0 - 1.20.2022 Full Commission_Executive Board Meeting packet

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION FULL COMMISSION MEETING

January 20, 2022, at 9:00 A.M.

NIRPC Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road, Portage

Annotated Agenda

6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219) 763-6060

www.nirpc.org

1.0 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance - George Topoll

2.0 New Appointments to the Commission - Attorney Dave Hollenbeck

3.0 Roll Call and Approval of the Minutes of the November 18, 2021, Full Commission Meeting (pp. 1-4)

ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

4.0 Presentation of Norman E. Tufford Award – Ty Warner

2021 NIRPC Annual Report – Ty Warner
Staff Recognition

Officers & Executive Board for 2022 - George Topoll
Report of Nominating Committee
Election of Officers & Executive Board (p. 5)
ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
Exchange of Gavel
2022 NIRPC Commission Meeting Dates (p. 6)

7.0 NIRPC MPO Certification Review Update – FHWA and FTA

Consent Agenda
Finance and Personnel Committee - Greg Stinson (pp. 7-25)
1. NIRPC Resolution #22-01: Calendar Year 2022 Budget (pp. 9-20)
  ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
2. New Three-Year Executive Director Employment Agreement (pp. 21-24)
  ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
3. RDG Planning & Design Contract for 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan – Active Transportation Element available separately
  ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
Technical Planning Committee - Kevin Breitzke (pp. 25-44)
1. Resolution #22-02: Old Plank Road Memorandum of Understanding Approval between NIRPC and Village of Sauk Village (pp. 27-31)
  ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
2. Public Comment Report on the FY 2020-2024 & 2022-2026 TIP Amendment 22-03 & 22-03.5 (p. 32)
  ACTION REQUESTED: Informational
  8.2.3 Resolution #22-03: FY 2020-2024 & FY 2022-2026 TIP Amendment 22-03 (pp. 33-34)
  TIP amendment document available separately
  ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
  8.2.4 Resolution #22-04: FY 2020-2024 & FY 2022-2026 TIP Amendment 22-03.5 (pp. 35-40)
  ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
  8.2.5 Resolution #22-05: 2021-2022 UPWP Amendment #5, FY 2022 Update (pp. 41-44)
  ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
Legislative Committee
1. Resolution #22-06: American Discovery Trail – Justin Kiel (pp. 45-46)

ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

9.0 NIRPC Economic Development District Report - Denarie Kane

10.0 Presentation on RAISE Grant Award – Mitch Barloga

11.0 INDOT, Matt Deitchley, La Porte District Deputy Commissioner

12.0 Other Business

13.0 Announcements

Adjournment

NIRPC Full Commission Meeting

Electronic Meeting via Zoom November 18, 2021 Minutes

Call to Order

Chairman, George Topoll, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

This meeting was convened as an electronic meeting, in accordance with House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1437 as incorporated into Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 21-13. All persons were meeting remotely on a Zoom platform that allowed for real time interaction and supported the public’s ability to observe and record the proceedings. When the agenda item provided for public comment, this was supported as well.

New Appointments to the Commission

Dave Hollenbeck announced there were no new appointments to the Commission. Roll call - Taken by Candice Eklund.

Present

The 28 Commissioners present at the meeting included Duane Arndt (Kingsford Heights), Jeanette Bapst (Dune Acres), Janet Beck (Pottawattomie Park), Geof Benson (Beverly Shores), Kevin Breitzke (Porter County Surveyor), Charlie Brown (Lake County Council), Tom Dermody (LaPorte), Jon Derwinski (Winfield), Daina Dumbrys (Michiana Shores), Denise Ebert (Wanatah), Robert Forster (Kouts), Michael Griffin (Highland), Richard Hardaway (Merrillville), Eric Hull (Burns Harbor), Justin Kiel (La Crosse), Andrew Kyres (Crown Point), Robert Lemay (Long Beach), Lori Mercer (Westville), Wendy Mis (Munster), Duane Parry (Michigan City), David Peeler (Hebron), Jerome Prince (Gary), Tom Schmitt (Schererville), Brian Snedecor (Hobart), Greg Stinson (Porter), Mary Tanis (Dyer), James Ton (Chesterton), and George Topoll (Union Township).

