Mayor & Commission Meetings

The meeting will be streamed and broadcast live. Interested members of the public can watch live online via YouTube at www.youtube.com/accgov or the YouTube app, via www.accgov.com/videos, via Facebook at www.facebook.com/accgov, or on ACTV Cable Channel 180 or at www.accgov.com/actvlive WORK SESSION AGENDA UNIFIED GOVERNMENT OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA Tuesday, March 12, 2024 – 5:30 PM City Hall Commission Chamber I. Call to Order (5:30 p.m.) Mayor Kelly Girtz II. Items for Future Consideration A. FY25 Annual Action Plan IV ............................................................... Melinda Lord Home Funding Recommendations HCD Assistant Director B. FY25 Community Partnership Program ............................................... Melinda Lord Funding Recommendations HCD Assistant Director C. FY25 Annual Action Plan IV CDBG ..................................................... Melinda Lord Funding Recommendations HCD Assistant Director D. TSPLOST 2023 Project 30 – Traffic Safety ......................................... Derek Doster Infrastructure SPLOST Project Administrator III. Adjourn NOTE: All reports are draft. No final action is taken at this work session. The Work Session is open to the public; however, public comments are not received.  Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County Housing & Community Development Department (HCD) MAYOR AND COMMISSION WORK SESSION FY25 HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Funding Recommendations F0r Annual Action Plan V  PURPOSE • Preview Consolidated Plan and Affordable Housing Goal • Explain HOME Application Review Process • Review available HOME Funding for Application Release • Review HOME Proposals and Funding Recommendations • Review Remaining AAP V Schedule  HUD’S CONSOLIDATED PLAN The Consolidated Plan is a five- year plan of needs assessment, a resource review, and a gaps analysis. HUD requires a Consolidated The Consolidated Plan is an Plan to help communities assessment of affordable determine where HOME and housing and community CDBG resources may fill the gap development needs and market for development of affordable conditions. It is also a tool for housing, economic making data-driven, place- development, public services, based investments by use of public facilities and community consultation and improvements. resident participation. HCD’s 5-Year Consolidated Plan  HCD’S FY21-25 CONSOLIDATED PLAN GOALS •To increase the amount of affordable housing for low and moderate income Athens-Clarke County residents and Affordable Housing to provide access to services that help households access and maintain affordable housing. Economic Development & Workforce •To promote the upward economic mobility of low and moderate income Athens- Clarke County residents Development through, small business, worker-owned cooperative entrepreneurship, and workforce development support. •To support the educational development and growth of children in Athens- Clarke County through educational, Education and Enrichment enrichment, and supportive services. •To prevent and end homelessness through emergency shelter, permanent housing, prevention, street outreach, Homeless Services and other homeless services. •To enhance quality of life for: individuals with mental illness, individuals with a substance use disorder, Special Populations individuals with disabilities, individuals who are formerly incarcerated, and seniors. •To foster public infrastructure improvements that improve the lives of low and moderate income residents in Public Infrastructure Athens-Clarke County.  HCD’S CONSOLIDATED PLAN: HOME PROGRAM HCD’s FY21-25 Consolidated Plan supports: • Safe, stable and affordable housing • Expanded economic opportunities • Suitable living environments for persons of low and moderate income HOME Activities support Consolidated Plan Goal 1: Affordable Housing Development and Redevelopment • To increase the amount of affordable housing for low and moderate Affordable Housing income Athens-Clarke County residents and to provide access to services that help households access and maintain affordable housing.  