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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission - Meeting Date: 2/1/2018 i MINUTES CITIZENS TRANSPORTATION OVERSIGHT COMMISSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS BUILDING CONFERENCE ROOM B-3 5850 W. GLENDALE AVE. GLENDALE,ARIZONA 85301 FEBRUARY 1, 2018 6:00P.M. Present: Tom Schmitt, Chair John Geurs, Vice Chair • Donald Brazier, Commissioner John Fernandes, Commissioner Marie Nesfield, Commissioner Jack.Nylund, Commissioner Absent: Chris Hauser, Commissioner Chuck Jared, Commissioner Joan Young, Commissioner • Also Present: Jack Lorbeer, Transportation Planning Administrator Trevor Ebersole, Transportation Director Purab Adabala, Transportation Analyst Patrick Sage, Transportation Planner Kevin Link, Transit Administrator 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Schmitt called the meeting to order at 6:31. p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA-WITHDRAWALS AND CONTINUANCES Approval of the agenda for the February 1, 2018 Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission. Motioned by Commissioner Jack Nylund, seconded by Commissioner Marie Nesfield AYE: Chair Tom Schmitt Vice Chair John Geurs Commissioner Donald Brazier Commissioner John Fernandes Commissioner Marie Nesfield Commissioner Jack Nylund Passed 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS No comments. 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Approval of the minutes from the December 7, 2017 meeting of the Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission, as written. Motioned by Commissioner Donald Brazier, seconded by Commissioner John Fernandes AYE: Chair Tom Schmitt Vice Chair John Geurs Commissioner Donald Brazier Commissioner John Fernandes Commissioner Marie Nesfield Commissioner Jack Nylund Passed 5. COMMISSION AND STAFF UPDATES Commissioner Brazier read aloud a statement, in which he expressed disappointment in the Council action to end Glendale's participation in the light rail project. His statement made the following points (summarized): • On November 6, 2001, Glendale voters approved Proposition 402 and gave City Council 'the right to'increase the sales tax to provide support for Glendale's future transportation needs. Light rail was included in that proposal. •CTOC was established by amending Chapter 2 of Glendale's City Code tomonitor the transportation funds to ensure that all the voter-approved projects in Proposition 402 were completed in.a timely and cost-effective manner, and that included light rail. •For several years, this commission, along with members of Phoenix, met and planned for the extension of light rail to Glendale. •At their December 7, 2018 CTOC meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to ask Council to let CTOC look at the project again before Council made their vote to end Glendale's'participation in the project. J •Two CTOC members addressed Council at their December 12th meeting, requesting that CTOC have the opportunity to again review the projected plans. •Recommend that funds collected for the light rail project be returned to the tax payers and that future taxes for the light rail project be eliminated. Chair Schmitt announced that Commissioner Blackburn resigned from the CTOC. Commissioner Blackburn expressed that he was resigning because, in his opinion, recent Council actions indicate that the CTOC's advisory role is not meaningful. Vice Chair Geurs commented that he has been informed that in 2001, there was a video made by Channel 11, on which Councilmember Clark explained that the light rail project needs to be included to secure the GO funding. Vice Chair Geurs that this same Councilmember Clarke is now saying that these funds can be used for other things. Vice Chair Geurs stated that,City Council is not really seen as taking CTOC's opinion into consideration. Vice Chair Geurs relayed that he was offered a position on another Committee, however, he is committed to CTOC and will serve his term out. Chair Schmitt commented that the CTOC has been told it is advisory; however, the members were voted by law to oversee the use of the GO Funds. Vice Chair Geurs conceded that the commission has been informed by the City Attorney's office that the projects identified in the ballot initiative are recommendations, but not required to be completed. 6. FY2017 GO ANNUAL REPORT Mr. Adabala gave a presentation on the Draft GO Transportation Program Annual Report for FY2017. The Commissioners received a copy of the Draft Report. The presentation included the following: •Proposition No. 402—Comprehensive Transportation Plan •Proposition 402—Projects •GO Program •Annual GO Report •25-Year GO Program •Financial Summary, Revenues, and Expenditures-Figures presented •Bonding •Status of GO Program Bond Funds •Status of Transportation Bond Issuances •Project Status • Commissioner Nylund asked if any GO Funds are tied to the amount of budget surplus. Mr. Adabala replied in the negative. Commissioner Nylund asked for confirmation that there was no co-mingling of the General Fund and GO Fund and Mr.Adabala replied in.the positive: Commissioner Fernandes commented that the GO Funds are not part of the General Fund and Mr. Adabala agreed Mr: Adabala noted that there is a General Fund administration charge of $1.4 million, or 5%; annually for the services that the General Fund.departments provide to Transportation. Chair Schmitt clarified that it was 5.5% and read aloud the various City departments/functions for which the administration fee is charged. Chair Schmitt inquired if the charge is based on actual costs or on a percentage. Mr.Adabala replied that the chargeis determined during the budget process. Chair Schmitt suggested that this should possibly be audited, and Mr. Adabala replied that it is