WEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL (Designated Staff) WEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL (WFRPC) MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM 4081 E. Olive Road, Suite A, Pensacola, Florida April 9, 2013 Members Attending: Mack Thetford, Chairman Hugh Ed Turner Don Christian Shawn Ward Tommy Brown Anne B. Bennett Mike Kilmer Buzz Morley Barbara Mayall David Forte Blackwater Heritage Trail City Resident/PFBC Escambia County Santa Rosa County Escambia County Traffic Perdido Watershed Eco-Tourism Project Pensacola Lillian, Alabama District 4 Escambia County Escambia County CRA Others Attending: Sharon Holley Randy Jorgenson Brian Youpatoff Mary Beth Washnock Mary Bo Robinson Vikki Garrett Ellie Roberts City of Milton City of Milton A. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Thetford called the meeting to order. B. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: This item was not addressed by the BPAC. C. PUBLIC FORUM: Chairman Thetford called for speakers. Ms. Bennett referred to Jackson Street, between A and E streets, and commented that the tree limbs need to be trimmed because the stop signs are hidden. D. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Approval of February 12, 2013 Meeting Minutes. Chairman Thetford called for comments on the minutes from the last meeting. There were none. He called for the motion. Mr. Turner moved to approve the February 12 meeting minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Mr. Tommy Brown and unanimously approved.
PAGE 2 E. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Consideration of Resolution FL-AL 13-07 Amending the FY2013-2017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to Add Project #4331212, Corridor/Subarea Planning for SR750 Airport Boulevard from SR8A (I-110) to Airport Entrance Enclosure A. Ms. Mary Beth Washnock, TPO staff, presented. Ms. Washnock explained that these are TIP amendments. She provided information as reflected in the agenda enclosure and called for questions. Mr. Tommy Brown commented that the state recently gained possession of Airport Boulevard and since it does serve the airport, which is a SIS facility, they plan to use SIS funds. An improvement plan is planned for freight movement and multi-modal. Ms. Washnock asked that the BPAC make a recommendation to the TPO to approve this resolution. Mr. Turner asked why neither Pensacola nor Escambia County was mentioned. It was explained that the reason was because these are state projects. Ms. Mayall moved to recommend the TPO authorize the TPO Chairman to sign Resolution FL- AL 13-07 to amend the FY2013-2017 TIP. Mr. Morley seconded the motion. Chairman Thetford called for further discussion. Ms. Sharon Holley, representative of the City of Milton, asked to speak. She commented that in the beginning of the statement that Ms. Washnock made, it was stated that a project would be removed. She asked if this was accurate. Ms. Washnock explained that a TIP amendment means that adjustments have been made in the Work Program. Chairman Thetford explained that the motion being brought forward is to add only this project. Chairman Thetford called for further discussion. There was none. He called for the vote. The motion was unanimously approved. 2. Consideration of Resolution FL-AL 13-10 Amending the FY2013-2017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to Add Project #100060018 Design Phase on CR99 from SR42 (US98) to Spanish Cove Drive and on South 7 th Street from CR99 to the Boat Ramp in FY2013 for Shoulder Paving in the amount of $20,000 Enclosure B. Ms. Mary Beth Washnock, TPO staff, presented. Ms. Washnock stated that this is a TIP amendment to add paved shoulders on CR99, which is in Alabama. She provided further information as reflected in the agenda enclosure and called for questions. Ms. Washnock asked that the BPAC provide a recommendation to the TPO. Chairman Thetford called for comments.
PAGE 3 Mr. Morley commented that it is needed. Mr. Morley moved to recommend the TPO authorize the TPO Chairman to sign Resolution FL-AL 13-10 to amend the FY2013-2017 TIP. Mr. Ward seconded the motion. Chairman Thetford called for further comments or questions. Mr. Turner said that except for ALDOT being mentioned, it does not say Baldwin County or Alabama. Ms. Robinson explained that the reason is because ALDOT is providing the funding for this project. Chairman Thetford called for the vote. The motion was unanimously approved. 3. Consideration of Resolution FL-AL 13-09 Amending the FY2014-2018 Project Priorities for Pensacola International Airport Enclosure C. Mr. Gary Kramer, TPO staff, to present. This item was not addressed by the BPAC. 4. Consideration of Resolution FL-AL 13-13 Adopting the FY2013-2014 TPO Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) - Enclosure D. Ms. Mary Robinson, TPO staff, presented. Ms. Robinson referred to Enclosure D and explained that this is similar to what was discussed at the February 12 meeting when information was given on the Unified Planning Work Program for review. She said this month the TPO will be asked to adopt it. We hope to adopt it. She explained that it is a two-year outline of tasks to be completed and the budget to support those tasks. Ms. Robinson stated that the TPO efforts were not favorably funded in the federal bill for the State of Florida's planning. The budget was reduced for FY2013 to $1.009 million from $1.149 million; accordingly, the TPO budget was reduced. The UPWP is on the website. Ms. Robinson stated that for this coming year, the TPO staff will focus on safety and distribution of bicycle helmets to people of all ages in the area. Ms. Robinson stated that TPO staff recommends that the TPO authorize the resolution with the modifications presented. She called for questions. Ms. Bennett asked how the dispersing of bicycle helmets comes under the budget of building roads. Ms. Robinson explained that staff is charged with planning and educating on all modes of transportation and not just roads for vehicles. Ms. Bennett commented that if financial constraints exist, why are bicycle helmets more important than making a road safer. Ms. Robinson said she does not know that one is more important than the other. Also, as a TPO or an MPO, we have access to helmets at no cost. Ms. Washnock said that being able to give out bicycle helmets gives staff an opportunity to reach the public and share with them what all we do.