ELIGIBLE HOME ACTIVITIES • Homeowner Development Activities: Single Family Homes  New construction (LMI homebuyer)  Moderate to major rehab (LMI homeowner occupied, LMI homebuyer) • Down Payment Assistance  Must be used in support of single-family LMI homebuyer development projects. • Rental Development: Multi-Family or Single-Family  New construction (LMI tenants)  Moderate to major rehab (LMI tenants) • Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)  15% of the annual HOME budget must be set aside for specific activities and 5% made available for operating expenses to be undertaken by CHDO-qualified nonprofit agencies.  PRO FORMA REQUIREMENTS FOR HOME APPLICATIONS • HOME funding is gap financing, and all applications must contain a well-documented pro-forma demonstrating personal secured financing and funding to support the ongoing maintenance of proposed projects. • HOME project budgets must include a regulatory 12.5% match. Although typically 25%, HUD has temporarily reduced the requirement for ACC by half. • Annual HOME Income limits must be used to determine qualified LMI homebuyers and tenants. • Annual HOME Rental limits and utility rates must be used to determine HOME unit rents. • Annual HOME Homeownership value limits must be used when determining sales prices for homebuyer units. • All HOME units are subject to an affordability period determined by the HOME subsidy. FY25 HOME APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS HCD Staff Application Rating Criteria Program Narrative 10 points Project Need 15 points Organization Capacity 25 points Project/Program Management 15 points Financial Feasibility 20 points Project Budget 15 points TOTAL APPLICATION POINTS: 100 points  FY25 HOME APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS (CONT.) • Participating jurisdictions (PJs) are required to undertake a subsidy layering and underwriting analysis of all development projects to which they provide HOME funds, rental and homeownership alike, to ensure:  It does not invest any more HOME funds (alone or in combination with other funds) than are necessary to the project; AND  Owners/developer’s profit and return on investment is appropriate and reasonable given the size, type and complexity of the project. • Each project is subject to regulatory Max Per-Unit Subsidy Limits provided annually by HUD, and no project may be funded with HOME dollars for an amount exceeding the subsidy limit. *An Environmental Review must be completed by the PJ before any funds are committed to a HOME- assisted project.* HUD CPD FORMULA ALLOCATIONS FOR FY2024 (HCD FY25) HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) announces annual allocation awards for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs. Because the FY2024 (HCD FY25) award allocations have not been announced, HCD did not include possible FY25 HOME funds in this application release process.  FY25 HOME FUNDING AVAILABILITY HOME Funds HCD has $1,930,103 available for FY25 HOME proposed projects. $80,103.00 $127,891 $20,000 • $127,891 for CHDO Set Aside activities • $20,000 for CHDO Operations activities • $1,702,109 for Entitlement activities • $80,103 for HCD Planning & $1,702,109 Administration activities (10% of FY25 anticipated budget) CHDO Set Aside CHDO Operating HOME Entitlement HCD Admin  FY25 HOME FUNDING REQUEST SNAPSHOT # of Requests & Amount # of Recommended Projects & Total Category Requested Allocation New Construction 2 Requests at $2,768,013.92 1 Project at $1,020,000 Infrastructure for support of 1 Request at $1,500,000 1 Project at $400,000 new construction Rehabilitation of homebuyer 1 Request at $246,500 1 Project at $210,000 unit Rehabilitation of rental unit 1 Request at $258,800 1 Project at $220,000 HCD Administration (10%) Program Management at $80,103.00 $80,103 Total 5 Requests at $4,773,313.92 4 Projects at $1,850,000  FY25 HOME FUNDING GAP (REQUESTS VS. AVAILABILITY)  FY25 HOME APPLICATION RECOMMENDATIONS REVIEW FY25 HOME Affordable Housing Program Proposals  FY25 HOME FUNDING REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Funding Total Recommended Agency Project Name Ranking Requested Score Funding ACT I Homes Program: Savannah Heights new Athens Housing construction of 4 single-family homebuyer units $1,297,188.00 92.33 1 $1,020,000.00 Authority and down payment assistance. Micah’s Creek: Infrastructure to support Athens Area Habitat for development of affordable housing rental and $1,500,000.00 90.67 2 $400,000.00 Humanity homebuyer units. 235 Colima Ave.: CHDO Rehabilitation of a Athens Land Trust $246,500.00 89.67 3 $210,000.00 single-family homebuyer unit. 825 Reese St.: CHDO Rehabilitation of single- Athens Land Trust $258,800.00 87.33 4 $220,000.00 family rental unit. 482 Ruth St.: CHDO New construction of 5 Athens Land Trust $1,470,825.92 86.33 5 $0.00 single-family homebuyer units.  