Fresno COG Header
Date:
Time:
Place:

Thursday, September 29, 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!

FCRTA Meeting Package - This meeting will take place BEFORE the COG Policy Board Meeting

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

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.
Fourth Quarter Progress Report: April - June 2016 (Les Beshears) [ACCEPT]

Summary: The FY 2015-16 Fourth Quarter Progress Report is included for your acceptance.

Action: Staff recommends the acceptance of the FY 2015-16 Fourth Quarter Progress Report.

B.
2016/17 Overall Work Plan Amendment #2 (Les Beshears) [AUTHORIZE/APPROVE]

Summary:

Work Element 170 Regional Transportation Plan – Fresno COG updates the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) in association with the state wide process.  This is a major undertaking as it includes an evaluation of all transportation projects, revenue sources, and coordination with local stakeholders and other regions. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was done for the RTP during the previous update and during this years budgetary process staff initially assessed that we may not need one for this year’s process, however after conferring with regulatory agencies and other MPO’s it is clear that we should at a minimum update the EIR for the RTP. $150,000 has been budgeted for the update. The study will be funded with unused FHWA PL funds carried over from last year.

Work Element 331 Zero Net Energy Farms – The California Energy has awarded $1.2 million to Biodico Inc. to do a high tech energy usage study of the 1,300 acre Red Rock Ranch at five points. Bidodico has partnered with a variety of local, regional, state and federal agencies including Fresno County, City of Huron, City of  San Joaquin and Fresno COG. Fresno COG’s commitment to the project is $50,000 in staff resources of which $25,000 will be reimbursed by the grant and $25,000 in kind local match.

Work Element 812 Rural Transit Alternatives Study – Caltrans has awarded a Planning grant to Merced COG to do a valley wide Rural Transit Alternatives Study in coordination with UC Davis. Fresno COG’s commitment to this project is $23,529 in kind local match.  

Action: Staff, TTC and PAC recommends the Policy Board authorize 2016/17 Overall Work Plan Amendment #2 increasing the budget by $223,529.

C.
Transportation Development Act Claims (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

  • Approve Resolution 2016-29 Adopting the 2016/17 Transportation Development Act Claims for the City of Firebaugh in the amount of $321,339.
  • Approve Resolution 2016-30 Adopting the 2016/17 Transportation Development Act Claims for the City of Kerman in the amount of $567,217.
  • Approve Resolution 2016-31 Adopting the 2016/17 Transportation Development Act Claims for the City of Parlier in the amount of $607,415.
  • Approve Resolution 2016-32 Adopting the 2016/17 Transportation Development Act Claims for the City of Reedley in the amount of $1,025,792.
  • Approve Resolution 2016-33 Adopting the 2016/17 Transportation Development Act Claims for the City of Sanger in the amount of $1,026,103.

D.
NRG Make Ready-Stubs (Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure) Program (Lauren Dawson) [INFORMATION]

Summary: San Joaquin Valley businesses, public agencies and multi-unit dwellings may be able to have Electric Vehicle Charging infrastructure installed at their site for little or no cost by working with energy utility NRG to install free make-ready stubs at their site, and  then receiving grant funding for the charging equipment through the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s ChargeUp! Program.  For further information please see enclosure in your meeting package for details and contact San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center (559) 797-6034 or Project Clean Air (661) 847-9756.

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

E.
YARTS Update (Peggy Arnest) [INFORMATION]

Summary: The YARTS Hwy 41 service from Fresno to Yosemite National Park started in May of 2015 as a 2-year demonstration project. This new public transit service makes 5 runs per day in the summer and 4 runs per day in the fall, winter, and spring.  The service stops at Amtrak/Greyhound, Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Chukchansi, Coarsegold, Oakhurst, and Tenaya Lodge among others.  Once in Yosemite Valley, YARTS connects to free park shuttles. 

