LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2025 LIVE WEB LINK: te/lamdasastcomlNe PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL: Spectrum TV channel 1300 I. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL MEETING TO ORDER Judge Tijerina, Vice-Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 1:32 PM. II. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL ROLL Graciela S. Briones, MPO Planner III, called roll and verified a quorum existed. Regular members present: Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County Judge and LWCAMPO Vice-Chairperson Honorable Vanessa Perez, Mayor Pro-Tempore, District VII arrived at 1:41 PM Honorable Ricardo "Richie" Rangel Jr., City Councilmember, District II Mr. Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E., TxDOT District Engineer Mr. Jed A. Brown, Member-At-Large Regular members not present: Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Mayor and LWCAMPO Chairperson Honorable Ruben Gutierrez Jr., Council Member, District V Honorable Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 1 Honorable John Galo, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 3 Judge Tijerina, made a motion to excuse members not present. Second: Mr. Brown For: 4 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. Ex-Officio members not present: Honorable Judith Zaffirini, State Senator, District 21 1 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2025 Honorable Richard Raymond, State Representative, District 42 Honorable Don McLaughlin, 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 IlI Adriana A. Vigil, LWCAMPO Administrative Assistant Others: Sara Garza, TxDOT Roberto Rodriguez, TxDOT Ana Duncan, TxDOT Jose D. Vargas, TxDOT Baltazar Avila, TxDOT Luis Villarreal, TxDOT Nguyen, Doanh "Zone" T., COL Attorney Jaime Ortiz, COL Economic Development Roberto J Garza, El Metro Transit Anthony Garza, Webb County Consultant Melissa Montemayor, WC-CL RMA/UA Engineering Blasita J. Lopez, WC-CL RMA/UA Engineering Gabriel Longoria, Halff Associates 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 on their behalf. The presiding officer may 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 January 15, 2024. Judge Tijerina, made a motion to approve the minutes of January 15, 2024. 2 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2025 / Second: CM. Rangel For: 4 Against: 0 Abstained: Motion carried unanimously. B. Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO 2025-02, adopting and supporting the 2025 Texas Department ofTransportation's (TxDOT) Safety Performance Measures (PM1) and Targets. Eduardo Bernal, MPO Planner II, gave a brief presentation on the Safety Performance Measures (PM1) and Targets. Mr. Bernal, went over the different performance measures adopted by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). He explained that under FTA there is a Transit Management Plan (TAM) with 4 measures and that is adopted annually by transit providers. These measures were presented for adoption by El Metro last year. Mr. Bernal, further explained the different Performances under FHWA: Five measures under Safety Performance (PM1) adopted annually by TxDOT and MPOs Six measures under Bridge and Pavement (PM2) adopted every two years by TxDOT and MPOs, and Three measures under System Performances (PM3) adopted every two years by TxDOT and MPOs. Mr. Bernal, explained that each performance measure was composed of multiple individual components, he than presented the PM1, which include the following five measures. 1. Number of Traffic Fatalities 2. Rate of Fatalities per 100 million Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) 3. Number of Serious Injuries 4. Rate of Serious Injuries per 100 million VMT 5. Number of Non-Motorized Fatalities and Non- Motorized Serious Injuries. Mr. Bernal, further stated that on December 18, 2024, the Texas Department of Transportation TPP division instructed the MPO to adopt the 2025 Safety Targets to remain the same as the ones adopted in 2024. He also mentioned that the deadline for presenting and adopting the Safety Measures (PM1) was February 26th of this current year. 3 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2025 Judge Tijerina, made a motion to approve Resolution No. MPO 2025-02, adopting and supporting the 2025 Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Safety Performance Measures (PM1) and Targets as presented. Second: CM. Rangel For: 4 Against: Abstained: Motion carried unanimously. C. Discussion with possible action to approve and authorize the execution of Contract Amendment #1 with WSP USA, Inc. for the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Update to extend the contract completion date from March 4, 2025 to June 4, 2025. The contract amount will remain the same. Juan Mendive, MPO Director, stated the item was asking for an extension of time to the Contract with WSP USA, Inc. He stated that the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan had already been adopted. CM. Rangel, made a motion to approve and authorize the execution of Contract Amendment #1 with WSP USA, Inc., for the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Update to extend the contract completion date from March 4, 2025 to June 4, 2025 with the contract amount remaining the same. Judge Tijerina, seconded the motion for discussion. He asked what was the reason for the extension of time to the contract. Mr. Mendive, stated that the time extension requested was from the MPO given that there were some documents in the process of being finalized and printed. He further stated that the Consultants were also working on creating some baseline data for the Congestion Management Process (CMP). He also stated that the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) had already been accepted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). For: 4 Against: 0 Abstained: U Motion carried unanimously. V. REPORT(S) AND PRESENTATIONS (No action required). 