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MPO TPC/TAC Board Minutes - 07/03/2013WICHITA FALLS METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Technical Advisory Committee Minutes Wednesday, July 3, 2013 Voting Members Present: RECEIVED IN Lin Barnett, Wichita Falls MPO, MPO Director, TAC Chairperson OF TY CLERK'S OFFICE Allan Moore, TxDOT, Director of Construction DATE: _ &_ -/ ____ Danny Brown, TxDOT, Director of TP &D David Rohmer, TxDOT, Area Engineer $Y:� _— _TIME: Z Davis Powell, City of Wichita Falls, City Engineer Karen Montgomery- Gagne, City of Wichita Falls, Planning Administrator Mark Beauchamp, City of Wichita Falls, Traffic Superintendent Tim Hertel- TxDOT, Director of Operations MPO Staff. Jaimie Lee, Wichita Falls MPO, Transportation Planner I Visitors: Mark McBurnett, Civil Engineer, SAFB 82 CES Melissa Guillory, OA Specialist, SAFB 82 CES Mike Beaver, TxDOT, Engineer Tammy Marlow, TxDOT, North Region Support Center TJ Herrell, TxDOT, Engineer Absent Kevin Hugman -City of Wichita Falls, ACM /Director of Community Development I. Welcome & Introduction Mr. Barnett, the TAC chairperson, called the meeting to order at 9:33 a.m. and welcomed everyone in attendance. 11. Public Comment on Agenda and Non - Agenda Items Mr. Barnett asked for any public comments on agenda and non - agenda items. There were none. III. Review and Approval of the April 3, 2013 Technical Advisory Committee's (TAC) Meeting Minutes Mr. Barnett asked for any comments or corrections to the April 3, 2013 minutes. There were none. He then asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Beauchamp made the motion to approve. Mr. Brown seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Wichita Falls MPO TAC Meeting July 3, 2013 Page 1 of 6 IV. Review and Comment Regarding the April 17, 2013 Transportation Policy Committee's (TPC's) Meeting Minutes — No Action Required Mr. Barnett asked for comments on the April 17, 2013 TPC meeting minutes. None were received. The committee moved on to the next agenda item. V. Review and Recommendation to Approve Amendments to the 2010 -2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Project List for July 2013 Mr. Barnett directed the committee's attention to the 2010 -2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Project List handouts. Ms. Lee explained to the committee that she receives a list of TxDOT projects within the MPO boundary from Mr. Beaver once a month. She then compares this list to the current MTP and adds any new projects to the list or removes any projects that have been "let ", completed, or begun construction. Ms. Lee also stated that she contacts the City Engineer for Wichita Falls, Wichita County, and Archer County for any project revision or additions to the MTP Project List. Ms. Lee explained that the only changes to the MTP, this quarter, were three new projects added and those changes were highlighted in orange to distinguish them from the remaining projects. Ms. Lee explained that four TxDOT projects received revised CSJ numbers as updates. She also explained those changes were highlighted in purple to distinguish them from the remaining projects. Mr. Brown recommended removing the let date on the project list for any projects scheduled beyond the year 2035. He requested the use of a "To Be Determined" date for TxDOT projects exceeding the 25 -year planning horizon. Mr. Barnett asked for a motion to forward the amendments to the Transportation Policy Committee on July 17 for review and approval. Mr. Moore made the motion to forward the amendments to the Policy Board. Mr. Hertel seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. VI. Review and Recommendation to Approve the Draft 2014 -2015 Unified Planning Work Program Mr. Barnett directed the committee's attention to page 18 of the meeting packet. Mr. Barnett explained that the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) would shift from a one -year document to a two -year document. Mr. Barnett discussed Subtask 1.6 on page 26 of the meeting packet. He stated this new subtask would review and revise the 2014- 2015 UPWP as needed and develop the 2016 -2017 UPWP. Mr. Barnett informed the committee that there were two funding tables instead of only one because of the UPWP transitioning over to a two -year document. Mr. Barnett then outlined Subtask 2.3 on page 28 of the meeting packet. This subtask outlines work using TRANSCAD software and utilizing the Travel Demand Model for development of various traffic and corridor analysis studies and scenarios within the MPO area. Mr. Barnett discussed Subtask 3.4 on page 30 of the meeting packet. This subtask outlines developing and revising the Surface Transportation Projects Environmental Justice Analysis to analyze the Long -Range Project Readiness Plan and identify how projects can possibly effect low- income and minority populations. Mr. Barnett discussed the new subtask 3.6 on page 31 of the meeting packet. He stated WFMPO would assist the Wichita Falls Transit System in the development of comprehensive transit planning Wichita Falls MPO TAC Meeting July 3, 2013 Page 2 of 6 and the general development of the WFTS transit system. Mr. Barnett stated