RECD CITY SEG OFF MAR 15/24AM10:48 WEBB PLANNING MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING www.laredompo.org Meeting Date & Time: March 20, 2024 at 1:30 P.M. Meeting Location: City of Laredo Council Chambers, 1110 Houston St., Laredo, Texas 78040 Meeting Link: http:/laredotx.swagit.com/lve Laredo TV: Spectrum TV channel 1300 AGENDA: I. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL MEETING TO ORDER II. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL ROLL 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 February 21, 2024. B. Presentation with possible action on Resolution No. MPO 2024-04 supporting the Vision Zero Program and the development of the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan. Discussion with possible action to provide a Letter of Support requested by the City of Laredo Fire Department for the 2023 Staffing Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant application from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). D. Discussion with possible action on the Hachar-Reuthinger Road project. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY Page 1 of 3 AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA V. REPORT(S) AND PRESENTATIONS (No action required). A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). VI. DIRECTOR's COMMENTS A. Announcement of upcoming Transportation Management Area (TMA) Planning Certification Review. B. Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) 2025-2050 Update. C. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 2025-2028 Update. D. Microtransit Feasibility Study RFP Update. E. Schedule of upcoming meetings. VII. ADJOURNMENT NOTICE INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting was posted at the municipal government offices, 1110 Houston Street, Laredo, Texas, at a place convenient and readily accessible to the public at all times. Said notice was posted on Friday, March 15, 2024 by 5:00 PM. The agenda and meeting information was also posted online at htps/wmwarsdomporbrendasminutes All meetings of the MPO Committee are open to the public. Persons who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aid or services such as: interpreters for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired, readers oflarge print or Braille, or a translator fori the Spanish language are requested to contact MPO Staff at 956-794-1605, or via email at avgl@c.laredo.kus at least two working days prior to the meeting SO that appropriate arrangements can be made. Materials in Spanish may also be provided upon request. Disability Access Statement: This meeting is wheelchair accessible. The accessible ramps are located at 1110 Victoria and 910 Flores. Accessible parking spaces are located at City Hall, 1110 Victoria. INFORMACION: Ayuda o Servicios Auxiliares: Todas las reuniones del Comité del MPO estân abiertas al publico. Personas que planean asistir a esta reuniôn y que pueden necesitar ayuda O servicios auxiliares como: interpretes para personas con discapacidad auditiva, lectores de letra grande O en Braille, o un traductor para el idioma espanol deben comunicarse con el personal del MPO al 956-794- 1605 o por correo electronico aavgl@d.laredo..us por lo menos dos dias laborales antes de la reunion para que se puedan hacer los arreglos apropiados. Material en espanol està disponible mediante una peticion. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY Page 2 of 3 AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA Declaracion de Acceso a la Discapacidad: Esta reunion permite el acceso a personas en silla de ruedas. Los espacios de estacionamiento para discapacitados se encuentran en 1110 Victoria y 900 Flores. Los espacios de estacionamiento para discapacitados se encuentran por la calle Victoria. Informacion en espanol: Si usted desea esta informacion en espanol O si desea explicacion sobre el contenido, por favor llamenos al teléfono (956) 794-1605 O comunicarse con nosotros mediante correo electronico a avgl@d.laredo.tkus POLICY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: LWCAMPO Chairperson Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County. Judge LWCAMPO Vice-Chairperson Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino, City of Laredo Mayor City of Laredo Representatives: Honorable Ruben Gutierrez, Jr., City Councimember, District V Honorable Melissa R. Cigarroa, City Councilmember, District III County of Webb Representatives: Honorable Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 1 Honorable John Galo, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 3 Laredo Mass Transit Board Representative: Honorable Vanessa Perez, City Councilmember, District VII State Representative: Mr. Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E., TxDOT District Engineer Member at Large Representative: Jed A. Brown Ex-Officio Representatives: Honorable Judith Zaffirini, State Senator, District 21 Honorable Richard Raymond, State Representative, District 42 Honorable Tracy O. King, State Representative, District 80 AGENDA REVIEWED: SAlcale Juan S. Mendive, AICP folJose A. Valdez, Jr. LWCAMPO Director Laredo City Secretary LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY Page 3 of3 AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.A. A. Approval ofthe minutesforthe meeting held on February 21, 2024. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 21, 2024 LIVE WEB LINK:! MP/PacarsastomNe PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL: Spectrum TV channel 1300 I. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL MEETING TO ORDER Judge Tano E. Tijerina, Chairperson, called the meetingto order at 1:31 PM. II. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL ROLL Graciela Briones, MPO Staff, called roll and verified a quorum existed. Regular members present: Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County Judge and LWCAMPO Chairperson Honorable Ruben Gutierrez Jr., Mayor Pro-Tempore, District V (left at 2:00 PM) Honorable Melissa R. Cigarroa, City Councilmember, District III Honorable Vanessa Perez, City Councimember, District VII (joined meeting at: 1:36 PM) Honorable John Galo, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 3 Honorable Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 1 Mr. Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E., TxDOT District Engineer Mr. Jed A. Brown, Member-At-large Regular members not present: Honorable Dr. Victor D. Treviho, Mayor and LWCAMPO Vice-Chairperson CM. Galo, made a motionto excuse members not present. Second: CM. Gutierrez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. Ex-Officio members not present: Honorable Judith Zaffirini, State Senator, District 21 Honorable Richard Raymond, State Representative, District 42 Honorable Tracy O. King, State Representative, District 80 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes /F February21, 2024 LWCAMPO Staff present: Juan S. Mendive, LWCAMPO Director Graciela S. Briones, LWCAMPO Plannerlll Julio A. Nino, LWCAMPO Plannerlll Eduardo Bernal, LWCAMPO Planner III Adriana A. Vigil, LWCAMPO Administrative Assistant Others: Ramon Chavez, COL Engineering Roberto Garza, COL Transit Sara Garza, TxDOT Roberto Rodriguez, TxDOT Luis M. Villarreal, TxDOT J. Carlos Flores, Webb County Engineering Anthony Garza, Webb County Consultant Victoria Villarreal, Webb County Planning Blasita J. Lopez, WC-CL RMA/UJA Engineering Baltazar Avila, UA Engineering III. CITIZEN COMMENTS Speakers are requiredto fill out witness cards, which must be submitted to MPO Staffno 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 allowedto speak on any side of an issue. Should there be more than three (3) people who wish to speak on a specificissue, they should select not more than three (3) epresentativestospeak on theirk behalf. The presiding officermayfurther 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 deliveredin a professional manner. No derogatory remarks shall be permitted. IV. ITEMS REQUIRING POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION: A. Approval of the minutes fori the meeting held on January 17, 2024. CM. Gutierrez, made a motion to approve the minutes of January 17, 2024. Second: Mr. Brown For: 7 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes /F February21, 2024 2 B. Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO 2024-03, adopting and supporting the 2024 Texas Department of Transportation Safety Performance Measures (PM1) and Targets. Juan Mendive, MPO Director, presented the item and stated it was being brought back from last month's meeting. He stated that the deadline to set the targets was February 27, 2024 and as a Federal requirement, it was requestedi to adopt and support the Texas Department of Transportation Safety Targets. Judge Tijerina, asked the reason why the Targets hadn'tbeen approvedlast month. Mr. Mendive, stated that there were questions on some of the Target figures, and now they were more concise. He furtherstated there was a discrepancy on one of the columns that showedi figures as actual data instead of Target data. CM. Gutierrez, made a motion to approve Resolution No. MPO 2024-03, adopting and supporting the 2024 Texas Department of Transportation Safety Performance Measures (PM1) and Targets. Second: CM. Galo For: 7 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. C. Discussion with possible action on the Hachar-Reuthinger Road project. Mr. Ramon Chavez, City Engineer presenteda briefstatus report of State Highway 84 or previously known as Hachar-Reuthinger Road. He stated that City Council had approved Resolution 2024-R-081 accepting the charitable donation of parcels 1, 2, and 5; and Resolution 2024-R-077 approving the purchase of a tract of land identified as parcel 4. Mr. Chavez further stated that out of the 9 parcels, 5 parcels were still pending to be acquired. Mr. Chavezalsoreported that the documentationforthe donation of land of parcel 6had beenreceived. Judge Tijerina, asked ifa any issues were foreseen withi the other 4 pending parcels. Mr. Chavez, stated it was possible on one of the parcels only. Judge Tijerina, asked ift the letting date had changed. Mr. Chavez, statedit had not. CM. Perez, stated that she was excited about the information shared especially on parcel 6. She mentioned thati ift the City acquired portions of Hachar and Reuthingerwhich would be about 99% of the right of way, TxDOT should be fine in keepingt the letting date. Judge Tijerina, asked ifthe acquisition of Parcel 6was enough for TXDOT1 to move forward. LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes /F February21, 2024 3 Mr. Gonzalez, stated that TXDOT was currently updating their Construction Management Plan as part of the document that must be submitted to Administration, given that some right of way has not been cleared or acquired prior to letting and, the plan would show this won't have an impact to the project. He also stated it has been documented some existing utilitiesthat still needtol be adjusted and the plan demonstratedi Ithis won'tdelay the execution oft the contract. Mr. Chavez, stated that the City'sgoal was to have acquisition of parcel 6 item by the next Council meeting of March the gth, 2024. Mr. Gonzalez, stated that the main parcels were parcel 2 and 6 the others would not have an impact to the construction project, but that may have impact to the utilities SO still neededto be monitored. He also stated that parcel 3 was going to eminent domain and parcel 7 and 8 were pending the offerletterfrom parcel 9. Mr. Chavez, confirmed and stated that the last appraisal had been received the day before. He further stated City staff continuedworking to make parcels 7, 8, and 9 part of the packet final offer. CM. Perez, expressed her enthusiasm towards the project and it being delivered to the public. She stated that despite all the obstacles with the funding gap and acquiring the Right-of-Way, TxDOT was still holding true to their letting date. CM. Galo, asked what the construction time was afteri the letting date. Mr. Gonzalez, stated it was about 32 months. He mentioned that the availability of resources/materials was another concern. He stated that the letting date was scheduled for May 2024, and it meant when bids were opened; And, the advertising occurred 21 day priort to the Letting date. V. REPORT(S) AND PRESENTATIONS (No action required). A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). Mr. Jeb Brown, RMA Chairman, presented the following report part of the packet: WC-CL RMA November 2024 Status Report to LWCAMPO 1. Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan - The work began in September 2023. The firstformal publicengagement will beginin February 2024. Action was taken! by the WC- CLF RMA Board on adopting a pledge to zero fatalities and: seriousinjuries on roadwaysin Webb County by 2040. Other agencies such as Laredo City Council, LWCAMPO Policy Committee, Webb County and School Districts will be invitedtotake the pledge as well. Completion of the study is anticipated for December 2024. The RMA will host a media event Feb. 29, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the downtown U.S. Post office grounds to publidy launch the Safety Action Plan and reintroduce Vision Zero, including the commitment and promote a survey. 2. Vallecillo Road -The draft ROW parcel platsa and strip map are anticipatedfor completion in March. Environmental studies are currently ongoing with field visits commencing in LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes /F February21, 2024 4 March. Traffic Forecast modelingis currently ongoing and the draft report is anticipated for completion in late March. The drainage analysis of the project is ongoing with the draft report to be completed by the end of March. The proposed geometry (horizontal and vertical) is complete. A draft schematic is anticipated for submittal to the Laredo District in late February 2024. The RMA is projecting a Fall 2025 Letting oft the project. The RMA is finalizingitsfunding agreement with the Killam Company andi is amending its Inter Local Agreement with the City of Laredo. The City of Laredo is commencing the developmentofthe ROW agreement with the Killam Company. As the project sponsor, the executed Advanced Funding Agreement (AFA) is solely between the TxDOT Laredo District and the RMA. 3. Vallecillo Overpass - In order to advance the schedule of the project, the WC-CL RMA has come to an agreement with the TXDOT Laredo District for the development of the Overpass project. The WC-CL RMA will undertake the design of the project, provide up to $1M in fundingfor the design of the project and control the project schedule. TxDOT will design the remaining half of the project through a department design contract. The agreement will be codified via a separate Advanced Funding Agreement. 4. 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 arterial roadway extension from Los Presidentesto WormserR Road/ Lomas Del Sur within a 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 to the newl Laredo Sports Complex andthe 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 to finalize the construction cost estimate for the project and complete the ILA for the project. 5. Springfield Phase I, II, and IV - Similar to Springfield Phase III, the RMA has committed upto $1 million to the City to assist withi the funding of the construction of the next Phase oft the project. The sponsorship and implementation are subjectto the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement between the City and the RMA. The RMA is working with the City to finalize the construction cost estimate for the project and complete the Inter Local Agreement fori the project. 6. North Laredo and Cuatro Vientos Transportation Reinvestment Zones (TRZ) - The WC CL 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 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 distributing the ILA to the WC-CL RMA and commence the project. 7. FM 1472 and Killam Industrial Blvd. Turn Lanes Project is pending final walk-through, and TDLR inspection and final Close-out Construction Change Order. Project is 99+% complete. LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes /F February21, 2024 5 8. Other Items: RMA had a Board meeting on February 14, 2024. RMA will have their next Board meetingin the Spring. Mr. Brown, also stated he had received his reappointment from Governor Abbott as Chairman of Webb County City of Laredo Regional Mobility Area for another two years. B. Presentation and update by TxDOT on the FY 2025 Unified Transportation Program (UTP). Roberto Rodriguez, TxDOT, gave a presentation on the Unified Transportation Program (UTP). He started by giving a brief explanation on existing Planning and Programming documents used by TxDOT1 forthe projectsdevelopment process. He explained there was a two-year Certification or Letting Schedule, also a four-year STIP (Statewide Transportation Improvement Program) that works in conjunction with the MPO for projectfunding and ready to let within the nextfouryears. He furthermentiontionedtheuTP UhifiedTransportation Program), a 10-year plan consisting of projectsthat were already funded for construction. From there, the MPO would develop the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) to set 20 years' worth of projects, and then, the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan that is 24 years. Mr. Rodriguez, stated that all the projects on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) were included on the Letting Schedule and projects on the UTP were also included on the STIP and the two-year Letting Schedule. Mr. Rodriguez, explained the TxDOT Project Path. Every project outside the UTP starts in the Plan Authority phase and develop schematics, environmental constrains, alternatives and feasibility studies