One, Four-year term expires May 2016

Armando Lopez (incumbent)

One, Two-year term to expire June 2016

Current member represents a city east of Hwy. 99

David Cardenas (Fowler) (incumbent)

(This portion of the meeting is reserved for the persons desiring to address the committee on any matter the committee has jurisdiction over which is not on the Agenda.)

 ADJOURNMENT

Summary: All Member Agency TDA claims for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 have been approved by the Fresno COG Policy Board. Once the final LTF and STA apportionment estimates and FCRTA budget have been approved by the Fresno COG Policy Board, TDA claims for FY 2014-2015 will be solicited.

Action: Information/Action item. Direction may be given at the discretion of Policy Board.

Summary: (Prop 84 Round 1) Following is a brief report on the status of Round 1 activities:

• (Task 1) Valley-wide SCS Outreach (Valley Visions) has concluded, with public workshops having been conducted on the individual COG level throughout all eight counties in-line with the media outreach plan.  Materials related to the outreach campaign have been made available in multiple languages, with consistent efforts to outreach to environmental justice communities throughout the Valley.

For any questions regarding Valley-wide SCS Outreach activities, please contact Brenda Veenendaal at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 219 or via email at brendav@fresnocog.org.

• (Task 2) Blueprint Integration (BPI) outreach and circuit planning activities to the 46 valley cities with populations under 50,000 concluded in June of 2013.

As approved by the Fresno COG Policy Board in March of 2014, Fresno COG has recently entered into a contract with EPS to conduct pre-analysis (data collection, pro-forma research, stakeholder outreach, etc.) activities associated with the Infill Development Viability Analysis the COG’s are currently seeking Partnership Planning Grant funds to conduct.  Such activities are intended to provide additional detail and information making sample project location much more efficient and relevant.  Project activities are beginning in April, and will include seeking feedback from the various stakeholder groups, including local agency staff.  Completion of the contract is scheduled for June 30, 2014.

For any questions regarding Blueprint Integration efforts, please contact Rob Terry at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 222 or via email at rterry@fresnocog.org.

• (Task 3) Greenprint – A Greenprint Update is included in its own Action/Discussion Item within this agenda.

For any questions regarding the Greenprint, please contact Clark Thompson at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 203 or via email at clarkt@fresnocog.org.

(Prop 84 Round 2) Following is a brief report on the status of Round 2 activities:

• (Task 1) Greenprint Integration (Greenprint Phase II) activities are anticipated to begin in July of 2014.

For any questions regarding the Greenprint, please contact Clark Thompson at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 203 or via email at clarkt@fresnocog.org.

• (Task 2) Model Land-Use Revalidation activities began in January 2014, with the processing of an RFP for Valley Modeling Improvements, and consequent contracting with Fehr & Peers.  The improvements to each of the 8 San Joaquin Valley models need to be fully completed and tested by no later than July 1, 2016.

For any questions regarding Model Land-Use Revalidation efforts, please contact Mike Bitner at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 216 or via email at mbitner@fresnocog.org.

• (Task 3) SCS Implementation efforts are anticipated to begin in the summer of 2014.  Due to the completion of several anticipated Round 2 activities within Round 1, DOC representatives have approved the re-allocation of line item funds to increase the amount of funding for both SCS printing/duplication for outreach and public involvement, as well as the amount available to assist with RHNA coordination.  A total of $55,000 for RHNA coordination and $88,674 for SCS printing/duplication reflect the new line items.  These amounts are to be allocated to each COG based upon population percentages (utilizing the Planning Center data), similar to other valley activities in the recent past.

(Prop 84 Round 3) An application for Round 3 funding in the amount of one-million dollars was submitted to the Strategic Growth Council (SGC) by Fresno COG, in behalf of the eight valley COGs, on February 28, 2014.  Specific tasks associated with the application would allow for SCS implementation efforts to take place at each COG independently, with information and reporting activities taking place on a valleywide scale.  If awarded, the funding would be allocated to each of the eight COGs based upon their percentage of the population within the valley as a whole.  It is anticipated that the SGC will announce award recipients in April.

For any questions regarding SCS Implementation activities, please contact Rob Terry at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 222 or via email at rterry@fresnocog.org.

