LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 15, 2023 LIVE WEB LINK: tP/AadasaemANe PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL: Spectrum TV channel 1300 I. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL MEETING TO ORDER Mayor Dr. Victor D. Trevino calledthe meeting to order at 1:34 P.M. II. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL ROLL Graciela Briones, MPO Staff, called roll and verified a quorum existed. Regular members present: Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Mayor and LWCAMPO Chairperson Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County Judge Honorable Ruben Gutierrez, Jr., City Councilmember, DistrictV Honorable Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 1 (joined meeting at2:09F P.M.) Honorable Vanessa Perez, City Councilmember, District VII (joined meeting at: 1:36 P.M.) Honorable John Galo, Webb CountyCommissioner, Pct. 3 Mr. Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E., TXDOT District Engineer Mr. Jed A. Brown, RMA 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 Staff present: Juan S. Mendive, LWCAMPO Interim Director Graciela Briones, LWCAMPO Planner III Julio Nino, LWCAMPO Plannerlll Others: Sara Garza, TxDOT Ana Duncan, TxDOT Jesus Saavedra, TxDOT MPO Meeting Minutes of February 15, 2023 Jose D. Vargas, TxDOT Jason Hinojosa, TxDOT Orlando Navarro, COL Planning Angie Quijano, COL Planning Ramon Chavez, COL Engineering Jaime Garcia, COL Engineering Luis Perez Garza, Webb County Engineering Guillermo Cuellar, Webb County Engineering Victoria Villarreal, Webb County Planning Lalo Uribe, Webb County, Judge's Office Roberto J. Garza, Transit, El Metro Eduardo Bernal, Transit, El Metro Monica Meza, Transit, El Metro Melissa Montemayor, HNTB, Inc. Jose Ceballos, Fasken Development Anthony Garza, GDJ Engineering III. CITIZEN COMMENTS Speakers are requiredto fill out witness cards, whichmust be submittedto MPO Staff no later than 1:45 P.M. the day of the meeting. Speakers shall identify themselves at the microphone. Comments are limitedtoi three (3) minutes perspeaker. 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 wishi to speak on a specificissue, they should select not more than three (3) representatives to speak on theirbehalf. The presiding officermay 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 meetings held on January 18, 2023. Judge, Tano Tijerina made a motion to approve the minutes of January 18, 2023. Second: CM. John Galo For: 6 Against: 0 Abstained: Motion carried unanimously MPO Meeting Minutes of February 15, 2023 B. Discussion with possible action on the selection and funding of projects submitted through the MPO Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TA) 2022 Call for Projects. Juan Mendive, Interim MPO Director made a presentation on the applications submitted for the Transportation Alternative Set-Aside program (TA) to the committee. The two projects received were "EI Metro ADA Bus Stops and Bicycle Plazas Enhancement Project" and Downtown Safe Sidewalk Improvements 1 . Mr. Mendive proceededin advising the Committee that the Technical Committee and staff have reviewedthe applications received and recommendedto. approve the funding for both projectsin the amount of $1 millionin Category9 funds for each project. If funding was awarded, the next step would be to enterinto an Advance Funding Agreement (AFA) with TxDOT and after that, they willl have 3 years to get projects off the ground. CMJohn Galo asked if those monies could be used for any other projects. Mr. Mendive stated that these Category 9 fundsa are specifically setfor transportation altermativesrelatedand theyh had to go through this call for projects to award the funds. CM. John Galo made a motion to approve both projects submittedthrough the MPO Transportation Alternative Set-Aside Program (TA) 2022 Call for Projects. Second: Judge, Tano Tijerina For: 7 Against: ) Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously C. Discussion with possible action on potential future amendments to the MPO Bylaws regarding the structure and terms of the Policy Committee Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson. Note: A change in the structure and terms of Policy Committee membership will require a future MPO Bylaws amendment and 10-day public comment and review period. Juan Mendive, Interim MPO Director stated that the committee requested this item be presenteding order to discussthe structure and terms ofthe Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson. Mr. Mendive presented some data he gathered from other MPOs across the state. He explained to the committee