Fresno COG Header

Fresno COG Policy Board

Date:
Time:
Place:

Thursday, June 30, 2016
5:30 PM

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



Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations
The Fresno COG offices and restrooms are ADA accessible. Representatives or individuals with disabilities should contact Fresno COG at (559) 233-4148, at least 3 days in advance, to request auxillary aids and/or translation services necessary to participate in the public meeting / public hearing. If Fresno COG is unable to accommodate an auxiliary aid or translation request for a public hearing, after receiving proper notice, the hearing will be continued on a specified date when accommodations are available.

AB23 Requirement:  In accordance with the Brown Act and AB23 the amount of stipend paid to members for attending this meeting of the Fresno Council of Governments Policy Board is $100.

PLEASE TURN ON MICROPHONE BEFORE SPEAKING

 THINK GREEN - KEEP FRESNO COUNTY CLEAN!

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

Fresno County Rural Transit Agency Meeting Package - meeting will follow Policy Board meeting

Fresno COG Sitting as the Transportation Policy Committee

I.TRANSPORTATION CONSENT ITEMS

About Consent:

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.
FTIP Amendments (Suzanne Martinez) [INFORMATION]

Summary: Administrative Modification No. 9: Amendment 9 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 January 8, 2016 as authorized by the Policy Board. Administrative modifications do not require State or Federal approval.

Administrative Modification No. 10: Amendment 10 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 April 11, 2016 as authorized by the Policy Board. Administrative modifications do not require State or Federal approval.

Formal Amendment No. 11 (Types 2 & 3): Amendment 11 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 May 25, 2016 at 4:30 pm. This amendment was approved by the Executive Director of the Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG) on May 26, 2016.  As of June 1, 2016, approval from Caltrans and FHWA is pending.

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

B.
San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center Website/ Newsletter (Lauren Dawson) [INFORMATION]

Summary:  The website and newsletter for the San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center is now available. You can access the site at www.sjvcleantransportation.org.

The Center provides technical assistance, project development expertise, and support with acquiring funding for San Joaquin Valley vehicle fleet owners, local governments, businesses, and residents. Its work is designed to expand the use of zero-emission vehicles, clean trucks, and high-efficiency non-road equipment. The site provides links to grant information and the Center can provide assistance in meeting Truck and Bus Regulation requirements and compliance deadlines.  The Center's goal is to work together for healthy air quality and lower costs.

For more information please contact:

Joseph Oldham, Director
CALSTART San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center
 510 West Kearney Blvd., Suite 105
 Fresno, CA 93706
559.797.6034
joldham@calstart.org

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

C.
FCEOC CTSA Urban TDA Claim (Les Beshears) [ADOPT]

Summary: FCEOC is claiming $1,008,348 in Transportation Development Act funding in support of their $4,075,849  2016/17 Urban CTSA budget.

Action:  Staff recommends adoption of Resolution 2016-16 approving FCEOC’s 2016/17 Transportation Development Act Claim for the Urban CTSA.

D,
FCRTA/FCEOC CTSA Rural TDA Claim (Les Beshears) [ADOPT]

Summary: FCRTA/FCEOC is claiming $506,607 in Transportation Development Act funding in support of their $2,081,079  2016/17 Rural CTSA budget.

Action:  Staff recommends adoption of Resolution 2016-17 approving FCRTA/FCEOC 2016/17 Transportation Development Act Claim for the Rural CTSA.

E.
FCRTA TDA Claim (Les Beshears) [ADOPT}

Summary: FCRTA is claiming $4,976,863 in Transportation Development Act funding in support of their $8,540,103 2016/17 budget.

Action: Staff recommends adopting Resolution 2016-18 approving FCRTA’s 2016/17 Transportation Development Act Claim.

F.
2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program Update (Chelsea Gonzales) [INFORMATION/DIRECTION]

Summary: Fresno COG is required to update the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) every 2 years.  The most recent update was the 2015 FTIP, which was adopted by the Fresno COG Policy Board on June 26, 2014.  As such, Fresno COG is due to update the FTIP again and is in the process of developing the 2017 FTIP.

However, as discussed at the May 2016 meeting, Fresno COG is currently one of four MPOs (including Stanislaus Council of Governments, Tulare County Association of Governments, and San Joaquin Council of Governments) anticipated to enter a conformity lockdown later this summer, still tentatively expected to occur from late July through September at this time.  If Fresno COG stays in a conformity lockdown beyond October 1, 2016 though, we will not be able to adopt a full FTIP until the lockdown has ended and we will be forced to adopt a scaled down FTIP with basically only exempt projects. The scaled back FTIP would differ from a typical FTIP in the types of projects that are allowed for inclusion.  It cannot include non-exempt regionally significant projects (i.e. all capacity increasing projects, projects requiring conformity determination/emissions analysis).  It can include: transportation control measures, non-regionally significant non-federal projects, regionally significant non-federal projects in a previously conforming FTIP or Plan, federal aid projects in a previously conforming FTIP or Plan, and exempt projects as referenced in 40 CFR 93.126, 93.127, 93.128.  Currently, all projects consistent with the 2014 RTP and 2015 FTIP, as amended, would be able to acquire E76s until December 14, 2016.  Starting December 15, 2016, or the date of federal approval of the 2017 FTIP, whichever is sooner (if a lockdown occurs), project sponsors would be unable to secure E76s for non-exempt projects until a regionally significant 2017 FTIP amendment is federally approved (i.e. the lockdown ends).