(Blueprint) Activities associated with the valley-IMPACS tool will kick-off April 3rd, with several supplementary lunch meetings to solicit additional feedback and involvement over the following weeks, in partnership with LGC and AECOM.  Dates for these meetings are currently set for:

• April 10^th, from 11;30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Fresno COG, Sequoia Room
• April 15^th, from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Greens on Tenth in Modesto
• April 18^th, from 11;30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Visalia City Hall, Conference Room 1

Fresno COG staff will be seeking the input and feedback of local agency staff within Fresno County, particularly members of the TTC and PAC, to provide general direction on tool preferences and overarching needs.  As such, a preference and information survey will be sent to local agencies by AECOM (the consultant) in the near future, as well as direct outreach from Fresno COG staff throughout the months of April and May.  Staff would greatly appreciate your feedback to ensure relevant and needed items for local use are addressed within the make-up of the tool.  Enhancements to the IMPACS tool to meet the needs of valley agencies will be completed by June 30, 2014.

Action: This is an information/discussion item.  Direction may be given at the discretion of the Policy Board.

Summary:  The Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) Policy Board must determine that public transportation needs within Fresno County will be reasonably met in Fiscal Year 2014-15 prior to approving claims of Local Transportation Funds for streets and roads. The Fresno COG’s Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) is responsible for evaluating unmet transit needs.  Each year the SSTAC begins the process of soliciting comments from the public by sending approximately 400 letters to agencies and individuals interested in providing feedback on their public transportation needs within Fresno County.  The request for comments letters, English and Spanish, were sent on February 7, 2014.

In addition to the request for written comments, SSTAC held three information-gathering meetings. 

The first outreach meeting was held in the City of Fowler, on February 25, 2014, in the Edwin Blaney Senior Center at 108 N. 3^rd Street, Fowler, CA  93625.  The meeting location was set to facilitate comments from the residents of Eastern Fresno county including: Fowler, Kingsburg, Orange Cove, Parlier, Reedley, Sanger, Selma, and the surrounding unincorporated communities.  The meeting time was set for 2:00 p.m. Two comments were received.  The 1^st regarding excessive wait times when calling for dispatched service.  Jeff Webster, General Manager of FCRTA, responded that a new scheduling software system had recently been put into place.  The system required additional information the 1^st time a customer called in.  As the database is populated, call times should return to normal and in most cases, be reduced.  The second comment was in regards to a centralized pick-up location at the senior residences.  Moses Stites, Operations Manager of FCRTA, will be working directly with the residents to resolve the concern.

The second meeting was held in the City of Mendota on February 26, 2014 in the Mendota Branch Library at 1246 Belmont Ave., Mendota, CA  93640.  The location was selected to facilitate comments from the residents of Western Fresno county including: Coalinga, Firebaugh, Huron, Kerman, Mendota, San Joaquin, and the surrounding unincorporated communities.  The meeting time was set for 5:30 p.m.   No comments were received.

The final outreach meeting was held in the City of Fresno on March 13, 2014 in the Yosemite Room at the Manchester Office of Caltrans located at 2015 E. Shields Ave., Fresno, CA  93726.  The meeting location was selected to facilitate comments from the residents of the Fresno-Clovis Metropolitan Area (FCMA) and surrounding unincorporated communities.  The meeting time was 5:30 p.m.  No comments were received.

SSTAC has received two comment letters regarding potential unmet needs.  These letters will be discussed and evaluated by the Committee.

Action:  This is an information/discussion item.  Direction may be given at the discretion of the Policy Board.

Summary: In March 2014, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) published two interrelated Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) in the Federal Register as required by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The Safety Performance Measures NPRM proposes safety performance measures and State DOT and MPO requirements for establishing and reporting specific annual targets for fatalities and serious injuries. The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) NPRM updates the existing HSIP requirements under 23 CFR Part 924 and proposes a subset of the model inventory of roadway elements for all public roads, the Strategic Highway Safety Plan update cycle, and other revisions to implement MAP-21 provisions, as well as clarifying existing regulatory language. The public is encouraged to review both NPRMs and submit comments to each docket.
 
These two NPRM’s are the first of many rulemakings that will be rolling out in the next several months, putting in place a national performance management framework to be implemented by states and MPOs over the coming years.  States are required to set one statewide target for each measure, and also have the option of setting separate targets for all of its urbanized areas and non-urbanized areas. The result could mean as many as 12 targets or as few as four or five.  After the states set targets, MPOs will have 180 days to set their own targets. MPOs must coordinate with their state in setting targets and determining how best to provide the data for the state to use in its own process. MPOs have two options when it comes to target setting: (1) establish their own numerical targets that will apply to the entire MPO planning area or (2) agree to support the state DOT targets in project selection and prioritization. It should also be noted that the safety targets apply to all public roads, not only those that receive federal aid highway dollars. 

