HomeMy Public PortalAbout08 August 29, 2011 Eastern Riverside County Programs and ProjectsRIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
EASTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
TIME: 10:30 a.m.
DATE: Monday, August 29, 2011
LOCATION: CVAG Office Video Conference Site Blythe City Hall
73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200 235 N. Broadway, Room A
Palm Desert, CA 92260 Blythe, CA 92225
':9-COMMITTEE MEMBERS -41
Scott Matas, Chair / Russell Betts, City of Desert Hot Springs
Joseph DeConinck / To Be Appointed, City of Blythe
Greg Pettis / Kathleen DeRosa, City of Cathedral City
Steven Hernandez / Eduardo Garcia, City of Coachella
Douglas Hanson / Patrick Mullany, City of Indian Wells
Glenn Miller / Michael Wilson, City of Indio
Terry Henderson / Don Adolph, City of La Ouinta
Jan Harnik / William Kroonen, City of Palm Desert
Steve Pougnet / Ginny Foat, City of Palm Springs
Scott Hines / Gordon Moller, City of Rancho Mirage
John J. Benoit, County of Riverside, District IV
':9-STAFF -41
Anne Mayer, Executive Director
John Standiford, Deputy Executive Director
':9-AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY -41
Air Ouality, Capital Projects,
Communications and Outreach Programs,
Congestion Management Program (CMP),
Intermodal Programs,
Motorist Services (ie. SAFE),
New Corridors,
Regional Agencies/Regional Planning,
Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP), and
State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
related to the Coachella and Palo Verde Valleys,
and other areas as may be prescribed by the Commission.
Comments are welcomed by the Committee. If you wish to provide comments to the Committee,
please complete and submit a Speaker Card to the Clerk of the Board.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
EASTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS COMMITTEE
www.rctc.org
AGENDA *
*Actions may be taken on any item listed on the agenda
10:45 a.m.
Monday, August 29, 2011
CVAG Office Video Conference Site-Blythe City Hall
73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 119 235 N. Broadway Street, Room A
Palm Desert, CA 92260 Blythe, CA 92225
In compliance with the Brown Act and Government Code Section 54957.5, agenda
materials distributed 72 hours prior to the meeting, which are public records relating to
open session agenda items, will be available for inspection by members of the public prior
to the meeting at the Commission office, 4080 Lemon Street, Third Floor, Riverside, CA,
and on the Commission's website, www.rctc.org.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Government Code Section
54954.2, if you need special assistance to participate in a Committee meeting, please
contact the Clerk of the Board at (951) 787-7141. Notification of at least 48 hours prior to
meeting time will assist staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to
provide accessibility at the meeting.
1 . CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS Each individual speaker is limited to speak three (3)
continuous minutes or less. The Committee may, either at the direction of
the Chair or by majority vote of the Committee, waive this three (3) minute
time limitation. Depending on the number of items on the Agenda and the
number of speakers, the Chair may, at his/her discretion, reduce the time of
each speaker to two (2) continuous minutes. Also, the Committee may
terminate public comments if such comments become repetitious. Speakers
may not yield their time to others without the consent of the Chair. Any
written documents to be distributed or presented to the Committee shall be
submitted to the Clerk of the Board. This policy applies to Public Comments
and comments on Agenda Items.
Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee Agenda
August 29, 2011
Page 2
Under the Brown Act, the Board should not take action on or discuss matters
raised during public comment portion of the agenda which are not listed on
the agenda. Board members may refer such matters to staff for factual
information or to be placed on the subsequent agenda for consideration.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES NOVEMBER 1, 2010
6. ADDITIONS/REVISIONS (The Committee may add an item to the Agenda
after making a finding that there is a need to take immediate action on the
item and that the item came to the attention of the Committee subsequent to
the posting of the agenda. An action adding an item to the agenda requires
2/3 vote of the Committee. If there are less than 2/3 of the Committee
members present, adding an item to the agenda requires a unanimous vote.
Added items will be placed for discussion at the end of the agenda.)
7. 2011 COACHELLA VALLEY SPECIALIZED TRANSIT CALL FOR PROJECTS
IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
Page 1
Overview
This item is for the Committee to:
1) Receive and file the report on the implementation of 2011 Specialized
Transit Call for Projects; and
2) Forward to the Commission for final action.