4 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2025 A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). Mr. Jed Brown, RMA Chairperson, provided some comments and a brief status on the different projects. The following report was also included as part of the packet: (CM. Vanessa Perez arrived at 1:41 PM) WC-CL RMA February 2025 Status Report to LWCAMPO 1. Vallecillo Overpass = The WC-CL RMA will not be managing the development of the Overpass design. TxDOT Laredo District has recently informed us that they will be developing the design of this project. The WC-CL RMA stands ready to provide information from the Vallecillo Road Project to TxDOT sO that the two projects' connections are well coordinated. The WC-CL RMA developed a construction cost estimate for the overpass in the amount of $47,350,390, assuming the project lets in 2027. $16 million has been provided by the MPO via Category 2 funds towards the cost of the overpass. These proposed funds have been submitted by the TxDOT LRD for inclusion in the UTP to be adopted in August 2025. The project still requires $56.8M for 100% funding. On November 4, 2024, the WC-CL RMA, State Representative Richard Raymond Pena, Roland Ortiz (Killam Company) met with the TxDOT Laredo District (District Engineer Epi Gonzalez, TP&D Director Roberto Rodriguez, and PM Ana Duncan) convened to receive an update on the progress of the schematic design for the project. In late 2024, the TxDOT LRD informed the WC- CLI RMA that they have revised the design of the overpass and would like the ROW at the interface of Vallecilio Road and IH 35 to increase. On 1/8/2025, the WC-CL RMA met with TxDOT LRD to obtain further information on the request. On 1/22/2025, the WC-CL RMA met with TxDOT LRD and the group clarified roles and responsibilities between the implementation of the new overpass and how it will interface with the road project. In that discussion, it was stated that the Killam Company will donate the new ROW for the overpass project along the West IH 35 ROW, the WC-CL RMA will include the new ROW as part of the ongoing road project environmental clearance and revise the parcel plats and ROW strip map for the roadway project to include the new ROW. The relocation of utilities along IH 35 will be conducted by the TxDOT LRD consultant. 2. Springfield Phase IV - Similar to Springfield Phase II, the RMA has committed up to $1 million to the City to assist with the funding of the construction of Phase IV of 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 ILAI to the City on 4/9/2024. The RMA originally intended to utilize the Category 12 Strategic Partnership dollars for the funding of the project. The RMA has decided to proceed for the construction of this project utilizing the RMA Vehicle Registration Fees. The ILA between the City and the RMA was executed on 9/9/2024. The project has advertised for construction. The 5 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2025 Pre-Bid conference occurred on 1/7/2025. The bid opening occurred on 1/17/2025. The City consultant has evaluated the bids to recommend the award of the contract. They will be placing the bid recommendation before City Council for approval on 2/18/25. 3. Concord Hills (Wormser Road/ Lomas Del Sur to Los Presidentes) = The RMA has committed $1 million to the development of a new location 1.3 mile, 2-lane minor arterial roadway extension from Los Presidentes to Wormser Road/ Lomas Del Sur within a nominal ROW width of 90' in partnership with the City. The project will provide a parallel route to Cuatro Vientos and provide additional access to 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 is working with the City and the property owners for the donation of the ROW and the finalization of the construction cost estimate for the project. The RMA recommitted its support in funding on the project February 14, 2024, at the February Board Meeting. On November 4. North Laredo and Cuatro Vientos Transportation Reinvestment Zones (TRZ) - The RMA is awaiting executionof 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 distributing the ILA to the WC-CL RMA and commence the project. Regarding the Cuatro Vientos TRZ, the City would like to commence the process of implementing the TRZ with support from the WC-CL RMA. The RMA and the City will commence negotiation of the ILA to codify the agency roles for the implementation. On November 6, 2024, the WC-CL RMA Board of Directors passed a resolution to sign the ILA for the creation of the Cuatro Vientos TRZ between the City and the WC-CL RMA. The RMA is awaiting execution of the ILA with the City. 5. The Vallecillo Road Project = See supplemental memorandum. 6. Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan (Safe Streets for All)- See supplemental memorandum. 7. Other Items: The WC-CL RMA conducted a Board meeting on 1/27/2025. The WC-CL RMA is anticipating a Board meeting in March. There were no questions by the Committee members. B. TxDOT Project Updates 6 LWCAMPO Policy committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2025 Jose Vargas, TxDOT Laredo Area Engineer, gave a brief update on TxDOT ongoing Construction Projects. Mr. Vargas, stated there were currently $837 million active contracts which 95% were in Webb County. There were 23 active projects that some were closed in the last months. He also stated they had several scopes of work, which consisted of full reconstruction and widening, also off system bridges, reconstruction to interstate standards and, safety projects in the City of Laredo. Mr. Vargas, provided status on projects within the Laredo Webb County MPO Area boundary as follows: Project CSJ: 0086-14-075 - US59 Expansion currently under contract with James Construction Group with a total investment of $344 million, and an expected completion date by the end of 2029. He stated the project limits were 0.12 Miles S. of E. Corridor Rd. (Airport) to International Blvd. He further stated they were at around 22% completed and the contractor continued working on the City of Laredo utilities relocations. He further stated that storm sewer had already completed as well as most of their work for the frontage roads, and in the following weeks they could expect to see some flexible base preparation for the pavement. Judge Tijerina, asked which way the lanes were going to be. Mr. Vargas, stated that once the Northbound Frontage Road was completed all the way to nternational Blvd. they would move the 3 lanes to the newly constructed lanes. He continued by stating that then the Southbound traffic would be moved over to the existing Northbound lanes. He stated then they would be able to reconstruct what will be the future Southbound Frontage Road. Mr. Vargas, stated there would be a total of 3 lanes on each side of the Frontage Roads and on the main lanes. He stated that the Northbound Frontage Road, the Southbound Frontage Rd, where at the time was still the Southbound main lanes were mainly the ones to be reconstructed. He also stated the main lanes will be moved to where the Northbound currently was and to a portion of the new: acquired right-of-way. He stated that they were in other words shifting the footprint from International McPherson towards the South. Mr. Gonzalez, TxDOT District Engineer, stated that ultimately, they were going to be 12 lanes in total, which would be 3 for the Northbound frontage road 3 for the Northbound main lanes, 3 for the Southbound main lanes and 3 for the Southbound Frontage Road all within the entire width. Mr. Vargas, stated that there would be the main lanes and the frontage road would be to access businesses, the University and intersections. Mr. Rangel, asked from what point on would those new lanes be. Mr. Vargas, stated that the transitions would start around The Loop Subdivision just north of the City of Laredo Airport. He stated that the first overpass would be at Jacaman Rd. 7 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2025 He further stated that just south of Jacaman Rd. is where the transition to the frontage road will start and the main lanes would take you over Jacaman Rd. and continue all the way to the International Bridge. Mr. Brown, asked what would happen to the business along the Loop 20 like the UISD kitchen and the National Guard. Mr. Gonzalez, stated that part would be included in the next phase. Mr. Vargas, stated that was in the next project that included the overpass at the City of Laredo Airport. CM. Rangel, asked if the Casa Blanca Lake entrance would also be included. Mr. Gonzalez, stated that would be on the next project, he stated they were still working with the Webb County and Texas Parks and Wildlife. Judge Tijerina, stated that was almost finalized they were just looking into at a small slider piece of road. Project CSJ: 3483-02-002 - SH84 Hachar/Reuthinger Rd. contractor working on the project was Webber. Mr. Vargas stated the project cost was $122 million and was about 15% completed of a total of 8.4 Miles. He stated they were about a quarter away from finalizing the grading all the wayto I-35. He stated that the expected completion date was Fall of 2027. Project CSJ: 0086-01-073 = SH359 Widening, with a total investment of $50 million and about 50% completed. He stated that the Eastbound had already been completed, the contractor was working on drainage structure and removal of existing road way on the westbound lane. The other side of the roadway has to be reconstructed. Project CSJ: 0086-16-008 = Lomas Del Sur Overpass, Mr. Vargas shared an update from the last meeting stating that the start date was going to be April 1st, 2025 with a project cost of $50 million investment. He stated the expected completion date was the end of 2027. He further stated it would be the completion of the overpass and the concrete barrier from Lomas Del Sur tying into the 359 overpass. CM. Rangel, asked if there would be a ground-breaking ceremony on April 1st for that project. Mr. Vargas, stated that the TxDOT's PIO was currently working on coordinating the event with all the different dignitaries on scheduling that for mid-March 2025. 