Fresno COG Header

Policy Advisory Committee

Date:
Time:
Place:

Friday, June 9, 2017
10:00 AM

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 auxiliary 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.

CONFERENCE CALL-IN INFO:

TOLL FREE NUMBER:  888-398-2342

PARTICIPANT CODE: 740166

PLEASE TURN ON MICROPHONE BEFORE SPEAKING

THINK GREEN, KEEP FRESNO COUNTY CLEAN!

POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Policy Advisory Committee will consider all items on the agenda.  The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.

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

JOINT Transportation Technical Committee/Policy Advisory Committee

1.
Caltrans Report (CALTRANS) [INFORMATION]

I.TRANSPORTATION CONSENT ITEMS

About Consent Items

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

A.
Executive Minutes of May 12, 2017 [APPROVE]
B.
Appointments to the Fresno COG Social Services Transportation Advisory Council (Jeff Long) [APPROVE]

Exhibits:

Summary:  The Social Services Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) was formed in May 1988 by the Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) Policy Board to; respond to State legislation and to coordinate social service transportation; assist the Fresno COG Board in identifying transit needs throughout Fresno County; review and recommend action for the Fresno COG to address at its unmet transit needs hearing; and advise the Fresno COG on any other major transit issues.  The Fresno COG Board appoints SSTAC members for a term of three years.

SSTAC member appointments to the Council are:

Monty Cox, Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, New Member (Replaces Gary Joseph, FEOC)

Amy Hance, City of Clovis, Clovis Transit, New Member (Replaces Shonna Halterman, Clovis Transit)

Yonas Paulos, Veteran Advocate, New Member

Vidal Medina, Resources for Independence, Central Valley, Re-appointment

Article III, Section 99238 of The Transportation Development Act requires a minimum number of SSTAC members in specific categories.  There is no maximum number of members specified in the TDA and in the interest of diversity, staff is seeking additional nominations.  Specifically, staff is seeking members who represent minority groups and potential transit users.  A complete list of SSTAC members is included in your agenda package.

Action:  Staff recommends approval of the appointments of three new members to Social Services Transportation Advisory Council and the re-appointment of one member.

C.
Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Transportation Development Act Claim, Resolution 2017-12 (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

Summary: Fresno County Rural Transit Agency is claiming $5,426,788 in Transportation Development Act funding in support of their $8,038,763 2017/18 budget.

Action:  Staff recommends the TTC/PAC adopt Resolution 2016-12 approving Fresno County Rural Transit Agency’s 2017/18 Transportation Development Act Claim.

D.
Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (FEOC) as the Urban Consolidated Transportation Services Agency (CTSA), Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Transportation Development Act Claim, Resolution 2017-13 (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

Summary: Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission is claiming 998,568 in Transportation Development Act funding in support of their 2017/18 Urban Consolidated Transportation Service Agency budget.

Action: Staff recommends the TTC/PAC adopt Resolution 2017-13 approving Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission’s 2017/18 Transportation Development Act Claim for the Urban Consolidated Transportation Service Agency.

E.
Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) and the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (FEOC) as the Rural Consolidated Transportation Services Agency (CTSA), Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Transportation Development Act Claim, Resolution 2017-14 (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

Summary: Fresno County Rural Transit Agency/Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission is claiming $512,107 in Transportation Development Act funding in support of their 2017/18 Rural Consolidated Transportation Service Agency budget.

Action:  Staff recommends the TTC/PAC adopt Resolution 2017-14 approving Fresno County Rural Transit Agency/Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission 2017/18 Transportation Development Act Claim for the Rural Consolidated Transportation Service Agency.

F.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Goal 2015-16 through 2017-18, Resolution 2017-11, PUBLIC HEARING June 29, 2017 (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 Department's 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 encourages DBE goals to be met with race neutral methodology, however, it 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 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 301 companies of which three are African American, six are Asian Pacific American, two are Native American, twenty are women, twelve are Hispanic Male, three are Subcontinent Asian Male and one is Other, reflecting a 15.61% base anticipated DBE -participation level.  The five year median for program participation is 13%.  When adjusted for the five year median participation the adjusted goal is 14.31%.

A public notice was placed in the Fresno Bee on May 16, 2017, noticing this public hearing and inviting interested parties to submit comments regarding the Fresno Council of Governments DBE program public hearing on June 29, 2017.  Any comments received will be read into the record at the public hearing.

