Approval of December 11, 2014, Minutes Presenter: Mike Cantrell, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the December 11, 2014, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda 2.1. 2015 – 2018 Transportation Improvement Program Modifications Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of February 2015 revisions to the 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program will be requested. Background: February 2015 revisions to the 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program are provided as Reference Item 2.1.1 for RTC consideration. Administrative amendments from the November 2014 cycle are provided for information in Electronic Item 2.1.2. These modifications have been reviewed for consistency with the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, air quality conformity determination, and financial constraint of the Transportation Improvement Program.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report 1. Happy New Year 2. Recognition of Ron Brown for Service on the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) 3. Special Events 4. Demographic Forecasts for 2040 5. Trinity Parkway and Southern Gateway Status 6. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.1) 7. Clean Cities Clean Fleet Annual Reporting (Electronic Item 3.2) 8. December Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.3) 9. Roundabouts Fact Sheet (Electronic Item 3.4) 10. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.5) 11. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.6) 12. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Incident Management Call for Projects Presenter: Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide information regarding the Incident Management Equipment Purchase 2014 Call for Projects and request approval of recommended projects to select for funding. Background: The goal of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Freeway Incident Management Training Program is to initiate a common, coordinated response to traffic incidents that will build partnerships, enhance safety for emergency personnel, reduce secondary traffic crashes, improve the efficiency of the transportation system, and improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Nonrecurring traffic incidents are responsible for about 50 percent of all congestion. Additionally, the secondary crashes caused by these upstream incidents lead to additional fatalities and injuries. Equipment and technology that aid in quick incident clearance can both assist with keeping motorists and first responders safe on the roadway and improving air quality in the region. In support of the NCTCOG Freeway Incident Management Training Program, NCTCOG conducted the Incident Management Equipment Purchase 2014 Call for Projects aimed at the purchase of equipment and technology to be used to mitigate traffic incidents in the North Central Texas nonattainment area. A total of $2 million was available through the Call. Project recommendations are provided in Reference Item 4.1, and additional details are provided in Electronic Item 4.2.
Support for North Central Texas Council of Governments' Comments on the Dallas-Fort Worth State Implementation Plan Revision and Other Air Quality Updates Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will seek Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to provide comments to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regarding on-road mobile components within the Dallas-Fort Worth State Implementation Plan (SIP) Revision for the 2008 eight-hour ozone standard. In addition, an update will be provided regarding 2014 Transportation Conformity and proposed changes to the national ozone standard. Background: On December 10, 2014, the TCEQ approved proposal of revisions to the Dallas-Fort Worth SIP for the 2008 eight-hour ozone standard, which include reference to local initiatives submitted by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) on August 8, 2014, and TCEQ staff recommendations to replace currently incorporated but older on-road emission inventories with updated on-road emission inventories for final adoption of the Dallas-Fort Worth SIP. The proposed Dallas-Fort Worth SIP revision does not include these updated on-road emission inventories due to late availability of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA’s) improved modeling software. Since release of EPA’s updated software in the fall, on-road emission inventories incorporating latest planning assumptions have been prepared and submitted to the TCEQ. NCTCOG staff is preparing comments for the TCEQ Dallas-Fort Worth SIP open comment period that ends January 30, 2015, supporting inclusion of the updated on-road emission inventories. This is important due to significant differences in results between the two sets of inventories that will ultimately be established as motor vehicle emissions budgets for future transportation conformities. In addition, staff has presented to the RTC the importance of additional volatile organic compounds reductions to assist in air quality conformity. Local efforts continue in obtaining federal approval of 2014 Transportation Conformity, and the EPA recently released informative details regarding revision to the existing federal ozone standard. Additional information is provided in Reference Item 5.
Regional Transportation Council Conflict of Interest Procedure Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Council will be asked to approve a Conflict of Interest Procedure and the use of a Conflict of Interest Affidavit that complies with Local Government Code Chapter 171. Background: RTC Bylaws and Operating Procedures require RTC members to adhere to the conflict of interest procedures in Local Government Code Chapter 171 and the Code of Ethics of their respective entities. (See RTC Bylaws, Section 3, Paragraph D). If an RTC member, or close relative(s), has a substantial interest in a business entity or in real property that is coming before a vote of the RTC, the member is required to file an affidavit prior to the meeting stating the nature and extent of the interest. The member is required by law to abstain from further participation in the matter if action on the matter has a special economic impact on the business entity or value of the property that is distinguishable from the effect on the public. Reference Item 6.1 contains additional background and a proposed RTC Conflict of Interest Procedure. Reference Item 6.2 is the proposed Conflict of Interest Affidavit for RTC approval.
