Members attending: Commissioner William Dozier Commissioner Tommy Hamm. Others attending: Clark Stephens Joe Chavarria Brandi Tagirs

Transcription

1 BAY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION (TPO) APRIL 26, 2017 MEETING MINUTES West Florida Regional Planning Council (Designated staff) Government Center 840 West 11 th Street Panama City, Florida Members attending: Commissioner Mike Nichols, Chairman Councilman John Reichard Councilman Hector Solis Councilman Mike Miller Commissioner Pamn Henderson Commissioner Rodney Friend Commissioner William Dozier Commissioner Tommy Hamm Others attending: Walt Dodson Clark Stephens Joe Chavarria Brandi Tagirs David Haight Sandra Lamb Wayne Waters Keith Bryant Lamar Hobbs Marc Mackey Sandy Culbreth Angela Bradley Gene Keen Lynn Cherry Paul Casto Neil Fravel Ben Faust Suzanne Lex Starsky Harrell Joe Pollock Jon McClain Tony Alex David Freni Scott Cord Matt Johnson Carey Brauer Matt Dockins Chris Piazza Chris Clubbs City of Panama City City of Panama City Beach City of Panama City Beach City of Parker City of Callaway City of Lynn Haven AECOM AECOM ARA ARA Atkins Atkins BCC Engineering BTT/BAT First Transit CDCS City of Panama City Beach Panama City DRMP FDOT FDOT First Transit HNTB H. W. Lochner, Inc. H. W. Lochner, Inc. Michael Baker Intl., Inc. Michael Baker Intl., Inc. News Herald RKK RKK Resource Real Estate

2 Page 2 W. C. Henry TPO Attorney John Combs Citizen Byron Khalil WJHG/WECP Austin Mount WFRPC Executive Director Mary Beth Washnock WFRPC Transportation Planning Manager Jenny Cook Brittany Ellers Gary Kramer Dorothy McKenzie Renee Quick Annie Walthall 1. CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE/ INVOCATION Chairman Nichols called the meeting to order. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairman Nichols requested an add-on item to the agenda. He asked that item L-1 be added to the Transit action items. The item was for discussion regarding closing the construction contract with the alternate. Ms. Cook asked for an add-on item for Enclosure N under action items for Planning. The item was for nominating a chairman and vice chairman. Commissioner Friend moved to approve the agenda with add-on items for Planning and Transit. Commissioner Dozier seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. Chairman Nichols recognized service of Commissioner Mike Nelson. Commissioner Nelson served on the TPO for a long time and served as chairman of the first MPO for five years. After that Commissioner Nelson became a county commissioner and served on the TPO for a total of 28 years. Commissioner Dozier also expressed his appreciation for Commissioner Nelson s service to the TPO and the County. 3. PUBLIC FORUM There were no speakers from the public. 4. CONSENT AGENDA: Approval of February 22, 2017 TPO Meeting Minutes Commissioner Henderson moved to approve February 22, 2017 meeting minutes. Commissioner Friend seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. 5. ACTION ITEMS FOR PLANNING: A. Resolution BAY Adopting the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Ranked Projects -

3 Page 3 Ms. Cook presented the ranked projects. A total of five applications were received for the TAP program. The projects were ranked in accordance with criteria adopted by the TPO last year. Ms. Cook reviewed the scoring and ranking of the projects on the priority list. Chairman Nichols expressed some concern with the Cherry Street sidewalks project. Commissioner Henderson said one side of the street was Callaway and the other side of Cherry Street is Parker. Chairman Nichols asked that there be consideration given from Tyndall Parkway back to the first red light for a connector. Ms. Cook said they could make a recommendation to Callaway. Chairman Nichols recommended meeting with the two cities and add a project to the list. Councilman Miller said they had not funded for Cherry Street because it is questionable as to whether it is for Callaway or Parker. He said the street is divided in the middle. He stated some of it is also in Springfield. Councilman Solis asked how much the budget is for TAP. Ms. Cook said for all of District 3 it is approximately $3 million, i.e., for 16 counties. Commissioner Henderson moved to recommend the TPO authorize the TPO chairman to sign Resolution BAY adopting the TAP Ranked Projects. Councilman Miller seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. B. Consideration of O-W Resolution Adopting the FY 2017 FY 2018 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Year 2 (FY 2018) Amendments, Authorizing the West Florida Regional Planning Council Executive Director to sign the FY 2017 Certifications and Assurances and Authorizing TPO Staff to Apply for and Execute a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5305 Grant for use in FY 2018 Ms. Washnock said the UPWP is the budget and tasks performed by staff for the TPO. Under consideration was Year 2, i.e. FY Both advisory committees had recommended approval of the document. Ms. Washnock said changes can be made to the UPWP as needed. Tasks can be added, or more money can be applied to a task with modifications and amendments. Commissioner Friend moved to recommend the TPO authorize the TPO chairman to sign O-W Resolution adopting the FY 2017 FY 2018 UPWP Year 2 (FY 2018) Amendments, authorizing the West Florida Regional Planning Council Executive Director to sign the FY 2017 Certifications and Assurances and authorizing TPO Staff to apply for and execute a FTA Section 5305 Grant for use in FY Councilman Miller seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. C. Add-On Item for Appointment of Nominating Committee for Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman for FY Ms. Cook advised that appointments for chairman and vice chairman are made by the TPO board members, on an annual basis.