Most of the initial funding for the service came from a 2014 Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) grant.  This year’s request for continued CMAQ funding was unsuccessful.  With that in mind, FCOG has been looking for other  funding sources to keep the service alive. The good news is that additional funding sources have been secured: $300,000 from FTA Section 5311(f) and $345,000 from Yosemite National Park.  However, these grants are not sufficient to continue year-round daily service as it currently exists.  In order to operate within existing funding source constraints, the YARTS Hwy 41 service will be scaled back to stretch the money and service.  Effective October 1, 2016, YARTS service on Hwy 41 will be suspended and transition to SUMMER ONLY.  Summer 2017 service will start on May 15, 2017 and run through September 15, 2017. Utilizing this type of funding strategy will allow FCOG to operate the YARTS 41 service until 2018-19 with the existing funding sources.

Please see your enclosure for YARTS ridership data.

If you have any questions regarding the YARTS service, please contact Peggy Arnest at 559-233-4148 ext. 241 or parnest@fresnocog.org.

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

F.
Free Fleet Analysis Available (Lauren Dawson) [INFORMATION]

Summary: A fleet analysis is available to assess your fleet's sustainability and will provide three vehicle replacement scenarios as you plan for the future to reduce fuel costs and vehicle emissions. 

The carbonBLU Brief (fleet analysis) is provided as a no-cost service to San Joaquin Valley fleet operators through an agreement between CALSTART and carbonBLU, funded through the California Energy Commission. Please see enclosure in your meeting package for details.
Funding is limited, please contact carbonBLU at rick.sikes@carbonblu.com or call (310) 991-0859.

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

G.
San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Summit (Lauren Dawson) [INFORMATION]

Summary: Please save the date for a full day of speakers and breakout sessions: October 19, 2016 Clovis Veterans Memorial District, 808 4th Street, Clovis, CA 8am to 2pm. No cost to attend. Topics include: electric vehicles and chargers, electric vehicle programs, natural gas alternatives, and on-site electric vehicle and natural gas vehicle demonstrations.  Please see announcement in your meeting package for details.

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

H.
Class IV Separated Bikeways Feasibility Study (Clark Thompson) [INFORMATION]

Summary:  The Fresno COG has initiated a study to determine the feasibility of constructing separated bikeways within Fresno and Clovis and possibly elsewhere in the County.  The study complements the region's significant investment in planning and building off-road trails by connecting and expanding the robust trails network with riders' final destinations via separated bikeways.

Go to www.FresnoClovisSeparatedBikeways.com to learn about the benefits of separated bikeways and what differentiates them from regular bike lanes.  Take the short survey and then use the Interactive Map to show where you think a separated bikeway should be located.  The survey and web map will help the project team understand agency and public preferences for the different types of separated bikeways and where they should be strategically located to help meet the region's active transportation needs.  If you would like further information about the Feasibility Study, please contact Clark Thompson at (559) 435-9184 ext. 203 or clarkt@fresnocog.org.

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

I.
Proposition 84 Update (Rob Terry) [INFORMATION/DISCUSSION]

Summary: (Task 1) Greenprint: Contracts between the Fresno COG and the consultants for the three Demonstration Projects have been fully executed and those projects are progressing.  The consultants are Sequoia Riverlands Trust, Sustainable Conservation, and American Farmland Trust.  They are coordinating with each other, as they are required to do given they each addresses a different aspect of groundwater sustainability, and also with Conservation Biology Institute and its Data Basin platform.  The Greenprint project consultant, Mintier Harnish, is also coordinating with CBI in working with Data Basin through the San Joaquin Valley Gateway in the preparation of sample maps intended to illustrate the general benefits and particular functionalities of the Data Basin platform.  These maps will be particularly helpful for future workshop(s) and public outreach.  Meetings of the Greenprint Management Committee and Advisory Committee are currently being scheduled for mid/late September.  Presentations on the Demonstration Projects will be a key agenda item as will the work of Mintier Harnish in developing the sample maps.  The larger, Advisory Committee meeting will be particularly important for its ideas and help concerning upcoming outreach activities.  Phase II of the Greenprint project will conclude on March 31, 2017.