Fresno COG will not know whether we must adopt an FTIP with exempt projects only or can proceed with a full 2017 FTIP Update until third quarter of 2016 so staff are developing the (2) FTIP documents concurrently to allow enough time for the necessary public review process. Depending on when Valley COG staff hear back from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about how the lockdown is expected to progress (i.e. whether we will be out of the lockdown before or after October 1, 2016), Fresno COG may have to release both FTIP documents for public comment concurrently. Staff's preference is to release only one FTIP document for public review to limit confusion on why there are two separate documents, but if feedback from EPA is not received by early-July Fresno COG may have to release both documents for public review to meet the necessary deadlines.  However, only one FTIP document will be presented to the Transportation Technical Committee (TTC), Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), and the Policy Board for proposed approval in September 2016. 

Fresno COG tentatively plans to release the draft FTIP document(s) for a 30-day public comment period from beginning to mid-July through beginning to mid-August. Subsequently, staff would take the Final Draft 2017 FTIP to the Fresno COG TTC and PAC for proposed approval on September 9, 2016 and to the Fresno COG Policy Board for proposed approval on September 22, 2016 in order to submit the FTIP to Caltrans by the October 1, 2016 deadline.  As we continue to work with the Valley Air District, California Air Resources Board (CARB), EPA, Caltrans, and Federal Highway Administration on the lockdown situation and FTIP development schedule, we will keep each of our member agencies updated so that they can plan accordingly for their projects.  We encourage each agency to obligate funds for their projects planned for 2016 or early 2017 as early as possible to avoid any complications or delays that could result from the conformity lockdown.

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

G.
2015/2016 Obligational Authority Update (Chelsea Gonzales) [INFORMATION/UPDATE]

Summary: As previously reported at the April 2016 Committee meetings, Fresno COG submitted the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2015/16 Obligation Plan to Caltrans Local Assistance on April 1, 2016. This plan documents Fresno COG’s estimated schedule for project and fund delivery for FFY 2015/16 (October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016). The overall total Obligational Authority (OA) for CMAQ and RSTP federal funding sources in FFY 2015/16 would have been $23,329,578; however, last year's OA was under delivered by $69,541 so that amount was added to this year’s OA target.  In addition, there is an estimated FFY 2016 oversight adjustment of $427,749 that is calculated based on the FFY 2016 advance apportionments and is thus subtracted from this year’s OA leaving $22,971,370 as the projected FFY 2015/16 Obligational Authority Target. 

At the April 2016 meeting, we reported that about $1.5 million had been obligated so far and the obligation plan submitted by the local agencies outlined the delivery of an additional $14 million in combined CMAQ and RSTP funds.  This left us $7,438,751 below our Target OA for FFY 2015/16. As of April 30, 2016, $1,976,965 of CMAQ and RSTP has been obligated, which reduces our 2015/16 Obligational Authority Target balance to $20,994,405. This indicates that we have only met 8.6% of our estimated OA delivery target for this FFY.  The total amount obligated in our region would be even greater were it not for the deobligation of $424,734 of CMAQ funds and $245,097 of RSTP funds between March and April 2016 due to project savings. Our region should deliver a total of $22,971,370 of OA to comply with the “Use It or Lose It” provisions of AB 1012 enacted in October 1999 and to avoid having some of our obligational authority redistributed to other regions to advance their projects.

It is imperative that projects programmed within FFY 2015/16 get obligated within the programmed year to avoid reprogramming of those funds. Also, agencies with projects scheduled in later years can take advantage of the Expedited Project Selection Procedures (EPSP) to deliver their projects early. Obligating funds programmed in later years can help our region get closer to our target.  If our region was able to deliver more than our OA Target we might be eligible to capture any available funds during the statewide open obligation period.  Keep in mind that the use of toll credits may be applicable for project phases that have not been obligated at 100% federal reimbursement if residual federal funds are available.  Furthermore, if funds need to be reprogrammed and financial capacity is not available, it is possible that projects can become substantially delayed if moved to the outer years of the FTIP.

Fresno COG will continue working with each of our member agencies to see if there are additional project funds that can be obligated before the end of the 15/16 FFY.  In addition, if your agency needs some assistance in order to obligate your project in time, Fresno COG has a Circuit Planner and Circuit Engineer available to assist our agencies in those efforts. Please contact Chelsea Gonzales with questions or EPSP requests at cgonzales@fresnocog.org or 559-233-4148 ext. 223.