USDOT anticipates publishing a third related NPRM that address proposed updates to the statewide and metropolitan and non-metropolitan planning regulations. All three notices will be open for public comment and are among the set of USDOT's proposals to implement MAP-21 performance provisions for the federal-aid highway program.  Performance-related NPRMs will focus on pavement, bridges, and asset management; as well as on congestion, emissions, system performance, freight, and public transportation. 

USDOT encourages the public to review each of the proposed rules as they become available in the Federal Register and to submit comments to the docket for each rule.

• Safety Performance Measures NPRM
• Comments Docket
• Fact Sheet (.pdf, 0.3 mb)
• Highway Safety Improvement Program NPRM
• Comment Docket
• More Information

The U.S. DOT will be holding a series of webinars to discuss the NPRM’s and the upcoming scheduled NPRM’s. 

Action:  Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Policy Board.

Summary: Earlier in January of this year, Assemblymember Henry Perea, along with 10 other Assemblymembers sent a letter to Speaker John Perez and Assembly Budget Chair Nancy Skinner requesting that $500 million of the FY 2014-15 budget’s surplus be directed, as a one-time funding, to transportation infrastructure projects.  According to the California Transportation Commission, 58% of California’s roadways and 20% of its bridges require some sort of maintenance while 6% of those bridges need to be replaced.  

The Governor’s Budget Proposal includes $337 million to accelerate preservation and maintenance projects on both state highways and local roads. This funding would come from General Fund loan repayments. During a recent visit to Sacramento with the San Joaquin Regional Valley Voice delegation, Assemblymember Perea asked for letters of support reinforcing the need to for infrastructure funding and getting “shovel ready” projects funded immediately. 

Action: Support for $500 million of the FY 2014-15 budget’s surplus be directed, as a one-time funding, to transportation infrastructure projects. 

Summary:  Please note the updated San Joaquin Valley Greenprint brochure that is included in your packet.  The Greenprint project recently conducted three focus group meetings the essential purpose of which was to seek assurance from experts that the basic data and maps that underlie this first phase of the San Joaquin Valley Greenprint are as accurate and inclusive as possible.  The first two meetings focused on agriculture, with the first held at the Tulare County Cooperative Extension in Tulare on March 19^th and the second held at the Stanislaus Council of Governments on March 20^th.  The third meeting focused on water availability, reliability and quality, and was conducted as a webinar on March 21^st.

A fourth meeting took place on Thursday, April 17.  This meeting also presented the basic data and maps to staffs of the eight Valley COGs, as initiator of the Greenprint project, and to individuals and agency representatives within each of the COG jurisdictions to whom they extend the meeting invitation.  This meeting provided an opportunity for interested individuals to learn about the Greenprint project, to see and hear of the accomplishments of this first phase of the project, to ask questions and raise concerns about the project, and to help shape the next phase of the project.  

Much briefer presentations are proposed on June 20 for the SJV Partnership and SJV Regional Policy Council, the latter of which will be asked to accept the Phase I “State of the Valley” report.  If you have questions or comments about the Greenprint project, please contact COG staffperson Clark Thompson at (559) 233-4148 x203 or clarkt@fresnocog.org. 

Action:  Information item.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Policy Board.

For the latest information on grants, contact Ishmael Herrera at isherrera@csufresno.edu

2013-14 Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEMP)

Deadline: Monday, June 30, 2014 - no later than 4 p.m.

Amount: $2 million

http://resources.ca.gov/eem/

The California Natural Resources Agency (Agency) released the Guidelines and Application for the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEMP) for the 2013-14 grant cycle.  Applications must be received at the California Natural Resources Agency, 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311, Sacramento CA, 95814.

Technical assistance workshops are planned to provide help in preparing grant applications.

The Sacramento Workshop will also be a webcast. To access the webcast on May 8, 2014, go to http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Broadcast. Please RSVP to reserve space by calling (916) 653-2812 or emailing eemcoordinator@resources.ca.gov.