Proposition 1 and Funding the Metropolitan Transportation Plan – Draft Listings Presenters: Michael Morris and Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will update the Council on the latest developments regarding Proposition 1 funding and present draft project recommendations for consideration. North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff proposes this item for information. However, because of the speed in Proposition 1 projects needing to go to construction, a few isolated Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) projects may need conditional approval in order to meet the 2015 TxDOT letting schedule. Background: In November 2014, Texas voters approved Proposition 1, which is expected to provide $1.74 billion to the State Highway Fund in the first year. The Dallas-Fort Worth region will receive approximately $367.6 million in year one. TxDOT and NCTCOG staffs have collaborated to develop a draft list of proposed Proposition 1 projects. Eligible projects include engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of traditional roadways, excluding toll roads. A draft list and map of project ideas will be discussed. TxDOT is implementing a vigorous schedule, which may result in the need for approval during the January meeting on projects that could let before May 2015. However, it is anticipated that approval of most first-year projects would be requested in February 2015.
Public Participation Plan Revisions Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff has developed proposed updates to the Public Participation Plan that outlines how the North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Department informs and gathers input from North Texans. A summary of proposed changes and schedule for incorporating updates will be presented. The draft Public Participation Plan is included as Electronic Item 8.1. Background: Approved by the Regional Transportation Council in March 2010, the Public Participation Plan (Electronic Item 8.2) encourages an open exchange of information and ideas between the public and transportation decision makers. Consistent with federal regulations, the Public Participation Plan clearly defines the purpose and objectives for initiating public dialogue on transportation plans, programs, projects, policies, and partnerships. It also includes as attachments the Language Assistance Plan and Title VI Complaint Procedures.
9. Progress Reports Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. ? RTC Attendance (Reference Item 9.1) ? STTC Minutes (Electronic Item 9.2) ? Local Motion (Electronic Item 9.3) 10. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 11. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 12. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, February 12, 2015, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of December 11, 2014, Minutes Presenter: Mike Cantrell, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the December 11, 2014, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda 2.1. 2015 – 2018 Transportation Improvement Program Modifications Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of February 2015 revisions to the 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program will be requested. Background: February 2015 revisions to the 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program are provided as Reference Item 2.1.1 for RTC consideration. Administrative amendments from the November 2014 cycle are provided for information in Electronic Item 2.1.2. These modifications have been reviewed for consistency with the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, air quality conformity determination, and financial constraint of the Transportation Improvement Program.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report 1. Happy New Year 2. Recognition of Ron Brown for Service on the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) 3. Special Events 4. Demographic Forecasts for 2040 5. Trinity Parkway and Southern Gateway Status 6. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.1) 7. Clean Cities Clean Fleet Annual Reporting (Electronic Item 3.2) 8. December Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.3) 9. Roundabouts Fact Sheet (Electronic Item 3.4) 10. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.5) 11. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.6) 12. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Incident Management Call for Projects Presenter: Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide information regarding the Incident Management Equipment Purchase 2014 Call for Projects and request approval of recommended projects to select for funding. Background: The goal of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Freeway Incident Management Training Program is to initiate a common, coordinated response to traffic incidents that will build partnerships, enhance safety for emergency personnel, reduce secondary traffic crashes, improve the efficiency of the transportation system, and improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Nonrecurring traffic incidents are responsible for about 50 percent of all congestion. Additionally, the secondary crashes caused by these upstream incidents lead to additional fatalities and injuries. Equipment and technology that aid in quick incident clearance can both assist with keeping motorists and first responders safe on the roadway and improving air quality in the region. In support of the NCTCOG Freeway Incident Management Training Program, NCTCOG conducted the Incident Management Equipment Purchase 2014 Call for Projects aimed at the purchase of equipment and technology to be used to mitigate traffic incidents in the North Central Texas nonattainment area. A total of $2 million was available through the Call. Project recommendations are provided in Reference Item 4.1, and additional details are provided in Electronic Item 4.2.