The 22 Commissioners absent included Kyle Allen (Lake County Commissioner), Jim Biggs (Porter County Commissioner), Robert Carnahan (Cedar Lake), Bill Carroll (Lake Station), Anthony Copeland (East Chicago), Joshleen Denham (Trail Creek), Bill Emerson (Lake County Surveyor), Tony Hendricks (LaPorte County Surveyor), Jack Jeralds (Schneider), Sue Lynch (Portage), Sheila Matias (LaPorte County Commissioner), Tom McDermott (Hammond), Mike Mollenhauer (LaPorte County Council), Edward Morales (Porter Township), Matt Murphy (Valparaiso), Bob Poparad (Porter County Council), Jim Pressel (Governor Appointee), Rick Ryfa (Griffith), Steve Spebar (Whiting), Gerald Swets (St. John), Sharon Szwedo (New Chicago), and John Yelkich (Lowell).

Kingsbury, Ogden Dunes, and The Pines have appointed no representatives to NIRPC.

Staff present included Ty Warner, Kathy Luther, Talaya Jones, Meredith Stilwell, Flor Baum, Lisa Todd, Scott Weber, Charles Bradsky, Denarie Kane, Matthew Paskash, Kevin Polette, Candice Eklund, and attorney Dave Hollenbeck.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the September 16, 2021 Executive Board meeting were approved on motion by Greg Stinson and seconded by Kevin Breitzke. With Duane Arndt, Jeanette Bapst, Janet Beck, Geof Benson, Kevin Breitzke, Charlie Brown, Tom Dermody, Jon Derwinski, Daina Dumbrys, Denise Ebert, Robert Forster, Michael Griffin, Richard Hardaway, Eric Hull, Justin Kiel, Andrew Kyres, Robert Lemay, Lori Mercer, Wendy Mis, Duane Parry, David Peeler, Jerome Prince, Tom Schmitt, Brian Snedecor, Greg Stinson, Mary Tanis, Jim Ton, and George Topoll voting in the affirmative, and no one voting in the negative, the motion passed.

Public Comment - There were no public comments. Report of the Chair – George Topoll

George Topoll stated the Finance and Personnel Committee will meet in December to continue discussions on NIRPC’s budget for 2022.

Report of the Executive Director - Ty Warner

Ty Warner thanked all the Commissioners who have joined the Zoom meetings since the Spring of 2020 and stated there’s a good chance the next meeting in January will be in person.

NIRPC received notification from the US Department of Transportation that the Marquette Greenway project was awarded $17.8 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant. This grant will be applied to the funding needed to complete the Marquette Greenway trail connection between Chicago and New Buffalo, Michigan. Ty thanked Mitch Barloga for his ongoing efforts in this endeavor and to all of the Commissioners who helped bring this to a reality. Mitch added it is anticipated the project will be completed in five years. Mitch extended gratitude to Scott Weber for his efforts in creating the cost analysis report to submit with the application. To view the details of the RAISE grant application, click here .

With NIRPC becoming an Economic Development District (EDD) in the Spring of 2019, it created prime opportunities for additional funding for the region. Under the American Rescue Plan Act, NIRPC has another funding opportunity through the EDA to apply for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant. This is a two- phase grant, with $500,000 being awarded to those in the first phase and if successful, phase-two could provide up to $100 million. Ty thanked Denarie Kane, Matthew Paskash, and Peter Kimball for creating and submitting this grant application. Those awarded will be announced in December and if NIRPC is a recipient of the grant, the funding will be used to activate the fiber core between the toll way and the South Shore right of way.

Ty reported on two other funding opportunities for the EDD.

Recover NWI is the Revolving Loan Fund program that is a result of the funding received as an EDD. There is $530,000 available for small loans, and the Commissioners were encouraged to share this information with small businesses that were affected by the pandemic. For additional information on the Recover NWI Loan Program, please click here .
NIRPC contracted with TIP Strategies, Inc. to assist in developing an economy recovery resiliency plan for Northwest Indiana. Ty noted a notification was sent out to the Commissioners to help NIRPC acquire data the contractors will need. Denarie Kane is collecting the information for the consultants.