For additional information on the Greenprint project, please contact Clark Thompson at (559) 233-4148 x203 or clarkt@fresnocog.org.

(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, staff has worked with the DOC grant manager and the Strategic Growth Council to receive 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 March 31, 2017.  Following approval of the time extension, staff submitted a formal amendment request to DOC to accommodate additional activities to maximize Task 1 and Task 3 activities through the end of the grant period.  In mid-August, DOC returned the fully executed amendment, and the associated tasks remain on schedule.

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.

J.
Circuit Planner and Circuit Engineer Report (Rob Terry) [INFORMATION]

Summary: Below is an update on each of the on-going circuit planning and engineering projects.  Please note that only the three projects that are currently active are on the list.  Completed activities, as well as projects that have been placed on hold by their respective agency or are considered inactive, are not included below.  

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.  City staff and the circuit planning team have completed the required documentation, and are awaiting Council direction later this month.

2. Sanger Project 2 - Assist with a 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.  Circuit planning staff has presented City staff with draft scope and application narratives, and is awaiting response for additional adjustments, as needed.

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.  City staff and the circuit planning team have completed the required documentation, and are awaiting Council direction later this month.

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.  The circuit engineering team has met with City staff and Caltrans representatives.  A Traffic Analysis Feasibility Study will be completed by Caltrans, with all staff currently working on the appropriate methodology for team concurrence.

2. Sanger Project 1 – Bridge Preventative Maintenance RFP/RFQ.  Circuit engineering staff has submitted a draft RFP/RFQ to City staff for their review, comment, and use in order to secure a consultant to conduct the study/program.

3. Orange Cove Project 1 - Bridge Preventative Maintenance funding.  Circuit engineering staff is currently preparing the necessary documents to ensure key bridges are on the eligible funding lists of the Highway Bridge Program.

Staff can provide details on the status of individual projects, as requested.  If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the 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.

K.
Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Grant (Rob Terry) [INFORMATION]

Summary: Full applications for the Strategic Growth Council's (SGC) Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Grant Program were due June 20, 2016.  Listed below are the four projects located within the Fresno region that were invited to submit full applications, 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 

 

In late August, each applicant was notified of their project eligibility and/or scoring by Housing and Community Development (HCD) reviewing staff.  Appeals for such findings were due within three days of notification (due by August 29, 2016).  The SGC intends to announce award recommendations NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 1, 2016, with Council approval/action over the following months.  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.

L.
Active Transportation Program Cycle 3 Update (Chelsea Gonzales) [INFORMATION]

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. The Statewide Call for Projects was open from April 15, 2016 through June 15, 2016.  Applications submitted through the Statewide Call for Projects are currently being evaluated and scored. The California Transportation Commission (CTC) anticipates notifying MPOs of CTC staff recommendations for projects selected by the end of October with the adoption of the projects occuring at the December CTC meeting. About $61.4 million of funding is available annually (fiscal year 2019/20 and 2020/21) for the CTC to award through the statewide competitive program. 

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 CTC staff on May 27, 2016 for recommended approval. The CTC Commissioners unanimously approved Fresno COG's proposed regional guidelines at the June 29, 2016 CTC meeting. With the guidelines approved, Fresno COG's Regional Call for Projects opened on Friday July 1, 2016 and closed on Thursday 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 five projects submitted directly to the Regional Competitive ATP as well as any Fresno County applications not selected through the Statewide Call for Projects.  

The program guidelines (regional, CTC statewide, and Caltrans) and other relevant guidance documents are available at: http://www.fresnocog.org/active-transportation-program and on Caltrans website at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LocalPrograms/atp/cycle-3.html.  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.

II.TRANSPORTATION ACTION / DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.
Measure "C" New Technology Multidisciplinary Advisory Group Funding Recommendations (Peggy Arnest) [APPROVE]

Summary:  The Measure "C" New Tech Steering Committee met for the first time in January of 2015 to begin discussion of this new Measure C Program.  From this first committee meeting, a subcommittee was formed that met approximately ten times over the course of a year to develop:

  • Program goals
  • Program scope
  • Criteria for solicitation
  • Timeline for the distribution of funds
  • Project selection process

During this process, FCOG staff in conjunction with the subcommittee developed a grant application for the New Technology Program which was then presented to the entire Steering Committee for review, revision and recommendation.  The final draft of this grant application and scoring criteria was approved by the Policy Board in December 2015 and the FCTA Board in March 2016.  The COG Policy Board also gave direction to staff to develop a Multidisciplinary Advisory Group (MAG) to include 12 positions whose purpose was to review, evaluate, and recommending applications for funding.  A Transportation Technical Committee subcommittee reviewed the submitted applications for the MAG and recommended the following membership:

Position

Name

 

Position

Name

City of Fresno

Jill Gormley

 

Education

Jesus Larralde

City of Clovis

Tim Barker

 

Transit

Moses Stites

East-side City

Mary Fast

 

FCTA

Diana Sedigh-Darbandi

West-side City

Gilbert Coelho

 

Measure COC

Barry Mast

County of Fresno

Mohammad Khorsand

 

Public

Stephenie Fredrick

Business

Al Smith

 

Public

John Downs

 

FCOG received six New Technology Funding applications asking for a total of $19,334,581 with $10,000,000 in funding available.  On July 21st, 2016 the MAG met to interview the applicants and discuss their grant applications. See the attached list of the MAG recommendations for funding.

Action: TTC/PAC, Measure C Oversight Committee and FCOG staff recommend that the Policy Board approve the New Technology MAG recommendations for funding.

B.
Final Draft 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program and Corresponding Conformity Analysis [Gonzales/Martinez/Dawson] [APPROVE]

Summary:  Fresno COG is federally mandated to prepare and maintain the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). This four-year program of projects 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. 

Fresno COG is required to update the 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 this year and is proposing approval of the Final Draft 2017 FTIP and the corresponding Final Draft Conformity Analysis.  A resolution is enclosed and the Final Draft 2017 FTIP documents are available for review on the Fresno COG website at:  http://www.fresnocog.org/ftip.

Fresno COG held a 30-day public review and comment period for the Draft 2017 FTIP commencing on Friday, July 29, 2016 and concluding on Monday, August 29, 2016.  A public hearing was also held to receive comments on the Draft 2017 FTIP documents on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at the Fresno COG office.  Verbal comments received at the public hearing and other comments received during the 30-day public review period are summarized and responded to in Appendix J (Formal Comments and Responses) of the Final Draft 2017 FTIP.  Any changes made to the Draft 2017 FTIP based on comments received are noted within the responses to such comments. No comments were received on the Draft Conformity Analysis. 

The Fresno COG Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) and Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) approved the Final Draft 2017 FTIP documents at their respective meetings on Friday, September 9, 2016.  Following approval by the Fresno COG Policy Board at the September 29, 2016 meeting, Fresno COG staff will immediately transmit the approved 2017 FTIP documents to Caltrans in order to meet their October 1, 2016 submittal deadline.

The Final Draft 2017 FTIP and corresponding Final Draft Conformity Analysis meet all applicable transportation planning requirements per 23 CFR Part 450, 40 CFR Part 93, and conform to the applicable State Implementation Plans.

Action: Staff, TTC, and PAC recommend Policy Board approval of the Final Draft 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program and the corresponding Final Draft Conformity Analysis via Resolution No. 2016-23.

C.
Transportation Needs Assessment Study (Kristine Cai) [APPROVE]

Summary: In May 2014, the Fresno COG Policy Board directed Fresno COG staff to develop three Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) implementation programs in response to a request submitted by a coalition of community groups during the 2014 RTP/SCS development process. The Transportation Needs Assessment study was one of the 3 SCS implementation programs. A Needs Assessment Committee was formed in November 2014, which consisted of elected officials, staff members from the local governments, stakeholders, interested public members as well as representatives from the Coalition (community groups).

After months of discussion, the Committee defined the scope for the Needs Assessment study:

1) Develop databases for existing and future bike and pedestrian facilities in the region;

2) Contract with Fresno State students to build an inventory of existing bike lanes and sidewalks

3) Provide mapping with health data and bike, pedestrian and transit facilities in combination with disadvantaged communities defined by the study

4) Contract with a consulting firm to conduct:

    - a regional gap analysis for bike and trail facilities

    - a transportation connectivity/accessibility analysis for 10 major regional and sub-regional facilities that provide basic services for the residents in the Fresno Region

Fehr & Peers was hired to conduct the 2 analysis specified in Task 4 of the scope.

The Regional Gap analysis was focused on the inter-city/community connectivity of the bike/trail facilities. Sidewalks were not included in the analysis because they are deemed local. Demand scores for such facilities were developed based on factors such as population/employment density, proximity to schools, transit stop, land use mixes, etc. The missing connections were then identified and projects were then prioritized based on the demand scores, proximity to Needs Assessment hot-spots and schools, disadvantaged community status. etc. A list of gap projects were recommended with different level of priority. Cost estimates were also provided for such recommended gap projects.

The Connectivity and Accessibility analysis was conducted for 10 hot-spots that were identified by the Needs Assessment Committee as the regional/sub-regional facilities that provides basic services to the residents. They include Fashion Fair Mall, Fresno City College, the Superior Court, Coalinga Regional Medical Center, Sanger Walmart, etc. The Connectivity and Accessibility analysis was based on user needs, and was focused on the access to such facilities in the disadvantaged communities. The analysis covers all modes, including bike, pedestrian, transit and auto. Recommendations for improvements were made for each of the 10 hot-spots. The recommendation from this analysis presents opportunities for more detailed system improvement as funding becomes available. However, the scope of this analysis did not include a review of full system benefits, costs, and impacts of implementation.

Attached is the draft final report for the analysis. Due to size limitations, all report appendices, mappings as wells as other resources related to this study can be found at: www.fresnocog.org/transportation-needs-assessment.

The result of the Transportation Needs Assessment study is informational, and any action taken by the member jurisdictions is discretionary.

Both TTC/PAC recommended acceptance of the Transportation Needs Assessment report.

Action: Staff recommends that the Policy Board accept the Transportation Needs Assessment report.

D.
Fresno/Madera Origin-Destination Study Phase II Consultant Selection (Rob Terry) [AWARD/APPROVE]

Summary: To provide for a comprehensive understanding of transportation movements and effects between Fresno and Madera Counties, the Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) and the Madera County Transportation Commission (MCTC) – in partnership with the Counties of Fresno and Madera, and the City of Fresno – are conducting a joint study focusing on the traffic movements along the Highway 41 and State Route 99 corridor's running through both Fresno and Madera Counties, and the various impacts associated with such movements. The joint study consists of two parts, with Part One consisting of an analysis of origin and destination traffic movements between the two counties; and Part Two providing an analysis of the fiscal impacts of such movements on the local and regional economy.  The total study has a budget of $250,000, with $125,000 allocated to each part of the study.  The results of the joint study are intended to better inform local decision-making bodies regarding commuter patterns and their economic impacts as these agencies continue discussions relating to development patterns of interest to each jurisdiction, in-line with previous agreements to consider such activities and potential impacts.  In addition, deliverables are also intended to improve the Fresno COG and MCTC’s abilities to implement their respective Sustainable Communities Strategies.

