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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Citizens Transportation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 2/2/2017MINUTES CITIZENS TRANSPORTATION OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 5850 West Glendale Avenue Glendale, Arizona 85301 City Hall, Room B-3 February 2, 2017 6:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Tom Schmitt, Chair John Geurs, Vice Chair Don Brazier James Grose Jeff McAffee Jack Nylund Marie Nesfield Joan Young CJ Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Hart OTHERS PRESENT: Jack Lorbeer, Transportation Planning Manager Patrick Sage, Transportation Planner Purab Adabala, Senior Transportation Analyst Trevor Ebersole, Transportation Deputy Director Kenn Potts, Glendale Municipal Airport Director Kevin Link, Transportation Planning Manager I. Call to Order Chair Schmitt called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. IL Approval of the Agenda Chair Schmitt called for approval of the agenda for the February 2, 2017 CTOC meeting. ACTION BY CTOC: Approval of the agenda for the February 2, 2017 Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission as presented. (Motion: Commissioner Geurs; Second: Commissioner Brazier; motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Nylund was not yet present.) 111. Approval of Minutes from January 6, 2017 Meeting Chair Schmitt called for approval of the minutes. ACTION BY CTOC: Approval of the minutes from the January 6, 2017 meeting of the Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission as written. I (Motion: Commissioner Nesfield; Second: Commissioner Williams; motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Nylund was not yet present.) IV. Call to the Audience No comments. V. Commissioners and Staff Updates Commissioner McAffee attended a meeting on the 1-10/1-17 Spine Corridor in Phoenix. The purpose of the meeting was to gather public comment on the recommendations from the study. Commissioner McAffee stated that there was not a formal presentation at the meeting, but rather open house style public meeting with stations showing diagrams and proposed plans for review and comment. Commissioner McAffee commented that the improvements under consideration included adding more travel lanes, adding more HOV lanes, and improving transportation options for bicycles. Chair Schmitt mentioned that reversible lanes on the 1-17 have been suggested for consideration. Mr. Lorbeer noted that the Coronado Bridge in San Diego has moveable medians that allow for reversible lanes. Commissioner Nesfield stated that there are reversible lanes are used in tunnels in New York City. Vice Chair Geurs discussed his recent visit to the Glendale Municipal Airport. Vice Chair Geurs met Mr. Potts to tour the airport in the daylight, since the recent CTOC meeting at the Airport was conducted at night. Vice Chair Geurs stated that there are areas of the Airport which need repair. Vice Chair Geurs provided several examples of where he observed degraded conditions during his tour: • Extensive cracking in areas of the apron areas that were not recently treated. • Pavement near the fuel station is significantly degraded. • The security camera at the bottom of the Tower is grainy and black and white. • The security key pads for the gates are old and it is hard to find parts for repair. • The asphalt surface of the terminal parking tot is degraded. • The blocks leading to the Tower are stained. • The carpet inside of the terminal building is ragged. • The window tinting is peeling off windows in the terminal building. • Glendale Avenue between Highway 101 and the Airport has potholes and seems to have been neglected by the City for a long time. Mr. Lorbeer mentioned that Glendale Avenue west of SR -101L is included in current Pavement Management Program and its condition is expected to be addressed as part of that program. VI. Manager's Report Mr. Lorbeer presented the Manager's Report, which included the following: • Northern Parkway Update • 59th &Olive Avenues — Capacity Improvements • 59th & Olive Avenues — Safety Improvements • Long Range Transportation Plan • Bethany Home Road Extension • 95th Avenue • North Glendale Park & Ride • Glendale Light Rail Transit 2 CTOC Governance Chair Schmitt inquired about any risk to the federal funding for the Northern Parkway project. Mr. Lorbeer explained the breakout of funding for the project. Mr. Lorbeer stated that the MAG funds are set to expire in 2025 and that project decision makers need to be cognizant of that deadline and the potential risk to the federal funding. Mr. Lorbeer noted that the project stakeholders are examining opportunities to combine and accelerate some of the project components. Regarding the 59th Avenue/Olive Avenue projects, Vice Chair Geurs commented that many people jaywalk across 59th Avenue north of the intersection and the northbound bus stop. Mr. Lorbeer hoped that the median would discourage that behavior. [Commissioner Nylund entered the meeting.] Regarding the 95th Avenue project, Chair Schmitt inquired if the City purchased the right of way along 95th Avenue. Mr. Ebersole replied that it has not been purchased yet. Mr. Adabala