audited. Commissioner Fernandes stated it is a generally accepted accounting practice to use an estimated percentage, but wondered if staff checks the accuracy of the percentage. Mr.Adabala replied that the percentage is adjusted during the budget process. Chair Schmitt asked if the percentage ever goes down and Mr. Adabala replied that it theoretically can go down. Chair Schmitt inquired about the nine full time employees (FTEs) identified in the Go program budget, and Mr. Adabala provided details. Mr. Adabala noted that there is one FTE under the HURF program. Vice Chair Geurs noted the$50,000 annual membership fee paid to Valley Metro. Commissioner Nylund asked if the administration charge has increased. Mr. Adabala replied that six years ago, it was $1.1 million and now it is$1.4 million. Chair Schmitt inquired about staff and salaries and Mr.Adabala directed Chair Schmitt to the table in the report with the wage, benefits, and staff administrative cost figures. Commissioner Brazier inquired about the Valley Metro membership and noted that Councilmember Tolmachoff stated that the City will stay in the membership until the end of the fiscal year. Mr. Ebersole noted that it is strategic thinking to maintain the Valley Metro membership until the anticipated "Proposition 500" comes into play. Chair Schmitt wondered why the City would stay in the Valley Metro membership, if the Council has voted down the light rail. Mr. Ebersole explained that light rail may not be the only project to consider. Mr. Ebersole noted that staff is determining if it is valuable to stay in the membership considering the upcoming Proposition 500 discussions. Commissioner Nylund asked if the membership would be a Council decision. Mr. Ebersole replied in the positive and added that CTOC could make a recommendation to Council on the issue. Commissioner Nesfield asked if any cities west of Glendale were part of the Valley Metro membership. Mr. Link replied that the membership consists of five cities: Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, and Glendale. Mr. Adabala interjected that Scottsdale used to be a member but is no longer. Commissioner Brazier asked why Glendale wasan original member of the Valley Metro group. Mr. Link replied that when Proposition 402 went out, light rail was part of the original budget. Commissioner Brazier stated that light rail was therefore not an afterthought. a. Action by CTOC Recommendation to forward the FY2017 GO Annual Report to City Council for its consideration. Motioned by Vice Chair John Geurs, seconded by Commissioner Jack Nylund Commissioner Brazier stated that he voted in opposition due to the fact that there is no mention of light rail in the report and he stands with the voters of Glendale. AYE: Chair Tom Schmitt Vice Chair John Geurs Commissioner John Fernandes Commissioner Marie Nesfield Commissioner Jack Nylund NAY: Commissioner Donald Brazier Passed 7. MOVING GLENDALE AHEAD TRANSPORTATION PLAN -DRAFT Mr. Lorbeer announced that this presentation was made at Council Workshop on January 9, 2018. Mr. Lorbeer noted that after the presentation this evening to CTOC, their comments will be requested and included in the next Council Workshop presentation. Mr. Ebersole noted that the third Council workshop is scheduled for May 22, 2018. Mr. Lorbeer and Mr. Ebersole gave a presentation, which included the following: • Requested Council Guidance •Light Rail Project Savings • Recommended Distribution of Light Rail Savings •Current Transportation Funding Distribution • Recommended Plan Distribution •Current Street& Highway Funding • Recommended Street& Highway Funding •Current ITS/TSM Funding • Recommended ITS/TSM Funding •Current Transit Funding •Recommended Transit Funding •Current Miscellaneous Projects/Programs •Recommended Miscellaneous Projects/Programs •Traffic Education Program •Implementation Plan •Level of Service (LOS) •Requested Council Guidance—Mr. Ebersole announced that Council gave staff consensus to move forward with the following three items in the manner as presented: •Distribution of Light Rail Project Savings •Recommended Transportation Plan Projects/Programs •Level of Service Standard for Roadways Chair Schmitt commented that investing in the light rail would have brought an economic development impact to the City and wondered about that estimated figure. Mr. Lorbeer replied that there was not a definite figure and there would have been many opinions as to that figure: Chair Schmitt commented that figures in the presentation are speculative as well. Mr. Lorbeer explained that the presentation estimates are.from Valley Metro. Vice Chair Geurs inquired if the issue with light rail was the $100 million and climbing cost. Mr. Lorbeer noted that the operating costs were at$3.9 million a year. Vice Chair Geurs commented that there is no indication that the current debt service would be_ paid off early and wondered if more bonds would eventually be floated. Mr. Lorbeer replied that staff asked about early pay-off, however, the Finance Department indicated that the bond investors bought for the life of the bonds so they cannot be paid off early. Mr. Lorbeer commented that staff has put together.a financing package as part of the plan and if things are to be completed sooner rather as cash flow comes in, that would be a Council decision. Vice Chair Geurs would like to see noted in the presentation, that although the projects are needed, none are catastrophic emergencies and the City could pay as it goes. • Commissioner Nyland stated that he was on the 1997-98.Transportation Oversight Commission for the Governor and they forecasted congestion. Commissioner Nyland commented that he does not favor going from LOS C to LOS D and the LOS C standard should be maintained. Mr. Ebersole relayed that this was a concern