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TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

Date:
Time:
Place:

Friday, October 10, 2014
8:30 AM

COG Sequoia Conference Room
2035 Tulare St., Suite 201, Fresno, CA




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TTC Agenda and Annotated Agenda in pdf format - ALL EXHIBITS ARE AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE

TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

The Transportation Technical Committee will consider all items on the agenda.  The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.

I.TRANSPORTATION CONSENT ITEMS

About Consent Items:

All items on the consent agenda are considered to be routine and non-controversial by COG staff and will be approved by one motion if no member of the Committee or public wishes to comment or ask questions.  If comment or discussion is desired by anyone, the item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered in the listed sequence with an opportunity for any member of the public to address the Committee concerning the item before action is taken.

A.
Executive Minutes of September 12, 2014 [APPROVE]

Exhibits:

B.
FY 2014-15 Transportation Funding Claims [Fawcett] [APPROVE]

Summary: FY 2014/15 Transportation Development Act Claims. The amounts claimed for Local Transportation Funds (LTF) and State Transit Assistance (STA) funds are:

Resolution #

Member Agency

Amt LTF

Amt STA

Grand Total Payable to Claimant

2014-33

City of Huron

$212,287

$33,208

$245,495

2014-34

City of San Joaquin

$125,833

$19,683

$145,516

2014-37

City Orange Cove

$291,944

$45,666

$337,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

Action:  Staff requests that TTC/PAC recommend approval by resolution of the TDA Claims FY 2014/15 of the above listed member agencies.

C.
FY 2013-14 4th Quarter Progress Report [Beshears] [ACCEPT]

Exhibits:

Summary: The FY 2013-14 fourth quarter progress report is included for review and acceptance. 

Action: Staff recommends acceptance of the FY 2013-14 Fourth Quarter Progress Report.

D.
Prop 84 Round 1 Final Report - Resolution 2014-35 [Terry] [APPROVE]

Exhibits:

Summary: In 2011, the Fresno Council of Governments, on behalf of eight San Joaquin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organizations (SJV MPOs), was awarded one-million dollars of Proposition 84 funds through the Strategic Growth Council to support the ongoing, unfunded portion of the SJV Regional Blueprint, the development of Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) and the implementation of SB 375.  To assist with the forwarding of State goals and objectives, and to support Blueprint integration and the placement of an SCS at each of the eight MPOs, Round 1 funding was organized into three specific tasks: (1) SCS Outreach; (2) SJV Blueprint Integration; and (3) Greenprint.

Grant funding for Round 1 officially expired on June 30, 2014, with all task identified within the scope of the grant having been completed on schedule and within budget.  Final document deliverables produced utilizing the grant funds include the valley-wide SCS Public Outreach Plan, the Blueprint Integration Final Report, and the State of the Valley Report, detailing Phase I of the Greenprint.  All of these materials have previously been accepted by the Fresno COG TTC/PAC and Board.  Attached for reference is a copy of the final report narrative, submitted to DOC in late September.

The Department of Conservation (DOC), per the guidelines provided within the original grant contract, had originally required a resolution of completion from the grantee’s governing board be submitted with the final report.  However, the DOC has recently announced that such a submission is no longer a requirement, but would appreciate such a resolution following submission of the final report and supporting documentation to the State.  As such, attached is a resolution acknowledging support for the submission of the Final Report.

Action:  Staff recommends that TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board sign Resolution 2014-35 affirming and supporting Fresno COG’s submission of the Prop 84 Round 1 Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program Final Report to the Department of Conservation in accordance with the DOC’s request for such.

E.
SJV Goods Movement Planning Grant Resolution 2014-36 [Terry] [APPROVE]

Exhibits:

Summary: The eight San Joaquin Valley Regional Planning Agencies recently submitted, and were awarded, a FY 2014-15 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation grant for the SJV Goods Movement Implementation Plan.  This planning grant will build upon previous goods movement planning efforts, including the San Joaquin Valley Interregional Goods Movement Plan, which was completed in 2013.

