MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA b WEBB RECD CITY SEG OFF MAY - 23 PM4:06 PLANNING As AMENDED MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING www.aredompo.org Meeting Date & Time: May 17, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. Meeting Location: City of Laredo Council Chambers, 1110 Houston St., Laredo, Texas 78040 Meeting Link: t/lardekastcemlNe 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 derogatoryremarks shall be permitted. IV. ITEMS REQUIRING POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION: A. Approval of the minutes for the meeting held on March 22, 2023. B. Receive public testimony and initiate a 10-day public review and comment period for the following proposed amendment(s) of the MPO By-Laws: LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY Page 1 of 4 AREA METROPOLITAN! PLANNING ORGANIZATION MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA 1. Amend Article II, Section 2.1 and 2.2 to allow the Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson to rotate every two years between the City of Laredo Mayor and Webb County Judge. 2. Amend Article II, Section 2.3 to update the Technical Committee membership. C. Discussion with possible action on a motion to approve the fourth version of the Laredo Transit Management Inc. (LTMI) Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and Safety Performance Targets for calendar year 2023 and to incorporate into the metropolitan planning process. D. Discussion with possible action on the Hachar-Reuthinger Road project. E. Discussion with possible action on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection proposed road along the Rio Grande as it relates to the River Road project and other future mobility projects in the region. V. REPORT(S) AND PRESENTATIONS (No action required). A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). VI. DIRECTOR's COMMENTS VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Policy Committee reserves the right to adjourn into executive session at any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any posted agenda item when authorized by Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 (Deliberations about Real Property), 551.074 (Personnel Matters), 551.076 Deliberations about Security Devices), and/or 551.086 (Economic Development). Following closed session, the open meeting will reconvene at which time action, if any, may be taken. A. Request for Executive Session regarding personnel matters pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to establish an annual salary amount for the full-time MPO Director, return to open session for possible action, and any other matters incident thereto. VIII. ADIJOURNMENT NOTICE INFORMATION: LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY Page 2 of 4 AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA 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 72 hours before the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 1:30 PM. The agenda and meeting information was also posted online at http://www.laredompo.org/agendas-minutes/. 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 of large print or Braille, or a translator for the Spanish language are requested to contact MPO Staff at 956-794-1605, or via email at avigl@c.laredo.ikus 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. Ayuda o Servicios Auxiliares: Todas las reuniones del Comité del MPO estàn abiertas al publico. Personas que planean asistir a esta reunion 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 avgl@c.lredo.kus por lo menos dos dias laborales antes de la reuniôn para que se puedan hacer los arreglos apropiados. Material en espanol està disponible mediante una peticion. Declaracion de Acceso a la Discapacidad: Esta reunion permite el acceso a personas en silla de ruedas. Las rampas de acceso estàn ubicadas 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 llàmenos al teléfono (956) 794-1605 o comunicarse con nosotros mediante correo electronico a pavgl@c.laredo.tkus POLICY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: City of Laredo Representatives: Honorable Dr. Victor Trevino, Mayor and LWCAMPO Chairperson Honorable Ruben Gutierrez, Jr., City Councilmember, District V Honorable Melissa R. Cigarroa, City Councilmember, District III County of Webb Representatives: Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County Judge and LWCAMPO Vice-Chairperson Honorable Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 1 Honorable John Galo, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 3 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY Page 3 of 4 AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA Laredo Mass Transit Board Representative: Honorable Vanessa Perez, Mayor Pro Tempore 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: Juah S. Mendive, AICP Jose A. Valdez, Jr. LWCAMPO Director Laredo City Secretary LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY Page 4 of 4 AREAI METROPOUITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.A. Approval of the minutes for the meeting held on March 22, 2023. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 22, 2023 LIVE WEB LINK: te/larsarsasticomle PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL: Spectrum TV channel 1300 I. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL MEETING TO ORDER Mayor Dr. Victor D. Trevino called the meeting to order at 1:30 PM. 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 and LWCAMPO Vice-Chairperson Honorable Melissa R. Cigarroa, City Councilmember, District III Honorable Ruben Gutierrez, Jr., City Councilmember, District V Honorable Vanessa Perez, Mayor Pro Tempore 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 John Galo, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 3 CM. J. Gonzalez, made a motion to excuse members not present. Second: Judge Tijerina For: 8 Against: 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 Staff present: Juan S. Mendive, LWCAMPO Director Graciela Briones, LWCAMPO Planner III Julio Nino, LWCAMPO Planner III Adriana A. Vigil, LWCAMPO Administrative Assistant Others: Ramon Chavez, COL Engineering Jaime Garcia, COL Engineering Orlando Navarro, COLI Planning Dept. Norma Martinez, COL Community Development Robert J. Garza, COL Transit Eduardo Bernal, COL Transit Sara Garza, TxDOT Roberto Rodriguez, TxDOT Ana Duncan, TXDOT Luis M. Villarreal, TXDOT Jason Hinojosa, TxDOT Adelaido "Lalo" Uribe, Webb County Judge's Office Victoria Villarreal, Webb Country Planning Luis Perez Garcia, Webb County Engineering Guillermo Cuellar, Webb County Engineering Melissa Montemayor, HNTB, Inc. Jose Ceballos, Fasken Development Sheila Cerna, RGISC Martin Castro, RGISC Eduardo Gutierrez, Premier Engineering Judd Gilpin, Gilpin Engineering Baltazar Avila Victor Trevino 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 meetings held on February 15, 2023. CM. Gutierrez, made a motion to approve the minutes of February 15, 2023. Second: Judge Tijerina For: 8 Against: 0 Abstained: J Motion carried unanimously B. 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 ai future MPO Bylaws amendment and 10-day public comment and review period. Mayor Trevino, stated how important this item was and had briefly been discussed at a previous meeting. He mentioned that as the City of Laredo and the County continue to reinforce the relationship, he thought it was appropriate to alternate the chairmanship of the MPO Policy Committee. He further stated how he looked forward to finish the year as the Chairperson and having Webb County Judge as the Chairperson for the MPO for next year. CM.. J. Gonzalez, made a motion to appoint Judge Tijerina as the Chairperson for this term effective immediately after the 10-day public comment period is over. Second: CM. Gutierrez CM. Perez, added to the motion by stating the one-year period term the Chairperson would serve. Mr. Mendive, MPO Director presented a proposal he was asked to bring in last month's meeting. The proposal read that the Mayor and the County Judge would alternate as the Chairperson every 2 years. CM. J. Gonzalez, included in his motion that the Mayor and the Judge would alternate every 2 years. He also stated that his motion was to have County Judge (Tijerina) appointed as Chairperson immediately after the 10-day public comment period. CM Cigarroa, stated how having a new Chairperson appointed mid-year may cause a confusion in the change to the By-Laws. Mr. Mendive, stated that opening the comment period in the month of May was to allow time for staff to review the By-Laws and decide if there were other areas that needed to be modified or updated and to bring them all together ati the same time. He further stated that staff' S recommendation was that both, the Mayor and the Judge should serve 2 years each. CM. J. Gonzalez, clarified his motion having each Chairperson serve a term of 2 years each. CM. Cigarroa, asked a review for clarification of the motion that passed. CM. J. Gonzalez, clarified that his motion was to appoint County Judge (Tijerina) as the Chairperson starting as soon as the 10-day public comment period finished. Mr. Mendive, provided a quick brief of the process required for the public comment period and the By-Laws changes and clarified that if those were the wishes of the Committee, the proposed language of the By-laws would have to read different to establish that the Chairperson would start at earlier period versus the language originally proposed which stated for the new Chairperson to start FY2025. He further stated that the new appointed Chairperson would take chair after the By-Laws changes go into effect. CM. J. Gonzalez, stated that the Judge would be appointed as the new Chairperson mid- year for the remainder calendar year 2023 and 2024. CM. Gutierrez, clarified what CM. Gonzalez stated, that the Judge will serve as Chairperson as soon as the 10-day public comment period is over and the changes to the By-Laws take effect. Judge Tijerina will take over the chair starting mid-year of 2023 throughout 2024. He further stated that the Mayor will serve as Chairperson starting in January 2025. Second: CM. Gutierrez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously C. Discussion with possible action on the Hachar-Reuthinger Road project, including the allocation and programming of additional Category 7 funds in the amount of $47.79 million, bringing the Category 7 total to $100 million, for the construction of Hachar- Reuthinger Road four lane divided highway (CSJ 0922-33-165 and 0922-33-166). Judge Tijerina, made a motion to approve the item as written. Second: CM. Gonzalez For: 8 Against: J Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously D. Discussion with possible action on Resolution No. MPO 2023-04 prioritizing the construction of Hachar-Reuthinger Road and supporting TxDOT's allocation of Category 2 funds in the amount of $26.5 million, and Category 4U funds in the amount of $17.9 million to CSJ 0922-33-165 and CSJ 0922-33-166 for the 2024 Unified Transportation Program (UTP). Allocation of Category 4U funds is contingent upon Texas Transportation Commission Minute Order Approval to designate Hachar Reuthinger as a State Highway. In addition, TxDOT-Laredo district will allocate $ 2.2 million of other funding categories to completely fund the project estimated at $ 146.6 million. Judge Tijerina, made a motion to approve the item as written Second: CM. J. Gonzalez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstained: ) Motion carried unanimously E. Discussion with possible action on the coordination and strategy related to sending a delegation of MPO Policy Committee members to future Texas Transportation Commission public meetings, and any other matters incident thereto. Mr. Mendive, stated that is item had been brought up by CM. Perez. He further mentioned there would be important items to be discussed in future Transportation Commission meetings such as the Hachar-Reuthinger project being transferred to the State. Therefore, this item was placed on the agenda to strategize and coordinate on how to go about sending a delegation and provide support of certain projects. CM Perez, stated how she though it was a great idea to go to these meetings and be part of their discussions for Laredo. She further stated they meet once a month and it would be good to have someone from the MPO Committee or from the City and have representation at these meetings Judge Tijerina, coincided with CM. Perez and he stated that even members from the Technical Committee could go represent the Laredo & Webb County Area at these meetings. Mr. Mendive, explained that the members that serve in the Technical Committee are designated by the By-Laws. He further stated we have representatives from the different City Departments and Webb County Departments as well. He gave examples of the members like the City Planning Director, County Planning Director. Judge Tijerina, stated that he would like to have that as an option if for some reason no one from the Policy Committee can be appointed to attend the meetings. CM. Perez, stated how she felt that the more we were out there advocating fori the needs, we would be making sure they consider Laredo. She also mentioned it would be good for a delegation to be part of those meetings to be able to get more funds for projects like the Hachar-Reuthinger which is more for the trade industry but a lot of local monies were put towards this project and this had left us very limited in what we could do to accommodate the needs of the rest of the city and, in order to better serve the City and the County, it would be good to do everything we could to make more consideration of Laredo from the State. CM. Brown, stated that there was an announcement earlier that day, that there were two new appointees with the Texas Transportation Commission. He further stated that one of the new appointees was from Pharr, Texas, which gives a really loud voice for the Valley of Texas, and how Laredo and the Webb County needs to do everything we can to keep our selves on the map with our state officials. He emphasized in how we must have better attendance, and how important it was that we send our best and our brightest to speak well for our community. Mr. Gonzalez, TxDOT, stated that the following Wednesday there will be a presentation to the Transportation Commission called the Red River to the Rio Grande. He further stated that the presentation would highlight projects on I-35 from the Texas - Oklahoma border all the way to Laredo. Judge Tijerina, asked if all the corridors like the I-69, I-27 and others will be discussed in that presentation. Mr. Gonzalez, TxDOT, stated that this presentation is strictly for 1-35 only, but there are other monthly Statewide Connectivity meetings that do discuss I-27, I-69, I-2 and other corridors. Juan Mendive stated he would keep communicating to the Committee on upcoming meetings and what items are included in the Agendas. Judge Tijerina made a motion on the item to continue. Second: CM. J. Gonzalez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously F. Presentation and discussion with possible action to enter into a non-financial partnership agreement with the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) and provide a Letter of Commitment for the submission of their grant application to the EPA's Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving (EJCPS) Program, for a project to potentially focus on reducing heat island effects, the installation of air quality monitors, or similar scopes of effort that benefit downtown Laredo. (Presentation to be provided by a representative from RGISC). Mr. Mendive, stated there were some representatives form RGISC that had approached the MPO about the potential partnership that would be giving a presentation about a non-financial partnership proposal and would be able to answer any questions the Committee may have. Martin Castro, RGISC, gave a presentation on the proposed non-financial partnership to the Committee. Mr. Castro stated how this is a Cooperative agreement program with the EPA's Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Program (CPS). Mr. Castro explained that the program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible organizations working to significantly address local environmental or public health issues in their communities. He stated that the focus is on the communities that have been disproportionately affected or burdened by environmental harms and risks and the purposes was to build collaborative partnerships through this program to offer its resources and tools to other stakeholders to develop solutions to the issues at a community level that cannot be addressed by one single entity or group. Mr. Castro also stated there were approximately $30 million available of funding for FY23. Only 50 projects to be selected nationally for up to $500,000 each with a period of up to 3 years to complete the project(s) and the application deadline was April 14, 2023. Mr. Castro, further showed a visual representation of the area where they would like to execute the project. The area was along the two boulevards off of International Bridge II, there are 4 blocks (plazas) that were a potential project. Mr. Castro went over a list of the Eligible Project Activities and the goals of the proposal being Bridge Data Gaps, Climate Mitigation and Walkability. Sheila Cerna, RGISC, presented to the Committee the RGISC Project Proposal facts including an average of 28,000 of non-commercial vehicles crossing the Laredo bridge II per day. Ms. Cerna, stated that there was a TCEQ air quality monitor at bridge II that is used for regulatory purposes making sure the measures are within the parameters to meet the national air quality standards but the sensor they are proposing for this particular area, at the plazas, would be to have a way of knowing how much is passing by, how long it stays, how fast it dissipates, etc. Ms. Cerna, stated that the air monitor at Bridge II had been deactivated for measuring CO. in 2017 and for PM 2.5 in 2002. She further stated that those two are significant because PM 2.5 is essentially soot and came from a lot of diesel and car combustion. She also stated that since that occurred there wasn't really any data about the air quality in that particular area. Ms. Cerna, also stated that there was little to no tree canopy coverage in the downtown plazas and the area had a lot of concrete and asphalt which absorbs heat and reflects it at night. CM Gutierrez, asked what the goal was with the installation of the monitors specifically at the Bridge II. Ms. Cerna, stated they would like to know starting and end points of air quality and, once the area is vegetated with lots of trees and shades they would be able to know if it made a difference and if it really helped mitigate the pollution in that area. The data collected could potentially help and it would justify vegetating other areas of the Laredo. CM Gutierrez, stated that he just wouldn't want it to become an issue in the crossings coming through Laredo. Since the City of Laredo depends on those Bridge crossings. Ms. Cerna, stated that this proposal was not only to be able to identify the problem but to provide a solution to fixing the problem by adding vegetation to the areas. Mr. Castro stated that the EPA stresses not only to address a problem but to come up with a solution. He further gave an example that if they were to submit a proposal with out having air monitors with no measurable outcome such as reducing air pollution through tree canopies, the EPA would be less inclined to fund a proposal. Mr. Castro wrapped up with providing information about the scope of the proposed projects being in partnership with the MPO and their request being: Collaborative partnership agreement, Partnership could be Financial or Non-Financial and a Letter of Commitment outlining the terms of the agreement. CM. Gutierrez, made a motion to enter into a non-financial partnership agreement with the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC). Second: CM. Cigarroa CM. Cigarroa stated that it would be wonderful if this oartnership and the availability of funds were granted because it would coincide nicely with the plans the City had for the development of these four blocks (plazas). For: 8 Against: Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously I. REPORT(S) AND PRESENTATIONS (No action required). A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). CM. Brown, provided the following status 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 is complete. Construction oft the traffic signal is also complete. The traffic signal is fully operational and traffic is now utilizing the new turn lanes on FM 1472 and Killam Industrial Blvd. The main outstanding components are the sidewalk along Killam Industrial Blvd., the retaining wall at the NE corner of Killam Industrial Blvd. and FM 1472 and the driveway off of Killam Industrial Blvd. Project is 90% complete and substantial completion is scheduled for late March. 2. Los Presidentes (Cuatro Vientos to Brownwood) = Traffic is now operating on the project. The final outstanding items are the lighting and irrigation. Project is 99+% Complete. 3. Loop 20 South (Cuatro Vientos) Acceleration/ Deceleration Lane Project - Traffic is now operating on the project. The final outstanding items are the lighting and irrigation. Project is 99+% Complete. 4. Springfield Phase III = Final walkthrough of the project occurred on 12/9/22. The Shiloh Traffic Signal is scheduled for completion by the week of the 24th of March. The lighting is scheduled for completion by the end of March. Project is 95% Complete. 5. Webb County Fair Grounds TIA = The TIA report is complete. The WC-CL RMA stands ready to provide a presentation to the County at their request. 6. River Road Corridor Study - The traffic analysis, cost estimating and report development is 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 application to develop an action to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. On the 30th of January, the RMA was informed by US Congressman Cuellar's Office that the grant was approved for $1.6M. A formal announcement by Congressman Cuellar was conducted at City Hall on 2/21/23. The RMA is awaiting the Draft Grant Agreement between the FHWA and the WC-CL RMA. The Study effort is anticipated to commence in September 2023. 8. Vallecillo Road - In the August MPO Policy Committee meeting, funding for construction of the project was concluded. Subsequent to the dedication of $16.5M dollars of Category 7 funds from the MPO, US Congressman Henry Cuellar has pledged $3M of federal earmark funds. These monies are in addition to the $16.24M dedicated to the project by the RMA, City of Laredo and the Killam Company. Congressman Cuellar had a joint press conference with the City and State officials to announce the funding of the project. Approval of the $3M funds were included as part of the Omnibus Bill that was approved by Congress at the end of December 2022. The RMA received the draft AFA from TxDOT on 3/2/23. The RMA is completing its review of the AFA and is returning to TxDOT on the week of the 17th of March. 9. Concord Hills (Wormser Road/Lomas Del Sur to Los Presidentes) - Similar to the Los Presidentes project, the WC-CL 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 of Laredo. The WC-CL 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 Laredo Sports Complex and the Municipal Water Park. The sponsorship and implementation are subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement between the City of Laredo and the WC-CL RMA. The WC-CL RMA is submitting the paperwork to TxDOT for the AFA development on the week of the 16th of March. 10. Springfield Phase I, II, and IV Similar to 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 of the project. The sponsorship and implementation are subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement between the City of Laredo and the WC-CL RMA. The WC-CL RMA is submitting the paperwork to TxDOT for the AFA development on the week of the 16th of March. Other Items: The next WC-CL RMA Board of Directors meeting is March, 2023. II. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Mr. Mendive, MPO Interim Director provided the following comments/report: 1. Policy Committee membership update: Mr. Mendive welcomed Melissa R. Cigarroa, City of Laredo Council Member for District III, to the MPO Policy Committee. He mentioned Council Member Melissa R. Cigarroa was appointed by Mayor Dr. Victor D. Trevino at the City of Laredo Council Meeting on February 21, 2023. 2. Mr. Mendive informed he would be attending the American Planning Association (APA) National Planning Conference in Philadelphia, PA from April 15t-April 4th, 2023. 3. Mr. Mendive provided the following meetings scheduled: Active Transportation Committee March 29, 2023 Technical Committee - April 11, 2023 Policy Committee - April 19, 2023 Mr. Mendive also mentioned the MPO continued working on the Travel Demand Model and the development of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the update of the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Judge Tijerina, asked Mr. Mendive about the status of the full-time MPO Director's salary. Mr. Mendive stated that this was an item to be discussed in executive session but, he requested the item to be tabled in order to obtain some clarification from the Human Resources and Legal respective Departments regarding setting certain parameters of the employment agreement. He further stated he had recently received a copy of the agreement and he would like to review it before it was presented to the Committee for the negotiation of a final figure. III. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Policy Committee reserves the right to adjourn into executive session at any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any posted agenda item when authorized by Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 Deliberations about Real Property), 551.073 (Deliberations about Gifts and Donations), 551.074 (Personnel Matters), 551.076 (Deliberations about Security Devices), and/or 551.086 (Economic Development). Following closed session, the open meeting will reconvene at which time action, if any, may be taken. A. Request for Executive Session regarding personnel matters pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to establish an annual salary amount for the full- time MPO Director, return to open session for possible action, and any other matters incident thereto. CM. Gutierrez, made a motion to table item time certain (for next meeting). Second: CM. Cigarroa For: 8 Against: 0 Abstained: J Motion carried unanimously CM. Perez, mentioned that the item had already passed but there were big advocates for the Hachar-Reuthinger Road project in the audience and therefore, she would like to be provided with a status report. She also commented that she had recently asked Mr. Gonzalez if the project was still able to let in December. Mr. Mendive, stated item# IV.C. had been combined with the category 7 funding but they could bring back item IV.C for discussion. CM. Gutierrez, made a motion to bring back item# IV. C. for discussion. Second: CM. Perez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstained: Motion carried unanimously CM. Perez stated that there had been several meetings and accomplished the funding gap but there was still pending the ROW acquisition and talks with landowners. She just wanted an update on the project and if the project was still on track for the December Letting date. Judge Tijerina took the opportunity to thank Mr. Epi Gonzalez and congratulated TXDOT on their move in an expedited manner for the funding gap of this project. Ana Duncan, TxDOT, gave a brief presentation and mentioned that the City of Laredo Real Estate Division and the Engineering Department would also have some information to share. She further stated how when they presented the original schedule back in November it showed a January 2024 letting date, and now they were seeking for a December ready to let. She further stated that there was Right-of-way already on schedule with no delays showing. The Utilities were on schedule, the coordination was ongoing, with respect to the plans, they had the update they were hoping for, which was going to start moving back towards the four- lane divided. She also stated that they would be receiving the 60% resubmittal which shows the updated plans by July, and by December they would have the plans completed 100%. Which still puts them in a read to let date of December which means they would have to have the four months prior to let. She stated that they were looking at a let date of April 2024. She further stated how that date would allow further processing. She mentioned that they had good news in respect to the roadway transfer. She said it was scheduled for later this year, but they had already submitted the minute order for that, they were just pending the Commission approval, if this went according to schedule they would have it updated on the August 2023 for the STIP revision. Ms. Duncan mentioned that she would provide a copy of the presentation to the Committee. Ms. Duncan reminded the Committee what the "ready to let" definition encompassed: All clearances required. i.e. environmental, ROW, full PS&E, all project agreements in place, any rail road coordination, utility agreements, etc. CM. Perez, asked if the environmental has already been completed. Ms. Duncan, replied that it hadn't, that it was in the process but it was right on schedule. Ms. Duncan explained that the City was still allowed to proceed with the right-of-way even though they didn't have the environmental. She further stated that they were just pending the public involvement which is the presentation of the project. CM. Perez, wanted clarification on what ready to let in December meant if it really meant in April. Ms. Duncan, explained that ready to let meant that the project had to be completely ready with everything cleared, SO that it could be processed. It needed to go to division, then the funds were assigned to it, then would go through the advertisement process, the plans would be put into the system, etc. That process would take about 3 months, and the actual letting date would be the day that bids would open. CM. Perez, wanted to point out to the public that this project was fully funded for the full version. She thanked the Commission for all their hard work. She further stated that she just wanted to have everyone informed on what was going on and that everyone had been working really hard to get everything in order. Mr. Mendive, stated that there were certain actions that needed to happen, like the Texas Transportation Commission, the approval of the UTP for the funding that we were supporting, the allocation on those Category 2 and Category 4 funds. Mr. Mendive further stated that once all that was approved we would put that into our TIP amendment to get to the STIP. He also stated that the MPO would be working closely with TXDOT to make sure all deadlines were met. He also mentioned that since future Category 7 dollars had been allocated, it was necessary to make sure to get those funds advanced as well. Mr. Gonzalez, TxDOT, stated that this was a lot of hard staff work from TXDOT, the City, the County staff. He further stated that one of the reasons they really wanted to continue to advance this project was because they felt that this was a very important project to the region and it was going to really improve transportation and release some of that congestion of some roads or adjacent roads. Ms. Duncan, stated that the Utilities schedule was anticipated that they would originally be completed by May and by June with the conflict resolutions and the overall relocation by January. She also stated they had extended some additional time-based schedule that the Utilities provided but they were still targeting to have all utilities relocated by. January, SO that fell in line with what was needed for the project. Ms. Duncan presented the ROW need in respect to the parcels to acquire for the project and the total number of acreages that would be needed. She stated that parcels 1 through 5 were ready to begin the discussions, and with parcel 7 and 8 the acquisition process for that acreage had been identified and they would not impact the project's development schedule. Ms. Duncan also stated what they had identified for the third parcel that was still in question, that it would not affect how they get to the letting and it more than likely won't affect anything in respect to actually letting the project. Mr. Chavez, City Engineer, gave a brief statement on the update. Mr. Chavez stated that as far as the Right-of-Way acquisition was concerned they had been coordinating a lot with TxDOT. He further stated that they already received information on all the parcels and as of that Monday they had received an additional gth parcel. He also mentioned that they had a Support Letter for parcels 1 through 5 that was provided on March 15th but was not included in the packet for the Committee. Mr. Chavez further stated that he had asked all the representatives to be present at the meeting in the case there were any additional questions. Mr. Chavez gave a final comment that although they were already working with them, the two additional parcels 7 and 8 they would not cause any delay the project. IV. ADJOURNMENT Judge Tijerina, made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:26pm. Second: CM. J. Gonzalez For: 8 Against: Abstained: J Motion carried unanimously Juan S. Mendive, AICP Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Mayor and LWCAMPO Director LWCAMPO Chairperson LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.B. Discussion with possible action to initiate a 10-day review and public comment period for the proposed amendments of the MPO By-Laws. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO ACTION ITEM DATE: 05-17-23 ITEM: IV.B SUBJECT: MOTION Receive public testimony and initiate a 10-day public review and comment period for the proposed amendment/s) of the MPO By-Laws: 1. Amend Article II, Section 2.1 and 2.2 to allow the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson to rotate every two years between the City of Laredo Mayor and Webb County Judge. 2. Amend Article II, Section 2.3 to update the Technical Committee membership. INITIATED BY: Staff STAFF SOURCE: Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director PREVIOUS ACTION: The MPO Policy Committee adopted the By-Laws in 1997. The Laredo MPO By-Laws were subsequently amended in 2000, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2020, and in September of 2021. BACKGROUND In accordance with the MPO's Public Participation Plan, a 10-day public review and comment period is required for revisions to the By-Laws prior to final action by the MPO Policy Committee. At the request of the Policy Committee, staff initiated a review of potential changes to the MPO By-Laws regarding the structure and terms of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. The MPO Staff conducted a peer-review of the By-Laws of other MPOs in Texas and provided its recommendation at the March 22"d, 2023 Policy Committee meeting based on the findings and structure of other MPOS serving a Transportation Management Area (TMA), an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000. Additionally, staff recommends minor updates to its Technical Committee membership to reflect accurate titles of members and to add a representative of the Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). As per CFR 450.310 (d)(1), each metropolitan planning organization that serves a designated TMA, shall consist of local elected officials, officials of public agencies that administer or operate major modes oft transportation in the metropolitan area, including representation by providers of public transportation, and appropriate state officials. As per CFR 450.310 (d)(3), the designation or selection of officials or representatives of MPOS serving a TMA shall be determined by the MPO according to the By-Laws or enabling statute of the organization. The existing By-Laws of the Laredo Webb County Area MPO designates the City of Laredo Mayor as the Chairperson and the Webb County Judge as the Vice-Chairperson. At the March 22nd Policy Committee meeting, the Committee voted in favor of moving forward with the proposed changes to the By-Laws and allowing the Webb County Judge to serve as the Chair through the end of 2024 once the By-laws have been amended, with the Mayor of the City of Laredo starting a full two-year term in January 2025. Recommended timeline for implementation: May 2023 - To open 10-day Public Review and Comment Period June 2023 - To receive final approval from the Policy Committee COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The LWCAMPO Technical Committee Staff recommends approval of initiation of the 10-day recommended approval of the initiation of the public review and comment period. 10-day public review and comment period. BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MISSION STATEMENT To set transportation related policy, identify existing and future local transportation needs in cooperation with TxDOT, and propose and recommend projects for all modes of transportation including mass transit and active transportation, with special attention to freight ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS, PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY Section 1.1 Definitions Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO) is the organization, formerly known as the Laredo Urban Transportation Study, designated by the Governor of the State of Texas, to serve as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Laredo Urbanized Area. It shall be hereinafter referred to as the "MPO." Metropolitan Planning Area- The geographic area for which the MPO is responsible and in which the metropolitan transportation planning process must be carried out pursuant to Title 23 USC Section 134 and Title 49 USC Section 5303. Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) - The forum for cooperative transportation decision-making, as designated by the Governor, and units of general-purpose local government representing 75 percent of the affected metropolitan population. The MPO is responsible for identifying local transportation needs, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), following a "Continuing, Comprehensive, and Cooperative" transportation planning process pursuant to 23 USC 134. The MPO is also responsible for proposing and recommending projects for all modes of urban transportation to those governmental units that are responsible for program development and project implementation. Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee (Policy Committee) - The policy body, established pursuant to 23 USC 134, with the responsibility for establishing overall transportation for, and taking the required approval actions as the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The Policy Committee is comprised of those governmental agencies identified in the original designation agreement and those agencies or organizations subsequently added to the membership of the board. The Policy Committee shall have decision-making authority over issues such as the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). Metropolitan Planning Organization Technical Review Committee (Technical Committee) - The body of the MPO responsible for professional and technical review of work programs, policy recommendations and transportation planning activities. The Technical Committee shall review issues for accuracy and advise the Policy Committee on recommended actions. The Technical Committee is composed of representatives of the City Page 1 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION of Laredo, the County of Webb, the Texas Department of Transportation and private sector representatives. Metropolitan Planning Organization Active Transportation Committee - the body of the MPO responsible for improving and promoting active modes of mobility in the MPO study area by monitoring the implementation of the Laredo Webb County Active Transportation Plan, and providing recommendations on MPO active transportation related activities. Fiscal Agent for the Metropolitan Planning Organization (Fiscal Agent) - The governmental entity or agency designated by written agreement between the MPO Policy Committee and the governmental entity or agency providing fiscal administrative services and other services (which may include personnel and staff support) to the MPO Policy Committee and the Staff of the MPO. Laredo Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) - The MTP is an official, comprehensive, intermodal transportation plan developed and adopted for the Laredo Metropolitan Area through the transportation planning process. The MTP identifies the existing and future transportation needs and develops coordinated strategies to provide the necessary transportation facilities essential for the continued mobility and economic vitality ofI Laredo. These coordinated transportation strategies include roadway development and operations, truck and rail freight movement, transit operations, bikeways and pedestrian facilities. The development of the MTP is required under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users SAFETEA-LU) to assure the continuation of federal transportation funds. The plan shall address a continuous twenty- year planning horizon. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) - A staged, multiyear, intermodal program, of transportation projects which is consistent with the metropolitan transportation plan and which is also financially constrained. Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) - Shall mean the program of work that includes goals, objectives and/or tasks required by each of the several agencies involved in the metropolitan transportation planning process. The UPWP shall describe metropolitan transportation and transportation-related planning activities anticipated in the area during the next one-year period and reflect transportation planning work to be funded by federal, state or local transportation or transportation-related planning funds. Section 1.2 Purpose The MPO is the designated organization responsible for identifying local transportation needs in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The MPO is also the entity responsible for proposing and recommending projects for all modes of urban transportation to those governmental units that are responsible for program development and project implementation. Page 2 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Section 1.3 Authority The MPO shall have the following authority pursuant to 23 CFR Part 450: (a) To develop and establish policies, procedures, plans and programs for the metropolitan area. (b) To certify such actions as may be necessary to comply with state and federal regulations. (c) To establish such rules of procedure and approve such actions as it deems necessary to fulfill its purposes. (d) To ensure those requirements of 23 USC 134 and 135 and 49 USC, Chapter 53, 5301, et seq. are carried out. (e) To use federal transportation planning funds, as well as in-kind matching funds as authorized by the Texas Transportation Commission, to develop and maintain a comprehensive regional transportation planning program in conformity with requirements of 23 USC 135 and 49 USC 5303. (f) To adopt a Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)for the metropolitan planning area that will complement the Statewide Transportation Plan required by state and federal laws, a Transportation Improvement Program and a Unified Planning Work Program and such other planning documents and reports that may be required by state or federal laws or regulations. (g) To establish one or more advisory committees to assist in the transportation planning process and/or assist in promoting the implementation of approved plans. The Policy Committee may create ad-hoc committees or other technical subcommittees. ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP, TERMS AND ADMINISTRATION Section 2.1 Membership and Qualifications (a) The MPO shall be comprised of a Policy Committee and a Technical Committee. The Policy Committee shall include the following members: City of Laredo: Mayor (Chairpersen) Two City Councilmembers, as appointed by the Mayor in his/her sole discretion. Page 3 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Laredo Mass Transit Board One Laredo Mass Transit Board member as appointed by the Board's presiding officer/Mayor in his/her sole discretion. County of Webb: County Judge Viee-Chairpersen) Two County Commissioners as appointed by the Webb County Judge in his/her sole discretion. State of Texas: IxDOT District Engineer Member at Large Member to be appointed by the Policy Committee *** EX-OFFICIO *** State of Texas: State Senator(s) State Representative(s) (b) Members shall serve until a replacement is qualified pursuant to section 2.1 Subsection (e-(f). (c) The Mayor of the City of Laredo shall appoint the two City Councilmembers that represent the City of Laredo. (d) Laredo Mass Transit Board's presiding officer/Mayor shall appoint one member to represent the Laredo Mass Transit Board. (e) The County Judge of the County of Webb shall appoint the two County Commissioners that represent the County of Webb. (f) Appointments to the Policy Committee shall be for a period of two years. A member may be reappointed with no limitation to number of terms, except that such term will not continue in the event an officer becomes ineligible for membership on the Policy Committee. Section 2.2 Meetings, Quorum and Voting (a) The Policy Committee shall meet at least twice per year or as often as necessary to fulfill its purposes. (b) Quorum shall consist of four (4) members of the voting membership. (c) The use of proxies by the voting members of the Policy Committee is prohibited. (d) The official actions of the Policy Committee shall be by affirmative action of the majority of the voting membership present and voting at public meetings. All meetings are to be held as Page 4 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION open meetings as defined in Chapter 551, Texas Government Code (Texas Open Meetings Act), and the Transportation Planning Director of the MPO shall insure that the written notice of the meeting is posted at City of Laredo City Hall and Webb County Commissioners Court Building at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Additionally, the notice may be posted at TxDOT Laredo District Office, and on the City of Laredo and Webb County website. The Transportation Planning Director shall insure that at least two copies of the agenda and such supporting documentation as is available to the Policy Committee are made available for public inspection in the MPO offices at the same time they are made available to the Policy Committee members. (e) All official actions of the Policy Committee shall be duly recorded in the minutes of the meeting. (f) The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall rotate every two years between the City of Laredo Mayor and Webb County Judge. The term of each office shall begin the 1st of January in odd number years. There is no limitation to the number of terms each member may serve as an officer. 6 (g) he-Mayerefthe-calseressCharpetseeFRePaHey-Cemmittee. The responsibilities of the Chairperson shall include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Preside at all meeting of the Policy Committee. 2. Authenticate, by signature, all resolutions adopted by the Policy Committee. 3. Serve as chief policy advocate for the Policy Committee. 4. Represent the committee at hearings, conferences, and other events as required or designate another member of the Committee or the Chairperson of the Technical Committee to represent the Chairperson. ) (h) the-Ceunty-adgeeftheCeuny-ef-Webb-shalls 16 es-Viee-ChairperseneFHe-Paley Committee--During the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson shall preside over: meetings and shall exercise all the duties of the Chairperson. (h) (i) In the absence of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from a Policy Committee meeting at which a quorum is present, the remaining members present shall elect a presiding officer who shall serve until the conclusion of that meeting or until the arrival of the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson. Section 2.3 Administration (a) The MPO shall be led by a full-time MPO Transportation Planning Director. The responsibilities of the Director shall include, but are not limited to the following: 1. All staff support for the Policy Committee, oversight and coordination of MPO administration and transportation planning activities, grant Page 5 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION administration, maintaining records and providing notice of meetings as required by the Public Participation Process. 2. Shall act as Chairperson of the Technical Committee with responsibility for drafting findings and recommendations of the Technical Committee for review by the Policy Committee. 3. Shall be responsible for all plans and reports prepared by and for the review and consideration of the Policy Committee and for submitting the recommended policies, procedures and programs of the Technical Committee to the Policy Committee. 4. Supervise the MPO staff. 5. Serve as a liaison to the Texas Department ofl Transportation's; planning program through the department's district office and the department's Transportation Planning and Programming Division's representative. 6. In cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation, collect, maintain, forecast, and report to the department appropriate socioeconomic, roadway, and travel data. 7. Prepare and submit all required plans, reports, programs, data, and certifications. 8. Develop and present to the MPO Policy Committee a Metropolitan Transportation Plan for the metropolitan planning area, a Transportation Improvement Program and a Unified Planning Work Program and such other planning documents and reports that may be required by state or federal laws or regulations. (b) The Technical Committee shall include the following: 1. City Representatives: Laredo City Planner The General Manager of the City Transit System Laredo Director of' Traffic Safety Laredo Airport Manager Laredo City Engineer Laredo Bridge Director 2. County and Regional Representatives: Webb County Planning Director South Texas Development Council epe-PaREPReeN Executive Director The General Manager of the Rural Transit System Page 6 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Webb County Engineer Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority Representative 3. State Representatives: TxDOT Planning Representative (Vice-Chairperson) TxDOT Planning Representative TxDOT Area Engineer TxDOT TPP Field Representative 4. Federal representatives: FHWA Planning Representative (Austin) 5. Private Sector Representatives: A representative of the Kansas City Southern Railroad Company A representative of the Union Pacific Railroad Company A representative of the Laredo Transportation Association A Transportation Provider Representative who shall also serve on the Laredo Transportation & Traffic Safety Advisory Committee 6. School system representatives A representative of the Laredo Independent School District A representative of the United Independent School District A representative of Texas A&M International University A representative of Laredo Community College (c) Each voting member of the Technical Committee may have a designated alternate member to serve on the committee in the member's absence. Appointed alternate members will have the voting rights and privileges of members when serving in the absence of the Technical Committee member. The responsibilities of the Technical Committee include technical review of work programs, policy recommendations and transportation planning activities. (d) The Active Transportation Committee (ATC) 1. The responsibilities of the Active Transportation Committee shall include the following: a. Monitor the implementation of the Laredo and Webb County Active Transportation Plan. b. Recommend active transportation related planning studies to be conducted. C. Provide recommendations to the MPO Policy Committee regarding active transportation planning activities. d. Advise the MPO Policy Committee on active transportation related technical and policy issues. Page 7 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION e. Explore and recommend funding options and opportunities for active transportation related projects. f. Promote community outreach efforts such as bicycle and pedestrian safety campaigns and educational programs. 2. Membership a. The Active Transportation Committee shall be composed of a broad group of representatives from the regional community. b. Members shall be selected by MPO staff. C. The MPO Director shall select the Active Transportation Committee Chair. Section 2.4 Ethic Policy for MPO Policy Members and Employees (a) A policy board member or employee of a metropolitan planning organization may not: (1) accept or solicit any gift, favor, or service that might reasonably tend to influence the member or employee in the discharge of official duties or that the member or employee knows or should know is being offered with the intent to influence the member's or employee's official conduct; or, (2) accept other employment or engage in a business or professional activity that the member or employee might reasonably expect would require or induce the member or employee to disclose confidential information acquired by reason of the official position; or, (3) accept other employment or compensation that could reasonably be expected to impair the member's or employee's independence ofjudgment in the performance of the member's or employee's official duties; or, (4) make personal investments that could reasonably be expected to create a substantial conflict between the member's or employee's private interest and the public interest; or, (5) intentionally or knowingly solicit, accept, or agree to accept any benefit for having exercised the member's or employee's official powers or performed the member's or employee's official duties in favor of another. Page 8 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ARTICLE III AMENDMENTS Section 3.1 Bylaw Revisions The Bylaws may be revised or amended by approval of the Policy Committee at a meeting at which a quorum, as defined herein, is present. PASSED AND APPROVED, on this the 21S day of June. 2023. Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino Mayor of Laredo and Chairperson of the LWCAMPO Policy Committee We certify that the LWCAMPO By-laws were revised at a public meeting of the Policy Committee of the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Juan S. Mendive, AICP Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E. MPO Director TxDOT District Engineer Page 9 Chair and Vice-Chairperson Structure - Select Texas MPOS MPO Method Term Alamo Area MPO Chair, Chair Elect, and Vice-Chair rotate between three constituencies (City of San Antonio, 11 two-year term Urban County/Suburban Cities and Rural Counties/Rural Cities); by election. Amarillo MPO Mayor of the City of Amarillo serves as Chairperson. N/A Byran/College Station MPO unlimited two-year terms Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are elected by majority vote of membership present. Chair and Vice-Chairperson are elected in even numbered years; each must be from Capital Area MPO two-year terms different counties. Corpus Christi MPO Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are elected by majority vote of membership. unlimited one-year terms EIF Paso MPO unlimited one-year term Chair and Vice-Chairperson are elected annually ; each much be from different entities. Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson: are elected by a simple majority vote of membership Killen-Temple MPO up to 2 consecutive one-year terms present. Longview MPO Mayor of the City of Longview serves as Chairperson. N/A Lubbock MPO Chair and Vice-Chairperson are elected by majority vote of the membership. unlimited two-year terms Chair and Vice-Chairperson are elected in even numbered years by majority vote of the Permian-Basin MPO unlimited two-year terms membership present. Chair and' Vice-Chairperson must come from different counties and rotate; elected by RGVMPO two-year term simple majority of membership present. Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson: are elected by a majority of membership present; each Texarkana MPO up to 2 consecutive two-year terms must be elected official. Tyler MPO Mayor of the City of Tyler serves as Chairperson. N/A Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are elected annually by majority vote of membership Waco MPO 1 Lone-year term present. 23 CFR 450.310 (up to date as of3/14/2023) 23 CFR 450.310 Metropolitan planning organization designation and redesignat.. This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial. Title 23 - Highways ChapterI-] Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation Subchapter E - Planning and Research Part 450 - Planning Assistance and Standards Subpart C-1 Metropolitan Transportation Planning and Programming Authority: 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135; 42 U.S.C. 7410 et seq.; 49 U.S.C. 5303 and 5304; 49 CFR 1.85 and 1.90. Source: 81 FR 34135, May 27, 2016, unless otherwise noted. S 450.310 Metropolitan planning organization designation and redesignation. (a) To carry out the metropolitan transportation planning process under this subpart, an MPO shall be designated for each urbanized area with a population of more than 50,000 individuals (as determined by the Bureau of the Census). b) MPO designation shall be made by agreement between the Governor and units of general purpose local government that together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population (including the largest incorporated city, based on population, as named by the Bureau of the Census) or in accordance with procedures established by applicable State or local law. (c) The FHWA and the FTA shall identify as a TMA each urbanized area with a population of over 200,000 individuals, as defined by the Bureau of the Census. The FHWA and the FTA shall also designate any urbanized area as a TMA on the request of the Governor and the MPO designated for that area. d) TMA structure: (1) Not later than October 1, 2014, each metropolitan planning organization that serves a designated TMA shall consist of:) Local elected officials; (ii) Officials of public agencies that administer or operate major modes of transportation in the metropolitan area, including representation by providers of public transportation; and (ii) Appropriate State officials.) 2) An MPO may be restructured to meet the requirements of this paragraph (d) without undertaking a redesignation. 3) Representation (i) Designation or selection of officials or representatives under paragraph (d)(1) oft this section shall be determined by the MPO according to the bylaws or enabling statute of the organization. (ii) Subject to the bylaws or enabling statute of the MPO, a representative of a provider of public transportation may also serve as a representative of a local municipality. (iii) An official described in paragraph (d)(1)(ii) shall have responsibilities, actions, duties, voting rights, and any other authority commensurate with other officials described in paragraph (d)(1) oft this section. 23 CFR450310d)3)tdi)enhanced display) pagelof3 23 CFR 450.310 (up to date: as of3/14/2023) 23 CFR 450.310(d)(4) Metropolitan planning organization designation and redesignat.. 4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with the authority, under any State law in effect on December 18, 1991, of a public agency with multimodal transportation responsibilities To develop the plans and TIPS for adoption by an MPO; and II) To develop long-range capital plans, coordinate transit services and projects, and carry out other activities pursuant to State law. (e) To the extent possible, only one MPO shall be designated for each urbanized area or group of contiguous urbanized areas. More than one MPO may be designated to serve an urbanized area only if the Governor(s) and the existing MPO, if applicable, determine that the size and complexity of the urbanized area-make designation of more than one MPO appropriate. In those cases where two or more MPOs serve the same urbanized area, the MPOs shall establish official, written agreements that clearly identify areas of coordination, and the division of transportation planning responsibilities among the MPOs. Nothing in this subpart shall be deemed to prohibit an MPO from using the staff resources of other agencies, non-profit organizations, or contractors to carry out selected elements of the metropolitan transportation planning process. g) An MPO designation shall remain in effect until an official redesignation has been made in accordance with this section. (h) An existing MPO may be redesignated only by agreement between the Governor and units of general purpose local government that together represent at least 75 percent of the existing metropolitan planning area population (including the largest incorporated city, based on population, as named by the Bureau of the Census). For the purposes of redesignation, units of general purpose local government may be defined as elected officials from each unit of general purpose local government located within the metropolitan planning area served by the existing MPO. Redesignation of an MPO (in accordance with the provisions of this section) is required whenever the existing MPO proposes to make: (1) A substantial change in the proportion of voting members on the existing MPO representing the largest incorporated city, other units of general purpose local government served by the MPO, and the State(s); or 2) A substantial change in the decisionmaking authority or responsibility of the MPO, or in decisionmaking procedures established under MPO by-laws. k) Redesignation of an MPO serving a multistate metropolitan planning area requires agreement between the Governors of each State served by the existing MPO and units of general purpose local government that together represent at least 75 percent of the existing metropolitan planning area population (including the largest incorporated city, based on population, as named by the Bureau of the Census). (I) The following changes to an MPO do not require a redesignation (as long as they do not trigger a substantial change as described in paragraph () of this section): (1) The identification of a new urbanized area (as determined by the Bureau of the Census) within an existing metropolitan planning area; 2) Adding members to the MPO that represent new units of general purpose local government resulting from expansion of the metropolitan planning area; 23 CFR45031002/emhanced display) page2of3 23 CFR 450.310 (up to date: as of3/14/2023) 23 CFR 450.310(1)(3) Metropolitan planning organization designation and redesignat.. (3) Adding members to satisfy the specific membership requirements described in paragraph (d) of this section for an MPO that serves a TMA; or 4) Periodic rotation of members representing units of general-purpose local government, as established under MPO by-laws. (m) Each Governor with responsibility for a portion of a multistate metropolitan area and the appropriate MPOs shall, to the extent practicable, provide coordinated transportation planning for the entire MPA. The consent of Congress is granted to any two or more States to: (1) Enter into agreements or compacts, not in conflict with any law of the United States, for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in support of activities authorized under 23 U.S.C. 134 and 49 U.S.C. 5303 as the activities pertain to interstate areas and localities within the States; and 2) Establish such agencies, joint or otherwise, as the States may determine desirable for making the agreements and compacts effective. [81 FR. 34135, May 27, 2016, as amended at 81 FR 93470, Dec. 20, 2016; 82 FR. 56543, Nov. 29, 2017] 23 CRA5030a2leahaned display) page3of3 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.C. Discussion with possible action on a motion to approve the fourth version of the Laredo Transit Management Inc. (LTMI) Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and Safety Performance Targets for calendar year 2023 and to incorporate into the metropolitan planning process. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO ACTION ITEM DATE: 05-17-23 ITEM: IV.C SUBJECT: MOTION(S) Discussion with possible action on a motion to approve the fourth version of the Laredo Transit Management Inc. (LTMI) Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and Safety Performance Targets for calendar year 2023 and to incorporate into the Metropolitan Planning Process. INITIATED BY: STAFF SOURCE: MPO Staff Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director El Metro Staff Robert J. Garza, El Metro General Manager PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION: On April 20, 2022, The Policy Committee approved the third version of the PTASP and Safety Performance Targets for calendar year 2022. BACKGROUND: In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5303(h)(2)(B) and 5304(d)(2)(B), each State and transit agency must make its safety performance targets available to States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations to aid in the planning process. 49 C.F.R. $ 673.15(b) requires, to the maximum extent practicable, a State or transit agency to coordinate with States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations in the selection of State and MPO safety performance targets. MPOs are required to reference the safety performance targets and Agency Safety Plans in their Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) updated or amended after July 20, 2021. As a result, the Laredo transit public transportation provider, El Metro, also known as the Laredo Transit Management Inc. (LTMI), has developed and is recommending for the Laredo Webb County Area MPO to adopt the fourth version of the LTMI Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTSAP) and Safety Performance Targets for calendar year 2023, which have been approved by the Laredo Mass Transit Board and certified by Laredo Transit Management, Inc. The LTMI's fourth version of the PTASP was adopted and approved by the Laredo Mass Transit Board on April 17th, 2023. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval Approval Mass Transit Board 43. City Counci-Regular Meeting Date: 04/17/2023 Initiated By: Riazul Mia, Assistant City Manager Staff Source: Robert J. Garza, Transit Director SUBJECT 2023-RT-04 Authorizing the Laredo Mass Transit Board to approve the fourth version of the Texas Department of Transportation sponsored Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan and establishing Safety Performance Targets for the Laredo Transit Management Inc., El Metro Transit. VENDOR INFORMATION FOR COMMITTEE AGENDA N/A PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION On March 21, 2022, the Laredo Mass Transit board approved the third revised Texas Department of Transportation sponsored Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan and establishing Safety Performance Targets for El Metro Transit. BACKGROUND On July 19, 2018, the FTA published the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan(PTASP)Final Rule,49 CFR Part 673, which took effect July 19, 2019, requiring all FTA Section 5307 recipient transit agencies to, within one calendar year after July 19, 2019, establish a PTASP that meets the requirements of Part 673. Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century(MAP-21) granted the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) the authority to establish and enforce a comprehensive framework to oversee public transportation safety throughout the United States. ;MAP-21 expanded the regulatory authority of FTA to oversee safety, providing an opportunity to assist transit agencies in moving towards a more holistic, performance-based approach to Safety Management Systems (SMS). This authority was continued through the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). In compliance with MAP-21 and the FAST Act, FTA promuigated a Public Transportation Safety Program on August 11, 2016, that adoptèd- SMS as the foundation for developing and implementing a Safety Program. FTA is committed to developing, implementing, and consistently improving strategies and processes to ensure that transit achieves the highest practicable level of safety. SMS helps organizations improve upon their safety performance by supporting the insttutionalization of beliefs, practices, and procedures for identifying, mitigating, and monitoring safety risks. The national safety program has several components, including the National Public Transportation Safety Plan (NSP) that the FTA published to provide guidance on managing safety risks and safety hazards. One element of the NSP is the Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan. Public transportation agencies implemented TAM plans across the industry in 2018. The subject of this document is the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) rule, 49 CFR Part 673, and guidance provided by FTA. Safety is a core business function of all public transportation providers and should be systematically applied to every aspect of service delivery actions are responsible for the safety of their clientele and themselves. To improve public transportation safety to the highest practicable level in the State of Texas and comply with FTA requirements, the Texas Department of TransportationfXDOT) has developed this Agency Safety Plan(ASP) in collaboration with the City of Laredo and the Laredo Mass Transit Board with fiduciary responsibility for (LTMI). On March 29, 2021, the Laredo Mass Transit Board approved the initial PTASP for El Metro Transit, and on March 21, 2022, the PTASP third version was also approved by the Laredo Mass Transit Board. The Safety Plan has been revised and LTMI staff requests approval of the plan and performance targets as presented. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION N/A STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of the Laredo Transit Management Inc. Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan and Performance Targets. Fiscal Impact Fiscal Year: 2023 Bugeted Y/N?: Source of Funds: Account #: Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact. Attachments Laredo Transit PTASP 4th Revision 2023 2023-RT-04 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-RT-04 AUTHORIZING THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD TO APPROVE THE FOURTH VERSION OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AGENCY SAFETY PLAN AND ESTABLISHING SAFETY PERFORMANCE TARGETS FOR THE LAREDO TRANSIT MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED (LTMI). WHEREAS, Safety is a core business function ofall publict transportation providers and should be systematically applied to every aspect of service delivery, as the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has adopted the principles and methods of Safety Management Systems (SMS) as the basis for enhancing the safety of public transportation in the United States; and WHEREAS, On July 19, 2018 the FTA published the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) Final Rule, 49 CFR Part 673, which took effect July 19, 2019 requiring all FTA Section 5307 recipient transit agencies to, within one calendar year after July 19,2019, establish al PTASP that meets the requirements ofPart 673; and WHEREAS, The PTASP, and subsequent updates, must be signed by the Accountable Executive and approved by the agency's Board of Directors, or an Equivalent Authority; and WHEREAS, PTASP must document the processes and activities related to Safety Management System (SMS) implementation and include performance targets based on the safety performance measures established under the National Public Transportation Safety Plan, with those targets being shared with the Laredo-Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization formerly known as the Laredo Urban Transportation Study Metropolitan Planning Organization (LUTS) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT); and WHEREAS, The initial PTASP for El Metro Transit has been drafted by TxDOT per 49 CFR 673.11(d) and will remain in effect until the Laredo Transit Management Inc. (LTMI) has drafted the next version; and WHEREAS, El Metro Transit is dedicated to ensuring that the necessary processes are in place to accomplish both enhanced safety at the local level and the goals ofthe NSP, as the SMS helps organizations improve upon their safety performance by supporting the institutionalization of beliefs, practices, and procedures for identifying, mitigating, and monitoring safety risks; and WHEREAS, The initial PTASP for El Metro Transit was passed by the Laredo Mass Transit Board and approved by the Mayor on March 21, 2022; and WHEREAS, The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), as the certifying agency for small public transportation providers in the State of" Texas, certified the initial El Metro Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP), on July 16, 2020; and WHEREAS, The subsequent Agency Safety Plans must be certified by Laredo Transit Management, Inc. per $673.13 (b), "On an annual basis, a transit agency, direct recipient, or state must certify its compliance with this part" (Federal. Register /Vol. 83, No. 139/Thursday, July 19, 2018 / Rules and Regulations, Pg. 34467) and per TxDOT (Kosub, Theodore. Texas Department of Transportation Strategic Programs Manager - Public Transportation. Email Subject: Laredo PTASP. Austin, TX, Wednesday, December 2020. TxDOT Instructionsfor 2021 Certification.); and WHEREAS, The Laredo & Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization approved and adopted the Laredo Transit Management Inc. (LTMI) Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and Safety Performance Targets to incorporate into the Metropolitan and Statewide Planning Process with the Laredo Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) on September 15, 2020; and WHEREAS, El Metro Transit reviewed, revised and updated the PTASP and created the third version per $673.11 (a) (5), "Each transit agency must establish a process and timeline for conducting an annual review and update the Public Transportation Agency Plan" (Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 139/Thursday, July 19, 2018, /. Rules and Regulations, Pg. 34467); and WHEREAS, All edits are documented in the Laredo Transit Management, Inc. - El Metro Transit Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan Version 4, Section B. Record of Changes, Pages 56-62. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MASS TRANSIT BOARD OF THE CITY OF LAREDO THAT: Section 1. The Laredo Mass Transit Board approves the fourth version ofthe PTASP and the tenets ofSMS including a Safety Management Policy (SMP) and the processes for Safety Risk Management (SRM), Safety Assurance (SA), and Safety Promotion (SP), per 49 U.S.C. 5329(d)(I)(A); and Section 2. Safety has always been a primary function at LTMI, this PTASP lays out a process to fully implement and review an SMS on a yearly and ongoing basis in order to continue compliance with the PTASP final rule. PASSED BY THE MASS TRANSIT BOARD AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR ON THIS THE th DAY OF Apa 2023. DR. VICTORE/TREVINO MAYOR ATTEST: a 1 0 JO8E A. VALDEZ, JR. 7 CITY SECRETARY APPROVED AS TO FORM: DOAHN "ZONE" T. NGUYEN BY Quer ANA SOPHIA GARCIA Spea ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO Laredo Transit Management, Inc. El Metro Transit Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan Version 4 Adopted 04-17-2023 In compliance with 49 CFR Part 673 Developed in conjunction with the Texas Department of TransportationandtheLaredo Transit Management, Inc. 1 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMETRO TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Executive Summary . 4 A. Plan Adoption - 673.11(a)(1) 5 B. Certification of Compliance - 673.13(a)(b). 5 2. Transit Agency Information - 673.23(d). 6 A. Organizational Chart... 8 B. Authorities & Responsibilities: - 673.23(d). 9 3. Safety Policies and Procedures. 10 A. Policy Statement - 673.23(a). 10 I. Employee Safety Reporting Program - 673.23(b) 11 II. Communicating the Policy Throughout the Agency- 673.23(c). 12 B. PTASP Development and Coordination with TXDOT-673.11(d). 13 C. PTASP Annual Review 673.11(a)(5) 14 D. Safety Committee 673.11 14 E. PTASP Maintenance - 673.11(a)(2)c). 15 F. PTASP Documentation and Recordkeeping- 673.31 15 G. Safety Performance Measures -673.11(a)(3). 16 H. Safety Performance Target Coordination - 673.15(a)(b). 19 4. Safety Management Systems = 673 subpart C. 19 A. Safety Risk Management - 673.25. 20 I. Safety Hazard dentification - 673.25(b) 23 II. Safety Risk Assessment - 673.25(c). 27 III. Safety Risk Mitigation- - 673.25(d). 32 B. Safety Assurance - 673.27 (a). 33 I. Safety Performance Monitoring and Measuring -673.27 (b) 36 II. Safety Event Investigation - 673.27(B)(3). 37 C. Safety Promotion - 673.29.. 39 I. Safety Competencies and Training - 673.29(a) 39 II. Safety Communication - 673.29(b) 41 5. Safety Reduction Program 43 I. Vehicular and Pedestrian Accidents. 43 II. Assault on Transit Workers 43 III. Risk Reduction Performance targets.. 44 6. Public Health.. .44 7. Appendix A .44 A. Glossary of Terms. 49 B. Additional Acronyms Used.. 53 2 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO 8. Appendix B. 54 A. City Council/Board Minutes or Resolution. 54 B. Record of Changes. 56 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: El MetroOrganizational Chart. 8 Figure 2: SafetyManagement Systems 20 Figure 3: Safety RiskManagement Process. 21 Figure 4: Draft Risk Register - 22 Figure 5: Safety Risk Assessment Steps in Populating the Risk Register. 28 Figure 6: Safety Risk. Assessment Matrices.. 29 Figure 7: Safety Risk Acceptance Actions. 31 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Agency Information 7 Table 2: ASP Annual Update Timeline. 14 Table 3: NSP SafetyP Performance Measures 16 Table 4: Baseline 2019 SafetyPerformance Measures 16 Table 5: 5-Year Safety Performance for El Metro by Mode of Service 17 Table 6: Fixed Route (Bus) Safety Performance Targets 18 Table 7: Demand Response Safety Performance Targets 18 Table 8: PTASP Supporting Documents 44 Table 9: ASP Record of Changes. 56 3 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) granted the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) the authority to establish and enforce a comprehensive framework to oversee the safety of public transportation throughout the United States. MAP-21 expanded the regulatory authority of FTA to oversee safety, providing an opportunity to assist transit agencies in moving towards a more holistic, performance-based approach to Safety Management Systems (SMS). This authority was continued through the Fixing America's S Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). In compliance with MAP-21 and the FAST Act, FTA promulgated a Public Transportation Safety Program on August 11, 2016 that adopted SMS as the foundation for developing and implementing a Safety Program. FTA is committed to developing, implementing, and consistently improving strategies and processes to ensure that transit achieves the highest practicable level of safety. SMS helps organizations improve upon their safety performance by supporting the institutionalization of beliefs, practices, and procedures fori identifying, mitigating, and monitoring safety risks. There are several components of the national safety program, including the National Public Transportation Safety Plan (NSP), that FTA published to provide guidance on managing safety risks and safety hazards. One element of the NSP is the Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan. Public transportation agencies implemented TAM plans across the industry in 2018., The subject of this document is the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) rule, 49 CFR Part 673, and guidance provided by FTA. Safety is a core business function of all public transportation providers and should be systematically applied to every aspect of service delivery. At Laredo Transit Management, Inc. (LTMI), all levels of Leadership, Administration and Operations are responsible for the safety of their clientele and themselves. To improve public transportation safety to the highest practicable level in the State of Texas and comply with FTA requirements, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has developed the initial Agency Safety Plan (ASP) in collaboration with Laredo Transit Management, Inc. The Laredo Transit Management, Inc. has updated the initial Agency Safety Plan to develop the fourth version of the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan in collaboration with the City of Laredo and the Laredo Mass Transit Board with fiduciary responsibility for (LTMI). To ensure that the necessary processes are in place to accomplish both enhanced safety at the local level and the goals of the NSP, the City of Laredo, the Laredo Mass Transit Board and LTMI adopt this ASP and the tenets of SMS including a Safety Management Policy (SMP) and the processes for Safety Risk Management (SRM), Safety Assurance (SA), and Safety Promotion (SP), per 49 U.S.C. 5329(d)(1)(A). While safety has always been a primary function at LTMI, this document lays out a process to fully implement an SMS over the next several years that complies with the PTASP final rule. 1Federal Register, Vol. 81, No. 24 4 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMETRO A. Plan Adoption = 673.11(a)(1) This Public Transit Agency Safety Plan is hereby adopted, certified as compliant, and signed by: sur A 3/zy/z3 ACCOUNTABLE EXECUTIVE SIGNATURE DATE Robert J. Garza, El Metro General Manager Since El Metro is considered a department of the City of Laredo, the main governing body is the Laredo City Council acting as the Laredo Mass Transit Board. Approval of this plan by the City Counci/Mass Transit Board occurred on April 17, 2023 and is documented in RESOLUTION No. 2023-RT-04 from the City Council Meeting. B. Certification of Compliance = 673.13(a)(b) El Metro certifies on April 17, 2023 that this Agency Safety Plan is in full compliance with 49 CFR Part 673 and has been adopted and will be implemented by El Metro as evidenced by the plan adoption signature and necessary City Council/laredo Mass Transit Board approvals under Section 1.A of this plan. In addition, El Metro will certify compliance with the PTASP regulation through FTA's Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) and the annual Certifications and Assurances process. 