MPO Policy Committee

* SPECIAL * POLICY COMMITTEE AGENDA Farmington Metropolitan Planning Organization August 7, 2013 1:30 p.m. MPO Office Downtown Center 100 W Broadway Farmington, New Mexico  AGENDA FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION SPECIAL POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING August 7, 2013 1:30 PM This meeting will be held at the MPO Office at the Downtown Center, 100 W Broadway, Farmington, New Mexico. ITEM PAGE 1. Call meeting to order 2. Approve the minutes from the June 20, 2013 Policy Committee meeting. 14 3. Update to the Regional Traffic Model. 1 a. Consider approval of the FMPO population and employment data for the baseline (2010), mid-range (2025), and long-range (2040) time frames and their distribution across the TAZ structure. b. Consider approval to allow staff to complete administrative changes to the TAZ structure and/or demographic distribution based on the calibration/validation process when updating the regional traffic model. c. Receive a status report on the calibration/validation update to the regional traffic model. 4. Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) 2 a. Review the submitted projects and the scoring of these projects. b. Consider approval of the selected list of projects for TAP funding in FFY2014 and FFY2015. 5. Complete Streets Program. 6 a. Consider approval of the Complete Streets Values, Goals, and Vision statement, as recommended by the Complete Streets Advisory Group and the Technical Committee. b. Receive a report on the July 9 Complete Streets Advisory Group meeting. 6. Receive a report from NMDOT a. District 5 (Phil Gallegos) b. Planning Division (Brian Degani) 7. Receive a report on transit data collection activities. 12 8. Information Items: 13 a. MPO Summit – September 14 in Albuquerque b. Other 9. Business from: a. Chairman b. Members c. Staff 10. Business from the Floor 11. Adjournment ATTENTION PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact the MPO Administrative Aide at the Downtown Center, 100 W Broadway, Farmington, New Mexico or at 505-599-1466 at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Please contact the MPO Administrative Aide if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item Subject: Population/Employment Base and Projections Prepared by: Duane Wakan, MPO Associate Planner Date: July 31, 2013 BACKGROUND or PREVIOUS WORK  Staff completed baseline population/employment estimates and changes to the Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ) boundary structure.  The Policy Committee approved the new TAZ boundary structure on April 23.  The Technical Committee recommended approval of the population and employment for the baseline (2010), mid-year (2025), and long-range (2040) time frames at their July 25 meeting. CURRENT WORK  Staff used historical population & employment data sources to extrapolate and determine mid-year and long-range projections for the county and MPO boundary.  Staff re-assigned population and employment distribution based on feedback from land-use planners, developers, Four Corners Economic Development Inc. and other data sources.  Staff intends to make administrative changes to the TAZ structure and/or demographic distribution as needed based on calibration/validation results when updating the regional traffic model.  A consultant was hired to calibrate & validate updates to the model.  Staff has developed a work schedule for traffic model update activities that will be completed in-house and by the consultant. ANTICIPATED WORK  Staff will work with the consultant over the next several months on the model updates (calibration/validation) and gain software training opportunities.  Staff will use the model update to assist with MTP planning activities starting in the fall 2013. ATTACHMENTS  Final Population and Employment TAZ Distribution Maps and the traffic model work schedule will be provided at the meeting. RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee approve the FMPO population and employment data for the baseline (2010), mid-range (2025), and long-range (2040) time frames and their distribution across the TAZ structure. It is also recommended that the Policy Committee allow staff to complete administrative changes to the TAZ structure and/or demographic distribution based on the calibration/validation process when updating the regional traffic model. 1  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item Subject: Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Prepared by: Joe Delmagori, MPO Planner Date: July 30, 2013 BACKGROUND or PREVIOUS WORK  MAP-21 has created the new Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).  Funding for TAP projects will be based on a project selection process.  Final TAP guidelines were developed and approved in April.  An overview of the guidelines and project selection process were presented to the Policy Committee and with the Technical Committee in June. CURRENT WORK  MPO Staff scored the first round of TAP applications on July 23 and the Technical Committee reviewed and recommended approval on July 25.  These awarded projects will be funded with the full amount of FFY2014 funds and a portion of the FFY2015 funds.  Because there is a total of $301,348 in TAP funds remaining for FFY 2015, a second round of TAP applications are being submitted by August 5.  MPO Staff will score any additional TAP project applications on August 6.  The recommended list of selected TAP projects from the first and second rounds will be presented to the Policy Committee for approval on August 7. ANTICIPATED WORK  Approve the selected projects in August.  Amend the TIP to include the selected TAP projects.  Work with sponsoring agencies to ensure all TAP requirements are met by October 1. ATTACHMENTS  TAP applications will be provided to the Policy Committee separately.  Scoring for received TAP applications will be provided at the meeting.  TAP federal funding and local match estimates for the MPO.  Submitted TAP projects, descriptions, and costs.  Summary of planning factors used in the scoring process.  Breakdown of TAP funding by category, project, and year. RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee: a. Review submitted projects for the TAP program and their scoring. b. Approve the selected list of projects for TAP funding in FFY2014 and FFY2015. 2  Transportation Alternatives Program FMPO Federal funding and local match estimates: Population Area Target FFY 2014 FFY 2015 Pop. 4,999 or less (Rural) $ 23,293 $ 23,293 Pop. 5,000 to 200,000 $106,999 $106,999 Pop. 200,001+ $0 $0 Anywhere $211,322 $211,322 Federal Total: $341,614 $341,614 Local Match $49,739 $49,739 TAP Total for FMPO $391,353 $391,353 First Round Scored and Ranked TAP Applications Sponsoring Agency Project Name Project Scope Target Area Fiscal Year(s) 1.Bloomfield Verada De Rio San Juan Trail development and Urban 2014 Trail Phase II infrastructure along San Juan River 2.Farmington SSRR River Trail Trail Development along Rural 2014 Animas River 3.Farmington 20th Street Sidewalks Sidewalk construction - Urban 2014-2015 Phase I Fairview to Clayton Second Round TAP Applications (anticipated as of July 30, 2013) Sponsoring Project Name Project Scope Target Area Fiscal Year(s) Agency Bloomfield Verada De Rio San Juan Trail development and Urban 2015 Trail Phase III infrastructure along San Juan River Farmington 20th Street Sidewalks Sidewalk construction – Urban 2015 Phase II Termini TBD 3  FMPO FFY2014-2015 TAP Funding Awards 2014 TAP 2014 TAP 2014 TAP 2014 TAP 2015 TAP 2015 TAP 2015 TAP 2015 TAP Total Local Applicant/Category Fed Funds Urban Funds Rural Funds Anywhere Fed Funds Urban Funds Rural Funds Anywhere Funds Match Requested Awarded Awarded Funds Requested Awarded Awarded Awarded Requirement SSRR River Trail (FMTN Rural) $ 34,600 $ - $ 23,293 $ 11,307 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 5,896 Verada de Rio San Juan (BLMFLD Urban) $ 158,580 $ 106,999 $ - $ 51,581 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 27,024 20th Street Sidewalks (FMTN Urban) $ 148,434 $ - $ - $ 148,434 $ 40,266 $ 40,266 $ - $ - $ 32,157 Additional Projects (Urban/Rural) $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 301,348 $ 66,733 $ 23,293 $ 211,322 $ 51,353 Total $ 341,614 $ 106,999 $ 23,293 $ 211,322 $ 341,614 $ 106,999 $ 23,293 $ 211,322 $ 116,430 FMPO Federal funding and local match estimates: Population Area Target FFY 2014 FFY 2015 Pop. 4,999 or less (Rural) $ 23,293 $ 23,293 Pop. 5,000 to 200,000 $106,999 $106,999 Pop. 200,001+ $0 $0 Anywhere $211,322 $211,322 Federal Total: $341,614 $341,614 Local Match $49,739 $49,739 TAP Total for FMPO $391,353 $391,353 4 Scoring Matrix and Application Questions 5  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item Subject: Complete Streets Prepared by: Joe Delmagori, MPO Planner Date: July 30, 2013 BACKGROUND or PREVIOUS WORK  Complete Streets is a means of designing a roadway so that it accommodates all modes of travel, such as walking, biking, and transit.  