Thomas Dow, NIRPC’s Transportation Director, presented an initial projection of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that was recently approved by congress and signed by President Biden.
IIJA is a $1.2 trillion Act and of that, $550 billion is new spending and $275 billion is for transportation. A significant increase in funding will create policy changes to each of the existing programs and several new programs will be created.
It is anticipated there will be a 32% increase in funding from the FHWA and the FTA to support transportation planning.
With the additional $500,000 in federal funding, there will be an impact on NIRPC’s budget, as $501,125 in non-federal match will be needed yearly.
On two different occasions, NIRPC has submitted a resolution to request the State Legislative to increase the $0.70 per capita to the current value of $1.00. There is currently not enough local match to access the full funds available to NIRPC and the assistance of the Commission will be needed to accomplish this. Discussions were had on the challenges of the TIP participation fee. Thomas will investigate how many MPO’s are instituting a TIP participation fee.

Environmental Management Policy Committee (EMPC) – Kathy Luther Kathy Luther stated the EMPC did not meet this month.

NIRPC Full Commission / Executive Board meeting calendar for 2022.
Ty informed the Commissioners of the change to the meeting calendar for 2022, stating there would not be a meeting in November next year, but rather the second Thursday in December, to allow the finance team sufficient time to prepare the 2023 budget.

Finance & Personnel Committee (F & P) - Greg Stinson
Greg Stinson reported the F & P Committee met on three different occasions to discuss the 2022 budget, in addition to meeting this morning to approve the general fund and CARES Act fund claims registers for October. The F&P Committee brought the items below to the Full Commission for consideration and approval.
1. Lisa Todd presented on procurement recommendations 22-01.01, 22-01.02 and 22-01.03. These procurements include one vehicle replacement for Opportunity Enterprises for $82,000, two replacement vehicles for Porter County Aging and Community Services (PCACS) for $130,000, and two additional vehicles for PCACS for $140,000.
2. Resolution #21-21: Authorizing the submittal of the Economic Development Administration FY 2022 Partnership Planning Grant Application to Administer the Economic development District. Matthew Paskash presented and stated this resolution is a continuation of a past resolution authorizing NIRPC’s Executive Director to seek a grant opportunity with the EDA to be applied to NIRPC’s work efforts with the EDD. The planning partnership grant will be to match the $70,000 from the EDA to be applied toward staffing, administrative costs, and anything related to the EDD. Ty Warner noted this will be a yearly occurrence for NIRPC’s operating funds.
3. Geosyntec Consultant Contract – Kathy Luther presented on this contract and stated it was competitively procured. The purpose of the contract is to create technical guidelines for the new green infrastructure initiative that NIRPC added to Complete Streets in 2020. The amount of the contract is $58,000 and will need to be completed by June 2022.
4. Cambridge Systematics Contract – Scott Weber presented this contract stating the total amount of the contract is $149,862. This contract will improve NIRPC’s travel demand model, which is used for all NIRPC’s planning activities and will also assist communities with traffic forecasts.
  
  Mr. Stinson reported the F&P committee will meet on December 16, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. to continue discussions on NIRPC’s 2022 budget.
  
  Commissioner Charlie Brown requested Resolution #21-22, Executive Director Employment Agreement Extension, be removed from the Consent Agenda and taken up as a separate matter. George Topoll approved this item to be taken as a separate vote after the consent agenda vote (see below).
  
  Technical Planning Committee (TPC) - Kevin Breitzke
  Kevin Breitzke reported the TPC met on November 9, 2021. Thomas Dow presented an update on the next regional transportation planning process that will be brought before the Commission for approval at the May meeting in 2023. Applications for the Next Level Trails program funding opportunities are due to the DNR by December 1, 2021. The TPC recommended for consideration the adoption of Resolution #21-19. The next TPC meeting is scheduled for January 11, 2022.
  
  Scott Weber presented on Resolution #21-19, Safety Performance Measure Targets for 2022. NIRPC was given 180 days to support INDOT’s safety performance measure targets or set their own. NIRPC chose to support INDOT’s statewide targets.
  
