LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION  POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES June 20,2024  LIVE WEB LINK: ttp:/laredotxswwagit.com/lve PUBLIC. ACCESS CHANNEL: Spectrum TV channel 1300  . II.  CHAIRPERSON TO CALL MEETING TO ORDER  Judge Tano E. Tijerina, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 1:30 pm. Graciela Briones, MPO: Staff, called roll and verified a quorum existed. Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County. Judge and LWCAMPO Chairperson Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Mayor and LWCAMPO Vice-Chairperson Honorable Melissa R. Cigarroa, City Councimember, District III Honorable Vanessa Perez, City Councilmember, District VII Honorable Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 1 Honorable John Galo, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 3 Mr. Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E., TXDOT District Engineer  CHAIRPERSON TO CALL ROLL Regular members present:  Mr.Jed A. Brown, Member-At-lLarge Regular members not present: Ex-Officio members not present:  Honorable Ruben Gutierrez. Jr., Mayor Pro-Tempore, District V Honorable Judith Zaffirini, State Senator, District: 21 Honorable Richard Raymond, State Representative, District42 Honorable Tracy O. King, State Representative, District 80  LWCAMPO Staff present: Juan S. Mendive, LWCAMPO Director Graciela S. Briones, LWCAMPO Planner III Julio A. Nino, LWCAMPO Planner III Eduardo Bernal, LWCAMPO Planner III Adriana A. Vigil, LWCAMPO Administrative Assistant  Others:  Roberto Rodriguez, TXDOT  1  LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes/ /J June 20, 2024    Ana Duncan, TxDOT Ramon Chavez, COL Engineering Jeffery Gonzalez, COL Traffic Juan C. Villarreal, COL Traffic Robert. J. Garza, El Metro Transit Eloisa Mascorro, EI Metro Transit Adelaido Uribe, Webb County Judge's Office J.Carlos Flores, Webb County Engineering Guillermo Cuellar, Webb County Engineering Anthony Garza, Webb County Consultant Melissa Montemayor, WC-CL RMA/LJA Engineering Blasita. J. Lopez, WC-CL RMA/UA Engineering Roberto Gallegos, Ardurra Ignacio Hinojosa, Ardurra Pablo Briones, COL Citizen III. CITIZEN COMMENTS  Speakers are required to fill out witness cards, which must be submitted to MPO: Staff no later than 1:45 P.M. the day of the meeting. Speakers shall identify themselves at the microphone. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker. No more than three (3) persons will be allowed to speak on any side of an issue. Should there be more than three (3) people who wish to speak on a specific issue, they should select not more than three (3) representatives to speak ont their behalf. The presiding officer mayf further limit public on the interest of order or time. Speakers may not transfer their minutes to any other speaker. Comments should be relevant to MPO business and delivered in a  professional manner. No derogatory remarks shall be permitted.  IV. ITEMS REQUIRING POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION:  A. Approval of the minutes for the meeting held on May 15, 2024. CM. Perez, made a motion to approve the minutes of May 15, 2024.  Second: For: Against: Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously.  Mayor Trevino 8 0  B. Receive public testimony and approve Resolution No. MPO 2024-08, adopting the Judge Tijerina, asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak For or Against, adopting the proposed 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).  proposed 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).  2  LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes/ / June 20, 2024    No comments For or Against were made.  CM. Galo, made a motion to close and approve Resolution No. MPO 2024-08, adopting  the proposed 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).  Second: For: Against: Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously.  Mayor Trevino 8 0  Graciela Briones, MPO Staff, made a presentation to the Committee on the proposed 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Ms. Briones, stated that as per Federal law all MPO's are required to develop a TIP for a four-year period for their planning areas, in cooperation with the. State and publictransit providers. She also stated that the Public Participation Plan (PPP) requires a 20-day public review and comment period before adopting the TIP. The TIP also must be fiscally constrained and projects are included only if full funding is anticipated within the period time contemplated for completion. Ms. Briones, also stated that the TIP can be amended as needed by the Policy Committee at any time during its lifecycle. The approved amendments are submitted to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) on a quarterly basis. She further stated that the item was previously presented to the Policy Committee back in May and the public comment period was opened and now closed; and there were no comments received. Ms. Briones, mentioned that in the TIP document they could find a map that showed the proposed locations for 12 project Highways, she stated it also included a list with all the proposed projects for each fiscal year with brief information on each project, such as, Project Name, Description, Project Limits, Project Sponsor, Funding Category, Estimated Cost. Ms. Briones, also gave a brief summary on both, Highway and Transit  projects for each fiscal year.  CM. Galo, asked what the current cost was for Vallecillo Road.  