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

H.
Active Transportation Program Cycle 3 Update (Chelsea Gonzales) [INFORMATION/DIRECTION]

Summary: Active Transportation Program (ATP) funds are separated into three main components: the statewide competitive program (managed by the state), the small urban and rural area competitive program (also managed by the state), and the large urbanized area competitive program (managed by the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) - also known as the Regional Competitive ATP).  Fresno COG's member agencies are eligible to apply for projects through both the statewide and regional competitive solicitations.

As a reminder, the Statewide Call for Projects was open from April 15, 2016 through June 15, 2016.  The guidelines, electronic application, and other guidance documents for ATP Cycle 3 can be found at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LocalPrograms/atp/cycle-3.html. About $61.4 million of funding is available annually (FY 2019/20 and 2020/21) for the CTC to award through the statewide competitive program.

As an update for the Regional Competitive ATP, Fresno COG's regional guidelines and revised list of Multidisciplinary Advisory Group (MAG) members were approved by the Fresno COG Policy Board on May 26, 2016 and were then forwarded to California Transportation Commission (CTC) staff on May 27, 2016 for recommended approval. CTC staff will be taking Fresno COG's proposed regional guidelines to the June 29-30, 2016 CTC meeting for proposed approval by the CTC Commissioners. If the guidelines are approved, Fresno COG will open the Regional Call for Projects from July 1, 2016 through September 15, 2016.  For Cycle 3, Fresno COG will receive $1,338,000 for each fiscal year (2019/20 and 2020/21) to award to local projects. Per the ATP legislation, at least 25% of the program funds must benefit projects in disadvantaged communities. The scoring committee consisting of MAG members will convene on November 2, 2016 to score and deliberate on the recommended program of projects submitted to the Regional Competitive ATP.  

The proposed Regional Competitive ATP guidelines, as well as other guidance documents and updates on ATP Cycle 3, are available on Fresno COG's website at the following link: http://www.fresnocog.org/active-transportation-program. The final CTC-approved guidelines will also be made available on this webpage following the June 29-30, 2016 meeting.  If you have any questions, please contact Chelsea Gonzales via email at CGonzales@fresnocog.org or via phone at 559-233-4148 ext. 223.

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

I.
Measure C Citizen Oversight Committee Term Expirations (Brenda Veenendaal) [INFORMATION/DIRECTION]

Summary: The Fresno Council of Governments Policy Board, acting as the Fresno County Mayors’ Select Committee and the Chair of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, will be appointing two new members to the Measure C Citizen Oversight Committee (COC) consistent with the November 2006 voter-approved Measure C Expenditure Plan.

The purpose of the Citizen Oversight Committee is to inform the public and to ensure that the Measure C funding program revenues and expenditures are spent as promised to the public.

The Measure C Expenditure Plan states that the COC shall be composed of thirteen members, including six at-large public members who respectively reside in each one of the five Fresno County Supervisorial Districts (with additional qualifications listed below) and seven members who must each be representatives drawn from a diverse mix of interested community organizations. There are two current vacancies on the committee:

One representative representing and residing in an incorporated city outside of the Fresno-Clovis Metropolitan Area (Supervisorial District 4) with a 4-year term which will begin July 1, 2016.

One representative representing and residing in the unincorporated rural area East of State Route 99 (Supervisorial District 5) with a 4-year term beginning July 1, 2016.

Members of the Citizen Oversight Committee must meet certain eligibility and residency criteria as noted on the application form and in the attached Appendix G – Citizen Oversight Committee. Appendix G also states the Committee’s duties and responsibilities. Members serve 4-year terms, with a maximum limit of eight years on the committee.

DEADLINE: Applicants need to complete the attached application form and submit it to Fresno COG via mail, hand delivery or email by July 21, 2016.

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

J.
Proposition 84 Update (Rob Terry) [INFORMATION/DIRECTION]

Summary:

(Task 2) Model Land-Use Revalidation activities (Model Improvement Program Phase 2) have been ongoing since January 2014.  Fehr and Peers, as the selected consultant, is conducting 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.

(Task 3) Due to the completion of several anticipated Round 2 activities within Round 1, Department of Conservation (DOC) representatives approved the re-allocation of line item funds to increase the amount of funding for both Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) printing/duplication for outreach and public involvement, as well as the amount available to assist with Regional Housing Needs Allocation (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.  With 24% of the Valley’s overall population, Fresno COG’s proportion of these funds is $20,841.54 for SCS activities, and $13,200 for RHNA activities.

Originally, all Round 2 activities must have been completed by 6/30/16, and billed by 9/30/16, in accordance with the 3-year DOC grant period.  However, after receiving support from the San Joaquin Valley COG Director's, the TTC, PAC and Fresno COG Policy Board in the recent past, staff has worked with the DOC grant manager and the Strategic Growth Council to request a time extension to allow for enhancement of grant activities associated with the Greenprint and SCS tasks.  In late March, such an extension was officially approved, which now allows for grant activities through April 1, 2017.  Following approval of the time extension, staff submitted a formal amendment request to DOC to accomodate additional activities to maximize Task 1 and Task 3 activities through the end of the grant period.  Staff is currently awaiting approval from DOC regarding this request.  Additional information will be delivered to the TTC/PAC and Board, when available.

