MPO Technical Committee

MPO TECHNICAL COMMITTEE AGENDA March 11, 2020 10:00 a.m. Council Chambers Bloomfield City Hall 915 North First Street Bloomfield, New Mexico  AGENDA FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING March 11, 2020 10:00 AM This regular meeting will be held in Council Chambers at Bloomfield City Hall, 915 North First Street, Bloomfield, New Mexico. ITEM PAGE 1. Call to Order: Call meeting to order 2. Minutes: Approve the minutes from the February 12, 2020 Technical 8-16 Committee Meeting. 3. MTP Update. Presentation on the development of the MTP 1 Presented by: Aaron Sussman, Planner, Bohannan Huston 4. TIP Project Updates from Technical Committee Members: Members will 2-3 provide updates on their TIP projects. 5. Reports from NMDOT a. Update from the Planning Bureau (Joseph Moriarty) b. Update from District 5 (Javier Martinez) 6. Committee Member Discussion Item(s) 4 No discussion items were presented for inclusion on the Agenda. 7. Information Items 5-6 a. UPWP Administrative Amendment #5 b. TIP Administrative Modifications for February c. Local Government Transportation Project Fund (LGTPF) Update d. STEP Workshops for MPOs Presented by: Beth Escobar, AICP 8. Business from Chairman, Members, and Staff 9. Public Comment on Any Issues Not on the Agenda 10. Adjournment The public body may only take action on an item if it is listed for action on the publicly noticed agenda. 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 Assistant 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 Assistant if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item #3 Subject: Report on the 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Update Date: March 11, 2020 MONTHLY REPORT Mr. Aaron Sussman, Planner with Bohannan Huston (BHI) will call-in monthly with a report on the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Update. 1  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item #4 Subject: Status of TIP Projects Prepared by: MPO Staff Date: March 11, 2020 BACKGROUND  The STIP Protocols, finalized in early 2014, require that each MPO shall develop a process to monitor the progress and status of each project in the first two years of the TIP. These monthly reviews help correct inconsistencies in the TIP, STIP, the MPO’s MTP, Agreement Request Forms (ARFs), etc. and provide for discussion among the members and NMDOT representatives.  The Policy Committee approved the new FFY2020-2025 TIP during a Special meeting on July 25, 2019.  The projects currently on the FFY2020-2025 TIP are listed below. TRACKING INFORMATION (2018-2023 TIP) Local Agreement Status (ARF) ITS/Sys ENG Certification ROW Certification Public Involvement Certification Design Completion 30 – 60 – 90% Environmental Certification Utilities Certification Railroad Certification Archeology Certification PROJECTS ON FMPO FFY2020-2025 TIP  Aztec F100091 – East Aztec Arterial Phase II  Bloomfield F100300 – East Blanco Bridge  Farmington F100099 – Foothills Drive Enhancement Phase II F100100 – East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase I F100101 – East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase II F100132 – 20th Street Phase III TF00001 – Red Apple Transit  San Juan County F100021 – East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase III F100240 – Glade Run Recreation Area Trails F100290 – CR 5500 Bridge Replacement F100320 – Kirtland Schools Walk Path Extension F100330 – Glade Run Recreation Area Trails Extension  NMDOT F100170 - NM 173 Safety Improvements F100340 – US 550 Pavement Rehab F100350 – NM 371/N36 (PE) F100351 – NM 371/N36 (Const) 2  INFORMATION ITEM  This is an information item only. Committee members will have an opportunity to provide any needed feedback/updates regarding current TIP projects status and details. 3  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item #6 Subject: Committee Member Discussion Items Date: March 11, 2020 DISCUSSION ITEMS There were no additional discussion items provided by Technical Committee members for inclusion in the Agenda. 4  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item #7 Subject: Information Items Prepared by: MPO Staff Date: March 11, 2020 INFORMATION ITEMS a. UPWP Amendment #5. Administrative Amendment #5 to the Unified Planning Work Program was approved by NMDOT on February 14. The amendment was necessary to reflect the MPO’s actual awards from FHWA and FTA for FFY2020. Previous amounts reported were estimates. b. TIP Administrative Modifications for February. No change to projects. Fifteen administrative modifications were approved. c. Local Government Transportation Project Fund (LGTPF). NMDOT has notified the MPOs and the RTPOs of the presumed upcoming application process for the Local Government Transportation Project fund in anticipation of its funding in the State’s FY2021. NMDOT has rescheduled the meeting to discuss statewide selection/prioritization criteria for the Fund for Friday, February 21. Information learned from this discussion will be shared with the Technical Committee at their meeting on March 11. d. STEP Workshops for MPOs. FHWA has offered to conduct free, full-day MPO/RTPO workshops on the seven (7) pedestrian safety countermeasures included in its Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP) program (see attached flyer). The workshop is intended for Technical Committees and staff of MPOs or RTPOs. Is there interest by the FMPO in hosting a STEP workshop? Deadline for expressing interest is March 13. 