PAGE 4 Mr. Turner asked for definitions of some of the TPO Work Elements. Ms. Robinson explained as shown on page D-1 of the agenda enclosure. Chairman Thetford called for the motion. Mr. Turner moved to recommend the TPO authorize the TPO Chairman to sign Resolution FL-AL 13-13 to adopt the FY2013-2014 TPO Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The motion was seconded by Ms. Mayall and unanimously approved. 5. Consideration of Resolution FL-AL 13-11 Supporting Restoration of Passenger Rail Service between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Jacksonville, Florida - Enclosure E. Ms. Vikki Garrett, TPO staff, presented. Ms. Garrett provided background information as reflected in the agenda enclosure. Efforts were made recently by the City of Mobile. They are trying to garner as much support through the Gulf Coast area from New Orleans to Jacksonville. Ms. Garrett referred to the resolution in the packet and stated that it expresses a high-level support saying that the TPO supports the consideration of restoring the service. Ms. Garrett said that Mr. Dan Dealy, who is a consultant for the City of Mobile, will be at the TPO meeting tomorrow. Ms. Mayall said there is a meeting coming up. Ms. Bennett asked if it would be advantageous to send a TPO representative to that meeting. Also, would they be looking at coming back into the old historic train station? Ms. Garrett commented that at this stage, she thinks they are not at that level of detail. Ms. Bennett said she thinks it would be a good idea for the BPAC to send a letter to the City of Pensacola, addressing any recommendations about holding off on developing, selling or tearing down the old historic train station. Ms. Garrett said she has a little comfort knowing that they are speaking directly with the city. Ms. Washnock reminded everyone that this item would be before the TPO tomorrow with a resolution supporting the restoration of Amtrak. Mr. Turner moved to recommend the TPO authorize the TPO Chairman to sign Resolution FL- AL 13-11 to support restoration of passenger rail service between New Orleans and Jacksonville. The motion was seconded by Ms. Mayall and unanimously approved. Chairman Thetford referred to the issue brought up by Ms. Bennett and asked if there is any support within the community. Mr. Kilmer said he used that train route often when it was running and they did not allow you to put any baggage in the storage compartments because the train station was too small; only carry-ons were permitted. He commented that the train was between four and 20 hours behind schedule most of the time.
PAGE 5 Ms. Bennett commented that if nothing is said about retaining the old historic train station for use as an old historic train station before it is developed into something else then the opportunity to say anything is lost. Ms. Robinson suggested that Ms. Garrett research the status of the old station at the Crowne Plaza to get the facts before a recommendation is made. 6. Consideration of Resolution FL-AL 13-14 Recommending that the State of Florida Legislative Delegation Support the Non-Tax Elements of the Metropolitan Planning Advisory Council (MPOAC) Legislative Priorities - Enclosure F. Ms. Mary Robinson, TPO staff, presented. Ms. Robinson provided information as reflected in the agenda enclosure. She reviewed the three priorities supported by the MPOAC as shown on page F-1 of the agenda enclosure. Chairman Thetford called for a motion. Mr. Turner moved to recommend the TPO authorize the TPO Chairman to sign Resolution FL-AL 13-14 to recommend the State of Florida delegation support the Non-Tax Elements of the MPOAC Legislative Priorities. The motion was seconded by Mr. Forte and passed with one (1) opposed. 7. Appointment of Nominating Committee for TPO and Advisory Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman for FY2013-2014 Enclosure G. Ms. Mary Beth Washnock, TPO staff, presented. Ms. Washnock said it is time to select a nominating committee so the committee can meet June 11 at 9:45 a.m. to discuss nominations for the BPAC Chair and Vice Chair for the next fiscal year, which will take office July 1, 2013. The first meeting will be August 13. She called for three volunteers and one alternate. The nominating committee was determined to be Mr. David Forte, Mr. Shawn Ward and Mr. Hugh Turner. Mr. Don Christian will serve as alternate. Chairman Thetford called for the motion to accept. Mr. Tommy Brown moved to accept the nominating committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Christian and unanimously approved. 8. Consideration of Resolution FL-AL 13-15 Authorizing to Enter into an Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation Providing Funding for the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) 2040 Update - Enclosure H. Ms. Mary Robinson, TPO staff, presented. Ms. Robinson said that recently there had been issues with executing contracts with the Department of Transportation, making their attorneys comfortable, and being sure that the TPO has authorized their staff to execute those contracts. This resolution will authorize the TPO staff to execute an agreement and a contract with the Florida Department of Transportation to provide funding for the next Long Range Transportation Plan, which will update to the year 2040. The plan is due in November 2015 but FDOT has those funds programmed in this fiscal year. Ms. Robinson asked the BPAC for a recommendation to have the TPO sign this resolution authorizing staff to execute the contract to complete the Long Range Plan.