For any questions regarding Prop 84 Round 2 activities, please contact Rob Terry at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 222 or via email at rterry@fresnocog.org.

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

K.
Circuit Planner and Circuit Engineer Report (Rob Terry) [INFORMATION/DIRECTION]

Summary: Outreach to each of the smaller cities (populations under 50,000) by both the Circuit Planning Team (VRPA) and Circuit Engineering Team (Willdan), in an effort to complete one-on-one meetings to identify project needs and activities, is on-going.  While many agencies have been responsive, there are still some that have not yet had the opportunity to meet with the circuit planning and engineering teams.  Please note that it is critical for the circuit planning and engineering teams to interface with local agency staff directly in order to understand the needs of each agency; and to determine the activities, process and deliverables that will provide the greatest benefit to each agency.  As such, if your agency has nor already done so, please respond to the continued outreach efforts conducted by the circuit planning and engineering teams. 

Based upon the feedback received to date, derived from those agencies that have met face-to-face with the team, 7 planning-related projects and 13 engineering-related projects were identified by the various cities.  The consultant firms then developed prioritization criteria for both types of projects (planning and engineering) and ranked the projects based on the resulting scores.

The projects shown below indicate the top 3 from each category that have been submitted to the Circuit Planning/Engineering teams by the individual agencies, which have been scored and ranked utilizing the program criteria.  It is the intent of the teams to move through the list from top to bottom, working on up to 3 projects at a time (concurrently). Additional projects beyond those six identified will be added to the bottom, per ranking, as projects are completed.  It is important to notate that this list is fluid, and is intended to provide general direction for the teams.   Throughout the process, this list may change, as priorities and/or time sensitive projects require attention amongst the agencies.

The top 3 planning-related projects resulting from that process include:

1. Fowler Project 1 - Golden State Property - Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure Design Study, Purpose & Need Statement, Funding Source Review, and Assistance with the Funding Application

2. Sanger Project 2 - Assist with preparation of a Strategic Growth Council funding application to plan for an integrated transportation and land use system and to ultimately annex the unincorporated area located south of North Avenue and west of Academy Avenue

3. Kingsburg Project 3 - Preparation of a school-zone study focusing on the six school zones in Kingsburg. The study would include safety analysis, circulation, and traffic calming recommendations.  The study would be limited in scope based upon discussions with City staff

The top 3 engineering-related projects include the following:

1. Selma Project 1 – Assistance with Planning and Design Issues - Dinuba Avenue Overcrossing/Interchange @ SR 99

2. Sanger Project 1 – Bridge Preventative Maintenance RFP/RFQ

3. Reedley Project 4 - Development of a Funding Strategy for Maintenance Improvements along Manning Avenue between Reed and Buttonwillow Avenues

If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the initial tasks associated with either the circuit planning or circuit engineering programs, please contact Rob Terry at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 222 or via email at rterry@fresnocog.org.

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

L.
Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Grant (Rob Terry) [INFORMATION/DISCUSSION]

Summary: In late April, the Strategic Growth Council (SGC) announced the projects that have been selected to submit full applications for the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Grant Program.  Listed below are the four projects located within the Fresno region, with a total request of $41,116,952.

Project Title

Jurisdiction

Project Type

AHSC Funds Requested

South Stadium Phase I TOD

City of Fresno

ICP

$5,738,730

Kings Canyon Connectivity Project

City of Fresno

ICP

$15,579,426

Americana Community Apartments

City of Huron

RIPA

$9,601,559

Van Ness Apartments

City of Fresno

ICP

$10,197,237 

 

Full applications were due by June 20, 2016.  In-line with the directives given by the Policy Board, Fresno COG was continually available to provide technical assistance and support to applicants seeking to place developments within the Fresno region.  The Strategic Growth Council anticipates announcing proposed awards in September 2016, with Council approval of the recommendations to take place in October.

For any questions regarding the AHSC program and/or activities associated with additional Cap and Trade auction proceeds, please contact Rob Terry at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 222 or via email at rterry@fresnocog.org.

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

M.
FCRTA 2016-17 Annual Budget (Moses Stites) [ACCEPT]

Summary:   The budget has been prepared to be reflective of the Fresno Council of Government’s (Fresno COG) 2014 Regional Plan (RTP) and the Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) for the 2015-2020 Rural Fresno County Area.  The document recommends the implementation of programmed service improvements, and the continuation of existing services.  This year’s draft Budget has been developed for your continued review, comment, and action during a forty-five (45) day review period that will culminate on June 30, 2016, with the scheduled FCRTA Board meeting.  The numbers in the Draft budget are subject to refinement following: service contract negotiations, an opportunity for public presentations, and a public presentation before the Board of Directors.  The budget is quite dynamic and may require periodic amendments during the course of the 2016-2017 fiscal year.   The FCRTA 2016-2017 Budget is available online at www.fresnocog.org.

Action:  Staff recommends acceptance of FCRTA’S 2016-17 Annual Budget.