8. AVENUE 66 GRADE SEPARATION ON THE ALAMEDA CORRIDOR EAST
FISCAL YEAR 2008/09 APPROPRIATIONS
Page 5
Overview
This item is for the Committee to:
1) Allocate $1.3 million to the county of Riverside (County) in support of
the Avenue 66 grade separation project $950,000 from the Omnibus
Appropriations Act of 2009 and $350,000 in federal Congestion
Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funds; and
2) Forward to the Commission for final action.
Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee Agenda
August 29, 2011
Page 3
9. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Page 7
Overview
This item is for the Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects
Committee to conduct an election of officers for 2011 Chair and Vice
Chair.
10. COMMISSIONERS / STAFF REPORT
Overview
This item provides the opportunity for the Commissioners and staff to report
on attended and upcoming meetings/conferences and issues related to
Commission activities.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The next Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee meeting
is scheduled to be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 3, 2011, CVAG
Office, 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 119, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
Alexandra Rackerby
From: Alexandra Rackerby
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 2:26 PM
To: Alexandra Rackerby
Subject: RCTC-Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee-Ipad Compatible Users
Good afternoon Commissioners,
The Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee agenda for Monday I August 29 t 2011 is
posted on our website at http://www.rete.org/downloads/ERC/ipad ere. pdf Let me know if you have any
questions or concerns.
Thank you.
Respectfu lIy,
Allie Rackerby
Riverside County Transportation Commission
(951) 787-7141
1
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
EASTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS SIGN -IN SHEET
August 29, 2011
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RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
EASTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS
COMMITTEE
ROLL CALL
August 29, 2011
County of Riverside, District IV
City of Blythe
City of Cathedral City
City of Coachella
City of Desert Hot Springs
City of Indian Wells
City of Indio
City of La Quinta
City of Palm Desert
City of Palm Springs
City of Rancho Mirage
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AGENDA ITEM 5
MINUTES
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMM/SS/ON
EASTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS COMNIITTEE
Monday, November 1, 2010
MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects
Committee was called to order by Chair Scott Matas at 10:33 a.m.,
at 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 119, Palm Desert, California, 92260 and
video conference at Blythe City Hall, 235 N. Broadway Street, Room A,
Blythe, CA 92555.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At this time, Commissioner Steve Pougnet led the Eastern Riverside County
Programs and Projects Committee in a flag salute.
3. ROLL CALL
Members/Alternates Present Members Absent
John J. Benoit
Joseph DeConinck
Terry Henderson
Scott Hines
Scott Matas
Glenn Miller
Patrick Mullany
Greg Pettis
Steve Pougnet
Marion Ashley
Jim Ferguson
Eduardo Garcia
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no requests to speak from the public.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — APRIL 5, 2010
M/S/C (Henderson/Mullany) to approve the minutes of April 5, 2010,
as submitted.
RCTC ERC Programs and Projects Committee Minutes
November 1, 2010
Page 2
6. ADDITIONS/REVISIONS
Anne Mayer requested the Committee add an agenda item, "Trade Corridor
Improvement Fund Projects — Avenue 52 Grade Separation'; to the agenda
as a late breaking item. This item arose after the agenda was posted and
mailed, and there is a need that this item be addressed by the Committee at
this time.
M/S/C (Pettis/Benoit) to add this item to the agenda.
7. EASTERN COUNTY FISCAL YEAR 2009/10 FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND
FISCAL YEAR 2010/11 BUDGET
Theresia Trevino, Chief Financial Officer, presented the audited financial
results for FY 2009/10 and the Measure A and Local Transportation Fund
projections for FY 2010/11, noting that the final audit results were received
after the agenda was posted.
At Commissioner Mullany's request, Theresia Trevino clarified that since the
audited results have been received, the notations in the agenda item that
reflect unaudited results are now deemed audited results. Additionally, there
were no adjustments in the numbers presented.
M/S/C (Henderson/Mullany) to receive and file a report on the audited
financial results for the year ended June 30, 2010, related to the
Eastern County's share of funds accounted for by the Commission and
on the Fiscal Year 2010/11 Measure A and Local Transportation Fund
(LTF) revenue projections.
8. 2011 SPECIALIZED TRANSIT CALL FOR PROJECTS FOR COACHELLA
VALLEY
Robert Yates, Multimodal Services Director, provided a report on the status
of the 2011 Specialized Transit Call for Projects.