The 2017-18 Overall Work Program and budget identifies $770,000 in contracting opportunities that will be subject to procurement during the fiscal year.

Action:  Staff recommends approval of Resolution 2017-11 adjusting our 2015-16 through 2017-18 annual anticipated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation level to 14.31%.

G.
Fresno County Regional Transportation Agency (FCRTA) 2017-18 Annual Budget PUBLIC HEARING June 29, 2017 (Moses Stites) [APPROVE]

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 2018-2022 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 29, 2017, 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 2017-2018 fiscal year.    

Action:  Staff recommends approval of the Fresno County Rural Transportation Agency’s annual 2017-2018 budget.  Further recommend approval of Resolution No. 2017-09 following a public hearing.

H.
Clovis Consolidated Transportation Services Agency (CTSA) Fiscal Year 2017-18 Operations Program & Budget, Resolution 2017-17, PUBLIC HEARING June 29, 2017 (Amy Hance) [APPROVE]

Summary: The Clovis Consolidated Transportation Service Agency’s (CTSA) Operations Program and Budget (OPB) Fiscal Year 2017-18 for the Clovis Urban Area is available on the Fresno COG website at: www.fresnocog.org.  The document is 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 forty-five (45) day review process was initiated on May 16, 2017 by the Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC). 

 

Action:  Staff and SSTAC recommend approval of the Clovis Consolidated Transportation Service Agency’s Operations Program and Budget Fiscal Year 2017-18 by adoption of Resolution 2017-17.

I.
Urban & Rural Consolidated Transportation Services Agency (CTSA) Operations Program & Budget Fiscal Year 2017-18, Resolution 2017-18, PUBLIC HEARING June 29, 2017 (Monty Cox) [APPROVE]

Summary: The Consolidated Transportation Service Agency’s (CTSA) Operations Program and Budget (OPB), Fiscal Year 2017-18 for the Fresno Urban and Rural CTSA is available on the Fresno COG website at: www.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 forty-five (45) day review process was initiated on May 16, 2017 by the Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC).

Action:  Staff and SSTAC recommend approval of the Urban & Rural Consolidated Transportation Services Agency Operations Program & Budget Fiscal Year 2017-18 by adoption of Resolution 2017-18.

J.
Fresno-Clovis Metropolitan Area Short-Range Transit Plan Fiscal Year 2018-2022 - Resolution 2017-20 PUBLIC HEARING June 29, 2017 (Jeff Long) [APPROVE]

Summary:  The Short-Range Transit Plan (SRTP) for the Fresno-Clovis Urban Area is the annual update to the operating plan and capital programs for Fresno Area Express (FAX) and Clovis Transit.  The purpose of the SRTP is to promote a comprehensive, coordinated and continuous planning process for transit service in the Fresno-Clovis Metropolitan Area (FCMA).  The SRTP represents a short-range evaluation of transit needs and proposes specific recommendations for implementing the long-range objectives of Fresno County's Regional Transportation Plan.  The Plan will guide the provision of transit services in the Metropolitan Area over the next five years.  For further information, contact Jeff Long at (559) 621-1436.

Action:  Staff and SSTAC recommend approval of the Fresno Clovis Metropolitan Area Short-Range Transit Plan by adoption of Resolution 2017-20.

K.
Rural Short-Range Transit Plan for Rural Fresno County Fiscal Year 2018-2022 PUBLIC HEARING June 29, 2017 (Moses Stites) [APPROVE]

Summary:  The Short-Range Transit Plan for the Rural Fresno County Area (SRTP) addresses public transportation for the cities of Coalinga, Firebaugh, Fowler, Huron, Kerman, Kingsburg, Mendota, Orange Cove, Parlier, Reedley, Sanger, San Joaquin, Selma and the County of Fresno.  The SRTP provides a five-year, action-oriented program designed to implement the Public Transportation Element of the Regional Transportation Plan.  The SRTP also provides a basis for local governments to demonstrate that public transportation needs within their jurisdiction have been, and may continue to be, reasonably met.  For further information, contact Moses Stites at (559) 233-6789.

Action:  Staff and SSTAC recommend approval of the Rural Short-Range Transit Plan by adoption of Resolution 2017-05.