The Complete Streets Advisory Group has developed values, goals, and a vision statement that indicate the need and importance of Complete Streets.  The Advisory Group held its latest meeting on July 9. CURRENT WORK  On July 9, the MPO worked with the Advisory Group to finalize Complete Streets values, goals, and the vision statement.  The Advisory Group recommended approval of the vision, goals, and values; the Technical Committee recommended approval on July 25.  Staff introduced the concept of defining new land use context areas and road types for the development of Complete Streets design guidelines.  The Advisory Group worked on an exercise to begin defining regional land use context areas and road types for this area. ANTICIPATED WORK  Further development of definitions and characteristics for regional land use context areas and road types. ATTACHMENTS  The values, goals, and vision statement as recommended by the Advisory Group and the Technical Committee.  Land use context areas & road type examples. RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee: a. Approve the Complete Streets Values, Goals, and Vision Statement as recommended by the Complete Streets Advisory Group and the Technical Committee. b. Receive a report on the July 9 Complete Streets Advisory Group meeting. 6 Recommended Values and Goals MULTI-MODAL Planning, designing, and constructing convenient and appropriate facilities for all modes Plan, design and construct appropriate amenities for all modes that provide a balanced 1) and aesthetically pleasing transportation system from urban to rural settings Design and construct buffers (stripes, medians, etc) between vehicular traffic and other 2) modes where possible Encourage the use of separate walking/biking paths and equestrian trails, especially 3) along high speed arterials Build transit stops that are ADA compliant and accessible by walking and biking 4) facilities Ensure buy-in and support from city departments and transportation agencies that 5) multi-modal features will be incorporated into planning and construction of roads Encourage the local governments to develop a mechanism for constructing sidewalks 6) for infill and vacant lots. CONNECTIVITY Conditions that make it easier to get from one destination to another and that link neighborhoods and districts by minimizing obstructions and restrictions Construct linkages - both within and to each other - among neighborhoods, developments, schools, parks, river trails, roads, transit stops, and 1) walking/biking/equestrian networks. Implement grid patterns within new developments that disperse traffic, provide 2) connectivity for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists, and slow traffic Design creative uses for easements (alleys, gas lines, etc) and cul-de-sacs (dead-end 3) streets) as a means of connecting walking/biking/equestrian paths Encourage the local governments to develop a mechanism for constructing sidewalks 4) for infill and vacant lots. Integrate and enhance natural land forms and topographies into the design and 5) construction of roads and neighborhoods. 7  HEALTH Providing transportation options that encourage physical activity, improve air quality, reduce congestion, and improve livability Ensure that transportation options are provided as a means of promoting healthy 1) activities for all age groups (children, adults, seniors, etc) Encourage active participation by all socio-economic groups by promoting 2) bicycle/pedestrian events and destinations Market the health benefits (physical activity, less emissions, etc) of walking, biking, and 3) taking public transit Develop partnerships with Health groups to educate and promote complete streets and 4) healthy life styles. SAFETY Designing roads that accommodate all users; providing amenities for each mode type that create separation, increase visibility, and minimize conflict points Integrate safety measures (buffers, medians, traffic calming, roundabouts, cross access easements, etc) into all road sections that benefit all users and maximize 1) context appropriate measures 2) Separate modes using physical structures to ensure the comfort and safety of all users Provide context appropriate safety measures in urban and rural settings and for paved 3) and unpaved surfaces. Provide roadway landscaping as a means to slow traffic and appropriate lighting 4) designed to meet land use contexts 8  ECONOMIC VITALITY Attracting new developments and encouraging growth; supporting and nurturing existing businesses; promoting a mix of uses that complement each other Include traffic calming measures (see Safety value) that slow vehicular speeds and that encourage people to visit retail and commercial districts by walking, biking and 1) taking transit Build wider sidewalks that accommodate bump-outs, landscaping, bike racks and seating areas and encourage building placements to front property lines with rear 2) parking access in commercial zones. Provide spaces (plazas, squares, walkways & parklets) with adequate signage that 3) encourage locals and tourists to linger and shop. 4) Provide flexibility for public/private partnerships to attract more business & customers Develop flexible design guidelines that can be applied to the scale of development considered; encourage the development of open spaces that attract pedestrian activity 5) and use of the space. AESTHETICS Facades, building forms, and streetscaping that are scaled appropriately, pleasing in appearance, and welcoming to residents and visitors alike Develop appropriately scaled and attractive public spaces that interrelate with all 1) modes of travel Enhance the importance of nearby land uses by building road sections with multi- 2) modal options Encourage the local municipalities and San Juan County to develop entryway signage 3) or monuments and include landscaping and art for downtowns and neighborhoods Ensure that road cross sections complement, enhance & encourage attention to 4) facade treatments, building forms, streetscaping and underground utilities 9  Development of a Complete Streets Vision Statement Complete Streets Advisory Group Individual Vision Statement (June 5): • To develop transportation networks that are planned, designed, and constructed to provide multi-modal connectivity for all users with guidelines that are context sensitive and integrate community values for economic development, aesthetics, safety, and health. • To develop a connected transportation network – planned, designed, and constructed for all users – to promote health, safety, and economic vitality in an attractive way. • To develop context appropriate transportation networks that are planned, designed, and constructed based on the values of safety, healthy living, aesthetics, economic vitality, multi-modalism, and connectivity. • Plan, design, and construct context sensitive transportation network that considers the needs of all users and promotes health, safety, and economic vitality in an aesthetically pleasing way. Draft Vision Statement (developed as a collective group – June 5): • Plan, design, and construct connected, multi-modal, and context appropriate transportation networks that consider the needs of all users and which integrate community values of health, safety, and economic vitality in an aesthetically pleasing way. Recommended Vision Statement (developed by the Advisory Group on July 9) • The Farmington MPO region will plan, design, and construct connected, multi- modal, and context appropriate transportation networks. These will address the needs of all users and integrate the community values of health, safety, and economic vitality in an aesthetically pleasing way. 10 Land Use Context Areas & Road Types 11  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item Subject: Red Apple Transit Data Collection Prepared by: Joe Delmagori, MPO Planner Date: July 30, 2013 BACKGROUND or PREVIOUS WORK  Two interns were hired on June 3 for transit data collection for the Red Apple Transit system.  The interns collect ridership by route, boardings and departures by stop, and track passenger origins and destinations.  The interns also distribute surveys that collect information on frequency of use and why transit trips are taken. CURRENT WORK  The interns collect data on two routes each week, riding during four weekdays and on Saturday.  Scheduling typically allows for each hourly run during the day to be counted.  The interns are finishing their data collection in August. ANTICIPATED WORK  Staff will evaluate the collected data for any correlations between social economic factors and riders.  Staff will evaluate the transit need within this region.  The data will assist Red Apple in identifying potential future transit changes. RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee receive a report on Red Apple Transit data collection activities. 12  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item Subject: Information Items Prepared by: Joe Delmagori, MPO Planner Date: July 30, 2013 INFORMATION ITEMS a. MPO Summit. As discussed on June 20, the Las Cruces MPO is coordinating a statewide MPO Summit for MPO Policy members in Albuquerque on Saturday, September 14. Staff will provide an update and discuss local participation. b. Other. 