At Commissioner Scott Hines' requested, Robert Yates provided detailed
information regarding the Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) and New
Freedom programs.
Commissioner Hines then discussed the need to provide transit service to
Roy's Desert Resource Center and asked if these programs could assist with
this need.
RCTC ERC Programs and Projects Committee Minutes
November 1, 2010
Page 3
Robert Yates stated the purchase of bus passes are not allowed with these
programs, however, he is aware of discussion and efforts by the Coachella
Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) regarding this concern.
Commissioner Terry Henderson suggested the concern expressed by
Commissioner Hines be agendized for the next CVAG Transportation
Committee meeting.
Tom Kirk, CVAG Executive Director, concurred and noted CVAG received
JARC funding for SunLine Transit Agency that supports a part of the
transportation program at Roy's Desert Resource Center.
M/S/C to receive and file a report on the status of the 2011
Specialized Transit Call for Projects.
9. COMMISSION ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF ADDITIONAL SUNSET LIMITED
SERVICE
Sheldon Peterson, Rail Manager, discussed the Commission's support and
efforts for passenger rail service to the Coachella Valley.
At Chair Matas' request, Sheldon Peterson discussed the financial challenges
to implement daily service, current negotiation strategies, and the potential
timeline to begin service once an agreement is reached.
Commissioner Benoit suggested each city and the county adopt resolutions
of support for this service.
Commissioner Pettis discussed the efforts of Bob Manning, Southwest Rail
Passenger Association, to implement this service.
M/S/C (Pettis/Benoit) to:
1) Reaffirm the Commission's formal support for implementation
and expansion of intercity Amtrak rail service to the Coachella
Valley;
2) Direct staff to work closely and coordinate with the Coachella
Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) local communities
to advocate for intercity Amtrak rail service to the Coachella
Valley; and
3) Forward to the Commission for final action.
RCTC ERC Programs and Projects Committee Minutes
November 1, 2010
Page 4
10. TRADE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT FUND PROJECTS — AVENUE 52 GRADE
SEPARATION
John Standiford, Deputy Executive Director, provided on overview of the
Trade Corridor Improvement Fund proposed project substitution.
M/S/C (Henderson/Benoit) to:
1) Direct staff to work with Coachella Valley Association of
Governments (CVAG) and city of Coachella (Coachella) to
substitute the grade separation project at Avenue 66 for
Avenue 52;
2) Submit Trade Corridor Improvement Fund (TCIF) project
application and supporting documentation to the California
Transportation Commission requesting deobligation of
$10 million in TCIF funding on Avenue 66 and reprogramming
to Avenue 52; and
3) Forward to the Commission for final action.
11. COMMISSIONERS / STAFF REPORT
There were no comments from Commissioners or staff.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business for consideration by the Eastern Riverside
County Programs and Projects Committee, the meeting was adjourned at
1 1:03 a.m. The next meeting of the Eastern Riverside County Programs and
Projects Committee is scheduled for April 4, 2011, at 10:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Harmon
Clerk of the Board
AGENDA ITEM 7
RIVERS/DE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMM/SS/ON
DATE:
August 29, 2011
TO:
Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee
FROM:
Robert Yates, Multimodal Services Director
THROUGH:
John Standiford, Deputy Executive Director
SUBJECT:
2011 Coachella Valley Specialized Transit Call for
Implementation Update
Projects
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for the Committee to:
1) Receive and file the report on the implementation of 2011 Specialized Transit
Call for Projects; and
2) Forward to the Commission for final action.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Providing funding for transit services for persons with disabilities and senior citizens
has long been a priority of the Commission. A portion of both Measure A
Expenditure Plans has included funding for specialized transit services with the
majority of the funding allocated and used for services provided by local transit
providers and non-profit agencies. In recent years, additional funding through the
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has been made available in both the Coachella
Valley and Western Riverside County (Western County) areas for this purpose.
These programs are known as the Jobs Access Reverse Commute (JARC) and New
Freedom (NF) programs. The administrative costs associated with these programs
are significant, and each agency involved generally exceeds the maximum 3%
administrative allocation. These administrative requirements have resulted in
concerns by recipients and subrecipients of these programs.