N
Fresno County Multi-Jurisdictional Housing Element (Rob Terry) [INFORMATION/DIRECTION]

Summary: As requested by the Policy Board during discussion of the overall process at the May Board meeting, attached for your reference is an Executive Summary of the Fresno County Multi-Jurisdictional Housing Element.  For any questions regarding activities associated with this project, please contact Rob Terry at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 222 or via email at rterry@fresnocog.org.

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

O.
Caltrans FY 2016-17 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Awards (Rob Terry) [INFORMATION/DISCUSSION]

Summary: Recently, Caltrans released their recommendations for FY 2016-17 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Awards, totaling $10,520,118 state-wide.  These grants may be used for a wide range of transportation planning purposes, which address local and regional transportation needs and issues. The implementation of these grants should ultimately lead to the adoption, initiation, and programming of transportation improvements.  District 6 received three awards - all within the Fresno region - totaling $929,202 in total funds.  Listed below are the awarded projects.  The list of all projects state-wide is attached for reference.  Awards are contingent upon passage of the State Budget.  Grantees may begin work associated with these awards following approval of the State Budget and Contract Agreement execution.

 

Project Title

Applicant(s)

App. Type

Funds Awarded

Connected: The Fresno County Sustainable Communities Public Transit Plan

Fresno COG

Sust. Comm.

$327,561

Minimizing Negative Environmental Impacts, Time, and Cost of Business Commuters

Fresno COG / Fresno State

Sust. Comm.

$322,006

Blackstone Avenue Corridor Smart Mobility Project

City of Fresno / Fresno Metro Ministry

Sust. Comm.

$279,635

 

For any questions regarding the activities associated with the above listed projects, please contact Rob Terry at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 222 or via email at rterry@fresnocog.org.

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

II.TRANSPORTATION ACTION / DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.
PUBLIC HEARING: Clovis Consolidated Transportation Services Agency (CTSA) FY 2016-17 Operations Program & Budget, Resolution 2016-13 (HALTERMAN — CITY OF CLOVIS) [APPROVE]

Summary: The Clovis Consolidated Transportation Service Agency’s (CTSA) Operations Program and Budget (OPB) FY 2016-17 for the Clovis Urban Area is available on the Fresno COG website at: http://fresnocog.org.  The document designed to provide an overview of how and in what manner the Clovis Consolidated Transportation Service Agency will provide service over the next fiscal year. The OPB 45 day review process was initiated on May 13, 2016 by the TTC and the Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) approved the document on May 17, 2016. 

Action:  TTC/PAC and SSTAC recommend approval of the document by adoption of Resolution 2016-13.

B.
PUBLIC HEARING:Urban & Rural Consolidated Transportation Services Agency (CTSA) Operations Program & Budget FY 2016-17, Resolution 2016-14 (Gary Joseph, Fresno EOC) [APPROVE]

Summary: The Consolidated Transportation Service Agency’s (CTSA) Operations Program and

Budget (OPB), FY 2016-17 for the Fresno Urban and Rural CTSA is available on the Fresno COG website at: http://fresnocog.org. The document is designed to provide an overview of how and in what manner the Consolidated Transportation Service Agencies will be providing service over the next fiscal year. The OPB 45 day review process was initiated on May 13, 2016 by the TTC and the Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) approved the document on May 17, 2016. 

Action:   TTC/PAC and SSTAC recommend approval of the document by adoption of Resolution 2016-14.

C.
PUBLIC HEARING: Unmet Transit Needs Update Resolution 2016-15 (Jeff Long) [APPROVE]

Summary: The Fresno COG Policy Board must determine that public transportation needs within Fresno County will be reasonably met in Fiscal Year 2016-17 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 2, 2016.

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

The first outreach meeting was held in the City of Fresno, on February 16, 2016, at CalTrans Manchester Center at 2015 E. Shields Ave., Fresno, CA  93726.  The location was selected to facilitate comments from the residents of the Fresno-Clovis Metropolitan Area (FCMA) and surrounding unincorporated communities.  The meeting time was set for 5:00 p.m.  Comments received were related to extending FAX service hours later into the evening on weekdays and weekends. A response letter was provided to Francisco Mendez and is included in the appendix of this report.

The second meeting was held in the City of Kerman on February 17, 2016 in the Kerman Community/Teen Center at 15101 Kearney Plaza, Kerman CA  93630.  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 5:30 p.m.  The 1st concern was how do rural residents accessing County Social Services in Fresno get back to their rural homes.  Fresno County Social Services provides tokens for clients living in the FCMA.  Currently FCRTA issues approximately 30-40 monthly passes to social service clients, however there are distinct rules for each program so not all clients may be eligible for transit passes.  FCRTA staff will continue to answer inquiries about rural transit services and issue monthly bus passes to both the general public and Social Service Agencies. 