5 Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian ‐ MPO Workshop According to the NHTSA, pedestrian fatalities have increased by 53 percent between 2009 and 2018, while all traffic fatalities have only increased by 2 percent. In 2018, over 72 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred away from intersections. Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) can be an integral part of prioritizing and programming improvements to address pedestrian safety. This free, full day (7‐ to 8‐hour) workshop introduces MPO and local agency representatives to the Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP) program, including strategies for supporting improved pedestrian safety at the local and regional scale. Workshop instructors will lead attendees through an exercise to develop an “action plan” for identifying and prioritizing needs for improving pedestrian safety. The workshop also includes a brief field visit exercise where participants will evaluate a site for opportunities to improve pedestrian safety. The workshop will discuss how MPOs and local agencies set and monitor safety targets, inventory pedestrian crossings, leverage funding for implementing pedestrian safety projects, and integrate safety data and analysis tools in the transportation planning process. The workshop will highlight the “Spectacular 7” countermeasures promoted by the STEP program:  Rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) are active (user‐actuated) or passive (automated detection) amber LEDs that use an irregular flash pattern at mid‐block or uncontrolled crossing locations. They significantly increase driver yielding behavior.  Leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) at signalized intersections allow pedestrians to walk, usually 3 to 4 seconds, before vehicles get a green signal to turn left or right. The LPI increases visibility, reduces conflicts, and improves yielding.  Crosswalk visibility enhancements, such as crosswalk lighting and enhanced signage and markings, help drivers detect pedestrians–particularly at night.  Raised crosswalks can serve as a traffic calming measure and reduce vehicle speeds.  Pedestrian crossing/refuge islands allow pedestrians a safer place to stop at the midpoint of the roadway before crossing the remaining distance. This is particularly helpful for pedestrians with limited mobility.  Pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs) provide positive stop control for higher‐speed, multilane roadways with high vehicular volumes. The PHB is an intermediate option between a flashing beacon and a full pedestrian signal.  Road Diets can reduce vehicle speeds and the number of lanes pedestrians cross, and they can create space to add new pedestrian facilities such as pedestrian crossing/refuge islands. Learning Objectives  Describe local, State and national pedestrian safety trends  Discuss applications of safety data to pedestrian planning and policy  Identify common pedestrian safety issues and how to apply the STEP countermeasures  Learn about best practices to develop projects including STEP countermeasures  Apply workshop concepts to local conditions during a group field visit  Develop an action plan for improving pedestrian safety 6  The minutes from the February 12, 2020 Technical Committee meeting are on the following pages. 7  MINUTES FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING February 12, 2020 Technical Members Present: Steven Saavedra, City of Aztec Jason Thomas, City of Bloomfield Beth Escobar, City of Farmington Virginia King, City of Farmington Andrew Montoya, Red Apple Transit Nick Porell, San Juan County Fran Fillerup, San Juan County Dan Flack, Town of Kirtland Technical Members Absent: Matt Grush, NMDOT District 5 Staff Present: Mary Holton, MPO Officer June Markle, Administrative Assistant Staff Absent: None Others Present: Aaron Sussman, Bohannan Huston (phone) Maggie Moore, NMDOT Planning Bureau Joseph Moriarty, Planning Liaison, NMDOT Sharon Cruz, North Region Design Center (phone) Manuel Maestas, North Region Design Center (phone) Larry Hathaway, San Juan County 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Nick Porell called the meeting to order at 10:03 am. 2. APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 8, 2020 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING Ms. Escobar moved to approve the minutes from the January 8, 2020 Technical Committee meeting. Mr. Thomas seconded the motion. The motion to approve the minutes passed unanimously. 