the functions of transit grant management would transition to the Downtown Travel Center manager once the transit center is complete. He stated that WFMPO would continue to assist in transit planning on such items as the DBE program and the Title VI program. Mr. Barnett then outlined updates to Subtask 4.2 on page 33 of the meeting packet. He stated WFMPO staff would develop the 2015 -2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan update and, depending on available funding, may use consultant services for part or all of this activity. Mr. Barnett discussed Subtask 5.1 on page 35 of the meeting packet. Subtask 5.1 outlines working with a consultant to complete Phase 1 of the Transit Oriented Development study. He stated this subtask would carry over into 2014 and partially into 2015. Mr. Barnett asked for any other questions concerning the development of the 2014 -2015 UPWP. He received none. Mr. Barnett then asked for a motion to forward the 2014 -2015 UPWP, with revisions, and to the Policy Board for review and approval. Mr. Powell made the motion to forward the document to the Policy Board. Mr. Beauchamp seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. VII. Review and Discussion on Updating the Metropolitan Area Boundary (MAB) Map Out to Year 2040 Mr. Barnett directed the committee's attention to page 48 of the meeting packet. He explained that the 2015 -2040 MTP update was coming due in January 2015. The TxDOT North Region Support Center determined that MPO staff needed to redefine the Metropolitan Area Boundary out to year 2040 MAB. Utilizing the defined Urbanized Area Boundaries for the WFMPO from the 1990 and 2000 Census, staff carried out the task of defining a preliminary MAB for year 2040. WFMPO staff analyzed three different UAB's from the 2000 Census: 2000 Designated UAB, 2000 Adjusted UAB, and 2000 UAB. The 2000 Adjusted UAB proved to be the most beneficial because it highlighted additional urban area south of Wichita Falls, into Archer County, that has grown in residential population. WFMPO staff added the area south of Wichita Falls into Archer County to the preliminary 2040 MAB. Mr. Barnett stated that once the Policy Board approved the proposed 2040 MAB, and receives approval from the Texas Transportation Commission, the proposed area would become our new MPO Boundary. Mr. Barnett asked for comments regarding the 2040 Metropolitan Area Boundary. Receiving none, he moved on to the next agenda item. VIII. Discussion on Long -Range Project Readiness Plan Web Portal for Project Scoring Mr. Barnett directed the committee's attention to page 50 of the meeting packet. In the April 3, 2013 TAC meeting, the TAC committee discussed possible solutions to correct scoring issues in regards to the Long -Range Project Readiness Plan. Issues included project rankings not falling in line with individual TAC member expectations; projects ranking high when they should have ranked low, and vice - versa; and problems opening and using the Excel scoring sheets. The TAC committee recommended moving the entire scoring process to a web -based portal in order to eliminate access problems for voting members. Mr. Barnett discussed these issues with AMD Engineering and with the Wichita Falls MPO TAC Meeting July 3, 2013 Page 3 of 6 MPO's website developer, Crane West. Mr. Colt West, from Crane West, developed a quote that would create a web -based version of the Excel scoring tool. Because of the complexities involved, the initial quote was between $12,000 and $15,000. Mr. Barnett asked the developer if he could scale back to just a very basic version, which he did, and was able to reduce the cost to $6,800. Mr. Barnett stated this was a much more manageable cost. He stated he could split the cost evenly between his 2 revenue sources of FHWA PL -112 funds and FTA Section 5307 funds, which would equate to $3,400 each. Mr. Barnett stated he could easily cover these costs with FTA grant money and with funds from Subtask 1.2 of the FY 2013 UPWP. The basic functions of the web portal would include scoring and modifying new projects, finding and reviewing previously scored projects, updating the scored project list, exporting project scores, and reviewing project scores. Mr. Barnett explained this level of development does not include responsive design for mobile devices, survey report dashboard for the health and status of surreys, and reminder and notification systems for unfinished surveys. He stated there would be a $15 monthly hosting and archiving service fee. Mr. Powell raised a question in regards to updating the Excel software rather than spending MPO funds to create a web portal. Would it be less expensive? Mr. Brown agreed that it might be a good idea. However, he stated, the committee members and staff would have to update their software on a yearly basis or as often as it would go out of date. He stated that with the web -based portal, it was a one -time fee for a product that users could use consistently thus eliminating access problems for voting members. Mr. Barnett asked for a consensus from the board to move forward with the development of the web -based portal. The TAC agreed and stated that MPO staff should move