etc. and, that's howi the projects compete to getintoi the UTP, through Development Authority UTP phase with years between 5-10 on the Letting Schedule. Which allows time for the completion of PS&E, ROW acquisition, and necessary process to step into the next phase of the Construction Authority year 1-4. Finally, projects go to the In Construction or Post Letting phase. Mr. Rodriguez, continued by presenting the UTP Development timeline. He also stated TXDOT was currently looking at preliminary numbers for the 2025 UTP based on the State'sfinancials. He also stated that the UTP Planning Targets were about to be released and, these were spedfitalyforCategony 1,2, & 4 that were usually calculatedbyformula Mr. Rodriguez further shared the Project Selection Methodology. He explained the Statewide Priorities and System Needsand, the Projected Project Performance as the two scoring systems used and what they consisted of. Both score results wouldbe combined to obtain a final project score and be able to provide a project recommendation. Mr. Rodriguez provided an overview of the differentfunding Categories, but focused on the ones impacted or selected by the MPO. He mentionedi that Category 2 Metropolitan and Urban Area Corridors, included projects selected by the MPO in consultation with TxDOT and, Texas Transportation Commission allocates funds through a formula LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes /F February21, 2024 6 allocation program. Also, Category 7 Metropolitan Mobility/Rehabilitation that worked very similar and currently being usedfor State Highway 84. Mr. Rodriguez briefly went through the other Categories and how some were calculated by formula and were fixed amounts every year. He also presented the 2024 UTP Funding Distribution by Category chart, and amounts that were disturbed in each Category including funds that Laredo usually gets. He mentioned as well the approximately $2.2 million currently on the 2024 -2033 UTP funds for the Laredo District. CM. Perezasked where was Vallecillo Rd. interchange listed. Mr. Rodriguez 6 explained this project was part oft the competitionlistfor funding that had beensubmitted. Mr. Brown, asked when would the draft list of all the projects anticipated fori the Laredo District be released. Mr. Rodriguez, stated that for the formula-basedfunding Categories 2and 4, the draft list was almost complete. For the other Categories, it would be a couple of months before presented for a decision on priority of projects. He mentioned some of the projects on the draft list of requests included the expansion of the lanes of the US. Border Patrol Check point at mile 29 of IH35. He also talked about US59 by the airport with a gap of funding and also requestingfundinglor Sierra Vista and Cielito Lindo overpasses. CM. Gonzalez, asked what wouldit be needed to get these overpassesfunded. Mr. Rodriguez, statedi if Category 4 or 12 funds were obtained from the MPO, the projects could be partially funded. C. Update by MPO staff on the stakeholder meeting held on January 24, 2024 to discuss traffic congestion issues at the Unitec Industrial Park area. Mr. Mendive, shared the presentation used at the Stakeholder meeting. He mentioned there were around 20 people in attendance, including representatives from City of Laredo, Webb County, TxDOT, RMA, and stakeholders. Mr. Mendive, stated that some of the purposes ofthe meeting were to Detterunderstand the existing issues and problems in the area, and to understand the MPO's role in managing congestion and planning for multimodal solutions. The meeting was also to brainstorm short mid and long-term potential solutionsto manage congestion. Judge Tijerina, asked ifthere was a short-term solutiont to manage the congestion. Mr. Mendive, mentioned an idea that was discussedin the meeting which was to change some of the streetsto one way. He stated that this option would have to be implemented by the Cityo of Laredo. Judge Tijerina, asked if TxDOT would be able to help with the congestionissues. LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes /F February21, 2024 7 Mr. Gonzalez, stated that there have been some discussions betweenthe City of Laredo and TxDOT about making some improvements to the intersections, for instance, eliminating some left movements to improve efficiency of the signal. He further stated that TxDOT could look into doing something that would help in the short term, within a few months. CM. Galo, asked what the MPO boundaries were, and if they would go past the Unitec Industrial Park area. Mr. Mendive, confirmedthe MPO boundaries passedthe Unitec Industrial Park area. CM. Galo, suggesteda North-South road out of Majestics connecting to Reuthingerand, an East-West road at Doctors Road. He stated that it should coincide with the opening of the overpass. CM. Perez, mentioned a road that was used by the employees in the area that crossed the railroad tracks, but was no longer allowed to be used. She continued by stating that ifthe road could be used again, it wouldbe as a short-term solution option. CM. Perez, stated there should be a meeting coordinated with the railroad for a short- term: solution, while TxDOTI re-evaluates and providesalong-term solution. She suggested Laredo Traffic Dept. could eliminate the leftturns in the area. Judge Tijerina, requestedto bring the item back to keepit in the forefront. CM. Cigarroa, asked ifthere were plans on having otherStakeholders meetings. Mr. Mendive, stated that there was a tentatively scheduled for late February possibly movedto March. Judge Tijerina, stated that the items be brought backi in 60 days and ifit could be discussed prior, him and Mr. Mendive could go overit in Pre-Agenda and can decideifthey bring it back earlier. CM. Perez, stated that it might be good to bring the itemto Council. Mr. Mendive, stated that the item was on the Council Agenda per CM. Dr. King request to discuss what could be done. He mentioned Council talked