3. REPORT ON THE 2045 METROPOLITAN Subject: Report on the 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Update Date: November 6, 2019 8  MONTHLY REPORT Mr. Aaron Sussman, Planner with Bohannan Huston (BHI) will call-in monthly with a report on the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Update. DISCUSSION: Mr. Aaron Sussman thanked all of the Technical Committee members for spending time with him while he was in town on January 30 and 31. He also thanked Ms. Escobar and the City of Farmington for providing a setting for him to present information about the 2045 MTP and to collect public input. Mr. Sussman advised that Phase I of the MTP outreach is being completed with one last advertising effort to get as much public feedback on the transit issues and concerns in the region as possible. Ads in both the Daily Times and the San Juan Sun were published on February 12. The results of all the outreach will be shared in the coming months. To begin transitioning, Mr. Sussman provided the Committee members with the BHI schedule for completion of the 2045 MTP which includes their key actions as well as the timeline for development of the chapters that will be shared with the Technical Committee for their review. He is planning a trip to the region and an in- person presentation to the Technical Committee on April 8. More chapters will be provided in the meantime along with initial information on the travel demand model. The first MTP chapter on transit was distributed to the Technical Committee for their feedback to help in shaping the direction of the plan. Mr. Sussman reviewed some of the policy recommendations included in this first draft of the chapter: the proposed downtown transit hub, a regional connection (i.e.: Durango and southwest Colorado area), a regional transit action plan to look at improving efficiency for users and expanding services that can be accomplished logically and strategically. Additional considerations are for data collection and supporting policies from a land use perspective and the regional perspective to bring people and destinations closer together, as well as reviewing stops in the region. A recent presentation by Ms. Holton to the San Juan County Management Group on the MPO and the current work on the MTP brought questions from the County’s Behavioral Health Services Director on transit needs affecting the population she serves. Ms. Holton said that she had been in contact with Ms. Hodgman yesterday and had provided her with the draft transit chapter. The Technical Committee also discussed recent studies identifying gender gap issues in transit (women with children and strollers, serving all riders, safety concerns). It was noted that much of the research is focused on larger, urban areas and not all recommendations would be appropriate for a system the size of Red Apple Transit. Mr. Montoya commented that most of the buses are not fully occupied (except for the morning buses to the college that are filled with students and not families) and do allow space for strollers, etc. One section in the draft transit chapter addresses safety in having the downtown hub corresponding with a police substation. The Committee also asked about looking at the existing conditions on freight and rail. A number of entities have asked for $500,000 for a rail feasibility study and economic development component from Farmington to somewhere along the I-40 corridor (Thoreau or Gallup). Four Corners Economic Development has a study from a few years 9 ago that will be analyzed again and updated. The Technical Committee thought this study should be noted in the 2045 MTP and referred Mr. Sussman to the Four Corners Economic Development group. 4. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN RED APPLE TRANSIT AND FMPO Subject: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between Red Apple Transit and FMPO Prepared by: Mary L. Holton, MPO Officer Date: February 12, 2020 BACKGROUND  This MOU is required of Red Apple Transit by the FTA per Gabrielle Chavez, Transit Planning & Service Coordination Manager/NMDOT. CURRENT ISSUES & RECOMMENDATIONS  This item will be presented to both committees in February 2020 for their consideration and approval.  Staff recommends that the MOU be approved.  FMPO Policy Committee action is scheduled for February 27, 2020. ACTION ITEM  Staff recommends that the Technical Committee consider recommending approval to the Policy Committee. If approved, the PC Chair would sign the MOU on behalf of the MPO. APPLICABLE CITATIONS  23 USC Section 134 and 135 and 49 USC 5303, et seq. and 43-1 Part 11, C.R.S. DISCUSSION: Ms. Holton reported that this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (pages 3-6 of the Agenda) was brought to the MPO’s attention by the FTA liaison, Gabrielle Chavez. The MOU is required of Red Apple Transit as well as all transit providers. If the Technical Committee recommends approval, it will be presented to the Policy Committee for their considered approval on February 27. If approved at that time, the Policy Committee Chair will sign the MOU on behalf of the MPO. Mr. Montoya summarized the MOU:  Red Apple Transit and the FMPO will have a written agreement to work together in transportation related plans and the sharing of transportation related data;  Red Apple Transit and the FMPO to conduct transportation related planning together within the MPO boundaries; 10   Roles and responsibilities of Red Apple Transit and the FMPO to work together to identify transit needs, projects, set priorities, provide assistance where needed, and conduct studies;  Red Apple Transit to provide the FMPO with updates on any projects being done within the MPO boundaries and seek FMPO assistance as needed. o Red Apple Transit is currently working to submit for an FTA grant to fund a transit hub. Funding awarded will be announced in the summer and should funding be awarded to Red Apple Transit, the FMPO will be included all aspects of the project. ACTION: Mr. Fillerup moved to recommend approval of the MOU between the Red Apple Transit and the FMPO to the Policy Committee. Mr. Saavedra seconded the motion. The motion to recommend approval was unanimous. 