The subject planning grant will focus on prioritizing “First and Last Mile” connectors and related goods movement planning activities, such as assessing truck routing and parking needs, rural priority corridors, goods movement performance measurement and system infrastructure development and coordination with Fresno COG’s Sustainable Communities Strategies.

The San Joaquin Council of Governments was the lead-applicant and designated fiscal agent for this regional planning grant on behalf of the eight San Joaquin Valley Regional Planning Agencies.  The $300,000 grant includes a local match of $75,000 to be provided as "in-kind" staffing from each MPO, and is based upon a population pro-rata.  Fresno COG’s portion of the amount equates to $17,625 (23.5% of the total match).  The attached resolution is being presented for consideration of approval to each valley MPO for project administration purposes.

Action:  Staff recommends that TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board sign Resolution 2014-36 approving Fresno COG participation in, and local-match in-kind support for, the Valley-wide 2014 Caltrans Partnership Planning for Sustainable Transportation Grant.

F.
Prop 84 Update [Terry] [INFORMATION]

Summary:

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

Round 1 grant close-out activities with the Department of Conservation were processed in the month of September, with all activities having been completed.  As such, this will be the final agenda update provided for Round 1 activities.  Should you have any questions regarding any of the three Round 1 Tasks, please contact the project managers listed below.

  • (Task 1) 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) 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) 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) Please see the individual Greenprint Update item found within this same agenda for additional information.

 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 (Model Improvement Program Phase 2) began in January 2014.  Fehr and Peers, as the selected consultant, began the activities associated with the project, including data collection and processing, refinement of model input data; and model estimation, calibration, validation, evaluation and associated training activities.  In addition, the consultant is overseeing all project management and information sharing details.

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 have begun at each of the valley MPOs.  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.  Below is a chart showing the breakdown of such allocations:

 

Population

% of Valley Population

% of SCS $

% of RHNA $

Fresno

995,868

24%

$20,841.54

$13,200.00

Kern

907,502

21%

$18,992.21

$11,550.00

Kings

164,291

4%

$3,438.28

$2,200.00

Madera

164,714

4%

$3,447.14

$2,200.00

Merced

271,651

6%

$5,685.12

$3,300.00

San Joaquin

730,119

17%

$15,279.94

$9,350.00

Stanislaus

543,172

13%

$11,367.51

$7,150.00

Tulare

459,779

11%

$9,622.26

$6,050.00

TOTAL

4,237,096

100%

$88,674

$55,000

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

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

G.
Greenprint Update [Thompson] [INFORMATION]

Exhibits:

Summary:   In summary, the San Joaquin Valley Greenprint project was initiated to help the eight counties of the San Joaquin Valley achieve long-term environmental and economic sustainability in the face of challenges caused by growth, development patterns, and climate.  It serves as a resource that can inform land use and resource management decisions in the Valley, emphasizing the importance of crafting regional solutions for those situations where economic and environmental challenges and decisions cross jurisdictional boundaries.  Phase I concluded with the publication of a “State of the Valley” report.  The report provides baseline information on the current conditions and trends of natural resources on the valley floor, foothills and watersheds – water, agriculture, biodiversity, and energy.  The map and data collection span the full extent of the eight San Joaquin Valley counties.  The Executive Summary of that report is enclosed and the full report and data catalogue can be accessed online through the project’s website (http://sjvgreenprint.ice.ucdavis.edu).

Phase II of the San Joaquin Valley Greenprint project will build on and extend the work completed in Phase I by focusing on applications of the data and maps through the development of a “pilot projects program” and the subsequent selection and implementation of pilot projects.  The Request for Proposals for Phase II was released on September 15 and the deadline for proposal submittal is October 21, 2014.

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

H.
FTA Section 5310 Small Urban and Rural Call for Projects [Arnest] [INFORMATION]

Summary: Fresno COG is pleased to announce the Caltrans’ call for projects for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5310 Small Urban and Rural grant program for federal fiscal years 2013 / 2014 funding.  Through the use of Toll Credits, the projects this cycle are 100% federally funded.

The Section 5310 Program’s name under MAP-21 is the “Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program”.  These programs provide the funding for the implementation of the Fresno County Social Services Public Transportation Plan adopted in 2008 by the Fresno COG Policy Board. 