explained the costs and process of purchasing the right of way. Mr. Adabala noted that there are triggers for moving forward when the development begins. Regarding the Glendale Park and Ride, Commissioner Nylund inquired as to the location of the acquired land. Mr. Lorbeer explained that the parcel is west of Highway 101 between the frontage road and the river. Commissioner Nylund asked if this was the parcel of first choice and Mr. Lorbeer replied in the positive. Regarding Light Rail Transit, Chair Schmitt suggested that a study is needed to explore the economic and funding opportunities that would result by extending light rail into western Glendale, and should be performed prior to a full transit feasibility study for such an extension. Chair Schmitt asked about impacts of putting off the study on the extension to the west. Mr. Lorbeer did not foresee that holding pattern would affect the project overall. Mr. Lorbeer explained that if the Light Rail will be funded in the GO Program, the City must be confident that it is affordable in regards to capital investment as well as operations and maintenance. Mr. Lorbeer stressed the prudence of conducting an affordability assessment. Chair Schmitt stated that going over Grand Avenue is important but would add to the cost. Mr. Lorbeer stated that crossing the railroad tracks adds to the cost of the project. Chair Schmitt asked if Valley Metro would be making a presentation to the Commission. Mr. Lorbeer replied that staff is working with Valley Metro and will disseminate pertinent information. Mr. Lorbeer added that Valley Metro will conduct a presentation if warranted. Vice Geurs wondered why the City of Mesa was doing so well with their light rail system. Vice Chair Geurs noted that Mesa just added five miles to their light rail line. Mr. Lorbeer stated that Mesa shifted funds from another project. Mr. Lorbeer announced that Glendale has over $100 million allocated to the light rail system, which does not include operations and maintenance. Mr. Lorbeer noted that the assumptions of operations and maintenance did increase substantially, which is the reason an affordability analysis will be conducted. Chair Schmitt stated that his concern regarding the terms was to avoid Commissioners coming and going from the CTOC. Chair Schmitt stated that it is hard to maintain consistency and keep Commissioners abreast of topics when there is constant movement. Mr. Lorbeer noted the importance of attracting people with interest in the CTOC and who want to stay. Commissioner Brazier noted that he filled a Commission seat for two months and then was re- appointed. Commissioner Brazier asked if the two months constituted a term. Mr. Sage did not believe so, but would follow up. Regarding CTOC governance, Chair Schmitt inquired regarding the process for modifying the ordinance that defines CTOC terms Mr. Sage explained that a change would require a petition by CTOC to the Boards and Commission Oversight Committee, who would review and take action to move the request to Council. Chair Schmitt stated that if the other Commissioners are satisfied with the ordinance, he would be as well. Mr. Sage explained that a CTOC member could hold their chair for up to four years in they decided to participate through 2 two-year terms. Chair Schmitt noted that his concern was with the length of terms and maintaining continuity. Chair Schmitt asked if past Commissioners have been leaving before their four years are up. Mr. Sage replied that in several instances commissioners left before they termed out. Chair Schmitt surmised that a change in term length would not appear to solve the problem. Mr. Lorbeer stressed the importance of finding candidates with specific interest in CTOC. VII. Transit Fare Structure Mr. Link updated the CTOC on the upcoming review process of Transit's Fare Structure which includes Dial -A -Ride, ADA paratransit service, and the Glendale Urban Shuttle (GUS). Mr. Link announced that on February 21, 2017, the City will participate in a Council workshop regarding this topic, and will seek direction from Council on possible fare increases. Mr. Link noted that depending on Council direction, staff will bring back information to CTOC for review and comment. Vice Chair Geurs inquired as to fare revenue and cost of the programs. Mr. Link replied that, for FY16, Dial -A -Ride generated approximately $91,000, GUS generated approximately $21,000 and there is approximately $2.5 million in operating costs. Mr. Link noted that all this information would be provided to Council as well. Commissioner Brazier wondered who was participating in the workshop. Mr. Link replied that it is a Council workshop; however, it is open to the public. Commissioner McAffee wondered why a fare increase is being considered since the revenues are a very small percentage of the operating costs. Mr. Link explained that there has not been a fare adjustment since 1991 and an adjustment would bring the fares in line with what other Valley cities are charging. Commissioner Nylund commented that since there has not been an increase since 1991, it is fiscally responsible for the City to consider an adjustment. Chair Schmitt thanked Mr. Link for the information. Vlll. Glendale Municipal Airport Operations and the GO Program Mr. Ebersole presented current Airport funding information and opportunities to include Airport operations funding under the Go Program funds. 4 Mr. Ebersol's presentation included the following: • FY18 Budget Expenses • FY17 Budget Revenues • Future Projects • Staff Requests Mr. Ebersole commented that 50% of the Airport revenue is due to rentals and gave the definitions of hangars, hangar associations, leases, and tie downs. Mr. Ebersole stated that there is an approximate deficit of $175,000 between revenues and expenses. Commissioner Nylund inquired about the fee for tie downs. Mr. Potts noted that he has completed a fee and revenue study for the Airport and the Airport is evaluating incrementally increasing the tie down fee to meet the $40.00 as charged by other valley airports. Chair Schmitt inquired if the approximate $175,000 deficit is covered by the General Fund and Mr. Ebersole replied in the positive. Mr. Ebersole presented a list of future projects at the Airport and noted that some projects have been put on hold because state funds for aviation are not available until further notice. Mr. Ebersole noted that federal funds from the FAA are still available and staff has asked the FAA for increased funding due to the loss of state funds. Commissioner Williams inquired if federal funds could be used for operations and Mr. Ebersole replied in the negative, noting the funds could be used for capital projects only. Mr. Ebersole discussed the potential for new revenue from airport operations if development of the vacant land east of existing airport operations moves forward. He explained the vacant property was donated to the City for airport use by J.F. Long. The land was donated with the stipulation that would be used for a second runway. The FAA will not approve a second runway as the Airport operations do not support the need, and the City agrees. Mr. Ebersole noted that negotiations regarding the encumbrance are moving forward with the J.F. Long estate. Once the deed is released and the encumbrance is removed, the City can move forward to develop the property. Commissioner Williams asked for clarification regarding the leased land for the hangars and building leases and Mr. Ebersole provided definitions. Commissioner Williams inquired as to how many other Valley airports operate at a loss. Mr. Potts stated that Deer Valley, Falcon Field and Scottsdale make a profit, however, others do not. Mr. Potts explained that those operating at a loss are subsidized by their respective cities. Commissioner Grose wondered if the Glendale Municipal Airport should be shut down if only a few people are using it. Mr. Ebersole stated that most transportation infrastructure does not generate an immediate revenue stream that directly supports its operations, but instead directly and indirectly supports the overall economic viability of the City and region. Commissioner Williams felt that the deficit under discussion is a number that the City could realistically overcome so the airport could be self-supporting. Chair Schmitt added that the GMA could be turned around through progressive thinking. Chair Schmitt expressed the desire for CTOC to assist the airport manager in achieving this outcome. Commissioner Williams inquired if there was a Master Plan for the Airport. Mr. Ebersole replied in the positive and Mr. Potts noted that it is on the City website. Mr. Potts stated that only one-third of the Airport land is developed whereas at Scottsdale or Falcon Field, all the Airport land and surrounding land is developed. Mr. Potts noted that the Airport opened just 31 years ago. Commissioner Nylund inquired as to the value of the Airport and the land. Mr. Potts replied that an appraisal has not been conducted for a while; however, since the Airport has been open, $23 million in federal grants have been received for capital projects at the Airport. Mr. Potts noted that an Economic Impact Study has been completed for the Airport and he will send the report to Mr. Sage for distribution to the Commissioners. Commissioner Nylund did not see much advertising at the Airport, which could be a huge revenue stream. Commissioner Nylund suggested advertising on the tops of hangars and along Glendale Avenue. Commissioner Young commented that maybe GO funds could be allocated to the Airport to help temporarily, possibly for a period of two to three years. Mr. Ebersole explained that staff would like to include the Airport in the pool of divisions eligible for end of year fund balances. Chair Schmitt inquired how CTOC would be assured that there would be end of year funds available. Mr. Ebersole replied that there are always some funds available due to cost savings on projects or changes in project scopes. Commissioner Nesfield wondered who determines which division would receive the end of year funds and for which projects. Mr. Ebersole replied that City transportation management determines how the funds are distributed, based on internal prioritization of the projects. Vice Chair Geurs stressed that the Airport needs maintenance and repair assistance, and expressed concern that the fund balance approach would not be sufficient, as it is undefined and not a consistent source of funds. Vice Chair Geurs wondered how the Airport could be improved if staff does not know if funds will be available. Mr. Ebersole explained that management is proposing this approach because the GO Program is otherwise fully obligated. Vice Chair Geurs suggested that if the City of Glendale wants to keep the Airport perhaps a list of priorities for projects at the Airport should be taken to Council to get projects completed. Vice Chair Geurs stated that currently the Airport isnot attractive for people or businesses. Mr. Ebersole replied that staff does have a priority list of Airport projects and will send the list to the Commissioners. Chair Schmitt stated that he supports including the Airport in the pool for end of year funds, but would like to include a dedicated line item for the Airport, such as for discretionary use under $50,000. Mr. Lorbeer understood the request, however, noted that GO Program funds are already allocated to other projects. Mr. Lorbeer calculated that $50,000 over 20 years adds to $1.0 million. Chair Schmitt stressed his desire for an allocated discretionary figure for the Airport and suggested a lower amount such as $20,000. Mr. Adabala stated that whatever is allocated to the Airport must be diverted from other projects. ACTION BY CTOC: Approval for the Glendale Municipal Airport to be included in the list of Transportation Division candidates eligible for end -of -year funding. (Motion: Commissioner Nylund; Second: Commissioner McAffee) Commissioner Williams inquired if there was a mechanism to give the Airport priority to the end of year funds because the Airport has limited access to GO funds. Mr. Ebersole replied in the positive. Commissioner Nylund felt that the Airport has been neglected and it is a hidden gem of the City. Commissioner Williams did not feel that asking for $50,000 for the Airport was excessive, even if it costs $1 million over 20 years. Chair Schmitt called for the vote. (Motion carried unanimously.) Mr. Ebersole announced that Mr. Potts has been very aggressive in his promotion of the Airport. Mr. Ebersole noted that Mr. Potts coordinated and managed the first Airport Open House this past fall and established an exclusive Facebook page for the Airport. IX. FY2016 GO Annual Report DRAFT Mr. Adabala presented the draft GO Transportation Program Annual Report for fiscal year 2016. The information presented included the following: • Proposition 402 — Comprehensive Transportation Plan to: • Proposition 402 — Projects • Proposition 402 — Maps of projects were displayed • Role of CTOC • GO Program • Financial Summary, Revenues, Expenditures, Bonding — FY2015-2016 (tables displayed) • FY2016 Project Status Map Mr. Adabala opened the floor for questions. Commissioner Williams inquired if there were any staff positions solely funded by the GO Program. Mr. Adabala replied in the positive and will provide the Commissioner with the actual number. Mr. Lorbeer commented that some staff are funded by the General Fund and HURF as well. Commissioner McAffee inquired about GO projects relating to Air Quality. Mr. Adabala explained that intersection projects improve Air Quality due to reduction in congestion and bicycle/pedestrian improvements allow for less vehicle use thus increased Air Quality. ACTION BY CTOC: Approval of the FY2016 GO Annual Report and forward to City Council for consideration. (Motion: Commissioner Nylund; Second: Commissioner Geurs) Chair Schmitt asked how the CTOC could pose ideas to increase revenue at the Airport to help close the deficit gap and become self-sufficient. Vice Chair Geurs commented that when the City obtains a bond for a project, it seems to be only for the capital and does not include operations and maintenance costs. Vice Chair Geurs stated that this type of philosophy should be changed. Chair Schmitt did not think it was due to staff but rather due to the political environment. Mr. Lorbeer stated that the GO Program was designed with the philosophy of GO Build and GO Maintain. Mr. Lorbeer added that the reason the affordability assessment is being conducted on the light rail proposal is to ensure that the capital costs as well as operations and maintenance are affordable. Mr. Lorbeer stressed that it is fundamental to maintain what the City has already invested in to construct. Commissioner Nylund commented that the pot holes on the City streets are getting bigger and the City refuse trucks are doing damage to the streets. Mr. Lorbeer replied that repairs are being focused on the arterial network and staff will present a street maintenance project update at a future meeting. Chair Schmitt called for the vote. (Motion carried unanimously.) Chair Schmitt asked staff for a count on the number of "dirt" bus stop pull outs. Mr. Lorbeer will follow up with the figure. X. Next Meeting Time The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. XI. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:19 p.m. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS Please contact transportation staff at (623) 930-2940 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting for special accommodations. Hearing impaired persons please use the Arizona Relay Service at 1-800-367-8939. 8