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 Policy Board 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 Policy Board concerning the item before action is taken.

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, TTC and PAC recommend approval of the appointments of three new members to Social Services Transportation Advisory Council and the re-appointment of one member.

Summary: Fresno County Rural Transit Agency is claiming $5,793,469 in Transportation Development Act funding in support of their $8,806,113 fiscal year 2017-18 budget.

Action:  Staff, TTC and PAC recommend the Policy Board adopt Resolution 2017-12 approving Fresno County Rural Transit Agency’s 2017-18 Transportation Development Act Claim.

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, TTC and PAC recommend the Policy Board adopt Resolution 2017-13 approving Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission’s 2017/18 Transportation Development Act Claim for the Urban Consolidated Transportation Service Agency.

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, TTC and PAC recommend the Policy Board 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.

Summary: The Fresno County Regional Long-Range Transit Plan project effort has been kicked-off. A steering committee that consists of representatives from 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/events were presented.

The Regional Long-Range Plan will develop a long-term vision for the public transportation system in Fresno County and provide guidance for future investment of the public transportation system. It will also provide input for public transit strategies of 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 Policy Board.

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 Policy Board.

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 will create a 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 Policy Board.

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 Policy Board.

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 scheduled a statewide implementation workshop on June 8^th and 9^th 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 Policy Board.

Summary: This program is administered by the Strategic Growth Council (SGC), and implemented by both the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and Natural Resources Agency. The SGC Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program provides grants and affordable housing loans for compact transit-oriented development and related infrastructure and programs that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These projects increase the accessibility of housing, employment centers and key destinations via low-carbon transportation options (walking, biking, transit) resulting in fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and mode shift.

On May 15th, 2017, the SGC released a Request for Proposals for a Technical Assistance Program for the 2016-17 AHSC Program, aimed at delivering application support to applicants. San Joaquin COG (SJCOG), in partnership with and on behalf of the eight San Joaquin Valley MPOs, submitted a joint application to provide such assistance to those applicants who submitted projects within the Valley. On June 9th, 2017, the SGC announced that this application was successful, and they intend to provide one of the three selected awards to SJCOG. Additional details on the program will be made available following official approval of the award, scheduled for June or July 2017.

The 2016-2017 final draft AHSC program guidelines incorporate feedback obtained through public comments and workshops held in April 2017, on the initial draft guidelines, which were released on March 8, 2017. These Final Draft 2016-2017 AHSC program guidelines will be considered for adoption at the July 17, 2017 SGC meeting.

The program guidelines final draft and quantification methodology can be downloaded here: http://www.sgc.ca.gov/Grant-Programs/AHSC-Guidelines.html.

The release of a 2016-2017 AHSC Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and application are expected to occur on October 2, 2017.

If you plan to submit an application for the AHSC program, please contact Meg Prince at mprince@fresnocog.org or 559-233-4148 Ext. 203.

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

Summary: On January 9, 2017 Fresno COG issued a formal call-for-projects for the Fresno Large Urban Area Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 funding.  The available funding for the Fresno Large Urban Area is $1,323,214 for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2015/16 apportionments and we received 4 applications requesting $1,455,547 in total funding requests. On March 21, 2017, a scoring committee of volunteers from the Social Service Technical Advisory Committee (SSTAC) convened to review and evaluate the project applications.  The Section 5310 Scoring Committee’s recommendations were then reviewed by the SSTAC on April 18, 2017 and received unanimous approval.  The scoring committee recommendations for the 2017 Program of Projects are as follows:

Enclosed is the detailed list of the projects for your review and consideration.

Action: Staff, SSTAC and TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board adopt Resolution 2017-23 approving the SSTAC scoring committee’s recommendations for the 2017 FTA Section 5310 program of projects.  Approved projects will be programmed for funding in the 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP).

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 Policy Board.

Summary:  Originally formed as a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) in 2000, Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) is a public transit system that operates four different transit routes in the Yosemite National Park region by providing a public transit option to the over 5 million annual visitors to Yosemite National Park.  YARTS provides regularly-scheduled public transit service into Yosemite National Park and the gateway communities along its routes in buses that are air-conditioned, bike friendly, wheelchair accessible and equipped for rider comfort.  Operated by the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG), YARTS serves as an alternative to driving for almost 100,000 park visitors annually, and given the projected growth forecast for Yosemite National Park visitors, it is anticipated that those numbers will continue to grow.  To date, YARTS has provided more than 1,000,000 passenger rides since beginning operation in 2000.