Section 5310 - Estimated funding for Small Urban and Rural in California for FY 2013 and 2014 is estimated at $13.7 million.

Fact sheets are contained in the agenda packet.  Please contact Peggy Arnest at Fresno COG (559-233-4148 x241) with questions or to request additional information.

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

I.
FTIP Updates and Amendments [Chargin] [INFORMATION]

Summary:

2013 FTIP

Formal Amendment No. 11 (Types 2 and 3): Amendment 11 included projects with cost changes greater than 40% of the total project cost or more than $10 million, changes to the SHOPP grouped project listing, updates to the financial summary tables and programming of TIGER funding.  A 7-day public review and interagency consultation period was conducted and completed on November 8, 2013 at 4:30 pm. This amendment was approved by the Executive Director of the Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG) on November 12, 2013 as authorized by the Policy Board.  Caltrans approved the amendment on November 18, 2013 and FHWA approved it on November 25, 2013.

Formal Amendment No. 12 (Types 2 & 3): Amendment 12 included projects with cost changes greater than 40% of the total project cost or more than $10 million, changes to the HBP and HSIP grouped project listings, and updates to the financial summary tables.  A 7-day public review and interagency consultation period was conducted and completed on January 17, 2014 at 4:30 pm. This amendment was approved by the Executive Director of the Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG) on January 17, 2014 as authorized by the Policy Board.  Caltrans approved the amendment on February 6, 2014 and FHWA approved it on February 11, 2014.

Administrative Modification No. 13: Amendment 13 included funding changes to projects of less than 40% of the total project cost as well as moving funds between phases.  This amendment was approved by the Executive Director of the Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG) on March 27, 2014 as authorized by the Policy Board. Administrative modifications do not require State or Federal approval.

Formal Amendment No. 14 (Types 2 & 3): Amendment 14 included projects with cost changes greater than 40% of the total project cost or more than $10 million, changes to the HBP and SHOPP grouped project listings, and updates to the financial summary tables.  A 7-day public review and interagency consultation period was conducted and completed on April 21, 2014 at 4:30 pm. This amendment was approved by the Executive Director of the Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG) on April 21, 2014 as authorized by the Policy Board.  Caltrans approved the amendment on April 29, 2014 and FHWA approved it on May 12, 2014.

Administrative Modification No. 15: Amendment 15 included funding changes to projects of less than 40% of the total project cost as well as moving funds between phases.  This amendment was approved by the Executive Director of the Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG) on July 22, 2014 as authorized by the Policy Board. Administrative modifications do not require State or Federal approval.

Formal Amendment No. 16 (Types 2 & 3): Amendment 16 included projects with cost changes greater than 40% of the total project cost or more than $10 million, changes to the Recreational Trails, Minor Program, Highway Maintenance, and Railway-Highway Crossing grouped project listings, and updates to the financial summary tables.  A 7-day public review and interagency consultation period was conducted and completed on September 25, 2014 at 4:30 pm. This amendment was approved by the Executive Director of the Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG) on September 25, 2014 as authorized by the Policy Board and is awaiting Caltrans and FHWA approval.

2015 FTIP

2015 FTIP Adoption: The 2015 FTIP includes a listing of all transportation-related projects requiring federal funding or other approval by the federal transportation agencies. The FTIP also lists non-federal, regionally significant projects for information and air quality modeling purposes. Projects included in the FTIP are consistent with Fresno COG's Regional Transportation Plan and are part of the area's overall strategy for providing mobility, congestion relief and reduction of transportation-related air pollution in support of efforts to attain federal air quality standards for the region. The 2015 FTIP was adopted by the Fresno COG Policy Board on June 26, 2014 and is currently awaiting Caltrans and FHWA approval.

Formal Amendment No. 1 (types 2 & 3): Amendment 1 included projects with cost changes greater than 40% of the total project cost or more than $10 million, changes to the grouped project listings, and updates to the financial summary tables.  A 7-day public review and interagency consultation period was conducted and completed on September 26, 2014 at 4:30 pm. This amendment was approved by the Executive Director of the Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG) on September 26, 2014 as authorized by the Policy Board and is awaiting Caltrans and FHWA approval.