The 2nd comment was related to medical transportation.  A Kerman resident is looking for transportation directly to her medical provider.  Mr. Stites, FCRTA General Manager, explained that what we provide is public transportation which requires transferring systems (FCRTA into Fresno & FAX to final destination).  Other options were discussed including taxi scrip, Handy Ride, and private medical transport.  The need for medical transportation services in the rural areas is more evident since the baby boomer population is getting older and now requiring more medical services.  There are also less medical providers in the rural communities and residents need to come to Fresno or surrounding communities for such services.  For general public transit providers, we are not allowed to be medical transportation providers, school bus providers or Charter service providers.  Individuals who have medical appointments do not care to transfer to different public transit providers as would be the case for a rural resident coming to Fresno for an appointment.  Once in Fresno they would have to transfer on to a FAX bus to complete the journey and then return to the respective rural community.  This makes it challenging, however the restrictions on public transit providers does not allow door to door service and or taxi like services.  There are other limited services available, however for a costly price and certain restrictions.  There was discussion on social service concerns as well as medical transportation services.

The final outreach meeting was held in the City of Parlier, on February 18, 2016, in the City Council Chambers at 1100 Parlier Avenue, Parlier, CA  93648.  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 5:30 p.m.  No comments were received.

The SSTAC Chairman received four (4) written comments regarding perceived “Unmet Transit Needs”.  These came in the form of emails and written correspondence.  Copies of the actual emails and letters, and Staff response are attached to this Report.  They are summarized as follows:

1. The first comment was received from the Karan Dhillon, T.I.L.E Counselor at Fresno City College, concerning potential students residing in Madera County accessing the T.I.L.E. program in Fresno.

2.The second comment letter was from Robert J. Hand, Executive Director of Resources for Independence Central Valley, regarding direct bus service to Inspiration Park in the City of Fresno.

3.The third comment letter came from Ms. Leticia Corona, Community Advocacy Director from the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability.  Ms Corona had a number of issues that fall under basic operations, but there were three items that pertained to unmet needs; 1) service to Clovis Community College, 2) discounted passes for low-income students and 3) bus shelters at Jane Adams Elementary School.

4. The 4th comment letter was from Dr. Samuel Morgan, the new Executive Director of Resources for Independence Central Valley, regarding direct bus service to Inspiration Park in the City of Fresno.

After thorough review of all items, the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) found there to be no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet in Fresno County.

Action:  TTC/PAC and SSTAC recommend approval of Resolution 2016-15 making the finding that there are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet in Fresno County.

D.
PUBLIC HEARING: Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Report, Resolution 2016-12 (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

Summary: The U.S. Department of Transportation, pursuant to revisions to 49 CFR Part 26,  issued rules affecting the implementation and management of the Departments Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program requiring  a three year goal setting methodology.  The three year goal for the period 2015-16 through 2017-18 will be updated annually to reflect adjustments in participation rates. The federal guidance also encourages DBE goals to be met with Race Neutral methodology however requires recipients to do a study to identify evidence of discrimination.  A study by the State Department may be used.

 A California State Department of Transportation Availability and Disparity Study revealed statistically significant underutilization  of six groups (African American, Asian Pacific American, Native American, Women, Hispanic Males and Subcontinent Asian Males) presumed to be disadvantaged as defined in 49, CFR Part 26. The Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) has approved the California State Department of Transportation Disadvantaged  Business Enterprise Program on the basis of this the Disparity Study.  

Fresno COG staff mailed a notice to our entire consulting database advising them of the requirements and requesting updates to their DBE status. The result of their response has been tabulated and our database now has 313  companies of which two are African American, five are Asian Pacific American, two are Native American, nineteen are women, eleven are Hispanic Male, five are Subcontinent Asian Male  and 1 is Other, reflecting a 14.38% over all anticipated DBE Participation Level.

A public notice was placed in the Fresno Bee on May 29, 2016, noticing this public hearing and inviting interested parties of the Fresno Council of Governments DBE program public hearing on June 30, 2016.

The 2016-17 Overall work program and budget identifies $895,000 in contracting opportunities that will be subject to procurement during the fiscal year.

During the 2016/17 fiscal year we did 12 procurements totaling $1,890,133. Overall DBE participation was $192,898 or 10.21%.

Action:  Staff recommends approval of Resolution 2016-12 adjusting our 2015-16  through 2017-18 Annual Anticipated DBE Participation Level at 14.38%.

E.
Measure C New Technology Reserve Fund Multidisciplinary Advisory Group Membership Change (Peggy Arnest) [APPROVE]

Summary: In April 2016, the Policy Board approved the TTC Subcommittee’s recommendation for membership to the New Technology Multidisciplinary Advisory Group (MAG). However, one member of our New Tech MAG resigned his position.  Our “Education” member, Tom Gaffery from Fresno State moved to accept a position at Cal State San Bernardino.  The TTC subcommittee has recommended Dr. Jesus Larralde to be the MAG Education member.  Dr. Larralde is the Associate Dean of Lyles College of Engineering at CSU, Fresno.  He has a BS, MS, and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and has taught transportation engineering for 30 years.  He has also participated in several research projects dealing with transportation infrastructure and published several manuscripts in technical professional publications.  As a professional engineer and academic, Dr. Larralde feels it is his civic duty to serve on the New Technology MAG as a way to contribute to the community.