NEXT STEPS AND SCHEDULE  Publish Notice for AAP Public Comment Period April 7, 2024  Publish AAP V Draft for Public Comment Period April 8, 2024  Agenda Setting Meeting April 16, 2024  Mayor and Commission Voting Session May 7, 2024  Initiate Environmental Reviews May 8, 2024  Annual Action Plan V Due to HUD *May 17, 2024  Initiate Contracting May-June 2024  FY25 HOME Funding Available July 1, 2024 *May be on HUD-approved delay QUESTIONS & COMMENTS  Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) MAYOR AND COMMISSION WORK SESSION March 12, 2024 FY25 Community Partnership Program Funding Recommendations  PURPOSE • Review Community Partnership Program Inception • Explain HCD Staff Responsibilities • Explain Vision Committee and Its Role for the CPP • Review FY25 CPP Applications • Review Remaining Schedule  CPP PROGRAM INCEPTION • In January and May 2023, during the Mayor and Commission review and discussion of the FY24 budget, the Manager’s Office proposed a new Community Partnership Program idea to provide General Fund grants to eligible community partner agencies through a competitive process. • In September 2023, a competitive process proposal draft for the Community Partnership Program, including a draft application, evaluation criteria and timeline was submitted to Mayor and Commission for consideration. • On December 5, 2023, the Mayor and Commission approved the Community Partnership Program process for the FY25 budget year.  HCD STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES HCD staff serves as facilitators for the Community Partnership Program process, including: • Setting up the approved CPP application in ZoomGrants. • Conducting annual CPP Application Release meetings. • Providing comprehensive technical assistance to interested applicants. • Providing support to Vision Committee members during the application review process. • Collecting Vision Committee scores and preparing application review meeting materials. • Facilitating Vision Committee review meetings for the funding recommendation process. • Presenting the Vision Committee CPP funding recommendations to Mayor and Commission.  VISION COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND THEIR REVIEW RESPONSIBILITIES The Vision Committee is tasked with the review of all CPP applications and the provision of project funding recommendations for consideration by Mayor and Commission for the FY25, and future, ACC budgets. *Sally Kimel-Sheppard Matthew Pulver Susan Winstead Carey McLaughlin Alison Alwes Cary Ritzler Chaplain Cole Knapper *One member of the Vision Committee fully abstained from the FY25 CPP review and funding recommendation process due to a Conflict of Interest.  VISION COMMITTEE RATING CRITERIA VISION COMMITTEE RATINGS FOR OVERALL APPLICATION SCORES The Vision Committee reviewed and rated all FY25 CPP applications for the following criteria: Financial Ability 30 points Community Involvement and Collaboration 15 points Outcomes and Performance 45 points Organization and Staff Ability 10 points  STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS FOR THE CPP PROGRAM Eligible Community Services • Neighborhood Revitalization Activities • Poverty Reduction and Economic Strength Activities • Intervention and Prevention Activities  STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS FOR THE CPP PROGRAM Eligible Homeless Services • Case Management When applying for this goal, applicants must be able to: • Assist with the annual PIT Count • Actively participate in the Athens Homeless Coalition as a member  ESTIMATED FY25 CPP FUNDS  This year, 16 Community Partnership CPP Funds Program applications were submitted requesting $1,757,195.00.  