Caltrans Active Transportation Program (ATP)

Deadline: May 21, 2014

Amount: Varies

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LocalPrograms/atp/index.html 

The ATP consolidates existing federal and state transportation programs, including the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA), and State Safe Routes to School (SR2S), into a single program with a focus to make California a national leader in active transportation. ATP gives grants for projects that address ATP's goals to provide safety, incentive, and pathway funding to increase non-motorized forms of transportation. The ATP is divided into three competitive funding opportunities - a statewide competition for all communities, which will choose projects first - a competition for only small cities and rural regions; a competition for large urban regions administered through the MPO’s.

Application Part 1 (required) PDF fillable
Application Part 2 (required) Narrative Questions
Application Instructions (please read)
CTC Guidelines

EDA FY 2014 Economic Development Assistance Programs

Deadline: June 13, 2014 for funding cycle 4 of FY 2014 ; and October 17, 2014 for funding cycle 1 of FY 2015.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=248297 

Amount: Varies

EDA supports development in economically distressed areas of the United States by fostering job creation and attracting private investment. Specifically, under the Economic Development Assistance programs (EDAP) Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement, EDA will make construction, non-construction, and revolving loan fund investments under the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs.

California Department of Parks and Recreation: Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) Program
Deadline: October 31, 2014 

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?Page_id=2136 

Provides funds to local entities to protect threatened species, to address wildlife corridors, to create trails, and to provide for nature interpretation programs which bring urban residents into park and wildlife areas.

1.  PAC Subcommittee Report

Summary: On November 21, 2013 the COG Policy Board directed the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) to initiate a discussion group to:

• Continue discussion on policy issues suggested by City of Fresno (Bruce Rudd) and responded to by County of Fresno (Bernard Jimenez)
• Evaluate the feasibility of the three policy recommendations submitted by the Coalition of Community Based Organizations (CBOs), and
• Engage the community in the discussion (specifically mentioned were LAFCo staff, School Districts, Service Providers, Coalition of CBOs)

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).

PAC was directed to come back to the Policy Board in 120 days with an outline of (1) what early steps would look like, including (2) a timeline and (3) an update on progress. This item constitutes that 120 day report-back.

The PAC Sub-committee held two meetings, immediately following the regularly scheduled PAC meetings in February and March.  During the first meeting, speakers from the City/County proposal as well as speakers representing the CBO proposals, all presented their policy concepts.  At the second meeting, staff presented the two items requested by PAC Sub-committee at the first meeting:

• Staff response to the feasibility of each of the three CBO proposals for next Sub-committee meeting.
• Staff summary of funding sources that would identify:
• Allowable uses
• Limitations on spending
• Other uses that may not have been considered in the past

Both of these requested reports are attached to this agenda item.  The PAC Subcommittee closed its March 14^th meeting by directing staff to come back to them some time in the near future with an action item on the four policy/program issues that have been under discussion.  Staff will follow up with that within 90 days.

Regarding the Board's November 21^st direction referred to above:

       i.         Early Steps:  The early steps have already been taken by the PAC Sub-committee at its two meetings where initial feasibility issues were discussed and potential funding sources were reviewed.

     ii.         Timeline:  Within 90 days, staff will present an action item to the PAC Sub-committee to consider and make a recommendation on further action to be taken on the four proposals that have been discussed. 

    iii.         Update:  The content of this annotated agenda item and the two related attachments to this agenda constitute the update requested by the Policy Board.  In addition, staff believes that there is a commitment in the 2014 RTP and associated PEIR, as well as the 2014-15 Overall Work Program, that show good faith on the part of Fresno COG to continue the dialogue with the CBOs on programs and a budget item in the 2014-15 OWP that addresses the issue of conducting a needs assessment.

Finally, staff would like to reiterate that any action taken on any of these four issues will be considered for an amendment to the 2014 RTP after its adoption by the Fresno COG Policy Board in June, 2014 and its approval by FHWA in December 2014 in order that we not interrupt the environmental process now underway. 

Action:  Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Policy Board.

 2. Sustainable Communities Strategy Informational Meeting [Cai]

Summary: SB 375 requires that 2 informational meetings be held for members of the County Board of Supervisors and the City Councils, and the draft Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) be presented at these meetings. The MPO may conduct only one informational meeting if the meeting is attended by representatives of the County Board of Supervisors and City Council members that represents a majority of the cities representing a majority of the population in the incorporated areas of the County.