13  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 MINUTES FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING JUNE 20, 2013 Policy Members Present: Sherri Sipe, City of Aztec Pat Lucero, City of Bloomfield Dan Darnell, City of Farmington Gayla McCulloch, City of Farmington Policy Members Absent: Scott Eckstein, San Juan County Staff Present: Mary L. Holton, MPO Officer Joe Delmagori, MPO Planner Duane Wakan, MPO Associate Planner June Markle, MPO Administrative Aide Staff Absent: None Also Present: Larry Hathaway, San Juan County 1. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Lucero called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. 2. APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 21, 2013 POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING Mr. Darnell made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 23, 2013 Policy Committee meeting. Ms. Sipe seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. 3. RECEIVE A REPORT ON A MPO-RPO SUMMIT Subject: MPO-RPO Summit Prepared by: Joe Delmagori, MPO Planner Date: June 11, 2013 BACKGROUND or PREVIOUS WORK  A MPO-RPO Summit is being proposed for August or September as a way for Policy Committee representatives from all of the organizations to meet together to discuss common policies and issues affecting everyone. 14  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013  Representatives from the Las Cruces MPO are speaking to each MPO and RPO about the summit. CURRENT WORK  Trustee Linda Flores with the Las Cruces MPO Policy Committee will speak to the Farmington MPO Policy Committee on June 20. RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee receive a report on a MPO-RPO Summit. DISCUSSION: Mr. Delmagori called Trustee Linda Flores with the Las Cruces MPO Policy Committee. Via a conference call, those present introduced themselves to Trustee Flores who then spoke to the Policy Committee about an upcoming policy committee summit proposed for September 14, 2013. Trustee Flores said the Las Cruces MPO Policy Committee is suggesting a summit of MPO and RPO policy committee members to discuss ways to work together to see about increasing funding for the state as well as looking for ways to improve how the each of the MPOs and RPOs function and how to improve cooperation between agencies. One of the topics of interest to the Las Cruces MPO Policy Committee are the current DWI and open container laws that negatively impact federal funding to the state. Trustee Flores added that other areas of discussion for the summit could include: new MAP-21 legislation, TAP funding, prioritization of each TIP, new performance measures set by FHWA, and NMDOT’s new statewide long range plan. Trustee Flores stated the summit will be held at the Mid-Region Council of Governments’ (MRCOG) office in Albuquerque from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14. She invited and encouraged all FMPO’s Policy Committee members to attend. Those interested in attending should contact Ms. Sharon Thomas, another member of the LCMPO Policy Board. Mr. Darnell asked if, as a result of the summit, resolutions would be passed and provided to the state’s legislative delegation. Trustee Flores said this was possible especially with recommended changes to state statutes. She thought the summit would be considered more as professional development and as a learning experience for the members. Mr. Darnell agreed that networking among the members would be a good idea yet thought there needed to be an end product for the summit. He thought that if consensus among the members could be reached on some of the issues, this would provide a combined voice for the entire body of MPO/RPO policy committees. Mr. Delmagori asked if MPO staff were going to be involved and invited. Trustee Flores said that the focus for this meeting was for the MPO/RPO policy committee members. Mr. Darnell asked if MPO staff was being excluded from the summit. Both he and Ms. McCulloch said they believed it was important to have FMPO staff present and available as a reference for questions that might be raised. Trustee Flores clarified that any interested individual was welcome to attend. 15  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 Ms. McCulloch asked Trustee Flores to speak with the Las Cruces MPO Policy Committee to ensure they would be amenable to having staff members in attendance. Mr. Lucero asked Trustee Flores to let FMPO know if this would be acceptable to her group. Trustee Flores said she would do that and again asked FMPO Policy Committee members to let Ms. Sharon Thomas know if they planned to attend the summit. The conference call with Trustee Flores was concluded. Mr. Lucero said that he did not believe the Policy Committee members wanted to micromanage MPO Staff and stated it was imperative that FMPO staff be a part of the summit. Mr. Delmagori asked the Policy Committee members to give thought to their participation in the summit. Ms. Sipe asked if New Mexico’s exceptions to the open container law were why the state lost funding. Mr. Delmagori said that the state is penalized because of its DWI issues and when federal funding comes to the state, a portion is automatically deducted off the top because of this issue. Ms. Holton explained that there are actually two exceptions; one is for religious purposes and the other is for medicinal purposes (actually prescribed by a physician). ACTION: The report was received. 4. AMENDMENT #6 TO THE FFY2013-2018 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP) AND AMENDMENT #1 TO THE FFY2014-2019 TIP Subject: FY2013-2018 TIP Amendment #6 and FY2014-2019 TIP Amendment #1 Prepared by: Joe Delmagori, MPO Planner Date: June 12, 2013 BACKGROUND  On May 15, 2013 the Farmington MPO advertised Amendment #6 to the FY2013-FY2018 and Amendment #1 to the FY2014-2019 Transportation Improvement Program.  The amendment adds three projects to the TIP and revises three other projects as described in the attached notice. CURRENT WORK  Revised projects include the project description for Safe Routes to School Infrastructure, additional funding for Red Apple Transit Operating, and additional funding for the East Arterial in Aztec.  Farmington and San Juan County have been awarded safety projects that will be added to the TIP.  The East Pinon Hills Blvd project in 2015 will have a change to its NMDOT control number.  A public hearing on Amendments #6 and #1 was held on May 23, 2013 during the Technical Committee meeting. 16  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013  No public comments were received during the 30-day public comment period.  The Technical Committee recommended approval of Amendment #6 and Amendment #1. RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee approve Amendment #6 to the FY2013-2018 TIP and Amendment #1 to the FY2014-2019 TIP and the Self- Certification for these Amendments. DISCUSSION: Mr. Delmagori stated that Amendment #6 to the FY2013-2018 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Amendment #1 to the FY2014-2019 TIP were both needed because there were revisions to projects in both FY2013 and FY2014. The FY2013 TIP will finish up at the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30, 2013 and the FY2014-2019 TIP will begin on October 1, 2013 with the beginning of the federal fiscal year. Mr. Delmagori reported that the public comment period for these projects was from May 15 until June 14, 2013. No public comments were received during this required 30-day Public Comment period. Mr. Delmagori said that Pages 5 and 6 of the Agenda listed and described the six projects that were included in Amendment #6 and Amendment #1: • Safe Routes to School Infrastructure - revises the project description for projects funded through the Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS) for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2013 in the amount of $250,000 for the City of Farmington. Mr. Delmagori noted that project descriptions changed and the funding was expanded to cover two other projects. He said the cost estimates for the original projects were lower than anticipated which allowed for the addition of these other projects. The new project description is shown below: Mr. Delmagori said that with the recent call for safety projects, the MPO was successful in having two projects selected: • San Juan Blvd/Scott Ave Intersection - adds this safety project to the Regionally Significant List from the Unfunded List in the amount of $375,000 in FFY2014 using Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding for the City of Farmington. • CR 350/CR 390 Intersection Improvements - adds this safety project to the Regionally Significant List from the Unfunded List in the amount of $650,000 in FFY2014 using HSIP funding for San Juan County. Mr. Delmagori stated that through MAP-21, the Red Apple Transit received additional 5307 operating funds: 17  