Approximately $550,000 is available to support eligible Community Services and $550,000 Homeless Services activities. $1,757,195  The gap between application requests and available CPP funds is $1,207,195.00 Available Applications Received  FY25 CPP APPLICATIONS SUMMARY $ Requested Per Activity Type # of Applications Per Activity Type $100,000 $108,000 1 4 2 $855,650 $693,545 9 CS: Neighborhood Revitalization CS: Neighborhood Revitalization CS: Proverty Reduction & Economic Strength CS: Poverty Reduction & Economic Strength CS: Intervention & Prevention CS: Intervention & Prevention Homeless Services Homeless Services CPP APPLICATION REVIEW  FY25 CPP APPLICATION RATINGS & FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS Funding Recommended Agency Project Name Total Score Ranking Requested Funding The Bigger Vision of Athens Abundant Life Program $38,800.00 88.60 1 $38,800.00 The Sparrow's Nest Breaking the Cycle Program $46,850.00 87.40 2 $46,850.00 Acceptance Recovery Center ARC Indigent Funds Program $16,500.00 87.20 3/4 (Tie) $16,500.00 Project Safe High Risk Team Advocates $91,428.00 87.20 3/4 (Tie) $91,428.00 Restorative Justice Diversion Georgia Conflict Center $35,129.00 84.80 5 $35,129.00 Program Diaper Distribution Program via Athens Area Diaper Bank $33,000.00 83.00 6 $33,000.00 Healthcare Related Organizations Athens Area Homeless Shelter Athens Area Homeless Shelter $220,000.00 82.80 7 $120,000.00 United Way of Northeast GA 211 $24,400.00 81.75 8 $24,400.00 School Dayz Ambassador Enrichment Divas Who Win Program for Marginalized Young $75,720.00 79.40 9 $50,000.00 Women and Girls  FY25 CPP APPLICATION RATINGS & FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (CONT.) Funding Recommended Agency Project Name Total Score Ranking Requested Funding Juvenile Offender Advocate, Inc. Juvenile Offender Advocate Program $80,000.00 77.00 10 $40,000.00 Athens Model Neighborhood Athens Neighborhood Health Center $53,893.00 $100,000.00 76.80 11 Health Center, Inc. Behavioral Health Program Envision Athens, Inc. Envision Athens $75,000.00 69.20 12/13 (Tie) $0.00 ACC Community Health Worker and $0.00 East Georgia Cancer Coalition Community Navigation, Education, $160,000.00 69.20 12/13 (Tie) Outreach Program Young Urban Builders: Youth $0.00 Athens Land Trust $100,000.00 67.00 14 Workforce Development Program The NOW Program: Opportunities $0.00 About Face International Corp. $112,000.00 47.00 15 for today-tomorrow may be too late! The Twin Angels, Inc. Homeless Relief Project $550,000.00 38.40 16 $0.00  FY25 CPP SCHEDULE Work Session Meeting March 12, 2024 Agenda Setting Meeting March 19, 2024 Mayor and Commission Voting Session April 2, 2024 Initiate Contracting May 2024 Funding Available July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 QUESTIONS & COMMENTS?  Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County Housing & Community Development Department (HCD) MAYOR AND COMMISSION WORK SESSION FY25 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Recommendations F0r Annual Action Plan V  PURPOSE • Preview Consolidated Plan and Goals • Explain CDBG Application Review Process • Review CDBG Proposals and Funding Recommendations • Review Remaining AAP V Schedule  HUD’S CONSOLIDATED PLAN The Consolidated Plan is a five- year plan of needs assessment, a resource review, and a gaps analysis. HUD requires a Consolidated The Consolidated Plan is an Plan to help communities assessment of affordable determine where CDBG housing and community resources may fill the gap for development needs and market development of affordable conditions. It is also a tool for housing, economic making data-driven, place- development, public services, based investments by use of public facilities and community consultation and improvements. resident participation. HCD’s 5-Year Consolidated Plan  HCD’S FY21-25 CONSOLIDATED PLAN GOALS •To increase the amount of affordable housing for low and moderate income Athens-Clarke County residents and Affordable Housing to provide access to services that help households access and maintain affordable housing. Economic Development & Workforce •To promote the upward economic mobility of low and moderate income Athens- Clarke County residents Development through, small business, worker-owned cooperative entrepreneurship, and workforce development support. •To support the educational development and growth of children in Athens- Clarke County through educational, Education and Enrichment enrichment, and supportive services. •To prevent and end homelessness through emergency shelter, permanent housing, prevention, street outreach, Homeless Services and other homeless services. •To enhance quality of life for: individuals with mental illness, individuals with a substance use disorder, Special Populations individuals with disabilities, individuals who are formerly incarcerated, and seniors. •To foster public infrastructure improvements that improve the lives of low and moderate income residents in Public Infrastructure Athens-Clarke County.  