about the TRZ and how the RMA, TxDOT and the MPO could help and possibly come up with other solutions and, after those conversations, the idea of having a Stakeholder meeting came about. CM. Perez, stated that a status update and some ofthe solutions that have been proposed could be presented at Council to see ifthere was something Council could contribute to. VI. DIRECTOR's COMMENTS Director's Report February 21, 2024 Mr. Mendive, congratulated Mr. Brown on being reappointed as Chairman of WC-LC RMA. Mr. Mendive, also congratulated TxDOT and their team on the US 59 Loop upgrade groundbreaking. Mr. Mendive presented the following reportto the Committee: LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes /F February21, 2024 8 1. On February 20th, MPO staff met with our FHWA representative, Kirk Fauver, and TxDOT field representative, Sara Garza, to discuss the upcoming Transportation Management Area (TMA) Certification review, whichisscheduledfor June 25th-26th. 2. The RFP for the Microtransit Feasibility Study programmed in our FY 2024 Unified Planning Work Program was issued on February 3rd with a deadline of March 7th. 3. Texas Transportation Commission Meetings: February 21, 2024 (2 p.m.) February 22, 2024 March 27, 2024 (2 p.m.) March 28, 2024 April 25, 2024 Upcoming Texas Transportation Commisionmeetings and agendas can be found on the following link: https/www.Exdotgov/abouv/eadership/texas-transportation- commision/meetingdatingdatesagendas.htm. 4. Upcoming regularly scheduled MPO meetings: Active Transportation Committee - February 28, 2024 Technical Committee - March 12, 2024 Policy Committee - March 20, 2024 VIII. ADIOURNMENT CM. Perez, made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:37 PM. Second: CM. Galo For: 7 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. Juan S. Mendive, AICP Webb County Judge Tano E. Tijerina LWCAMPO Director LWCAMPO Chairperson LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes /F February21, 2024 9 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.B. B. Presentation with possible action on Resolution No. MPO 2024-04 supporting the Vision Zero Program and the development ofthe Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ACTION ITEM DATE: 03-20-24 ITEM: IV.E B SUBJECT: RESOLUTION Discussion and recommendation on Resolution No. MPO 2024-04 supporting the Vision Zero Program and the development of the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan. INITIATED BY: STAFF SOURCE: Staff Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director PREVIOUS ACTION: None BACKGROUND: The Vision Zero Program is a collaborative effort lead by the Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (WC-CL RMA) in partnership with the City of Laredo and the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve traffic safety on City of Laredo and Webb County streets and by developing the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan. This plan will outline critical steps and strategies needed to keep our roads safe, health and security of its residents, business, employees and visitors. Itis a strategy designed to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2040. Vision Zero aligns with the City's Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, Future Thoroughfare Plan, Laredo & Webb County Active Transportation Plan, Laredo Downtown Master Plan, Downtown Laredo Parking Study, Rio Grande Vega Trail Master Plan, Laredo Active Living Plan, Laredo International Bridge System Master Plan, LWCAMPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), LWCAMPO Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), LWCAMPO Transport Improvement Program (TIP), LWCAMPO PublicParticipation Plan (PPP), and the TxDOT Laredo District Strategic Highway Safety Plan 2023-2027 by emphasizing the needs of all roadway users and nontuaingimprovements that address those needs. On February 28, 2024, the Active Transportation Committee (ATC) recommended to support the Vision Zero Program and the development ofthe Vison Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Technical Committee ecommendedapprova of Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. Resolution MPO 2024-04 on 3/12/24. MPO 2024-04. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION RESOLUTION NO. MPO 2024-04 BY THE LAREDO AND WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE SUPPORTING THE VISION ZERO PROGRAM AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE VISION ZERO WEBB LAREDO SAFETY ACTION PLAN WHEREAS, Vision Zero is a strategy designed to eliminate all trafficfatalitiesand severe injuries, whilei increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility fora all using the Safe Systems Approach; and WHEREAS, Vision Zero acknowledgesthat traffic crashes resulting in death or serious injury are largely preventable and that many factors contribute to safe mobility, including roadway design, human behaviors (such as speeding, driving under the influence and wearing seatbelts), technology, and policies;and WHEREAS, Vision Zero establishes clear strategies to achieve zero traffic fatalities and severe injuries;and WHEREAS, One death on our streetsis one too many; and WHEREAS, Crashes involving pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists was more likelyto be fatal or cause seriousinjury;and WHEREAS, Equity is an integral component of Vision Zero with strategies such as prioritizing safety improvements in historically underserved areas and conducting robust engagement programs to reach the most vulnerable roadway users; and WHEREAS, Vision Zero aligns with the City's Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, Future Thoroughfare Plan, Laredo & Webb County Active Transportation Plan, Laredo Downtown Master Plan, Downtown Laredo Parking Study, Rio Grande Vega Trail Master Plan, Laredo Active Living Plan, Laredo International Bridge System Master Plan, LWCAMPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), LWCAMPO