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 • Red Apple Transit 5307 Operating - increases federal 5307 funding in FFY2013 from $593,523 to $691,836 (local match of $691,836 increases overall total to $1,383,672). Mr. Delmagori reported that District 5 was able to find Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding for the East Arterial project in Aztec. In combination with the completion of Phase 1 of this project on the north side on NM 173, the bookends for this project will be completed: • East Arterial - adds funding for this project in the amount of $2,812,000 ($2,402,573 federal, $409,427 match) in FFY2013 using Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding for the City of Aztec. Total project funding is increased to $3,400,000 (currently the project is funded with a $588,000 earmark). The funding will be for Phases 1B1 and 1B2, constructing a new intersection and road at US 550 south of the city and moving in a northeast direction. • East Pinon Hills Blvd – this FFY2015 project will be moved from control number F100150 (to be deleted) to control number F100100. This project is the extension of Pinon Hills over the Animas River. No changes will occur to the project description, termini, fiscal year, source, or amount. Mr. Delmagori stated that the Technical Committee reviewed these projects and held a public hearing at their May 23 meeting. There were no public comments received during this meeting. The Technical Committee recommended approval of the Amendments. Mr. Darnell asked what the deficiency was at the intersection of San Juan Boulevard and Scott Avenue. Mr. Delmagori said this project is to replace and/or upgrade the mast arms and lights. ACTION: Mr. Darnell moved to approve Amendment #6 to the FY2013-2018 TIP and Amendment #1 to the FY2014-2019 TIP and the corresponding Self-Certification. Ms. McCulloch seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. 5. CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ANNUAL MPO SELF- CERTIFICATION DOCUMENT (PC RESOLUTION 2013-2) Subject: MPO Self-Certification Document Prepared by: Joe Delmagori, MPO Planner Date: June 11, 2013 CURRENT WORK  As stated in 23 CFR 450.334, the MPO is required to complete the self- certification process annually.  Self-certification indicates that the MPO is addressing the transportation planning process and the major issues within the metropolitan area. 18  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013  The self-certification document will become part of the MPO FFY2014-2015 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee adopt Resolution 2013-2, approving the Self Certification document, finding that the Farmington Metropolitan Planning Organization meets the requirements for Self-Certification. DISCUSSION: Mr. Delmagori reported that the MPO Self-Certification Document is required by FHWA and indicates that the MPO is addressing the transportation planning process as well as the major issues with the metropolitan area. Mr. Delmagori said the PC Resolution 2013-2 and the Self-Certification Documents could be found on pages 10-14 of the Agenda. He stated that, as a small MPO, a simplified Self-Certification document was all that was required. Mr. Delmagori stated that with this document the MPO self-certifies that it is carrying out the MAP-21 requirements and following all the regulations of Title VI and ADA compliance. ACTION: Ms. Sipe moved to adopt Resolution 2013-2, approving the Self Certification document, finding that the Farmington Metropolitan Planning Organization meets the requirements for Self-Certification. Mr. Darnell seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. 6. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE TITLE VI PLAN FOR THE MPO Subject: Title VI Plan Prepared by: Joe Delmagori, MPO Planner Date: June 11, 2013 BACKGROUND  The FHWA MPO Review indicated that the MPO needs to develop a Title VI Plan.  MPO staff worked with the NMDOT Office of Equal Opportunities to develop the Title VI Plan.  The Title VI Plan needs to be approved by September 2013.  The Technical Committee recommended approval of the Title VI Plan on May 23. CURRENT WORK  The plan includes non-discrimination statements of policy and Title VI assurances  The plan identifies Title VI actions relating to the transportation planning requirements (UPWP, TIP, MTP) and the public involvement process. 19  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013  As the fiscal agent, the City of Farmington will handle for the MPO Title VI procedures specifically relating to Title VI complaints, reporting, and training.  The Title VI Plan references a Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan; this is an activity that the MPO will take on at a later time. RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee approve the MPO Title VI Plan. DISCUSSION: Mr. Delmagori stated that over the past couple of months, the draft Title VI document has been reviewed by the Committees. The document presented today is the final draft document which is now ready for approval by the Policy Committee. Mr. Delmagori reported that NMDOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity has reviewed the MPO document and has given its recommendation for approval. Mr. Delmagori reviewed the newest changes that have occurred since last presented to the Policy Committee: Section IV, Page 8 Some additional information on communication and notifications to the public was added. Mr. Delmagori said that some of the information was pulled from the MPO’s Public Participation Plan, but this section was expanded. Section V, Organization and Staff Responsibilities, Page 8 and 9 Several paragraphs were added which describe MPO staff and how they are integrated into the City of Farmington’s structure. Section VI, Pages 9 and 10 This section explains the responsibilities of the Title VI Coordinator and also the coordination to take place between MPO Staff and the Coordinator to ensure that Title VI requirements continue to be met. Mr. Delmagori reported that the MPO will follow the same process as the Red Apple Transit Title VI Plan. The City of Farmington’s Human Resources Director will be designated as the MPO’s Title VI Coordinator and any complaints received will be handled by the HR Director. Pages 10 and 11 The section on Reporting a Title VI Complaint was duplicated from the Red Apple Transit plan. Mr. Delmagori said NMDOT requested a statement be added which stated that if a complaint is filed with FMPO but not filed with NMDOT, the MPO will inform NMDOT of the complaint and the measures taken to address and resolve the complaint. Pages 11 and 12 The section on Filing a Title VI Complaint is similar to the Red Apple Transit Title VI plan. 20  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 The section Title VI Complaint Form refers to Appendix B which is shown on pages 15 and 16 of the MPO Title VI document. Pages 12 and 13 These pages detail the Limited English Proficiency section. Mr. Delmagori explained that pursuant to an Executive Order, any treatment based upon a person’s inability to speak, read, write, or understand English is a type of discrimination. Until the MPO develops its own Limited English Proficiency Plan, the MPO will reference the City of Farmington’s LEP Plan. Mr. Delmagori added that Staff will be developing a Limited English Proficiency Plan as part of the MPO’s FFY2014-2015 Unified Planning Work Plan (UPWP). Once this is developed, it will be incorporated into the MPO Title VI Plan. Mr. Delmagori stated that the Technical Committee reviewed the MPO Draft Title VI Plan on May 23 and they recommended approval. ACTION: Mr. Darnell moved to approve the MPO Title VI Plan. Ms. Sipe seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. 7. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE FFY2014-2015 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM Subject: FFY2014-2015 Unified Planning Work Program Prepared by: Joe Delmagori, MPO Planner Date: June 11, 2013 BACKGROUND  The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is the fiscal year work plan for the MPO.  Starting with FFY2014, the MPO is moving its UPWP to cover planning activities and work products to be completed during the federal fiscal year (October to September).  In addition, the MPO has agreed to move to a two-year UPWP (covering FFY2014 and 2015).  The Policy Committee approved an amendment on April 23 that extends the FY2013 UPWP by three months to cover July 1-September 30, 2013.  The Technical Committee recommended approval on May 23. CURRENT WORK  Staff has developed work activities for the FFY2014-2015 UPWP.  Annual activities will include reporting and budgeting, the traffic count program, TIP maintenance, GIS, and Safe Routes to School activities.  Major new and ongoing activities will include the MTP update, continued development of the Complete Streets process, transit data collection activities, a 21  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 functional classification update with NMDOT, assisting NMDOT with its long range plan update, and calibrating/validating the traffic model.  