Fresno COG Header

Fresno COG Policy Board

Date:
Time:
Place:

Thursday, November 16, 2017
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 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.

 

AGENDA AND ANNOTATED AGENDA IN PDF FORMAT FOR PRINTING

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

Fresno COG Sitting as the Transportation Policy Committee

I.TRANSPORTATION CONSENT ITMES

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 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.

A.
Executive Minutes of October 26, 2017 [APPROVE]
B
2018 Annual Fresno COG Meeting Calendar [APPROVE]
C.
First Quarterly Work Element and Financial Report (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]
D.
City of Clovis Fiscal Year 2016-17 Transportation Development Act Claim (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

Action:  Approve Resolution 2017-40 adopting the City of Clovis fiscal year 2016-17 Transportation Development Act claims for $5,523,638.

E.
City of Fowler Fiscal Year 2017-18 Transportation Development Act Claim (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

Action:  Approve Resolution 2017-41 adopting the City of Fowler fiscal year 2017-18 Transportation Development Act claims for $235,857.

F.
Federal Transit Administration Authorizing Resolution (Peggy Arnest) [APPROVE]

Summary: Updating Resolution authorizing Fresno COG's Executive Director to execute and file applications with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Action:  Staff, TTC and PAC recommend adoption of Resolution 2017-39 authorizing Fresno COG's Executive Director to execute and file FTA applications for federal assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 or any other federal statutes authorizing activities that FTA administers.

G.
Transit Asset Management Target Setting (Muyi Zhou) [APPROVE]

Summary: As part of the performance-based planning requirement in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) and the subsequent Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the Federal Transit Administration developed the Transit Assets Management (TAM) rules that became effective October 1, 2016. Four performance measures were established:

  • Revenue Vehicle:  percentage of revenue vehicles (by type) that exceed the useful life benchmark (ULB)
  • Non-Revenue Vehicle: percentage of non-revenue service vehicles (by type) that exceed the ULB
  • Facilities: percentage of facilities (by group) that are rated less than 3.0 on the Transit Economic Requirements Model (TERM) Scale
  • Infrastructure: percentage of track segments (by mode) that have performance restrictions.

Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are required to establish annual TAM targets specific to the MPO planning area for the same performance measures for all public transit providers within 180 days after the providers establish their targets. MPOs are being asked to coordinate with transit providers to implement a performance-based planning process that prioritizes investments meeting regional performance targets for state of good repair. Fresno COG developed the FY 2018-19 regional TAM targets by weighting the targets Fresno Area Express (FAX) and Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) established. TAM targets do not apply to Clovis Transit because it does not receive federal dollars. The infrastructure performance measure does not apply to the Fresno region because it does not maintain fixed rail guideway with direct capital responsibility, which is defined as infrastructure in the TAM rules.

Percentage of revenue vehicles (by type) that exceed ULB

Revenue Vehicle

FAX

FCRTA

Regional

Automobile

0%

NA

0%

Bus

3%

47%

8%

Cutaway Bus

0%

18%

10%

Percentage of non-revenue vehicles (by type) that exceed ULB

Non-Revenue Vehicle

FAX

FCRTA

Regional

Non-Revenue /Service Automobile

3%

NA

3%

Trucks and other Rubber Tire Vehicles

17%

0%

13%

Percentage of facilities (by group) that are rated less than 3.0 on the TERM scale

Facilities

FAX

FCRTA

Regional

Administration

30%

NA

30%

Maintenance

30%

NA

30%

Passenger Facilities

0%

NA

0%

 

Action: Staff, TTC and PAC recommend approval of the 2018 regional Transit Asset Management targets as presented.

H.
Update on the Fresno Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program (Meg Prince) [INFORMATION]

Summary: In November 2016, the California Strategic Growth Council selected Fresno as one of three cities in the state to be a pilot for its new Transformative Climate Communities Program (TCC). This program was created “to fund the development and implementation of neighborhood-level transformative climate community plans that include multiple coordinated greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects that provide local economic, environmental and health benefits to disadvantaged communities”.

The Fresno Transformative Climate Communities Collaborative includes a Community Steering Committee that met regularly from July through October 2017. The committee was tasked with making decisions about the final package of projects to be included in the City of Fresno’s proposal to the Strategic Growth Council for $70 million of funding. Anyone who lives, works or owns property in downtown, Chinatown or Southwest Fresno can join the Community Steering Committee.