MAYOR AND COMMISSION-APPOINTED VISION COMMITTEE MEMBERS The 10-member Resident Advisory Committee is appointed by the Mayor & Commission, with 3-year service terms. 1st Year Members 2nd Year Members 3rd Year Members • Alison Alwes • Susan • Carey Winstead McLaughlin • Cole Knapper • Sally • Cary Ritzler Kimel- • Matthew Sheppard Pulver  CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND THE CONSOLIDATED PLAN The Vision Committee advises HCD on the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan projects to be funded with CDBG. October 20th September 3, through November January 22, 2024 2019 20th, 2023 • HCD presented the • HCD hosted a • HCD shared proposed FY21-25 • Mayor and virtual application • HCD provided proposals with the • HCD met with the Consolidated Plan Commission release meeting for formal technical Vision Committee Vision Committee Goals approved the FY21- FY25 CDBG funds assistance to to review all FY25 25 Consolidated interested parties CDBG applications Plan Goals October 19, December 14, July 19, 2019 2023 2023  FY21 TO FY24 ANNUAL CDBG FUNDING ALLOCATIONS $700,000.00 $642,510.00 CDBG Annual Allocations $641,500.00 $624,105.00 $600,000.00 $534,000 20% $500,000.00 $281,975.00 $272,923.00 $285,500.00 $294,00.00 $400,000.00 $267,000.0 $260,618.00 $244,153.00 15% $217,000.00 $195,463.00 $204,000.00 $183,000.00 $300,000.00 65% $204,692.00 $200,000.00 $100,000.00 HCD Administration $0.00 2021 2022 2023 2024 Public Services Cap Affordable Housing Economic Development Public Services Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Public Facilities PF&I HCD Administration & Improvements HUD CPD FORMULA ALLOCATIONS FOR FY2024 (HCD FY25) HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) announces annual allocation awards for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs. Until the FY2024 (HCD FY25) award announcements are made, HCD used a 3-Year average to determine the anticipated FY25 CDBG award and available funding. FY25 CDBG APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS HCD Staff Application Rating Criteria Program Narrative 25 points Outcomes and Performance 20 points Community Collaboration 10 points Organization and Staff Ability 20 points Financial Ability 25 points Vision Committee Application Rating Criteria Equity Assessment 20 points High Priority Project 20 points TOTAL APPLICATION POINTS: 140 points  FY25 CDBG FUNDING REQUEST SNAPSHOT # of Requests & Amount # of Recommended Projects & Total Category Requested Allocation Affordable Housing 4 Requests at $1,177,178 4 Projects at $570,000 Economic Development 5 Requests at $562,006 5 Projects at $262,752 9 Eligible Requests at $352,494 Public Services (15%) 6 Projects at $183,600 4 Ineligible Requests $296,208 Public Facilities Improvements 2 Requests at $223,827.69 2 Projects at $108,574 Grant/Program Management at HCD Administration (20%) $256,232 $256,232 Total 24 Requests at $2,611,713.69 17 Projects at $1,381,158  FY25 CDBG FUNDING GAP (REQUESTS VS. AVAILABILITY)  FY25 CDBG APPLICATION RECOMMENDATIONS REVIEW Affordable Housing Programs Economic Development Programs Public Services Programs Public Facilities and Improvements Programs  FY25 AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Recommended Agency Project Name Funding Requested Total Score Ranking Funding Hands on Historic Athens Historic Athens $178,250.00 121.00 1 $130,000.00 Program ReNew Athens, Brushes With Athens Area Habitat for Kindness and AIM (EHARP) $175,000.00 117.95 2 $130,000.00 Humanity Program Athens Land Trust Affordable Housing Program $382,728.00 110.33 3 $170,000.00 Athens Housing ACT I Homes Program $441,200.00 108.98 4 $140,000.00 Authority  NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PLANS Hancock Corridor (Census Tracts 6 and 9) East Athens (Census Tracts 301 and 302) NRSA projects include activities of sufficient size and scope to positively impact a geographic area, and allow HCD to allocate public services economic development and neighborhood revitalization activities which are not subject to the 15% public service cap when conducted by a Community Based Development Organization (CBDO).  