In 2015, Fresno COG partnered with YARTS to provide a 2 year “demonstration project” on SR 41 to determine if long- term public bus service to Yosemite National Park via SR 41 is financially feasible.  After the first year there was recognition that by shortening the “season” for the SR 41 service, another year of service could be provided, which brings us to our current 3^rdyear of YARTS service on the SR 41 corridor.  Currently the YARTS State Route 140 route operates year round through Mariposa County.  State Route 41 and State Route 120 services operates summers only (May-September), with the SR 41 route traveling through Fresno and Madera counties.  The SR 120 service runs through Sonora and Groveland and the State Route 395/120 travels through Mammoth Lakes and Mono County (June-September) when Tioga Pass Road is open (see map). The YARTS schedule makes connections with all intercity transportation providers in Merced and Fresno, including AMTRAK, Greyhound, Boutique Airlines in Merced and Fresno Airport.  In Mono County, YARTS allows connections with “The Crest” bus that runs between Reno, Nevada and Lancaster, California on State Route 395, and in Sonora with Tuolumne County Transit.  Funding for the YARTS services is provided by a National Parks Service grant, a Caltrans 5311(f) grant, regional Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding, JPA member counties, fare box revenue and contracts with Amtrak and Greyhound.

Guidance for the YARTS operation is provided by a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) comprised of the counties that are served by YARTS.    The JPA Board typically meets quarterly and makes operational and procedural decisions on the YARTS service, with important information provided by the Authority Advisory Committee (AAC), a group of representatives from stakeholder communities that are located on the YARTS routes.   At this point in time, because of the “demonstration” status of the SR 41 corridor service, the Fresno region does not hold permanent voting seats on the YARTS JPA Board, instead the Fresno region has two “non-voting” seats currently held by Kerman Mayor, Rhonda Armstrong and Coalinga Mayor, Nathan Vosburg.

Joining us tonight for an informational presentation on the YARTS service is Mr. Dick Wittington who has served as the YARTS Transit Manager since 2006.

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

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 has developed the attached, brief work flow chart to depict the process proposed for ordering, paying and tracking expenses incurred using MJM debit accounts for ordering a Lyft ride. 

2. Fresno COG staff requested an estimate from MJM to use their call center resource (seniors booking a Lyft ride) for comparative purposes. That estimate will be available at the Board meeting.

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 Policy Board.

1.

Sustainable Communities Strategy Scenario Concept Approval (Seth Scott) [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, TTC, PAC 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.

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, TTC, PAC 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.

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, TTC, PAC and SSTAC recommend approval of the Fresno Clovis Metropolitan Area Short-Range Transit Plan by adoption of Resolution 2017-20.

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, TTC, PAC and SSTAC recommend approval of the Rural Short-Range Transit Plan by adoption of Resolution 2017-05.

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, TTC and PAC recommend approval of the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency’s annual 2017-2018 budget.  Further recommend approval of Resolution No. 2017-09 following a public hearing.

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, TTC, PAC 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.

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, TTC and PAC recommend approval of Resolution 2017-11 adjusting our 2015-16 through 2017-18 annual anticipated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation level to 14.31%.

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.

1.

Yosemite Area Regional Transit (YARTS) (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

2.

Sigala Inc. San Joaquin Valley COG Liaison (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

3.

Willdan – Engineering Technical Assistance (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

4.

EchoInteractive – Fresno Track (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

5.

WSP USA (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

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.

Summary: As directed by the board, staff will provide quarterly verbal updates on the status of the One Voice priority projects.

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

Summary:   Valley Voice is a coalition of elected officials and COG staff throughout the San Joaquin Valley who travel to Washington, D.C. annually to present issues of regional significance to federal legislators. The 2017 Washington D.C. Valley Voice trip is scehduled for September 5-8, 2017.

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

Summary:  The City of Fresno has requested that the Fresno Council of Governments support the extension of PG& E’s Enhanced Economic Development rates that are set to expire at the end of this year.  California’s economy has improved, but many areas of the state, including the San Joaquin Valley continue to experience high unemployment and stagnant wage growth.  With this in mind, it is critical for the region that we continue to have the ability to offer a discounted electric rate to attract and retain business.  This incentive has contributed to the creation of thousands of new jobs in the central Valley, and it is important to the regional economy that it continue.

Included as an attachment, is a letter from Fresno Mayor Lee Brand to the California Public Utilities Commission detailing the rationale for why PG&E should approve the Enhanced Economic Development Rate Extension.

Action:  Authorize the Fresno COG Executive Director to draft a letter of support for PG&E’s Enhanced Economic Development Rate Extension and forward to Public Utilities Commission under Policy Board Chairman Dhaliwal’s signature.

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