In November 2013, the Fresno COG Policy Board selected a preferred scenario as the draft Sustainable Communities Strategy for the Fresno County region. The draft SCS meets the greenhouse emission reduction targets established by the State, and will move the Fresno region towards more sustainable development.

Fresno COG staff will make a presentation on the draft SCS at the informational meeting on April 24^th and will be seeking input and recommendations from the elected officials regarding the draft SCS.

Action:  Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Policy Board.

3.  PUBLIC HEARING:  Public Hearing on the 2014 Draft Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, Draft 2015 Federal Transportation Improvement Program, Draft Program Environmental Impact Report, and Draft Air Quality Conformity Analysis for the 2015 FTIP and 2014 RTP/SCS [PUBLIC HEARING April 24, 2014]                                                                                                                            

Summary:   On Friday, March 21, 2014 the following documents were released for 55-day Public Review and Comment:

• The Draft 2014 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2014 RTP/SCS) is a long-term coordinated transportation/land use strategy to meet Fresno County transportation needs out to the year 2040.
• The Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) document provides an analysis of potential environmental impacts related to the implementation of the RTP/SCS as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (additional EIR description below).
• The Draft 2015 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (2015 FTIP) is a near-term listing of capital improvement and operational expenditures utilizing federal and state monies for transportation projects in Fresno County during the next four years. 

• The corresponding Draft Air Quality Conformity Analysis for the 2015 FTIP and 2014 RTP/SCS contains the documentation to support a finding that the 2015 FTIP and 2014 RTP/SCS meet the air quality conformity requirements for carbon monoxide, ozone and particulate matter.

A public hearing to receive public comments on these documents will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. during the Fresno COG Policy Board Meeting. An Informational Meeting will be held for elected officials during the Policy Board Meeting, just prior to the public hearing.

An additional public hearing will be held to receive public comments on the Draft 2014 Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) on May 7, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at Selma City Hall, 1710 Tucker St, Selma, CA 93662.

The Notice of Public Hearing and Notice of Availability for the documents as published in the Fresno Bee newspaper on Friday, March 21, 2014 is attached for committee review. The 55-day public review and comment period will conclude on May 15, 2014.  The draft documents are available for review on the Fresno COG website at www.fresnocog.org.  Or they may be viewed at the following locations:

• Fresno COG office, 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201, Fresno, CA 93721
• Fresno County Main Library:  2420 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721

 Public comments are welcomed at the hearing, or may be submitted in writing by 5:00 pm on May 15, 2014 to Barbara Steck at the address, email or fax number below.

Contact Person:       Barbara Steck, Deputy Director

                                    2035 Tulare Street Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721

                                    559-233-4148 (office)

                                    559-233-9645 (fax)    bjsteck@fresnocog.org

Adoption of the plans:  After considering the comments, the documents will be considered for adoption, by resolution, by the Fresno COG at a regularly scheduled meeting to be held on June 26, 2014.  The documents will then be submitted to state and federal agencies for approval.

Additional Information:  Individuals with disabilities may call Fresno COG (with 3-working-day advance notice) to request auxiliary aids necessary to participate in the public hearing.  Translation services are also available (with 3-working-day advance notice) to participants speaking any language, by available professional translation services.

EIR Description:  Fresno COG has prepared a Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Program EIR), in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the 2014 Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (2014 RTP/SCS).  The 2014 RTP identifies the region’s transportation needs and issues, sets forth an action plan of projects and programs to address the needs consistent with the adopted policies, and documents the financial resources needed to implement the plan.  Additional areas of emphasis in the 2014 RTP include an Environmental Justice Report and a Sustainable Communities Strategy.  In addition, the 2014 RTP includes updated project lists and performance measures.  Projects are identified at a conceptual level for purposes of the RTP, and this Draft Program EIR is programmatic in nature – meaning it does not specifically analyze individual projects.

The Program EIR finds that implementation of the 2014 RTP/SCS could result in significant and unavoidable impacts to the following issues areas:  Aesthetics; Agricultural Resources; Air Quality; Biotic Resources; Climate Change; Cultural Resources; Energy and Energy Consumption; Geology and Soils; Hazardous Materials; Hydrology and Water Quality; Land Use and Planning; Noise; Population and Housing; Public Utilities, Other Utilities, and Service Systems; and Transportation/Traffic.

Action:  Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Policy Board.