Mr. Brown, answered that the total project cost was $49.9 million. He stated that the amount that appeared int the TIP document was for construction only. He also stated that he would give an update on Vallecillo Road during the presentations item. He also stated later they might be making monthly presentation updates on the Vallecillo Road project. C. Receive public testimony and approve Resolution No. MPO 2024-09, adopting the proposed revision(s) to the 2020-2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP): A. Revision of Appendix A- Short Range Projects Identified in the MTP and Listed in the TIP as necessary to incorporate and reflect the proposed 2025-2028 TIP. Judge Tijerina, asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak For or Against, adopting the proposed 2020-2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).  3  LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes/J June 20, 2024    No comments For or Against were made.  CM. Perez, made a motion to close and approved the Resolution No. MPO 2024-09, adopting the proposed revisions to the 2020-2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan  (MTP). Second: For: Against: Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously.  Mayor Trevino 8 0  Ms. Briones, gave a presentation on the proposed revisions to the 2020-2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). Ms. Briones, stated that the MTP was a requirement of alll MPOs, to develop an update of their Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for their planning areai that needs to covera planning horizon of 20 years. She also stated that the MTP was an official comprehensive intermodal plan that identifies existing and future transportation needs and it also develops coordinated strategies to provide then necessarytransportationfaclities essential to continue mobility yande economic vitality of the region. Ms. Briones, stated that the projects included in the TIP should be in consistency with the approved MTP. She stated that the proposed revisions were intended to make the necessary changes tot the MTP. Shei further stated that the item was previously presented to the Policy Committee for consideration and to initiate the comment period backi in May. She lastly stated that no comments had been received. D. Receive public testimony and approve Resolution No. MPO 2024-10, adopting the Title Judge Tijerina, asked if anyone in the audience wouid like to speak For or Against, adopting the Title VI Non-Discrimination Plan and Limited English Proficiency Plan.  VIN Non-Discrimination Plan and Limited English Proficiency Plan.  No comments For or Against were made.  Julio Nino, MPO: Staff, gave the Committee al brief presentation on the changes that were made to the Title VI Non- Discrimination Plan and Limited English Proficiency Plan. Mr. Nino, stated that the updates to the Title VI were a Federal requirement, which consists of the MPO's implementation of the two documents, the Title VI legal manual and the complaint procedures handbook. He further stated some of the updates that were included to Local/State/Federal Point of Contact (PoC) information, and online complaint procedures, online ADA request forms, and online record keeping. He also stated that the updates on the LEP Plan, was based on data retrieved from the 2016-2020 Census Data and the base data included in the 2017-2021 American Community: Survey. He also stated that the federal STEAP (Screening Tool for Equity and Analysis of Projects) tool and CEJST (Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool) were being used. Mr. Nino,  4  LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes/ / June 20, 2024    presented an example for the screening tools, he also shared the updates to the Environmental Justice (EJ), that included the Justice40 Initiative and Executive Order CM. Galo, made a motion to close and approve Resolution No. MPO 2024-10, adopting the Title VI Non-Discrimination Plan and Limited English Proficiency Plan.  13985 (Equity).  Second: For: Against: Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously.  CM. Perez 8 0  E. Receive public testimony and initiate a 20-day public review and comment period for  the draft FY 2025 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). draft FY 2025 Unified Planning' Work Program (UPWP).  CM. Galo made a motion to initiate a 20-day public review and comment period for the  Second: For: Against: Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously.  CM. Perez 8 0  Judge Tijerina, asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak For or Against, initiating a 20-day public review and comment period for the draft FY 2025 Unified  Planning Work Program (UPWP). No comments For or Against were made.  Juan Mendive, MPODirector, presented the draft FY: 2025Unified Planning' Work Program (UPWP). Mr. Mendive, stated that the UPWP was a document that needed tol be updated each year, and it was a federally required work program describing the transportation planning programs and activities to be performed by the MPO in a fiscal year. Mr. Mendive, also stated the UPWP could be amended at any time needed. He also stated that the UPWP outlined the MPO's transportation planning activities to be funded by Transportation Planning Funds (TPF). Mr. Mendive, also stated that tasks outlined could take more than one year to be completed so they would be carried over from one UPWP toi the next. He used the current MTP that was being update as an example of at task that will overlap to the next fiscal year. He also stated that the MPO Public Participation Plan required a 20-day public review and comment period for the