4 Page 4 Commissioner Dozier moved to retain Commissioner Mike Nichols for chairman, and retain Commissioner Pamn Henderson as the vice chairman. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion and the motion was passed unanimously. 6. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) UPDATE Ms. Lex presented the update. She said regarding SR 390, SR 79 to SR 231, that FDOT is in procurement of the contract. When the contract is executed FDOT will pick up the PD&E where they ended. She said they are examining it for six lanes to provide continuity throughout the corridor. Ms. Lex informed the board that FDOT Complete Streets Draft Handbook is available for review and comment. It will be available for a month on FDOT s website for comments. The final document will be available in June Chairman Nichols inquired about all sections of the SR 390 project. Ms. Lex said regarding the segment to Jenks Avenue, that due to a permit challenge FDOT has requested to the governor that FDOT have a Work Program amendment. FDOT has moved the project to Ms. Lex said a private citizen has challenged the Water Management permit. Ms. Lex said the governor approved the amendment. Chairman Nichols said that the flyover information newsletter is very good, and asked that a newsletter also be done for SR 390. Ms. Lex said FDOT will get their public information officer to work on public information for SR 390. She said FDOT s website provides updates and documents. Additionally, FDOT has a Facebook page providing information. Mr. Chris Piazza provided an update on SR 231 PD&E. A recommended alternative will be presented at their public hearing. Mr. Piazza said the SR 231 segment was 24 miles from US 98 to SR 20. It was separated into five segments that included a portion of SR 389 and was included in the PD&E. He explained the various segments. Mr. Piazza said in the PD&E they considered improving capacity along SR 231, from four to six lanes. They increased the level of service at some major intersections. Also, they considered freight movement with the intermodal center. The process also considers safety and evacuation capabilities, and enhances bike ped improvements. Mr. Piazza related future needs. He said based on the traffic analysis, six lanes could only be warranted in the first two segments of the project, i.e. from US 98 to Penney Road. From Penney Road to SR 20, there was not a need for widening to six lanes. Improvements for segment four, the Youngstown area, were considered. SR 389 indicated a need to go from two to four lanes. Mr. Piazza said they considered four major intersections from a level of service standpoint, to increase the level of service and safety. He spoke about the intersection at US 98 and SR 231 where flyover ramps were recommended.

5 Page 5 Mr. Piazza said at the SR 390 and US 231 intersection they carried US 231 over the two intersections. Regarding SR 231 at Titus and Starr they did a realignment to bring the two intersections together, with a US 231 flyover at the intersection. Mr. Piazza further explained recommended improvements. He said segment five, the SR 389 corridor, was a capacity need to go from two to four lanes. Mr. Piazza said there was a public hearing to be held Thursday of that week. He expected the PD&E to be completed by the end of the year. 7. PLANNING PRESENTATIONS (no action): D. Review of the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Public Participation Process (PPP) Plan Update - Ms. Ellers stated that the PPP Plan is a guide for public involvement staff to reach out to communities. There were changes to the plan and was available for a 45-day review as required by Federal Highway. Comments are to be received by June 16, The plan will be brought to the Board in June 2017 for approval. Ms. Ellers introduced Ms. Annie Walthal, a new public involvement staff member. E. Review of the Draft BAY TPO FY Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Mr. Kramer said the document is available online. He asked that comments be received by May 12, The TIP will be presented in June 2017 for approval. F. Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) FY Draft Project Priorities Mr. Kramer stated the schedule was included in the agenda packet. He noted a typo on Page One. He said the correct meeting time of the first meeting on Monday, May 1, 2017 is 1:30 p.m. The item will be reviewed in June and presented for approval in July G. Congestion Management Process Plan (CMPP) Minor Update Ms. Cook said the CMPP is developed and implemented as an integral part of the transportation planning process for the TPO. The Plan is updated annually using the FDOT Level of Service Handbook. A link to the document was provided in the agenda packet. The information will be presented to the Board for approval in June 2017 H. Review of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) State Road 388 for the following locations: Segment 5 from State Road 79 to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Financial Project Identification Number: Segment 6 from east of Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport to east of Burnt Mill Creek. Financial Project Identification Number: Segment 7 from east of Burnt Mill Creek to State Road 77. Financial Project Identification Number: Ms. Lex introduced Mr. John McClain, the FDOT project manager, and Mr. Mark Roberts. She said there was a consultant present to make a presentation for each segment.