Summary:  The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) has been in continuous operation on segments of the metropolitan area freeway system since September 1993, nearly 21 years.  The purpose of the FSP is to promote smooth traffic flow during peak commute periods by providing for the rapid removal of disabled vehicles and vehicles involved in minor accidents.  The current three-year towing contract ends on June 30, 2014.  A Request for Proposal for towing service for the next three-year period beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2017 was issued on February 20, 2014.  It was mailed to all 62 towing companies on the California Highway Patrol Fresno County Tow Rotation List and posted on the Fresno COG website.

Two important changes are proposed for the next three-year contract period.  Morning hours of service from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. will remain the same but afternoon hours of service will increase by ½ hour from 3:30 to 6:30 in recognition of the somewhat longer evening commute period.  Also, the number of beats is proposed to increase from three to four (you may recall that a fourth, temporary beat, has been in place for this third year of the current three-year contract period, in order to provide service focused on SR180 during construction of the braided ramp project). 

Only one proposal was received in response to the RFP.  Historically, through all the contracting cycles of the FSP very few towing companies have submitted proposals in response to the RFPs issued.  This may be because very few tow companies can meet the strict requirements of the program.  In particular, these include the financial resources to purchase and equip the necessary trucks and the hiring and retention of drivers who can pass background checks and meet other qualifications.        

The one proposal received was from Fresno Budget Towing Inc., the current FSP towing provider.  The proposal amount is $84.00/hour for 5,000 hours of service per year (5 hours/day/beat x 4 beats x 250 days/year = 5,000 hours/year).  The proposal amount of $84.00/hour is $3.73 less than the current contract amount of $87.73 for the same towing service provider.

The selection committee comprised of a representative of each of the FSP Partners, the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, and the Fresno COG, met on March 26 to review the proposal and to interview Fresno Budget Towing Inc.  The selection committee unanimously recommends that Fresno Budget Towing Inc. continue to provide FSP towing service for the next three-year period.  This recommendation is based on several factors:

• Fresno Budget Towing has provided consistent excellent service during the nearly 3 years they have been the FSP towing provider.  There have been no penalties assessed against them and survey responses are highly complimentary of the service provided and the drivers who provide the service.
• They are financially strong as evidenced by the fact they will purchase all new trucks for the service, including the required back-up truck, for a total of five trucks.  Four of the trucks (not the back-up) will have a crew cab, thereby enabling the truck to more easily accommodate several passengers in the event the passenger vehicle must be towed to the CHP-approved drop location.  And one of the four trucks will be a 4x4 which will provide for additional capability.
• They have a team of experienced drivers that has been with the program and will continue with the program.
• The proposal amount is actually $3.73/hour less than the current contract amount.

 Action:  TTC and PAC recommend the Policy Board authorize the Fresno COG Executive Director to enter into a contractual agreement with Fresno Budget Towing Inc. in an amount not to exceed $420,000.00/year for three years beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2017.

Summary:  Caltrans staff will provide a verbal update. The Caltrans Quarterly Report is included as an exhibit.

Action: This is an information item.  Direction may be given at the discretion of the Policy Board.

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.

Summary: On March 17, 2014 the RTMF sub committee met to discuss the strategy for updating the RTMF and to review the scope of work presented by PB Americas.  The sub committee discussed the legal requirements of the Nexus update, the changed economic and development environment, policy issues regarding vesting, and the effect project delivery and updated cost may have on eligible projects. Also discussed was the need to develop a regional definition and reduced rate class for In-Fill Development in compliance with Section 66005.1 and based on traffic impact.  PB Americas agreed that the proposed scope of work covered the topics under discussion.  The sub committee recommended accepting the proposal. As implementing agency, the Transportation Authority will propose  adoption  a budget for the study at their April 23, 2014 meeting so the COG Board can authorize a contract amendment with PB Americas on April 24, 2014.

Action: PAC and Staff recommend the Policy Board authorize a $95,589 contract amendment with PB Americas to update the RTMF per the proposed scope of work pending budgetary authorization by the Transportation Authority.

Summary:

The State Assembly and Senate are now in session

The United States House of Representative and Senate are now in session

To locate current and past year state bill information go to the Official California Legislative Information webpage at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/

To locate current and past year federal bill information go to THOMAS, The Library of Congress’s bill information website (in the spirit of Thomas Jefferson) at: http://thomas.loc.gov/

Please contact staff person, Melissa Garza, if you have any questions or comments.