of Council as well. Mr. Ebersole noted that, based on simulation models, the change to LOS D, on 59th Avenue from Camelback Road to Deer Valley Road, resulted in a difference of only 2.5 minutes. Mr. Ebersole noted that there are 32 intersections below LOS C. Commissioner Nyland asked if the model was based on current Glendale or the future of the population of northern Glendale. Mr. Ebersole explained that the model is based on the projections and current activity of the entire region. Mr. Ebersole relayed that the City is only two miles wide, but twelve miles long. • Vice Chair Geurs asked if east-west models were done as well and Mr. Ebersole replied in the positive. Vice Chair GeUrs felt that the east-west traffic was worse than the north-south traffic in Glendale. Vice'Chair Geurs inquired as to the LOS for the City of Peoria. Mr. Ebersole replied that Peoria has a LOS standard of C, however, it is geographically larger than Glendale and has a population of approximately 170,000 residents versus Glendale's population of approximately 240,000. Chair Schmitt commented that traffic modeling is not an exact science and Glendale cannot build itself out of congestion. Chair Schmitt did not see how anyone could contest the transportation needs identified by staff, and hoped that staff did not use the reported light rail savings to influence Council to vote down light rail. Chair Schmitt commented that public transit is an element that needs to be demonstrated as to how it reduces congestion to obtain federal funds. , Commissioner Nylund commented that the air quality in the valley has worsened and wondered if this was considered in the light rail discussion. Mr. Ebersole agreed that there are opportunities for air quality improvement and staff tries to stay abreast of the latest transit technologies. Commissioner Nylund suggested that a mass transit vehicle would emit the lower amounts of pollution. Mr. Link commented that the City has approximately five propane buses and Valley Metro fleet also includes alternative fuels buses. Mr. Link noted that a concern with propane buses is the heat in the summer; however newer propane technology has increased performance. Chair Schmitt stated that he did not doubt staffs capability to determine where to spend the proposed savings, however, thought it was irresponsible to have done away with the light rail. Commissioner Brazier inquired as to how long it took staff to prepare the light rail savings proposal. Mr. Ebersole replied that staff worked on the presentation from December 12th through the 27th, and staff had several models and scenarios of projects prior, as the project list is a living document. Mr. Lorbeer added that the process has gone on for a long time as$3 billion in needs has been identified, with only$1 billion in anticipated revenue. The list of projects is continually maintained. Vice Chair Geurs asked if there are increased funds for more cameras and controls. Vice Chair Geurs would prefer less bicycle paths and more ITS cameras, specifically noting the intersection of 53rd Avenue and Maryland Avenue. Chair Schmitt suggested more flashing yellow arrows. 8. MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Ebersole announced the following: •There is a possibility that$900,000 in General Fund contributions to the GO Program will go away. •There is a possibility that the HURF program will pay approximately$1 million (or somewhatmore) into the General Fund, for indirect administration costs. Chair Schmitt inquired as to the value of CTOC's opinion regarding the Draft Transportation Plan. Mr. Ebersole reinforced theimportanceand value of CTOC. Commissioner Brazier inquired if there would be a replacement for the $900,000. Mr. Ebersole did not think so however, explained that the approximate$200,000 annual revenue from the barricade program, which currently goes into.the General Fund, may be redirected'to HURF. 9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Lorbeer stated that CTOC could discuss comments and feedback on the Draft Transportation Plan again at the March meeting. Staff will formulate specific questions to obtain CTOC's advisory guidance at the next meeting. Vice Chair Geurs commented that the LOS was a priority and the City should get back to its levels before the recession and then completed extra projects. At the next meeting, Commissioner Nylund requested that staff provide details on where the $1 million (or more) going from HURF into the General Fund are being applied. Chair Schmitt suggested that these will be for the administration costs identified earlier. Mr. Ebersole expressed that more details will be provided at upcoming meetings.' 10. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting for the CTOC was initially scheduled for Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. However, Commissioner Nylund noted that March 1st is the State of the City address, and requested that the CTOC meeting be rescheduled. The meeting was subsequently rescheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2018, and will be held at the Transit Operations Office, 6210 W. Myrtle Avenue, Building S, Glendale, Arizona, 85301. Mr. Lorbeer suggested holding future CTOC meetings at the Transportation Department location. No opposition to this proposal was expressed by commissioners. Vice Chair Geurs wondered if the CTOC was short on members. Mr. Sage replied that there are nine seated Commissioners and two vacant seats. Mr. Sage stated that a new Commissioner was recently sworn-in but could not attend tonight's meeting. 11. ADJOURNMENT he meeting wasadjourned by consensus at 8:55 p.m. Th- Citi =n• Transportation Oversight Commission meeting minutes of February 8, 2018 were submitted and - •p ov; • this 28th day of February, 2018. Patrick Sam — - Recording Secretary