Action: Staff, TTC, and PAC recommend that the Policy Board approve the TTC Subcommittee recommendation of Dr. Larralde for membership to the Multidisciplinary Advisory Group as the education member.

F.
Fresno/Madera Origin-Destination Study (Rob Terry) [ACCEPT/DISCUSSION]

Summary: Attached for your review and acceptance is the Final Report associated with Phase One of the Fresno/Madera Origin-Destination Study, looking at traffic patterns along the 41 and 99 corridor's between the two counties (note that due to the size of the appendices, these items are not contained within the document, but can be provided electronically, upon request).  No major modifications to the report were introduced since the draft final report was firect delivered to the TTC/PAC and Board in May.

For reference, key findings notated within the Final Report include:

  • Northbound and Southbound flows are roughly equal throughout the day
  • Avenue 12 is utilized as a bypass route by City of Madera and Chowchilla residents
  • Fresno residents utilize services along SR 41 in Madera County but not as a bypass
  • Roughly 85% of observed vehicles were registered in Fresno or Madera County
  • Origination of trips:
  • On SR 99, more trips originated in Fresno County
  • On SR 41, more trips originated in Madera County
  • Overall, roughly the same number of trips originated in each county
  • Roughly 10% of inter-county trips use Avenue 12
  • Fresno to Madera trips mainly use SR 99, Madera to Fresno work trips mainly use SR 41

Also attached for your review and recommendation is the Phase Two Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure a consulting firm to conduct fiscal impact analysis utilizing the traffic analysis and data deliverables contained within the Phase One Final Report.  

For any questions regarding upcoming activities associated with this project, please contact Rob Terry at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 222 or via email at rterry@fresnocog.org.

Action: TTC/PAC and Staff recommends the Policy Board accept the Fresno/Madera Origin-Destination Study Phase One Final Report, and direct staff to release the RFP for Phase Two (fiscal impact analysis) activities.

G.
Bike & Pedestrian Count Pilot Project Completion (Kai Han) [INFORMATION]

Summary: Fresno COG has successfully completed the Bicycle and Pedestrian Count Technology Deployment Pilot Project sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA). The Pilot program started last April after Fresno COG was selected as one of the 10 MPOs nationwide to receive $20,000 from the FHWA for the pilot project. COG matched $7,000 in cash for this project. The intention of this pilot project is to spur interests among local agencies in collecting bike and pedestrian counts and using the data to enhance the multi-modal aspect of their transportation planning process.

The Pilot Project kicked off in April 2015 and was effectively managed through Fresno COG’s Congestion Management Process (CMP). The CMP Steering Committee has meetings regularly to discuss project-related planning and technical issues.

Over the past year, we received guidance and technical support from FHWA and the technical team FHWA assembled together for this pilot program. The pilot project was well-received by local agencies and higher education institutes. Five local agencies (cities and county) and Fresno State University participated in the program.

Through the pilot program, Fresno COG purchased four pairs of PYRO Box and TUBE counters, one of which is directional and the rest non-directional. Collectively by May 2016, the agencies and university have collected four months’ worth of bike and pedestrian data covering 23 locations ranging from suburban multi-use trails, and university campus to downtown pedestrian mall. In-depth analyses were performed on the collected data by the university students and local agency staff.

After the one-year pilot project phase, Fresno COG will keep the equipment and have them available to local agencies. The CMP committee will discuss how best we can utilize the equipment after the pilot program is completed. Discussions are already underway for conducting more counts and funding the automated data retrieval process. Conducting bike and pedestrian counts is new to this region. This pilot program provides a unique opportunity for local agencies and transportation planning community to get familiar with the state-of-the-art technologies and engage in the active transportation field with more accountable data.

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

H.
Caltrans Report [CALTRANS]

Summary: Caltrans staff will provide an update at the meeting.

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

III.Fresno COG Sitting as the Fresno Council of Governments Policy Board

IV.REAFFIRM ALL ACTIONS TAKEN WHILE SITTING AS THE TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE

V.ADMINISTRATIVE 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 May 26, 2016 [APPROVE]
B.
Regional Clearinghouse (Peggy Arnest) [APPROVE]


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

 

Project

Applicant

1.

Rural Business Development Grant

Fresno Community Development Financial Institution

2.

Community Development Block Grant

County of Fresno

3.

Farmer’s Market Promotion Program

Fresno EOC

4.

Community Facilities Grant

Biola Community Services District

 

1. Rural Business Development Grant - Fresno Community Development Financial Institution: $65,000 – Federal; $30,000 – Other; $95,000 Total

2. Community Development Block Grant – County of Fresno: $3,101,226 – Federal; $500,000 – Program Income; $3,601,226 - Total

3. Farmers Market Promotion Program: $364,347 – Federal; $364,347 – Total

4. Community Facilities Grant: $32,000 – Federal; $19,700 – Applicant; $51,700 - Total

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.

C.
Contracts (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

1. EcoInteractive Inc. contract renewal

Summary:  EcoInteractive e provides the lease and software support for our Fresno Track software which allows staff to coordinate, monitor and maintain millions of dollars in Federal Aid programming of Fresno County projects with Caltrans CTIP’s database.