6 Page 6 Mr. John McClain, presented on the segment of the corridor from SR 79 to SR 77. He said currently proposed for the roadway is a four lane divided highway with seven foot buffered bike lanes, and a 12 foot shared use path at the south side of the roadway. There will be drainage improvements. Mr. Walt Dodson reported regarding Segment 5. It is a four mile project. There will be a new signalized intersection at SR 79. A new intersection will tie in existing SR 388 into a new roadway. Also, being constructed is a multi-lane roundabout. Mr. Dodson said they are constructing two dual bridges over Crooked Creek. There will be dedicated wildlife crossings at the bridge. The project is funded for construction in Mr. Dodson said the first intersection was at SR 79, and included adding turn lanes. He provided details on the projects. There was general discussion. Mr. Faust, of DRMP, said DRMP was tasked with designing the middle section which is two miles long. The section has a bridge. There is a dedicated wildlife crossing. There is a minor realignment of Voyles Road and South Burnt Mill Creek Road, east of the bridge. He explained changes in detail. Mr. Tony Alex spoke next stating the length of his project which is six miles. He said the project would go from a two lane to a four lane divided highway, for 4.5 miles from Burnt Mill Creek along the existing highway. He said SR 388 would intersect with SR 77. A cul de sac will be constructed on existing SR 388. The new intersection at SR 388 and SR 77 will be signalized. He explained further details of the project. Mr. McClain said there would be a public hearing held for phase seven on May 25, There will also be a public hearing on June 27, He said segment five is the only segment that is funded for right-of-way and construction. It is let to contract for bids in April Construction is expected to take place in two years. I. Review of FDOT Review of FDOT State Road 390 from Jenks Avenue to State Road 77. Financial Project Identification Number: Ms. Lex introduced Ms. Sandra Lamb, of Atkins, who is the FDOT project manager. Ms. Lamb said the topic covered SR 390 from Jenks Avenue to just east of SR 77. She stated there would be a public hearing held May 18, 2017 at the City of Lynn Haven. Ms. Lamb introduced Mr. Matt Johnson, of Michael Baker Intl., Inc. who is the consultant design project manager. Mr. Johnson presented an update on the design of the project. He stated the existing two lane facility was to be widened to a six lane divided facility, with pedestrian features and buffered bicycle lanes. He said right-of-way acquisition is required throughout the project limits, and that there will be signalized intersections. In addition, there will be construction

7 Page 7 of a new pedestrian overpass at Mowat Middle School. He stated the project had been through the PD&D phase in 1988, and revaluated in That study produced the recommendation of the six lane facility. The design is scheduled to be complete in late 2017, with right-of-way acquisition in the fall of 2018, and construction in the fall of They are funded for right-of-way and construction. Mr. Johnson further explained details of the project. Chairman Nichols said south of 23 rd Street there are restaurants, and asked if there were plans to add street lights. Mr. John Fielding said lights at the intersection are part of the design process. He did not expect lighting to be included beyond the intersection. Chairman Nichols asked that the lighting be extended further and Ms. Lex said FDOT would follow up on his request. J. Presentation on the latest innovations from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that are proven to reduce pedestrian deaths - Ms. Brandi Tagirs, of ARA, presented. She stated she was an FSU student and worked closely with FHWA. She explained innovations implemented by FHWA to improve the safety of pedestrians. Ms. Tagirs stated that Everyday Counts (EDC) is an innovation developed by FHWA. EDC is a state-based model to identify and rapidly deploy underutilized innovations. Ms. Tagirs said nationally and locally pedestrian deaths bicycle injuries are increasing. She presented data for the local regional area. She said problems areas are located at uncontrolled crossings and are being addressed with various measures. Ms. Tagirs provided handouts with resources, including her contact information. Chairman Nichols stated that studies were done for the region and asked if studies have been done for. Ms. Tagirs said she had county information available. Commissioner Hamm asked specifically for bicycle deaths statistics. Ms. Tagirs said she would provide the information on bicycle deaths. Chairman Nichols asked that the information be provided including alcohol related incidents. 8. INFORMATION ITEMS FOR PLANNING (no presentation necessary) K. Ms. Cook advised that the following were included in the agenda packet: February 2017 Actions Report February 2017 Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 9. ACTION ITEMS FOR TRANSIT L. Adopting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Donation of Funds for Additional Trolley Shelters - Ms. Angela Bradley said the MOU was relative to previous discussion for a public private partnership with Royal American. Royal American requested that they donate money for

