October 1, 2014 September 30, 2015

Transcription

1 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EXPEND DITURE REPORT FY 2015 October 1, 2014 September 30, 2015 ADOPTED BY THE ABILENE MPO POLICY BOARD: April 19, 2016

2 Participating Agencies: City of Abilene City of Tye City of Impact CityLink Transit Taylor County Jones County and the Texas Department t of Transportation In Cooperation With: The U. S. Department of Transportation The Federal Highway Administration The Federal Transit Administration DISCLAIMER The preparation and publication of this document was financed in part by grants provided by the Federal Highway Administrationn (FHWA), the Federall Transit Administrationn (FTA), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The provision of federal financial assistance should not be construed as denoting U.S. Government approval of plans, policies, programs, or projects contained herein. Page 2 of 28

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4 TASK 1.0 ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT This task addresses general operations of the MPO, as well as administrative and managerial activities, financial management, interagency coordination, travel, procurement, transportation planning, development of Title VI implementation, and miscellaneous administrative support. 1.1 Program Coordination and Administration Support Administer, coordinate, and monitor the transportation planning activities in the MPO area for compliance with Federal and State requirements. Work closely with CityLink Transit, the Texas Department of Transportation, Cities of Abilene, Impact, and Tye, Taylor and Jones Counties, Dyess AFB, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, West Central Texas Council of Government, and other agencies and entities to ensure the planning process continues and is comprehensive in scope. Engage in staff supervision, personnel administrative issues and other miscellaneous administrative tasks that support the function of the MPO. Prepare, and administer contracts, or agreements between the MPO, local agencies, and private consultants. Procure supplies, equipment, insurance, advertising, meeting facilities, as necessary to provide transportation planning for the MPO area. Computer Hardware/Software - Purchase or lease computer hardware, software, peripherals, and other computer related supplies, maintenance agreements, and support agreements as necessary to maximize staff efficiency and effectiveness. This could include the purchase of dual screen monitors, smart screens, and tablets for more effective use of software. The purchase of a network server might also be necessary and could cost around $6,000. TxDOT/FHWA must approve any purchase over $5,000. Operational Supplies - Provide for operational, office supplies, and various document publication expenses of the MPO. This will include general office supplies, ink print heads, plotter photographic paper, binding supplies, business cards, phone services, newspaper ads, copier lease, postage/shipping, and other operational items. Capital Purchases Office furniture and file cabinets. Public Entity Insurance and Legal Services as needed. TxDOT/FHWA must pre-approve any acquisition of Legal Services. Advertising and rental of meeting facilities or equipment as needed. Submittal of Reports and Billings - Prepare and submit reports, documents, and correspondence to monitor the MPO activities and evaluate progress which would include maintaining and updating records; administering planning funds and financial information; maintaining the transportation grants - timesheet and billing submittal, budgeting, and financial planning; ensure the development and delivery of required reports for transit and transportation activities. MPO Policy Board and Technical Advisory Committee Support - Provide staff support to the MPO Policy Board and Technical Advisory Committee through meeting arrangements, notifications of public meetings, delivery of materials and agenda packets, and meeting minute documentation. The MPO Page 4 of 28

5 will coordinate MPO Policy Board priorities and goals with citizen advisory committees, and other outside agencies including Federal, State, local, and private entities. Work Performed and Status - The MPO renewed the ESRI software licenses in June 2015 for the four computers amounting to $2,400. The Website domain was renewed. A color printer was purchased to supplement the copier s capabilities. A polycom voicestation conference phone was purchased to allow better utilization of the conference room. The MPO purchased miscellaneous and general office supplies necessary for the day-to-day efficient operation of the MPO. The MPO did not purchase public entity insurance nor legal services at this time. The MPO paid for advertising of public meetings and announcements such as MTP meetings. No rental of meeting facilities or equipment was needed. All purchases were in accordance with the MPO and City of Abilene purchasing procedures. No single purchase exceeding $5,000 was made. City of Abilene along with MPO Staff prepared the monthly billing statements. The following reports were completed by staff: Metropolitan Transportation Plan FY draft and final, the Unified Planning Work Program FY , Annual Performance and Expenditure Report (APER), Annual Listing of Obligated Projects (ALOP), financial data statements, budget documents, and other necessary or appropriate reports. General operations of the MPO were completed in compliance with State and Federal requirements. The MPO created PowerPoint presentations, meeting handouts, agenda packets, project maps, detailed spreadsheets, and a variety of materials for the MPO Policy Board and Technical Advisory Committee. Additional data was provided as requested. Meeting minutes were taken and recorded. The MPO hired a temporary employee to help with the day-to-day operations to fill a void caused by a vacancy of the Transportation Planner position in December This temporary agency employee was on staff from February 2015 to approximately May Their main role was administrative support of the MPO. The City of Abilene initiated new time keeping software called KRONOS citywide. Staff participated in the training sessions and upkeep of information needed to make it function properly. 1.2 Audits and Indirect Costs City of Abilene staff and independent auditors will do the following work with TPF funding: financial, administrative, and managerial support functions of the fiscal agent necessary for the financial oversight and facilitation of the planning activities, including both internal and independent audits. The City of Abilene has a Cost Allocation Plan for indirect services provided by central departments. This plan is the product of an independent firm acting on the request of the City of Page 5 of 28