5 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMETRO 2. TRANSIT AGENCY INFORMATION = 673.23(D) The City of Laredo began operating public transportation in 1985. LTMI was founded in 2003 and is governed by the City of Laredo Mass Transit Board. The City contracts with Hendrickson Transportat- ion Group, Inc., (HTG) to provide management and operating services. Under the contract, Hendrickson Transportation Group, Inc., (HTG) provides a General Manager and three Assistant General Managers. The General Manager is approved by the Laredo Mass Transit Board to oversee the administrative functions of LTMI. LTMI is known as EI Metro. El Metro is the public transportation provider for the City of Laredo, Texas and is the largest transit provider in the region. The El Metro main office is located at Transit Center 1301 Farragut ST, 3rd Floor, Laredo, TX 78040. El Metro operates fixed route services seven days a week across 23 routes within the City of Laredo. Schedules for fixed route service vary by route, with many routes having one schedule for Monday- Friday or Monday-Saturday and another schedule for Saturdays or Sundays/Holidays. In addition, some routes have A and B segments that have differing schedules. El Metro also operates El Lift Paratransit, which provides shared, origin to destination public transportation to people with disabilities who are unable to use El Metro's fixed route buses. EIL Lift uses the following service schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 5:00 am = 10:30pm Tuesday, Thursday: 5:30 am - 10:30 pm Sunday: 8:00 am - 8:30 pm El Metro Transit is provided by the City of Laredo through the Laredo Mass Transit Board and managed by a private contractor, Hendrickson Transportation Group, Inc.,(HTG) which provides the General Manager and the management team consisting of the Assistant General Manager of Administration, the Assistant General Manager of Operations and Maintenance, Operations Manager, The Maintenance Asset Officer, Maintenance Manager, Assistant Maintenance Manager, the Transit Procurement Specialist, Grant and Budget Administrator, the Chief Safety Officer (CSO), and Safety and Training Coordinator are part of Laredo Transit Management, Inc. No additional transit service is provided by EI Metro on behalf of another transit agency or entity at the time of the development of this plan. 6 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO Table 1 contains agency information, while an organizational chart for El Metro is provided in Figure 1. TABLE 1: AGENCY INFORMATION Information Type Information Full Transit Agency Name Laredo Transit Management, Inc. (LTMI) Transit Agency Address 1301 Farragut St, Laredo, TX 78040 Name and Title of Accountable Executive 673.23(d)(1). RobertJ. Garza, General Manager Name of Chief Safety Officer or SMS Executive Sergio Gomez, Chief Safety Officer 673.23(d)(2) Key Staff Monica Garcia, AGM of Administration/PIO Key Staff Rosa Soto, AGM of Operations and Maintenance Key Staff Joe Lerma, Safety & Training Coordinator Mode(s) of Service Covered by This Plan 673.11(b) Fixed Route Bus and Demand Response List All FTA Funding Types (e.g, 5307, 5310, 5339) 5307, 5310, 5339 Mode(s) of Service Provided by the Transit Agency Fixed Route Bus and Demand Response (Directly operated or contracted service) Number of Vehicles Operated 70 7 EIMetro Transit Agency Safety Plan Laredo Transit Management, Inc. - El Metro ORGANIZATIONAL CHART FIGURE 1: EL METRO ORGANIZATIONAL CHART ELMERO s General Manager Administrative Assistant! AGMof Operations and Maintenance/ AGMof EEO Officer Administration/PIO Administrative Administrative Community Assistantl Assistant2 Outreach Coordinator Operations Maintenance Maintenance Chief Safety Safety and Grants & Budget Manager Asset Officer Manager Officer Training Administrator HR Manager Transit Manager Coordinator DBELO Route Maintenance Maintenance Transit Transit Payroil Adminstrative Maintenance Utilities Supervisors (7) PM Clerk Assistant Manager Procurment Assistant Technicion Supervisor Specialist Dispatchers (3) Maintenance Transit Center Utilities (6) Buyer Budget Liason Cleaners (5) Bus Operators Journeyman (99) Part Time Technician (3) Cleaners_(3) Part Time Electronic Customer Operators (18) Technician(1) ServiceAgents K) Paratransit LeadMechanics Agents(4) (3) Mechanics (5) Part Time Lead Service Service Person Agents(1) Person( (1) (4) GM Date: 72 / Data Entry Clerk Body Shop Tire Shop Person (1) Person(1) (1) 8 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO A. Authorities & Responsibilties = 673.23(d) As stated in 49 CFR Part 673.23(d), El Metro has established the necessary authority, accountabilities, and responsibilities for the management of safety amongst the key individuals within the organization, as those individuals relate to the development and management of our SMS. In general, the following defines the authority and responsibilities associated with our organization. The Accountable Executive has ultimate responsibility for carrying out the SMS of our public transportation agency, and control or direction over the human and capital resources needed to develop and maintain both the ASP, in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5329(d), and the agency's TAM Plan, in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5326. The Accountable Executive has authority and responsibility to address substandard performance in the El Metro SMS, per 673.23(d)(1). Agency leadership and executive management include members of our agency leadership or executive management, other than the Accountable Executive, CSO/SMS Executive, who have authority or responsibility for day-to-day implementation and operation of our agency's SMS. The CSO is an adequately trained individual who has the authority and responsibility as designated by the Accountable Executive for the day-to-day implementation and operation of the El Metro SMS. As such, the CSO is able to report directly to our transit agency's Accountable Executive. Key staff are staff, groups of staff, or committees to support the Accountable Executive, CSO or SMS Executive in developing, implementing, and operating our agency's SMS. Front line employees perform the daily tasks and activities where hazards can be readily identified SO the identified hazards can be addressed before the hazards become adverse events. These employees are critical to SMS success through each employee's respective role in reporting safety hazards, which is where an effective SMS and a positive safety culture begins. In addition, over the next year, El Metro Human Resources Manager in collaboration with the CSO will be reviewing and modifying, if necessary, our current job descriptions to ensure the job descriptions comply with 49 CFR Part 673. a El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO 3. SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES A. Policy Statement -= 673.23(a) El Metro recognizes that the management of safety is a core value of our business. The management team at El Metro has embraced the SMS and is committed to developing, implementing, maintaining, and constantly improving processes to ensure the safety of our employees, customers, and the general public. All levels of management and frontline employees are committed to safety and understand that safety is the primary responsibility of all employees. EI Metro is committed to: Communicating the purpose and benefits of the SMS to all staff, the union, managers, supervisors, and employees. This communication will specifically define the duties and responsibilities of each employee throughout the organization and all employees willreceive appropriate information and SMS training. Providing appropriate management involvement and the necessary resources to establish an effective reporting system that will encourage employees to communicate and report any unsafe work conditions, hazards, or at-risk behavior to the management team. Identifying hazardous and unsafe work conditions and analyzing data from the employee reporting system. After thoroughly analyzing provided data, the transit operations division will develop processes and procedures to mitigate safety risk to an acceptablelevel. Ensuring that no action will be taken against employees who disclose safety concerns through the reporting system, unless disclosure indicates an illegal act, gross negligence, or deliberate or willful disregard of regulations or procedures. Establishing Safety Performance Targets (SPT) that are realistic, measurable, and data driven. Continually improving our safety performance through management processes that ensure appropriate safety management action is taken and is effective. hok L - s/zy/s Robert Garza, El Metro Géneral Manager Date 10 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO I. Employee Safety Reporting Program (ESRP) - 673.23(b) Frontline employees are a significant source of safety data. These employees are typically the first to spot unsafe conditions that arise from unplanned conditions either on the vehicles, in the maintenance shop, or in the field during operations. For this reason, the Employee Safety Reporting Program (ESRP) is a major tenet of the PTASP Rule. Under this rule, agencies must establish and implement a process that allows employees to report safety conditions directly to senior management; provides protections for employees who report safety conditions to senior management; and includes a description of employee behaviors that may result in disciplinary action. El Metro has the LTMI Employee Safety Reporting Program (ESRP) (Appendix A, Table 8 shows the document name, file name, and date of adoption) under which the employees are expected to use established procedures to submit comments, information, and assistance where safety and health is concerned. The program requires employees to report hazards, unsafe conditions, and unsafe behaviors to the Safety & Training Coordinator, Chief Safety Officer, their immediate Supervisor, any Safety Planning Advisory Committee (SPAC) member or Department Leadership. Employees have the option of submitting reports confidentially using the LTMI Employee Safety Hazard Reporting Form (Appendix. A) and as such can report concerns without fear of repercussions. The program also calls for employees to meet on a regular basis to discuss safety and health issues. These meetings also provide another avenue for employees to report concerns. In addition, El Metro has a policy in place in the General Rules, Regulations and Policies Employee Handbook (Appendix A) that requires employees who discover a condition which imperils the welfare of passengers, employees, and/or equipment to promptly report the problem to the Maintenance, Supervisor or Dispatcher. El Metro also has a Customer Comment/Complaint Procedure and Record Retention Policy (Appendix A) that ensures riders of the system have an easy and accessible way to provide feedback to the agency. This procedure provides customers with a variety of ways to contact El Metro with comments or complaints and also provides protocols fori feedback acknowledgment and customer report retention. In addition, employees can also submit safety concerns, anonymous or not, using the customer comment/complaint form on www.emetrotanst.com, During the annual review, El Metro will review and modify, if necessary, both our internal and external reporting procedures and programs to develop them into a full ESRP to ensure that the procedure complies with 49 CFR Part 673. LTMI Employee Safety Reporting Program Implementation, LTMI will conduct Instruction-Led Training for all employees. They will be presented with a PowerPoint presentation and copies of the reporting form. In addition, LTMI will post avenues for reporting, with protections, at each Department's bulletin board. Any changes will be submitted at annual certification. On march 23, 2020, El Metro forwarded the LTMI Employee Safety Reporting Program and memo, via certified mail, to the Union. 11 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO In general, the El Metro ESRP will ensure that all employees are encouraged to report safety conditions directly to senior management or their direct supervisor for elevation to senior management. The policy will include any contract employees. The policy also includes what protections are afforded to employees who report safety related conditions and describes employee behaviors that are not covered by those protections. The policy also elaborates on how safety conditions that are reported will be reported back to the initiator(s) - either to the individual or groups of individuals or organization, dependent on the nature of the safety condition. To bolster the information received from frontline employees, El Metro will continue to review our current policy for how our agency receives information and safety related data from employees and customers. If necessary, we will develop additional means for receiving, investigating and reporting the results from investigations back to the initiator(s) - either to the person, groups of persons, or distributed agency- wide to ensure that future reporting is encouraged. II. Communicating the Policy Throughout the Agency - 673.23(c) El Metro is committed to ensuring the safety of our clientele, personnel and operations. Part of that commitment is developing an SMS and agency wide safety culture that reduces agency risk to the lowest level possible. The first step in developing a full SMS and agency wide safety culture is communicating our LTMI Safety Management Policy (SMP) (Appendix A, Table 8 shows the document name, file name, and date of adoption) throughout our agency. LTMI initiated the communication on August 4, 2020 to all Executive Leadership, Administration, All Department Leadership and Route Supervisors. LTMI will provide Instruction-Led Training to all employees sO that they can be familiar with our SMP and where they can find it. It will be posted at all Department's bulletin boards. Any rules or procedures will be provided to the Union. The SMP and safety objectives are at the forefront of all communications. This communications strategy will include posting the policy in prominent work locations for existing employees and adding the policy statement to the on-boarding material for all new employees. In addition, the policy statement will become part of our agency's regular safety meetings and other safety communications efforts. The policy will be signed by the Accountable Executive SO that all employees know that the policy is supported by management. Possible methods of communicating the LTMI Safety Management Policy to employees include, but are not limited to, the following: New Employee Orientation Driver's Training Internal Marketing Strategies Instructor-Led Training Safety Meetings 12 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan EI Metro Toolbox Talk (Safety Bulletin) Safety Planning Advisory Committee (SPAC) Staff Meetings Department Bulletin Boards Employee Handbooks Email WebEx webinar B. PTASP Development and Coordination with TxDOT - 673.11(d) This PTASP has been developed by TXDOT on behalf of Laredo & Webb county Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, which is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the area, and LTMI in accordance with all requirements stated in 49 CFR Part 673 applicable to a small public transportation provider. TxDOT mailed a formal call for participation in a State sponsored PTASP development process to all Texas Section 5307 small bus transit agencies on January 15, 2019 and followed that call with a series of phone calls and additional correspondence. El Metro provided a letter to TxDOT opting into participation on March 15, 2019 and has been an active participant in the development of this plan through sharing existing documentation and participating in communication and coordination throughout the development of this plan. The El Metro documentation used in the development of this plan is presented in Table 8, in Appendix A. In support of tracking performance on our Safety Assurance (SA) and Safety Promotion (SP) processes, El Metro conducted a safety culture survey from December 21, 2019 to December 30, 2019. This yearly survey is intended to help El Metro assess how well we communicate safety and safety performance information throughout our organization by gauging how safety is perceived and embraced by El Metro's administrators, supervisors, staff and contractors. The survey is designed to help us assess how well we are conveying information on hazards and safety risks relevant to employees' roles and responsibilities and informing employees of safety actions taken in response to reports submitted through our ESRP. Results from our most recent survey were analyzed and incorporated into the implementation strategies contained in this ASP. Once the documents were reviewed, an on-site interview was conducted with El Metro on October 28, 2019 to gain a better understanding of the agency and the agency's personnel. This understanding was necessary to ensure that the ASP was developed to fit El Metro's size, operational characteristics, and capabilities. The draft ASP was delivered to LTMI/EI Metro in March 2020 for review and comment. Once review was completed and any adjustments made, the final was delivered to LTMI/EI Metro for review and adoption. 13 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO C. PTASP Annual Review - 673.11(a)(5) Per 49 U.S.C. 5329(d)(1)(D), this plan includes provisions for annual updates of the SMS. As part of El Metro's ongoing commitment to fully implementing SMS and engaging our agency employees in developing a robust safety culture, El Metro will review the ASP and all supporting documentation annually. The review will be conducted as a precursor to certifying to FTA that the ASP is fully compliant with 49 CFR Part 673 and accurately reflects the agency's current implementation status. Certification will be accomplished through El Metro's annual Certifications and Assurances reporting to FTA. D. Safety Committee - 673.11 Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 5329(d)(5)(A) The annual review will include the safety committee's approval of the agency's Agency Safety Plan (ASP) and any updates to the ASP. Any supporting documents such as (Standard Operating Procedures [SOP], Policies, Manuals, etc.) will be used to fully implement all the processes used to manage safety at El Metro. All changes will be noted (as discussed below) and the Accountable Executive will sign and date the title page of this document after the safety committee's approval and will provide documentation of approval of ASP by the Laredo Mass Transit Board whether by signature or by reference to resolution. As processes are changed to fully implement SMS or new processes are developed, El Metro will track those changes for use in the annual review. In addition, Instructor-Led Training will be provided to all employees informing them of any changes. The annual ASP review will follow the update activities and schedule provided below in Table 2. TABLE 2: ASP ANNUAL UPDATE TIMELINE Task Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Review Agency Operations Review SMS Documentation Safety Management Policy; Safety Risk Management; Safety Assurance; and Safety Promotion. Deadline: Revision Requests Draft Revised ASP Draft delivered to Leadership for Comments Deadline: Comments on Revised ASP Draft SPAC approve ASP and updates Laredo Mass Transit Board (City Council) Approval Report Targets to TxDOT and the Laredo Urban Transportation Study Update Version No., Adopt & Certify Plan Compliance 14 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMETRO As shown in Table 2, activities are as follows: July 1 to September 30, LTMI Leadership will review Agency Operations; July 1 to September 30, the Accountable Executive, key personnel, and the CSO will review SMS documentation; October 15, deadline for any revisionrequests; October 16 to November 15, draft revisedASP; December 29, deadline on comments for revised ASP draft; February 1 to March 5, SPAC will approve ASP and anyupdates February 1 to March 16, Laredo Mass Transit Board adoption; March 17 to March 30, report Safety Performance Targets to TxDOT and the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization; MS. March 16 thru 30th, update version number, adopt and certify plan compliance inFTA's TrAM The implementation of SMS is an ongoing and iterative process, and, as such, this PTASP is a working document. Therefore, a clear record of changes (Appendix B, Section B) and adjustments is kept in the PTASP for the benefit of safety plan performance management and to comply with Federal statutes. E. PTASP Maintenance = 673.11(a)(2)(c) EI Metro will follow the annual review process outlined above and adjust this ASP as necessary to accurately reflect current implementation status. This plan will document the processes and activities related to SMS implementation as required under 49 CFR Part 673 Subpart C and will make necessary updates to this ASP as El Metro continues to develop and refine our SMS implementation. F. PTASP Documentation and Recordkeeping = 673.31 At all times, El Metro will maintain documents that set forth our ASP, including those documents related to the implementation of El Metro's SMS and those documents related to the results from SMS processes and activities. El Metro will also maintain documents that are included in whole, or by reference, that describe the programs, policies, and procedures that our agency uses to carry out our ASP and all iterations of those documents. These documents will be made available upon request to the FTA, other Federal entity, or TxDOT. EI Metro will maintain these documents for a minimum of three years after the documents are created. These additional supporting documents are cataloged in Appendix A and the list will be kept current as a part of the annual ASP review and update. 15 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO G. Safety Performance Measures = 673.11(a)(3) The PTASP Final Rule, 49 CFR Part 673.11(a)(3), requires that all public transportation providers must develop an ASP to include safety performance targets (SPTs) based on the safety performance measures established under the NSP. The safety performance measures outlined in the NSP were developed to ensure that the measures can be applied to all modes of public transportation and are based on data currently being submitted to the NTD. The safety performance measures included in the NSP are fatalities, injuries, safety events, and system reliability (State of Good Repair as developed and tracked in the TAM Plan). There are seven (7) SPTS that must be included in each ASP that are based on the four (4) performance measures in the NSP. These SPTS are presented in terms of total numbers reported and rate per 100,000 Vehicle Revenue Miles (VRM). Each of the seven (7) is required to be reported by mode as presented in Table 3. TABLE 3: NSP SAFETY PERFORMANCE MEASURES Safety Performance Measure SPT SPT Fatalities Total Number Reported Rate Per 100,000 VRM Injuries Total Number Reported Rate Per 100,000 VRM Safety Events Total Number Reported Rate Per 100,000 VRM System Reliability Mean distance between major mechanical failure Table 4 presents El Metro's reported baseline numbers for each of the performance measures. El Metro collected the past five (5) years of reported data to develop the rolling averages listed in the table. TABLE 4: BASELINE 2023 SAFETY PERFORMANCE MEASURES Rate of Mean Rate of Rate of Safety Distance Mode Fatalities Fatalities per Injuries Injuries per Safety Events Between 100,000 VRM 100,000 VRM Events per Major 100,000 Mechanical VRM Failure Fixed Route (Bus) 0 0.00% 1 0.08% 2.2 0.13% 112,790 Demand J 0.00% 1 0.02% 0.4 0.04% 178,735 Response *rate = total number X 100,000 /total vehicle revenue miles traveled 16 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Table 5: 5-Year Safety Performance for El Metro by Mode of Service. Fixed Route 5-Year SPT Category for Fixed Route Service 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Rolling SPT 2023 Average Total Number of Fatalities 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 Fatality Rate per 100,000 VRM 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total Number of Injuries 1 1 3 2 1 1.4 1.4 Injury rate per 100,000 VRM 0.6 0.0 0.17 0.12 0.06 0.08 0.08 Total Number of Safety Events 1 0 4 4 2 2.2 2.2 Safety Event rate per 100,000 VRM 0.06 0.00 0.23 0.24 0.12 0.13 0.13 Total Number of Major Mechanical Failures 30 5 10 15 15 15 15 System Reliability (failures/VRM) 56,393.9 338,363.6 174,809.0 111,315.0 110,521 112,790.0 112,790.0 Annual VRM 1,691,818 1,691,818 1,748,090 1,669,719 1,657,815 1,691,852 1,691852 Demand Response 5-Year SPT Category for Demand Response Service 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Rolling SPT: 2023 Average Total Number of Fatalities 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Fatality Rate per 100,000 VRM 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0,00 Total Number of Injuries 0 0 1 0 0 0.2 0.2 Injury rate per 100,000 VRM 0 0 0.58 0 0 0.02 0.02 Total Number of Safety Events 0 0 2 0 0 0.4 0.4 Safety Event rate per 100,000 VRM 0 0 1.17 0 0 0.04 0.04 Total Number of Major Mechanical Failures 4 13 5 3 4 6 6 System Reliability (failures/VRM) 65,436.0 20,134.0 34,247.0 45,018,.0 60,659.0 178,735.0 178,735.0 Annual VRM 261,744 261,744 171,234 135,054 242,638 1,072,414 1,072,414 *Source: NTD Database *NTDI ID: 60009 Calendar Year 2022 Safety Performance Targets FIXED ROUTE DEMAND RESPONSE Calendar SPT2022 Target Calendar SPT202: Target Year2022 Met Year2022 Met 0 0 D 0 0 M 0.0 0,00 0.00 0,00 1 M 0 2 D 0.06 0.07 0.00 0.12 2 2 M 0 M 0.12 0.14 0.00 0.60 15 20 D 4 M 110,521 70,002.0 M 60,659.0 41,489 E 1,657,81 1,400,040 2 242,638 165,955 M 17 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMETRO While safety has always been a major component of our agency operation, the adoption of this ASP will result in changes across all aspects of the organization designed to improve safety outcomes. The SPTS set in Table 6 and Table 7 reflect an acknowledgment that SMS implementation will produce new information that will be needed to accurately set meaningtul SPTS. We will set our 2022 targets at the current NTD reported five-year average as we continue the process of fully implementing our SMS and develop our targeted safety improvements. This will ensure that we do no worse than our baseline performance over the last five years. At the bottom of Table 5.5, Our 2022 Safety Performance Targets are provided. In the Fixed Route Mode, we met all targets and the VRMs exceeded our 2022 target due to our Circulator Routes that started July 19, 2019. In addition, Fixed Route safety events and injuries were the same as our initial target. Our Demand Response Safety Performance Targets met all targets as well. We did not have an increase of Safety events and or Injuries compared to our initial targets. Demand Response VRMs increased due to the cease of COVID-19 Pandemic, which resulted in more ridership. TABLE 6: FIXED ROUTE (Bus) SAFETY PERFORMANCE TARGETS Mode Baseline Target Fatalities U Rate of Fatalities per 100,00 VRM 0.00% 0.00% Injuries 1.4 1.4 Rate of Injuries per 100,000 VRM 0.08% 0.08% Safety Events 2.2 2.2 Rate of Safety Events per 100,000 0.13% 0.13% VRM Mean Distance Between Major 112,790.0 112,790.0 Mechanical Failure *rate = total number for the year X 100,000 /total vehicle revenue miles traveled TABLE 7: DEMAND RESPONSE SAFETY PERFORMANCE TARGETS Mode Baseline Target Fatalities 0 Rate of Fatalities per 100,000 VRM 0.00% 0.00% Injuries 0.2 0.2 Rate of Injuries per 100,000 VRM 0.02% 0.02% Safety Events 0.4 0.4 Rate of Safety Events per 100,000 0.04% 0.04% VRM Mean Distance Between Major 178,735 178,735 Mechanical Failure *rate = total number for the year x: 100,000/total vehicle revenue miles traveled 18 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO As part of the annual review of the ASP, El Metro will re-evaluate our SPTS and determine whether the SPTS need to be refined. As more data is collected as part of the SRM process discussed in this plan, El Metro may begin developing safety performance indicators to help inform management on safety related investments. H. Safety Performance Target Coordination = 673.15(a)(b) El Metro will make our SPTS available to TxDOT and the Laredo & Webb county Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to aid in those agencies' respective regional and long-range planning processes. To the maximum extent practicable, EI Metro will coordinate with TxDOT and the Local MPO in the selection of State and MPO SPTS as documented in the Interagency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (Appendix A). Each year during the FTA Certifications and Assurances reporting process, El Metro will transmit any updates to our SPTS to both the Laredo & Webb county Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and TxDOT (unless those agencies specify another time in writing). 4. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - 673 SUBPART C As noted previously, FTA has adopted SMS as the basis for improving safety across the public transportation industry. In compliance with the NSP, National Public Transportation Safety Plan, and 49 CFR Part 673, El Metro is adopting SMS as the basis for directing and managing safety and risk at our agency. El Metro has always viewed safety as a core business function. All levels of management and employees are accountable for appropriately identifying and effectively managing risk in all activities and operations in order to deliver improvements in safety and reduce risk to the lowest practical level during service delivery. SMS is comprised of four basic components: SMP, SRM, SA, and SP. The SMP and SP are the enablers that provide structure and supporting activities that make SRM and SA possible and sustainable. The SRM and SA are the processes and activities for effectively managing safety as presented in Figure 2. 19 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan FIGURE 2: SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Safety Promotion Risk Siey E & ENN AS Safety Management Policy (Leadership Commitment & Accountability) Monitor 8 ENV Are Communication 8 Training) Implementing SMS at El Metro will be a major undertaking over the next several years. This ASP is the first step to putting in place a systematic approach to managing the agency's risk. El Metro has already taken several steps to implement SMS, such as developing this initial ASP and designating a CSO. During the first year of implementation, El Metro will identify SMS roles and responsibilities and key stakeholder groups, identify key staff to support implementation, and ensure the identified staff receive SMS training. El Metro will also develop a plan for implementing SMS, inform stakeholders about the ASP, and discuss our progress toward implementation with the City of Laredo, the Laredo Mass Transit Board and our agency's planning partners. 1. Safety Risk Management - 673.25 By adopting this ASP, El Metro is establishing the SRM process presented in Figure 3 for identifying hazards and analyzing, assessing and mitigating safety risk in compliance with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 673.25. The SRM processes described in this section are designed to implement the El Metro SMS. 20 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan FIGURE 3: SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS Safety Hazard Safety Risk Safety Risk Identification Assessment Mitigation The following teams will be used in the Safety Risk Assessment Process: SMS Team: The SMS Team consists of the Safety and Training Coordinator (if not available, a Route Supervisor with Added Safety Duties will assist) and the Chief SafetyOfficer. Safety Risk Assessment Team: The Safety Risk Assessment Team consists of the SMS Team and a qualified person from respective department. LTMI's Chief Safety Officer and Safety and Training Coordinator, if available, supported by qualified personnel from respective department will review and address each employee report and safety event, ensuring that hazards and their consequences are appropriately identified and resolved through LTMI's SRM process and that reported deficiencies and non-compliance with rules or procedures are managed through LTMI's Safety Assurance process. LTMI's Chief Safety Officer discusses actions taken to address reported safety conditions during the quarterly SMS Committee Meetings. Additionally, if the reporting employee provided his or her name during the reporting process, the Chief Safety Officer or designee will follow up directly with the employee and a Union representative to investigate the concern. The Chief Safety Officer will discuss any mitigations that are implemented to the employees through SPAC and Training/Safety Meetings. LTMI uses the SRM process as a primary method to ensure the safety of our operations, passengers, employees, vehicles, and facilities. Iti is a process whereby hazards and their consequences are identified, assessed for potential safety risk, and resolved in a manner acceptable to LTMI's leadership. LTMI's SRM process allows us to carefully examine what could cause harm and determine whether we have taken sufficient precautions to minimize the harm, or if further mitigations are necessary. LTMI's Safety Risk Assessment Team will work to identify hazards and consequences, assess safety risk of potential consequences, and mitigate safety risk. The results of LTMI's SRM process are documented in our Safety Risk Register and referenced materials. Hazards, risk assessments and mitigations will be presented and discussed in the quarterly SMS Committee meetings, Quarterly Safety Planning Advisory Committee meetings, and Operations meetings and Maintenance meetings. 21 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO LTMI's SRM process applies to all elements of our system including our operations and maintenance; facilities and vehicles; and personnel recruitment, training, and supervision. The SRM is focused on mplementing and improving actionable strategies that El Metro has undertaken to identify, assess and mitigate risk. The creation of a Risk Register provides an accessible resource for documenting the SRM process, tracking the identified risks, and documenting the effectiveness of mitigation strategies in meeting defined safety objectives and performance measures. The draft Risk Register is presented in Figure 4. FIGURE 4: DRAFT RISK REGISTER EL METRO RISK REGISTER REF ID HAZARD TYPE REPORTED BY REPORTED TO LIKELIHOOD SEVERITY (A,B,C,D.E) (1,2,3,4) As the SRM process progresses through the steps ofi identifying what may be wrong, what could happen as a result, and what steps El Metro istaking to resolve the risk and mitigate the hazard, the CSO completes and publishesther various components. ofthe Risk Register. These components includethe use of safety hazard identification, safety risk assessment, and safety risk mitigation, as described in the following sections. 22 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan I. Safety Hazard Identification - 673.25(b) El Metro has a Job Safety Checklist (Monthly Safety Walk Checklist) and a Safety Equipment Checklist, both of which are found in Section X of the. Safety Policy (Appendix A). These checklists provide a means of regularly inspecting job sites and equipment to identify potential hazards before they result in negative safety outcomes. El Metro has a Hazard Communication Program located in Section 9 of the General Rules, Regulations and Policies Employee Handbook. This program is based on the requirements of the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA)'s Hazard Communication Standard. In addition, El Metro's Maintenance and Facility Plan (Appendix A) details procedures for preventative maintenance for vehicles and facilities. Although the current procedures have been effective in achieving our safety objectives, to ensure compliance with 49 CFR Part 673, El Metro is working to implement the following expanded SRM hazard identification process. The El Metro SRM hazard identification process is a forward-looking effort to identify safety hazards that could potentially result in negative safety outcomes. In the SRM process, a hazard is any real or potential condition that can cause injury, illness, or death; damage to or loss of the facilities, equipment, rolling stock, or infra- structure of a public transportation system; or, damage to the environment. The safety hazard identification process offers LTMI the ability to identify hazards and potential consequences in the operation and maintenance of our system. Hazards can be identified through a variety of sources, including: Through training and reporting procedures, LTMI ensures personnel can identify hazards and that each employee clearly understands that the employee has a responsibility to immediately report any safety hazards identified to the employee's supervisors. Continued training helps employees to develop and improve the skills needed to dentifyhazards. Employee hazard identification training (TAPTCO) coupled with the ESRP ensures that LTMI has full use of information from frontline employees for hazardidentification. Upon receiving the hazard report, Supervsor/leadership will communicate the identified hazard to the SMS Team and the CSO will register the hazard into the risk register for risk assessment, classification and mitigation. In carrying out the risk assessment, the CSO uses standard reporting forms (e.g. Facility (Lessee) Inspection Work. Sheet (Appendix A) and Fixed Route Trip Cards to mitigate mechanical based safety hazards that are identified) and other reports completed on a routine basis by administrative, operations and maintenance. The LTMI Employee Safety Reporting Program (Appendix A) contains procedures for flagging and reporting hazards as a part of day-to-day operations using different avenues to report, anonymous ornot. 23 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Supervisors are responsible for performing and documenting regular safety assessments, which include reporting and recommending methods to reduce identified hazards. LTMI uses incident reports and records to determine specific areas of training that need to be covered with employees to ensure safety hazard identification is continually improved, and thus ensure that hazards are identified before an eventrecurrence. Incident reports are also analyzed by the SMS team (Safety & Training Coordinator and Chief Safety Officer) to identify any recurring patterns or themes that would help to identify underlying hazards and root causes of the event that can be mitigated to preventrecurrence. The SMS Team uses the following forms for hazard identification and investigation forthe purpose of finding causal factors and documenting the mitigations and the mitigation monitoring: From the ESRP, the LTMI Employee_ Safety_Hazard Reporting Form (AppendixA); From the LTMI Workers' Compensation Policy and Procedure (Appendix A), the LTMI Employee Report of Injury 7 2020 and the LTMI Responding Supervisor's S Investigation Report of Occupational Injury Form 72020; From the LTMI Accident and Incident Reporting and Investigation Standard Operating Procedures SOP-AIRIP-201 (Appendix A), the LTMI_ Claims_ Notice_5 2020, BUS_ACCIDENL,PASSENGER.MANFESLS 2017, SUPERVISORS_REPORT_OFJINCIDENT7 2020, SUPERVISOR.VEHICLE_ACCIDENT REPORT 5 2020, LTMILHAZARD.NVESTIGATOR_FORM.4 2020 and the IMLACTONPAN.42022 for Mitigation Monitoring, the DEMAND.RESPONSE.MIIGATON_MONTORINGFORMS.7 2020 (Appendix A), AD,POUTEMITICATORLMONTONNG,ONS7 2020 (Appendix A), TRANSIT.CENTER_MIIGATON.MONITONITORING_FORMS.7 2020 (Appendix A), MANTENANCE.DEPARIMENLMTGATON.MONTORING,FORMS: 2020 andthe LTMLMITIGATION.FOLLOW.UP.FORM 8.2020 (Appendix A). Ifa hazard is such that an employee would be reluctant to report the information due to perceived negative consequences (e.g. disciplinary action), alternative, anonymous reporting mechanisms are available through an anonymous suggestion box outside Operations Department Offices, or anonymous online reporting form wwwemetrotansitom, or other secure mechanism. To increase the safety knowledge of our agency, the CSO, key safety personnel, SPAC Committee and qualified personnel from the respective department are also encouraged to participate in available professional development activities and peer-to-peer exchanges as a source of expertise and information on lessons learned and best practices in hazardidentification. 24 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Other sources for hazard identification include: ESRP; Review of vehicle camera footage; Review of monthly performance data and safety performance targets; Observations from supervisors; Maintenance reports; Comments from customers, passengers, and third parties, including LTMI's transit insurance pool and vendors; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Reports; Safety Planning Advisory Committee meetings, SMS Committee meetings, Operations meetings and Maintenance meetings; Results of audits and inspections of vehicles andfacilities; Results of training assessments; Investigations into safety events, incidents, and occurrences Inspections of personnel job performance, vehicles, facilities and otherdata Safety trend analysis on data currently collected Training and evaluation records Internal safety audits External sources of hazard information could include: FTA and other federal or state authorities; Reports from the public; Safety bulletins from manufacturers or industryassociations. 25 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO When a safety concern is observed by LTMI's management or supervisory personnel, whatever the source, it is reported to LTMI's SMS Team. Procedures for reporting hazards to LTMI's SMS Team are reviewed yearly and recommendations are made by the LTMI Leadership Committee. LTMI's SMS Team also receives employee reports from the ESRP, customer comments related to safety, internal/external inspections and safety event reports. LTMI's Chief Safety Officer reviews these sources for hazards and documents them in LTMI's Safety Risk Register. LTMI's Chief Safety Officer also may enter hazards into the Safety Risk Register based on their review of LTMI's operations and maintenance, the results of audits and observations, and information received from FTA and other oversight authorities, as well as the National Transportation Safety Board. LTMI's Chief Safety Officer may conduct further analyses of hazards and consequences entered into the Safety Risk Register to collect information and identify additional consequences and to inform which hazards should be prioritized for safety risk assessment. In following up on identified hazards, LTMI's SMS Team may: Reach out to the reporting party, if available, to gather all known information about the reported hazard; Conduct a walkthrough of the affected area, assessing the possible hazardous condition, generating visual documentation (photographs and/or video), and taking any measurements deemed necessary; Conduct interviews with employees in the area to gather potentially relevant information on the reported hazard; Review any documentation associated with the hazard (records, reports, procedures, inspections, technical documents, etc.); Contact other departments that may have association with or technical knowledge relevant to the reported hazard; Review any past reported hazards of a similar nature; and Evaluate tasks and/or processes associated with the reportedhazard. LTMI's SMS Team will then prepare an agenda to discuss identified hazards and consequences with the Safety Planning Advisory Committee during Quarterly meetings. This agenda may include additional background on the hazards and consequences, such as the results of trend analysis, vehicle camera footage, vendor documentation, reports and observations, or information supplied by FTA or other oversight authorities. Any identified hazard that poses a real and immediate threat to life, property, or the environment must immediately be brought to the attention of the Accountable Executive and addressed through the SRM process for safety risk assessment and mitigation. This means that the Chief Safety Officer believes immediate intervention is necessary to preserve life, prevent major property destruction, or avoid harm to the environment that would constitute a violation of Environmental Protection Agency or Any State environmental protection standards. Otherwise, the Safety Risk Assessment Team will prioritize hazards fori further SRM activity. 26 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO In addition to identifying the hazard, the hazard identification process also classifies the hazard by type (organizational, technical or environmental) to assist the CSO in identifying the optimal combination of departmental leadership and qualified personnel from the respective department to select in assembling the safety risk assessment team. The various hazard types can also be categorized by subcategory for each type. For example, organizational hazards can be subcategorized into resourcing, procedural, training or supervisory hazards. Each of the subcategories implies different types of mitigation strategies and potentially affect overall agency resources through varying costs for implementation. Technical hazards can be subcategorized into operational, maintenance, design and equipment. Additionally, environmental hazards can be subcategorized into weather and natural, which is always a factor for every operation. II. Safety Risk Assessment - 673.25(c) As part of the new SRM process, El Metro has developed methods to assess the likelihood and severity of the consequences of identified hazards, and prioritizes the hazards based on the safety risk. The process continues the use of the Risk Register described in the previous section to address the next two components. To accurately assess a risk, El Metro may need to perform an investigation. El Metro currently investigates accidents or crashes in accordance to the LTMI Employee Accident / Incident Investigation and Reporting Standard Operating Procedures SOP-AIIP-201 (Appendix A) but will need to develop a full investigation procedure to inform the SRM process. The investigation procedure will start with LTMI Employee Accident, / Incident Investigation and Reporting Standard Operating Procedures SOP-AIIP-201 and the framework found in the General Rules, Regulations and Policies Employee Handbook and will be developed to cover all risk assessment. Once fully developed, the document will become the Investigation SOP. The SOP will include accident investigation procedures as well as risk investigation procedures. These procedures will be used to investigate risks identified from multiple sources including the ESRP. Safety risk is based on an assessment of the likelihood of a potential consequence and the potential severity of the consequences in terms of resulting harm or damage. The risk assessment also considers any previous mitigation efforts and the effectiveness of those efforts. The results of the assessment are used to populate the sixth and seventh components of the Risk Register as presented in Figure 5. 27 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan FIGURE 5: SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT STEPS IN POPULATING THE RISK REGISTER EL METRO RISK REGISTER LIKELIHOOD SEVERITY REF ID HAZARD TYPE REPORTED BY REPORTED TO (A,B,C,D,E) (1,2,3,4) LTMI assesses safety risk associated with identified safety hazards using its safety risk assessment process. This includes an assessment of the likelihood and severity of the consequences of hazards, including existing mitigations, and prioritizing hazards based on safety risk. The LTMI Safety Risk Assessment Team assess orioritized hazards using LTMI's Safety Risk Matrix (Appendix). This matrix expresses assessed risk as a combination of one severity category and one likelihood level, also referred to as a hazard rating. For example, a risk may be assessed as "1A" or the combination of a Catastrophic (1) severity category and a Frequent (A) probability level. 28 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Figure 6. Safety Risk Assessment Matrices Safety Risk Assessment Matrix Severity Categories Description Severity Criteria Category Could result in one or more ofthe following: Death Critical 1 Multiple serious injuries requiring hospitalization Irreversible environmental impact Accident or Incident with a Monetary loss equal to or exceeding $10,000.00 Could result in one or more of the following: Serious injury requiring hospitalization for more than 48 hours, commencing within 7 days from the date ofevent. High 2 Reversible significant environmental impact Accident or Incident with a Monetary loss equal to or exceeding $5,000.00 but not exceeding 10,000 Could result in one or more of the following: Injury requiring immediate transport away from the scene for medical attention (1 or more persons) that may Medium 3 result in one (1) or more lost work day(s) Reversible moderate environmental impact Accident or Incident with a Monetary loss equal to or exceeding $500 but not exceeding $5,000.00 Could result in one or more of the following: Injury requiring first aid Low 4 Minimal environmental impact Accident or Incident with a Monetary loss less than $500 29 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Likelihood Levels Description Level Individual item System or Vehicle Fleet Continuously, experienced. Potential Likely to occur often in the life consequence may be experienced Frequent A of an item. greater than or equal to once in 10,833 to 71,624 vehicle revenue miles (VRM). Will occur frequently. Potential Probable B Will occur several times in the consequence may be experienced life of an item. less than twice 21,667 to 143,250 VRM. Will occur several times. Potential Occasional C Likely to occur sometime in the be life of an item. consequence may experienced once per 65,001 to 429,750 VRM. Unlikely but can reasonably be Remote D Unlikely, but possible to occur expected to occur. Potential in the life of an item. consequence may be experienced once per 130,000 to 859,500 VRM. So unlikely, it can be assumed Unlikely to occur, but possible. Improbable E occurrences may not be Potential consequence may be experienced in the life of an experienced less than once per item. 260,000 to 1,719,000 VRM. Risk Assessment Matrix Severity Critical High Medium Low Likelihood 1 2 3 4 HIGH- HIGH - Frequent - A HIGH - 1A MEDIUM - 4A 2A 3A HIGH - MEDIUM Probable - B HIGH - 1B MEDIUM - 4B 2B - 3B MEDIUM MEDIUM Occasional - C HIGH - 1C LOW-4C - 2C -3C MEDIUM - MEDIUM Remote - D 1D -2D LOW-3D LOW-4D Improbable - LOW-1E LOW-2E LOW-3B LOW-4E E 30 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Figure 7. Safety Risk Acceptance Actions. High - Risk intolerable, requires action from LTMI Accountable Unacceptable Executive and Chief Safety Officer to mitigate the safety risk immediately, Medium = Risk reduption/mitigation must be considered. Where risk Review reduction/mitigation is not practical or viable, acceptance by Accountable Executive is required. Low= Risk is considered acceptable but would be reviewed if Acceptable reoccurs. This matrix also categorizes combined risks into levels, High, Medium, or Low, based on the likelihood of occurrence and severity of the outcome. For purposes of accepting risk: "High" hazard ratings will be considered unacceptable and require action from LTMI Accountable Executive and Chief Safety Officer to mitigate the safety risk immediately, "Medium" hazard ratings will be considered undesirable and require LTMI's SMS Team and Safety Risk Assessment Team to make a decision regarding their acceptability. Where risk reduction/mitigation is not practical or viable, acceptance by Accountable Executive is required., and "Low" hazard ratings may be accepted by the Chief Safety Officer without additional review but monitored by the respective department. Using a categorization of High, Medium, or Low allows for hazards to be prioritized for mitigation based on their associated safety risk. Once sufficient information has been obtained, the Chief Safety Officer will facilitate completion of relevant sections of the Safety Risk Register, using the LTMI Safety Risk Assessment Matrix. The Safety Risk Assessment Team may seek support from the SMS Committee in obtaining additional information to support the safety risk assessment. The Chief Safety Officer will document the safety risk assessment, including hazard rating and mitigation options for each assessed safety hazard in the Safety Risk Register. The SMS Team will schedule safety risk assessment activities with the qualified person from the respective department and prepare a Safety Risk Assessment Package. The SMS Team will present the Safety Risk Assessment Package in the SMS Committee meeting, Operations meeting, Maintenance meeting and Safety Planning Advisory Committee meeting. This package is distributed at least one week (Approx.) in advance of the meetings. During the meeting, the SMS Team reviews the hazard and its consequence(s) and reviews available information distributed in the Safety Risk Assessment Package on severity and likelihood. 