8 Page 8 shelters in the amount of $11,000 per shelter; four shelters in 2017 and four shelters in The MOU included obligations of both parties, design of shelters, and a resolution. Chairman Nichols stated that they currently do not advertise for shelters. Ms. Bradley said in the future they can advertise if the TPO decides to advertise on shelters. Commissioner Friend moved to recommend the TPO authorize the TPO chairman to sign Resolution BAY adopting the MOU for donation of funds for additional trolley shelters. Councilman Solis seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. Commissioner Friend asked if it would be appropriate for the chairman to send a thank you letter to Royal American. Commission Dozier asked how the shelter locations would be determined. Ms. Bradley said she has an ADA location shelter study with a list. She said some of the shelters will be diverted to new Route 8 on Thomas Drive. Commissioner Dozier said that when locating shelters they could double check for safety purposes and determine that the shelter would not need to be moved in the future. Ms. Bradley said it was time to do a new study for shelter locations. Councilman Reichard said there had been numerous complaints regarding Front Beach Road, and that buses stop in the middle of the road. He suggested that the vehicles be pulled into parking lots. He further suggested that a form be implemented indicating that certain parties would not be liable for incidents resulting from trolleys on the property. Ms. Bradley said they can consider pulling vehicles into parking lots. Currently parking lots are not utilized because cars move in and out of parking lots and operations are slowed down. She stated that per the Federal Transit Administration they must maintain certain times in order to keep funding. Chairman Nichols suggested meeting with city managers regarding where the vehicles stop. Councilman Solis asked that the reason for lengthy stops be analyzed. Chairman Nichols suggested Councilman Reichard meet with the city manager and Ms. Bradley to address his concerns. Commissioner Dozier said he thought staff had been given direction to be proactive in finding locations for vehicles to pull off. He felt stopping in parking lots would be safer than stopping in the middle of the road. Ms. Bradley said stopping points and shelters must be ADA compliant. M. Appointment of a TPO member to serve as an alternate member on the Bay Town Trolley Advertising Sub-Committee - Ms. Washnock said the committee members of the committee for advertising of the Bay Town Trolley are Commissioner Tommy Hamm, Commissioner Pamn Henderson, Commissioner John Reichard, and Commissioner Rodney Friend. She advised there would be a meeting for the committee members on May23, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Government Center.

9 Page 9 Councilman Reichard asked if at the meeting in May if they would be presented with transit advertising information or if someone would contact transit people to obtain information to assist in starting the process. Ms. Washnock said Ms. Bradley was working with her to develop an agenda for the meeting. Ms. Bradley said they have a draft RFP for an advertising firm. The committee members will be advised as to what has been done to date. She said that she would send out information to the committee within a week. Ms. Washnock asked if the board wanted to appoint an alternate for the committee. Commissioner Dozier moved that the current committee members remain on the Bay Town Trolley Advertising Sub-Committee and that they not name an alternate committee member. Councilman Reichard seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. 10. Add-On Item L-1 - CLOSING OF THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT Mr. W. C. Henry, the attorney for the TPO, addressed the board. He said the construction on the new maintenance facility for the TPO is for the most part finished. He said they needed to know how to make sure that all the subs and men get paid before they release the retainage under FTA rules and Florida statutes, and under the terms of the contract. He said they can t release the retainage until they have in hand full releases that all the subs have been paid. He said they know that 16 subs have not been paid in full, for a total of $192,000. He said the retainage is only $130,000. He said the retainage, even if they paid it to the contractor would not be enough to cover all the subs. He said the contract with Brian Kathy says they can come up with $60,000, the difference between the retainage and the amounts due, but not the whole $190,000. Mr. Henry reported on his conversations with various parties. Mr. Henry said the solution that was proposed was that the TPO make a motion to amend the contract so they can change the payment terms. Mr. Henry said they had to ascertain the real amounts due to the sub contractors. Mr. Henry said the proposal is that once they get the valid numbers, Brian Kathy will pay the clerk the difference between the retainage and the amount due. Mr. Henry said the motion would be to approve the modification of the existing contract approve an agreement with Brian Kathy to execute payments and if the contractor defaults on this to authorize them to prepare a lawsuit. Mr. Henry said they have to get FTA approval before they can file a lawsuit. He said it is also a question of liquidating damages, $2,000 a day. He said they have not enforced that to date. He said they need direction from the TPO. Commissioner Friend moved as presented. Councilman Reichard seconded the motion. Commissioner Dozier asked for confirmation that Brian Kathy Construction said they have the