6 Abilene. Actual expenditure information is obtained from the City s financial statements for the year-end. Statistics used to allocate costs are taken by performing one-hundred percent counts or in some cases conducting a representative sample period count. Work Performed and Status - The City of Abilene provided budget and financial information to the auditors but the MPO was not officially audited this cycle. The auditors rotate their selection of grants every year. The City of Abilene has a Cost Allocation Plan for indirect services provided by central departments. This plan is the product of an independent firm acting on the request of the City of Abilene. Actual expenditure information is obtained from the City s financial statements for the year-end. Statistics used to allocate costs are taken by performing onehundred percent counts or in some cases conducting a representative sample period count. For Fiscal Year 2015, the amount of indirect cost charged to the MPO was $31,921. Indirect cost has gone up over the past five years as shown in the table below. YEAR INDIRECT COST 2011 $ 8, $19, $21, $31, $31, Professional Development Training and Education - Provide for staff training and education through attendance at workshops, meetings, conferences, and training sessions to improve service delivery and planning for transit and transportation, including but not limited to: Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI)/TxDOT Transportation Conference; Transportation Planning Conference; TEMPO meetings; Association of Metropolitan Planning Organization (AMPO) meetings; workshops to stay current on mapping and modeling software; financial management training; travel demand modeling workshops; other technical workshops, meetings, training courses as deemed necessary or mandated for professional development purposes. MPO staff will undertake travel and training to improve skills and knowledge in the use of geographic information systems. Such travel and training will typically include attendance at the ArcGIS South Central Arc Users Group conference and ESRI training workshops in Texas. Any out-of-state travel must be pre-approved by TxDOT. Page 6 of 28

7 Work Performed and Status MPO staff participated in the following: Description No. of Location Dates Staff TxDOT e-stip Training 1 Abilene, TX Oct 29, 2014 Urban Area Meeting 1 Abilene, TX Oct 29, 2014 TransCAD Training 1 Lubbock, Nov 3-7, 2014 TX TxDOT Traffic Safety Coalition D.R.I.V.E. 2 Abilene, TX 2014: Nov 18, Dec 16, 2015: Jan 20, Feb 17, May 19, June 16, July 21 TxDOT Prop 1 Funding 1 Abilene, TX Nov 18, 2014 Meeting City of Abilene Kronos 2 Abilene, TX Dec 22 & 29, 2014 Training TxDOT FTA 5310 Financing 1 Abilene, TX Jan 7, 2015 TxDOT Texas Transportation 1 Austin, TX Jan 13-16, 2015 Forum Texas Freight Network 2 Abilene, TX Feb 24, 2015 Transportation Alternative 1 San Angelo, Feb 25, 2015 Forum TX West Central Texas 1 Abilene, TX March 20, 2015 Transportation Works Meeting Motorcycle Safety Forum 1 Austin, TX March 23-24, 2015 Texas Freight Mobility Plan 1 Abilene, TX March 24, 2015 Transportation Alternative 1 Abilene, TX March 26, 2015 Program (TAP) Workshop TEMPO Meetings and TEMPO Executive Committee Meetings 1 Austin, TX 2015: January 14, March 30- April 1 & August ArcView Training 1 Abilene, TX April 2, 2015 Planning Emphasis Areas 1 Abilene, TX April 14, 2015 SCAUG Conference 1 Addison, TX April 14-18, 2015 Texas FHWA Freight 1 Abilene, TX May 5, 2015 ESRI Training 1 Abilene, TX May 13, 2015 SCAUG monthly conference 1 Abilene, TX May 21, June 18, & July 16, 2015 City of Abilene Media Training 1 Abilene, TX June 25, 2015 TxDOT Freight 2055 Roundtable 1 Arlington, July 1, 2015 Discussion TX Local Government Project Procedures (LGPP) 1 Abilene, TX July 28-29, 2015 West Texas Legislative Summit - 1 San Angelo, August 4, 2015 Transportation TX Open Meetings Act 1 Abilene, TX Sep 23, 2015 Public Information Act 1 Abilene, TX Sep 23, 2015 City of Abilene New Employee 1 Abilene, TX Sep 30, 2015 Orientation Page 7 of 28