Staff has prepared a budget using PL and 5303 estimates from NMDOT. RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee approve the FFY2014-2015 UPWP and FFY2014-2015 Budget. DISCUSSION: Mr. Delmagori reported that this is the first time the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) would be on the federal fiscal year from October to September. Additionally, beginning with FFY2014, the MPO would be moving to a two-year UPWP. Mr. Delmagori reviewed the recent changes to the FFY2014-2015 UPWP and FFY2014- 2015 Budget which began on Page 18: Section III – General Development and Comprehensive Planning, Page 18 Included in this section is the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). Mr. Delmagori said this was the long range plan for the MPO and that it needed to be updated every five years. Staff plans to begin revising this document this fall, with a final targeted adoption date of April 2015. This section lists the numerous representative products that will be included in updating the MTP. Complete Streets, Page 19 As one of the major ongoing activities, Staff will continue to work on Complete Streets with the assistance of the Complete Streets Advisory Group. The Complete Streets policy and design guidelines are hoped to be completed by April 2014. Access Management Plan, Page 22 Mr. Delmagori stated that this document was last adopted in January 2009. Staying with MPO policy to review and update documents every three to five years, this Plan will need to be reviewed and updated during FFY2014. Additionally, it was suggested by the Technical Committee that the AMP update occur in conjunction with the Complete Streets process. Limited English Proficiency Plan, Page 23 Mr. Delmagori stated Staff will begin work on this Plan in the fall with completion hopefully in six to eight months. Section IV – Long Range Transportation Planning, Page 24 Traffic Demand Model Staff plans to look at the calibration/validation process for the model throughout the summer months. This model will be used for the MTP update later in the year. Functional Classification System, Page 26 Mr. Delmagori said the changes here are primarily to work with NMDOT to review their functional classifications and database and update that appropriately. The MPO has already adopted its Major Thoroughfare Plan and this will be used to assist NMDOT with their updates. 22  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 NMDOT Planning Products, Page 29 Mr. Delmagori stated that NMDOT had held a kick-off meeting for their long-range plan and they anticipate creating working groups that will focus in on specific elements of their long-range plan. Mr. Delmagori said this will be an opportunity for Staff to assist NMDOT in this planning. Section VII – Budget Summary – Pages 32 and 33 Mr. Delmagori said the budget section shows the estimated MPO budget. He noted that the MPO has not yet received the actual work authorizations from NMDOT, but they are expected in the next few months. Once those have been received, the MPO budget will be updated accordingly. Mr. Delmagori said that based on a formula developed by the MPOs and NMDOT in October 2012, FMPO can anticipate a base federal PL amount of $196,487 which would require a local match of $33,484 giving the MPO $229,971 in planning funds. Additionally, the MPO expects to receive approximately $36,000 in FTA 5303 transit funding. The overall MPO budget for FFY2014 is $326,798. Mr. Delmagori said the FFY2015 estimated amounts shown on Page 33 were increased slightly from FFY2014 numbers to provide an estimate for this budget section of the UPWP. He noted that these numbers can be amended once the actual dollar amounts are known. Mr. Delmagori reported that at the MPO Quarterly Meeting, there was a discussion about changing the UPWP format. NMDOT and FHWA want all the UPWPs to be formatted the same. Review of the proposed changes by the MPOs has just begun and, once finalized, changes to FMPO’s UPWP format may be required. Mr. Delmagori noted that the changes would be only in the formatting of the UPWP and not in its content. ACTION: Mr. Darnell moved to approve the FFY2014-2015 UPWP and FFY2014-2015 Budget. Ms. McCulloch seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. 8. RECEIVE A REPORT FROM NMDOT There were no NMDOT or District 5 representatives in attendance. Mr. Delmagori reported on some of the discussion with Mr. Phil Gallegos from the May Technical Committee meeting. The work on the intersection of US 64 and US 550 which is part of the US 64 Phase 2 construction was delayed due to some potential contamination of the area. The issue has been cleared up and the contractor is now working on this section of the project. Completion of the project is expected sometime this summer. NMDOT will let Phase 3 of the US 64 project this summer. This Phase will continue the project for another two miles heading west from the Bloomfield city limits. Construction on the project is not expected to begin until next spring unless there is a mild winter. The design work for Phase 4 of the project is in the works and this Phase will extend the construction to approximately McGee Park and the intersection with CR 350. These two phases are expected to take another three to four years to completion. 23  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 Mr. Wakan added that Mr. Phil Gallegos had said that the letting of the project was delayed due to an issue with the Lee Acres Water Association. The main water line for the association is in NMDOT right-of-way and must be relocated. Mr. Gallegos said that NMDOT would assume the relocation costs and allow Lee Acres to reimburse them over time. Mr. Delmagori reported that there is a $2,000,000 safety project for NM 173 heading east from where the East Arterial Project finished up. NMDOT anticipates this to be the first of several phases along this roadway that will include geometrics and improvements to the slope and vertical curves. NMDOT intends to include $2,000,000 each year for several years in order to address approximately six miles of NM 173. Mr. Delmagori stated that there is a corridor study planned for NM 371 from I-40 up to Farmington. In conjunction with this, Ms. Holton and Mr. Delmagori met with Mr. Ray Hagerman, CEO for Four Corners Economic Development Services (4CEDS), and discussed the potential of having rail integrated into this corridor study. Mr. Delmagori said there had been some discussion of a spur line from I-40 through Thoreau and Crown Point and into the Farmington area potentially terminating at the NAPI facility. Mr. Delmagori commented that the State Rail Plan that was discussed two or three years ago became stagnant due to personnel issues. There is a renewed effort to get this back up and running. A conference call with a rail representative was part of the meeting Mr. Delmagori and Ms. Holton had with Mr. Hagerman. Mr. Delmagori noted that Mr. Hagerman is on board with this study. Mr. Darnell stated that he agreed rail along NM 371 could be a benefit to the Navajo Nation and to NAPI, but he did not see this as being ideal for Farmington. He believed a better idea would be to use the old US 666 and come across which would bring the rail actually into Farmington. With potential routing along NM 371, Mr. Darnell sees issues with getting it down off the bluffs. He asked if the MPO should be behind this issue. Ms. Holton said the meeting with Mr. Hagerman was to discuss regional economic development. She noted that in their discussions, the rail terminal was not necessarily being located in Farmington but could remain on the bluffs. Obviously NAPI would have an interest in this option, but other area interest in rail could see this benefitting the entire region. Ms. Holton said that in their discussion with Mr. Hagerman, he noted that the Navajo Nation owns the land along NM 371 and they would have the rights-of-way. The state rail plan representative commented that the BNSF Railway as an interest in running a line from Thoreau to the San Juan and McKinley County line. Ms. Holton stated that this discussion was to reiterate this area’s interest in getting rail transportation in place. If this transportation were in place, more industry could be attracted to the area which would help to diversify the economy. Mr. Darnell said he was not sure he agreed with this but asked if the MPO needed to take a position on it. Ms. Holton said the meeting with 4CEDS was for informational purposes and to provide Mr. Hagerman with some contacts in Santa Fe and Albuquerque who are working on the rail plan. Ms. McCulloch asked about a reclamation project being done on NM 173 south of Navajo Dam. No one was familiar with the work being done. 24  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 Mr. Darnell asked when the speed limit in Bloomfield would be raised back up from the current 35 mph. Mr. Lucero said he receives questions on a daily basis about this. NMDOT has said that the lowered speed is due to safety concerns created by the uneven pavement and missing lane markings on the south side of the road west of the intersection with US 550. Mr. Delmagori said he would check with District 5 on this issue. Ms. Sipe asked about when the NM 173 project would begin. Mr. Delmagori said the funds should be obligated in 2014 with construction expected to begin in late summer next year. Mr. Delmagori said District 5 anticipates approximately six phases to the project and being able to complete one or two miles for each $2,000,000 allocation. 9. TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP) Subject: Transportation Alternatives Program Prepared by: Duane Wakan, MPO Associate Planner Date: June 12th, 2013 BACKGROUND or PREVIOUS WORK  MAP-21 has created the new Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).  TAP merges Transportation Enhancements (TPE), Safe Routes to School (SRTS), and Recreational Trails into one program.  Funding for TAP projects will be based on a competitive process.  NMDOT worked with the MPOs/RPOs to develop guidelines for the project selection process.  FHWA approved the TAP guidelines on May 9. CURRENT WORK  A Call for TAP projects was issued on May 16.  The MPO will use the summer months to review, score, and select eligible projects for inclusion in the TIP.  Brian Degani with NMDOT gave a presentation on the TAP guidelines to the Technical Committee on May 23.  Staff is developing options for how to proceed with the project selection process. RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee receive a presentation on the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and receive information on the project selection process. DISCUSSION: Mr. Wakan explained that Mr. Brian Degani, the MPO Planning Liaison, had presented the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to the Technical Committee in May. Mr. Wakan gave an update to the Policy Committee with this most current information. 25  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 Mr. Wakan reviewed that (TAP) is a new program under MAP-21 which is the new two- year transportation bill. TAP combined several previous programs: Transportation Enhancements (TE), Safe Routes to Schools, and Scenic Byways. TAP is a cost reimbursement program and requires a 14.56% local match. Mr. Wakan explained how the funding is distributed: FMPO Federal funding estimates: Population Area Target FFY 2014 FFY 2015 Pop. 4,999 or less (Rural) $ 23,293 $ 23,293 Pop. 5,000 to 200,000 $106,999 $106,999 Pop. 200,001+ $ $ Anywhere $211,322 $211,322 Total: $341,614 $341,614 Note: a 14.56% local match would be added to these federal totals He noted that the first three rows in the chart show the population-based funding. Because FMPO does not meet the large population threshold, it does not receive any funding for this category. The “anywhere” funding will be used to support the other two population area targets. FMPO is expected to receive $341,614 in federal TAP funds for both FFY2014 and FFY2015. Mr. Darnell asked if the MPO had to apply for this money. Mr. Wakan said that the entities will submit project applications and the MPO will use the scoring criteria to rank projects for the funds. Mr. Delmagori clarified that these funds are programmed to the MPO for use on MPO projects. Mr. Wakan continued to explain the TAP program, describing the types of projects that are eligible and ineligible for funding. He also mentioned the entities that are eligible to apply for the funding. NMDOT has set a deadline of October 1 for submitting approved lists of TAP projects. Staff will work with the local entities in July and August to identify, score, and approve projects. Mr. Wakan said the TAP guide and application have been provided to entity staff and that he could be contacted with any questions. At NMDOT, Rosa Kozub is the point of contact and can assist with questions as well. Mr. Delmagori explained that each MPO must now develop its own scoring structure. At the MPO Quarterly Meeting, other MPOs reported that they plan to have a combination of their own staff members and NMDOT personnel review and score the projects. Since the MPOs and NMDOT are not eligible for applying for TAP funds, this process will have neutral parties help to decide which applications move forward. Mr. Delmagori thought having a neutral party involved in the scoring process was a good idea. Another possibility for the MPO would be to have the Technical Committee members do the 26  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 scoring and make the recommended approvals based on the scoring. A third possibility would be to have an evaluation committee that was not affiliated with the MPO process but familiar enough with it to score the projects. Mr. Delmagori reviewed parts of NMDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program Guide and the TAP scorecard for the Policy Committee. Mr. Delmagori explained that the Project Identification Form (PIF) provides NMDOT with what project certifications are already in place. The more project certifications that are in place, the more points that particular project would receive in this category. A project with all the listed certifications would score 30 points. Under Planning, points are given to projects that are already in a Capital Improvement Program and other planning documents such as the TIP or a Comprehensive Plan. Scoring will vary when the planning factors are applied. There are six factors and the entities must answer how their project addresses these six factors. The scoring, from 0 points to 5 points, will be determined based on how well the project meets or exceeds each of the planning factors. Mr. Delmagori gave an example of constructing a sidewalk project and addressing how it will impact economic vitality. The six planning factors are: Economic Vitality, Safety and Security, Accessibility and Mobility, Protection and Enhancement of the Environment, Efficient System Management and Operation, and System Preservation. Mr. Delmagori said the MPO had not yet received any projects for consideration from the entities. He stated that there are two TPE projects that will drop from the TIP because of the transition to the new TAP funding program. These projects are the Bergin Lane sidewalk project in Bloomfield ($1,000,000) and the 20th Street sidewalk project in Farmington ($491,000). Mr. Delmagori stated that both of these projects alone exceed the total amount of expected TAP funding. Additionally, the MPO has a prioritized list of unfunded projects that include four projects that could be considered for TAP funding. Mr. Darnell spoke of the missing sidewalk from Wildflower up to Mesa View Middle School and Esperanza Elementary School. Because the sidewalk is missing, the school children do not use the intersection, but jaywalk across the street and go across the top of the hill to reach the school. He would like to see this project considered for TAP funding and, perhaps, have it added to the existing list of MPO projects that are TAP eligible. Mr. Darnell said that with the new TAP scoring process, all projects would be evaluated and one would rise to the top of the list even if it was a new project. Mr. Darnell asked if there was a difference between the new TAP scoring process and how the MPO had selected projects in the past. He asked if the current process used by the MPO for selecting projects could still be used under TAP. Mr. Darnell said he thought it was a good and fair process and allowed each community an equal opportunity to have their projects selected and constructed. The Policy Committee clarified Mr. Darnell’s thoughts and discussed how other projects would be brought to the attention of the MPO and included on their priority lists. Mr. Delmagori stated that the call for projects provides the opportunity for the entities to get their projects on the priority lists. Mr. Delmagori asked what the Policy Committee would recommend for the scoring process. Ms. Holton stated that, based on Mr. Darnell’s comments, she would recommend that Staff do the initial scoring of projects, share the information with the 27  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 Technical Committee members and have them review and finalize the scoring, and then bring the recommendations to the Policy Committee for approval. The Policy Committee agreed to this scoring process recommendation. Mr. Delmagori said that Staff will work on scoring the projects received over the next two to three weeks. They will take the list of projects to the Technical Committee in July for their review and recommendation, and then seek approval by the Policy Committee at a special meeting in August or possibly wait until the regularly scheduled meeting in September. Mr. Delmagori said this special meeting would be discussed later in the meeting as part of the Information Items. ACTION: The report was received. 