UPWP, and once approved by the Policy Committee the UPWP will be submitted to TxDOT for FHWA approval. Mr.  5  LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes/J June 20, 2024    Mendive, stated that they due date for the UPWP was for. July 31, 2024. Mr. Mendive, shared with the Committee the UPWP Budget Summary list. He gave a quick over view of the funds available for FY 2025, he mentioned that $2,685,129 was an estimate amount of what the MPO would: spend by the end of the year. He stated, that included what was carried over from previous years. He also stated that the funds not used will get carried over tot thei following fiscal year and could be used for operations or studies. Mr. Mendive, CM. Galo asked, what the Task 5.3 - South Laredo Transportation Planning Study Mr. Mendive, answered that it will look into all the mobility needs in South Laredo, it would identify any improvements needed in corridors and what other corridors could be developed in order to improve mobility and relief congestion in South Laredo. Mr. Mendive, stated that the exact study area had not been defined. He mentioned it could start from Hwy 359 South or Hwy 59 South all the way to the MPO Boundary. CM. Galo, suggested it should bei from Hwy 59 to the South because there was connector Mr. Mendive, stated that the study cost would probably be more that the $200,000 budgeted in the FY 2025 UPWP but the study would likely overlap into other fiscal years. CM. Galo, asked if there had been a study done for the Unitec area already.  pointed out Tasks! 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 which would be the studies.  consisted of.  needed and Hwy 359. needed exits.  Mr. Mendive, stated there was a North Laredo Transportation Study that the RMA had done some year ago. He stated that there was some project identified in that study and that there were projects that were planned for that area, the only issue were the CM. Galo, asked if any other routes had been identified coming out of the Unitec area. Mr. Brown, stated that particular issue had not been specifically addressed. He stated that there had been some discussion between various developers about working on Mr. Mendive, stated that the City's Thoroughfare plan shows some connections to that area, but the city would have to goi in and build those roads or have some developers: start ont the roads. Hei further stated that they would need someone to bet the project sponsor fori that road. He also stated that the MPO would also focus on that area as well, as they In regards to the Microtransit Study, CM. Cigarroa asked if there was any progress on the idea of having a parking lot for workers and having them use a shuttle to get to work in  resources.  another route for that area.  work on the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).  that area.  6  LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes/ / June 20, 2024    Mr. Mendive, stated that it will be looked at through the Mircrotransit Study as well, but there were some concerns about that idea of using transit in case of any emergency the employees might have. Mr. Mendive, stated that the MPO would continue to working through the studies and with the City of Laredo, Webb County, TxDOT, and the RMA, to Judge Tijerina, asked Mr. Gonzalez, ifTXDOT had any plans on expanding the overpass on Mr. Gonzalez, stated that there were currently no plans on expanding that bridge. He stated that the actual issue was going in and out of the area, not necessarily the bridge  find a way to provide relief on those areas. Carriers Dr. since that overpass is very narrow.  itself.  V. REPORT(S) AND PRESENTATIONS (No action required). A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA).  Jeb Brown, WC-CL RMA, stated that there was a report as part of the packet. He pointed out some mistakes on the report. He stated the Overpass for Vallecillo Road did not reflect the $16 million that were put in 2 months back from the MPO. He also stated that the RMA was no longer working to be the designer or to take the lead on that project. He further stated that as per TxDOT Austin, that would be a potential conflict of interest if the RMA would do the design of the Vallecilio Road project and the overpass as well. Therefore, TxDOT would have another Engineering firm to design the project. Mr. Brown stated that there was a gap in funding that exists of approximately $47 million on the overpass and the $16 million that was committed. He stated that there was about a $31 million gapi that they could: start working on withi the Commission. He: also mentioned that itr might now! be able tol be added on the August adoption of thel UTP, but he was confident that they would have it added in the next UTP for the following year. He continued by stating that eveni ifi it was not added fort thisy year, TxDOT cans still be working on the design,  and it would move things as quickly as they can. WC-CLI RMA. June 2024 Status Report to LWCAMPO  1. Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan - The work began in September 2023. The RMA hosted a press conference on Feb. 29, 2024, at the downtown U.S. Post office grounds to publicly launch the Safety Action Plan and reintroduce Vision Zero, including the commitment and promote a survey. The RMA Board has adopted the pledge to reach zero fatalities and serious injuries on Laredo and Webb County roadways by 2040 on February 14, 2024, followed by both the Laredo City Council on March 18, 2024, and the LWCAMPO Policy Committee on March 20, 2024. A public interactive information session was held on April 23, 2024, at the Joe A. Guerra Public Library and was well- attended by several people from the public, providing comments and filling out surveys. AStakeholder Workshop with several publicagencystaff, stakeholders, and members of the LWCAMPO Active Transportation Committee was hosted the next day in  7  LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes/ June 20,2 2024    collaboration with the LWCAMPO at the City of Laredo Health Department on April 24, 2024. During May, National Bike Month, the project team attended several events by others and collected input from the public attending these events. The bilingual survey closed out on May 31 with 574 responses total. The project team has compiled the responses and is working to incorporate the data into the report. The team is reviewing the initial community priorities report and refining the data portal/findings dashboard and collaborating with stakeholder committees to author the first draft of the actual action plan over the summer. Completion oft the study is anticipated for December2024. 2. Vallecillo Road - The draft ROW parcel plats and strip map are ongoing and anticipated for completion in July 2024. Environmental studies arel largely complete. The last section to be conducted is the noise analysis which is pending traffic volume approval from TP&P. The Traffic forecast modeling and report development is largely complete. The team is completing the traffic volume deliverable for submittal to the District and ultimately TP&P. Upon approval, the team can complete the traffic report and the noise analysis technical report can be completed." The drainage analysis oft the project and draft report is currently being reviewed by the GEC. The proposed geometry (horizontal and vertical) is complete. Utility coordination is on-going with all utility providers along the route. The draft schematic will be commencing internal QAQC prior to submittal to the Laredo District this week. Submittal to the District is anticipated ont the 4thy week of June. The RMA executed its funding agreement with the Killam Company on March 4, 2024 and is amending its Inter Local Agreement with the City of Laredo. The City of Laredo is continuing the development of the ROW agreement with the Killam Company. As the project sponsor, the executed Advanced Funding Agreement (AFA) is solely between TxDOT Laredo District and the RMA. The RMA is also awaiting the AFA Amendment from TXDOT to account for the updated funding for the project. The projected execution of 3. Vallecillo Overpass = In order to advance the schedule of the project, the WC-CL RMA has come to an agreement with TxDOT Laredo District for the development of the Overpass project. The WC-CLRMA will provide upt toS1Minfunding forthe development of the project. The WC-CL RMA received the *.dgn files and traffic data from TxDOT to incorporate into the Vallecillo Road traffic studies, and the WC-CL RMA has prepared a construction estimate for the proposed facility. The agreement will be codified via a separate Advanced Funding Agreement. The framework of the AFA is still being 4. Springfield Phase IV - Similar to Springfield Phase Ill, the RMA has committed up to $1 million to the Cityt to assist with the funding of the construction of Phase IVoft the project from Hospitality Drive to Bob Bullock Loop. The sponsorship and implementation are subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement (ILA) between the City and the RMA. The RMA submitted a draft ILA to the City on 4/9/2024. The RMA has spoken to TxDOT, and TxDOT has agreed to construct thet tie-in for Phase IV within their ROW: along  The RMA is projecting a Fall 2025 Letting of the project.  the amendment tot the AFA is August 2024.  discussed between the RMA and TxDOT.  8  LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes/ / June 20, 2024    Bob Bullock at their cost. The RMA will fund the construction of the City ROW section from Hospitality Drive to TxDOT ROW. The WC-CL RMA submitted the proper paperwork to commence the development of the Advanced Funding Agreement for this project on 4/19/2024. TxDOT has begun the process of funding the Category 12 - Strategic Partnership monies to be utilized for construction on this project. Timeline for the programming of the funds is under development. Upon determination, the AFA can 5. Concord Hills (Wormser Road/ Lomas Del Sur to Los Presidentes) - The RMA will sponsor and lead the design and construction of a new location 1.3 mile, 2-lane minor arterialroadway extension from Los Presidentes' to Wormser Road/Lomas Dels Surwithin ar nominal ROW width of 90' in partnership with the City. The RMA has committed $1 million to the development of the project. The project will provide a parallel route to Cuatro' Vientos and provide additional access toi the new Laredo Sports Complex and the Municipal Water Park. The sponsorship and implementation are subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement (ILA) between the City and the RMA. The RMA isv working with the City to finalize the construction cost estimate for the project and complete the ILA for the project. The RMA recommitted its support in funding on the 6. North Laredo and Cuatro Vientos Transportation Reinvestment Zones (TRZ) - The WC- CLF RMA hosted a TRZ workshop on July 19, 2023, to review the TRZ study and implementation process with the City. A second workshop was conducted on 8/28/23. The RMA hosted and conducted a third workshop on 4/4/2024. The RMA is awaiting execution of the ILA with the City to commence the North Laredo TRZ Study. The City notified the WC-CL RMA on 2/13/24 that the City will move forward with drafting and 7. FM1472a and Killam Industrial Blvd. Turn Lanes - The RMA conducted. a TDLR inspection oft the project. The RMA will forward the TDLR report upon receipt to the TxDOT Laredo District. Project is pending final walk-through, and final Close-out Construction Change  proceed for development and execution.  