportation Planner Bethany Wilcoxon, Senior Transportation Planner * Non-voting Representative 4 FY 2012 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Please call (515) to obtain permission for use.

5 1. Call to Order MPO Chair Coleman called the September 12, 2012, meeting to order at 11:38 a.m. 2. Approval of Agenda MOTION: A motion was made to approve the September 12, 2012, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Committee meeting agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 3. Approval of Meeting Minutes MOTION: A motion was made to approve the August 8, 2012, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Committee meeting minutes. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 4. The Tomorrow Plan Steering Committee Addition MOTION: A motion was made to approve the addition of Gene Meyer from the Greater Des Moines Partnership to The Tomorrow Plan Steering Committee. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 5. Federal Fiscal Years Transportation Improvement Program Amendment Request MOTION: A motion was made to approve the City of Des Moines request to amend a project in the Federal Fiscal Years Transportation Improvement Program for the Southeast Connector TIGER grant award. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 6. Federal Fiscal Years Transportation Improvement Program Administrative Modification Request MOTION: A motion was made to approve the City of Des Moines request to add to modify a project Federal Fiscal Years Transportation Improvement Program to move funding forward for the Southeast Connector. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 7. Calendar Year 2013 Meeting Dates MOTION: A motion was made to approve the 2013 meeting dates. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 8. Federal Fiscal Years Transportation Improvement Program Amendment Request MPO staff presented; discussion only on item MPO Planning Area Boundary Amendment MPO staff presented; discussion only on item US 65/Iowa 5 Interstate Designation Update MPO staff presented; discussion only on item 10. (Tom Hockensmith exited at 12:15 pm) (Tom Hockensmith returned at 12:18 pm) 5 FY 2012 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Please call (515) to obtain permission for use.

6 11. The Tomorrow Plan Update MPO staff presented; discussion only on item Other Non-Action Items of Interest to the Committee 13. Approval of the August 16, 2012, MPO Agenda 14. Next Meeting Date 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 10, 2012; in the MPO Mead Conference Room. 15. Adjournment Chair Coleman adjourned the meeting at 12:45 p.m. 6 FY 2012 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Please call (515) to obtain permission for use.

7 Item No. 4 ISSUE: Federal Fiscal Years Transportation Improvement Program Amendment Request REPORT and VOTE: Consider approval of a request from the Iowa Department of Transportation to amend three project descriptions in the Federal Fiscal Years Transportation Improvement Program. The Iowa Department of Transportation requested the following revisions to the Federal Fiscal Years Transportation Improvement Program (FFY TIP): Sponsor: Iowa Department of Transportation Project: I-35: I-80/235 to IA 141 (NB) Project Number: IM-() Work Type: Pavement Rehab Funding: $5,105,000 Interstate Maintenance funds; $5,672,000 total cost. Change: Update project termini to read 80/35 to IA 141. Revision Type: Amendment Sponsor: Iowa Department of Transportation Project: I-35: I-80/235 to IA 141 (SB) Project Number: IM-() Work Type: Pavement Rehab Funding: $5,104,000 Interstate Maintenance funds; $5,671,000 total cost. Change: Update project termini to read Westown Parkway north to 0.6 miles east of IA 141. Revision Type: Amendment Sponsor: Iowa Department of Transportation Project: IA 415: S. of Polk City to IA 141 Project Number: HSIP-() 2H-91 Work Type: Pavement Widening Funding: $1,260,000 Highway Safety Improvement Program funds; $1,400,000 total cost. Change: Update project termini to read IA 141 to NW 16 th St. in Ankeny. Revision Type: Amendment The MPO staff notes the amendments are subject to MPO approval and a public comment period. The MPO staff will hold a public input meeting to hear comments on the amendment requests prior to MPO approval. Included, immediately following, is a map showing the project locations. Approve the amended project descriptions in the FFY TIP. STAFF CONTACTS: Luke Parris, lparris@dmampo.org; 7

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10 Item No. 5 ISSUE: The Tomorrow Plan Quantitative Survey REPORT AND VOTE: Report on quantitative survey to supplement The Tomorrow Plan. The planning team has developed a quantitative survey based on Design My DSM to be conducted over the coming weeks. This will be a 400-person survey reflecting the general population. There also will be a 50-person oversample in select zip codes that, according to Census data, have a disproportionate number of economically disadvantaged residents. These audiences often struggle to attend traditional public meetings. Conducting the over-sampling will help ensure this perspective is included in the process. Authorize the MPO Executive Director to enter into a contract for a quantitative survey to supplement The Tomorrow Plan. Todd Ashby, tashby@dmampo.org; 10