31 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan The Risk: Assessment Matrix is an important tool. If a risk is assessed and falls within one of the red zones, the risk is determined to be unacceptable under existing circumstances. This determination means that management must act to mitigate the situation. This is the point in the process when Safety Risk Mitigations are developed. If the risk is assessed and falls within one of the yellow zones, the risk is determined to be acceptable, but monitoring is necessary. If the risk falls within one of the green zones, the risk is acceptable under the existing circumstances. The Chief Safety Officer will maintain on file all Safety Committee agendas, Safety Risk Assessment Packages, additional information collection, and completed Safety Risk Register sections for a period of three years from the date of generation. II. Safety Risk Mitigation - 673.25(d) The El Metro Safety Policy (Appendix A) contains a list of Basic Safety Rules that help to mitigate potential risks that may be present in the day-to-day operations of the agency. This list includes rules such as: All personnel will be required to attend safety meetings; Warning signs, barricades, and tags will be used to the fullest extent and shall be obeyed; and Horseplay on the jobsite is strictly prohibited. El Metro also has several SOPs/policles/programs in place to help mitigate and prevent potential risks. These include, but are not limited to: Aerial Platform and Scissor Lift SOP; Powered Industrial TruckSOP; Electrical Safety Program; and Personal Protective Equipment SOP. LTMI's Accountable Executive and Chief Safety Officer review current methods of safety risk mitigation and establish methods or procedures to mitigate or eliminate safety risk associated with specific hazards based on recommendations from the SMS Committee and Safety Planning Advisory Committee. LTMI can reduce safety risk by reducing the likelihood and/or severity of potential consequences of hazards. Prioritization of safety risk mitigations is based on the results of safety risk assessments. LTMI's Chief Safety Officer tracks and updates safety risk mitigation information in the Safety Risk Register and makes the Register available to the SMS Committee and Safety Planning Advisory Committee during meetings and to LTMI staff, employees and Contractors upon request. In the Safety Risk Register, LTMI's Chief Safety Officer will also document any specific measures or activities, such as reviews, observations or audits that will be conducted to monitor the effectiveness of mitigations once implemented (Follow up). 32 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO Over the next year, LTMI will provide Instruction-Led Training on Safety Risk Mitigation Process and Procedures to all key personnel and Department Heads. In addition, as part of the Employee Safety Reporting Program (Appendix A), El Metro management and supervisors review all injury and illness documentation annually to analyze occurrences, identify trends, and plan courses of corrective action. Upon completion of the risk assessment, the CSO, Safety and Training Coordinator and subject matter experts continue populating the Risk Register by identifying mitigations or strategies necessary to reduce the likelihood and/or severity of the consequences. The goal of this step is to avoid or eliminate the hazard or, when elimination is not likely or feasible, to reduce the assessed risk rating to an acceptable level. However, mitigations do not typically eliminate the risk entirely. To accomplish this objective, the CSO, through the safety risk management team, works with qualified personnel from the respective department or section to which the risk applies. The risk management team then conducts a brainstorming exercise to elicit feedback from staff and supervisors with the highest level of expertise in the components of the hazard. Documented risk resolution and hazard mitigation activities from previous Risk Register entries and the resolution's documented level of success at achieving the desired safety objectives may also be reviewed and considered in the process. If the hazard is external (e.g., roadway construction by an outside agency) information and input from external actors or experts may also be sought to take advantage of all reasonably available resources and avoid any unintended consequences. Once a mitigation strategy is selected and adopted, the strategy is assigned to an appropriate staff member or team for implementation. The assigned personnel and the personnel's specific responsibilities are entered into the Risk Register. Among the responsibilities of the mitigation team leader is the documentation of the mitigation effort, including whether the mitigation was carried out as designed and whether the intended safety objectives were achieved. This information is recorded in the Risk Register for use in subsequent SA activities and to monitor the effectiveness of the SRM program. 2. Safety Assurance = 673.27 (a) Safety Assurance means processes within the El Metro Safety Management System that function to ensure a) the implementation and effectiveness of safety risk mitigation, and b) El Metro meets or exceeds our safety objectives through the collection, measurement, analysis and assessment of information. SA helps to ensure early dentification of potential safety issues. SA also ensures that safeguards are in place and are effective in meeting critical El Metro safety objectives and contribute towards SPTS. Through our Safety Assurance process, LTMI: Evaluates our compliance with operations and maintenance procedures to determine whether our existing rules and procedures are sufficient to control our safetyrisk; 33 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Assesses the effectiveness of safety risk mitigations to make sure the mitigations are appropriate and are implemented as intended; Investigates safety events to identify causal factors; and Analyzes information from safety reporting, including data about safety failures, defects, or conditions. LTMI has many processes in place to monitor its entire transit system for compliance with operations and maintenance procedures, including: Safety audits, Informal inspections, Regular review of onboard camera footage from accident to assess drivers and specific incidents, Safety surveys, ESRP, Investigation of safety events, Daily data gathering and monitoring of data related to the delivery of service, and Regular vehicle inspections and preventative maintenance. Results from the above processes are compared against recent performance trends quarterly by the SMS Committee to determine where action needs to be taken. Upon approval by the SMS Committee, the SMS Team will enter any identified non-compliant or ineffective activities, including mitigations, back into the SRM process for re-evaluation. LTMI monitors safety risk mitigations to determine if they have been implemented and are effective, appropriate, and working as intended. The Chief Safety Officer maintains a list of safety risk mitigations in the Safety Risk Register. The mechanism for monitoring safety risk mitigations varies depending on the mitigation. The Chief Safety Officer establishes one or more mechanisms for monitoring safety risk mitigations as part of the mitigation implementation process and assigns monitoring activities to the appropriate director, manager, or supervisor. These monitoring mechanisms may include tracking a specific metric on daily, weekly, or monthly logs or reports; conducting job performance observations; or other activities (Form used for performance monitoring attached in Appendix B). The Chief Safety Officer will attempt to make use of existing LTMI processes and activities before assigning new information collection activities. 34 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan LTMI's SMS Team and Safety Planning Advisory Committee review the performance of individual safety risk mitigations during bimonthly Safety Planning Advisory Committee meetings, based on the reporting schedule determined for each mitigation, and determine if a specific safety risk mitigation is not implemented or performing as intended. f the mitigation is not implemented or performing as intended, the SMS Team and Safety Planning Advisory Committee will propose a course of action to modify the mitigation or take other action to manage the safety risk. The Chief Safety Officer will approve or modify this proposed course of action and oversee its execution. LTMI's SMS Team also monitor LTMI's operations on a large scale to identify mitigations that may be ineffective, inappropriate, or not implemented as intended by: Reviewing results from accident, incident, and occurrence investigations; Monitoring employee safety reporting; Reviewing results of internal safety audits and inspections;and Analyzing operational and safety data to identify emerging safetyconcerns. The Chief Safety Officer works with the Safety and Training Coordinator and Accountable Executive to carry out and document all monitoring activities. LTMI maintains documented procedures for conducting safety investigations of events (accidents, incidents, and occurrences, as defined by FTA) to find causal and contributing factors and review the existing mitigations in place at the time of the event (see LTMI Safety Event Reporting and Investigation Procedures Manual for specific procedures for Reporting and conducting safety investigations). These procedures also reflect all traffic safety reporting and investigation requirements established by Texas Department of Transportation. The SMS Team maintains all documentation of LTMI's investigation policies, processes, forms, checklists, activities, and results. As detailed in LTMI's procedures, an investigation report is prepared and sent to the SMS Team fori integration into their analysis of the event. LTMI's SMS Team will determine whether: The accident was preventable or non-preventable; Personnel require discipline or retraining; The causal factor(s) indicate(s) that a safety hazard contributed to or was present during the event; and The accident appears to involve underlying organizational causal factors beyond just individual employee behavior. The SMS Team routinely review safety data captured in employee safety reports, safety meeting minutes, customer complaints, and other safety communication channels. When necessary, the SMS Team ensure that the concerns are investigated or analyzed through LTMI's SRM process. 35 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO The SMS Team also review internal and external reviews, including audits and assessments, with findings concerning LTMI's safety performance, compliance with operations and maintenance procedures, or the effectiveness of safety risk mitigations. I. Safety Performance Monitoring and Measuring - 673.27 (b) As the first step in the El Metro SA program, El Metro collects and monitors data on safety performance indicators through a variety of mechanisms described in the following sections. Safety performance indicators can provide early warning signs about safety risks. El Metro currently relies primarily on lagging indicators representing negative safety outcomes that should be avoided or mitigated in the future. However, initiatives are underway to adopt a more robust set of leading indicators that monitor conditions that are likely to contribute to negative outcomes in the future. In addition to the day-to-day monitoring and investigation procedures detailed below, El Metro will review and document the safety performance monitoring and measuring processes as part of the annual update of this ASP. MONITORING COMPLIANCE AND SUFFICIENCY OF PROCEDURES - 673.27 (B)(1) El Metro monitors our system for personnel compliance with operations and maintenance procedures and also monitors these procedures for sufficiency in meeting safety objectives. A list of documents describing the safety related operations and maintenance procedures cited in this ASP is provided in Appendix A of this document. Supervisors monitor employee compliance with El Metro standard operating procedures through direct observation and review of information from internal reporting systems such as the Employee Safety Reporting Program and Customer Comment/Complaint Procedure and Record Retention Policy (Appendix A) from both employees and customers. El Metro addresses non-compliance with standard procedures for operations and maintenance activities through a variety of actions, including revision to training materials and delivery of employee and supervisor training if the non-compliance is systemic. If the non-compliance is situational, then activities may include supplemental individualized training, coaching, and heightened management oversight, among other remedies. Sometimes personnel are fully complying with the procedures, but the operations and maintenance procedures are inadequate and pose the risk of negative safety outcomes. In this case, the cognizant person submits the deficiency or description of the inadequate procedures to the SRM process. Through the SRM process, the SRM team will then evaluate and analyze the potential organizational hazard and assign the identified hazard for mitigation and resolution, as appropriate. The SRM team will also conduct periodic self-evaluation and mitigation of any identified deficiencies in the SRM process itself. 36 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO MONITORING OPERATIONS = 673.27(B)(2) Department Heads are required to monitor investigation reports of safety events and SRM resolution reports to monitor the department's operations to identify any safety risk mitigations that may be ineffective, inappropriate, or not implemented as intended. If it is determined that the safety risk mitigation did not bring the risk to an acceptable level or otherwise failed to meet safety objectives, then the Department Head resubmits the safety risk/hazard to the SRM process. The CSO will work with the Safety & Training Coordinator and qualified personnel from the respective department to re-analyze the hazard and consequences and identify additional mitigation or alternative approaches to implementing the mitigation. II. Safety Event Investigation = 673.27(B)(3) EIl Metro currently conducts investigations of safety events. From a SA perspective, the objective of the investigation is to identify causal factors of the event and to identify actionable strategies that El Metro can employ to address any identifiable organizational, technical or environmental hazard at the root cause of the safety event. El Metro uses the After-Accident Investigation procedure located in the General Rules, Regulations and Policies Employee Handbook, the LTMI Employee Accident / Incident Investigation and Reporting Standard Operating Procedures SOP-AIIP-201 and the LTMI Workers' Compensation Policy and Procedure to identify safety and operational risks based on individual assets. Safety Event Investigations that seek to identify and document the root cause of an accident or other safety event are a critical component of the SA process because they are a primary resource for the collection, measurement, analysis and assessment of information. El Metro gathers a variety of information for identifying and documenting root causes of accidents and incidents, including but not limited to: Stop, identify yourself and Radio Dispatch immediately giving them the location and your bus number. (A Supervisor or Dispatcher will call the Police and Ambulance when necessary). Employees are required to report all acidents/incidents within five (5) minutes after the occurrence. Dispatch will notify the Safety and Training Coordinator and a Route Supervisor of the accident/incident. Assist the injured person, but do not move them except to avoid danger. Use extreme care and protect yourself avoiding contact with bodilyfluids. Secure full names, addresses, and telephone numbers of: a. Passengers b. Other driver C. Injured persons d. Witnesses Make a sketch showing names of streets, positions of cars, and direction of traffic at the time of the accident. Do not argue, accuse, nor give statements to the media or bystanders. 37 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO Do not discuss the. mechanical condition of the vehicle with anyone except Company Supervisory personnel Refer the operator for required drug and alcohol testing in compliance with 49 CFR S 655.44 Post-accident testing, ifthe safety event meets the definition of accident in 49 CFR $655.44. Dispatcher on duty or Route Supervisor will give the Operator an incident report to complete before the Operator leaves that day. Dispatcher will transmit the Operator's report to the Safety & Training Coordinator. The CSO and the Safety & Training Coordinator, working with qualified personnel fromthe respective department, evaluate the incident reports and other available information to determine the root cause of the accident/event. Follow up with driver or other cognizant parties may be necessary to elicit additional information. The CSO identifies any hazards noted in the incident report and refers those hazards to the SRM process. After the accident has been cleared up by law enforcement, an employee shall not leave the scene until released by Dispatcher or Supervisor. It is extremely important that the employee creates a complete, specific, and legible report. The employee must complete and submit the report of the accident by the end of his/her work schedule. A complete, specific, and legible report must be made for every accident or incident, however slight, which occurs on or near: a company vehicle in case of a passenger or pedestrian accident; even if the person involved declines to give his name or states that he is unhurt, a full report should be made. The El Metro Drug and Alcohol Policy (Appendix A) requires that any accidents resulting in a fatality will subject any involved El Metro employee to post-accident drug and alcohol testing. The policy also provides the conditions under which employees will be subject to post-accident drug and alcohol testing following an accident resulting in no fatalities. In addition, the General Rules, Regulations and Policies Employee Handbook contains procedures for how to react to and report other more specific incidents, such as hit and runs, fires on vehicles, and disabled vehicles. MONITORING INTERNAL SAFETY REPORTING PROGRAMS = 673.27(B)(4) As a primary part of the internal safety reporting program, our agency monitors information reported through the ESRP. When a report originating through the complaint process documents a safety hazard, the supervisor submits the hazards identified through the internal reporting process, including previous mitigation in place at the time of the safety event. The supervisor submits the hazard report to the SRM process to be analyzed, evaluated and, if appropriate, assigned for mitgation/resolution. 38 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO OTHER SAFETY ASSURANCE INITIATIVES Because leading indicators can be more useful for safety performance monitoring and measurement than lagging indicators, El Metro is undertaking efforts to implement processes to identify and monitor more leading indicators or conditions that have the potential to become or contribute to negative safety outcomes. This may include trend analysis of environmental conditions through monitoring National Weather Service data; monitoring trends toward or away from meeting the identified SPTs; or other indicators as appropriate. 3. Safety Promotion = 673.27 Management support is essential to developing and implementing SMS. SP includes all aspects of how, why, when and to whom management communicates safety related topics. SP also includes when and how training is provided. The following sections outline both the safety competencies and training that El Metro will implement and how safety related information will be communicated. I, Safety Competencies and Training = 673.29(a) El Metro provides comprehensive training to all employees regarding each employee's job duties and general responsibilities. This training includes safety responsibilities related to the employee's position. In addition, regular Operations and Maintenance safety meetings are held to ensure that safety related information is relayed to the key members of our agency's safety processes. As part of SMS implementation, El Metro will be conducting the following activities: Conduct a thorough review of all current general staff categories (administrative, driver, supervisor, mechanic, maintenance, etc.) and the respective staff safety related- responsibilities. Assess the training requirements spelled out in 49 CFR Part 672 and the various courses required for different positions. (EI Metro is not subject to the requirements under 49 CFR Part 672 but will review the training requirements to understand what training is being required of other larger agencies in the event these trainings might be useful). Assess the training material available on the FTA PTASP Technical Assistance Center website. Review other training material available from industry sources such as the Community Transportation Association of America and the American Public Transportation Association websites. Develop a set of competencies and trainings required to meet the safety related activities for each general staffcategory. Develop expectations for ongoing safety training and safety meetingattendance. Develop a training matrix to track progress on individuals and groups within the organization. 39 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMETRO Adjust job notices associated with general staff categories to ensure that new personnel understand the safety related competencies and training needs and the safety related responsibilities of the job. Include refresher training in all trainings and apply it to agency personnel and contractors. LTMI SMS implementation is important and the CSO is the resource person for providing a corporate perspective on LTMI's approach to safety management. OSHA, FTA, TXDOT and SMS training will be provided to key personnel and all Department Heads. Courses, conferences or training seminars will include but are not limited to: Defensive drivertraining Behind-the-wheel training On-the-job training for maintenance functions Occupational safetytraining Informal staffmeetings Webinars Formal certification from accredited institutions Other forms of training required for employees and contractors designated as "directly responsible for safety" Safety Management training topics may include: Initial Safety Training for All Staff o Basic principles of safety management including the integrated nature of SMS, risk management, safety culture, etc. Corporate safety goals and objectives, safety policy, and safetystandards Importance of complying with the safety policy and SMS procedures, and the approach to disciplinary actions for different safety issues Organizational structure, roles and responsibilities of staff in relationto safety Transit agency's safety record, including areas of systemic weakness Requirements for ongoing internal assessment of organization safety performance (e.g. employee surveys, safety audits, andassessments) Reporting accidents, incidents, and perceived hazards Lines of communication for safety managers Feedback and communication methods for the dissemination of safety information Safety promotion and information dissemination 40 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO Safety Training for Operations and Maintenance! Personnel Unique hazards facing operationapersonne. Seasonal safety hazards and procedures (e.g. winteroperations) Procedures for hazardi reporting Procedures for reporting safety events (accidents andincidents) Emergency procedures De-escalation training Safety Training for Key Personnel and Department Heads Principles of the SMS Management responsibilities and accountabilities for safety Legal issues (e.g. liability) Training for the Chief Safety Officer and Safety & TrainingCoordinator Familiarization with different transit modes, types of operation, routes, etc. Understanding the role of human performance in safety event causation and prevention Operation of the SMS Investigating safety events Crisis management and emergency response planning Safety promotion Communication skills Performing safety audits and assessments Monitoring safety performance National Transit Database (NTD) safety event reportingrequirements II. Safety Communication - 673.29(b) LTMI's SMS Team coordinate LTMI's safety communication activities for the SMS. LTMI's Communication activities focus on the three categories of communication activity established in 49 CFR Part 673 (Part 673): Communicating safety and safety performance information throughout the agency: LTMI communicates information on safety and safety performance in all Safety Planning Advisory Committee meetings and during quarterly SMS Committee Meetings. LTMI also has a permanent agenda item in all Operations and Maintenance Meetings dedicated to safety. Information typically conveyed during these meetings includes safety performance statistics, lessons learned from recent occurrences, upcoming events that may impact LTMI's service or safety performance, and updates regarding SMS implementation. LTMI also requests information from drivers during these meetings, which is recorded in meeting minutes. Finally, LTMI's Safety and Training Coordinator posts safety bulletins and flyers on the bulletin boards located in all bus operator and maintenance technician break rooms, advertising safety messages and promoting awareness of safety issues. 41 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Communicating information on hazards and safety risks relevant to employees' roles and responsibilities throughout the agency: As part of new-hire training, LTMI distributes all respective safety policies and procedures, to all employees. LTMI provides training on these policies and procedures and discusses them during safety talks between Administration, Supervisors, Operators and Maintenance. For newly emerging issues or safety events at the agency, LTMI's Chief Safety Officer issues bulletins or messages to employees that are reinforced by supervisors in using Be Safe or group discussions with employees. Informing employees of safety actions taken in response to reports submitted through the ESRP: LTMI provides targeted communications to inform employees of safety actions taken in response to reports submitted through the ESRP, including handouts and flyers, safety talks, updates to bulletin boards, Safety Planning Advisory Committee meetings, safety meetings, Be Safe and one-on-one discussions between employees and supervisors. El Metro regularly communicates safety and safety performance information throughout our agency's organization that, at a minimum, conveys information on hazards and safety risks relevant to employees' roles and responsibilities and informs employees of safety actions taken in response to reports submitted through the ESRP (noted in Section 3.A.I) or other means. Over the next year, LTMI will have a staff meeting to discuss Safety Communication Processes and Methods. Methods of communication are: New Employee Orientation; Driver's Training; Internal Marketing Strategies; Instructor-Led Training; Safety Meetings; El Metro Toolbox Talk (Safety Bulletin); Safety Planning Advisory Committee; Staff Meetings; Department bulletin boards; Employee handbooks; Safety plans and strategies are communicated throughout the organization to all personnel; and Significant events and investigation outcomes associated with the organization are communicated to all personnel, including contracted organizationswhere appropriate. 