Following the completion of Phase One activities (traffic count analysis and report), staff released an RFP for Phase Two activities, intended to utilize the deliverables contained within the Phase One Final Report, and provide an analysis of the likely economic impacts through a fiscal impact analysis of the traffic movements identified.  Key dates associated with the RFP are listed below, for reference:

Activity

Date

Request for Proposals (RFP) Released

July 1, 2016

Deadline for Proposal Submittal Questions

August 5, 2016

Deadline for Proposal Submittal

August 18, 2016

Determine Short List for Interviews (If determined Necessary)

August 22-26, 2016

Interviews and/or Selection

August 29-September 2, 2016

Fresno COG Policy Board Approval

September 29, 2016

Notice to Proceed - Subject to Contract Signing

October 3, 2016

Draft Report Due

March 31, 2017

Final Report Due

May 26, 2017

Completion of contract work

June 30, 2017

 

The RFP is attached; can also be found on the Fresno COG homepage, or accessed directly at: http://www.fresnocog.org/sites/default/files/publications/Planning_misc/RFP_-_Fresno-Madera_O-D_and_Fiscal_Study_Phase_2.pdf  

On July 1, 2016, an RFP for Part Two activities was released, with three responses being submitted (Applied Development Economics, Cambridge Systematics, and Tischler Bise).  The scoring committee - which included representatives from the Cities of Fresno and Madera, the Counties of Fresno and Madera, and both Fresno COG and Madera CTC - recommended the consulting firm of Applied Development Economics be awarded the contract, not to exceed the amount of $107,550, as indicated in their proposal.

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: Staff, TTC and PAC recommend the Fresno COG Policy Board award the Fresno/Madera Highway 41 and State Route 99 Origin-Destination Study Part Two contract to Applied Development Economics, not to exceed the amount of $107,550, as indicated in the consultant’s proposal and attachments.

E.
Regional Transportation Plan Roundtable Approval of Positions and Appointment of Representatives (Brenda Veenendaal) [APPROVE]

Summary:  As Fresno COG embarks upon the 2018 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Update, it is once again time to form the 2018 RTP Roundtable. The purpose of the RTP Roundtable is to support the Fresno COG staff and COG standing committees in their development and preparation of the 2018 RTP and Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS).  It is vital to the success of the process that the RTP Roundtable helps to generate consensus about the plan that is based upon the input of an informed and active local constituency.  While the RTP Roundtable will provide comments and input on issues related to development of the 2018 RTP/SCS, the final decisions on the RTP will be the responsibility of the Fresno Council of Governments’ Policy Board.

COG staff released an application for appointment to the RTP Roundtable on August 12, 2016. Applications were due to staff by September 1, 2016. At that time there were 36 positions on the Roundtable to be filled – 16 seats that allow for one staff person from each member agency; 17 seats open to a variety of agencies and interest groups and 3 “at large” seats. The positions were approved during the 2014 RTP process, and updated prior to releasing the 2018 Roundtable application. They were recently updated as follows:

  • Public Transportation was split into two positions, one for urban and one for rural representation
  • Bicycle/Pedestrian position is now Active Transportation 
  • Environmental Justice Community position was shortened Environmental Justice (EJ)
  • Valley Blueprint Planners was updated to require representation from the Valley Planners Network

Since that time Fresno COG staff recognized that three additional positions should be added to the RTP Roundtable for the following representation:

  • Education
  • Water (Agency)
  • Measure C Citizen Oversight Committee

All of the completed applications received to date are attached for your review, as well as a staff recommendation for position approval. 

During 2014 RTP Roundtable development the Policy Advisory Committee recommended that the Chair of the RTP Roundtable be a representative of one of COG’s member agencies. However, in order to ensure accountability and connectivity of the committee process to the COG Policy Board, and ultimately to the citizens of Fresno County, staff suggests that the previous RTP Roundtable chair, LAFCO Director David Fey, continue in that role. Mr Fey has been an exemplary leader of the committee and is well versed in the planning issues surrounding the task at hand. Having him chair the RTP Roundtable would provide continuity to the process.  The TTC did not make a recommendation on the Chair position, deferring their support to whomever the PAC recommended. The PAC then voted in support of David Fey as RTP Roundtable Chair.