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Funding Total Recommended Agency Project Name Ranking Requested Score Funding East Athens Development Operation One Family at a Time $150,000.00 123.90 1 $102,752.00 Corporation- IHCI East Athens Development Bridging the Gap Program $50,000.00 111.62 2 $30,000.00 Corporation Goodwill of North GA GoodBiz Microenterprise Program $64,410.00 111.33 3 $50,000.00 Grow Your Business Microenterprise Athens Land Trust $103,596.00 110.86 4 $50,000.00 Program East Athens Development Youth Economic Development $50,000.00 110.71 5 $30,000.00 Corporation Program Business Operation & Optimization WeeCare, Inc. (dba Upwards) $144,000.00 97.71 6 $0.00 Support Tools (BOOST) Program  PUBLIC SERVICES: PURPOSE AND REGULATORY FUNDING CAP Public Services projects provide HCD is proposing HUD caps Public supportive services to utilize 15% of Services funding and ensure that its FY25 CDBG at 15% of the services and budget towards programs are annual CDBG public service accessible to budget activities everyone. PUBLIC SERVICES CHALLENGE GRANT GUIDELINES Public Services Projects strengthen human resource capacity, expand access to human services, and ensure that services and programs are accessible to everyone. Per federal regulations, Public Service activities are capped at a maximum of 15% of the total CDBG budget. In the FY24 competition, the challenge grant includes a minimum award of $30,000 and a 25% cash match requirement. Up to six (6) projects may be awarded.  ELIGIBLE PUBLIC SERVICE REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Funding Total Recommended Agency Project Name Ranking Requested Score Funding Food Insecurities and Respite Assistance The Sparrow’s Nest $30,000.00 130.93 1 $30,000.00 Program Family Promise of Athens Family Promise Shelter Program $33,600.00 126.21 2 $33,600.00 Advantage Behavioral Health Mainstream Benefits Specialist Program $30,000.00 124.00 3 $30,000.00 Systems The Ark UMOC Common Wealth Athens Program $30,000.00 119.29 4 $30,000.00 Georgia Conflict Center Restorative Justice Diversion Program $34,200.00 117.43 5 $30,000.00 ACC High School Completion Education Matters Program $50,000.00 111.86 6 $30,000.00 Initiative, Inc. Chess and Community Project ReWire $46,894.00 110.79 7 $0.00 Conference, Inc. Young Women’s Christian YWCO Girls Club Program $30,000.00 109.07 8 $0.00 Organization of Athens, Inc. Comprehensive Housing Counseling Athens Land Trust $67,800.00 106.71 9 $0.00 Program  PUBLIC SERVICES INELIGIBLE APPLICATIONS Funding Agency Project Name Funding Recommendation Requested Acceptance Recovery ARC Alumni Care Transition $46,208 No match documentation uploaded or provided Center, Inc. Program with application. Athens Area Diaper Bank Diaper Distribution for LMI $30,000 Not clearly tied to an approved ConPlan Goal and Families Program no direct services to clientele. Fresh Wind Ministry FW Recovery Ministry $60,000 Incomplete application- no required Scholarship Program documentation uploaded. Pearl Transit Corp. Oral Health for LMI $160,000 No match documentation uploaded or provided Residents Program with application.  PUBLIC FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Agency Project Name Funding Total Ranking Recommended Requested Score Funding The Salvation Army The Center of Hope Emergency $50,000.00 121.54 1 $50,000.00 Shelter Roof Rehab Project ACCGov Leisure Services Lay Park Basketball Court $173,827.54 114.54 2 $58,574.00 Department Improvements  NEXT STEPS AND SCHEDULE  Publish Notice for AAP Public Comment Period April 7, 2024  Publish AAP V Draft for Public Comment Period April 8, 2024  Agenda Setting Meeting April 16, 2024  Mayor and Commission Voting Session May 7, 2024  Annual Action Plan V Due to HUD *May 17, 2024  Initiate Contracting May-June 2024  FY25 CDBG Funding Available July 1, 2024 *May be on HUD-approved delay QUESTIONS & COMMENTS  Traffic Safety Improvements Project TSPLOST 2023 Project 30 Proposed Project Concept MAYOR & COMMISSION WORK SESSION March 12, 2024 Presented by: • Tim Griffeth, ACCGov Traffic Engineer • George Spearing, ACCGov Signal Systems Engineer • Kate Shearin, KCI Senior PM • J. Derek Doster, TSPLOST Project Administrator Presentation Purpose and Agenda Purpose: To present the Proposed Project Concept that provides evaluation criteria to objectively score traffic signal conditions as the Proposed Project Concept. Thereby providing staff with the ability to create a traffic signal replacement priority list generally utilizing quantitative data. In addition to creating the matrix, this process identifies the initial priority intersection list with the most need for traffic signal infrastructure replacement. ➢ Project History ➢ Initial Project Statement ➢ General Information and Conditions of Existing