Action: Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Policy Board.

Summary:  Your agenda package includes this month’s Clearinghouse Calendar containing “Project Notification and Review Reports” for grant proposal.

1. Emergency Community Water Assistance – purchase of raw water – Federal: $500,000, - Total $500,000       
2. Preparation of preliminary engineering report for Water Facilities: - Federal $27,500 – Total - $27,500

Action:  Per Board procedure, unless an item is pulled from the Consent Calendar, tacit authorization is given for staff to forward any comment(s) received, or any Committee/Board comment(s) generated as a result of this informational item, to the appropriate agency. It is understood that if in the event this item should be pulled from the consent calendar, discussion and comment by the Committee members and the public will be taken.

Summary: The San Joaquin Regional Policy Council Valley Voice delegation traveled to Sacramento on March 5^th and 6^th to collectively articulate a common vision.  The 2014 Valley Voice priorities were:

• Transportation funding to the Valley from the State’s Cap and Trade program
• Local control and funding for the San Joaquin Amtrak passenger rail service
• Lowering the voting threshold for local transportation initiatives
• Support for regional goods movement projects
• Enhanced water delivery and supply for the region

The itinerary was organized by Khouri Consulting and consisted of two-days of meetings with the following:

• Members and staff for the eight county member legislative delegation as preferred by the SJV Regional Policy Council members.
• Assembly and Senate Transportation Committee Staff
• Policy Committee consultants (discuss relevant bills)
• California Resources Agency (Water Bond)
• California State Transportation Authority
• California Transportation Commission/Transportation California (VLF initiative)
• Department of Transportation
• Strategic Growth Council

 Action: Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Policy Board.

Summary:  On February 21, 2014 Assemblymember Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno) and joint authors Assemblymember Adam Gray (D-Merced) and Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) along with co-author Senator Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) introduced a comprehensive water bond proposal.   The key components of Assembly Bill (AB) 2686, the Clean, Safe and Reliable Water Supply were developed in partnership and with the support of the Latino Water Coalition, Fresno Irrigation District, and the Building and Construction Trades Council of Fresno.

AB 2686 sets the bond at $9.25 billion. The proposal is broken down as follows:

• $3 billion: Water Storage Infrastructure
• $1 billion: Clean and Safe Drinking water
• $2.25 billion: Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Sustainability
• $1.5 billion: Protecting Rivers, Lakes, Streams, Coastal Waters, & Watersheds
• $1.5 billion: Climate Change Preparedness for Regional Water Security

 An important aspect of AB 2686 is that it includes continuous appropriation for the surface storage component, meaning that funds will be locked in to these projects and cannot be re-appropriated elsewhere by the Legislature. Sen. Anthony Cannella said that “$3 billion for storage is realistic, and it’s fair considering what we’re going through”, and based on unemployment levels climbing to 50 percent in his San Joaquin Valley, California growers are being forced to fallow 800,000 acres of farmland this year.

Existing law, the Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012, if approved by the voters, would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $11,140,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance a safe drinking water and water supply reliability program. Existing law provides for the submission of the bond act to the voters at the November 4, 2014, statewide general election.  This bill would repeal these provisions.  If the Legislature passes this bill, it would be up for approval by voters in November of this year. If lawmakers do not offer and pass an alternative, the $11.1 billion water bond originally negotiated in 2009 will automatically appear on the ballot. It has been delayed twice in part due to economic conditions. The deadline to qualify a new water bond for the November ballot is June 26.

In April 29, 2010 the Fresno COG Policy Board passed a resolution in support of the 2010 Waterbond specifically for funding to enhance local water supply and reliability, including above ground storage projects such as the Temperance Flat Dam, improvements to the physical infrastructure of the water system, and to lay the groundwork for development of a Delta alternative water conveyance system.

Then in September of 2013, the Board passed a Resolution to reaffirm the 2010 resolution and asked for the ecological problems in the Delta to be fixed, operational flexibility to the state’s water storage and delivery system, and aid for disadvantaged communities with water quality problems, while expanding water recycling and conservation.  The signed resolution specifically states that Fresno COG will not support any Water Bond that fails to contain all provisions in the current Water Bond’s Chapter 8, including but not limited to $3 billion in continuous appropriation funding water storage, $2.25 billion for Delta Sustainability, AND adequate funding for regional infrastructure improvements and developments, including means of meeting the ever-growing challenges faced by disadvantaged communities throughout California in dealing with and resolving water quality problems. The proposed bill, AB 2686, includes the provisions identified in the resolution.  Attached is the resolution.