8 1.4 Planning Activity Coordination The MPO staff will participate in Cityy of Abilene s meetings including City Council, along with Boards and Commissions; other stakeholders meetings; business association and developers meetings to keep informed and disseminate information and/or data on transportation emergingg trends and patterns. MPO staff will consult/ /coordinate with local and State agencies in the development of short - and long-range resources, environmental protection, conservation, historic preservation, demographics, and various other information. Work Performed and Status - The MPO worked with TxDOT, cities, counties, etc. on the coordination of frontage road conversion priorities, bicycle/pedestrian planning, regional transit coordination, overall planning coordination, and other transportation plans in regards to land use management, natural information thru one-on-onee meetings, group meetings, and public meetings. Also, the MPO participated in the development review meetings and site plan review meetings held weekly to discuss future planning activities within areas and the impact on current and future street networks. The MPO serves on the Local Emergency Planning Committee and participates with the Emergency Operations Center for transportation planning efforts needed to meet an unusual demand on the network or transit system during an evacuation or emergency situation. The MPO worked with the City of Abilene on the Transportation Alternatives Program submittal of a corridor project to improve pedestrian, transit, and bicycle transportation in the Southwest part of Abilene. In June 2015, the MPO hosted a planning meeting with TxDOTT and the City of Abilene on numerous items pertainingg to transportation planning including collision locations, signal operation, roadway operations, speed limits, speed studies, future project needs, GIS mapping abilities, and MTP project analysis on a city-wide view. The MPO worked with the City of Abilene s staff, a citizen advisory panel, and the general public on a Bicycle Plan for this area. This included numerous citizen advisory meetings, public meetings, and presentations to organizations that ran from September 2014 to May The MPO worked with the City of Abilene, Kent s Harley Davidson dealership, and other community partners to host a Ride to Work day showcasing motorcycles as a viable means of transportation. The main focus was on safety and increased awareness both for the motorcycle rider and the vehicle drivers. This was the fourth year this event was held and the Page 8 of 28

9 community partners have always been a tremendous help. The City Council proclaimed June 15 th as Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day and encouraged all scooter and motorcycle riders to ride to work on that day. The MPO participated in, presented, or hosted the following in an effort to coordinate planning efforts: Interview KEAN Radio on the MTP Dec 3, 2014 MTP Presentation to Abilene City Council Dec 4, 2014 Interview KWKC Radio on the MTP and Bicycle Plan Dec 4, 2014 KTAB Station on Bicycle Plan Dec 5, 2014 MTP Presentation Jones County Commissioners Meeting Dec 8, 2014 MTP Presentation Tye City Council Meeting Dec 8, 2014 MTP Public Meeting Dec 9, 2014 Bicycle Plan Public Meeting Dec 10, 2014 MTP Presentation Taylor County Commissioners Meeting Dec 16, 2014 Prop 1 MPO dollars & SH 351 Discussion Meeting Jan 9, 2015 Meeting on Improving Bus Stops Jan 22, 2015 Abilene MPO Project Selection Committee Meeting Feb 5, 2015 City of Abilene s Bicycle Planning Roundtable Feb 9, 2015 Radio Abilene talk show on Bicycle Plan Feb 10, 2015 City of Abilene s Bicycle Plan Public Meeting Feb 12, 2015 Disability in Action (DIA) Center Advisory Meeting Feb 19, 2015 Freight Mobility Project Ranking Meeting March 6, 2015 CARR Regional Transit Meeting March 19 & June 18, 2015 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) discussion with AISD March 20, 2015 TAP Budget Form Meeting April 3, 2015 TAP Parks and Recreation Board Meeting April 7, 2015 Neighborhood Services Meeting April 15, 2015 TxDOT 2015 UTP Meeting April 16, 2015 TAP Taylor County Commissioners Court April 21, 2015 TAP West Central Texas Council of Governments April 22, 2015 TxDOT US 83/84 Improvement Stakeholder Meetings May 12 & Aug 4, 2015 Sidewalk Project Selection Committee Meeting June 5, 2015 Motorcycle Ride to Work Awareness Campaign June 15, Abilene Urban Saturation Counts Meeting June 16 & July 20, 2015 TxDOT US 83/84 Project Open House June 30 & Sept 29, 2015 TxDOT Freight 2055 Roundtable Discussion Meeting July 7, 2015 Center for Contemporary Arts Wheels Artwalk July 9, 2015 Disability in Action Americans with Disabilities Act July 22, 2015 Celebration Truss Bridge Open House Aug 4, 2015 Meeting with TxDOT bicycle/pedestrian planning (S 11 th corridor) Aug 11, 2015 West Texas Fair and Rodeo Safety Information Booth Sept 11-19, 2015 Page 9 of 28

10 Abilene family - early year bicyclist Abilene resident - means of transportation Page 10 of 28

11 1.5 Public Participation, Education, Title VI, and Environmental Justice The Abilene MPO has a Public Participation Plan (PPP) (formerly known as the Public Involvement Policy, or PIP) which is being updated to provide a broader and greater opportunity for meaningful, active, on-going public participation and involvement for citizens, groups, agencies, and private providers of transportation to be included in every facet of transportation planning and related activities, especially at every key decision-point. The PPP program is guided by federal legislation found in 23 CFR 450, Subpart C, Metropolitan Transportation Planning and Programming, and in particular, 23 CFR , Interested Parties, Participation, and Consultation. The PPP is to be proactive and comprehensive in reaching out to the community and encouraging input from the public. The PPP s intent is to ensure that the transportation planning process includes input from all citizens, advisory committees, private transportation providers, agencies, and all other interested parties. In particular, we strive to seek out groups that have traditionally been underserved such as minorities, low-income groups, and persons with disabilities. The Abilene MPO also maintains a website, to assist with public participation. Citizens can MPO staff with comments and questions. The website provides viewable and downloadable versions of all MPO documents, as well as maps of the MPO area and information on transportation planning projects. The MPO staff will incorporate public outreach tools and techniques that will enhance the public participation in the planning process. Modifications will be made as needed to the existing Public Participation Plan and strategies developed and improved to better reach minority and low-income groups; ensure ongoing citizen participation through communication, mailings, newspaper and public meetings; continue to identify and analyze Title VI Civil Rights in the planning process; focus on enhancing analytical capability for assessing impact distributions by using Census data for production of maps of populations of minority, elderly, and low-income persons; strive to minimize adverse effects of transportation projects on the human environment; conduct public participation surveys and other measures of public participation in transportation activities; and review strategies and ideas as needed to address Title VI and Environmental Justice to ensure that they are meeting the needs of our community. The MPO staff will make presentations to community groups, such as the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Lions Clubs, and Rotary Clubs. The purposes of the presentations will be to explain what the MPO is and how the general population can become engaged in the transportation planning process. The MPO staff will investigate opportunities to periodically have public information displays and MPO staff at locations frequented by the public. Page 11 of 28