10 Page 10 $60,000 in hand. Mr. Henry confirmed. Commissioner Dozier asked what the strict timeframe is. Mr. Henry said they wanted to get it completed as quickly as possible. He estimated a timeframe of 30 days. Councilman Reichard asked how payment is made to the subs. Mr. Henry said the contractor pays the subs. Mr. Henry said they are paying the prime contractor and there would be a simultaneous check swap to each of the subs. Commissioner Hamm asked how to find out if there would still be money owed. Mr. Henry said they need Brian Kathy to show them invoices, and they were promised that would happen, and they need the firm figures from Kathy. Commissioner Hamm asked if that would be part of the agreement. Mr. Henry said it would be part of the agreement. Commissioner Friend made a motion to accept and approve the modified contract as presented. Councilman Reichard seconded the motion. Commissioner Henderson asked if all the work was completed and if they are ready to close the contract. Ms. Bradley said during just the prior week and the current week the major items were closed, which were the roof leaks and some sprinkler system issues. She said there were some minor issues with cabinets. The cabinet company said they won t swap it out until they get paid. Chairman Nichols said one is to verify that all subs payments are cleared out and verify, and then meet and swap checks. Mr. Henry said the plan was to pay Brian Kathy and the subs, and Mr. Kathy will have to endorse it over to the subs. Chairman Nichols said for example, they are going to write 16 checks to the subs to Brian Kathy and he is going to endorse them over to the subs. Mr. Henry said the check will be payable to Brian Kathy Construction and handled as well. He said each sub will get a separate check. Brian Kathy will endorse it over, and then the subs will hand over the release. Chairman Nichols said there will be two signatures on the checks. The motion was passed unanimously. TRANSIT PRESENTATIONS 12. TRANSIT UPDATE: Ms. Bradley said there was a trolley outside the building available for members to observe. She said some cities expressed using trolleys for the downtown loop route, and in Lynn Haven. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS FOR TRANSIT Included in the agenda were the following: a. Transit Financial Report b. Operating Report 13. OTHER BUSINESS The next TPO meeting will be at 3:30 p.m. at the

11 Page 11 Government Center. The Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) will meet at 11:00 a.m. The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) will meet at 1:30 p.m. Councilman Solis said regarding Panama City Beach, they have done a loop extension from SR 79 to Pier Park Road. It was done by the city to make improvements and open up some areas. He said the loop extension will not meet the purpose unless they can extend it to Nautilus. He stated that the first step to the loop extension is to get it on a map, and to acknowledge they have a loop. He asked for concurrence to try and direct the West Florida Regional Planning Council to get it on the map, so they can at least show that they have added a road to the area that will have significant importance to the connections between Walton County and Bay County, and all the traffic that goes to US 98, and people are trying to avert around all the traffic there. He said the future is to extend the road; however, it needs to be on the map. It said it would be open for TRIP funds in the future. Ms. Washnock said the item would be for Bay Holmes Washington Partnership, and that it would be added to the next agenda. Councilman Solis said the US 98 corridor is critical for. He said it has been considered for a year to be a SIS corridor. He said if they can get designation of an SIS corridor for US 98 it would help in funding for the area for roads. He said the SIS funds come in with priority. He asked if the Board would present a letter to FDOT stating that they feel it is of importance that it move along as quickly as possible regarding whether or not they are going to designate US 98 as a SIS corridor. Commission Dozier asked what portion of US 98 was being referred to. Councilman Solis said he thought US 98 was named an SIS in Walton and some other areas to the east. Councilman Solis said he would like the local area designated, from the beach site in Hathaway all the way through going to Walton County. Ms. Lex said they had provided a letter of support in requesting the designation. She said they could resubmit a request. She said she would speak to the SIS coordinator and to the administration. She said someone could speak to the Board and give an overview of how the SIS program and plan works. Chairman Nichols asked that FDOT speak to the Board regarding the SIS process at the next TPO meeting. Ms. Lex said FDOT could provide an overview handout instead of a presentation. Chairman Nichols said the Board would like to hear a presentation. 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting adjourned.