projeafebruary14,024, at the February Board Meeting.  distributing the ILA to the WC-CL RMA and commence the project.  Order. Projecti is 99+% complete.  8. Other Items:  RMA is in the process of scheduling the next Board meeting in the next 2 months. CM. Galo, made some comments on the Cuatro Vientos road and how dark the area was at night. He mentioned that there was no more of the traffic control signage, he asked Mr. Gonzalez, stated that they could certainly look into replacing the delineators. He also stated that they don't last long, they would only last at few weeks. He continued by stating that they did have a couple projects for that area and some safetyi improvements as well Mayor Trevino, asked Mr. Gonzalez, if there was any lighting in that area of the Loop. He stated that most of the Loop 20 was very dark, he asked what the reason for that was.  what was the cycle of maintenance for repairs.  as llumination lighting.  9  LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes / June 20, 2024    Mr. Gonzalez, stated that there was no continuous illumination on that area of the Loop, there only was safety lighting. He stated there were some portions that weren't operational so they were trying to get electrical service out there. He further stated that to have that continuous illumination like on IH35, TxDOT could come to an agreement with the CityofL Laredo on how that could be paid for. He also stated that there were some projects where they will be updating the lightning to LED lights to offer better illumination. Mr. Gonzalez, stated that as they continue to wok on the overpasses they would bei instating some high mass luminaires. Mr. Gonzalez, finished by stating that they would look into doing restriping and adding more of the low reflectors for that area.  VI. DIRECTOR's COMMENTS  Juan Mendive, MPO Director presented the following report part oft the packet:  Director's Report. June 20, 2024  1. The federally required Transportation Management Area (TMA) certification review will begin on June 25th. Representatives of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will be on-site for two days to conduct a review of our metropolitan transportation planning process. The representatives will be meeting with MPO and TxDOT staff as well as the Policy Committee Chair and Vice-Chair. Additionally, a one-hour roundtable listening session will be held with select 2. A public meeting was held on May 23rdto gather public input on regional transportation needs for the Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2025-2050 (MTP). A series of virtual stakeholder meetings will be held in. July. The public survey to collect public feedback on transportation needs across the region remains open through the end oft the month:  transportation and community stakeholders.  MTP 2025-2050 Survey Link: inyur.com/wtampontp 3. Texas Transportation Commission Meetings:  June 27, 2024 July 30, 2024 August 22, 2024 following  Upcoming Texas Transportation Commission meetings and agendas can be found on the  link:  https//www.txdotgoV/abou/leadership/texas-tras-transportation-  ommison/meetngdatesagendasntm 4. - Upcoming regularly scheduled MPO meetings:  Active Transportation Committee - Rescheduling due to federal review  Technical committee - July 09, 2024 Policy Committee - July17,2024  10  LWCAMPOI Policy Committee Meeting Minutes /J June 20, 2024.    VII. COMMUNICATIONS  Judge Tijerina, asked Mr. Gonzalez what was the status on the Hachar-Reuthinger Road Mr. Gonzalez, stated that construction is expected to: start in August with a contract time of 3 years. He also stated that it would probably be quicker since it was a new location roadway. He further stated that there was a Construction Management Plan sO that they CM. Galo, asked Mr. Gonzalez, if the overpasses were also included ini that same project. Mr. Gonzalez, stated that the overpasses at IH35 were not, he stated those overpasses Mr. Mendive, stated that the overpass on IH35 by mile marker 15 was included as part of  project, and estimated time for completion.  could have additional time to adjust the utilities.  were part oft the Uniroyal project. the Uniroyal overpass widening.  CM. Galo, asked if both overpasses would be done at the same time.  Roberto Rodriguez, TxDOT, stated that they do have both overpasses in the same project. Mr. Gonzalez, stated that the Hachar overpass would be build first before they start impacting the Uniroyal. He stated that both overpasses were in the same project but the CM. Gonzalez, asked Mr. Gonzalez when the letting date for the Lomas del Sur overpass Mr. Gonzalez, stated that the letting date for that overpass was set for November of current year. He stated that construction would probably start on February or March  way it was phased, the Hachar overpass would be constructed first.  would be. 2025.  VIII. ADIOURNMENT  Judge Tijerina, made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:19 PM.  Second: For: Against: Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously.  CM. Perez 8 0  AN Juan S. Mendive, AICP LWCAMPO Director  LWCAMPOC Chairperson EB  11  LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes/ / June 20, 2024