Action: Authorize the contract with EcoInteractive  for 2016/17 in the amount of $53,556.

2. Sigala Inc. contract renewal

Summary: The Valley COG directors have requested Fresno COG to renew the Valley Wide Liason contract with Sigala Inc. for 2016/17, to coordinate valley wide issues regarding conformity, goods movement, and other state and federal emphasis areas affecting the central valley.

Action:  Authorize the 2016/17 contract with Sigala Inc. in the amount of $115,000.

3. Parsons Brinckerhoff contract extension

Summary: Parsons Brinckerhoff developed the Nexus and provides expertise on implementation of our Regional Transportation Mitigation Fee.  Last year the board authorized $40,000 for On Call services of which $35,000 remains. Staff recommends extending the agreement for 2016/17 at no additional cost.

Action:  Authorize the extension of the Parsons Brinckerhoff contact for 2016/17.

4. Mintier Harnish contract extension

Summary: Previously the board authorized $159,628 for Mintier Harnish to develop the Green Print pursuant to a Department of Conservation Grant of which $92,000 remains. The grant funding has been extended into 2016/17 and staff recommends extending Mintier Harnish’s contract with no additional cost.

Action: Extend the Mintier Harnish Contract for 2016/17.

5. Michael Baker contract extension

Summary: Previously the board authorized $40,000 for Michael Baker to perform the 2015/16 Triennial Performance as required by statute.  It is anticipated the project will be substantially complete by June 30, however in order to cover unanticipated delays regarding finalizing the reports staff recommends extending the contract into 2016/17 with no additional cost.

Action: Extend the contract with Michael Baker for 2016/17.

6. YARTS Planning and Marketing contract.  

Summary: Fresno COG previously entered into an agreement with YARTS to plan and market the Fresno Yosemite Shuttle service.  The project is funded by a FTA 5304 grant. The planning part of the project is substantially complete and the service is entering its second year, however the promotional aspects of the project continue into 2016/17. 

Action: Extend the YARTS contract for 2016/17.FCRTA Contract for Bus Procurement

7. FCRTA Contract for Bus Procurement

Summary: Previously Fresno COG awarded FCRTA a 5317 grant of $122,742 to acquire a Bus with a Heavy Duty Lift.  FCRTA plans to do the procurement in 2016/17.

Action: Extend the FCRTA contract for 2016/17.

8. John Wright Green Print Contract

Summary: Previously the board award $15,000 to John Wright to work with staff in development of the  Green Print which will be completed in 2016/17.

Action: Extend the John Wright Contract into 2016/17 at no additional cost.

D.
Legislative Update (Brenda Veenendaal) [INFORMATION]

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, Brenda Veenendaal, if you have any questions or comments

VI.ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.
PUBLIC HEARING: Draft 2016 Public Participation Plan Update (Brenda Veenendaal) [APPROVE]

Summary: Fresno COG staff has updated their Public Participation Plan (PPP) in compliance with Federal and State legislation. The updated Draft 2016 Public Participation Plan was released for 45-day public review and comment on Friday, May 13, 2016.  It is available online on the Fresno COG website, in hard copy at the Fresno COG Office or may be sent via email by request. The complete timeline for review and adoption are as follows:

Release of Draft 2016 PPP for 45-day review and comment period - May 13, 2016
Conclusion of Draft 2016 PPP 45-day review and comment period - June 30, 2016
Public Hearing at the Fresno COG Board Meeting - 5:30 pm on June 30, 2016
Release Final Draft 2016 PPP Update for review and approval - July 7, 2016
TTC and PAC review Final Draft 2016 PPP for approval - July 15, 2016
TTC and PAC review Final Draft 2016 PPP for approval - July 28, 2016

This Fresno COG Policy Board public hearing on the Draft 2016 PPP welcomes all spoken and written comment on the document. Updates to the draft document include reordering of chapters, added outreach requirements regarding annual planning processes, summaries of Fresno COG’s commitments to public participation as well as detailed descriptions of specifically how the public may participate in any of Fresno COG’s plan or project developments. The 2016 Regional Transportation Plan Public Participation Plan is also included as Appendix A.

In response to all comments received prior to and during this process, the Public Participation Plan will be revised and enhanced in accordance with requirements identified in federal regulations. All written comments received will be responded to in writing and will be included in the Final 2016 PPP Appendices. 

Further information regarding this process may be obtained by contacting the Fresno COG office via mail, through the Fresno COG website at www.fresnocog.org, or by calling (559) 233-4148.

Action: Staff and Policy Board members welcome comments on the Draft 2016 Fresno COG Public Participation Plan.

B.
Water Update (Mario Santoya, San Joaquin Valley Water Infrastructure Authority)

Summary: Mr. Santoya will provide a brief update on the current water issues related to the region.

Action: Informational only, no action is required.

VII.OTHER BUSINESS

A.
Items from Staff

B.
Items from Members

VIII.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 Board on any item on this agenda, the public may comment on that item.  Unscheduled comments may be limited to 3 minutes.