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

J.
Fiscal Year 2015-16 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant [Garza/Terry] [INFORMATION]

Summary: On September 2nd, the Fiscal Year 2015-16 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Application Guide and materials were made available.  Grant Program Overarching Objectives are to ensure consideration of major efforts in transportation planning, including: Sustainability, Preservation, Mobility, Safety, Innovation, Economy, Health, and Equity.  Grants are available under the following two categories:

1.      Strategic Partnerships

Consistent with the intent of partnership planning, the Strategic Partnerships grant funds planning projects that encourage regional agencies to partner with Caltrans to identify and address statewide/interregional transportation deficiencies in the state highway system, strengthen government-to-government relationships, and result in programmed system improvements, all in an effort to achieve the Caltrans Mission and overarching objectives.

Who May Apply as Primary Recipients – Metropolitan Planning Organizations/Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (MPO/RTPAs); Sub-recipients – Transit Agencies, Universities, Community Colleges, Native American Tribal Governments, Cities and Counties, Community-Based Organizations, Non-Profit Organizations, and Other Public Entities.

Estimated Budget – $1.5 Million, Federal Highway Administration – SPR, Part I

Local Match – 20% of the total project amount

2.      Sustainable Communities

The Sustainable Communities grant funds transportation planning projects that identify and address mobility deficiencies in the multimodal transportation system, encourage stakeholder collaboration, involve active public engagement, integrate Smart Mobility 2010 concepts, ultimately result in programmed system improvements, and achieve the Caltrans Mission and overarching objectives.

Who May Apply as Primary Recipients – MPO/RTPAs, Transit Agencies, Cities, Counties, and Native American Tribal Governments; Sub-recipients – Transit Agencies, Universities, Community Colleges, Native American Tribal Governments, Cities and Counties, Community-Based Organizations, Non-Profit Organizations, and Other Public Entities.

Estimated Budget – $8.3 Million Total ($2.8 Million, Federal Transit Administration, Section 5304; $5.5 Million, State Highway Account)

Local Match – 11.47% of the total project amount

Basic information regarding each category can be found within the Fact Sheet attached to this agenda, with program specifics in greater detail, including application instructions and templates found on-line at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/grants.html

The deadline for submitting grant applications via email to Regional.Planning.Grants@dot.ca.gov is 5 PM, October 31, 2014.

ACTION: Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.

K.
Monthly Grant/Call for Project/Request for Proposals Reminder [Garza/Chargin] [INFORMATION]

Exhibits:

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

Grants

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Deployment Initiatives

Funding Authority:

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

Funder Type:

Federal Government

Deadline Details:

Applications must be submitted October 1, 2014, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Award Details:

The estimated funding available for FY14 is $4,500,000. 7 to 15 awards are anticipated. A funding ceiling of $1,000,000 has been set for individual projects; the floor for individual projects is $250,000.

Summary:  This program seeks to create and implement high impact and highly innovative approaches to increase the acceptance and deployment of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs). This will be accomplished in part by funding three different Areas of Interest (AOI) which focus on: AFV-use demonstrations via hands-on experiences, safety-related training, and emergency preparedness.

  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle Demonstration and Enhanced Driver Experience Projects: combine a targeted vehicle demonstration project with a driver/fleet education experience to allow participants to better understand the benefits that these vehicles/technologies can offer.
  • Alternative Fuel Training for First Responders, Public Safety Officials, and Critical Service Providers: develop and/or deliver alternative fuel safety and technical training to emergency first responders, public safety officials, and critical service providers that have a broad impact across the alternative fuel user community. This may include training for technicians and service personnel that will be operating and maintaining AFVs; and the associated fueling/charging infrastructure and service facilities. Training may also include tow-truck operators and automotive salvage/recycling operators that are dealing with wrecked vehicles and equipment end-of-life processes.
  • Incorporating Alternative Fuels into Emergency Response and Preparedness Operations: collaboration and participation with state and local governments to incorporate the use of AFVs, and alternative fuel infrastructure across multiple city, state, and regional emergency management and response entities into existing and future emergency preparedness plans.