12 Work Performed and Status - Various presentations were given to groups about the MPO s roles and duties including the following: Southwest Rotary Club April 2014, Traffic Safety Coalition June 2014, West Central Council of Governments July 2015, West Texas Legislative Summit August 2015, and Metropolitan Transportation Plan June-July We staffed a booth at Disability in Action s ADAA Celebration at the Civic Center on July 22, 2015 providingg informationn on what an MPO is. The MPO participated in the South 1 st Street White Cane Day which included putting on a blindfold and using the white cane to maneuver the streets of Abilene. This event showcased the struggles that people face as they learn to live with a disability and the need to ensure that transportationn projects are built for all that use them. The MPO serves on various committees (Disability in Action Citizens Advisory Council, Board of Directors of Disability in Action, the Transit ADA Advisory Committee, Regional Coordination Transportation Plan) discussing the transportation needs of the disabled community and participates in forums listening to concerns and issues that might arise. The MPO received the Partners in Possibilities Award from the Abilene Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind in October 2014 for efforts to include the needs of pedestrians with visual impairments and other disabilities in the transportation planning processes. The MPO has a Twitter account and Facebook page to disseminate information along with a website that incorporates current information. The Twitter account iss up from 124 followers last year to 200 followers now. 1.6 Physical Facilities and Utilities - Facilitation of program activities through acquisition of long-term working and meeting space readily accessible to the general public and other public agencies including the following: Lease of workspace. Electric and water utilities. Acquisition, repair, and maintenance of office furnishings and non-computer equipment appropriate to program needs. Local and long-distance telephone utilities. Janitorial services. Note: Computer networking utilities are costed to Task 2. Page 12 of 28

13 Work Performed and Status - The MPO is housed within the Prosperity Bank Building located at 402 Cypress Street. Local and long distance telephone services are obtained as direct cost items from the City of Abilene. All other services are part of the monthly rent. 1.7 Transit Planning Management - CityLink staff with FTA Section 5307 funding will do the following work: Provide an effective public involvement process that meets government regulations, encourages citizen input on services, disseminates service information, and increases public awareness of the importance of safety and security in transit service delivery. Provide for staff development and training opportunities. Maintain proper office and administrative management procedures. Work Performed and Status - CityLink Transit conducted 4-quarterly meetings of ADA Advisory Committee to discuss and review ADA issues and concerns within the community. With the ADA Advisory Committee and CityLink Staff, those issues or concerns are identified and resolutions developed with active community input to a resolution. CityLink Transit is partnered with several community organizations, such as Abilene 211, Military Partnership and IRC (International Rescue Committee) to disseminate route and service information to the public and increase public awareness of public transportation and the safety of public transportation. CityLink Transit staff attended several training seminars as part of its employee development program. Also, training was conducted internally with CityLink Staff. The training classes are listed below: FTA Sponsored Procurement Training TxDOT Scholarship for Allison Transmission Training PTN Report Training Six internal employee seminars for Microsoft Office Six new employee orientation seminars 1.8 Performance Measures - With the Passage of MAP-21, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21 st Century Transportation Authorization Bill originated a new set of Performance Measure requirements that will transform Federal highway programs and provide a means to more efficient investment of Federal transportation funds by focusing on national transportation goals, increasing the accountability and transparency of the Federal highway programs, and improving transportation investment decisionmaking through performance-based planning and programming. This performance based system will establish national performance goals to achieve the following: 1) Safety to achieve a significant reduction in traffic fatalities Page 13 of 28