Action:   The TTC, PAC and staff request that the Fresno COG Policy Board approve staff's request to add three additional positions to the RTP Roundtable; approve staff's recommended RTP Roundtable position appointments; and, Fresno COG staff and the PAC recommend approval of Mr. David Fey as chair of the 2018 RTP Roundtable.  

F.
Caltrans Update

1.
Caltrans Update on Litter Control on Fresno County Highways (Lauren Dawson/John Liu) [Information]

Summary:  Periodic updates are provided by Fresno COG to address litter control on Fresno County highways.   Today Caltrans will also provide an update on the Maintenance and Operations Division’s efforts to address litter control. Topics to be covered include:

1)    The availability of the Caltrans online “Maintenance Service Request” forms: a simple tool that is available to notify Caltrans Division of Maintenance of an area in need of attention. Problems which can be reported include litter, weeds, broken sprinklers, illegal dumping etc. http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/msrsubmit/

2)    Information regarding the August 2016 report published by AAA on “Debris Caused Motor Vehicle Crashes from  2011 to 2014”; [over 200,000 accidents, 39,00 injuries, 500 deaths] https://www.aaafoundation.org/sites/default/files/RoadDebris_REPORT_2015.pdf

3)    Information on the two November 2016 State-wide ballot measures regarding plastic single-use carryout  bags (see enclosure for ballot proposition language)

4)    Potential to rebalance  state allocations to increase funding to Fresno County for litter mitigation based on demonstrated need and the prior Fresno County Grand Jury recommendation

5)    Update on the Enhanced Adult Offender Work Program. The Adult Offender Work Program was greatly enhanced  (effective November 1, 2015) which increased work crews from one crew of 20 participants on weekends only,  to 25  participants, available to work seven days a week

6)    Update on the new program to hire a crew of 8 U.S. Veterans for litter removal on a dedicated area of Selma, Kingsburg and Fowler by the end of 2016

7)    Update on Caltrans' Public Information Officer's work to provide public service announcements that were already created for the "Don’t Trash Fresno" campaign  

8)    Update on the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation litter mitigation crews working on freeway litter removal

9)    Use of heavy-duty street sweepers along the freeways

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

Fresno COG Sitting as the Fresno Council of Governments Policy Board

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

IV.ADMINISTRATIVE 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.
Executive Minutes of June 10, 2016 [APPROVE]
B.
Regional Clearinghouse (Peggy Arnest) [APPROVE]

 

Project

Applicant

1.

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant - West Church Ave. Near CSA 39 Drinking Water Project

Self-Help Enterprises

2.

Housing Preservation Grant Program for Low-Income and Very Low-Income Households-Providing Loans/Grants for Housing Rehabilitation

Self-Help Enterprises

3.

Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Grants 

County of Fresno

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

  1. Federal - $265,900, Total - $265,900.
  2. Federal - $500,000, Total - $500,000.
  3. Federal - $3,457,953, Local - $864,488, Other - $1,446,348, Total - $5,768,789.

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.
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

V.ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.
Frazier-Beall Transportation Funding Package (Rob Terry) [INFORMATION/DISCUSSION]

Summary:  Last month Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Jim Frazier and Senate Transportation Chair Jim Beall released their proposed comprehensive transportation funding package for review and comment.  The proposed plan is the latest legislative effort to break through a year-long stalemate over how to resolve California’s transportation funding crisis.   In terms of comparison, the Frazier-Beall transportation legislation would provide approximately $7.4 billion in annual transportation revenue as compared to Governor Brown’s current proposal which would generate approximately $3.6 billion in annual revenue.   The legislation is being touted as a comprehensive funding package that will “repair and maintain our state and local roads, improve our trade corridors, and support public transit and active transportation”.   The proposed legislation includes:  $706 million repayment of outstanding transportation loans for state and local roads; eliminates the Board of Equalization ”true up” that causes funding uncertainty and is responsible for drastic cuts to regional transportation projects;  indexes transportation taxes and fees to the California Consumer Price Index (CPI) to keep pace with inflation;  establishes reforms and accountability improvements for state and local governments to protect taxpayers;  streamlines transportation project delivery to help complete projects quicker and  cheaper;  protects transportation revenue from being diverted for non-transportation purposes;  helps local governments raise revenue at home to meet the needs of their communities.