forward with this initiative. IX. Presentation: Sheppard Air Force Base Area Development Plan Ms. Guillory, SAFB 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron, presented the SAFB Area Development Plan. The plan is a 2030 vision for strategic development to provide strategic guidance on how the SAFB installation should lay out its infrastructure and area development optimally in the future. Ms. Guillory explained the plan suggests how the base can embark on a road toward sustaining the installation in the future by using energy conservation and generation, the integration of technology to improve safety and security, as well as provisions for a range of activities for the base residents. This plan will give WFMPO staff an opportunity to see how they can work with SAFB to improve transportation in and around the base. Mr. Barnett asked for any comments or questions from the committee. Receiving none, he moved on to the next agenda item. X. Other Business: A. Discussion & Overview of Progress on Local Transportation Projects -City and TxDOT staff (Quarterly Review) TxDOT Report: Mr. Rohmer reported that Phase II construction of the US 82/287 Windthorst Road Bridge had received the concrete deck and that the railing should pour by the following week and that, hopefully, in a few weeks traffic should be able to run on the structure. He reported that a mill and overlay project on SH 240 near Missile Road to Wichita Falls MPO TAC Meeting July 3, 2013 Page 4 of 6 the Wichita River was complete and awaited striping. Projects on IH 44, and US 82 near Maurine Street, Windthorst Road, and McNeil Avenue would receive a Dynamic Message Sign, which meant the signs would upgrade to LED lighting for more visibility. He stated the signs were currently in procurement for a delayed start. Mr. Rohmer reported on three Safe Routes to School projects that are under construction. He stated the contractor poured concrete on John Tower Elementary and that projects were on schedule. The intent was for work to complete before the children return to school. The State Highway 79 /Professional Drive project let and was waiting for award. He stated work should begin on that project in the next 2 -3 months. Last, he reported that US 82/287 Galveston to McKinney Road would receive a mill and overlay award. City Report: Mr. Powell reported the 2013 Street Rehab Project from Rhea Road, Kemp Street, and McNeil were 25% complete. McNeil and Barnett roads were complete and construction was currently underway on Rhea Road to Boren Road. He stated Kemp Street should begin construction in August while the Cherokee Drainage Improvements Project had let to construction. Mr. Powell reported on the following scheduled projects: Moffett Sewer Rehab should begin October of 2013, and the McNiel drainage project should begin construction in July of 2014. B. MPO Quarterly Financial Report (2nd Quarter FY 2013 -Jan, Feb, Mar) Mr. Barnett reported on the second quarter expenses for the MPO. He stated that, at the halfway point in the fiscal year, the MPO had spent 37.92% of its allocation for FY 2013. Mr. Barnett asked for any other questions or comments about the first quarter report. Receiving none, he moved on to the next agenda item. C. Grouped TxDOT CSJ Projects Report Mr. Barnett directed the committee's attention to page 63 of the TAC meeting packet and asked Ms. Lee to give her report. Ms. Lee reported to the committee that MPO staff added two new railroad construction projects to the grouped CSJ report for this quarter. Mr. Barnett asked for any comments to the Grouped TxDOT CSJ project report. Receiving none, he moved on to the next agenda item. D. MPO Director's Report: Transit Oriented Development Study Mr. Barnett informed the TAC committee that his negotiation with Freese and Nichols, Inc. on price and scope of the TOD study were nearing completion. Mr. Barnett explained he was short about $7,000 to meet the price tag of the TOD study. He stated he would be having a conference call with Ms. Wendy Shabay, the Freese and Nichols' Project Manager, to discuss closing the $7,000 gap and getting the TOD study kicked off by the end of July. Mr. Barnett asked for any comments or questions regarding the Transit Oriented Development study. Receiving none, he moved on to the next agenda item. NOTE: As a follow up to this item, Mr. Barnett negotiated a final contract price for the TOD study of $165,000 with only minor changes in the scope of work. Those changes included supplying Freese and Nichols with data developed in -house by Wichita Falls MPO TAC Meeting July 3, 2013 Page 5 of 6 MPO staff. In addition, the consultant will supply MPO staff with electronic copies of all finished products for hardcopy reproduction by MPO staff. All other items in the scope of work remain the same and are the responsibility of Freese and Nichols, Inc. E. Other Items Mr. Barnett asked for any other business needing discussion or for any announcements. There were no other comments or announcements. XI. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m. /134 Irvan F. "Lin" Barnett Jr. MPO Transportation Planning Director Wichita Falls MPO Wichita Falls MPO TAC Meeting July 3, 2013 Page 6 of 6