14 and serious injuries on all public roads; 2) Infrastructure condition to maintain the highway infrastructure asset system in a state of good repair; 3) Congestion reduction to achieve a significant reduction in congestion on the NHS; 4) System reliability to improve the efficiency of the surface transportation system; 5) Freight movement and economic vitality to improve the national freight network, strengthen the ability of rural communities to access national and international trade markets, and support regional economic development; 6) Environmental sustainability to enhance the performance of the transportation system while protecting and enhancing the natural environment; 7) Reduced project delivery delays to reduce project costs, promote jobs and the economy, and expedite the movement of people and goods by accelerating project completion through eliminating delays in the project development and delivery process, including reducing regulatory burdens and improving agencies work practices. The MPO will be working with other organizations to implement measures to achieve these national goals. Work Performed and Status - Working with other organizations and MPOs towards this task but mentionable progress has not been made and at this time the MPO has not implemented performance measures. The MPO is waiting on more instructions and information from FHWA and TxDOT on specific goals and objectives. Task 1 - Funding Summary Funding Source Amount Budgeted Amount Expended Balance % Expended Transportation Planning Funds (PL 112 & FTA $146, $155, ($9,764.52) % 5303) Local Planning Funds $ $ ($25.00) % FTA Section 5307 $2, $2, $ % Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) $0.00 $0.00 $ % STP/MM $0.00 $0.00 $ % TOTAL $148, $158, ($9,489.52) % Page 14 of 28

15 III. TASK DATA DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE This task supports those planning activities that generate or collect critical transportation data. The MPO planning process involves extensive use of various forms of data. This includes the condition and use of system facilities or services, the purposes for which the system is used, the system s relationship to existing and future land uses, and the system s impact on the social, environmental and economic well-being of our region. Transportation planning requires the development of detailed databases and maps that describe the primary aspects of the transportation system and maintenance of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to aid in data development and tracking. This data is used in the development of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, Texas Urban Mobility Plan, and many other reports and studies that are produced by the MPO. The MPO staff will conduct the following activities unless stated otherwise. These tasks are ongoing activities which staff will review and coordinate with participating agencies as appropriate. 2.1 Geographic Information System (GIS) and Data Analysis - The development, integration, maintenance, and dissemination of transportation data and information, as well as monitoring transportation system performance, are part of this task. The focus will be on improving this area s current transportation information system, strengthening data maintenance and quality control functions, and developing information products that will enhance decision making in the region. Geographic Information System Coordination - This element seeks to manage the GIS technologies so they can be used in transportation planning. This may include research, development, map design, training, coordination efforts with outside agencies, and maintenance activities. It may also include initiatives to improve the management and organization of internal internet GIS data, enhance the GIS resources available to the public, advance the mapping functionality, and augment the use of GIS visualization techniques. This will entail the use of various 2010 Census data, land-uses, functional classifications, collision data, traffic counts, thoroughfare planning, transit route analysis, transit-supportive development planning, and other information. Transportation Data Analysis This element consist of analysis of the existing and planned transportation system with regard to issues related to emergency evacuation, hazardous materials transportation, and other emergency response situations. It includes updates to the data pertaining to the Travel Demand Model including roadway network database development, Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ) structure development, and demographic database development to obtain and maintain a working model. Demographic Data and Forecasts This element is used in part by the Travel Demand Model and may include improvements to the internal databases, Page 15 of 28

16 improvements to the public dissemination of information, and monitoring of regional growth through data collection of new residential development, acquisition of employer information, acquiring land-use data, and creating organized databases for this data for transportation and land-use analysis. Work Performed and Status MPO GIS staff worked on maps for the Bicycle Plan, Transportation Alternatives Program US 277 Safety Project, Safe Routes to Schools, and others. Staff also took the City of Abilene s1983 approved bicycle plan and converted it into GIS layers. Staff compiled and submitted information for the TxDOT 2015 Saturation Counts to Austin by July 24th. Staff also evaluated the TxDOT 2010 Saturation Counts in relationship to the proposed 2015 counts. In late 2014, the Abilene MPO coordinated with the City of Abilene on a bicycle plan to serve the greater Abilene area and its citizenry. There were several citizen advisory committee round table discussions, as well as three public meetings, along with several staff meetings to gather input on the Plan. GIS prepared maps and graphics for each meeting to help facilitate discussion. After each meeting MPO GIS staff evaluated and incorporated the ideas and wishes of those represented. As part of this process, the MPO GIS staff prepared and administered an internet Survey Monkey poll. This poll had 632 respondents which is the most participation the City has ever received for an online poll. After many months and many revisions the plan was adopted by the City Council on August 13, GIS staff took on the arduous job of collecting and mapping the existing sidewalks in the entire City of Abilene. Extensive research was compiled by use of Google Earth Imagery, Pictometry Imagery, and Aerial Orthographic imagery as well as some physical site verifications. The editing was completed using a grid-by-grid system. The attribute table was created in such a manner that this shapefile will be a sustainable entity to be maintained and edited into the future as the City continues to grow. This sidewalk layer was done as time permitted over a course of approximately 11 months. In addition, GIS staff developed a process to track sidewalk waivers and deferrals through the City of Abilene. This will allow this layer to be added to the sidewalk map so the city will be able to track when and where sidewalks will be in the future. With the MTP process, staff prepared numerous maps including 911 new addresses, 2010 per capita income, 2010 population density, baseline projects, transit route maps, enhanced projects, hazardous waste facilities, illustrative projects, land use, low moderate income areas, percent minorities, seal coats, and growth patterns. These maps were created in the previous Annual Performance and Expenditure Report and updated/tweaked in this one. Page 16 of 28