10. RECEIVE A STATUS REPORT ON POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT DATA FOR THE BASE AND FUTURE YEARS OF THE REGIONAL TRAFFIC MODEL Subject: Population/Employment Base and Projections Prepared by: Duane Wakan, MPO Associate Planner Date: June 13th, 2013 BACKGROUND or PREVIOUS WORK  Staff completed its revisions and updates to the Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ) boundaries.  The Policy Committee approved the new TAZ boundaries on April 23.  Updating population and employment for these TAZs for base and future years is the next step in the regional model update process. CURRENT WORK  Population and employment for a new 2012 baseline, a new 2025 mid-year, and a new 2040 long-range are being created by collecting and aggregating Census Data, County GIS address points, local school enrollment numbers, and local expertise.  Staff will assign population and employment distribution based on feedback from land-use planners, developers and other data sources.  Staff is working to incorporate the new TAZ boundaries and data series into the traffic model. RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee receive a status report on population and employment data for the base and future years of the regional traffic model. 28  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 DISCUSSION: Mr. Wakan reported that Staff has finished adjusting the Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ), and is getting the data for the base year in place along with looking at the projections and forecasts for population and employment. Mr. Wakan explained the three different approaches the MPO could use to project population and employment. The Trend option is the most efficient approach of the three but it is also the least accurate. It looks at historical data and extrapolates future trends. Mr. Wakan said a more integrated and technical approach would be the Dynamic approach. This approach requires a land use model which the MPO does not have. The land use model integrates zoning, land uses, and other components that help predict changes in population and employment. Another approach is Scenario Planning. It applies different population and employment projections and then looks to see which of the scenarios fits best with the regional values. Mr. Wakan said Staff has decided to use the Trend approach. Mr. Wakan stated that the Trend approach is cost effective and the least time-consuming, but the accuracy of the model is not as strong as the other options. For this option, Staff is looking at different data sources. The first is the US Census Bureau because it conducts decennial population counts every ten years. For the projections, Staff is looking to use the Bureau of Business & Economic Research (BBER) at the University of New Mexico. Mr. Wakan noted that BBER has already done forecasts for San Juan County for the mid-range year of 2025 and the long-range year of 2040. Mr. Wakan presented some graphs that showed the population trends from 1960-2010 from the US Census Bureau, and then the BBER forecasts take the numbers out to the year 2040. From this data, Staff then calculated the FMPO population based on the San Juan County population data. From the projections, Mr. Wakan said steady growth is expected within the MPO. Using the percent of total population, Staff calculated the mid- year 2025 population and the long-range 2040 population totals for the MPO. Mr. Wakan explained that now this population will need to be distributed across the MPO’s TAZ structure. He then showed how this information might look when added onto the 2010 Final TAZ Structure map. Mr. Wakan reported that the same process will be used to project employment numbers. This will be more difficult because the data is not readily available. He commented that numerous government entities provide varying data, but often leave out information such as the number of government employees. To be able to use the different sources, their information needs to be combined or each entity’s data must be summarized and used in totally distinct ways. Mr. Wakan said that some of the sources used in the past were the Bureau of Economic Analysis-Regional Economic Information System (BEA REIS) and the Quarterly Workforce Indicators (QWFI) from the US Census Bureau. Mr. Wakan said that the advantage to the BEA REIS data source is that it goes back to 1970 and is compiled every decade, similar to the Census count, and provides a population snapshot by decade. Using a linear equation, future employment numbers can be forecast. The trend line developed by Staff for the San Juan County employment 29  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 trends and projections is very conservative and shows only a small increase: the employment number in 2000 was 54,749; the 2040 projection shows 61,853. Using this same model but with a different equation showed a more liberal projection of 76,680 in 2040. The data from the QWFI is released every year, but goes back only to 1996 which makes extrapolating trends more difficult. Using this data, the employment number for 2040 is 78,611 which is not too different from the number derived using the BEA REIS source of 76,680. The growth for the year 2025 was slightly lower with this data source at 62,116 versus 66,665 with the BEA REIS source. Mr. Wakan explained the On The Map tool available through the US Census Bureau. Using this mapping tool, Staff will be able to generate a county employment profile for every year and then distribute the employment numbers across the MPO TAZ structure. Mr. Wakan said Staff is moving forward with the process. Once completed, Staff will take the projections and meet with local planners and developers to determine where they anticipate growth within the TAZs. Mr. Wakan said Staff plans to complete this process in the next couple of weeks. The MPO plans to hire Mr. Bob Shull in July to validate and calibrate the MPO’s traffic demand model. The new TAZ structure and data compiled will be incorporated into the model so that Mr. Shull can calibrate and validate the model and ensure it is producing realistic numbers. Mr. Wakan stated that Staff believes it is important to consider the Dynamic and Scenario Planning approaches. These may be considered later on as part of our long- range planning activities. ACTION: The report was received. 11. RECEIVE A REPORT ON RECENT COMPLETE STREETS ADVISORY GROUP MEETINGS Subject: Complete Streets Prepared by: Duane Wakan, MPO Associate Planner Date: June 11, 2013 BACKGROUND or PREVIOUS WORK  Complete Streets is a means of designing a roadway so that it accommodates all modes of travel, such as walking, biking, and transit.  Overview presentations on Complete Streets have been given to all councils/ commissions and several organizations.  The Complete Streets Advisory has developed values and goals that indicate the need and importance of Complete Streets. 30  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013  The Advisory Group held meetings on May 6th 2013 and June 5th 2013. CURRENT WORK  The MPO worked with the Advisory Group to confirm Complete Streets values, goals & visions.  On May 6th, the Advisory Group members completed a small group exercise where they created a series of complete streets goals based on value statements originated in previous meetings.  Staff then modified and compiled common themes and statements into specific goals.  On June 5th, goals were then used to articulate a vision statement developed by the advisory group.  Staff introduced the concept of defining new land use context areas and road types for the development of Complete Streets design guidelines RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee receive a report on the May 6th and June 5th Complete Streets Advisory Group meetings. DISCUSSION: Mr. Wakan referred to Page 21 and 22 of the Agenda and reviewed the recent Complete Streets Advisory Group meetings. Mr. Wakan reported that during the meeting on May 6 the Advisory Group developed a list of draft goals for each of the six core values. Staff then took the Advisory Group goals and consolidated and combined them into the draft goals shown on Page 21. On June 5, the Advisory Group worked to draft their vision statement. Mr. Wakan said the Advisory Group used the goals developed during the May meeting and drafted several versions of a vision statement. From these drafts, the Advisory Group developed their Complete Streets Final Draft Vision Statement shown on Page 22 of the Agenda. Mr. Wakan said each of the meetings have built upon the last. For upcoming meetings, the Advisory Group will look at defining land use context areas and road types. This process will work toward the Complete Streets design guidelines. Once the design guidelines are set, the Advisory Group will work on the policies and then develop a resolution. Mr. Darnell said he would like to see the definitions as they are developed as he was concerned with giving up functionality and the moving of traffic to simply provide for “aesthetically pleasing” designs. Ms. McCulloch commented that the focus is now on safety and that although traffic is encouraged to move slower with Complete Streets, it makes it safer. She added that some functionality may be sacrificed to increase safety. ACTION: The report was received. 