California Transit Security Grant Program – California Transit Assistance Fund (Prop 1B)

Funding Authority:

California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA)

Funder Type:

State Government

Deadline Details:

Completed IJ funding plans are accepted on a continuous basis and must be submitted electronically to Prop1B@calema.ca.gov.

Award Details:

Funding appropriated for the FY 2012-13 CTSGP-CTAF is $60,000,000. Of these funds, 50 percent shall be allocated to eligible agencies using the formula in Section 99314 of the Public Utilities Code, and 50 percent shall be allocated to eligible agencies using the formula in Section 99313 of the Public Utilities Code, subject to the provisions governing funds allocated under those Sections. Funds allocated to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission pursuant to Section 99313 of the Public Utilities Code shall be sub-allocated to transit operators within its jurisdiction pursuant to Section 99314 of the Public Utilities Code. Entities receiving an allocation of funds shall expend those funds within three fiscal years of the fiscal year in which the funds were allocated. Funds allocated during the FY 2012-13 shall be expended no later than March 31, 2016. Funds remaining unexpended thereafter shall revert to Cal EMA, as applicable, for reallocation in subsequent fiscal years.

Summary: The Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality and Port Security Bond Act of 2006, approved by the voters as Proposition 1B at the November 7, 2006 general election, authorizes the issuance of $19,925,000,000 in general obligation bonds for specified purposes, including grants for transit system safety, security and disaster response projects.

Eligible activities include the following:

  1. A capital project that provides increased protection against a security or safety threat including, but not limited to, the following: (a) Construction or renovation projects that are designed to enhance the security of public transit stations, tunnels, guide ways, elevated structures or other transit facilities and equipment; (b) Explosive device mitigation and remediation equipment; (c)  Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear explosives search, rescue or response equipment; (d) Interoperable communications equipment; (e) Physical security enhancement equipment; (f)  The installation of fencing, barriers, gates or related security enhancements that are designed to improve the physical security of transit stations, tunnels, guide ways, elevated structures or other transit facilities and equipment; and (g) Other security and safety-related projects approved by Cal EMA.
  2. A capital project that increases the capacity of transit operators to prepare for disaster response transportation systems that can move people, goods, emergency personnel and equipment in the aftermath of a disaster.
  3. Other allowable costs under California Government Code 16727 (a) include costs directly related to construction or acquisition including, but not limited to, planning, engineering, construction management, architectural, and other design work, environmental impact reports and assessments, required mitigation expenses, appraisals, legal expenses, site acquisitions, necessary easements, and warranties.


EPA Brownfields Assessment Grants

See enclosed flyer for information.


Requests for Proposals:

Greenprint Phase II Request for Proposals

Summary:    The Request for Proposals for Greenprint Phase II is available on our website at www.fresnocog.org. The RFP was released on September 15 and the deadline for proposal submittal is October 21, 2014.  Phase II of the Greenprint project will build on and extend the work completed in Phase I by focusing on application of the data and maps through the development of a “pilot project program” and the subsequent selection and implementation of pilot projects.  Phase II will conclude with the development of a guide for resource management, including examples of strategies and tools used elsewhere that governments, businesses and communities can self-select to address their economic and resource objectives. 

Please contact Fresno COG staffperson and Greenprint project manager Clark Thompson at (559) 233-4148 x203 or clarkt@fresnocog.org if you have questions about the Greenprint project and/or the RFP.

II.TRANSPORTATION ACTION / DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.
State Scenic Highway Designation of SR 180 [Garza] [SUPPORT]

Exhibits:

Summary: The County of Fresno, in partnership with Caltrans and the Sierra Gateway Trust (SGT), is seeking designation of a portion of SR 180 as a State Scenic Highway from Trimmer Springs Road to the Tulare County boundary line and from the Kings County National Park boundary near General Grant Grove to the Kings County National Park boundary near Cedar Grove.  Since 1976 the Fresno County General Plan has designated portions of SR 180 as a Scenic Highway and this designation was carried forward in the 2000 Fresno County General Plan Update.