L.
Unmet Transit Needs Update Resolution 2017-19, PUBLIC HEARING June 29, 2017 (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 2017-18 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 January 27, 2017.

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

The first outreach meeting was held in the City of Clovis, on February 14, 2017, at the Clovis Senior Center at 850 Fourth Street, Clovis, CA 93712.  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 5:30 p.m.  Comments received were related to service in the rural and unincorporated area of Cantua Creek.  Amanda Monaco of the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability informed the group of a project to establish a vanpool program for this area.  They were seeking grant funding for the demonstration project.  Cantua Creek is currently served by Fresno County Rural Transit (FCRTA).

The second meeting was held in the City of San Joaquin on February 15, 2017, at the San Joaquin Senior Center at 21991 W. Colorado, San Joaquin, CA 93660.  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 only concern was from a resident of San Joaquin that travels to the City of Kerman for shopping/prescriptions.  FCRTA operates a hybrid fixed-route-demand response system for this area.  This was an issue of service clarification and not an unmet transit need.

The final outreach meeting was held in the City of Orange Cove, on February 16, 2017, at the Orange Cove Community Center at 1705 Anchor Ave., Orange Cove, CA 93646.  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 one (1) written comment regarding perceived “Unmet Transit Needs”.  These came in the form of emails and written correspondence.  Copies of the actual emails and letters, and staff responses are attached to this Report.  They are summarized as follows:

1.  The only comment letter was received from Amanda Monaco, Policy Advocate at Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, requesting the implementation of vanpool and rideshare programs for the rural areas.  In addition, they are requesting improved infrastructure near transit stations.  Other concerns include transit service in southwest Fresno and Jane Adams Elementary School along with infrastructure needs.

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:  Staff and SSTAC recommend approval of Resolution 2017-19 making the finding that there are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet in Fresno County.

M.
Fresno County Regional Long-Range Transit Plan (Kristine Cai) [INFORMATION]

Summary: The Fresno County Regional Long-Range Transit Plan project has been kicked-off. A steering committee that consists of representatives from the Fresno Area Express (FAX), Clovis Transit, Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA), City of Fresno, Clovis, the County, east-side cites, west-side cities, Caltrans, and the other stakeholders has been formed.

The first steering committee meeting was held on May 30, 2017. The Committee reviewed the proposed vision and goals and outreach plans and events were presented.

The Regional Long-Range Plan will develop long-term vision for the public transportation system in the Fresno County and provide guidance for the future investment on the public transportation system. It will also provide input for the public transit strategies for the future RTP/SCS.

The estimated completion date for the Long Range Transit Plan is spring of 2019. The final plan will be presented to the governing boards of the three major transit agencies for endorsement.

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

N.
2016-2017 Obligational Authority Update (Jennifer Soliz) [INFORMATION]

Summary:  As previously reported at the April 2017 TTC and PAC meetings, Fresno COG submitted the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2016-17 Obligation Plan to Caltrans Local Assistance on April 3, 2017.  This plan documents Fresno COG’s estimated schedule for project and fund delivery for FFY 2016-17 (October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017).  The overall total Obligational Authority (OA) total for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) federal funding sources in FFY 2016-17 is $21,964,855.

At the April 2017 meeting, we reported that as of February 28, 2017, $803,439 of CMAQ and RSTP was deobligated, which increased our FFY OA target balance to $22,768,294. Our region should deliver a total of $21,964,855 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 OA redistributed to other regions to advance their projects.

As of April 30, 2017, $3,633,867 has been obligated representing 16.5% project delivery.  This has reduced the FY 2016-17 OA target balance to $18,330,988.  It is imperative that projects programmed within FFY 2016-17 get obligated within the programmed year to avoid reprogramming of those funds.

While Caltrans has not issued an official deadline for the submittal of the Requests for Authorization (RFA) for federal funds (E-76 requests) as well as Federal Transit Administration (FTA) transfers, in order to guarantee approval for the FFY 2016-17, it is expected that the deadline will be mid to end of July in order to allow time to process and submit to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Please keep Fresno COG staff updated on any changes to programmed projects that could possibly impact the region’s project delivery plan.   If you have any questions regarding the FFY deadlines or process of obligating project funds, please contact Jennifer Soliz at 559-233-4148 ext. 223 or jsoliz@fresnocog.org.