11 Item No. 6 ISSUE: City of West Des Moines Request to Update Termini REPORT AND OPTIONAL VOTE: Request from the City of West Des Moines to update the eastern termini of the Southwest Connector. On September 5, 2012, the MPO staff received a letter from the City of West Des Moines requesting that the MPO consider revising the eastern terminus of their Southwest Connector project. The current eastern terminus is identified as South 1 st Street in the Surface Transportation Program applications for the Southwest Connector. The City of West Des Moines would like to formally update the termini to end at Iowa Highway 28. The City of West Des Moines notes that they have consulted with the City of Des Moines, Polk County, and the Iowa Department of Transportation, and they each agree with the request. Included, immediately following, is the request letter from the City of West Des Moines. Staff notes that the City of West Des Moines first received funds for the Southwest Connector starting in the early 2000s. The intent of the City of West Des Moines portion of the Southwest Connector was to extend from Iowa Highway 5 to the city's eastern corporate limits, South 1 st Street (Iowa Highway 28), according to application documents. Since that time, the Iowa Highway 28/South 1 st Street Corridor has shifted approximately 300 feet to the east into the City of Des Moines. Due to the regional importance of the project, The City of West Des Moines and other stakeholders would like to ensure the roadway connects to the IA Highway 28. A map detailing the location of the termini is included on the following page. Recommend that the MPO recognize the change to the eastern termini for the City of West Des Moines Southwest Connector project. Luke Parris, lparris@dmampo.org; and, Dylan Mullenix, dmullenix@dmampo.org; 11

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14 Item No. 7 ISSUE: Rail Grant Award REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Agree to receive grant funds awarded to the MPO through the Iowa Department of Transportation s Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program. On May 24, 2012, staff submitted a grant application to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant (RRLG) Program. This program is funded through state legislature appropriation funds and loan repayments from past rail development projects. This RRLG Program provides finical assistance to projects that improve the rail system in Iowa. At their September 11, 2012, meeting, the Iowa Transportation Commission awarded the MPO a grant for $100,000 (to be matched with $25,000 in local funds) to conduct a rail port planning and development study. Included, as a supplemental item, is a copy of the award letter. The MPO must provide a signed notification of acceptance to the Iowa DOT s Office of Rail Transportation, by November 13, Recommend that the MPO authorize the chair to sign the notification of acceptance for the $100,000 Iowa DOT RRLG Program funds. Nathan Goldberg, ngoldberg@dmampo.org; 14

15 Item No. 8 ISSUE: US 65/Iowa 5 Interstate Designation Update REPORT: Report on efforts to re-designate the US 65/Iowa 5 corridor to an interstate. The MPO, on behalf of the Purple Heart Highway Coalition, requested the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) to consider designating the US 65/Iowa 5 corridor (i.e., the Purple Heart Highway) as an interstate. The Iowa DOT released a draft report analyzing the feasibility of interstate designation in June A final version of the study was provided to the MPO in August On August 8, 2012, representatives from the MPO, the Des Moines International Airport, the Purple Heart Highway Coalition, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership met with the Iowa DOT, including Director Paul Trombino, to discuss the study and to identify steps to move forward. Director Trombino noted three primary issues to address before moving forward, including determining impacts to local farmers; analyzing any potential impacts to permitting of heavy vehicles; and, determining the proper decision making authority with the Iowa DOT and the Iowa Transportation Commission. The MPO staff is working to identify and begin discussions with property owners that may be affected by the interstate designation. Stakeholders present at the August 8, 2012, met again on October 4, 2012 to further discuss the issue. Additional information about this meeting will be provided at the October 10, 2012, Executive Committee meeting. None. Report and discussion only. Todd Ashby, tashby@dmampo.org; 15

16 Item No. 9 ISSUE: Morningstar Drive Bridge Over Interstate 35/80 REPORT: Report on the proposed replacement of the Morningstar Drive bridge over Interstate 35/80. Iowa Department of Transportation District 1 Engineer Scott Dockstader will attend the October 10, 2012, Executive Committee meeting to discuss the proposed replacement of the Morningstar Drive bridge over Interstate 35/80. None. Report and discussion only. Todd Ashby, tashby@dmampo.org; 16