Unified Planning Work Program, LWCAMPO Transport Improvement Program (TIP), LWCAMPO PublicParticipation Plan, and the TxDOT Laredo District Strategic Highway Safety Plan 2023-2027 by emphasizing the needs of all roadway users and priortizingimprovementsthat. address those needs; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Laredo and Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO), that: Section 1: LWCAMPO supports the Vision Zero Program and the development oft the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan to protect the safety, health and security of its residents, businesses, employees, and visitors. Section 2: Furthermore, LWCAMPO commits to a goal of eliminating all traffic deaths and serious injuriesby 2040. We certify that the above resolution was passed and adopted on this 20th day of March 2024, at a public meeting of the Policy Committee of the Laredo and Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LW/CAMPO). Honorable Tano E. Tijerina Webb County Judge and Chairperson of The LWCAMPO Policy Committee Juan S. Mendive, AICP Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E. MPO Director TxDOT District Engineer VISION ZERO WEBB LAREDO & UISION ZERR SAFETY ACTION PLAN WEBB LAREDO LAST YEAR 1 119 PEOPLE WERE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY TV TT INJURED STREETS wT ON IN OUR COUNTY. A 20% JUMP FROM 2021.* WE'RE TAKING ACTION BECAUSE EVEN ONE DEATH ON OUR STREETS IS ONE TOO MANY. The Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan is the first step towards safer streets for everyone in our community. This plan is grounded in the Safe System Approach which aims to eliminate fatal and severe injuries by: 1. Anticipating human mistakes to prevent crashes before they occur. 2. Designing a transportation system that accommodates human vulnerabilities. - J - - - Equitable E - + E -- T - Itwill address the disproportionate impacts of traffic fatalities on people, including those of color, low income households, older adults, and children. THIS Data Driven PLAN Strategies in the plan will be built on actions that are FUNDING PARTNERS proven to reduce fatal and severe injury crashes. WILL BE: Accountable The Plan will track and share progress with clear measures of success. *Data based on TXDOT Crash Records Information System LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.C. C. Discussion with possible action to provide: a Letter ofsupportrequested by the City of Laredo Fire Departmentfor the 2023 Staffing Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant application from the FederalEmergency Management Agency (FEMA). a LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY wy / AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION March 12, 2024 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 RE: Letter of Support for the 2023 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Application Dear FEMA: The Laredo and Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO) is pleased to express its full support for the City of Laredo's Fire Department FY2023 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant application. The grant will be supporting much needed federal funding for the hiring of thirty (30) new full- time career entry-level firefighters to activate the opening of a new fire station that will be located on mile marker 15 by Interstate Highway 35 in the warehouse district. The 30 new firefighters will be assigned to the newly proposed engine company and aerial truck which currently there is none in the warehouse district. The closest engine company is 7.3 miles away taking approximately 14 minutes; however, the response time could be much longer due to the congestion of heavy-truck traffic traveling to-and-from the warehouse district and on Interstate Highway 35. As a result, the City of Laredo Fire Department and City Leaders including business owners and employees are in great need to have this new fire station inside the warehouse district as it is a safety concern to all. LWCAMPO fully supports the City of Laredo's SAFER grant application as we expect continuous growth in demographics and population in the warehouse district and nearby other Industrial Parks currently in construction. Thank you in advance for your consideration and funding of this grant application. Sincerely, Tano E. Tijerina Webb County Judge Laredo and Webb County Area MPO Chairman 1413 Houston St. Laredo, TX 78040 Tel. 956.794.1613 Web: www.laredompo.org mmmm CITY OF LAREDO * à / A @ FIRE DEPARTMENT 1 a 28 FI December 14, 2023 Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director Laredo & Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 1413 Houston St. Laredo, TX 78040 RE: Letter of Support for 2023 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Dear Mr. Mendive, The City ofLaredo Fire Department and our citizens, whom we are charged with protecting, respectfully request a letter of support from your office in support of our grant application for the 2023 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant offered by FEMA which we anticipate to submit in March of 2024. The Laredo Fire Department (LFD) is seeking federal SAFER grant funding to hire thirty (30) new full-time career entry-level firefighters to activate the opening of a new fire station in the warehouse district located on mile marker 15 by IH-35. The 30 new FTES would be assigned to the engine company and aerial truck that would be assigned to the warehouse district response area. More specifically, the new firefighters will aid in addressing the public safety response times due to continued population and demographic growth. In order to accomplish this, the City ofLaredo anticipates hiring and retaining 30 entry-level firefighters who will be certified as Firefighter I/Paramedic and meet the certification requirement set by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The SAFER Grant is designed to assist fire departments in enhancing their capabilities by addressing personnel needs. By obtaining this grant, the City ofL Laredo Fire Department could secure the necessary funds to hire and retain additional dedicated firefighters. Moreover, it will foster the development of a highly trained and professional fire service, potentially leading to new businesses, residents, and investments in the community, thus leading to much-needed sustained growth and development. Sincerely, Guillermo Heard, MSN, CPM Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator 616 E. Del Mar Blvd., Laredo, TX 78041 (956) 718-6020 Fax (956) 728-7119 STOP FIRES BEFORE THEY START LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.D. D. Discussion with possible action on the Hachar-Reuthinger Road project. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item V.A. A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). Of Mol WC-CL RMA March 2024 Status Report to LWCAMPO 1. Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan - The work began in september 2023. The first formal public engagement will begin in February 2024. Action was taken by the WC-CL RMA Board on adopting a pledge to zero fatalities and serious injuries on roadways in Webb County by 2040. Other agencies such as Laredo City Council, LWCAMPO Policy Committee, Webb County and School Districts will be invited to take the pledge as well. Completion of the study is anticipated for December 2024. The RMA will 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, and Laredo Council adopted the same pledge on March 18, 2024, and now' we would like to invite the LWCAMPO Policy Committee to do the same. We will host a public open house and stakeholders workshop on April 23 and 24, 2024 respectively. 2. Vallecillo Road -The draft ROW parcel plats and strip map are anticipated for completion in March. Environmental studies are currently ongoing with field visits commencing in late March. Traffic Forecast modeling is currently ongoing and the draft report is anticipated for completion in mid- April. The drainage analysis of the project is ongoing with the draft report to be completed by the end of March. The proposed geometry (horizontal and vertical) is complete. We provided a status update to the TxDOT Laredo District on February 28, 2024. The final schematic submittal is anticipated to be provided to the Laredo District in mid-May 2024. The RMA is projecting a Fall 2025 Letting of the project. 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 commencing the development of the ROW agreement with the Killam Company. As the project sponsor, the executed Advanced Funding Agreement (AFA) is solely between the 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. 3. Vallecillo Overpass - In order to advance the schedule of the project, the WC-CL RMA has come to an agreement with the TxDOT Laredo District for the development of the Overpass project. The WC-CL RMA will undertake the design of the project, provide up to $1M in funding for the design of the project and control the project schedule. TxDOT will design the remaining half of the project through a department design contract. The agreement will be codified via a separate Advanced Funding Agreement. The RMA, County and City will meet with the TxDOT Laredo District to discuss the project on March 19, 2024. 4. 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 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 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 to the new Of - - % Mobility 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 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 project February 14, 2024 at the February Board Meeting. 5. Springfield Phase I, II, and IV - Similar to Springfield Phase III, 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 between the City and the RMA. The RMA has spoken to TxDOT, and TxDOT has agreed to construct the tie-in for Phase IV within their ROW along Bob Bullock at their cost. The RMA will fund the construction of the City ROW section from Hospitality Drive to TxDOT ROW 6. North Laredo and Cuatro Vientos Transportation Reinvestment Zones (TRZ) - The WC-CL 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 is awaiting execution of the ILA with the Cityto 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. 7. FM 1472 and Killam Industrial Blvd. Turn Lanes Project is pending final walk-through, and TDLR inspection and final Close-out Construction Change Order. Project is 99+% complete. 8. Other Items: RMA will have their next Board meeting in the Spring. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item V.I. DIRECTOR's REPORT a LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY wY / AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Director's Report March 20, 2024 1. The upcoming Transportation Management Area (TMA) Planning Certification Reviewis scheduledfor. June 25-26, 2024. The TMA certification reviewi isrequired every 4 years and is conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 2. The consultants for the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) will meet with the Technical Committee on April 4th. A public meetingis: scheduledfor May 22nd to gather input on issues and needsi from the public. We will provide additional detailsas they become available and will share the invite and flyer once ready. 3. The development of the 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is underwayin coordination with TxDOT and El Metro. The new TIP must be enteredto TxDOT's eSTIP portal by July 1st. A draft TIP will be presentedi to the Policy Committee at the May meeting to initiate a comment period with final approval expected at the June meeting. 4. A total of four proposals were receivedi for the Microtransit Feasibility Study programmed in our FY 2024 Unified Planning Work Program. The next stepis to meet with the evaluation committee to score the proposals. 