Several steps are required in order to receive official “state” scenic highway designation which include a Visual Assessment of the route, submittal of a Scenic Highway Proposal to the Caltrans District Coordinator which includes a letter of intent by the local governing board, zoning maps and a detailed description of the scenic elements, as well as an adopted Corridor Projection Program. At this point, a Visual Assessment has been completed, and on November 12, 2013, Fresno County issued a letter of Intent to proceed in support of the 10 year effort that SGT has led.  The last component, the Corridor Protection Plan, is nearly complete.  In addition, a Public Meeting, organized by the County, State, and the SGT was held at Centerville Elementary School on September 15th with over 60 stakeholders in attendance. 

Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park experiences about 1.7 million visitors per year and the majority of the access is from State Route 180.  Fresno County's Blossom Trail, Fruit Trail, Orange Blossom Trial and the Sanger Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree is also along this route or portions of it. Furthermore, business travel and tourism generate about $1.3 billion in Fresno County annually and the thought is that a State Scenic Highway designation, which currently does not exist anywhere in Fresno County or within Caltrans District 6, will enhance a positive image, experience and will have the potential to further grow the economy.

Sierra Gateway Trust is seeking letters of support for this effort. They have currently received letters from individuals, business owners, Sanger Unified School District, City of Sanger, Chambers of Commerce for Sanger, Reedley, and Orange Cove; Wonder Valley, Minkler Store, Hudson Farms, Sanger Rotary Club and others.

Action:  Support the designation of a portion of SR 180 as a State Scenic Highway from Trimmer Springs Road to the Tulare County boundary line and from the Kings County National Park boundary near General Grant Grove to the Kings County National Park boundary near Cedar Grove.

B.
Request by City of Fresno to Initiate an Amendment to the Measure ā€œCā€ Pedestrian/Trails Facilities Subprogram [Boren] [INFORMATION]

Exhibits:

Summary:  Fresno COG has received a formal request from the City of Fresno (attached) to amend the current Measure “C” Pedestrian/Trails Facilities Subprogram.  The purpose of the amendment is to modify the existing language in the Pedestrian/Trails Facilities Subprogram which restricts the use of funds to “new” construction of pedestrian trails, the development of a Master Plan and for retrofitting existing facilities.   The proposal under consideration and supported by the City of Fresno was developed by Mark Keppler and John Wright, longtime community trail advocates.  The proposed amendment policies preserve the commitment of the Measure C plan to building new trails but also provides the ability to provide maintenance in situations where additional outside funds can be leveraged.  Included as an attachment is the draft Policy on Use of the Measure C Trail funds developed by Mr. Keppler and Mr. Wright and supported by the City of Fresno. 

Action:   Information/Action     Direction to be provided at the discretion of the Committee.

C.
Circuit Planner Report [Terry] [INFORMATION]

Summary: In 2012, with the assistance of Prop 84 funding from the Strategic Growth Council, the Valley MPOs designed a Blueprint Integration Program for the entire Valley that used circuit planners to work with the small cities (with populations under 50,000).  The program was successful in keeping the Blueprint’s Smart Growth Principles applicable to local planning activities while providing assistance to integrate those concepts related to the transportation and land use connection into local planning processes, and coordinating on-going SCS activities.  The work that was completed with these local agencies provided templates and best practice materials for the SJV Blueprint Planners Toolkit. 

The Valleywide Prop 84 Blueprint Integration Program concluded at the end of FY 2012-13.  However, due to the success of the program and the continued desire for technical assistance to member agencies, Fresno COG retained the services of Land Use Associates to operate as the circuit planning team; continually providing coordinated support for Blueprint principle integration, SCS collaboration, and project delivery assistance.