Action: The Policy Advisory Committee recommends support for Assembly Bill (AB) 2686 (Perea), THE CLEAN, SAFE, AND RELIABLE WATER SUPPLY ACT OF 2014 as it emphasizes the importance of above-ground water storage, delta restoration and safe drinking water.  Direction is requested of the Policy Board.

Summary:   The Annual Fresno COG One Voice trip to Washington D.C. for elected officials, business leaders and staff took place April 5-10.  This trip provided an opportunity for the delegation of 20 public and private representatives to expand upon the relationships with Congressional representatives and federal staff members established during the previous efforts. The delegation requested legislative support from federal representatives for priorities chosen for their regional significance, their ability to bring prosperity to Fresno County, and their potential contribution to relieving drought conditions and improving transportation mobility, economic development and public safety.

During their 5-day visit to Washington D.C. the delegation met with Congressmen Costa, Nunes, Valadao and McClintock who represent the Fresno County region; Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein and representatives from the White House Intergovernmental Affairs Office; the U.S. Departments of Transportation, Education, Labor, Justice and Interior; and staff representing Transportation for America. The delegation had a full agenda each day to discuss nine regional priorities that need Federal support and attention.

This year the delegation’s priorities included a strong request for Water Policy Support—decidedly the highest ranked priority as approved by the Fresno COG Policy Board. Other policies included Air and Health Quality Empowerment Zone Designation; Community Block Grant Program support; State Criminal Alien Assistance Program funding; Support for state funding in the next Federal Transportation Reauthorization Bill that provides resources for projects like the Veteran’s Boulevard Interchange; High-Speed Rail Training Facilities; Hiring and Workforce Development policies; and full funding of the Payments in Lieu of Taxes Program (PILT) that make up for diminished tax revenues stemming from Federal ownership of land with the County’s boundaries.

The 2014 “One Voice” collective efforts garnered much media attention upon its conclusion.  There are many follow up tasks necessary in order to maintain the “One Voice” momentum on the regional priorities presented.  Fresno COG has sent a letter to President Obama, the House and Senate members, and the Department of Interior reemphasizing the importance of the regional priorities and asking for short-term and long-term relief, such as the passage of the Senator Feinstein’s bill in order to get it to conference committee.  The letter discusses the impacts of not delivering sufficient water quantities that meet human, economic, and environmental needs, as well as emphasizes the need to augment existing infrastructure, such as surface storage and improvements to the conveyance systems.  Follow-up meetings have been requested by the White House Intergovernmental staff and we will have additional follow-up discussions with congressional delegates, their staff, and administrators.

In regards to Transportation, Fresno COG is working with Transportation for America to provide specific project information that would be impacted by the insolvency of the highway trust fund starting FY 15.  Fresno COG will also weigh in on specific provisions that should be included in the next transportation reauthorization legislation.

A special thank you to the Sponsors of the One Voice efforts. Their gracious support and contributions allow this successful advocacy trip to continue throughout the years.

 Action:  Information Item.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Policy Board.

This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Policy Board on items within its jurisdiction but not on this agenda.  Note:  Prior to action by the Policy Board on any item on this agenda, the public may comment on that item.  Unscheduled comments may be limited to 3 minutes.

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.

  Summary:  Status reports are typically submitted quarterly to ensure proper distribution of funding to the member agencies.  This status report contains the following information:

• The gross amount of money received by the Authority from the Abandoned Vehicle Trust Fund during the quarter.
• An itemized statement of the Abandoned Vehicle Trust Fund monies expended by the Authority during the quarter.
• An accounting of money expended for major purchases, if any.
• An accounting of unexpended revenues from the Abandoned Vehicle Trust Fund.
• An accounting of the total number of vehicles and parts thereof abated by the Authority during the quarter.

The enclosure for this item indicates the level of activity and distribution of funding to the member agencies.  During the quarter, member agencies expended $201,101.55 conducting AVA activities.  A total of 1,077 vehicles were abated this quarter, compared to 1,201 vehicles abated during the same quarter of the previous fiscal year, a slight year over year decrease.

Action:  PAC and Staff recommend acceptance of the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement FY 2013/14 Second Quarter Summary Status Report as presented.