New Annual Funding

  • State--$2.9 bil. annually for maintenance and rehabilitation of the state highway system.
  • Locals--$2.5 bil. annually for maintenance and rehabilitation of local streets and roads.
  • Regions--$534 million annually to help restore the cuts to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
  • Transit--$516 million annually for transit capital projects and operations.
  • Freight--$900 million annually for goods movement projects.
  • Active Transportation--$80 million annually, with up to $150 million possible through Caltrans efficiencies, for bicycle and pedestrian projects.
  • Proposes a constitutional amendment to help locals raise funding for transportation projects at home by lowering the voter threshold for transportation tax measures to 55% from the current 66%

New Annual Funding Sources

  • Gasoline Excise Tax--$2.5 bil. (17 cents per gallon increase)
  • End the BOE ‘true up”--$1.1 billion
  • Diesel Excise Tax--$900 (30 cents per gallon increase)
  • Vehicle Registration Fee--$1.3 billion ($38 per year increase)
  • Zero Emission Vehicle Registration Fee--$16 million ($165 per year starting in 2nd year)
  • Truck Weight Fees--$1 billion (return to transportation over five years)
  • Diesel Sales Tax--$216 million (3.5% increase)
  • Cap and Trade--$300 million (from unallocated Cap and Trade Funds)
  • Miscellaneous transportation revenues-- $149 million

Additional significant features of the proposed legislation include:

  • Removes the California Transportation Commission from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA)
  • Creates an Office of the Transportation Inspector General to ensure all state agencies expending state transportation funds are operating efficiently, effectively and in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.
  • Repeals the requirement that the CTC must operate under the CalSTA pursuant to the Governors’ Reorganization Plan of 2012, therefore restoring the CTC’s independence in transportation matters.
  • Requires the Department of Finance to calculate all outstanding loans from transportation special funds and requires full repayment by June 30, 2018.
  • Provides for CEQA Exemption for projects in existing roadway.
  • Creates an advance mitigation program for transportation projects to be administered by the Resources Agency
  • Transit Agencies can use the new 3.5% diesel sales tax increase, which is distributed through existing transit formulas, to fund transit capital projects or services to maintain or repair existing transit fleets and facilities or new facilities that improve existing transit services.
  • Extends the authority for Caltrans to participate in the federal National Environmental Policy (NEPA) delegation pilot program
  •  Creates a Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program to address deferred maintenance on the state highway system and the local street and road system.  The program will be funded by the increases in the gasoline excise tax, vehicle registration fees and Zero Emission Vehicle fees.
  • Expands the definition of disadvantaged communities for any future Cap and Trade funds allocated to the Trade Corridor Improvement  program (TCIF

Included as attachments are a summary sheet that provides an overview of the various components of the proposed legislation and a funding table that estimates approximately how much funding cities and counties would receive from the $2.5 billion annual set aside for cities and counties.  In total, Fresno County and its 15 incorporated cities would receive approximately $69,812,490 annually for transportation purposes should the Frazier–Beall legislation as proposed become law.

Action:  Information/Discussion. Direction provided at the discretion of the Policy Board.

VI.OTHER BUSINESS

A.
Items from Staff

1.
Change Board Meeting in October from 10/20 to 10/27

Summary: Staff is requesting to move the October Policy Board meeting from 10/20/2016 to 10/27/2016 to allow for the TTC and PAC to meet prior to mailing out the board packet.

Action: Staff recommends the Policy Board approve moving the October Policy Board meeting to October 27, 2016.

B.
Items from Members

VII.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.