17 Item No. 10 ISSUE: Long-Range Transportation Plan Growth Scenario Process Update REPORT: Discussion regarding the process to develop a growth scenario for the next long-range transportation plan. The MPO s next Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) is due in September Among the first steps in the LRTP planning process is the development of a growth scenario that allocates regional population and employment forecasts to smaller subareas and traffic analysis zones throughout the planning area. Unlike other LRTP updates, the efforts undertaken through the Tomorrow Plan process has provided a potential starting point to build from. The MPO staff met with the Transportation Technical Committee s Planning Subcommittee on October 4, 2012, to begin discussing options for developing the LRTP growth scenario. The MPO staff will provide an update from this meeting, as well as additional information about the Tomorrow Plan growth scenario, at the October Executive Committee meeting. None. Report and discussion only. Dylan Mullenix, dmullenix@dmampo.org; (515)

18 Item No. 11 ISSUE: Priority Project Solicitation Process REPORT: Discussion regarding the process to develop a list of projects for inclusion in the Greater Des Moines Partnership s Policy Book for the annual trip to Washington, D.C. The MPO staff annually works with MPO member governments and participating agencies to develop a list of priority transportation projects to discuss with congressional members during the Greater Des Moines Partnership s annual trip to Washington, D.C. The traditional process for developing the list includes: October - applications from MPO member governments and participating agencies due to the MPO staff; November - draft project listing provided to MPO committees for discussion; December/January - Surface Transportation Program Funding Subcommittee meets to identify priority projects from the assembled listing; January/February - MPO committees take action to approve the project listing and priority projects; February through April - deadlines to complete project applications for congressional offices; and, May - Greater Des Moines Partnership trip; Given the lack of congressional direct funds (earmarks) in recent years, MPO staff asks for guidance as to whether staff should again solicit projects or if the MPO should instead use the list prepared for the 2012 Washington, D.C., trip. None. Report and discussion only. Nathan Goldberg, ngoldberg@dmampo.org; 18

19 Item No. 12 ISSUE: MAP-21 Funding Update REPORT: Updated on potential funding changes under MAP-21. At its September meeting, the MPO approved a recommendation to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding how funds should be distributed to MPOs and Regional Planning Affiliations (RPAs) under the new transportation bill, MAP-21. On September 26, 2012, the Iowa DOT hosted a meeting of staff representatives of all MPOs and RPAs in the state to further discuss potential funding changes under MAP-21. MPO staff will provide an update of the process the Iowa DOT is taking to address potential changes, as well as funding options discussed by the Iowa DOT, at the October 10, 2012, Executive Committee meeting. None. Report and discussion only. Dylan Mullenix, dmullenix@dmampo.org; and, Luke Parris, lparris@dmampo.org; 19

20 Item No. 13 ISSUE: Polk County Request for Surface Transportation Program Funds REPORT: Request from Polk County for additional Surface Transportation Program funds for the Southwest Connector project. Polk County has requested that the MPO consider awarding Polk County $450,000 in unallocated Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds to assist in the completion of the eastern termini of the City of West Des Moines Southwest Connector project. In developing the project, the project stakeholders identified a funding gap associated with the cost of the intersection of the Southwest Connector with Iowa Highway 28. Polk County worked with the City of West Des Moines, City of Des Moines, and the Iowa Department of Transportation to determine the additional cost and to develop a funding strategy to cover the funding gap. The MPO staff has reviewed the currently available STP funds and notes that there is currently $899,000 in unallocated STP funds for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) The STP Funding Subcommittee met on September 18, 2012, and recommended that the MPO approve the request. The MPO staff notes that the STP Funding Subcommittee also discussed proceeding with a formal process to allocate the remainder of FFY 2013 funds to eligible projects this fall. None. Report and discussion only. Luke Parris, lparris@dmampo.org; and, Dylan Mullenix, dmullenix@dmampo.org; 20