At its April 2008 meeting, the Commission approved the Coordinated Public
Transit —Human Services Transportation Plan (Coordinated Plan) and adopted a
strategy for developing and conducting a specialized transit call for projects
program for both the Coachella Valley and Western County. This process was
required to make the Commission eligible to receive the JARC and NF funds and
would be used to competitively disburse these funds as required as well to ensure
that all available funding be used as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Agenda Item 7
1
At its September and October 2008 meetings, the Commission approved the first
suite of specialized transit projects for implementation with a funding allocation
totaling $7.8 million for both Coachella Valley and Western County. All projects
awarded under the 2009 Specialized Transit Call for Projects (2009 Call for
Projects) concluded their two-year terms on June 30, 2011.
At its October 2010 meeting, the Commission approved a new fund allocation to
support the 2011 Specialized Transit Call for Projects (2011 Call for Projects) for
the next two years of funding and directed staff to develop the application and
scoring criteria and to conduct a new call for projects. The applications were
released on November 4, 2010, with a due date of January 5, 2011. Twenty-three
proposals were received covering both Coachella Valley and Western County areas.
These projects were scored and ranked by an evaluation committee consisting of
Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) members (two votes), the two county Coordinated
Transportation Service Agency public transit providers - SunLine Transit Agency
(SunLine) with one vote and Riverside Transit Agency with one vote - and the
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) with one vote.
Commission staff also participated on the project evaluation and scoring committee
with one vote, and two additional votes were provided by outside consultants
advising Commission staff.
The scoring criterion was derived from the goals and objectives analysis that was
generated during the development of the Coordinated Plan, along with the
recommendations derived from a lessons learned report, which documented the
performance of the 2009 Call for Projects and resulting contracts. These
documents were received and approved by the Commission.
On April 13, 2011, the Commission took action on the staff recommendation,
which resulted in four projects in the Coachella Valley receiving funding. The four
projects include:
1) Agreement No. 1 1-26-069-00 with the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments (CVAG) for the provision of directly operated transportation
services (specialized transit program) in the amount of $101,809 in JARC
grant funds;
2) Agreement No. 11-26-070-00 with SunLine for the provision of directly
operated transportation services (SunLine commuter service) in the amount
of $219,030 in JARC grant funds and $40,000 in NF grant funds;
3) Agreement No. 1 1-26-071-00 with SunLine for the provision of
transportation pass or voucher services (SunLine Taxi Voucher program) in
the amount of $161,067 in NF grant funds; and
4) Agreement No. 1 1-26-072-00 with SunLine for the provision of
transportation pass or voucher services (RCTC-Coachella Valley Rideshare
program) in the amount of $80,000 in JARC grant funds.
Agenda Item 7
2
In order to meet a service start date of July 1, 2011, staff recommended approval
of the suite of projects as well as the authority needed to construct the project
agreements and have them signed by the chair.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this item is to provide the Eastern County Projects and Programs
Committee, as well as the Commission, with an update on the progress of
implementing the JARC and NF programs in the Coachella Valley since the approval
of the projects in April. It is important to note that SunLine is an important partner
in the entire process. SunLine served on the evaluation committee for the projects,
is designated as a grantee for oversight of the funding of the Coachella Valley
projects, and receives an administrative fee for its role. In the Coachella Valley,
this role is somewhat minimal in that the oversight role extends beyond SunLine
itself to only two agencies — the Commission and CVAG. SunLine has expressed
concern regarding the administrative responsibilities and costs associated with this
oversight.
On June 9, 2011, staff sent agreement packages for three of the four awarded
projects from the 2011 Call for Projects to SunLine for signature. This was done in
order to ensure that the projects were able to begin service on July 1, 2011, in
order to avoid an interruption in service. The fourth project, SunLine's proposed
commuter service to the Pass Area, was withheld because a revised scope of work
is needed to reflect a lower funding level than the original application.
On August 1, 2011, SunLine, acting as grantee, entered the projects into TEAM,
the FTA application and project monitoring system. While this action assisted in
the preservation of the funds for Riverside County, the issue surrounding the
administration of the projects within the context of the regional memorandum of
understanding (MOU) had not yet been resolved. . SunLine has expressed concern
regarding the administrative responsibilities and costs associated with this
oversight.
In a subsequent series of telephone conversations concluding on August 19, staff,
SCAG, and SunLine identified the following three points which were mutually
agreed upon. This would allow for the agreement packages to be signed and the
projects to become eligible for implementation.
1) SunLine agrees to complete the execution of the projects into the federal
TEAM database;
2) SCAG agrees to reimburse SunLine in the amount of $5,000 for additional
administrative costs; and
3) SCAG, the Commission, and SunLine agree to commence talks within
45 days to discuss the potential revision to the regional MOU.