31  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 12. RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE WEEKEND TRAFFIC COUNTS TAKEN MAY 3-5 Subject: Weekend Traffic Counts Prepared by: Duane Wakan, MPO Associate Planner Date: June 11th, 2013 BACKGROUND  The Policy Committee requested weekend traffic counts be taken for weekday/weekend comparative purposes.  MPO Staff, with input from the local entities, provided the consultant with 32 weekend count locations.  The locations covered external points at the MPO boundary, external points around the city boundaries, and key locations along East Main St.  Counts were conducted over the weekend of May 3rd – 5th. CURRENT WORK  Staff has prepared a summary of the count results for review.  Staff has compared the results with previous weekday count totals.  The counts are typically at or below weekday numbers.  The data indicates that Saturday has higher volumes than Sunday.  Peak travel times are between 10:00am and 3:00pm while the other times of the day have much lower volumes.  Staff has posted the weekend results on the MPO website.  Staff has provided the count data to NMDOT Traffic Count Division.  Staff has summarized and archived the count information. RECOMMENDATION  It is recommended that the Policy Committee receive a report on the 2013 Weekend Traffic Counts results. DISCUSSION: Mr. Wakan reported on the weekend traffic counts that had been requested by the Policy Committee to allow for a comparison of weekday versus weekend traffic. The traffic count consultant conducted these counts over the weekend of May 3-5 which was the first weekend of the month. Mr. Wakan referred to Page 23 of the Agenda which showed where the counts locations were and the percent change from the previous count. Mr. Wakan said the counts were lower than expected and some were much lower than a weekday count. He added that the regional trends show a slow decline in overall traffic. Ms. McCulloch asked if traffic flow was typically less on the weekends than the weekday. Mr. Wakan said that weekend traffic nationally is lower. The US Census Bureau just released a report which shows that most of the counties in New Mexico experienced lower traffic volumes on the weekend versus the weekday. 32  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 Mr. Wakan said that perhaps peak hour traffic led to the assumption that weekend traffic was higher than weekday. Mr. Wakan noted one location at 30th and Largo where there was just a 3% reduction in the overall average daily traffic (ADT) volumes. However, the peak traffic pattern was very different. On the weekdays, traffic peaked at about 5:15 p.m. while on Saturday and Sunday they peaked at 3:00 p.m. There was a 19% reduction in overall weekend traffic compared to the weekday numbers. Mr. Wakan reported that the counts taken at the endpoints showed an overall 14% decrease. The endpoints are where vehicles leave or enter the MPO boundary area. Mr. Wakan said the Technical Committee had discussed some possible reasons for the lower weekend traffic volumes: • Downturn in the economy • Oil and gas industry layoffs and fewer company vehicles • Carpooling • Changing work hours/schedules to decrease commuting • Shopping in town after the workday Mr. Wakan said that since this was the first weekend count taken, Staff is not able to explain why the counts were lower and cannot draw any firm conclusions from the limited data. Mr. Delmagori said the weekend traffic counts will be added to the traffic count cycle and expects to conduct one or two yearly weekend counts in the future. The Policy Committee members expressed their surprise over the numbers. Ms. McCulloch asked for the count data to be e-mailed to them so they could each review the numbers. Mr. Wakan added that this particular weekend could have been an anomaly. Future weekend counts will provide the necessary data to allow for some comparisons. Ms. McCulloch asked when the next weekend counts would be taken. Mr. Wakan said the traffic counts have typically been done annually, but Staff is considering moving to semi-annual weekday counts and the weekend counts would be included at those times. No specific dates for the first 2013 counts have been scheduled, but will likely be done sometime this fall. Mr. Darnell said that the Police Department’s manpower allocation is based on the fact that the county’s population jumps from 44,000 to 150,000 on the weekends. He wondered where their statistics were coming from and suggested that Staff request this information from them. Mr. Hathaway added that he thought the weekend of May 3-5 was the weekend of the Shiprock Fair and, perhaps, this had impacted the counts. Mr. Wakan said Staff had looked at all the endpoint flows to see if there was any particular directional flow and, for the most part, there was a decline into the MPO boundaries. Mr. Darnell noted that out of state licenses are seen on vehicles all over the Farmington area, so it was surprising to not see the traffic counts reflect these vehicles. ACTION: The report was received. 33  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 13. INFORMATION ITEMS Subject: Information Items Prepared by: Joe Delmagori, MPO Planner Date: June 12, 2013 INFORMATION ITEMS a. FHWA Review of the MPO. The MPO has finalized its Title VI Plan and is working with Farmington’s Finance and Payroll to improve its time tracking procedures. Updating the JPA and working with NMDOT on TIP-STIP database coordination will be two upcoming activities. b. NMDOT Long Range Plan Update. Staff attended the kickoff Cooperative Working Group meeting in Albuquerque on June 4. Representatives from all MPOs/RPOs will be assisting NMDOT through this group as well as through focus groups that cover specific elements of the plan. c. MPO Quarterly Meeting. The MPO Quarterly is being held at the MPO office on June 18. The Technical and Policy Committee members are invited to attend. d. Other. DISCUSSION: Mr. Delmagori said that the FHWA review of the MPO required the development of a Title VI Plan. With the plan approved by the Policy Committee today, this corrective action is complete. The other corrective action identified by the FHWA review was to get a remedy for the labor distribution and how Staff hours are charged to PL and FTA 5303 funding. Staff has been working with the City’s finance and payroll departments to get a mechanism in place. The MPO’s own internal tracking system was revamped to allow it to flow into the automated system. Mr. Delmagori said this changeover should be completed within a month or so. The third corrective action required better coordination on the TIP and STIP. The first part of this is with the MPO’s FFY2014-2019 TIP which begins on October 1. This will now have the TIP on the same cycle as the STIP. At the MPO Quarterly, Staff spoke with the STIP Unit Coordinator on how to update the MPO’s internal database to match the one used by NMDOT. Staff will now have access to the state’s program so that changes made by the MPO will automatically transfer into the state’s database and not require manual data entry. One of FHWA’s recommendations was to update the JPA to incorporate MAP-21 requirements. Staff has discussed the necessary revisions with Mr. Rodolfo Monge- Oviedo of FHWA, but hopes to get further clarification on exact language in the next couple of months. Mr. Monge-Oviedo said that it would be acceptable to extend the deadline on the JPA update until later in the year if needed. 34  Draft PC Minutes June 20, 2013 Mr. Delmagori said that Staff attended the kickoff Cooperative Working Group meeting in Albuquerque on June 4. Representatives from all MPOs/RPOs will be assisting NMDOT through this group as well as through focus groups that cover specific elements of the long range plan. The MPO Quarterly Meeting was held at the Farmington MPO Office on June 18. There was a lot of good discussion on various topics among the 20 participants. Mr. Delmagori asked to schedule an additional Policy Committee meeting August to address several upcoming action items: a possible TIP Amendment, the TAP Project List for approval, approval of the base and future year population/employment data, and approval of the Complete Streets Values, Goals, and Vision. The members agreed to meet on Wednesday, August 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the MPO Office. 12. BUSINESS FROM THE CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS AND STAFF There was no additional business from the Chairman, Members, or Staff. 13. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR There was no additional business from the floor. 13. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Sipe made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Darnell seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 3:42 p.m. __________________________ ___________________________ Pat Lucero, Chair June Markle, MPO Administrative Aide 35