42 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMETRO Safety plans and strategies are communicated throughout the organization to all personnel. Organizational roles and duties in SMS are presented and explained to SMS key staff. Significant events and investigation outcomes associated with the LTMI are communicated to all personnel, contracted organizations and the Union where appropriate. El Metro reports any safety related information to the Laredo Mass Transit Board at their regular meetings and will begin including safety performance information. In addition, El Metro holds regularly scheduled meetings with drivers to ensure that any safety related information is passed along that would affect the execution of the drivers' duties. El Metro also posts safety related and other pertinent information in a common room for all employees at all worksites and holds monthly safety and training meetings with all employees. El Metro will begin systematically collecting, cataloging, and, where appropriate, analyzing and reporting safety and performance information to all staff. To determine what information should be reported, how the information should be reported and to whom, EIMetro will answer the following questions: What information does this individual need to do theirjob? How can we ensure the individual understands what is communicated? How can we ensure the individual understands what action must be taken as a result of the information? How can we ensure the information is accurate and keptup-to-date? Are there any privacy or security concerns to consider when sharing information? If SO, what should we do to address these concerns? In addition, El Metro will review our current communications strategies and determine whether others are needed. As part of this effort, El Metro has conducted, and will continue to conduct, a Safety Culture Survey to understand how safety is perceived in the workplace and what areas El Metro should be addressing to fully implement a safety culture at our agency. 5. Safety Reduction Program -= 673.27(a) I. Vehicular and Pedestrian Accidents - Part 673.49 U.S.C 5329 (d)(1)() The safety risk assessment process is use to assess the safety risk associated with vehicular and pedestrian accidents. This program will reduce the risk for transit operations and improve safety by reducing the number and rates of accidents, injuries, and assaults on transit workers based on data submitted to the National Transit Database. The risk reduction program also includes II. Assault on Transit Workers - 49 U.S.C. 5329(d)(1)()(i) As noted in the statue, assault mitigation infrastructure and technology include barriers to restrict the unwanted entry of individuals and objects into the workstations of bus operators. El Metro comprehensive agency safety plan includes.. (I) a risk reduction program including... (ii) the mitigation of assaults on transit workers, including the deployment of assault mitigation infrastructure and technology on buses, including barriers to restrict the unwanted entry of individuals and objects into the workstations of bus operators when a risk analysis performed by the safety committee 43 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO determines that such barriers or other measures would reduce assaults on transit workers and injurres to transit workers. II. Risk Reduction Performance Targets - Part 67 49 U.S.C. 5329(d)(1)(H) El Metro will make SPT's available to the national transit database (NTD)under section 5335. The safety committee will establish a performance targets for the risk reduction program... using a 3-year rolling average of the data submitted by the recipient to the NTD. 6. Public Health - CFR 49 U.S.C. 5329(d)(1)(D) El Metro aim to prevent diseases, disability, and death cause by a wide range of exposure to infectious diseases. Consistent with guidelines oft the center for disease control prevention and or state/local health authority to minimize exposure to infectious diseases, El Metro has in place the Pandemic Response to infectious diseases Plan. Through the process described in the agency's safety plan SMS process, El Metro will continue to identify and implement strategies to minimize the exposure of the public, personnel, and the property to hazards and unsafe conditions though the elimination, prevention, and control of infectious diseases. 7. Appendix A TABLE 8: PTASP SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS File Name Revision Date Accidents Incidents 2018.xlsx 2018 CIRCULATOR C1 Blfold.pdf COA 2015 Report.pdf November, 2005 Customer Reporting Procedures.Pdf July, 2018 Drug and Alcohol Policy.pdf 1/15/2019 El Metro 2016 Transit Develop Appendix C.pdf 2016 EI Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan.pdf 2016 El Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan Appendix A.pdf 2016 EI Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan Appendix B.pdf 2016 El Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan Chapter 1.pdf 2016 El Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan Chapter 2.pdf 2016 EI Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan Chapter 3.pdf 2016 EI Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan Chapter 4.pdf 2016 El Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan Chapter 5.pdf 2016 El Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan Chapter 6.pdf 2016 El Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan Chapter 7.pdf 2016 44 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMETRO File Name Revision Date City of Laredo IST Information Security Response Plan 5.5.2020 4/22/2019 Cybersecurity Training Certification (STV-4918) 8.14.2020 EI Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan Chapter 8.pdf 2016 El Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan Chapter 9.pdf 2016 El Metro 2016 Transit Development Plan Executive Summary.pdf 2016 El Metro Overview.docx El Metro Safety Policy 9 19 2019.doc 9/19/2019 El Metro TAMP Appendix A.pdf El Metro TAMP Appendix B.pdf El Metro TAMP Chapter 1.pdf January, 2017 EI Metro TAMP Chapter 2.pdf January, 2017 EI Metro TAMP Chapter 3.pdf January, 2017 EI Metro TAMP Chapter 4.pdf January, 2017 EI Metro TAMP Chapter 5.pdf January, 2017 El Metro TAMP.Combined.pdr January, 2017 El Metro Vehicle Listing FY 18-19_Updated 6-20.19_Granados Copy.xlsx 6/20/2019 Employee Handbook 8-08-2017 final.docx July, 2017 Ethics and Compliance Program.pdf 7/21/2017 45 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO File Name Revision Date FTA 2018 TRIENNIAL FINAL REPORT.pdf 6/11/2018 Information Security Incident Response Plan.pdf 4/22/2019 Job Descriptions.pdf Laredo EL Metro Asset Inventory 022717.xlsm 2/27/2017 Laredo Mass Transit Board.docx Laredo Transit Management and Teamsters 657 2018-21 CBA.pdf 10/1/2018 Laredo Transit Management, Inc - 2017 Agency Profile.pdf 2017 laredo.MPO_Boundary_Map.pdr December, 2007 LTMI Aerial Platform and Scissor Lift Spore 9-19-19.docx 10/8/2019 LTMI Bloodborne Exposure Contro.Re.19-9.dos June, 2017 LTMI Electrical Safety Program.920.19.docx 10/8/2019 LTMI Emergency Action Plan 9-20-19.docx 10/8/2019 LTMI Employee Accident Incident Investigation and Reporting SOP.docx 3/18/2020 TMILEMPLOYEE_SAFETV/REPORTING_PROGRAM 3 9 2020.docx 3/9/2020 LTMI Fall Protection Poliy_9-20-19.docx 10/8/2019 LTMI Funding Sources.docx 2019 LTMI Hazard Communication.9-20-19.docx 1/1/2015 LTMI Lockout Tagout9-20-19.docx 1/27/2006 LTMI Powered Industrial Truck Spore 9-19-19.docx 9/19/2019 46 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMETRO File Name Revision Date LTMI PPE Polacre 9-19-19.docx 10/8/2019 LTMI Purchasing Policy Revised Oct 2, 2018.Th2018.PDFpde 10/2/2018 LTMI Respiratory Protection Program.920-19docx 10/8/2019 LTML_SAFETY_PERFORMANCE 2 10 2020.xisx 2/10/2020 Maintenance & Facility Plan Updated 8-8-18 _pdf Format (1).pdf 8/8/2018 MOU- LAREDO MPO-TXDOT-TRANSIT - 2018- EXECUTED.pdf 2/20/2018 MPO.pdf EL METRO_ ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 1.8.2021 (3) (2).docx 1/8/2021 Performance Measures.pdf Route 1 Blfold.pdf Route 2A Blfold.pdf Route 2B Blfold.pdf Route 3 Blfold.pdf Route 4 Blfold.pdf Route 5 Blfold.pdf Route 6 Blfold.pdf Route 7 Blfold.pdf Route 8A Blfold.pdf Route 8B Blfold.pdf Route 91 Blfold.pdf Route 10 Blfold.pdf Route 11 Blfold.pdf Route 12A Blfold.pdf Route 12B Blfold.pdf Route 13 Blfold.pdf Route 14 Blfold.pdf Route 15 Blfold.pdf Route 16 Blfold.pdf Route 17 Blfold.pdf 47 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan File Name Revision Date Route 18 Blfold.pdf Route 19 Blfold.pdf Route 20 Blfold.pdf Route C1 Blfold.pdf Route C2 Bifold.pdf Route C3 Blfold.pdf Safety Inspections Audits.pdf SAFETY MANAGEMENT POLICY.docx 3/17/2020 SPAC Meetings.pdf SPAC MEMBERSHIP 5 22 2017 (3).docx 5/24/2017 TAPTCO Training.pdf LTMI Workers' Compensation Policy and Procedure 7.9.2020 EMAND.RESPONSEMIIGATON,MONTORINGFORM57 2020.xlsx MKP.POUTELMITCATONLMNTOANGONMS: 2020.xisx TRANSIT.CENTER_MITIGATON.MONITORING,FORMS7 2020.xlsx MAINTENANCE_DEPARTMENT.MITIGATION_MONITORING_FORMS 7 2020.xisx TML_MITIGATION.FOLOW.UPFORM 8.2020.pdf Laredo EI Matriptase 7 20 2020.docx LTMI Vehicle Anti-Idling Policy 10.15.2021.pdf LTMI Cart, Stroller and Cargo Policy 10.15.2021.pdf LTMI COVID-19 Vaccination Policy 12.24.2021.pdf LTMI COVID-19 Vaccination Policy 11.15.2021.pdf 48 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMETRO A. Glossary of Terms Accident: means an event that involves any of the following: a loss of life; a report of a serious injury to a person; a collision of transit vehicles; an evacuation for life safety reasons; at any location, at any time, whatever the cause. Accountable Executive (typically the highest executive in the agency): means a single, identifiable person who has ultimate responsibility for carrying out the SMS of a public transportation agency, and control or direction over the human and capital resources needed to develop and maintain both the agency's PTASP, in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5329(d), and the agency's TAM Plan in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5326. Agency Leadership and Executive Management: means those members of agency leadership or executive management (other than an Accountable Executive, CSO, or SMS Executive) who have authorities or responsibilities for day-to-day implementation and operation of an agency's SMS. Chief Safety Officer (CSO): means an adequately trained individual who has responsibility for safety and reports directly to a transit agency's chief executive officer, general manager, president, or equivalent officer. A CSO may not serve in other operational or maintenance capacity, unless the CSO is employed by a transit agency that is a small public transportation provider as defined in this part, or a public transportation provider that does not operate a rail fixed guideway public transportation system. Corrective Maintenance:: Specific, unscheduled maintenance typically performed to identify, isolate, and rectify a condition or fault SO that the failed asset or asset component can be restored to a safe operational condition within the tolerances or limits established for in-service operations. Equivalent Authority: means an entity that carries out duties similar to that of a Board of Directors, for a recipient or subrecipient of FTA funds under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53, including sufficient authority to review and approve a recipient or subrecipient's PTASP. Event: means an accident, incident, or occurrence. Federal Transit Administration (FTA): means the Federal Transit Administration, an operating administration within the United States Department of Transportation. Hazard: means any real or potential condition that can cause injury, illness, or death; damage to or loss of the facilities, equipment, rolling stock, or infrastructure of a public transportation system; or damage to the environment. Incident: means an event that involves any of the following: a personal injury that is not a serious injury; one or more injuries requiring medical transport; or damage to facilities, equipment, rolling stock, or infrastructure that disrupts the operations of a transit agency. Investigation: means the process of determining the causal and contributing factors of an accident, incident, or hazard, for the purpose of preventing recurrence and mitigating risk. 49 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO Key staff: means a group of staff or committees to support the Accountable Executive, CSO, or SMS Executive in developing, implementing, and operating the agency's SMS. Major Mechanical Failures: means failures caused by vehicle malfunctions or subpar vehicle condition which requires that the vehicle be pulled from service. National Public Transportation Safety Plan (NSP): means the plan to improve the safety of all public transportation systems that receive Federal financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53. Occurrence: means an event without any personal injury in which any damage to facilities, equipment, rolling stock, or infrastructure does not disrupt the operations of a transit agency. Operator of a Public Transportation System: means a provider of public transportation as defined under 49 U.S.C. 5302(14). Passenger: means a person, other than an operator, who is on board, boarding, or alighting from a vehicle on a public transportation system for the purpose of travel. Performance Measure: means an expression based on a quantifiable indicator of performance or condition that is used to establish targets and to assess progress toward meeting the established targets. Performance Target: means a quantifiable level of performance or condition, expressed as a value for the measure, to be achieved within a time period required by the FTA. Preventative Maintenance: means regular, scheduled, and/or recurring maintenance of assets (equipment and facilities) as required by manufacturer or vendor requirements, typically for the purpose of maintaining assets in satisfactory operating condition. Preventative maintenance is conducted by providing for systematic inspection, detection, and correction of anticipated failures either before they occur or before they develop into major defects. Preventative maintenance is maintenance, including tests, measurements, adjustments, and parts replacement, performed specifically to prevent faults from occurring. The primary goal of preventative maintenance is to avoid or mitigate the consequences of failure ofequipment. Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP): means the documented comprehensive agency safety plan for a transit agency that is required by 49 U.S.C. 5329 and this part. Risk: means the composite of predicted severity and likelihood of the potential effect of a hazard. Risk Mitigation: means a method or methods to eliminate or reduce the effects of hazards. Road Calls: means specific, unscheduled maintenance requiring either the emergency repair or service of a piece of equipment in the field or the towing of the unit to the garage or shop. Safety Assurance (SA): means the process within a transit agency's SMS that functions to ensure the implementation and effectiveness of safety risk mitigation and ensures that the transit agency meets or exceeds its safety objectives through the collection, analysis, and assessment of information. 50 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO Safety Management Policy (SMP): means a transit agency's documented commitment to safety, which defines the transit agency's safety objectives and the accountabilities and responsibilities of the agency's employees regarding safety. Safety Management System (SMS): means the formal, top-down, data-driven, organization-wide approach to managing safety risk and assuring the effectiveness of a transit agency's safety risk mitigation. SMS includes systematic procedures, practices, and policies for managing risks and hazards. Safety Management System (SMS) Executive: means a CSO or anequivalent. Safety Objective: means a general goal or desired outcome related tosafety. Safety Performance: means an organization's safety effectiveness and efficiency, as defined by safety performance indicators and targets, measured against the organization's safety objectives. Safety Performance Indicator: means a data-driven, quantifiable parameter used for monitoring and assessing safety performance. Safety Performance Measure: means an expression based on a quantifiable indicator of performance or condition that is used to establish targets and to assess progress toward meeting the established targets. Safety Performance Monitoring: means activities aimed at the quantification of an organization's safety effectiveness and efficiency during service delivery operations, through a combination of safety performance indicators and safety performance targets. Safety Performance Target (SPT): means a quantifiable level of performance or condition, expressed as a value for a given performance measure, achieved over a specified timeframe related to safety management activities. Safety Promotion (SP): means a combination of training and communication of safety information to support SMS as applied to the transit agency's public transportation system. Safety Risk: means the assessed probability and severity of the potential consequence(s) of a hazard, using as reference the worst foreseeable, but credible, outcome. Safety Risk Assessment: means the formal activity whereby a transit agency determines SRM priorities by establishing the significance or value of its safety risks. Safety Risk Management (SRM): means a process within a transit agency's Safety Plan for identifying hazards, assessing the hazards, and mitigating safety risk. Safety Risk Mitigation: means the activities whereby a public transportation agency controls the probability or severity of the potential consequences of hazards. Safety Risk Probability: means the likelihood that a consequence might occur, taking as reference the worst foreseeable, but credible, condition. 51 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMETRO Safety Risk Severity: means the anticipated effects of a consequence, should the consequence materialize, taking as reference the worst foreseeable, but credible, condition. Serious Injury: means any injury which: Requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours, commencing within seven days from the date that the injury was received; Results in a fracture of any bone (except simple fractures of fingers, toes, or nose); Causes severe hemorrhages, nerve, muscle, or tendon damage; Involves any internal organ; or Involves second- or third-degree burns, or any burns affecting more than 5 percent of the body surface. Small Public Transportation Provider: means a recipient or subrecipient of Federal financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. 5307 that has one hundred (100) or fewer vehicles in peak revenue service and does not operate a rail fixed guideway public transportation system. State: means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Territories of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. State of Good Repair: means the condition in which a capital asset is able to operate at a full level of performance. State Safety Oversight Agency: means an agency established by a State that meets the requirements and performs the functions specified by 49 U.S.C. 5329(e) and the regulations set forth in 49 CFR part 674. Transit Agency: means an operator of a public transportation system. Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan: means the strategic and systematic practice of procuring, operating, inspecting, maintaining, renabilitating, and replacing transit capital assets to manage their performance, risks, and costs over their life cycles, for the purpose of providing safe, cost-effective, and reliable public transportation, as required by 49 U.S.C. 5326 and 49 CFR part 625. Vehicle Revenue Miles (VRM): means the miles that vehicles are scheduled to or actually travel while in revenue service. Vehicle revenue miles include layover/recovery time and exclude deadhead; operator training; vehicle maintenance testing; and school bus and charter services. 52 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan B. Additional Acronyms Used ASP: Agency Safety Plan El Metro: Laredo Transit Management, Inc./EI Metro Transit, City of Laredo, Texas ESRP: Employee Safety Reporting Program FAST Act: Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act LTMI: Laredo Transit Management, Inc. MAP-21: Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act MOU: Memorandum of Understanding MPO: Metropolitan Planning Organization NTD: National Transit Database OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration SOP: Standard Operating Procedure SPAC: Safety Planning Advisory Committee TxDOT: Texas Department of Transportation 53 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO 8. APPENDIX B A. City Council/Board Minutes or Resolution 54 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan ELMERO 55 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan B. Record of Changes The following table, Table 3, will be used to record final changes made to the ASP during the annual update. This table will be a permanent record of the changes to the ASP over time. TABLE 9: ASP RECORD OF CHANGES Document Reviewer Name Date of Change Version Section/Pages Changed Reason for Change Version 1 Whole Document Initial Version Adrian Chavera April 14, 2020 Version 2 Cover Page Changed color Header and footer Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Version 2 Table of Contents/Page 2 Updated Page Numbers Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Version 2 List of Figures /Page 3 Replaced "Matrix" with "Matrices" and Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 also added "Safety Risk Acceptance Actions" also Updated Page Numbers. Version 2 List of Tables/ Page 3 Added table 5 and moved record of Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 changes to the end due to the long changes. I also updated the page numbers. Version 2 Executive Summary/ Page 4 Changed management to Leadership. Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Version 2 Executive Summary/ Page 4 Capitalized administration and Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 operations. Version 2 Section 1. Executive Summary/ "the Texas Department of Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Page 4 Transportation (TXDOT) has developed the initial Agency Safety Plan (ASP) in collaboration with Laredo Transit Management, Inc. and the Laredo Transit Management, Inc. hasupdated the initial Agency Safety Plan to develop the second version of the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan in collaboration with the City of Laredo and the Laredo Mass Transit Board with fiduciary responsibilityfor (LTMI)". Version 2 Section B/Page 5 Added this section "In addition, El Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Metro will certify compliance with the PTASP regulation through FTA's Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) and the annual Certifications and Assurances process.' I Version 2 Section 1/Page 6 Changed "two" to "three" Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Version 2 Table 1. Agency Changed color scheme for all tables to Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Information/Page 7 match our brand. Version 2 Table 1. Agency Information, Added Monica Garcia, AGM of Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 page 7 Administration/PIO 56 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Document Section/Pages Changed Reason for Change Reviewer Name Date of Change Version Version 2 Table 1. Agency Added Arturo Trevino as a Key Staff Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Information/Page 7 member for safety. Version 2 Figure 1/Page 8 Added revised LTMI Organizational Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Chart. Version 2 Section 3.A/Page 10 Signature line has been added for the Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Safety Management Policy Statement. Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Changed from "an" to "the" and added Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting Program/ Page 11 "LTMI". Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Changed "the" to "their" and Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting Program/Page 11 capitalized Supervisors. Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Changed "head" to "leadership" Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting Program/Page 11 Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Added the "LTMI Employee Safety Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting Program/Page 11 Hazard Reporting Form (Appendix AY". Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Removed "Over the next year" and Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting Program/Page 11 added "During the annual review". Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Removed "In order to implement "and Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting Program, last put "LTMI Employee Safety Reporting paragraph/Page 11 Program Implementation" Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Removed "The procedures will also be Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting Program/ Page 11 provided to the union" and put "The LTMI Employee Safety Reporting Program was forwarded, via certified mail, to the Union" Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Removed "The procedures will also Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting Program/Page 11 be provided to the union" and added "On march 23, 2020, EI Metro forwarded the LTMI Employee Safety Reporting Program and memo, via certified mail, to the Union" Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Removed "will also spell out" and put Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting program/Page 12 "also includes" Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Added afforded "to" employees Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting program, 1st paragraph, 3rd sentence/Page 12 Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Removed "will" and added an "s" to Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting program, 1st the word "describe". paragraph, 3rd sentence/Page 12 Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Removed "will" and added an "s"to Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting program, 1st the word "elaborate". Paragraph/ Page 12 57 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Document Reviewer Name Date of Change Version Section/Pages Changed Reason for Change Version 2 Section I. Employee Safety Removed "also" and put "continue to". Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Reporting program, 2nd Paragraph/ Page 12 Version 2 Section II. Communicating the Added "LTMI initiated the Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Policy Throughout the Agency, communication on August 4, 2020 to 1st, paragraph/ Page 12 all Executive Leadership, Administration, All Department Leadership and Route Supervisors" Version 2 Section II. Communicating the Added Email and WebEx webinar to Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Policy Throughout the Agency, possible methods of communicating. Page 13 Version 2 Section B., Page 13 Removed "Laredo Urban Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Transportation Study" and put "Laredo & Webb county Area Metropolitan Planning Organization". Version 2 Section B/Page 13 Removed "conducts a yearly" and Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 added "conducted a" Version 2 Section B/ Page 14 Added date "October 28, 2019" for Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 documentation purposes. Version 2 Section C/Page 15 Revised timeline and deadlines. Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Version 2 Section C/Page 15 New location of the Record of changes. Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Version 2 Section F/Page 16 Changed Table Numbers because I Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 moved the ASP Record of Changes to the end. So, they start at 3 and end at 9. All pages were updated as well in the list of tables. Version 2 Table 4/Page 16 Updated Baseline data for 2020 Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Version 2 Table 5/Page 17 Added 5-year Safety Performance Data Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 so, people can see where I get the baseline. Version 2 Section F/Page 18 Updated the statement on setting Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Safety Performance Targets. Version 2 Table 6., Page 18 Updated data for 2020 baseline and Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 2021 targets. Version 2 Table 6/Page 18 Updated data for 2020 baseline and Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 2021 targets. Version 2 Section G/Page 19. Removed "Laredo Urban Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Transportation Study and added "Laredo & Webb county Area Metropolitan Planning Organization". Version 2 Section A. Safety Risk Revised all Processes. Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Management, Section B. Safety Assurance and Section C.Safety Promotion/ Page 21 to 43 Version 2 Figure 4/Page 22 Updated Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 58 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Document Reviewer Name Date of Change Section/Pages Changed Reason for Change Version Version 2 Section I. Safety Hazard Hazard Investigation forms inserted. Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Identification/Page 24 Version 2 Figure 5/Page 28 Updated Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Version 2 Figure 6 and 7/Page 29,30 and Updated Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 31 Version 2 Table 8 PTASP Supporting Added Cyber Security Training and Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Documents/Page 45 Certification 8.14.2020, Version 2 Table 8. PTASP Supporting Added LTMI Workers' Compensation Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Documents, Page 48 Policy and Procedure 7.9.2020. Version 2 Table 8. PTASP Supporting Added Demand Response Mitigation Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Documents, Page 48 Monitoring Forms 7.2020. Version 2 Table 8. PTASP Supporting Added fixed Route Mitigation Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Documents, Page 48 Monitoring Forms 7.2020. Version 2 Table 8. PTASP Supporting Added Transit Center Mitigation Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Documents, Page 48 Monitoring Forms 7.2020. Version 2 Table 8. PTASP Supporting Added Maintenance Department Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Documents, Page 48 Mitigation Monitoring Forms 7.2020. Version 2 Table 8. PTASP Supporting Added LTMI Mitigation Follow up Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 Documents, Page 48 form 7.2020. Version 2 Table 8. PTASP Supporting Added Laredo El Metro PTASP 7 20 Adrian Chavera February 5, 2021 documents, Page 48 2020 document. Document Section/Pages Changed Reason for change Reviewer Name Date of Change Version Version 3 Title Page, Page 1 Updated Version 2 to Version 3 Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Version 3 Title Page, Page 1 Added Mass Transit Board Approved Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Plan date 03-21-2022 Version 3 Section 1. Executive Fourth paragraph, removed the word Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Summary, Page 4 second, and added third. Version 3 Section 1. Part A. Plan Removed, General Manager, Claudia Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Adoption, Page 5 San Miguel; Added New General Manager, Robert J. Garza. Version 3 Section 1. Part A. Plan Approval date and Resolution No. Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Adoption, Page 5 Updated Version 3 Section 1. Part B. Certification; Date of Certification updated Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 of Compliance, Page 5 Version 3 Section 2. Transit Agency Changed "First Transit" to HTG Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Information, Page 6 (Hendrickson Transportation Group) Version 3 Section 2. Transit Agency Second paragraph, Re-worded last Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Information, Page 6 sentence, "The El Metro main office/transfer center is located at 1301 Farragut St., Laredo, TX78040" to. 59 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Document Section/Pages Changed Reason for change Reviewer Name Date of Change Version Version 3 Section 2. Transit Agency Cont. "The El Metro main office is Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Intormation, Page 6 located at Transit Center, 1301 Farragut 3rd Floor, Laredo, TX 78040". Version 3 Section 2. Transit Agency Second to last paragraph, Changed Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Information, Page 6 "First Transit" to "HTG". Version 3 Section 2. Agency Changed "Assistant General Manager Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Information, Page 6 of Maintenance and Facilities" to "Assistant General Manager of Operations and Maintenance" Version 3 Section 2. Transit Agency Removed "Mobility Manager Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Information Page 6 Version 3 Section 2. Table 1. Agency Changed Accountable Executive Sergio Gomez February 22,2022 Information, Page 7 "Claudia San Miguel" To "Robert J. Garza" Version 3 Section 2. Table 1. Agency Changed "Adrian Chavera" to "Sergio Sergio Gomez February 22,2022 Information, Page 7 Gomez" Version 3 Section 2. Table 1. Agency Update Key staff title "AGM of Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Information, Page 7 Operation and Facilities" to "AGM of Operation and Maintenance u Version 3 Section 2. Figure 1. El Metro Revised Organizational Chart Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Organizational Chart, Page 8 Version 3 Section 3. Safety Policies and Changed El Metro General Manager Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Procedures, Page 10 "Claudia San Miguel" To Robert J. Garza" Version 3 Section 3. Table 2. ASP Updated Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Annual Timeline, Page 14-15 Version 3 Section. 3. Table 4. Baseline Updated Baseline year on table 4. Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Safety Performance "2020" to "2021" Measures, Page 16 Version 3 Section 3. Table 5. Safety Updated 5 Year Safety Performance Sergio Gomez February 22. 2022 Performance Measures, Page Table for El Metro by Mode of Service 17 Chart Version 3 Section 3. Table 6. Safety Updated Safety Performance Targets Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Performance Measures, Page for Fix Routes 18 Version 3 Section 3. Table 7. Safety Updated Safety Performance Targets Sergio Gomez February 22, 2022 Performance Measures, Page for On Demand Response 18 Document Section/Pages Changed Reason for change Reviewer Name Date of Change Version Version 4 Title Page, Page 1 Updated Version 3 to Version 4 Sergio Gomez Dec. 30, 2022 Version 4 Title Page, Page 1 Updated adoption date Sergio Gomez Dec. 30, 2022 Version 4 Section 1 Executive Summary, Fourth paragraph, change the word Sergio Gomez Dec. 30, 2022 Page 4 Third to Fourth 60 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Document Section/Pages Changed Reason for change Reviewer Name Date of Change Version Version 4 Section 1 Part. A. Plan Accountable Executive signature and Feb 02, 2023 Adoption, Page 5 Date, Updated Sergio Gomez Version 4 Section 1 Part A Plan City Counci/Mass Transit Board Feb 02, 2023 Adoption, Page 5 Approval Date and Resolution No., Sergio Gomez updated Version 4 Section 1., Part B. Certification Certification of Compliance Date: Feb 02, 2023 of Compliance, Page 5 Updated Sergio Gomez Version 4 Section 2 Transit Agency Changed "HTG" to Hendrickson Feb 02, 2023 Information, 1st paragraph, Transportation Group, Inc Sergio Gomez Page 6 Version 4 Section 2 Transit Agency Added "ST." to 1301 Farragut Feb 02, 2023 Information, 2nd paragraph, Sergio Gomez Page 6 Version 4 Section 2 Transit Agency Updated Management Team Members Feb 02, 2023 Information, 4th paragraph, Sergio Gomez Page 6 Version 4 Section 2. Table 1, Agency Removed 5311 as an FTA Funding Type Feb 02, 2023 Information, Page 7 Sergio Gomez Version 4 Section 2, Figure 1. El Metro Updated Organizational Chart Feb 02, 2023 Organizational Chart, Page 8 Sergio Gomez Version 4 Section 2. Part A. Authorities Removed "over the next year" also, Feb 02, 2023 and Responsibilities, Page 9 replaced Payroll and Benefits Sergio Gomez Coordinator with Human Resources Version 4 Section 3. Safety Policies and Added new approval signature and Feb 02, 2023 Procedures, Part A. Page 10 date of effectiveness Sergio Gomez Version 4 Section 3. Part 1 Employee Added "ESRP" abbreviation to the end Feb 02, 2023 Safety Reporting Program, of Employee Safety Reporting Program Sergio Gomez Page 11 Version 4 Section 3 Part II. Added "SPAC" abbreviation to the Feb 02, 2023 Communicating the Policy term Safety Planning Advisory Sergio Gomez Throughout the Agency last Committee. Paragraph, Page 13 Version 4 Section 3 Part C. PTASP Added: SPAC will approve ASP and any Feb 02, 2023 Annual Review, Table 2. ASP updates Sergio Gomez Timeline, Page 14 Version 4 Section 3 Part D.Safety FTA: New Requirement March 20, 2023 Committee Pg.14 Safety Committee (SPAC) Sergio Gomez Version 4 Section 3 Part C., Annual Added; February 1 to March 5, (SPAC) Feb 02, 2023 Review timeline last approve ASP and updates Sergio Gomez Paragraph page 15 61 El Metro Transit Agency Safety Plan Document Section/Pages Changed Reason for change Reviewer Name Date of Change Version Version 4 Section 3 Part F.: Safety Update Baseline year on Feb 02, 2023 Performance. Targets, Page 16 Table 4. "2022" to "2023" Sergio Gomez Table 4. Version 4 Section 3. Table 6. Safety Updated Safety Performance Targets Sergio Gomez Feb 02, 2023 Performance Measures, Page for Fix Route 18 Version 4 Section 5 Risk Reduction FTA: New Requirement Safety Risk Sergio Gomez March 20, 2023 Program Pg. 28 Reduction Program: Vehicular and Pedestrian Accidents Version 4 Section 5 Risk Reduction FTA: New Requirement Safety Risk Sergio Gomez March 20, 2023 Program Pg. 28 Reduction Program: Assault on Transit Workers Version 4 Section 5 Risk Reduction FTA: New Requirement Safety Risk Sergio Gomez March 20, 2023 Program Pg. 28 Reduction Performance Targets Version 4 Section 3. Table 7. Safety Updated Safety Performance Targets Performance Measures, Page for Demand Response Sergio Gomez Feb 02, 2023 18 Version 4 Section 4-part 1 Safety FTA: New Requirement de-escalation Competency and Training training added. Sergio Gomez March 20, 2023 Pg.41 Version 4 Section 4 Part 5 Public Health FTA: New Requirement Sergio Gomez March 20, 2023 Pg.43 Plan to minimize exposure to infectious disease Version 4 Section 6 Appendix A Table 8 Added Bifold. Pdf for C1, C2 Pg.44 and C3. Sergio Gomez Feb 02, 2023 62 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.D. Discussion with possible action on the Hachar-Reuthinger Road project. (Attached: Hachar-Reuthinger Road Presentation from March 22, 2023 Policy Committee meeting.) MAGEM CMeCGM Hachar-Reuthinger Road From FM 1472 (Mines Road) To IH 35 Frontage Rd March 22, 2023 Hachar-Reuthinger Road = Project Schedule (Original - November 2022) Milestone TxDOT City of Laredo 2023 2024 J F M A M J J A S N J F M A M J J A ROW Complete ROW Mapping/Property Descriptions (by TXDOT) ROW Appraisals and Acquisition (4 months) Final TxDOT Review ROW CLEARANCE UTILITIES Selection of Utilities Consultant and authorization of Interim City Manager to negotiate, award and execute a contract Complete Utility Investigation and Conflict Resolution Complete Relocation Design & Agreements Complete Utility Relocation UTILITY CLEARANCE PS&E (PLAN DEVELOPMENT) 30% Submittal 60% Submittal 100% Submittal READY TO LET LETTING ROADWAY TRANSFER Develop agreement for roadway transfer between City of Laredo and TxDOT Commission approval ROADWAY TRANSFER COMPLETE HacharReuthinger Road March 22, 2023 2 Hachar-Reuthinger Road - Project Schedule (March 2023) Milestone TxDOT City of Laredo Completed Tasks In Progress Updated Updated Updated 2023 2024 J F M A M J J A S o N J F M A M J J A ROW Complete ROW Mapping/Property Descriptions (by TXDOT) ON SCHEDULE - ROW Appraisals and Acquisition (4 months) NO DELAYS Final TxDOT Review ROW CLEARANCE UTILITIES Selection of Utilities Consultant and authorization of Interim City Manager to negotiate, award and execute a contract ON SCHEDULE = Complete Utility Investigation and Conflict Resolution COORDINATION ONGOING Complete Relocation Design & Agreements Complete Utility Relocation UTILITY CLEARANCE PS&E (PLAN DEVELOPMENT) 30% Submittal ONGOING = UPDATED 60% Submittal LETTING DATE FOR 60% Resubmittal (switch to 4-lane divided design). ULTIMATE DESIGN 90% Submittal 100% Submittal READY TO LET LETTING ROADWAY TRANSFER Develop agreement for roadway transfer between City of Laredo and TxDOT ONGOING - Commission approval AHEAD OF ROADWAY TRANSFER COMPLETE SCHEDULE HacharReuthinger Road March 22, 2023 3 Hachar-Reuthinger Road = Project Update ROW L- Final revision for Parcels 6, 7, & 8 was submitted to City 3/20/2023 City received Property owner response for Parcels 1 to 5; Ready to begin discussion TxDOT is pending City response regarding Parcel 7 & 8 Utilities TxDOT & City consultants held utility kickoff meeting 3/10/2023. City to provide additional update information and Utility Schedule. PS&E (Plan Development) L- 60% Plan submittal scheduled for mid April. (Modified 3A Option) Negotiations are underway for Contract amendment to complete the 4-lane divided highway design. Approval anticipated by end of April 2023. 60% Resubmittal scheduled for July 2023; final plans by December 2023 Project "Ready to Let" January 2024 with proposed letting date of April 2024 (with ability to accelerate if feasible) Roadway Transfer City and TxDOT reached agreement on terms of roadway transfer to bring Hachar- Reuthinger road on State system. Minute Order submitted in February 2023. Pending final Commission approval. Targeting Aug 2023 STIP revision. HacharReuthinger Road March 22, 2023 4 "Ready to Let" definition MEMO March 2016 e Darkt Bgnes Fron Wank Hse, PE CefEyns Subpct: Maaty mupmypatassnl for Cere don Projads As - cerive taniings bwverd tsirpo tN hur - e 1d pstat pecpee a ds Tes and E - rowin ai bya a s dy a centy n ha patigen gen wn P s - oMionse o - on order gag and Beter urorre Pa ne pct drnkpment oes. - The o - - - er d gh - : an or e and prid gent M de de an s e a a essential our - is that standard o It performance for 'ready to let' be elevated and defined to a VR projects n - an C ng ensure consistency in letting to meet our detailed ens sives project preparation Therefore, our goal. through a an a on attended offices a workshops district and division the to Let" definition outlined below hcs by Ready as - a ons M was and - developed be construction gaso p will implemented on all projects effective immediately. - a ENV cleared and ENV mitigation complete (cleared sufficiently to proceed into construction without delays) The - y ssues > ENV permits secured (cleared sufficiently to proceed into construction without delays) > ROW cleared (cleared sufficiently to proceed into construction without delays) > 100% PS&E (includes completed and approved schematic) Project agreements in place (includes local funding being received or an amount sufficiently received to proceed into construction without delays) Pe o share e nd del nos n Railroad coordination complete and e e agreement in t place - MF ang ee - y phas ne ng ow por a Utility agreements in place and relocations in progress (cleared sufficiently to proceed Your ont 1s coly n hi Thark k - became best into construction without delays) The above and any other remaining issues to be cleared in < 3 months CC: Man E. Eo nan PE - Dsser d Ergi SG e Dired - e Direc Covevdis on Dw Rane Order Duge OMaion - a de trwsenwal Ms Dsion lan Ragin CPA Oireciss Firerce OMsion Carro M on CM Drec UES Mey Ds Drvet ie Oper - a Disen E Lan Oerduna, à n p0GSOSP Pwrignogunt ring DMs HacharReuthinger Road March 22, 2023 5 Hachar-Reuthinger Road = ROW Need TOTAL ACREAGE PROPERTY OWNER PARCEL ID PARCEL NUMBER ACREAGE BY PARCEL N D HACHAR ESTATE TRUST P00067425.001 1 2.643 2.643 N D HACHAR ESTATE TRUST P00067426.001 2F PART1 1 241.62 241.8178 N D HACHAR ESTATE TRUST P00067426.002 2PART2 0.1978 N D HACHAR ESTATE TRUST P00071437.001 5 18.49 18.49 FM 1472 INVESTMENTS INC P00069080.001 3PART1 1 0.0009 0.2367 FM 1472 INVESTMENTS INC P00069080.002 3 PART 2 0.2358 INDRA INC P00071436.001 4 PART 1 0.212 0.6096 INDRA INC P00071436.002 4 PART 2 0.3257 INDRA INC P00071436.003 4 PART 3 0.0719 REUTHINGER LIVING TRUST P00067424.001 6 213.81 213.81 NORTH LAREDO INDUSTRIAL PARK LTD P00073562.001 7 0.5528 0.5528 NORTH LAREDO INDUSTRIAL PARK LTD P00071438.001 8F PART1 0.5664 1.3682 NORTH LAREDO INDUSTRIAL PARK LTD P00071438.002 8 PART 2 0.6152 NORTH LAREDO INDUSTRIAL PARK LTD P00071438.003 8PART 3 0.1866 479.528 Parcel information as submitted to City of Laredo from TxDOT For Parcels 1 = 5, communication regarding acquisition has commenced For Parcel 7 & 8, the acquisition process for acreage identified will not impact the project development schedule nor delay the letting of the project. HacharReuthinger Road March 22, 2023 6 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.E. Discussion with possible action on the U.S Customs and Border Protection proposed road along the Rio Grande as it relates to the River Road project and other future mobility projects in the region. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item V.A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). O ) - Mobility WC-CL RMA May 2023 Status Report to LWCAMPO 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 is complete. Construction of the traffic signal is also complete. The traffic signal is fully operational, and traffic is now utilizing the new turn lanes on FM 1472 and Killam Industrial Blvd. The main outstanding components are the sidewalk and driveways at the far north end of the project and should be complete by next week, May 12th. Part of the reason for the slow completion for these last items is due to the lack of availability of concrete in the area. Project is 98% complete and substantial completion is scheduled for end of May 2023. 2. Los Presidentes (Cuatro Vientos to Brownwood) - Traffic is now operating on the project. The final outstanding items are the lighting. Awaiting the final Construction Change Order to balance the quantities and record drawings. Project is 99+% Complete. 3. Loop 20 South (Cuatro Vientos) Acceleration/ Deceleration Lane Project -Currently closing out records drawings. Project is 99+% Complete. 4. Springfield Phase III - Final walkthrough of the project occurred on 12/9/22. The Shiloh Traffic Signal is complete. The lighting is scheduled for completion by May. Project is 95% Complete. 5. Webb County Fair Grounds TIA - The TIA report is complete. The WC-CL RMA stands ready to provide a presentation to the County at their request. 6. River Road Corridor Study - The traffic analysis, cost estimating, report development and presentation is complete. An overview of the study will be provided in May to the Laredo Economic Development corporation and the Laredo and Webb County MPO at a later date. 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 application to develop an action to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. On the 30th of January, the RMA was informed by US Congressman Cuellar's Office that the grant was approved for $1.6M. A formal announcement by Congressman Cuellar was conducted at City Hall on 2/21/23. The RMA is coordinating with the FHWA for the completion of the draft Grant Agreement. Upon completion, the WC-CL RMA will work with the City of Laredo for the execution of an Inter Local Agreement for the sharing of the local funding match for the grant. The Study effort is anticipated to commence in September 2023. 8. Vallecillo Road - In the August MPO Policy Committee meeting, funding for construction of the project was concluded. After the dedication of $16.5M dollars of Category 7 funds from the MPO, US Congressman Henry Cuellar has pledged $3M of federal earmark funds. These monies are in addition to the $16.24M dedicated to the project by the RMA, City of Laredo and the Killam Company. Congressman Cuellar had aj joint press conference with the City and State officials to announce the funding of the project. Approval of the $3M funds were included as part of the Omnibus Bill that was approved by Congress at the end of December 2022. The RMA received the draft AFA from TxDOT on 3/2/23. The RMA Board of Directors approved the AFA on April 4, 2023. Chairman Brown signed the AFA on 4/11/23. AFA with TxDOT is fully executed. Contract agreements between City of Laredo and Killam Development is ongoing. 9. Concord Hills (Wormser Road/ Lomas Del Sur to Los Presidentes) - Similar to the Los Presidentes project, the WC-CL 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 of Laredo. The WC-CL RMA has committed $1 million to the development oft 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 sponsorship and implementation are subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement between the City of Laredo and the WC-CL RMA. The WC-CL RMA is working with the City of Laredo to finalize the construction cost estimate for the project and complete the Inter Local Agreement for the project. 10. Springfield Phase I, II, and IV - Similar to 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 of the project. The sponsorship and implementation are subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement between the City of Laredo and the WC-CL RMA. The WC-CL RMA is working with the City of Laredo to finalize the construction cost estimate for the project and complete the Inter Local Agreement for the project. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item VI. Director's Comments LAREDO WEBB WY & COUNTY & AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Director's Report May 17, 2023 1. We would like to welcome and introduce our newest MPO team member, Eduardo Bernal, Planner III. He brings over 23 years of experience at El Metro Transit in planning, operations, project management, public relations, and grant writing. Additionally, he has served as a representative of EI Metro on the MPO Technical Committee for many years. We are glad to have him join our team and look forward to his contributions. 2. The next Texas Transportation Commission Meeting will be held on May 25, 2023. The draft list of projects for the 2024 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) is expected to be presented at a Texas Transportation Commission meeting in June. Staff will continue monitoring upcoming meetings and agendas for items pertinent to the MPO and/or the Laredo and Webb County area. Upcoming meetings and agendas can be found on the following link: https//www.txdotxdotgov/abour/leadershp/lexas-tras-transportation- commison/meeting.datingdatesapendas.htm! . 3. The TxDOT Border Trade Advisory Committee (BTAC) meeting was held in Laredo on April 20, 2023. MPO staff as well as Technical and Policy Committee members were in attendance. BTAC provides a forum for the exchange of communications between the Texas Transportation Commission, TxDOT, the governor, and committee members representing border trade interests. The next meeting will be held in the Rio Grande Valley on August 22, 2023. 4. On May 2nd, / 2023, MPO staff met with our FHWA representative, Mr. Kirk Fauver, during an informal visit. The MPO team provided an update on our ongoing planning activities and projects. Ms. Sara Garza, our TxDOT field representative was also in attendance. 5. May is National Bike Month = The City of Laredo and the MPO Active Transportation Committee held a proclamation ceremony on May 3rd, 2023 proclaiming May as National Bike Month in Laredo. Aligned with the MPO's mission and efforts of the Active Transportation Committee, we continue to advocate for safe, accessible, and alternate modes of transportation. 6. Upcoming regularly scheduled meetings: Active Transportation Committee = May 31, 2023 Technical Committee - June 13, 2023 Policy Committee - June 21, 2023 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item VII.A. Request for Executive Session regarding personnel matters pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to establish an annual salary amount for the full-time MPO Director, return to open session for possible action, and any other matters incident thereto. Source: Excerpt from 2017 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration publication titled MPOStaffing and Organizationa!: Structures. Link to full publication: htps//wwwplamningdotgpv/Cocumems/MPOSatmgamd.ond.OrgStructurespdr Table 6-12 MPO Director Pay Ranges by MPO Population Planning Area Population Mean Minimum Mean Maximum All MPOS $84,609 $114,026 Less than 100,000 $75,158 $93,612 100,000-200,000 $78,016 $102,070 200,000-500,000 $81,705 $114,780 500,000-1,000,000 $95,333 $131,542 1,000,000 and over $114,563 $154,656 The strongest predictor of MPO director salary is the size of the MPO staff. Table 6-13 summarizes the pay of directors at MPOS by the number of total employees. Directors with more than twenty employees receive the highest compensation. Table 6-13 MPO Director. Pay Ranges by MPO Staff Size Staff Size Mean Minimum Mean Maximum All MPOs $84,609 $114,026 3 or less $73,893 $91,523 4 to 9 $80,745 $107,802 10 to 20 $95,473 $131,019 20 or more $107,609 $150,957 Senior Managers Senior managers were defined as individuals who direct major components of the MPO operation and supervise multiple employees. Over 70 percent of MPOS reported at least one senior manager, and most could respond with salary information for those positions. Senior managers earn substantially less than the MPO director, but some top senior managers earn six- figure incomes. Among all MPOs, senior managers earn an average minimum salary of $64,508 and an average maximum of $90,887. As with MPO directors, salaries are higher at MPOS with larger populations, large staff sizes, and an independent staffing structure. Table 6-14 shows the descriptive statistics of the reported values for Senior Managers. 6-11 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item VIII. Adjournment