Signal Inventory ➢ Proposed Concept: Traffic Signal Evaluation Criteria ➢ Proposed Initial Priority Intersection List ➢ Budget Summary ➢ Next Steps ➢ Questions & Comments 2 Project History ➢ On May 24, 2022, the voters of Athens-Clarke County approved a referendum for the TSPLOST 2023 Program, which included Project 30 - Traffic Safety Infrastructure Improvements. ➢ On February 27, 2023, a Notice of Proposed Administrative Action (NOPAA) completed the current Tier Funding Schedule. The tiering schedule included funding for the Traffic Safety Infrastructure Improvements (TSPLOST 2023 Project 30) during Tiers 1-6 (FY23-FY28). ➢ On October 20, 2023, a Notice to Proceed was issued to on-call engineering firm KCI Technologies to support the development of the Traffic Signal Evaluation Criteria. ➢ On February 14, 2024, Transportation and Public Works Department, Traffic Engineering Division finalized the Traffic Signal Evaluation Criteria for the Traffic Safety Infrastructure Improvements (TSPLOST 2023 Project 30). 3 TSPLOST 2023 Project 30 Initial Project Statement Project 30 – Traffic Safety Infrastructure Improvements Program - This program provides funding for capital improvements for traffic safety infrastructure improvements. Depending upon actual costs and funding availability, improvements may include, but are not limited to: rebuild/replace traffic signals and associated controls, increasing fiber optic capacity to control traffic signals, striping, guard rails and/or other recommendations made through the Corridor Safety Committee. To the extent allowed by law, budgeted project funds may be used as matching funds for leveraging grant opportunities. Additionally, to the extent allowed by law, other funding sources, including, but not limited to, grants, may be utilized to offset and/or reduce the project budget. Any unspent project funds that accrue as a result of the receipt of grants or other funding sources may be assigned to other approved TSPLOST projects. 4 General Information and Conditions of Existing Signal Inventory The costs to maintain traffic signal equipment increases as the equipment ages beyond the national recommended lifespan of 13 years. The current average age of the 90 traffic signals owned by ACCGov is about 26 years. At current funding levels, it is expected that this number would continue to grow. Current investment levels fund signal replacement on a 90‐year frequency. In addition to stretching operating resources, older signals increase the likelihood of malfunctions which threaten the safety and efficiency of the overall traffic signal system and the traveling public. There are approximately 40 signalized intersections which the signal equipment is 40 years or older. Current conditions of older signals include: ➢ Do not meet minimum height restrictions ➢ Joint use utility poles (not controlled/managed by ACCGov staff) ➢ Old/brittle/broke wiring ➢ Collapsed conduit under pavement ➢ Pole fatigue 5 General Information and Conditions of Existing Signal Inventory – cont’d Upgrading or rebuilding signal equipment with appropriate technology : ➢ Will bring intersections to current standards ➢ Provide higher level of service ➢ Maintains or improves air quality ➢ Provide more efficient routes ➢ Reduces vehicle miles traveled and traffic congestion ➢ Reduces time spent traveling in vehicles ➢ Promotes health and safety Updated traffic signals can operate with adaptive technology and increase efficiency by serving a higher volume of roadway users. The increased service capability can promote project development and economic growth with improved access by vehicles, pedestrians and freight shipments/delivery. 6 General Information and Conditions of Existing Signal Inventory – cont’d Operational standards and failing infrastructure for these traffic signals can create liability issues not only for ACCGov with public safety but also for employee safety. The hazards with the current equipment within the public right of way are at risk to all users of the roadway including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and the ACCGov technicians who service these intersections on a daily basis just to maintain operations. The 13 year national average lifespan of a traffic signals is due to the fact that the equipment is susceptible to weather, UV and 24/7 operations. Traffic Engineering currently manages and maintains 177 Traffic Signals. This doesn’t include other roadway safety