Agenda Item 7
3
NEXT STEPS:
By completing the TEAM process, all Coachella Valley projects become eligible for
funding. It also should be noted that SunLine as well as the Commission and CVAG
are not eligible to receive reimbursements on the projects until SunLine executes
the agreements with the Commission and receives approval from the FTA for the
TEAM grant submissions. It is uncertain at this point if services provided prior to
August 1, 2011, will be eligible for reimbursement. With respect to the Pass Area
transit project, the Commission requires a revised scope of work to be submitted
by SunLine for approval along with the appropriate short range transit plan
amendment.
The Commission has retained the services of ANIMA Transit Planning in order to
assist SunLine and the subrecipients with the project reporting and invoicing
requirements. This process is similar to that used in Western County and is
intended to streamline the process by lessening the administrative load on SunLine
and therefore allowing for more efficient payment to the subrecipients.
It is the intention of staff, working collaboratively with other agency partners, to
seek revisions to the regional MOU to establish a streamlined administrative
process for future allocations of these federal funds.
Agenda Item 7
4
AGENDA ITEM 8
RIVERS/DE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMM/SS/ON
DATE:
August 29, 2011
TO:
Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee
FROM:
Tanya Love, Goods Movement Manager
THROUGH:
John Standiford, Deputy Executive Director
SUBJECT:
Avenue 66 Grade Separation on the Alameda Corridor East - Fiscal
Year 2008/09 Appropriations
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for the Committee to:
1) Allocate $1 .3 million to the county of Riverside (County) in support of the
Avenue 66 grade separation project - $950,000 from the Omnibus
Appropriations Act of 2009 and $350,000 in federal Congestion Mitigation
Air Quality (CMAQ) funds; and
2) Forward to the Commission for final action.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The County is requesting $1 .3 million in funding to complete the final design and
engineering phase for the Avenue 66 grade separation project. Currently, an
at -grade crossing exists on the Union Pacific Railroad on Avenue 66 just south of
the city of Coachella:
Agenda Item 8
66. A.
Avenue 66 At -Grade Crossing
5
The existing at -grade crossing requires that traffic, including a substantial number
of agricultural freight trucks, stop for passing trains. Once completed, the project
will improve traffic flow, reduce air pollution, and increase safety by eliminating
vehicle delays.
The FY 2008/09 consolidated appropriations bill identified funding in the amount of
$950,000 for grade separation projects located in Riverside County on the Alameda
Corridor East (ACE). In addition to the earmark, the Commission approved an off
the top allocation of 25% of CMAQ and Surface Transportation Program federal
funds for ACE grade separation projects. Staff is in support of the County's
request and recommends that in addition to the $950,000 earmark, $350,000 of
CMAQ funding also be allocated.
If approved, the project will become shovel ready making it more competitive
should future grant opportunities arise.
There is no financial impact to the Commission, as the funds do not flow directly
through the Commission. The County will be the direct recipient of such funds.
Agenda Item 8
6
AGENDA ITEM 9
RIVERS/DE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMM/SS/ON
DATE:
August 29, 2011
TO:
Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee
FROM:
Jennifer Harmon, Office and Board Services Manager
THROUGH:
John Standiford, Deputy Executive Director
SUBJECT:
Election of Officers
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for the Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee to
conduct an election of officers for 2011 - Chair and Vice Chair.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
At its February 10, 2010 meeting, the Commission approved the restructuring of
the committees that included the disbandment of the Plans and Programs
Committee and the formation of two geographically -based committees: the Eastern
Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee and the Western Riverside
County Programs and Projects Committee.
The Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee's responsibilities
include air quality, capital projects, communications and outreach programs,
Congestion Management Program (CMP), intermodal programs, motorist services
(ie. SAFE), new corridors, regional agencies/regional planning, Regional
Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP), and State Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP) related to the Coachella and Palo Verde Valleys and
other areas as may be prescribed by the Commission.
This committee meets on the first Monday of the month, except when the first
Monday falls on a holiday or in the same week as a Commission meeting, at
10:30 a.m. at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments office and via
video conference at Blythe City Hall as necessary. Membership is comprised of all
Coachella Valley and Palo Verde Valley city representatives and the Fourth District
Supervisor.
Agenda Item 9
7