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

O.
California Freight Investment Program (CFIP) Update (Jennifer Soliz) [INFORMATION]

Summary: The California Freight Investment Program (CFIP) guidelines were not adopted by the California Transportation Commission (CTC) as originally scheduled at the May CTC meeting due to the creation of SB 1's Trade Corridor Enhancement Account.  SB 1 creates this new $300 million per year account to fund corridor based freight projects nominated by local agencies and the state.  Trailer bill language was recently released to incorporate this new SB 1 funding and federal freight funding into a single program. These changes significantly impact the guidelines for the CFIP; therefore the adoption of the CFIP guidelines and call for projects has been delayed.  There will be additional workshops to revise the CFIP guidelines and the updated timeline for the CFIP is as follows:

  •          Workshops to develop guidelines – June through November 2017
  •          Presentation of draft guidelines – December 6-7, 2017
  •          Adoption of guidelines – January 2018
  •          Applications due – February 2018
  •          Program adoption – May 2018

For detailed information on the California Freight Investment Program, please visit the CTC’s website at http://www.catc.ca.gov/programs/CFIP.html or contact Fresno COG staff member, Jennifer Soliz at jsoliz@fresnocog.org or 559- 233-4148 Ext. 223 for assistance.

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

P.
Senate Bill 1 Implementation Update (Trai Her-Cole/Jennifer Soliz) [INFORMATION]

Exhibits:

Summary: The passage of Senate Bill 1 - Transportation Funding (SB1) created the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account and the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program. Programs funded by this account include the Local Partnership Program, the Active Transportation Program, the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) and Local Streets and Roads apportionments. A funding flow chart and program matrix are attached. The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has a release and initial Implementation Plan for SB1 (see attached exhibit of the full memo) with recommended implementation tasks and timelines by programs.

Active Transportation Program– SB 1 provides an increase of $100 million annually for the Active Transportation Program. This represents an increase in the size of this on-going program by more than 80%.

  • Workshops to develop guidelines – June 2017
  • Adoption of guidelines – June 28-29, 2017
  • Applications due – August 2017

Local Partnership Program – SB 1 creates this new $200 million per year program. Guidelines for this program must be adopted on or before January 1, 2018.

  • Workshops to develop guidelines – June through September 2017
  • Adoption of guidelines – October 18-19, 2017
  • Applications due – March 2018

Local Streets and Roads – SB 1 provides an increase of $1.5 billion annually, beginning in November 2017.

  • Workshops to develop guidelines – June and July 2017
  • Presentation of draft guidelines – August 16-17, 2017
  • Adoption of guidelines – October 18-19, 2017

Solutions for Congested Corridors Program – SB 1 creates this new $250 million per year program beginning 2017-18.

  • Workshops to develop guidelines – June through October 2017
  • Adoption of guidelines – December 6-7, 2017
  • Applications due – May 2018

State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) – SB 1 provides an increase of approximately $1.9 billion annually, beginning in November 2017, along with a significant expansion of the Commission’s oversight responsibilities. SB 1 requires additional Commission oversight of the development and management of the SHOPP, including allocating support staff, project review and approval, and convening public hearings prior to adopting the SHOPP.

  • Adoption of Interim Guidelines – June 28-29, 2017

State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) – SB 1 stabilizes funding for the STIP. The impact of the stabilization of STIP funding will be included in the 2018 STIP Fund Estimate and incorporated in the 2018 STIP.

  • Presentation of draft guidelines and draft fund estimate – June 28, 2017
  • Adoption of guidelines and fund estimate – August 16-17, 2017
  • STIP Hearings – January-February 2018
  • Program adoption – March 2018

Trade Corridor Enhancement Account – SB 1 creates this new $300 million per year account to fund corridor based freight projects nominated by local agencies and the state. The California Freight Investment Program (CFIP) Update that is currently underway will be withdrawn and incorporated in the new program guidelines. 

  • Workshops to develop guidelines – June through November 2017
  • Adoption of guidelines – January 2018
  • Applications due – February 2018

The CTC has scheduled a statewide implementation workshop on June 8th and 9th in Sacramento.  Staff will continue to closely participate in the overall implementation of SB1 and the development of all program guidelines.