how each MPO worked, the method they followand the terms they serve. Mr. Mendive, continued by stating the item was not being presented fora Bylaws amendment at the moment, but to get direction from the committee on how they wouldlike to proceed. MPO Meeting Minutes of February 15, 2023 Judge Tijerina commented that he appreciated the information presented. He stated that he believedthel idea of rotating the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson was, good and it was a healthy business practice. He recommendedit: should be the Mayor and the County Judge the ones rotating, but the board members could vote however, they wouldlike. He furthers stated that it should be a two-year term for each. CM Pereza asked Judge Tijerina ifit wouldbe a rotation between the Mayor and the County Judge every year one and one. CM. Galo answered by sayingit could be every year or as the Judge had suggested two years each. Judge Tijerina, stated that it could be howevertheydedides, but he believed that out of the four-yearterm it should be two years for the Mayor and the same fori the County Judge. He further stated that other than rotating the chair he didi not have any other concerns. Mayor Trevino asked if there were any other comments. CM. Perez: stated how she thought it was a fair idea and not a bad change; she also asked if a motion or a vote neededto be made. Mayor Trevino stated that before a motion was made, they needed more information on the number of projects that were for each, the City of Laredo and the Webb County, and the respective dollar amounts. He also asked Mr. Mendive ifthe City Charter had to be changed as well. Mr. Mendive stated that to his understanding there was nothing in the City Charter about the Mayor being the MPO Policy Committee Chairperson. He further stated that it was not somethinghe looked at since the MPO had its owngoverning body and its own set of rules. Mayor Trevino stated that he required more information before they act on the item. CM. Galo expressed! how this was not an action item for that day. Mr. Mendive stated that the action couldbe just to direct staff and do more research and to bring back a certain language for the amendment of the Bylaws. He further stated that the ideafor the item was onlyto preser nt and compare how other MPOS were structured. It was also intendedto get direction from the Policy Committee and how they could proceed. Ifthe Committee decided to make the change, some language could be brought back in next month's meeting for theirreview. Mr. Mendive also MPO Meeting Minutes of February 15, 2023 remindedt the committee that a 10-day comment period willl have to be opened, and after that, the changes for the Bylawsamendments could be made. CM. Ruben GutierrezJr. made a motion to bring back the itemfor next month's meeting, with a recommendation on the number of terms for each, the Mayor and the County Judge should serve. Second: CM. Galo For: 7 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously D. Discussion with possible action on the ongoing restructuring of the MPO including the appointment of a permanent MPO Director, and any other matters incident thereto. Juan Mendive, MPO Interim Director gave a quick overview on the item. He stated that since May 2021 the MPO had been undergoing a restructure, which separated the MPO from the Cityo of Laredo Planning Department. Since then, there had beena number of changes including some to the Bylaws, where the MPO Director is currently a separate full-time position andi no longerthe same Director for the Planning Dept. Judge Tano Tijerina made a motiont to appoint Mr. Juan Mendive as permanentMPO Director, and to bring recommendation for salary adjustmentfor next meeting. Second: CM. John Galo For: 7 Against: 0 Abstained: Motion carried unanimously E. Discussion with possible action on the Hachar-Reuthinger Road project. Ana Duncan, TxDOT, gave a briefpresentation on Hachar-Reuthinger road project. She asked Ramon Chavez to join her for her presentation. She stated that thiswas) just a follow up on what had been discussedin last month's meeting. She presented an updated schedule of the project. She explained howtheyhad completed the right-of- way map. CM. Galo asked if the metes: and bounds had been provided from TxDOT. MPO Meeting Minutes of February 15, 2023 Ms. Duncan, confirmed that TxDOT had submitted them to the Cityin final draft and the signeddocuments were submitted on February 10th. CM. Galo asked Mr. Chavez, City Engineerhow long it would take to convey the tracks as perthe meets and bounds provided. Mr. Chavez stated that they had discussed with