On October 4, the Community Steering Committee chose a final package of projects to send to the Mayor for the $70 million grant. The final package was based on a fifth alternative created by 16 residents of West Fresno, who then sought and gained support from Chinatown and downtown Fresno leaders. The final package includes 25 projects and more than $200 million of investment in Downtown, Chinatown and Southwest Fresno.

The details of the selected and final package can be found here: http://transformfresno.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Final_TCC_Plan.pdf

The concept proposal was submitted to the Strategic Growth Council on October 18, 2017. Full applications are due on November 30, 2017.

Additional information can be found here:

http://sgc.ca.gov/Grant-Programs/Transformative-Climate-Communities-Program.html

http://transformfresno.com/

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

I.
Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program and State Rail Assistance – Final Program Guidelines and Call for Projects (Meg Prince) [INFORMATION]

Summary: The California State Transportation Agency is now accepting applications for the next round of Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) awards and the first round of State Rail Assistance (SRA) Programs awards. These grants combined will provide about $2.5 billion over the next five years to transit and rail operators across the state.

By statute, the next round of TIRCP will be a five-year program. Eligible applicants include public agencies that operate: existing or planned intercity rail, commuter passenger rail, urban rail transit, bus, ferry or vanpool services. Applicants may also partner with other transit operators to provide better integrated service across two or more providers. All projects must demonstrate the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to be eligible. Grant recipients must also show benefits such as improved transit ridership, integration with other rail and transit systems (including high-speed rail) and improved rail safety.

TIRCP applications must be submitted electronically to tircpcomments@dot.ca.gov by January 12, 2018. The Transportation Agency will announce the grant recipients by April 30, 2018.

Senate Bill 1 created the SRA Program by directing a portion of new revenue specifically to intercity rail and commuter rail, estimated at $25 million in fiscal year (FY) 2017-18, $39 million in FY 2018-19 and $41 million in FY 2019-20. The majority of this funding is directed by statutory formula to rail operators, with guidelines defining process and timelines. The applications in this round will facilitate access to formula-determined funding levels.

SRA applications must be submitted electronically to SRA@calsta.ca.gov by December 15, 2017, to be considered for initial funding in February 2018. Applications received later will be considered on a rolling basis. The Transportation Agency will announce initial project approvals by January 31, 2018.

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

J.
Infill Infrastructure Grant Notice of Funding Availability (Trai Her-Cole) [INFORMATION]

Summary:  The Department of Housing and Community Development (Department) has released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) of approximately $50 million for the Infill Infrastructure Grant (IIG) Program. The IIG Program provides grants for capital improvement projects (CIP), in support of qualifying infill projects (QIP). Applications are due Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Ten percent of funding is allocated for the San Joaquin Valley. 

  • Per the IIG Program guidelines (Guidelines), QIP grant limits have increased from $4 million to $5 million.
  • A funding commitment for the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program will be considered enforceable if the IIG application includes an AHSC award letter or if the round 3 AHSC and round 5 IIG applications are awarded simultaneously.

The IIG Program application forms, guidelines and related program information are available at http://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-funding/active-funding/iigp.shtml. Questions may be directed to the IIG Program at (916) 263-2771 or DFAInfill@hcd.ca.gov.

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

K.
Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Technical Assistance Memorandum of Understanding (Meg Prince) [APPROVE]

Summary: On June 9, 2017, the Strategic Growth Council (SGC) announced awards for the fiscal year (FY) 2016-17 Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Technical Assistance Program. Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. (Enterprise) was one of two non-profit lead organizations awarded funding to provide technical assistance for AHSC's third round. San Joaquin COG, Fresno COG and other organizations partnered with Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. to propose technical assistance for Valley AHSC applicants. The SGC awarded the SJV team $120,000 to provide assistance such as grant writing, project coordination and greenhouse gas emissions modeling in the AHSC application process. Fresno COG’s portion is $4,750.

As the lead agency, San Joaquin COG is requesting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be established for this collaborative effort. Attached is Resolution 2017-42, intended to allow Fresno COG to bill for its portion of program activities.

Action: Staff, TTC, and PAC recommend that the Policy Board approve entering into an MOU with San Joaquin COG by signing Resolution 2017-42, allowing for Fresno COG to participate in the AHSC Technical Assistance Program.

L.
On-call Contract with TJKM (Kristine Cai) [APPROVE]

Exhibits:

Summary: As part of the 2018 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) development process, Fresno COG is using its travel demand model to help prepare an Environmental Justice (EJ) analysis report that examines the RTP's impacts on low-income and minority populations. Consultant assistance is required to produce indicator analysis scripts for the model.