Please contact Trai Her-Cole (traih@fresnocog.org) or Jennifer Soliz (jsoliz@fresnocog.org) with any questions.

Action:  Informational only. Direction may be provided at the discretion of the committee.

Q.
2017-18 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ)/Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) -formerly RSTP Call-for-Projects (Lauren Dawson/Jennifer Soliz) [INFORMATION]

Summary: Fresno COG is announcing the beginning of the 2017-18 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) -formerly known as the RSTP- Call-for-Projects process. 

The U.S. Congress is responsible for adopting a federal surface transportation act — Congress’ authorization to spend tax dollars on highways, streets, roads, transit and other transportation related projects. The current act, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST) continues the authorization of the Surface Transportation Program (STP) by converting it to the STBG and the CMAQ program.  FAST Act gives the State Department of Transportation the flexibility to administer these funds, and in California, Caltrans assigns a significant portion of the these two programs to regional planning agencies, such as Fresno COG, to be used at their own discretion, subject to federal regulations.  Fresno COG further develops and administers its own funding criteria using STBG and CMAQ funds in effort to address some of the Fresno County region’s transportation needs in accordance with the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).    

The programming working group comprised of city and county planning, public works and engineering staff will begin meeting with Fresno COG staff in July to discuss possible updates and/or changes to the call-for-projects procedures and criteria.  The call is anticipated to be officially initiated in September.  If you have any questions regarding the CMAQ Call-for-Projects please contact Lauren Dawson at 559-233-4148 ext. 217 or ldawson@fresnocog.org.  For questions on the STBG Call-for-Projects please contact Jennifer Soliz at 559-233-4148 ext. 223 or jsoliz@fresnocog.org.    

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

II.TRANSPORTATION ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.
Regional Transportation Plan Update (Kristine Cai)

The 2018 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)/Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) development started in the fall of 2016.  Several critical components are in the process of being developed and finalized. SCS scenarios have been formulated and approved by the RTP Roundtable; scoring criteria used to rank RTP projects are being worked on by a subcommittee; policy and action elements are being updated; the Environmental Justice sub-committee has started to meet monthly; and the public outreach is in full force with 15 workshops planned throughout the county during the month of June. A preferred SCS is scheduled to be selected in November 2017, and the RTP/SCS is to be adopted by the Policy Board in June 2018.

Member agencies and the other representatives of the RTP Roundtable Committee are strongly encouraged to continue to participate in the process so that concerns are heard, input is taken into consideration and all votes are counted in the decision-making process.

1.
Sustainable Communities Strategy Scenario Concept Approval (Seth Scott) [APPROVE]

Summary: Staff will present the four scenario concepts chosen by the RTP Roundtable for inclusion into the 2018 RTP/SCS.

Four scenario concepts were developed by a scenario development subcommittee of the RTP Roundtable, formed after April's meeting by members who expressed interest in being included in the effort.  After reviewing the concepts during their May meeting, the Roundtable made modifications to the subcommittee's proposed scenarios and will then recommended them for approval by the Fresno COG Policy Board.

Once approved by TTC/PAC and the Policy Board, COG staff will develop and model the designated scenario concepts.  Staff expects to present the modeling results and performance indicators to the Roundtable in October 2017, at which point staff will be asking the Roundtable, TTC and PAC for their respective recommendations in selecting a preferred scenario.  

Action: COG staff recommends approval of the four scenario concepts for official inclusion in the 2018 RTP/SCS modeling process.

2.
June 2017 Mini Grant Workshop Schedule (Brenda Veenendaal) [INFORMATION]

Summary:  Fresno COG awarded mini grants to seven organizations to help with RTP/SCS Outreach. Those mini grant recipients have coordinated 13 workshops to be held during the month of June throughout the County. Fresno COG staff is also hosting two workshops during the month to ensure the region is adequately covered. Attached is the finalized workshop schedule with dates, times and locations, as well as the flyer Fresno COG staff is using to help boost attendance for each workshop. We are currently working to update it with RSVP phone numbers and interpretation languages available for each event. The mini grant recipients are responsible to perform their own outreach for the workshops, but Fresno COG is sending out our flyer to all of our contacts and requesting that each of our member agencies share the workshop information with their boards and councils, as well as their constituents and contacts.