17 MPO staff also worked with a group off students on a project in our southern boundary to discuss ways to improve thee safety along a transportation corridor. The students weree concerned with the number of fatalities occurring along that corridor and wanted to research ways to make improvements. GIS staff prepared maps and addressed questions that allowed the students to have viable discussions with their peers. In addition, this allowed the GIS staff to evaluate that corridor for potential future improvements in regards to safety. Page 17 of 28

18 2.2 Website Enhancement and Maintenance - MPO staff will maintain the MPO website and provide updates to enhance public participation in the MPO processes. This will provide more effective and efficient public access to MPO documents, reports, and maps. This is a continual project that will evolve as technology changes to provide the best possible use of resources. The use of interactive maps, on-line surveys/opinion polls, and postings of on-going construction projects will be considered to engage the public and try to obtain a more active participation in the planning process. Work Performed and Status - The MPO website was updated with all pertinent information including minutes, board meeting notices, public meeting notices, reports, project picture updates, upcoming MPO events, and many other items in an effort to keep the public involved in our process and generate interest in the MPO. Draft documents are posted on the website to allow better access by the general public. 2.3 Acquisition and Maintenance of Computer Hardware and Software for Geographic Information Systems The following computer hardware and software will be acquired with TPF funds to support geographic information system work: Replacements and/or upgrades for components of existing microcomputer systems to maintain technical capacity for advancements in information processing. Maintenance of local area networking capability with capacity appropriate to the rapid transfer of large amounts of data for GIS purposes. Software to update or augment GIS, mapping, and database handling capabilities, including updating ArcInfo GIS software. Related equipment and supplies. Note: Any computer purchases over $5,000 must be specifically approved in writing by TxDOT and FHWA. Work Performed and Status - As discussed under Task 1, the MPO renewed licenses for the ESRI software for the computers amounting to $2,400. With the City of Abilene s help, MPO staff updated the ArcGIS software from the 10.0 to 10.3 version. All purchases were in accordance with the MPO and City of Abilene purchasing procedures. No single purchase exceeding $5,000 was made. 2.4 Transit Planning Data CityLink staff with FTA Section 5307 funding will do the following work: Provision of monthly statistical reports on transit operations. Development and incorporation of information needed to address short range transit needs through analysis of demographics, population, employment, land use, and property development within the service area. Page 18 of 28

19 Work Performed and Status - CityLink Transit has refined its monthly statistical reports to identify key performance indicators as well as the required data for quarterly reporting to TxDOT and annually for the National Transit Database. The monthly reports are reported to the City of Abilene as the key performance indicators demonstrate the operational efficiencies, financial health and ridership of CityLink Transit. CityLink utilizes the reports to conduct short term and long term planning exercises and needs easements of the ridership. 2.5 Central GIS Division Staff Support at City of Abilene City of Abilene staff with TPF funds will do the following work. Provide centralized support for MPO geographic information system operations including coordination of interaction between MPO staff and the City of Abilene, Taylor County, the Taylor County Central Appraisal District, and the Taylor County District. In return, TPF funds will be used to provide hardware, software, and communications support for use by one staff position in the GIS Division office in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding for GIS Support between the MPO Policy Board and the City of Abilene. Anticipated support for the City GIS Division will pay annual software maintenance costs, other routine software upgrades, hardware maintenance and repairs not covered by warranty and proportional shares of network maintenance costs. The cost of these items is estimated at $1,300. Work Performed and Status - The City of Abilene provided centralized support of the MPO geographic information system operations through map layers, information, training, and network support. Through a cooperative agreement the MPO provided routine software upgrades, hardware maintenance, and repairs not covered by warranty to the City of Abilene s GIS Division. ArcGIS Software maintenance in the amount of $2,400 was provided to the GIS Department. Task 2 - Funding Summary Funding Source Amount Budgeted Amount Expended Balance % Expended Transportation Planning Funds (PL 112 & FTA $60, $46, $13, % 5303) Local Planning Funds $ $ ($52.00) % FTA Section 5307 $3, $2, $ % Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) $0.00 $0.00 $ % STP/MM $0.00 $0.00 $ % TOTAL $63, $49, $13, % Page 19 of 28

20 TASK SHORT RANGE PLANNING This task includes all planning activities that require short range or immediate implementation. Documents and studies from this task supplement other tasks covered in the UPWP. These include updates to the Transportation Improvement Program, amendments to the UPWP, coordination between public transportation providers, transit route analysis, and other activities necessary for short range planning. The MPO staff will conduct the following activities unless stated otherwise. These tasks are ongoing activities which staff will review and coordinate with participating agencies as appropriate. 3.1 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Short-range planning reflects the development and implementation of the TIP. This is a coordinated on-going effort between TxDOT, CityLink Transit, and the MPO. The MPO will monitor and amend the current TIP and conduct project development meetings and presentations to educate and receive public participation as needed. Provide support, review and incorporate transit activities for more coordinated transit efforts. Staff will continue to research the ability to provide an interactive web-database and mapping program that provides information on current TIPs, along with pictures of projects under construction. Staff will publish the Annual Listing of Projects Report. Staff will begin work on the Fiscal Years TIP with a completion goal in Work Performed and Status - The Transportation Improvement Program was approved in April Staff worked with CityLink and TxDOT to ensure that the report remained up-to-date with current projects. The Annual Listing of Obligated Projects Report was completed in December The MPO website is updated with pictures of projects under construction. At each of the MPO Policy Board meetings project updates are given to the group with the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to the current projects. 3.2 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) To provide for a cooperative development of a Unified Planning Work Program and amend and/or update the current UPWP as needed to most accurately describe transportation planning activities scheduled to be carried out by the MPO staff, member agencies, or consultants. The UPWP will be a collaborative effort among the MPO, the Texas Department of Transportation, CityLink Transit, and the other local participation. Staff will publish the Annual Performance and Expenditure Report. Work Performed and Status - The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for FYs was amended in August The UPWP for FYs was created and subsequently approved at the August 3, 2015 Policy Board meeting. The Annual Performance and Expenditure Report was completed in December Page 20 of 28