The EJ modeling assistance scope of work is attached with the staff report.

Action: Staff, TTC and PAC recommend that the Policy Board authorize the Executive Director to enter into contract with TJKM to provide assistance in the EJ analysis for an amount not to exceed $10,000.

M.
Draft Action Element Update (Jennifer Soliz) [INFORMATION]

Summary:  The RTP Roundtable received the draft 2018 RTP Action Element at its September meeting. On October 19, the Leadership Council and Community Equity Coalition partners delivered a comment letter on the Action Element.  Fresno COG staff did not have time to respond to the letter prior to the Roundtable meeting on October 25. 

The draft Action Element will be brought back to the Roundtable, TTC/PAC and Board for approval in January 2018.

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

II.TRANSPORTATION ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.
Regional Transportation Plan Progress (Kristine Cai)

1.
Sustainable Communities Strategy Fall 2017 Outreach and Responses (Brenda Veenendaal) [INFORMATION]

Summary:  

Fresno COG released four Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) scenarios on October 5, 2017 for public review and preferred scenario selection.  As planned and reviewed by Fresno COG staff, the participating Mini Grant Outreach Recipients, RTP Roundtable, TTC, PAC and the Policy Board, Fresno COG's outreach strategy ran from September 20 to November 9 using a three-pronged approach that includes:

  • Online, interactive survey easily accessible via smart phone or computer - 11 received to date.
  • Scenario presentations given at existing group or organization meetings - 11 presentations given
  • Booths at community events throughout Fresno County - 20 booths hosted throughout the county

Most of the outreach was completed in time to present community feedback to the RTP Roundtable prior to its scenario recommendation. The outreach was designed to provide the RTP Roundtable, TTC and PAC tools for understanding what Fresno County residents believe is important when planning for future growth so they could provide an advisory recommendation to the Policy Board.

Staff collected 1,339 completed scenario surveys through outreach events and presentations in 11 communities; however, responses came from residents in 29 towns and cities, covering 50 zip codes throughout the county. A summary report, including comments is attached. The results include scenario selection breakdowns by event type (booth or presentation), votes by city/town and votes by zip code. Staff has also included a summary of comments that support why participants preferred the different scenarios.

All comments were compiled and posted on the Regional Transportation Plan outreach page, accessible on the fresnocog.org homepage and the YourVision2042.com website.

An outreach calendar and copies of outreach materials are attached. All outreach materials are available in English and Spanish. They include the following:

  • RTP/SCS Fact Sheets in English and Spanish
  • Posters of each scenario - English only attached
  • Scenario selection cards - our vehicle used to collect demographic data and participant preferences
  • Scenario indicator performance details - English attached
  • Presentation PowerPoint - English attached

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

2.
Preferred Scenario Selection (Seth Scott) [APPROVE]

Summary: Fresno COG staff has completed its third round of public outreach for the 2018 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS), with a focus on educating the public about the four scenarios produced, along with the analysis and modeling results for each. Participants were encouraged to share which of the four scenarios best aligns with their priorities and vision for Fresno County, as well as to provide feedback concerning any negative impacts, if any, they foresee for their community resulting from those scenarios not selected.

Below is a summary of the four scenarios. All four meet the Air Resource Board's greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target for the Fresno County region (-13 percent per capita GHG reduction by 2035 compared to 2005).

SCENARIO A:

  • Meets the recommended GHG reduction target (13 percent)
  • Highest investment in road maintenance and active transportation; lower investment in expanded roadway capacity; all transit projects funded
  • Assumes balanced Countywide growth
  • Moderately aggressive land-use strategies (lowest residential density and multi-family development) - identical to Scenario D
  • Significant improvement in farmland conservation (58 percent less important farmland consumed than 2014 RTP)

SCENARIO B:

  • Exceeds the recommended GHG reduction target (14 percent)
  • Highest investment in road maintenance and active transportation; lower investment in expanded roadway capacity; all transit projects funded
  • Assumes more growth in Fresno-Clovis Metro Area (5 percent increase by 2035, 21 percent decrease from rural jurisdictions)
  • Most aggressive land-use strategies (highest projections for residential density, multi-family, and mixed-use development)
  • Vast improvement in farmland conservation (88 percent less important farmland consumed than 2014 RTP)

SCENARIO C:

  • Meets the recommended GHG reduction target (13 percent)
  • Highest investment in road maintenance and active transportation; lower investment in expanded roadway capacity; all transit projects funded
  • Assumes more growth in small incorporated cities and unincorporated rural communities (21 percent increase by 2035, 5 percent decrease from metro jurisdictions)
  • More aggressive mixed-use and multi-family strategies
  • Improvement in farmland conservation (24 percent less important farmland consumed than 2014 RTP)

SCENARIO D:

  • Meets the recommended GHG reduction target (13 percent)
  • High investment in road maintenance; moderate investment in expanded roadway capacity and active transportation; all transit projects funded
  • Assumes balanced Countywide growth
  • Moderately aggressive land-use strategies (lowest residential density and multi-family development) - identical to Scenario A
  • Significant improvement in farmland conservation (58 percent less important farmland consumed than 2014 RTP)

Of the 1,339 public surveys tallied as of November 3, 33.9 percent selected Scenario B as the preferred option. Scenario A was close behind at 28 percent.  

The RTP Roundtable, TTC and PAC each recommended Scenario D as the 2018 SCS's preferred scenario. Fresno COG staff recommends Scenario D as well.  The details of the votes tallied at these meetings are detailed below:

RTP Roundtable (October 25): Motion Mr. Khorsand (Fresno County) seconded by Mr. Prandini (BIA) to approve Scenario D.
9 Yes
5 No (Monaco, Livingston, Brown, Prado, VonBerg)
2 Abstain (Mozier, Navarro)

Transportation Technical Committee (November 3): Motion Mr. Khorsand (Fresno County) seconded by Mr. Terry (Reedley) to approve Scenario D.
10 Yes

2 No (City of Fresno and Mary Savala)

Policy Advisory Committee (November 3): Motion Mr. Jimenez (Fresno County) seconded by Mr. Elias (Selma) to approve Scenario D.
11 Yes
1 No (City of Fresno)

Action:  The RTP Roundtable, TTC, PAC, and staff recommend that Scenario D be chosen as the preferred scenario for the 2018 RTP/SCS.  Further direction may be provided at the discretion of the Policy Board.

B.
Measure C Expenditure Plan Program Update Fiscal Year 2017-18 (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

Summary:  In total, cost estimates for the Measure C Regional Transportation Program increased $1.6 million from the prior plan. Revenues increased $4.5 million, reducing the total overall deficit in the 20-year plan to $267.7 million.

The urban program has estimated revenues of $730.2 million and projected expenses of $763.7 million, for a net deficit of $33.5 million. Net project costs decreased $5.4 million.

Approximately $4.1 million in increased funding is provided for three projects in fiscal year (FY) 2017-18: Willow – Shepherd to Copper; Herndon – Temperance to DeWolf and; Shaw – DeWolf to McCall. Staff anticipates the Willow project will be the initial candidate for the new Senate Bill 1 (SB1) Local Partnership Program. In addition, a $2 million contingency has been restored to the State Route (SR) 41, SR 180 and SR 168 braided ramps projects until the final cost is available.  The SR 180 West Landscaping project, scheduled in FY 2021-22, increased $923,000.

Veterans Boulevard is anticipated to increase $6.9 million from the previous plan. The project is expected to be ready to list in FY 2018-19. The urban plan provides two options for delivering Veterans Boulevard.  The City of Fresno is applying for a $44.5 million federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant.  If the INFRA grant application is successful, the City intends to start construction in FY 2018-19, as required by the INFRA grant; however, if the grant is not successful, Measure C's Expenditure Plan provides an alternative to deliver the project in FY 2019-20 using State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), Measure C and Regional Transportation Mitigation Fee (RTMF) funds. Delivering Veterans Boulevard in FY 2019-20 includes a tentative plan for the City to borrow $13.4 million of its Measure C local allocation. 

SR 99 – North to Cedar is anticipated to cost $86 million, including 15 percent for environmental and design cost. About $3 million in STIP APDE funding is programmed in FY 2018-19 to start the environmental process. Caltrans anticipates environmental work will be complete by October 1, 2021. Another $43.4 million is programmed to start design and right-of-way in FY 2021-22. Finally, $50.7 million for construction is scheduled in FY 2023-24.

The rural program has $491.5 million in estimated revenues and $725.7 million in planned expenses for a net deficit of $234.2 million. Net project costs have increased $6.98 million.