The purpose of this round of workshops is to collect feedback from residents on what projects they would like to see funded and built in and around their communities and to facilitate communication between residents and our member agencies regarding RTP project submittal lists.

Fresno COG hopes each city and the County of Fresno will have staff attend the workshops in their communities to discuss their General and related Specific Plans and projects, and to address any questions that may come up. The format for each workshop is identical. Fresno COG staff’s vision for these workshops is as follows:

  • Fresno COG staff will give a general overview of Fresno COG’s structure, the RTP and SCS, then request demographic information from the attendees using clicker software
  • City or County staff will provide a brief presentation on their general plan’s vision for their community, etc. and their circulation element
  • Fresno COG staff will bring maps of the City’s proposed projects from the 2014 RTP for the residents to look at and provide feedback
  • Fresno COG is currently developing an online survey using MetroQuest that has a mapping tool for residents to add and comment on projects they would like to see in their communities

Fresno COG staff will compile the feedback collected during these workshops and provide it to each jurisdiction for their consideration.

For any additional information, contact Brenda Veenendaal at brendav@fresnocog.org or 559-233-4148 ext. 219. A draft workshop flyer is attached.

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

3.
New Federal Requirement - Safety Performance Target Setting (Lang Yu) [INFORMATION]

Summary: Federal transportation bills MAP-21 and FAST Act require MPOs to conduct performance based planning.  Performance measures are reflected in different areas, such as safety, bridge and pavement conditions, congestion/system performance and transit state of good repairs.  Among them, safety performance is one of the first performance measure areas that need to be included in the Fresno COG 2018 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).  Future year targets need to be set for each of the five following performance measures:

  • Number of fatalities
  • Rate of fatalities per 100 Million Vehicle Miles of Travel
  • Number of serious injuries
  • Rate of serious injuries per 100 Million Vehicle Miles of Travel
  • Number of non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries

Fresno COG will have the option of following the State of California overall target, which will be announced in late June, or setting our own targets.  To support this target setting process, staff has gathered historical collision data in Fresno County from various sources and conducted trend analysis for each of the performance measures. 

Fresno COG has organized a safety target subcommittee of the RTP Roundtable.  The subcommittee will have an in-depth discussion about the safety performance targets, safety data analysis, target setting options and decide on a recommended target. The recommended targets from the subcommittee will be brought to the RTP Roundtable and then TTC/PAC for approval.  The first subcommittee meeting was held on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 1:30-3:00 PM. Staff will provide an update on the first subcommittee meeting. 

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

B.
MJM Software Solutions Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Measure C Senior Taxi Scrip Program (Brenda Veenendaal) [INFORMATION]

Summary:  Following Fresno COG Policy Board approval in November 2015, Fresno COG entered into a contract with MJM Software Solutions to migrate the Measure C Senior Taxi Scrip Program from paper scrip to digital format.  The project scope of work included the use of reloadable swipe cards and electronic readers as well as mobile tablets needed by participating taxi cab companies for processing trip payments by senior scrip users.  In compliance with the contract requirement, Fresno COG paid MJM $24,995 to begin implementation and setup of the software required ($20,000) and for formulation of the online portal system ($4,995) allowing management of the system by end users. 

Shortly thereafter, due to significant changes and legal discussions developing in the taxi industry, Fresno COG requested MJM put a hold on all contracted work.  By the end of 2016, the taxi industry’s legal discussions had been resolved and discussions with MJM continued.  At the request of Fresno COG, MJM submitted a proposal for the development of a smartphone application that would allow taxi cabs to accept taxi scrip debit cards without having to purchase a special reader.  This proposal was presented to the Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) and Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) on March 17, 2017, as an amendment to MJM Software Solutions' previously approved MOU/Contract.  The amendment included scope and funding for the development of an Android application, fully compatible with the Android-based system, at a cost of $55,000 and an iOS application for an additional $30,000.  The TTC recommended approval of the $85,000 request to develop both applications.  The PAC discussed the proposed costs, expressing concern that the applications may not be used by a majority of seniors.  Also discussed was the need to consider incorporating Uber and Lyft in our Senior Taxi Scrip program.  Fresno COG Executive Director clarified that there is consensus that the program should add Lyft or Uber to the list of available senior scrip options.  City of Fresno City Manager Bruce Rudd then stated that the City of Fresno would be willing to participate by providing financial support for a dispatch center to facilitate booking trips with Uber and Lyft for seniors who do not use smartphones.  The PAC tabled this item for two months allowing Fresno COG staff time to find solutions that would include working with Uber and Lyft. 