5. MPO Director and one plannerwill be attending the 2024 National Planning Conference in Minneapolis, MN from April 13th-16th. 6. Texas Transportation Commission Meetings: March 18, 2024 (9 a.m.) March 27, 2024 (11 a.m.) March 28, 2024 April 25, 2024 May 23, 2024 Upcoming Texas Transportation Commissiont meetings and agendas can be found on the following link.https/www.txdtgoVabour/eadership/evastransportation: commision/meetingdatingdatesagendashtml. LAREDO wy & WEBB COUNTY & AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION 7. Upcoming regularly scheduled MPO meetings: Active Transportation Committee - March 27, 2024 Technical Committee - April 4, 2024 Policy Committee - April 17, 2024 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION 819 TAYLOR STREET, ROOM 14A02 300 E. 8TH STREET, ROOM 826 FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102-9003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 March 6, 2024 Refer to: HPP-TX Announcement ofthe Upcoming TMA Planning Certification Review of the Laredo and Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO) Honorable Tano E. Tijerina - Webb County Judge Chairperson, Laredo MPO Policy Board Laredo City Hall 1110 Houston Street Laredo, Texas 78040 Dear Honorable Judge: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) personnel have been working closely with the Laredo and Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to establish the dates fort the upcoming Transportation Management Area (TMA) certification review required under title 23 United States Code (USC) 134(k) and 23 CFR 450.336(a). This letter is to formally advise the MPO Policy Board that the review of the LWCAMPO metropolitan transportation planning process will take place on June 25-26, 2024, primarily at the El Metro Large Conference Room (3rd Floor) located on 1301 Farragut Street, Laredo, TX 78040. We will focus upon five high-risk metropolitan planning areas identified during our last TMA certification review conducted four years ago in FY 2020. The five high-risk metropolitan planning areas include: 1) Congestion Management Process (CMP); 2) Title Vl-Environmental Justice (EJ) Analysis; 3) Performance Based Planning and Programming (PBPP); 4) Freight and Intermodal Planning; and 5) Regional Transit Needs. The previous TMA certification review that was conducted by a Federal Review Team four years ago in August 2020 found that the LWCAMPO met the requirements of23 CFR 450 (highway) and 49 CFR Part 613 (transit). As part oft this TMA certification review, the FHWA and FTA will be conducting a one- hour long Stakeholder Round Table Listening Session to solicit public feedback on the five high-risk metropolitan planning areas. The location of the Public Round Table Listening Session is at the 3rd Floor Conference Room ofthe El Metro offices at 301 Farragut Street, Laredo, Texas, on June 25th from 5-6 pm (Central Time). A copy of the schedule of events associated with this certification review is attached to this letter. Should you have any questions regarding the upcoming TMA certification review, please contact Kirk Fauver, with the FHWA Texas Division at (512) 536-5952; or Kwasi Bosompem at FTA at (817) 978-0553. Thank you for your attention and participation in the review of the LMPO metropolitan transportation planning process. Sincerely yours, DAVID EDMUND Digitallys EDMUNDE signed BARTELS by DAVID Digitally signed by BARTELS Date: 2024.03.06 16:13:09 Michael T. Leary Michael T. -0600 Leary David Bartels, Director Michael T. Leary, Director Planning and Program Development Planning and Program Development Federal Transit Administration Federal Highway Administration Region VI Texas Division 2 FHWA-FTA TMA CERTIFICATION REVIEW AGENDA Laredo and Webb County Area MPO LOCATION: El Metro Large Conference Room (3rd Floor) 1301 Farragut St. Laredo, Texas 78040 DATE: June 25-26, 2024 Tuesday, June 25, 2024 (Day #1) Start Time Review Topics Discussion Lead 8:30-9:00 AM Introductions and Purpose of Review FHWA-FTA Scope and Methodology FHWA-FTA 9:00-10:00 AM Public Participation Process/Limited English FHWA-FTA Proficiency (LEP) 10:00-10:45 AM EJ/Equity/Title VI Evaluation Process Megan Dere, FHWA 10:45-11:30 AM Safety in the Transportation Planning Process Ed Burgos-Gomez, FHWA 11:30-12:30 PM LUNCH 12:30-1:00 PM 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Update FHWA-FTA and MPO 1:00-2:00 PM Congestion Management Process (CMP) FHWA Texas Division 2:00-2:30 PM Freight and Intermodal Planning FHWA Texas Division 2:30-3:30 PM Transportation Performance Management (TPM) FHWA-FTA 3:30-4:00 PM MPO Staffing Needs & Update ALL 4:00-4:30 PM 15 Interview with Local Elected Official FHWA-FTA Only 4:30 PM Adjourn (Day #1) Federal Roundtable Discussion/listening Session (June 25, 2024) TIME: 5:00 PM-6:00 PM (Central Time) LOCATION: El Metro Large Conference Room, 3rd Floor, 1301 Farragut St. Laredo, Texas 78040 Wednesday, June 26, 2024 (Day #2) Start Time Review Topics Discussion Lead 9:00-9:30 AM 2nd Interview with Local Elected Official FHWA-FTA Only 9:30-10:00 AM Future MPO Training and Technical Assistance Laredo MPO Needs 10:00-10:30 AM 3rd Interview with Local Elected Official FHWA-FTA Only 10:30-11:00 AM FHWA-FTA Recommendations and Commendations FHWA/FTA (Discussion of Review Observations) 11:00-11:30 AM Close Out of Review and Next Steps FHWA/FTA 12:00 PM Adjourn (Day #2) 3 For Virtual Attendees (MS Teams Link Shown Below) Microsoft Teams Meeting Join on your computer, mobile app or room device. Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 212 ( ) Passcode: CXKBkW Download Teams I. Join on the web Or call in (audio only) +1 469.965227945309734E United States, Dallas Phone Conference ID: 453 093 734# Find al local number I Reset PIN OF RAN * STATES OF The United States Department of Transportation Learn More - Help I Meeting options 4 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item VII. ADJOURNMENT