striping and signage. Ownership of the Traffic Signals in Athens-Clarke County are: ➢ ACCGov 90 Signals ➢ CCSD 1 Signal ➢ GDOT 80 Signals ➢ UGA 6 Signals 7 Proposed Concept: Traffic Signal Evaluation Criteria Traffic Engineering has historically relied on age and condition of existing signals to determine replacement strategy and priorities. While this approach has generally served the past needs of the department, current funding opportunities such as needs-based grants and collaborative partners such as the Georgia Department of Transportation have increasingly requested a more objective data- driven approach. To support a more objective approach to prioritizing signal rebuilds, Traffic Engineering has developed the following Traffic Signal Evaluation Criteria and Criteria Descriptions to better collect and evaluate signalized infrastructure at intersections. Infrastructure (35% of Scoring) • Overall Age (1-5 scale) • Pole Condition (1-5 scale) • Wiring Condition (1-5 scale) Maintenance [previous 12 months] (18% of Scoring): • # of Service Calls (1-5 scale) • # of Signal Flash Events (1-5 scale) 8 Proposed Concept: Traffic Signal Evaluation Criteria – cont’d Standards Met (32% of scoring): *Determine if current design standards are met Yes /No Fields* • 12” Heads (Y/N) Standard Dimension Traffic Head • Reflective Back Plates (Y/N) Contrasted background to improve visibility • FYA (Y/N) Flashing Yellow Arrow • 332 Cabinet (Y/N) Standard GDOT Traffic Controller Equipment Cabinet • Fiber (Y/N) Connected to ACCGov Traffic Management System by fiber optic cable • Min. Head Heights (Y/N) Meets GDOT standard clearance guidelines • Pavement Markings (1-5 scale) • Pedestrian Accommodations (1-5 scale) Traffic Volumes at Location (5% of scoring): • *Document either the Mainline and Side street or overall Average Daily Traffic (ADT)* • Mainline ADT (1-5 scale) + Side Street ADT (1-5 scale) OR • Overall ADT (1-5 scale) Safety (previous 5 years) (10% of Scoring) : • *Utilize GDOT's Numetric or other source, document crash history • # of Crashes (1-5 scale) • # of Fatalities (1-5 scale) • # of Pedestrian Crashes (1-5 scale) 9 Sample Traffic Signal Evaluation Matrix Traffic Engineering staff will utilize the Signal Evaluation Criteria to score a signalized intersection with the following Traffic Signal Evaluation Matrix creating a defined score to help objectively identify signal replacement priorities. 10 Proposed Concept: Sample Traffic Signal Evaluation Matrix – cont’d 11  Proposed Initial Priority List Traffic Engineering’s goal is to evaluate the remining traffic The summary table is sortable for each column allowing signals with the proposed criteria for each intersection as additional intersection evaluation scores to be easily added part of Traffic Engineering's p[preventative maintenance and organized. program over an estimated 12 – 18 month period. 12 Proposed Initial Priority Intersections to Advance to the Preliminary Plan Phase Current pricing trends require an approximate budget of $500,000 per intersection to rebuild/replace all equipment at each location. Therefore, due to budget constraints, staff recommends moving the highest scoring 4 intersections on the Proposed Initial Priority Intersection List, to the Preliminary Plan Phase of the Capital Project Development process. These intersections are: Intersection ID Main Street Cross Street(s) Intersection Score 28 Cherokee Road Buddy Christian Way 4.310 45 College Avenue Dr MLK Jr Pkwy (Ruth St) 4.205 70 Hawthorne Ave Old Epps Bridge Rd 4.180 09 Baldwin Street Jackson Street 4.165 13 Project Concept Budget: Traffic Safety Infrastructure Improvements REVENUES: $ 2,940,000 TSPLOST 2023 Project 30 $ 2,940,000 Total Revenue Available EXPENSES: CAPITAL: $ 13,850 Expensed & Encumbered $ 75,000 Designated for Land Acquisition $ 2,201,150 Designated for Construction $ 100,000 Designated Misc./PM Fees/ Testing Permitting $ 100,000 Designated Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E) $ 250,000 Designated Contingency $ 200,000 Available for Design 14 Next Steps & Project Schedule ➢ TSPLOST Oversite Committee March 18, 2024 ➢ Concept Design Approval for M&C Consideration April 2, 2024 ➢ Preliminary Design Approval for M&C Consideration September 2024 ➢ Final Design, Permitting & Land Acquisition December 2024 ➢ Bidding/Contractor Award February 2024 ➢ Start Project Construction Phase Spring 2025 ➢ Construction Completion Winter 2026 15 Questions?