5. STATUS OF TIP PROJECTS Subject: Status of TIP Projects Prepared by: MPO Staff Date: February 12, 2020 BACKGROUND  The STIP Protocols, finalized in early 2014, require that each MPO shall develop a process to monitor the progress and status of each project in the first two years of the TIP. These monthly reviews help correct inconsistencies in the TIP, STIP, the MPO’s MTP, Agreement Request Forms (ARFs), etc. and provide for discussion among the members and NMDOT representatives.  The Policy Committee approved the new FFY2020-2025 TIP during a Special meeting on July 25, 2019.  The projects currently on the FFY2020-2025 TIP are listed below. TRACKING INFORMATION (2018-2023 TIP) Local Agreement Status (ARF) ITS/Sys ENG Certification ROW Certification Public Involvement Certification Design Completion 30 – 60 – 90% Environmental Certification Utilities Certification Railroad Certification Archeology Certification PROJECTS ON FMPO FFY2020-2025 TIP  Aztec F100091 – East Aztec Arterial Phase II  Bloomfield F100300 – East Blanco Bridge 11  Farmington F100099 – Foothills Drive Enhancement Phase II F100100 – East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase I F100101 – East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase II F100132 – 20th Street Phase III TF00001 – Red Apple Transit  San Juan County F100021 – East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase III F100240 – Glade Run Recreation Area Trails F100290 – CR 5500 Bridge Replacement F100320 – Kirtland Schools Walk Path Extension F100330 – Glade Run Recreation Area Trails Extension  NMDOT F100170 - NM 173 Safety Improvements F100340 – US 550 Pavement Rehab F100350 – NM 371/N36 (PE) F100351 – NM 371/N36 (Const) INFORMATION ITEM  This is an information item only. Committee members will have an opportunity to provide any needed feedback/updates regarding current TIP projects status and details. DISCUSSION: City of Aztec – Steven Saavedra East Aztec Arterial All the required documents have been re-submitted to the title company for acquisition of the required property. City of Bloomfield – Jason Thomas East Blanco Bridge The City of Bloomfield is waiting to schedule the PS&E on Phase I of the project. He mentioned that District 5 has hired Javier Martinez as the new Assistant District Engineer for Engineering Support and the scheduling of the PS&E will be coordinated with him. City of Farmington Foothills Drive Enhancement Ms. King had no update on this project as the design is still being updated. Pinon Hills Boulevard – Phase I and II Both phases are on hold pending funding. The City of Farmington and San Juan County are partnering on a BUILD grant request for all three Phases of the project. A meeting with NMDOT’s North Region Design Center, FHWA, and District 5 will be scheduled in March following position transition at NMDOT and FHWA as well as with the closing of the legislative session. Mr. Fillerup added that because San Juan County has Phase III 12 of this project, he asked that they be included and allowed to participate in any meetings scheduled to discuss this project. 20th Street – Phase III No updates on this project. San Juan County – Nick Porell Pinon Hills Boulevard As mentioned above, San Juan County and the City of Farmington are cooperatively preparing a BUILD grant application for the construction phase of this project. Glad Run Recreation Area Trails The determination of NEPA adequacy from BLM was received earlier in the week which should constitute the final environmental review and allow the project to proceed with construction this spring. CR 5500 Bridge Replacement Appraisals are ongoing. Design remains at 95% complete. Kirtland Schools Walk Path Extension County Commission signed the agreement with NMDOT at their meeting last week. Glade Run Recreation Area Trails Extension Waiting on the agreement from NMDOT which is expected soon. NMDOT Matt Grush was not in attendance and no project updates were provided. 