Support for North Central Texas Council of Governments' Comments on the Dallas-Fort Worth State Implementation Plan Revision and Other Air Quality Updates Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will seek Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to provide comments to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regarding on-road mobile components within the Dallas-Fort Worth State Implementation Plan (SIP) Revision for the 2008 eight-hour ozone standard. In addition, an update will be provided regarding 2014 Transportation Conformity and proposed changes to the national ozone standard. Background: On December 10, 2014, the TCEQ approved proposal of revisions to the Dallas-Fort Worth SIP for the 2008 eight-hour ozone standard, which include reference to local initiatives submitted by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) on August 8, 2014, and TCEQ staff recommendations to replace currently incorporated but older on-road emission inventories with updated on-road emission inventories for final adoption of the Dallas-Fort Worth SIP. The proposed Dallas-Fort Worth SIP revision does not include these updated on-road emission inventories due to late availability of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA’s) improved modeling software. Since release of EPA’s updated software in the fall, on-road emission inventories incorporating latest planning assumptions have been prepared and submitted to the TCEQ. NCTCOG staff is preparing comments for the TCEQ Dallas-Fort Worth SIP open comment period that ends January 30, 2015, supporting inclusion of the updated on-road emission inventories. This is important due to significant differences in results between the two sets of inventories that will ultimately be established as motor vehicle emissions budgets for future transportation conformities. In addition, staff has presented to the RTC the importance of additional volatile organic compounds reductions to assist in air quality conformity. Local efforts continue in obtaining federal approval of 2014 Transportation Conformity, and the EPA recently released informative details regarding revision to the existing federal ozone standard. Additional information is provided in Reference Item 5.
Regional Transportation Council Conflict of Interest Procedure Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Council will be asked to approve a Conflict of Interest Procedure and the use of a Conflict of Interest Affidavit that complies with Local Government Code Chapter 171. Background: RTC Bylaws and Operating Procedures require RTC members to adhere to the conflict of interest procedures in Local Government Code Chapter 171 and the Code of Ethics of their respective entities. (See RTC Bylaws, Section 3, Paragraph D). If an RTC member, or close relative(s), has a substantial interest in a business entity or in real property that is coming before a vote of the RTC, the member is required to file an affidavit prior to the meeting stating the nature and extent of the interest. The member is required by law to abstain from further participation in the matter if action on the matter has a special economic impact on the business entity or value of the property that is distinguishable from the effect on the public. Reference Item 6.1 contains additional background and a proposed RTC Conflict of Interest Procedure. Reference Item 6.2 is the proposed Conflict of Interest Affidavit for RTC approval.
Proposition 1 and Funding the Metropolitan Transportation Plan – Draft Listings Presenters: Michael Morris and Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will update the Council on the latest developments regarding Proposition 1 funding and present draft project recommendations for consideration. North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff proposes this item for information. However, because of the speed in Proposition 1 projects needing to go to construction, a few isolated Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) projects may need conditional approval in order to meet the 2015 TxDOT letting schedule. Background: In November 2014, Texas voters approved Proposition 1, which is expected to provide $1.74 billion to the State Highway Fund in the first year. The Dallas-Fort Worth region will receive approximately $367.6 million in year one. TxDOT and NCTCOG staffs have collaborated to develop a draft list of proposed Proposition 1 projects. Eligible projects include engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of traditional roadways, excluding toll roads. A draft list and map of project ideas will be discussed. TxDOT is implementing a vigorous schedule, which may result in the need for approval during the January meeting on projects that could let before May 2015. However, it is anticipated that approval of most first-year projects would be requested in February 2015.
Public Participation Plan Revisions Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff has developed proposed updates to the Public Participation Plan that outlines how the North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Department informs and gathers input from North Texans. A summary of proposed changes and schedule for incorporating updates will be presented. The draft Public Participation Plan is included as Electronic Item 8.1. Background: Approved by the Regional Transportation Council in March 2010, the Public Participation Plan (Electronic Item 8.2) encourages an open exchange of information and ideas between the public and transportation decision makers. Consistent with federal regulations, the Public Participation Plan clearly defines the purpose and objectives for initiating public dialogue on transportation plans, programs, projects, policies, and partnerships. It also includes as attachments the Language Assistance Plan and Title VI Complaint Procedures.
9. Progress Reports Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. ? RTC Attendance (Reference Item 9.1) ? STTC Minutes (Electronic Item 9.2) ? Local Motion (Electronic Item 9.3) 10. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 11. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 12. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, February 12, 2015, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.