Eleven cities are currently working with the circuit planning team on planning tasks, and five cities are working with the team’s sub-consultant (Peters Engineering) to address programming and project submission needs.  Following is a matrix of planning projects, and indication of those agencies utilizing programming assistance for various projects:

City

Planning Task

Programming

Coalinga

Blueprint Zoning Ordinance review

X

Firebaugh

Bicycle Master Plan finalization

 

Fowler

General Plan element updates (various)

 

Huron

General Plan Circulation Element update

 

Kerman

Residential Design Guidelines

 

Kingsburg

Downtown Form-based Code adoption

 

Orange Cove

General Plan and Zoning Map consistency audit

X

Parlier

General Plan element updates (various)

X

Reedley

Zoning Ordinance update

 

Selma

Community park plan

X

San Joaquin

General Plan and Zoning consistency audit

X

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

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

D.
New Laws Affecting Bicycle Transportation [Thompson] [INFORMATION]

Summary:   Legislation recently signed into law by Governor Brown is further evidence of the increased emphasis on active transportation in California and specifically bicycle transportation.  Although previously agendized separately at the bill stage, it is worth noting them together now that they are law to better appreciate the overall policy initiatives in this area.

Assembly Bill 1193 amends the Streets and Highways Code relating to bikeways.  Bikeways for decades have been categorized into three classes of facilities.  An additional Class IV bikeway is now established, for which Caltrans must develop minimum safety design criteria.  Class IV bikeways, also known as “cycletracks” or “protected bike lanes,” are bikeways that provide a right-of-way designated exclusively for bicycle travel within a roadway physically separated from other vehicle traffic with devices, including but not limited to grade separations, flexible posts, inflexible physical barriers, or parked cars.  Long Beach, where cycletracks in the downtown area have been open for nearly three years, as part of a federal experiment (i.e. demonstration project), reports a substantial increase in the number of bicyclists and a dramatic decrease in the number of both bike and vehicle related crashed, attributed by the city to the traffic calming associated with the installation of the separated lanes.  This law could be significant for future bikeway planning and construction in our own county.

Senate Bill 1183 authorizes cities, counties, and regional parks districts to impose, subject to two-thirds voter approval, vehicle registration surcharges up to $5.00 on motor vehicles registered within their respective jurisdictions until January 1, 2025.  Net revenues are to be used for improvements to paved and natural surface trails and bikeways, including development of new trails and bikeways, rehabilitation and expansion of existing trails and bikeways, and maintenance and upkeep of existing bikeway and trail systems.  In addition to the safety benefits of new bikeway and trail infrastructure and the maintenance of existing bikeways and trails, bike infrastructure supports the state’s goal to promote walking and biking through the state’s Active Transportation Program, and also supports the objectives of SB 375, the Sustainable Communities Act.

Assembly Bill 1371 requires people driving cars to give people riding bicycles at least three feet of clearance when passing.  If a three-foot buffer is not available, a driver must then slow to a safe speed and pass when no danger is present.  Unlike the other two laws, this is not a new law as the Governor signed this bill about a year ago.  However, this law just finally went into effect on September 16, 2014.  Safety is the major reason for this law.  Getting hit from behind or sideswiped by a car passing too closely is one of the top ways bicyclists are injured.  In fact, according to the League of American Bicyclists, up to 40 percent of fatal bike crashes are caused by unsafe passing.  California joins 24 other states with similar laws.

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

III.OTHER BUSINESS

A.
Items from Staff

B.
Items from Members

IV.PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

A.
Public Presentations

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

PRESENTATIONS

JOINT Transportation Technical Committee / Policy Advisory Committee

The TTC and the PAC will meet as a joint Committee to consider scheduled public presentations brought before the Committees.  This portion of the meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.

1.
Caltrans Report [CALTRANS]

Summary: Caltrans staff will give an update at the meeting.  A copy of the Caltrans Quarterly Report is included as an exhibit to this item.  

Action:  This is an information item.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.                                                                                                                         

2.
California Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) [Stephanie Lucero, Center for Collaborative Policy] [INFORMATION]

Summary: California is updating its Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP).  The state has had great success over the last five years developing and implementing the SHSP, but now it is time to pause, evaluate, and chart a course to continue reducing traffic related fatalities and serious injuries.  Stephanie Lucero, Center for Collaborative Policy will be providing a brief overview of the SHSP and the update process, as well as answer questions on why and how to get involved in updating the SHSP.

Action: This is an information item. Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.