6. REPORTS FROM NMDOT Planning Bureau – Joseph Moriarty Mr. Moriarty reported on the following:  Local Government Transportation Project Fund (LGTPF). New feasibility forms (PFF) tailored for this program have been distributed to the MPOs in anticipation of this program receiving legislative funding;  Maps from the last year’s Local Government Transportation Project Fund are available and were distributed to all MPOs;  NMDOT Long Range Transportation Plan. NMDOT’s consultant is working to schedule a stakeholder meeting in the Farmington area in March/April as one of the four meetings to be held statewide;  Crash data reports for 2018 are available on line. Mr. Moriarty will provide the URL to the MPO for distribution to those interested;  Safe Routes to School summit to be held in Albuquerque this spring;  New Mexico Outdoor Economics Conference to be hosted by Farmington. More information can be found at: outdooreconomicsnm.com Chair Porell asked about the anticipated turnaround time for submitting applications for the Local Government Transportation Project Fund. Mr. Moriarty responded that 13 the Planning Bureau is working to get all the background materials readied and hoping to streamline the process to make it easier for the local communities. Mr. Fillerup commented that he is still interested in being involved in helping to facilitate one of the stakeholder meetings here in this area. Ms. Holton commented that Erin Dean did send an email to Mr. Fillerup, but used his old City of Farmington email address. She was copied on the email so she will forward it to both Mr. Fillerup and Ms. Escobar for follow-up on a meeting location. Maggie Moore, NMDOT Planning Bureau stated that the agreement for the Glade Run Recreation Area Trails Extension was mailed to San Juan County on Monday. District 5 – Matt Grush Mr. Grush was not in attendance. No report was provided. 7. COMMITTEE MEMBER DISCUSSION ITEMS Subject: Committee Member Discussion Items Date: February 12, 2020 DISCUSSION ITEMS Mr. Thomas asked if there was any information on whether the NWNMCOG would continue to manage the MPO going forward. Ms. Escobar reported that the COG has declined to continue managing the MPO so administration of the MPO will be returning to the City of Farmington. The City posted for both an MPO Officer/Planner and an MPO Associate Planner and three initial Skype interviews were completed. Two candidates have been invited for in-person interviews on February 21. Ms. Escobar will be the Interim MPO Officer until that position is filled. There were no additional discussion items provided by Technical Committee members for inclusion in the Agenda. 8. INFORMATION ITEMS Subject: Information Items Prepared by: Mary L. Holton, AICP, MPO Officer Date: February 12, 2020 INFORMATION ITEMS e. TIP Amendment #2. No formal amendment was submitted. TIP Amendment #3 is scheduled to begin with the first call for projects on March 24. 14  f. TIP Administrative Modifications for January. An administrative modification was processed for F10009 (East Aztec Arterial) to update funding sources. See attached. g. Local Government Transportation Project Fund (LGTPF). NMDOT has notified the MPOs and the RTPOs of the presumed upcoming application process for the Local Government Transportation Project fund in anticipation of its funding in the State’s FY2021. An email providing additional information, a projected timeline, and a Project Feasibility Form (PFF) designed specifically for the program are attached. Additional information learned from the February 11 meeting between the NMDOT and the MPOs and RTPOs will be shared with you at your TC Meeting on February 12. DISCUSSION: a. Ms. Holton reported there were no new projects received nor changes to existing projects for TIP Amendment #2. The initial call for TIP Amendment #3 will start on March 24. b. TIP Administrative Modifications for January included processing an administrative modification for the East Aztec Arterial (F100091) (see details on pages 11 and 12 of the Agenda) to update the funding sources. Ms. Holton reported that Staff is currently working with the STIP group on two administrative modifications for February although there may be more before the end of the month. c.The conference call scheduled for February 11 to discuss the proposed PFF and the projected timeline for the Local Government Transportation Project Fund (LGTPF) was cancelled to inclement weather in Santa Fe. Ms. Holton noted that the proposed PFF is shown on Pgs. 16-19 of the Agenda as well as an email update and the proposed timeline/calendar on Pages 13-14. If the funding is approved, feasibility meetings with NMDOT will need to be held and following that, FMPO will need to prioritize the projects before they are submitted for the funding and this would require the PPM sub-committee to meet to consider the prioritization. Entity resolutions will also likely be required again. However, since the projects will not be selected until November, some leeway in the April 31 deadline may be possible for providing resolutions. 9. BUSINESS FROM THE CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS AND STAFF With Ms. Holton’s upcoming retirement, the Technical Committee recognized her efforts and thanked her for her work as the MPO Officer over the years. Everyone wished her well in her retirement. There was no additional business from the Chairman, Members and Staff. 10. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ISSUES NOT ON THE AGENDA There was no public comment on any issues not on the agenda. 15 11. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Flack moved to adjourn the meeting. Chair Porell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously and Chair Porell adjourned the meeting at 10:49 a.m. ___________________________ ___________________________ Nick Porell, Technical Committee Chair June Markle, Administrative Assistant 16