Following requests from local jurisdictions and the County, Mark Thomas Engineering has updated its 30 percent design specifications for Golden State Avenue and revised various scopes. The revised specifications call for enhanced pavement requirements per geotechnical testing; a realignment for Stroud, including a traffic signal and rail road requirements; moving a traffic signal from DeWolf to McCall; replacing a deteriorated bridge and culvert on the Fowler Switch Canal; various lighting and; extending the project limits from Lincoln Avenue back to American Avenue. The scope changes add $5.5 million to the project, which is on schedule to begin construction in FY 2018-19. The plan carries 10 percent for construction engineering and a 20 percent contingency, which may be spread around to project components or reduced as design nears completion.

The next major project for the rural plan is SR 99 American Avenue interchange, one of five half-interchanges that allow traffic to get on the freeway going one direction and off from the other direction. The others are located at North, Cedar, Central and Chestnut. Together, they provide complete access to a growing industrial area and the proposed High Speed Rail Heavy Maintenance facility.  Because Caltrans no longer uses the half-interchange structure, the network of access points will have to be adjusted, reducing the number to three complete interchanges. For this reason, economies of scale will be realized by environmentally clearing all three interchanges at the same time.

Approximately $350,000 is programmed in FY 2017-18 for a Project Study Report (PSR) for American Avenue, which due to the proximity to North/Cedar, will likely include an analysis of the entire SR 99 corridor between the two interchanges and $3.3 million in FY 2018-19 for environmental work. This coincides with the $3 million APDE funding programmed for North/Cedar. Once environmental work is complete, Caltrans will better determine how construction should be phased; however, the plan joins the schedule for American with North\Cedar, programming $7.2 million in design and right-of-way for American in FY 2021-22 and $49.3 million in FY 2023-24 for construction. These estimates are based on very preliminary numbers that were devised in 2004 for the ballot. Actual costs will be better known once the PSR is complete.

Action:  Staff, TTC and PAC recommend approval of the fiscal year 2017-18 update to the Measure C Regional Transportation Program.

C.
Golden State Boulevard Project/Mark Thomas Contract Amendment (Peggy Arnest) [APPROVE]

Summary: In April 2016, FCOG's Board entered into a $3.7 million contract with Mark Thomas and Co. for design engineering the Golden State Boulevard project. The project is increasing in scope by approximately 10 percent. Consequently, Mark Thomas and Co. is asking for an increase of $428,864 in its engineering design budget.  The additional tasks mainly address the scope increase but also include a hydraulic analysis of the Fowler Switch Canal, geotechnical engineering for a pedestrian bridge over the canal and a traffic index for the Pavement Analysis.

Approve:  Staff, TTC and PAC recommend the Policy Board approve the $428,864 increase to the Mark Thomas and Company contract for design engineering of tasks that were not included in the original scope of the Golden State Boulevard contract.

D.
Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) Submittal Resolution 2017-38 (Jennifer Soliz) [APPROVE]

Summary: At its September meeting, the Policy Board approved Fresno COG's Regional Improvement Program component to the 2018 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) allocation plan priorities:

1.  Veterans Boulevard as the highest priority 2018 STIP project.

2.  Designate State Route (SR) 99 North/Cedar Interchange as the second priority for 2018 STIP, project approval & environmental documentation (PA&ED) and plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) programming.

3.  Right-of-way (ROW) for SR 41 Elkhorn to Kings County line.

During the 2016 STIP, Fresno COG programmed SR 180 West Freeway Landscaping.  This project was delayed during the 2016 STIP due to funding constraints but is required mitigation for the SR 180 West from SR 99 to Hughes West.  Caltrans will need to update the PS&E when the project closer to construction, increasing support costs $245,000.  Construction expenses will also increase by $678,000, for a total increase of $923,000. Staff recommends keeping existing programming of $4.7 million in 2020/21 for SR 180 West Freeway Landscaping project.

For fiscal year (FY) 2019-20, the Veterans Boulevard project is recommended for $14.6 million in construction from STIP County shares. The region has invested $34.4 million in local funds to get this project ready to list and the City of Fresno has applied for a $44.1 million Federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant. If the INFRA grant is not successful, the region proposes the $116.7 million construction phase be paid with a combination of STIP, Measure C, development impact fees and local contributions from the City of Fresno.

Meanwhile, $2 million is recommended for right-of-way (ROW) on the SR 41 Elkhorn to Kings County line project. Caltrans has proposed reprogramming $8 million in the Interregional Transportation Improvement Program (ITIP) towards this project for PS&E and ROW to complete the six-mile gap remaining on SR 41 between Kings and Fresno counties. Caltrans has agreed to propose that the project's $52.4 million construction phase receive future ITIP funds and has requested the region contribute another $4 million in STIP county shares when the construction funding is requested in FY 2024-25.  