21 2014. These reports required working closely with TxDOT, CityLink, City of Abilene, and others to compile the information needed for them. 3.3 Short-Term Transit Planning CityLink staff with FTA Section 5307 funding will do the following work: Short range planning projects needed to meet federal requirements recognizing established Planning Emphasis Areas. Operations planning including transit safety and security. Development and maintenance of fleet data needed to plan for vehicle replacement. Development and incorporation of information needed to address short range transit needs including information obtained through formal and informal public involvement. Development of projects, service plans, and budgets for transit service based on projected funding levels, and transit needs derived from short range planning activities. Provide funding projections and budgetary planning for incorporation of transit projects in the TIP and UPWP. Work Performed and Status - CityLink Transit has partnered with the Abilene MPO to anticipate and meet Federal Planning Emphasis areas. CityLink has waived the requirement of spending 1% of its total apportionment for Safety and Security projects. All funding has been placed into operations and capital expenditures. CityLink Transit has developed a Capital Improvement Program and has completed the Invitation for Bid (IFB) process for two full size transit buses to replace older equipment. Also part of the capital improvement will be updating the current American with Disabilities Act (ADA) fleet as well as the facilities of CityLink Transit. 3.4 Regional Transit Service Planning Planning assistance to the multi-county regional planning project to develop transit service areas and plans in response to HB 3588 in the 78(R) Legislative Session. This includes sharing data, preparing maps, attending or sponsoring meetings, and providing general transportation planning expertise. Work Performed and Status - The MPO and CityLink are both members of and have worked with City and Rural Rides along with the other entities involved in the regional transit planning committee. There is continued MPO staff support provided to the committee to further a regional approach to transit planning. 3.5 Access Management Planning Access management promotes safety and increased mobility on arterial streets Page 21 of 28

22 and highways by focusing ingress and egress between property and roads. The goal of improving safety and mobility is supplemented by providing reasonable access to private properties. Access management tools vary from raised medians with left turn bays on arterial streets to low access point (driveway) densities and right turn lanes. The MPO is continuously looking for access management techniques to reduce congestion, evaluate collision locations, conserve energy, and reduce traffic concerns. The MPO is working toward the goal of developing a plan to utilize infrastructure and operational improvements along with training staff in the necessary strategies to enable an access management plan to be implemented. Work Performed and Status - The MPO has been involved in looking at various corridors to address access management along with safety concerns, traffic congestion, and a multimodal approach. Some of these locations include the SH 351 corridor, Catclaw Drive, Buffalo Gap corridor, South 1st Street corridor, FM 707, Iberis Road, and the entire frontage road system. Staff will continue to focus on ways to improve access in locations throughout the area. This will be an ongoing project. Task 3 - Funding Summary Funding Source Amount Budgeted Amount Expended Balance % Expended Transportation Planning Funds (PL 112 & FTA $11, $13, ($2,269.74) % 5303) Local Planning Funds $ $ ($52.00) % FTA Section 5307 $3, $2, $ % Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) $0.00 $0.00 $ % STP/MM $0.00 $0.00 $ % TOTAL $14, $16, ($1,929.74) % Page 22 of 28