8 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2025 Project CSJ: 3596-02-006 - SH255 Rehabilitation. Mr. Vargas stated the project was 8 miles starting at IH-35 towards the West. He stated the precious status was that the project was still on time suspension but the contractor Anderson Colombia had already started working on widening the structures and reconstructing some of the drainage systems in the roadway. He stated the project was about 3.5% completed and the project investment cost was $25 million, with an expected completion by Summer 2027. Mr. Gonzalez, stated that TxDOT had been very busy, he stated there was a lot of projects in the Webb County and all across City of Laredo districts. CM. Rangel, commented that 2027 will be a great year since it will be opening a lot of new roads and connectivity within the City of Laredo and the Webb County. CM. Rangel, congratulated TXDOT and the MPO for all the great work and all the upcoming projects. Mr. Vargas, thanked CM. Rangel, and he stated that they were closing some projects and opening new ones. VI. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Director's Report February 19, 2025 Mr. Mendive, MPO Director presented the following Director's Report as part of the package. Texas Association of MPOs (TEMPO) Meeting Attendance - The MPO Directors' meeting will be held on March 13th & 14th in Austin, TX. Microtransit Feasibility Study Update: MPO staff continues to work with El Metro staff and the consulting team on the Microtransit Feasibility Study. A public meeting was scheduled for February 28th at El Metro Transit Center from 8:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Texas Transportation Commission Meetings: N February 27, 2025 - March 27, 2025 - April 24, 2025 Upcoming Texas Transportation Commission meetings and agendas can be found on the following link: htbsy/wwAtdotsovboueaderhpleastanpotatoncommision/meeting: dates-agendas.htm! 9 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2025 Upcoming regularly scheduled MPO meetings: > Active Transportation Committee = February 26, 2025 > Technical Committee March 11, 2025 A Policy Committee - March 19, 2025 Judge Tijerina, commented that it was important for someone from the MPO Staff to attend the Texas Transportation Commission meetings each month. He stated the importance of having representation from both the City of Laredo and Webb County at the meetings. Mr. Mendive, stated that he and members of the Policy Committee had previously attended Texas Transportation Commission meetings. CM. Perez, commented that she would like for the MPO staff to inform the Policy members in advance about who would be attending the meetings, allowing everyone the opportunity to make efforts to attend. Mr. Mendive, stated that the purpose of including the dates of the Texas Transportation Commission meeting in the Director's report was to enable members to attend some of the meetings. CM. Perez, requested to receive calendar invitations for the Texas Transportation Commission meetings, ensuring that all members were consistently aware of the date and time of the meeting. CM. Rangel, commented he thought that would be the best option, allowing the Policy Committee to make the necessary arrangements to attend the meetings. Mr. Mendive, stated that the MPOStaffwould send out calendar invites for the confirmed meeting dates and would also keep the members informed of any changes to the dates and times. Mr. Brown, asked what time were the Texas Commission meetings usually held at. Mr. Mendive, stated that the meetings were usually held in the mornings. CM. Rangel, shared that he had been learning a great deal and had gained a better understanding of the processes involved. Mr. Gonzalez, made an announcement inviting everyone to the FM 1472 Stakeholder meeting, which would be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Fasken Recreational center at 9:30 AM. He added that they had been working with two consultants and exploring several options, he also stated they would appreciate input from the Policy Committee and the public. 10 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2025 CM. Perez, asked if the information about the Stakeholder meeting could be extended to Commissioner Ricardo A. Jaime SO that he could assist in encouraging the public to attend. VII. COMMUNICATIONS No communications were provided. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Judge Tijerina, made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:00 PM. Second: CM. Rangel For: 5 Against: Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. Juan S. Mendive, AICP Mayor Dr. Victor D. Trevino LWCAMPO Director LWCAMPO Chairperson 11 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2025