TxDOT to have four months to be able to acquire the properties. He further: stated that theyhad received seven parcels, and they had already contacted the owners of all the properties. CM. Galo questioned why they neededfourmore months. Mr. Chavez stated that the four months were as of when the project was received, and it was includedint the schedule presentedto them, it was set within the timelineforthe letting of the project. CM. Galo expressed how he understood what Mr. Chavez was explaining, butthat with every day that was saved there was potential of receiving additional funds form TxDOT. Mr. Chavez explained they were tryingfor less than the estimated four months; he stated that he and the Real Estate Division were alreadyin contact with the owners. CM. Galo asked what the next: step was in the process. He asked TX Dot for clarification. Ms. Duncan stated that they were requiredtoi follow the Title 3 checklistfor federal projects, because this projectis federallyfunded for construction. Mr. Chavez asked to be given the opportunity to presenta full report ofthe process in next month's meeting. In the meantime, they would continue to work on the project and they wouldkeepthe committee updated. Mr. Brown askedif the meets and bounds were for full right-of-way acquisition and not necessarlyforoption 3A, which was the reduced scope project. Mr. Chavez stated it was for the full right-of-way. Mr. Brown asked if the seven different property owners had agreedto donate the property or if some were expectingt tobe paid. Mr. Chavez stated how one of the owners actually owns five of the properties and another owns the other two properties. He further stated that part of the parcels belongs to Hachar and the others belong to Reuthinger. He stated that he was already in contact with Mr. Gilpin who represents the Reuthinger portion. MPO Meeting Minutes of February 15, 2023 Mr. Mendive stated the City of Laredo was asking for full funding for the project. He further stated that in the time he has been with the MPO Division he'sseen the project move forward. The time line presented by TxDOT will help stay on track ofthe process. No. Action was taken. V. REPORT(S) AND PRESENTATIONS (No action required) A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). Mr. Jed Brown provided the following report: 1. FM 1472 and Killam Industrial Blvd. Turn Lanes - The commencement of work at Killam Industrial Blvd. at FM 1472 occurred in early May 2022. Construction of the pavement widening components have beenongoing. Concrete pouring for FM 1472 and Killam Industrial Blvd. was ongoingi in late Decemberthrough 1/6/23. Construction of the traffic signal and median islands are complete. Main outstanding components are the sidewalk along Killam Industrial Blvd. and the driveway off of Killam Industrial Blvd. Projectis close to 90% complete and substantial completion is scheduled for early March. 2. Los Presidentes (Cuatro Vientos to Brownwood) - The final walkthrough of the project occurred on 12/8/22. Paving ofthe street is 100% complete. Drainage is 100% complete. The work for the 18-inch water line is complete. The outstanding items are the lighting and irrigation. Ribbon cutting of the project occurred on 2/1/23 and is now open to traffic. Overall the project is 99% complete. 3. Loop 20 South (Cuatro Vientos) Acceleration/ Deceleration Lane Project - The project was awarded to Anderson Columbia in October 2021. Construction to commenced on the week ofthe 14th of March. The roadway and traffici items are all complete. The llumination poles will be complete. Traffic delineators att the intersection of Los Presidentes are in process to be reset. The project is now open to traffic. Overall the project is 99% complete. 4. Springfield Phase III - Final walkthrough of the project occurred on 12/9/22. The major outstandingitems are the completion of the lighting and traffic improvements. Substantial completion is scheduledfor late February/ March 2023. Overall, the project is approximately 95% complete. 5. Webb County Fair Grounds TIA - The TIA report is complete and submitted to the County. 6. River Road Corridor Study - The WCCL RMA has completed the stakeholdermeetings on the Study. The traffic analysis, cost estimating and report development: are MPO Meeting Minutes of February 15, 2023 ongoing. Total duration of the study is 12 months. Completion of the study is anticipated in June 2023. 7. Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant - In partnership with the MPO and the City of Laredo, the RMA developed a $2M grant applicationto develop an action to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The application was successfully submitted on September9, 2022 which was 6 days prior to the due date of the application. On the 30th of January, the RMA was informed by US Congressman Cuellar's Office that the grant was approved for $1.6M. Following the notification, the Federal Highway Administration notifiedt the RMA that the Grant Agreement process betweenthe RMA and the Federal Government will begininthe following weeks. Aformal announcement by Congressman Cuellaris scheduledfor2/21/23. 8. Vallecillo Road - In the August MPO Policy Committee meeting, funding for construction of the project was concluded. Subsequent to the dedicationof $16.5M dollars of Category 71 funds from the MPO, US Congressman Henry Cuellarhas pledged $3M of federal earmark funds. These monies are in additionto the $16.24M dedicatedto the project by the RMA, City of Laredo and the Killam Company. Congressman Cuellar had a joint press conference with the City and State officialsto announce the funding of the project. Approval of the $3M funds were included as part of the Omnibus Bill that was approved by Congressat the end of December 2022. Now that the project is fundedfor construction, the RMA has submitted the appropriate paperwork to TxDOT for the draft Advanced Funding Agreement (AFA). and Funding Assistance Agreement (FAA) and begin design oft the project. The RMA is currently awaiting receipt of the draft AFAa and FAA from TxDOT. 9. Concord Hills (Wormser Road/ Lomas Del Sur to Los Presidentes) - Similarto the Los Presidentes project, the WC-CL RMA will sponsora 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 partnershipwith the Cityof Laredo. The WC-CL RMA has committed$1 milliontothe development of the project. 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 sponsorshipand implementation are subjectto the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement! between the City of Laredo and the WC-CL RMA. 10. Springfield Phase I, II, and IV - Similarto Springfield Phase III, the WC-CL RMA has committed up to $1 million to the City of Laredo to assist with the funding of the construction of the next Phase oft the project. Other Items: The next' WC-CL RMA Board of Directors meeting willl be in March. MPO Meeting Minutes of February 15, 2023 VI. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Juan Mendive, MPO Interim Director provided the following comments/report: 1. On February gth, TxDOT's Transportation Planning & Programming Division helda meeting with MPOs, Districts, and Divisions to discuss Category 7 balances, utilization, and opportunitiesto maximize the State's August Re-distributionreques. MPO staff were in attendance and will use the information and resources provided to continue ffectivelyleveraging Category' 7funding. Staff were also informe d about the new federal Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funding that will be allocated to MPOs. Additonalinformation will be shared with the Policy Committee as more details about CRP funding becomes available. 2. The RMA, in partnership with the City of Laredo and MPO, successfully developed and submitted a grant application to the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The RMA was awarded a grant of $1.6M to develop a safety action plan to preventroadway deaths and seriousi injuries. The MPO lookst forward to the continued: collaboration with the RMA in the development oft the safety action plan. 3. We would like to welcome our newestteam member, Adriana A. Vigil, Administrative Secretary for the MPO. 4. Upcoming regularlys scheduledmeetings: Active Transportation Committee - February 22, 2023 MPO Technical Committee - March 7, 2023 MPO Policy Committee - March 15, 2023 VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Policy Committee eserves the right to adjourn into executive session at any time during the course of this meetingto discuss any posteda agenda item when authorizedby Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 (Deliberations about Real Property), 551.073 (Deliberations about Gifts and Donations), 551.086 (Economic Development). Following closed session, the open meeting will reconvene at which time action, if any, may be taken. The Committee did not adjourninto exe cutive session. MPO Meeting Minutes of February 15, 2023 VIII. ADJOURNMENT CM. Galo made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:27 P.M. Second: Judge Tijerina For: 8 Against: 0 Abstained: J Motion carried unanimously w Juan S. Mendive Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Mayor and LWCAMPO Director LWCAMPO Chairperson MPO Meeting Minutes of February 15, 2023