For over two years staff has been working to contact both Uber and Lyft to discuss involvement in the program.  Lyft has been receptive to working with Fresno COG's Senior Scrip Program, as they do other agencies with similar programs.  In a recent comparison of trip prices (attached) staff found that Lyft's prices are 1/2 to 1/3 of the cost of current taxicab fares in our area, which provides an additional incentive to coordinate services for Taxi Scrip participants.  Therefore, Fresno COG staff spoke to MJM to convey the direction given by the PAC.  After much discussion, Fresno COG staff and MJM realized that the scope of work from the original $25,000 contract would provide all of the services currently needed as well as additional optional items.  During staff's discussions with MJM, MJM also reported that they too had approached Uber and Lyft to discuss coordinating services for their users.  Uber showed little to no interest in working with their programs.  In contrast, MJM found Lyft to be open to a partnership, and communication continues regarding linking the Senior Scrip Program with Lyft drivers.

As a result, the program currently being discussed would allow seniors to use their taxi scrip for taxicab or Lyft transportation.  However, each taxi provider would need to purchase their own card reader/processor to charge the MJM Taxi Scrip debit cards.

Next steps in negotiations between Fresno COG, MJM and Lyft:

1. MJM is developing a work flow chart to depict the process proposed for ordering, paying and tracking expenses incurred using MJM debit accounts for ordering a Lyft ride.  Staff will provide a handout of the chart at the meeting for review and comment.

2. Fresno COG staff requested an estimate from MJM to use their call center resource (seniors booking a Lyft ride) for comparative purposes.

3. The contract's Attachment A - Scope of Services will then need to be updated once an agreement is reached on how best to move forward.

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

III.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.
Consultant Contracts Renewal/Extension (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

1. Yosemite Area Regional Transit  (YARTS)

Summary:  Yosemite Area Regional Transit (YARTS) is providing summer transit service to Yosemite National Park between May 15 and September 15.  The cost of this $890,000 service is funded by a combination of federal and local grants with the Federal Transit Administration, Caltrans, the San Joaquin Valley Air District, and National Parks Service.

Action:  Authorize $890,000 for the YARTS service for the summer of 2017.

 

2. Sigala Inc. San Joaquin Valley COG Liaison

Summary:  The San Joaquin Valley COG Directors have requested we extend the San Joaquin Valley Liaison Contract with Michael Sigala another year. The $115,000 annual cost of this contract is shared pro rata with the other COG’s. Our pro rata share is $27,032.

Action:  Authorize $115,000 for Sigala Inc. for the 2017-18 fiscal year.

 

3. Willdan – Engineering Technical Assistance

Summary:  We have an on call contract with Willdan to provide engineering technical assistance for rural cities. The budget includes $50,000 for 2017-18 fiscal year.

Action:  Authorize $50,000 for Willdan to provide technical engineering assistance for the 2017/18 fiscal year.

 

4. EchoInteractive – Fresno Track

Summary:  EchoInteractive provides a lease and support for Fresno Track, a web based software that allows member agencies to submit and monitor federal and state funded projects awarded through our Federal Transportation Improvement Program.  The cost of this year's contract is $56,000.

Action:  Authorize $56,000 to EchoInteractive to provide lease and support for Fresno Track Software.

 

B.
Monthly Legislative Update (Trai Her-Cole) [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, Trai Her-Cole, if you have any questions or comments.

IV.ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION/DISCUSSION ITMES

A.
One Voice Project Update (Trai Her-Cole) [Information}

Summary: Staff will provide a verbal update regarding the follow-up and next steps related to the One Voice priorities.

Action:  Information only, direction may be provided at the discretion of the committee. 

V.Election of Chair and Vice Chair

Current:  Vince DiMaggio, Chair and Alexander Henderson, Vice Chair.

VI.OTHER BUSINESS

A.
Items from Staff

B.
Items from Members

VII.PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

A.
Public Presentations

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