21 Item No. 14 ISSUE: Ames-Des Moines Corridor Transit Study REPORT: Report a potential transit study along the Ames-Des Moines corridor. There has been interest for several years by planning, economic development, and transit agencies along the Ames-Des Moines corridor to study mass transportation options along the corridor. The Ames-Des Moines corridor has been identified both within the MPO s Horizon Year 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the Iowa Department of Transportation s 2009 Passenger Transportation Funding Study as a candidate for potential transit service. The study of transit service between the two metropolitan areas was again identified as a major project in the Capital Crossroads Strategic Plan under the Physical Capital. MPO staff currently is working with Iowa State University to determine their ability to conduct the study and to determine cost estimates. The proposed study would include the following tasks: Identify potential ridership; Analyze various modes to serve the forecasted ridership; Determine service details for likely modes, including routes, frequencies, vehicle requirements, costs, and fare structures; Identify potential funding sources; and, Identify benefits for service recommendations, including economic development, emissions reductions, congestion relief, fuel savings, and social service benefits. MPO staff will provide additional details regarding a refined scope of work, project timeline, and cost estimates once they become available. None. Report and discussion only. Zach Young, zyoung@dmampo.org; and, Dylan Mullenix, dmullenix@dmampo.org; 21

22 Item No. 15 ISSUE: The Tomorrow Plan Update REPORT: Update on activities related to The Tomorrow Plan. General Update At its September 6, 2012, The Tomorrow Plan Steering Committee voted to move forward focusing on the future land use plans and regional systems scenarios. This vote was based on feedback from the technical team, the Steering Committee, and the public. The MPO staff has since been meeting with technical committee members to further discuss these scenarios as well how to move into the writing and implementation of the plan. The planning team will meet with the Steering Committee on Thursday, October 4, 2012, for the first of two workshop session designed to provide substantial input to the team about how to pull the plan together so that it will be truly meaningful and actionable. The second session will be held later in October. The completion of a quantitative survey also is being pursued to supplement the results of Design My DSM. More information will be provided at the October 4, 2012, meeting. Regional Analysis of Impedements As part of planning process for The Tomorrow Plan, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is requiring the development of a Regional Analysis of Impediments (AI) to assess fair housing issues in the metro area. The Regional AI has a broad scope that encompasses issues of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, and disability. In addition to developing the Regional AI, HUD requires that the findings be utilized by the Steering Committee to inform the recommendations of The Tomorrow Plan. The MPO staff worked with the City of Des Moines and City of West Des Moines to develop a strategy for the completion of the Regional AI. As part of their in-kind contribution to The Tomorrow Plan, the City of Des Moines has contracted with Iowa State University to assist in the development of the Regional AI. During August 2012, Iowa State University conducted a survey of housing providers, performed interviews and focus groups, and analyzed data. The final AI will be available at the beginning of October. None. Report and discussion only. Bethany Wilcoxon, bwilcoxon@dmampo.org; and, Luke Parris, lparris@dmampo.org; 22

23 Item No. 16 ISSUE: Combat Hunger Initiative INFORMATION: Report on the Combat Hunger Initiative. The MPO is proud to announce that it is once again supporting the Food Bank of Iowa in its Combat Hunger initiative. The Food Bank of Iowa serves 42 Iowa counties and partners with over 285 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, non-profit care centers, domestic violence shelters, youth & senior programs, and rehabilitation centers. The drive will assist the Food Bank of Iowa to feed those struggling to eat during these tough economic times. The MPO would like to do its part to make sure that no one in Iowa goes hungry this holiday season and invites all of its member representatives to participate in helping to support our community. The MPO staff will be collecting donations through November 12, 2012, and will have a box available at the MPO Office during the following upcoming meetings for donations: (TTC) Thursday, November 1, :30 a.m.; (Executive) Wednesday, November 7, :30 a.m.; and, (Policy) Thursday, November 15, :00 p.m. While any types of non-perishable food items are appreciated, the following items are particularly needed: Protein Products Boxed Meals or Meals in a Can (Stews, Chili, Soups, etc.) Canned Meats (Tuna, Salmon, Chicken) Beans Peanut Butter Grains Cold Cereal Rolled Oats or Instant Oatmeal Rice Pastas Fruits/Vegetables Canned Vegetables Canned Fruits Prepared Pasta Sauces 100% Fruit Juice Dried Fruit Dairy Dry, Evaporated, or Condensed Milk 23

24 Paper Products & Miscellaneous Items Toilet Paper Paper Towels Baby Wipes Diapers Seasonings Cooking Oils Condiments & Dressings So, if your cupboards are full, please consider helping others less fortunate and help the MPO make this drive a success. No donation is too small and any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your participation! None. Information only. Jennifer Ratcliff, jratcliff@dmampo.org; 24