This brings the total programming against the FY 2019-20 target to $16.6 million, in accordance with the California Transportation Commission's recommended minimum target. 

The regional target for Planning, Programming and Monitoring (PPM), $1.197 million, will be programmed in $399,000 increments in FY 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23.

A new funding category -- Advanced Project Development Element (APDE) -- has been created to encourage shelf-ready projects. The APDE target applies against the county share balance, but not against the region's FY 2019-20 target. Fresno COG recommends programming $3 million for environmental clearance and PA&ED on the SR 99 North/Cedar Interchange project. This project is on the Measure C Tier I list. Once the environmental document is complete, design, ROW and construction will be programmed with a combination of STIP and Measure C funds. Caltrans expects this project to be ready for construction in FY 2023-24.

Action: Staff, TTC and PAC recommend adopting Resolution 2017-38 to submit Fresno COG's 2018 RTIP to the California Transportation Commission.

E.
Caltrans Report (CALTRANS) [INFORMATION]

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 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 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.

V.ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.
Fiscal Year 2017-18 Overall Work Program Amendment No. 2 (Les Beshears) [APPROVE]

Summary:  Work Element 117 – The Measure C 2017 update includes an increased work scope for the Golden State Project, adding $428,864 to the design contract with Mark Thomas Engineering.

Work Element 123 - Last year the Policy Board authorized a $370,000 Federal Transit Administration 5304 grant-funded, Long-Range Transportation Plan that began late in the year, with only $26,173 expended. Caltrans requires Fresno COG to adjust the budget to reflect the remaining balance.

Work Element 124 - Last year the Policy Board authorized a $363,725 Federal Transit Administration 5304-funded Business Commute Options study performed by Fresno State and UC Denver that began in the year, with only $914 expended. Caltrans requires Fresno COG to adjust the budget to reflect the remaining balance. 

Action:  Staff recommends PAC authorize fiscal year 2017-18 Overall Work Program Budget Amendment No. 2 for $401,777.

B.
2018 Fresno Council of Governments Legislative Platform (Trai Her-Cole) [INFORMATION/DISCUSSION]

Summary: The legislative platform includes Fresno COG's policy priorities in state and federal legislative matters. It represents a unified voice when communicating legislative priorities to state and federal lawmakers, as well as to relevant state and federal agencies.  It also provides guidance to Fresno COG staff and agency partners when advocating on behalf of the Policy Board. The 2017 Legislative Platform approved in February is attached. Staff is requesting comments to assist in updating the 2018 legislative platform. Staff encourages and welcomes Board input to develop the Fresno COG 2018 legislative platform.

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

C.
2017 One Voice D.C. Priorities Update (Trai Her-Cole) [INFORMATION]

Summary:  Staff will provide a verbal update on the 2017 One Voice D.C. priorities and projects.

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

D.
2018 One Voice Trip (Robert Phipps) [INFORMATION]

Summary:  Fresno COG will host its 2018 One Voice D.C. trip April 22-26, 2018. Staff is issuing its annual call for regional priorities, focusing on a strong transportation nexus or component, as well as its call for sponsorships.

Please submit any proposed regional priorities using the attached white paper template, including all information needed to educate federal elected officials, administration staff and other decision makers regarding your priority's requests and significance to the region, as well any maps, photos or other visuals available. All proposed recommendations must be submitted electronically to Trai Her-Cole at traih@fresnocog.org by 5 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2018.

For those resubmitting a previous year's priority, please provide an updated white paper for review and consideration. Staff encourages new regional priorities as well. The One Voice Steering Committee will review and select the 2018 priorities and recommend a regional priority listing for March 2018 approval by the Fresno COG Policy Board.

Any agency submitting more than one regional issue for consideration should identify them in priority order. Please follow the format in the attached template for all new and existing regional priority requests. The template includes a sample priority for reference. The Microsoft Word template will be provided electronically upon request.    

In addition, a copy of Fresno COG’s 2018 One Voice sponsorship letter is attached, including three potential levels for support. The packet also contains a sponsorship solicitation letter and participant form. Member jurisdictions and other interested parties are asked to broadcast both the call for projects and sponsors to other agencies, organizations and businesses that have expressed an interest in regional transportation-related affairs.  Sponsorship requests or questions may be directed by email to Robert Phipps at rphipps@fresnocog.org.

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

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 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.