executive committee agenda | january 2013

7/28/2019 Executive Committee Agenda | January 2013

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NOTICE OF MEETING

Des Moines Area Metropo litan Planning Organization (MPO)Executive Committee***************************

11:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 9, 2013Des Moines Area MPO - Mead Conference Room

***************************TENTATIVEAGENDA

The established protocol for minutes of this meeting will be to list all attendees, and with each item on which avote is conducted in the ordinary course in order to take formal action, those voting nay or abstaining will beidentified by name. Any member who is absent from the meeting for any period of time during which a vote ofthe body is taken, is expected to notify the recording secretary at the conclusion of the meeting so that theabsence can be duly noted in the minutes. Roll Call votes will be taken as required by law or upon the requestof any member that is approved by the chair, and the vote of each member for or against the proposition, or

abstention, will be incorporated in the minutes or recorded on a separate sheet attached to the minutes.

1. Call To Order

2. VOTE: Approval of Agenda

3. VOTE: Approval of Meeting Minutes......Page 3 Approve the November 7, 2012 meeting minutes.

4. REPORT and VOTE: MPO Planning Area Boundary Amendment..Page 7 Report on proposed amendments to the MPOs Planning Area Boundary; consider approval.

5. REPORT and VOTE: Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment Request...Page 9

Report on the requests from the Iowa Department of Transportation and Polk County Conservation

Board to amend projects in the Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement

Program; consider approval.

6. REPORT and VOTE: The City of Bondurant Request to Advance Federal Fiscal Year 2016Transportation Alternative Program Funds. ....Page 12

Report on a Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program modificationrequest from the City of Bondurant to advance funding for the Chichaqua Valley Trail project;

consider approval.

7. REPORT and VOTE: Federal Fiscal Year 2016 Small Member Surface Transportation ProgramAward. . Page 14

Report on the Small Member Surface Transportation Program funding requests; consider approval.

8. REPORT and VOTE: Unallocated Federal Fiscal Year 2013 Surface Transportation ProgramFunds. . Page 16

Report on additional unallocated Federal Fiscal Year 2013 Surface Transportation Program funds; considerapproval.

9. REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Union Pacif ic Projects in Des Moines..... . Page 19 Report on the Union Pacific Railroads plans to expand their rail yard in Des Moines and potential MPO

support for the project.

10. REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: SUDAS Representative ... . Page 21 Report on re-appointing Duane Wittstock, City of West Des Moines, as the MPOs representative to the

Statewide Urban Design and Specifications Board of Directors.

11. REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Federal Highway Adminis tration Weather Vulnerabilit yAdaptation Opt ions Analysis .. .......... Page 22

Update on the MPOs application for a Federal Highway Administration grant to conduct an adaptationoptions analysis of selected areas within the MPO boundary prone to flooding

12. REPORT: Transloading Facility Project Update ... .............................................................. Page 23 Report on the progress of bringing a transloading facility to the Des Moines Region.


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Agenda ReportMPO Executive Committee

13. REPORT: US 65/Iowa 5 Inters tate Designation Update.........Page 24 Update on efforts to re-designate the US 65/Iowa 5 corridor to an interstate.

14. REPORT: Horizon Year 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Amendment...........Page 25 Report on the Federal Highway Administrations request to amend the Horizon Year 2035 Metropolitan

Transportation Plan to include the updates to the Planning Area Boundary.

15. REPORT: Chicago to Omaha Passenger Rail Update .......Page 26

Report and update on the Chicago to Omaha Passenger Rail initiative.16. REPORT: Southwest Connector Facility Classification .......Page 27

Discussion regarding the type of facility the Southwest Connector southwest of Iowa 5 should be to enhance

the regional transportation system.

17. REPORT: Federal Fiscal Year 2017 Surface Transportation Program Projects ....Page 28 Update on the projects applying for Federal Fiscal year 2017 Surface Transportation Program funds.

18. REPORT: Priori ty Project Solicitation Process....Page 31 Report regarding the process to identify priority projects for the Greater Des Moines Partnerships annual

trip to Washington, D.C.

19. REPORT: MAP-21 Funding and Transportation Alternative Program Funding Update....Page 32 Update on potential funding changes stemming from MAP-21 and the Iowa Department of Transportation

proposal for the Transportation Alternatives Program.

20. REPORT: The Tomorrow Plan Update.......Page 33 Update on the Tomorrow Plan development

21. REPORT: Smart Growth America Technical Assistance......Page 35 Report on the MPOs award of technical assistance from Smart Growth America

22. REPORT: Executive Director Annual Review.......Page 37 Report on the Fiscal Year 2013 MPO Executive Director Annual Review

23. Other Non-Action Items of Interest to the Commit tee

24. VOTE: Approval of the January 17, 2013, MPO Agenda

25. Next Meeting Date 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 13, 2013, Des Moines Area MPO Office.

26. Adjournment

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J anuary 2012Item No. 3

ISSUE: Approval of Meeting Minutes

VOTE: Consider approval of the November 7, 2012, MPO Executive Committee meeting minutes.

BACKGROUND:

The minutes of the November 7, 2012, MPO Executive Committee meeting are enclosed on thefollowing pages.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the minutes of the November 7, 2012, MPO Executive Committee meeting.

STAFF CONTACT:

J ennifer Ratcliff, [email protected];(515) 334-0075.

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4/37FY 2012 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Please call (515) 334-0075 to obtain permission for use

MEETING MINUTES

Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)Executive Committee

11:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2012Des Moines Area MPO Meeting Room

Des Moines, Iowa

The MPO Executive Committee held a meeting at 11:30 a.m., on November 7, 2012, in the MPO Meeting Room.Before the meeting, the MPO staff sent agenda packets to the MPO Executive Committees representatives andposted the agenda at the MPO office at 3:36 p.m., on November 1, 2012. The fiscal year-to-date publication cost ofmeeting minutes for the MPO: $229.77. In addition to these published tentative minutes, there also may beadditional meeting notes on file with the MPO staff that are public records and available upon request asprovided by law. These tentative minutes reflect all action taken at the meeting.

Members Present:

Chris Coleman, City of Des MoinesTom Hockensmith, Polk County

Angela Connolly, Polk CountyRobert Mahaffey, City of Des MoinesTom Armstrong, City of GrimesTed Ohmart, City of West Des Moines

Members Absent:

Paula Dierenfeld, City of Johnston

Others Present:

Mike Clayton, Iowa Department of Transportation*

Staff Present:

Todd Ashby, Executive DirectorJonathan Wilson, MPO General CounselStephanie Muller, Executive AdministratorDylan Mullenix, Principal Transportation PlannerLuke Parris, Senior Transportation PlannerZach Young, Associate Transportation PlannerBethany Wilcoxon, Senior Transportation Planner

Jennifer Roberts, Intern Transportation Planner

* Non-voting Representative

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FY 2012 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Please call (515) 334-0075 to obtain permission for use

1. Call to Order

MPO Chair Coleman called the November 7, 2012, meeting to order at 11:33 a.m.

2. Approval of Agenda

MOTION: A motion was made to approve the November 7, 2012, Des

Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization ExecutiveCommittee meeting agenda.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Approval of Meeting Minutes

MOTION: A motion was made to approve the October 10, 2012, Des MoinesArea Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Committeemeeting minutes.


4. DART Federal Funding Transfer Request

MOTION: A motion was made to approve DARTs request to transfer federal funding fromFHWA to FTA.


5. Polk County Request for Surface Transportation Program Funding.

MOTION: A motion was made to approve the request from Polk County for additionalSurface Transportation Program funds for the Southwest Connector.


6. Union Pacific Projects in Des Moines

MOTION: A motion was made to approve the Union Pacific Railroads plans to expand

their rail yard in Des Moines and potential MPO support for the project.MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7. Priority Project Solicitation Process

MPO staff presented; discussion only on item 7.

8. Travel Time Equipment and Software


9. TIGER Grant Project Priorities


10.Update Small Member Surface Transportation Program Award ProcessMPO staff presented; discussion only on item 10.

11. MAP-21 Funding Update


12. US 65/Iowa 5 Interstate Designation Update


13. The Tomorrow PlanUpdateMPO staff presented; discussion only on item 13.

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FY 2012 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Please call (515) 334-0075 to obtain permission for use

14. Combat Hunger Initiative


15. Other Non-Action Items of Interest to the Committee

16. Approval of the December 20, 2012, MPO Agenda

17. Next Meeting Date

11:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 12, 2012; in the MPO Mead Conference Room.

18. Adjournment

Chair Coleman adjourned the meeting at 12:17 p.m.

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ISSUE: MPO Planning Area Boundary Amendment

REPORT and VOTE: Report on a proposed amendment to the MPOs Planning Area Boundary.

BACKGROUND:

The MPO reviews its Planning Area Boundary (PAB) when updating the long-range transportationplan as well as when updating the Urban Area Boundary (UAB). The MPO approved a new UAB inAugust 2012. The MPOs current PAB was approved in December 2007 duringHorizon Year 2035Metropolitan Transportation Plans development.

At a minimum, the PAB must include the UAB. At a maximum, the PAB can be no larger than theMetropolitan Statistical Area. In practice, the MPOs PAB incorporates all land that is anticipated tobe urbanized in the next twenty years as well the boundaries of all member cities. The boundaryalso follows US Census geography, where possible, for data collection purposes.

Due to annexations, by several member cities since the last update to the PAB, there are some

instances, in which the municipal boundaries of member cities extend outside the MPOs PAB.

Staff requested that member governments submit any proposed amendments for the PAB to MPOstaff no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2012. Staff did not receive any additionalamendments.

The Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance (CIRTPA) must approve any changesto the PAB. This item appeared, on the November 8, 2012, CIRTPA meeting agenda and wasapproved.

Following approval, the MPO staff will submit the proposed changes to the Iowa Department ofTransportation for final approval.

A map showing the proposed boundary changes is included on the following page.

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommend that the MPO approve the Planning Area Boundary Amendment.

STAFF CONTACT:

Zach Young, [email protected];(515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment Request

REPORT and VOTE: Consider approval of a request from the Iowa Department of Transportationand the Polk County Conservation Board to amend projects in theFederal Fiscal Years 2013-2016Transportation Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND:

The Iowa Department of Transportation and Polk County Conservation Board requested thefollowing revisions to the Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program(FFY 2013-2016 TIP):

Sponsor: Iowa Department of TransportationProject: I-35: G-14 to IA 5Project Number: IM-()13-91Work Type: Grade and Pave, Bridge Replacement, Right of WayFunding: $25,798,000 in Interstate Maintenance funds with $32,247,000 total cost

Change: Update description to read Approx. 1.6 Mi. S. of Co. Rd. G-14 to IA 5Revision Type: Amendment

Sponsor: Polk County Conservation Board

Project: 4-Mile Creek Greenway Trail: NE 29th St/NE 54th Ave to 4 Mile Creek

South along 4 Mile Creek to near Aurora Ave

Project Number: STP-E-C077 (195)8V-77

Work Type: Ped/Bike Development, Ped/Bike Grade & Pave, Ped/Bike ROW

Funding: $300,000 in Transportation Enhancement funds

Change: Add an additional $ 200,965.79 in Transportation Enhancement funds

totaling $500,965.79

Revision Type: Amendment

The MPO staff notes the amendments are subject to MPO approval and a public comment period.The MPO staff held a public input meeting to hear comments on the amendment requests prior toMPO approval.

Included, immediately following, are maps showing the project locations.

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommend the MPO approve the amended projects in the FFY 2013-2016 TIP.

STAFF CONTACTS:

Luke Parris, [email protected];(515) 334-0075

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ISSUE: City of Bondurant Request to Advance Federal Fiscal Year 2016 Transportation AlternativeProgram Funds

REPORT and VOTE: Consider approval of the City of Bondurants request to modify theFederalFiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program to advance funding for theChichaqua Valley Trail project.

BACKGROUND:

The City of Bondurant has requested that the MPO consider advancing $160,000 in TransportationAlternative Program (TAP) funds for the Chichaqua Valley Trail project from Federal Fiscal Year(FFY) 2016 to FFY 2013. The project was originally awarded in Federal Fiscal Year 2016 under theSurface Transportation Program (STP) Transportation Enhancement funding process. The Cityrecently received a $75,000 Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant from the IowaDepartment of Natural Resources for Fiscal Year 2013. The City notes that the REAP grant fundsmatched with the TAP funds would allow for construction of the project in the current FFY.

The following page includes a formal request letter from the City of Bondurant.

The MPO staff has reviewed the currently programmed TAP funds and determined that the MPOwould have the fiscal capacity to accommodate the movement of funds from FFY 2016 to FFY 2013.

On November 27, 2012, the STP Funding Subcommittee met to consider the City of Bondurantrequest and recommended that the MPO proceed with advancing the funds to FFY 2013.

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommend the MPO approve the requested FFY 2013-2016 TIP modification.

STAFF CONTACTS:

Luke Parris, [email protected];(515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: Federal Fiscal Year 2016 Small Member Surface Transportation Program Awards

REPORT and VOTE: Consider approval of the MPOs Small Member Surface TransportationProgram funding award.

BACKGROUND:

In J anuary 2012, the MPO approved revisions to the MPOs Surface Transportation Program (STP)guidelines, including a dedicated set aside of STP funds for the MPOs members that receive onevote at the MPO, i.e., a population less than 11,500.

In J anuary 2012, the MPOs action identified that approximately $200,000 be awarded to SmallMember STP applicants in FFY 2016. The guidelines approved by the MPO state that up to 5% of theannual STP funds be set aside for the Small Member Government category. The MPOs FFY 2016STP target was identified as $10,048,000. Five percent of the STP target for FFY 2016 would be$502,400. There are currently $353,000 in unprogrammed STP funds for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY)2016.

At the August 2012 MPO Executive Committee meeting, the committee discussed keeping the awardamount at the $200,000 level for FFY 2016 due to potential changes to the STP funds through therecentMoving Ahead for Progress in the 21

stCentury (MAP-21) transportation bill.

In October 2012, the STP Funding Subcommittee heard presentations from sponsors regarding theprojects requesting funding.

On November 27, 2012, the STP Funding Subcommittee met and recommended the followingfunding award for the FFY 2016 Small Member STP funds:

Sponsor: City of BondurantProject: U.S. Highway 65 intersection with NE 64

th/SW 32

ndSt

STP Award Amount: $144,500 in FFY 2016Total Cost: $716,000Additional Funding: $500,000 in Traffic Safety Improvement Program funds and$71,500 in Urban-State Traffic Engineering Program funds

Included, immediately following, is a map showing the project location.

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommend the MPO approve the Small Member STP funding award.

STAFF CONTACT:


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ISSUE: Unallocated Federal Fiscal Year 2013 Surface Transpor tation Program Funds

REPORT and VOTE: Consider approval of unallocated Federal Fiscal Year 2013 SurfaceTransportation Program funds.

BACKGROUND:

In reviewing a recent request for additional Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2013 Surface TransportationProgram (STP) funds, the MPO staff identified that there are currently $899,000 in unallocated STPfunds for FFY 2013. The STP Funding Subcommittee met on September 18, 2012, and discussedthe need to award these additional unallocated funds to eligible MPO projects.

At the November MPO meeting, the Policy Committee approved a request from Polk County andawarded $450,000 in FFY 2013 STP funds to the Southwest Connector project. Accounting for thataward, there is $449,000 in FFY 2013 STP funds available for allocation.

On November 27, 2012, the STP Funding Subcommittee met and recommended the following

funding awards for the unallocated FFY 2013 STP funds:

Sponsor: City of UrbandaleProject: NW 100

thSt. intersection at NW 54

thAve

STP Award Amount: $255,000 in FFY 2013Total Cost: $4,500,000Additional Funding: $1,900,000 in FFY 2013 STP funds

Sponsor: Polk CountyProject: NW 66

thAve. /Kempton Bridge

STP Award Amount: $244,000 in FFY 2013Total Cost: $24,748,000Additional Funding: $3,288,000 in FFY 2013 STP funds, $2,661,000 in FFY 2014

STP funds, $900,000 in FFY 2015 STP funds, and $2,000,000 in FFY 2016 STPfunds

Included, immediately following, are maps showing the project locations.

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommend the MPO award unallocated FFY 2013 STP funds.

STAFF CONTACTS:


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ISSUE: Union Pacif ic Railroad Projects in Des Moines

REPORT AND OPTIONAL VOTE: Report on the Union Pacific Railroads plans to expand their railyard in Des Moines and potential MPO support for the project.

BACKGROUND:

The Union Pacific Railroad is proposing to expand their rail yard on the east side of Des Moines. Inaddition to the expansion, the proposed project would close 34

thStreet and 36

thStreet crossings and

make several improvements to the surrounding roadways and infrastructure.

Union Pacific Railroad has approached MPO staff regarding the proposed project and the potentialfor providing MPO support through the process.

Due to inclement weather and the need to reschedule the December Executive Committee andMPO Policy meetings, staff discussed drafting a letter of support for the Union Pacifics applicationfor closure of Hull Avenue, Scott Avenue, and SE 34

th& 30

thStreets. These closures are consistent

with goals 1.3 and 2.7 of Horizon Year 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. The City of DesMoines staff also recommended the street closure.

After discussion with Chris Coleman MPO Chair, a letter of support; was prepared by staff, for UnionPacific to use at the City of Des Moines Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on J anuary3, 2013.

Included, immediately following, is the letter of support.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the MPO continue to support the Union Pacific Railroads proposedexpansion project.

STAFF CONTACT:

Nathan Goldberg, [email protected];(515) 334-0075.

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January 2, 2013

Brenda Mainwaring

Director, Public Affairs IA NE

Union Pacific Railroad

1400 Douglas Street, Stop 1550

Omaha, NE 68179

Dear Ms. Mainwaring:

SUBJECT: Union Pacific Expansion in Des Moines

The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) offers this letter of support of the UnionPacific Railroads plan to expand the Union Pacific rail yard in Des Moines and make other improvements to

the infrastructure in the surrounding area. Increased access to rail and rail capacity are vital to the overall

success of the transportation system and to the areas economy. The proposed project is in compliance with

goals 1.3 and 2.7 of theHorizon Year 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, which call for improvements to

rail infrastructure in the region and the decrease of impedances to freight transportation.

Based on these factors the MPO supports Union Pacifics plans to expand and improve the Union Pacific rail

yard in Des Moines.

Respectfully,

R. Todd Ashby

Executive Director

Cc: Chris Coleman, MPO Policy Committee Chair

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ISSUE: Appointment to the Statewide Urban Design and Specifications Board of Directors

REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Consider re-appointing Duane Wittstock, City of West DesMoines, as the MPOs representative to the Statewide Urban Design and Specifications Board ofDirectors.

BACKGROUND:

Iowa's Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS) is an effort among cities, counties, theIowa Department of Transportation, and Iowa State University's Institute for Transportation(InTrans) to develop and maintain common standards for public improvements. MetropolitanPlanning Organizations, Regional Planning Affiliations, and the Iowa DOT currently fund the SUDASprogram, which is managed by InTrans.

A Board of Directors comprised of licensed engineers that serve two-year terms governs SUDAS.Each MPO is provided an appointment to the Board of Directors. Duane Wittstock, City of West DesMoines, has served as the MPO's representative since 2005. Mr. Wittstock's two-year term expires

at the end of 2012.

RECOMMENDATION:

Re-appoint Duane Wittstock, City of West Des Moines, as the MPOs representative to the SUDASBoard of Directors.

STAFF CONTACTS:

Dylan Mullenix, [email protected];(515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: Federal Highway Administ ration Weather Vulnerability Adaptation Options Analysis

REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Consider allowing MPO staff to submit an application for a FederalHighway Administration grant to conduct an adaptation options analysis of selected areas within theMPO boundary prone to flooding.

BACKGROUND:

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is soliciting applications for a Weather VulnerabilityAdaptation Options pilot project to study the adaptation options for locations that are vulnerableduring extreme weather events and/or the impacts of climate change. The minimum funding theMPO could request is $75,000, and a 100% local match is required. In-kind staff hours may becounted toward the local match. FHWA approximates that four to ten projects will be fundednationwide. The deadline to submit an application to FHWA is J anuary 22, 2013.

In December, the MPO staff solicited project locations from the MPOs TTC representatives. TheMPO staff received submittals from Des Moines, J ohnston, Polk County, and West Des Moines.

These submittals included over 40 locations. The MPO staff selected from this list four of the mostheavily traveled and impacted routes for the grant application. These routes are:

Fleur Drive from George Flagg to Martin Luther King, J r. Parkway (Des Moines);

Northwest 66th Avenue from Kempton Bridge to Northwest 26th Street (PolkCounty/J ohnston);

Beaver Drive from J ohnston Drive to Meredith Drive (J ohnston/Polk County); and,

Grand Avenue at Raccoon River Park, at 1st Street, and west of Interstate 35 (WestDes Moines).

The entire list of roadways provides the MPO with valuable information that can be utilized for otherpurposes regardless of whether the grant application is successful. If there are other roadways thatshould be on the overall informational list, please send those routes to MPO staff.

RECOMMENDATION:

Allow the MPO staff to submit an application to the FHWAs Weather Vulnerability and AdaptationOptions pilot program.

STAFF CONTACT:


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ISSUE: Transloading Facility Project Update

REPORT: Report on theprogress of bringing a transloading facility to the Des Moines Region.

BACKGROUND:

MPO staff, members of the Freight Roundtable and the Greater Des Moines Partnership have beenworking together with the City of Des Moines to bring a transloading facility to the Des Moinesregion. A private transloader is currently in negotiations with the City of Des Moines on a location onthe east side of the City.

Transloading is not currently done in the region and local businesses requiring the service musttravel to Ottumwa or Omaha to transload goods. The addition of transloading to the region would bea major benefit to freight and goods movement and to the local economy.

RECOMMENDATION:

None. Report and discussion only.

STAFF CONTACT:


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ISSUE: US 65/Iowa 5 Interstate Designation Update

REPORT: Report on efforts to re-designate the US 65/Iowa 5 corridor to an interstate.

BACKGROUND:

The MPO, on behalf of the Purple Heart Highway Coalition, requested the Iowa Department ofTransportation (DOT) consider designating the US 65/Iowa 5 corridor (i.e., the Purple HeartHighway) as an interstate. The Iowa DOT released a draft report analyzing the feasibility ofinterstate designation in June 2012. A final version of the study was provided to the MPO in August2012.

On August 8, 2012, representatives from the MPO, the Des Moines International Airport, the PurpleHeart Highway Coalition, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership met with the Iowa DOT, includingDirector Paul Trombino III, to discuss the study and to identify steps to move forward. Director

Trombino noted three primary issues to address before moving forward, including determiningimpacts to local farmers; analyzing any potential impacts to permitting of heavy vehicles; and,

determining the proper decision making authority with the Iowa DOT and the Iowa TransportationCommission.

On November 27, 2012, MPO staff and the Purple Heart Highway Collaborative held a publicmeeting with local property owners and farmers to discuss how these parties may be affected by theinterstate designation. MPO staff will present additional information about feedback received fromproperty owners and farmers at the J anuary meeting.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:

Todd Ashby, [email protected];(515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: Horizon Year 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Amendment

REPORT: Report and discussion on a requested amendment to the Horizon Year 2035Metropolitan Transportation Plan (HY 2035 MTP) concerning the Planning Area Boundary update.

BACKGROUND:

The MPO staff recently received a request from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) toamend the HY 2035 MTP to reflect the changes made to the MPOs Planning Area Boundary.

Plan amendments require the MPO staff to provide a 45-day comment period and to hold a publicinput meeting on the amendment. The MPO staff has scheduled a public meeting for Thursday,February 7, 2013 at the MPO office.

Staff will provide a summary of comments received regarding the amendment following the meetingand comment period at the February meeting.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:

Zach Young, [email protected](515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: Chicago to Omaha Passenger Rail Update

REPORT: Report and update on the Chicago to Omaha Passenger Rail initiative.

BACKGROUND:

In November 2012, the Draft Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Chicago toCouncil Bluffs-Omaha passenger rail study was completed. The Draft EIS is available for review onthe Iowa Department of Transportations (DOT) website at www.iowadot.gov/chicagotoomaha/.

The Iowa DOT and the Federal Railroad Administration hosted two public meetings in Iowa to collectcomments on the Draft EIS. These meetings provided the DOT with an opportunity to present thefindings of the Draft EIS, including the purpose and need for the study, potential environmentalimpacts, and the basis for the recommend preferred alternative route.

The MPO staff has requested that the DOT provide information concerning the outcome of thesepublic engagement meeting and will present more details at the J anuary Meeting.

Additionally, the Greater Des Moines Partnership has organized an event to promote passenger railin central Iowa. The event will feature Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of the Northern NewEngland Passenger Rail Authority. Ms. Quinn will be speaking about the success of passenger railin their region.

The event will also feature Iowa Citys Assistant City manager, Geoff Fruin. Mr. Fruin was formerlywith the City of Normal, Illinois and will be discussing how communities can leverage publicinvestment in passenger rail to attract private development and revitalization in their CentralBusiness Districts.

The event will take place on J anuary 31, 2013, at 7:30 a.m., at the Renaissance Hotel, SaveryBallroom in downtown Des Moines.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:

Zach Young, [email protected];(515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: Southwest Connector Facility Classification

REPORT: Discussion regarding the type of facility the Southwest Connector southwest of Iowa 5should be to enhance the regional transportation system.

BACKGROUND:

A corridor study for the Southwest Connector southwest of Iowa 5 is underway. In order to advancethe projects basic design concepts, particularly access spacing, a determination must be madeabout the type of facility the Southwest Connector should be. Consideration must be given to bothlocalized traffic and land use needs, as well as how the facility will fit within the regions long-rangetransportation system. The Iowa Department of Transportations District staff has asked that theMPO initiate these discussions.

The project consultant team seeks input from the MPO on the following questions:

What role should the Southwest Connector play to aid in alleviating anticipated

regional travel demand on the existing metropolitan highway infrastructure? What type of facility design and character is desired between Iowa 5 and Interstate

35, and between Interstate 35 and 105th Street (e.g., access-controlled, at-grade

intersections vs. access-controlled, grade-separated intersections)?

What multimodal elements should be considered in the general SouthwestConnector corridor and on the facility itself?

The MPO staff will take any input from committee at the J anuary meeting or via email.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACTS:


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ISSUE: Federal Fiscal Year 2017 Surface Transportation Program Projects

REPORT: Brief report on the Surface Transportation Program Federal Fiscal Year 2017 projectapplications.

BACKGROUND:

The deadline for submission of Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2017 Surface Transportation Program(STP) applications was Friday, December 7, 2012. The MPO staff received 24 applications.

Included, immediately following, is a listing of the projects that applied for FFY 2017 STP funding.

The MPO staff is currently developing preliminary scores for the FFY 2017 STP projects. After thescores are developed, the MPO staff will schedule a meeting of the MPO TTC EngineeringSubcommittee to review the preliminary scores. Projects that score 50 points or higher will beconsidered eligible to receive FFY 2017 STP funding.

After the scoring process is complete, the STP Funding Subcommittee will meet in March/April tohear presentations from sponsors with projects that scored 50 points or higher. This workshopprovides project sponsors the opportunity to discuss their projects and to answer specific questionsfrom the STP Funding Subcommittee. Following this workshop, the STP Funding Subcommitteewill meet to develop a funding recommendation for consideration by the MPO Executive Committeeand the MPO Policy Committee.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:


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ProjectID

Sponsor

ProjectName

Termini

STPRequest

TotalCost

19

Grimes

SouthJamesStreetandSou

theast

37thStreetTurnLanesand

Signalization

IntersectionofSouthJamesStreetand

Southeast37thStreet

$

300,0

00

$

1,0

00,0

00

Total

$

300,0

00

$

1,0

00,0

00

ProjectID

Sponsor

ProjectName

Termini

STPRequest

TotalCost

20

DesMoines

EvergreenAvenueBridge

OvertheEasterLakeSpillway

$

400,0

00

$

750,0

00

21

IowaDOT

RehabilitationofU.S.

Highw

ay6

Interstate35/80toMerleHay

Road

$

431,0

00

$

5,0

00,0

00

22

PolkCounty

Northeast46thStreetResu

rfacing

Northeast94thAvenuetoElkh

artCityLimits$

380,0

00

$

965,0

00

Total

$

1,2

11,0

00

$

6,7

15,0

00

ProjectID

Sponsor

ProjectName

Termini

STPRequest

TotalCost

23

DesMoinesA

rea

RegionalTran

sit

Authority

DARTReplacementVehicle

Purchase

N/A

$

1,5

00,0

00

$

2,6

40,4

68

Total

$

1,5

00,0

00

$

2,6

40,4

68

ProjectID

Sponsor

ProjectName

Termini

STPRequest

TotalCost

24

WindsorHeights

UniversityAvenueResurfac

ing

69thStreetto73rdStreet

$

197,5

79

$

395,9

51

Total

$

197,5

79

$

395,9

51

Table5:OtherProjects

A

lternativeTransportation


P

reservation


M

inorConstruction

Table6:SmallMemberGo

vernment

Preservation

30


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ISSUE: Priori ty Project Solicitati on Process

REPORT: Discussion regarding the process to develop a list of projects for inclusion in the GreaterDes Moines Partnerships Policy Book for the annual trip to Washington, D.C.

BACKGROUND:

The MPO staff annually works with MPO member governments and participating agencies todevelop a list of priority transportation projects to discuss with congressional members during theGreater Des Moines Partnerships annual trip to Washington, D.C. The MPO staff presented a list ofprojects submitted for consideration at the November meeting.

On November 27, 2012, the Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funding Subcommittee met todiscuss identifying priority projects from the assembled listing. The STP Funding Subcommitteerequested that MPO staff acquire further guidance from congressional staffers and tabled actionuntil this information could be obtained. MPO staff was in Washington, D.C., during the week ofDecember 3, 2012, and met with congressional staffers on this topic. The MPO staff scheduled a

meeting of the STP Funding Subcommittee for J anuary 10, 2013. MPO staff will provide additionalinformation at the J anuary meeting.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:

Todd Ashby, [email protected];Luke Parris, [email protected]; and,Nathan Goldberg, [email protected];(515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: MAP-21 and Transportation Alternative Program Funding Updates

REPORT: Update on potential funding changes under MAP-21 and the proposal for theTransportation Alternatives Program.

BACKGROUND:

At its September meeting, the MPO approved a recommendation to the Iowa Department ofTransportation (DOT) regarding how funds should be distributed to MPOs and Regional PlanningAffiliations (RPAs) under the new transportation bill, MAP-21. The Iowa DOT is working with MPOsand RPAs, as well as other stakeholders, to develop funding scenarios for the allocation of federalfunds. MPO staff will provide an update of the process the Iowa DOT is taking to address potentialchanges, as well as funding options discussed by the Iowa DOT, at the J anuary 9, 2013, ExecutiveCommittee meeting.

Additionally, the MPO staff is working with the Surface Transportation Program (STP) FundingSubcommittee to review the Iowa DOTs proposal for the Transportation Alternatives Program

(TAP). Staff notes that under the Iowa DOT proposal, total funds for the TAP would be higher thantargets previously identified under the STP Transportation Enhancement set aside. However, the$3.4 million in statewide TAP funds would be available for any other eligible activities (roads,bridges, trails, etc.). The TAP would also provide funds to cover activities previously eligible underthe Safe Routes to School program. The MPO staff will meet with the STP Funding Subcommitteeon J anuary 10, 2013 to discuss how TAP funds should be distributed.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:


\

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ISSUE: The Tomorrow Plan Update

REPORT: Update on activities related to The Tomorrow Plan.

BACKGROUND:

Beginning in November 2012, the planning team worked to draft The Tomorrow Plan. The MPOreceived a nearly complete draft of the plan in early J anuary and continues to work with the variouscommittees to review the draft. Comments will be submitted to the consultant team by mid-J anuary.Revisions then will be incorporated into the materials for outreach series #5, Here Comes

Tomorrow.

The Here Comes Tomorrow events will be open houses around the metro area. The open houseswill be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm during the last week of J anuary and the first week of February. Aflyer with additional details is included on the following page.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:

Bethany Wilcoxon, [email protected];(515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: Smart Growth America Technical Assistance

REPORT: Report on free technical assistance from Smart Growth America.

BACKGROUND:

In October, MPO staff submitted an application for free technical assistance to Smart GrowthAmerica. In November, staff received word that the MPO was awarded assistance; a copy of theaward letter is included on the following page. This assistance provides an introduction totransportation system performance measurement and reporting. Communities can establishobjectives-driven planning, programming, and design processes coupled with monitoring andreporting methods that improve the accountability and effectiveness of their transportation programsand systems.

The transportation system performance measurement will help build upon the momentum of TheTomorrow Plan as the MPO moves into creating the next long-range transportation plan (LRTP); itwill ensure that all projects included in the plan support smart growth and are performance driven.

The transportation performance measurement tool will help the MPO strategically select regionalpriority projects necessary to meet the vision outlined by The Tomorrow Plan; that is, a sustainablefuture that includes mixed uses, walkable neighborhoods, infill development, and environmentalprotection, among others.

Smart Growth America will bring in an expert team for a workshop on transportation systemperformance measurement. Staff is working with Smart Growth America staff to finalize the details ofthe event and will provide any updates available at the J anuary 9, 2013, meeting.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:

Bethany Wilcoxon, [email protected];(515) 334-0075.

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1707 L St. NW, Suite 1050 www.smartgrowthamerica.orgWashington, DC 20036

202-207-3355

Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization420 Watson Powell, Jr., Parkway, Suite 200

Des Moines, IA 50309

ATTN: Bethany Wilcoxon

Dear Bethany,

It is my pleasure to inform you that your application for the Transportation Performance Measurement

workshop has been selected by Smart Growth America for free technical assistance.

Demand for this program is very high nationwide. While all of the applications were worthy, yours in

particular stood out as among a select few that exhibited the strongest interest in and need for smart

growth tools and clearly demonstrated a commitment from local business, community and political

leaders to implement local smart growth solutions. We are excited about working with you to develop

local solutions to help your community grow in ways that will provide benefits now and for generations

to come.

Thanks to a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency this technical assistance is offered

free of cost to your community. Smart Growth America will pay the costs of the expert team, including

salary, travel, materials, etc. The only costs that you may expect will be the costs of participation by

your staff, the cost of any local advertising/outreach regarding the workshop itself, and the cost of any

refreshments at the workshops.

We will work with you to find the right time to conduct the technical assistance workshop. Staff atSmart Growth America will be in contact with you soon about scheduling logistics and next steps.

If you have any questions, please direct them to me by email at [email protected] or feel

free to call me at (406) 544-1963.

Once again, congratulations and we look forward to working with you!

Sincerely,

Roger M. Millar, PE, AICP

Vice President

c. Geoff Anderson, President and CEO, Smart Growth America

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ISSUE: MPO Executive Director Annual Review

REPORT: Report on the Fiscal Year 2013 MPO Executive Director Annual Review.

BACKGROUND:

The MPO Chair annually appoints an Executive Director Review Committee (Review Committee) tocomplete an evaluation of the Executive Directors performance over the past year. Additionally, theMPO staff provides all MPO TTC and Policy representatives with a copy of the Fiscal Year (FY)2013 MPO Executive Directors Annual Review Survey. Surveys are also provided to the Chairs ofthe MPOs multiple subcommittees, the primary representatives of the MPOs advisory andassociate member organizations, the MPO staff, and key personnel of the following partnerorganizations that the MPO works closely with: the Iowa Department of Transportation, the GreaterDes Moines Partnership, and the Transportation Management Association.

Surveys will be distributed in early January. MPO staff requests that all responses be submitted byFebruary 15, 2013. MPO staff will deliver the responses to the Review Committee for their

consideration.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:

Stephanie Muller, [email protected];(515) 334-0075.

executive committee agenda | january 2013

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