PAGE 6 Ms. Bennett moved to authorize the TPO Chair to sign Resolution FL-AL 13-15 authorizing TPO staff to enter into an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation providing funding for the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) 2040 Update. Mr. Kilmer seconded the motion. Chairman Thetford called for questions or comments. Mr. Forte asked if the $300,000 is the typical funding for the plan update. Ms. Robinson said it is normally more but some of the money had to be moved around to front fund data collection analysis for the Regional Transportation Model. Chairman Thetford called for further discussion or questions. There were none. He called for the vote. The motion was unanimously approved. F. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) UPDATE Ms. Mary Robinson, TPO staff, presented for FDOT. Ms. Robinson referred to the intersection of Bayou Boulevard and 12 th Avenue and stated that FDOT is continuing to do markings and pavement treatment to further delineate that intersection. Ms. Mary Robinson referred to Davis Highway southbound going on to Interstate 10 and stated that modifications are being made. She commented that these two items will be addressed by FDOT over the coming months. Ms. Washnock referred to maps of the Davis Highway modifications and the Bayou Boulevard/12 th Avenue intersection and announced that she would send them to the BPAC members this week. G. REVIEW / INFORMATION ITEMS: 1. Review of the Draft FY2014-2018 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Enclosure I. Ms. Mary Beth Washnock, TPO staff, presented. Ms. Washnock said this item is the final work program, the five-year plan, and she encouraged the BPAC members to get on the website and look at the interactive TIP where each project and the different phases can be seen. She said this is done on an annual basis. Ms. Washnock said she would send the link to the draft to the BPAC tomorrow. 2. Review of the Draft TPO Reapportionment Plan Enclosure J. Ms. Mary Robinson, TPO staff, presented. Ms. Robinson reviewed the draft of the Reapportionment Plan for the TPO. It is a once every 10-year occurrence that after the decennial census, TPOs set their urbanized area boundaries. The information from the census tells specifically where urbanized areas lie. She referred to Enclosure J, Table 2, 6 th column "Population and Land Area Average Indicator". There are 18 members on the TPO, state statute only allows up to 19 members. A much larger portion of Alabama is now within the
PAGE 7 urbanized area. The county commission members cannot be less than 20% of the total membership, which is also a state statute. Ms. Robinson said options are available and she thinks any of them would probably assign another membership to Alabama and most likely to the City of Orange Beach because they are incorporated and have a higher ranking or indicator than Baldwin County. Ms. Robinson said no action is necessary at this time. In preparation for action in June, staff has been in touch with Orange Beach as well as Baldwin County during the time when boundary maps were being completed. Ms. Mayall asked if the Town of Century is involved. Ms. Robinson said no; she explained that the Town of Century is outside of all planning boundaries. Mr. Kilmer asked what county the City of Orange Beach is in. Ms. Robinson said it is in Baldwin County. There was no further discussion. Ms. Sharon Holley requested returning to Action Item 1, Enclosure A. Ms. Holley asked that we be patient with her because she is trying to understand the process. She said it is her understanding that this committee is to make comments back to the TPO in reference to transportation projects priority list. Ms. Robinson explained the TIP process. There was lengthy discussion. H. INFORMATION ITEMS: (No Presentation Necessary) Enclosure K. Attached are the following: TPO Meeting Schedule Advisory Committee Minutes Letter to Mr. Kenneth H. Carleton, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians I. OTHER BUSINESS: There was none. J. ADJOURN: There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m. Approved by BPAC Date: Signed: