CAPITAL DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

 

Meeting Minutes

December 3, 2009

 

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING 

 

Carm Basile, Capital District Transportation Authority

Paul Cassillo, representing Mayor Brian Stratton, City of
 
Schenectady

Steve Feeney, representing Susan Savage, Schenectady County

Michael Franchini, representing Michael Breslin, Albany County

Charles Houghtaling, Albany County

Terry Hurley, Albany Port District Commission

Steve Iachetta, representing John O’Donnell, Albany County
  Airport Authority

Mary Ivey, NYS Department of Transportation Region 1, Secretary

Arthur Johnson, Saratoga County

Joseph LaCivita, representing Paula Mahan, Town of Colonie

Joe Landry, Town of Niskayuna

Mayor John T. McDonald III, City of Cohoes, Chairman

Jim Rivers, representing Mayor Harry Tutunjian, City of Troy

Phil Serafino, representing William Rinaldi, NYS Thruway |
  Authority

Michael Stammel, Capital District Regional Planning Commission

Linda von der Heide, representing Kathleen Jimino, Rensselaer

  County

Thomas Werner, Saratoga County

STAFF AND OTHERS

Nancy Benedict, Interested Citizen

Frank Bonafide, NYS Department of Transportation Region 1

Lucille Brewer, Interested Citizen

Dave Jukins, Capital District Transportation Committee

Sandra Misiewicz, Capital District Transportation Committee

Chris O’Neill, Capital District Transportation Committee

Susan Pedo, The Walters Group

John Poorman, Capital District Transportation Committee

Jason Purvis, Capital District Transportation Committee

Paul Reuss, Village of Menands

Deb Stacey, Capital District Transportation Committee

OPENING REMARKS

Chairman McDonald opened the Capital District Transportation Committee meeting at approximately 3:05 p.m. and welcomed those in attendance to the CDTC offices. Members and attendees then introduced themselves.

ADMINISTRATION

Members approved the September 3, 2009 meeting minutes as

written.

 

Administrative & Financial Standing Subcommittee Report

The Administrative & Financial Standing Subcommittee will meet in mid-December.  The A & F will discuss cash flow, funding, the annual audit, the Fred Field Award, the Prospectus Update, and CDTC’s staffing.

Appointment of the Nominating Subcommittee

 

Paula Mahan, Mayor Brian Stratton, Carm Basile, Mary Ivey, and Tom Richardson were appointed to the Nominating Sub-Committee.

 

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR

Chairman McDonald indicated that CDTC provides an opportunity for visitors to address items on the agenda.  Lucille Brewer, a CDTA and STAR bus rider addressed the board.  Ms. Brewer is concerned that CDTA has eliminated too many bus stops that are essential to people with mobility disabilities.  Ms. Brewer requested that CDTA share their list of which bus stops are eliminated and which remain.  She also asked for improved lighting at stops.

Nancy Benedict also addressed the board.  Ms. Benedict described the up and down cycle of CDTA ridership; she expressed concern that the fare increase has somewhat negated the ridership increase that occurred when the price of fuel rose to nearly $4.00 per gallon.  Ms. Benedict stated that it is in the public’s best interest to use the bus because it is good for the environment, reduces fuel consumption and puts less pressure on parking needs.  Ms. Benedict is also concerned that the elimination of some bus stops has impacted the blind and mobility disabled population.

PRESENTATION—LINKAGE RETROSPECTIVE

Sandy Misiewicz prepared a PowerPoint presentation that summarized CDTC’s Linkage Program.  Sandy indicated that the Linkage Program evolved from CDTC’s 1997 New Visions Plan and that over 60 studies have been funded to date.  An internal review of the funded studies showed that the recommendations in the studies have a long shelf life and serve as the basis for land use and developer decisions in many of the study areas.  CDTC’s Linkage Program has received numerous awards and is recognized nationally.  John Poorman stated that the Linkage program could use more recognition in New York State. 

PROSPECTUS

 

MPO Planning Agreement

 

The MPO Planning Agreement included in member’s packets is required by the Federal Government.  The agreement spells out the relationship between CDTC, CDTA and NYSDOT.  A shorter version was initially reviewed by FHWA; FHWA requested that more detail be provided.  Members approved the agreement.

 

Air Quality Memorandum of Understanding

 

The Air Quality Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is an agreement between CDTC and A/GFTC.  The agreement is required because the town of Moreau is in A/GFTC’s Planning area, but is in CDTC’s Air Quality Attainment area.  Members approved the MOU.

 

Committee Practices

 

CDTC does not have by-laws, but rather procedures.  In updating the Prospectus, it became apparent that CDTC does not have documentation of their procedures.  For example, no where is it spelled out if an alternate member counts as part of a quorum.  This Committee Practices document will serve as a reference.  John noted one correction on page five, item 11.  CDTC’s consensus voting policies might have to be looked at once the new Federal transportation Bill is passed; early drafts are suggesting that MPOs look at proportional voting.  Members approved the document.

 

Prospectus Schedule

 

Part One of the Prospectus describes CDTC’s Planning approach and is posted on CDTC’s website.  Part two is an expanded version of the MPO Agreement and Committee practices and will be posted on CDTC’s website now that they are approved.  Part 3 will be a brief description of CDTC’s planning commitments, potential new areas of activity and financial prospects.  The final document will be reviewed by the board for adoption in March or June.

 

2010-15 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

 

Status of TIP Update

 

The last full TIP solicitation was conducted in 2002.  Although funding targets are up in the air, $100M is the placeholder value for projects.  Eighty-three projects were submitted as candidates by the area municipalities, NYSDOT and CDTA.  Staff will evaluate the candidate projects and provide an opportunity for the Planning Committee to review the evaluations in early January.  A second Planning Committee meeting in January is scheduled to start to build the new program of projects.  Interim TIP products will be posted on CDTC’s website.

 

Federal Funding Update

 

Transportation reauthorization is not high on Congress’s agenda; consequently we will likely see short extensions of the current Transportation Bill.  Members reviewed the ARRA report.  Most of the Capital District’s projects are moving along.  One of the projects in the NYSDOT Region 1 territory was the first to be approved and the first to be completed.

 

STATUS OF PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION ACTIVITIES

 

Port of Albany

 

Terry Hurley reported that the Port received stimulus funds for phase 2 of the wharf improvements.  Phase 2 has been put out to bid.

 

CDTA

 

CDTA has experienced a decline in ridership since the fare was increased; however, the ridership declines have not been proportionately distributed.  CDTA will analyze the ridership trends and adjust schedules. 

 

Albany Airport

 

The Albany Airport is firming up the details of a $6M stimulus project to remove runway obstructions.  The Albany Airport is one of two NYS Airports to receive stimulus funding.

 

CDRPC

 

CDRPC is gearing up for extensive Census work.  CDRPC will work with CDTC staff on some of the initiatives.  CDRPC is working with Stakeholders, Inc. to develop a series of Smart growth Educational Programs for the first half of 2010.  A kick-off event is scheduled for February 10th.  CDRPC has submitted an application to the Foreign Trade Zone Board to reorganize their current foreign trade zone program to conform to the new Foreign Trade Zone Framework Guidelines.

 

CDTC Staff

 

CDTC staff will update the Unified Planning Work Program over the next few months.  A new task will address ADA Compliance requirements as it relates to the planning process.  The Saratoga County Annual Planning Conference will be held in January; CDTC and CDRPC staffs will set up a booth at the conference.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:40 pm.  The next meeting is scheduled for 3:00 pm, Thursday March 4, 2010.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

Mary E. Ivey

Secretary