23 TASK METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN (MTP) The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) identifies long-range transportation needs within the MPO boundary. This plan addresses needs on a twenty year minimum planning horizon. The plan includes both long-range strategies and opportunities for an integrated intermodal transportation system. These projects and programs include an emphasis on corridor level planning with the recognition of the increasing use of bicycle and pedestrian ventures. This task encompasses all activities associated with maintaining the MTP. The MPO staff will conduct the following activities unless stated otherwise. These tasks are ongoing activities which staff will review and coordinate with participating agencies as appropriate. 4.1 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) This includes ongoing MPO support of the social and economic vitality of the metropolitan area through any needed updates or revisions to the current MTP. In addition, the ongoing development of the Fiscal Years plan will occur with an estimated completion date of January An enhanced effort will focus on proactive public participation along with assessment of the social impacts of transportation projects in low-income and minority areas to make certain that Title VI and Environmental Justice guidelines are adhered to. Staff will be available to assist stakeholders and other interested parties with inquiries that relate to the various aspects of the MTP. Staff will use the concept of an interconnected system with regards to aspects of safety, enhanced connectivity, and planning. Work Performed and Status - The MPO has been working on the FY MTP for the past year with a due date of January Staff conducted six public meetings the week of June 16-20, These meetings were held in the evenings and at lunch. We had 86 participants in the meetings. A Delphi meeting consisting of community entities and citizens was conducted on July 17th with great participation. Travel time runs were performed September 16th-20th and October 1st-13th. The MPO hosted numerous meetings of the MTP Project Selection Committee, completed the MTP Survey Analytical Report, compiled the public participation segment of the report, and appeared on/presented information to numerous media outlets including talk radio shows and other outlets. Project nomination forms were evaluated. Staff also updated and prepared numerous maps for the Metropolitan Transportation Plan including baseline, enhanced, illustrative, travel time survey locations, growth projections, per capita maps, hazardous waste, population density, seal coats, low-moderate income areas, percentage minority, and state maintained roadways. The Draft MTP was presented at the November 4 th TAC meeting and the November 18 th PB meeting. The PB approved the document for public review. Public Review started on November 18 th and ran thru December 22 nd. The Abilene MPO presented the Draft MTP at the following meetings: December 4 th, 8:30 am, City of Abilene City Council; December 8 th, 9:00 am, Jones County Commissioners Court; December 8 th, 12:00 pm, Page 23 of 28

24 Tye City Council; December 16 th, 9:00 am, Taylor County Commissioners Court; and hosted a public meeting on the Draft MTP on December 9 th, 4:30-6:30 pm, at the Abilene Public Library (Auditorium). The MTP was approved at the January 20, 2015 Policy Board meeting. 4.2 Travel Demand Modeling MPO staff with TPF funding will do the following work in cooperation with TxDOT staff using TxDOT funding: Review base year travel demand model information as needed with travel demand modelers at TxDOT, consultants from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, and others as appropriate. Project demographic and employment information for use in travel demand projections out to the year Project changes in transportation network and network capacity to year Work Performed and Status - No significant progress was made on this item. The MPO was down to two employees and this project was placed on hold as more pressing matters were addressed. 4.3 Metropolitan Thoroughfare Plan Update and periodically republish the official map of the Thoroughfare Plan for the Abilene Metropolitan Area as needed to reflect new development. Work Performed and Status - The MPO GIS staff has established a process to ensure needed updates are accomplished on the Thoroughfare map as needed and requested by the City of Abilene. The MPO continues to work closely with the City of Abilene to ensure that the plan stays current. Changes were made to the thoroughfare plan in June of 2015 and throughout the year as plans were made available. 4.4 Metropolitan Transportation Plan CityLink CityLink staff with FTA Section 5307 funding will do the following work: Provide long range planning needed for transit program development and maintenance including coordination of planning efforts with other regional transit providers, other public-agency transportation programs, and current or potential consumers of public transit services. Provide for the inclusion of transit elements in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan through long-term service needs projections, funding projections, and budgetary planning. Work Performed and Status - CityLink Transit conducts transportation planning assessments based upon ridership, community input, and regional coordination and funding available. CityLink Staff participates in several community organizations that assist in identifying specific ridership needs, such as veterans, individuals with Page 24 of 28

25 disabilities, low income and senior citizens. Feedback is obtained on transportations services provided and the input is utilized as a planning tool for short term and long term planning goals. 4.5 Transit Planning A concentrated effort will be made to incorporate transit safety and security, along with ways to increase transit ridership and public awareness of these issues. Monitoring of existing transit stops/facilities to determine their efficiency and to identify any warranted modifications s. Conduct planning activities as needed to evaluate traffic patterns, needs analysis, and service standards on transit services. Continue to work with the CityLink Transit to ensure efficient operations and planning. Work with public transportation providers to coordinate transportation efforts and participate in the regional planning process. Work Performed and Status - MPO staff and CityLink stafff have been working together on many planning projects including buffer zone analysis,, bus stop locations, overall route system analysis, sidewalk and pedestrian amenities, connections to the bicycle plan, and others. The MPO GIS staff has updated individual route maps and handouts for transit in an effort to maximize customer service, along with completee route maps and changes to routes. CityLink is working on their Triennial Review and the MPO provided documents pertaining to that. 4.6 Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Support for the implementation of planning activities in the MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Working with locall government and community organizations to access grants and other funding opportunities to develop bicycle and pedestrian modes of transportation. Working with the local transit agency to incorporate a more congruent transit, bicycle, and pedestrian method of transportation. Work Performed and Status MPO staff worked with the City of Abilene on a Bicycle Plan which included hosting public meetings too solicit comments, appeared on media outlets to discuss the plan, prepared maps and other pertinent data, set-up for the Planning Roundtable meeting, made presentations to bicycling group, updated plans with public meetings with the police department on collision reports, prepared information input, compiled a bicycle survey, updated projectt list and map, and prepared documents for thee City Council. The City of Abilene s Bicyclee Plan was approved at the August 13, 2015 City Council Meeting. The MPO partnered with Contemporary Arts on the the Center for first Wheels Page 25 of 28