  By virtue of the Full Commission of General Consent to allow all items to be Consent Agenda matters, George Topoll asked for a vote on the six matters below:
Approval of NIRPC’s Full Commission/Executive Board Meeting Calendar for 2022
Approval of Procurement Recommendations 22-01.01, 22-01.02 and 22-01.03
Approval of Resolution #21-21, Authorizing the submittal of the Economic Development Administration FY 2022 Partnership Planning Grant Application to Administer the Economic Development District
Approval of Geosyntec Consultants Inc. Contract for Technical Green Infrastructure Guidelines for Transportation Projects
Approval of Cambridge Systematics, Inc. Contract for Travel Demand Model Project
Approval of Resolution #21-19, Safety Performance Measure Targets for 2022

Hearing no objections, a motion was received by Geof Benson and seconded by Jim Ton to adopt the matters of the consent agenda, with the exclusion of item 8.2.4, which will require a separate vote. Roll call was taken by Candice Eklund for these six matters. With Duane Arndt, Jeanette Bapst, Janet Beck, Geof Benson, Kevin Breitzke, Charlie Brown, Tom Dermody, Jon Derwinski, Daina Dumbrys, Denise Ebert, Robert Forster, Michael Griffin, Richard Hardaway, Eric Hull, Justin Kiel, Andrew Kyres, Robert Lemay, Lori Mercer, Wendy Mis, Duane Parry, David Peeler, Tom Schmitt, Brian Snedecor, Greg Stinson, Mary Tanis, Jim Ton, and George Topoll voting in the affirmative, and no one voting in the negative, the motion passed.

Resolution #21-22: Executive Director Employment Agreement Extension. Dave Hollenbeck stated Ty Warner’s current three-year employment agreement will expire on December 31, 2021. George Topoll, Justin Kiel, and Mr. Hollenbeck met to evaluate Mr. Warner’s performance so a recommendation could be made to the F&P Committee and to the Full Commission regarding continued employment. More information is required on the income that NIRPC receives before recommending compensation of a contract renewal agreement. It was agreed the best approach would be to extend the Executive Director’s employment current contract with NIRPC until 2022, when the budget has been finalized and the income and expenditures have been approved . Hearing no objections, a motion was received by Jim Ton and seconded by Charlie Brown to adopt the Executive Director Employment Agreement Extension. With Duane Arndt, Jeanette Bapst, Janet Beck, Geof Benson, Kevin Breitzke, Charlie Brown, Tom Dermody, Jon Derwinski, Daina Dumbrys, Denise Ebert, Robert Forster, Michael Griffin, Richard Hardaway, Eric Hull, Justin Kiel, Andrew Kyres, Robert Lemay, Lori Mercer, Wendy Mis, Duane Parry, David Peeler, Tom Schmitt, Brian Snedecor, Greg Stinson, Mary Tanis, Jim Ton, and George Topoll voting in the affirmative, and no one voting in the negative, the motion passed.

Economic Development District Report – Denarie Kane

Denarie Kane stated the EDA is promoting their Revolving Loan Fund Week and NIRPC staff has been sending out various social media blasts to also help make the public aware of the loan program. NIRPC has been working with communities to provide compliance and support letters for grant applications to the EDA. For assistance on project ideas and to facilitate conversations to James Winters with the EDA, please contact Denarie Kane at dkane@nirpc.org. NIRPC is formulating the Steering Committee that is needed for the Economic Development Resiliency Plan. There are 17 who will serve on this committee; their first meeting is scheduled early December.

INDOT - Matt Deitchley

Matt Deitchley discussed the FlexRoad project, Indiana’s PEL study for the Borman Expressway congestion issues. The consultant has provided four alternative packages to relieve the congestion, and INDOT will select a plan by the first quarter in 2022. For additional information on this initiative, click here .

INDOT is in the process of hiring winter drivers. For new features on how snow plows will be tracked, visit https://511in.org/@-88.5498,40.53398,6?show=roadReports,weatherWarningsAreaEvents,flooding .

The Community Crossings program announced in January that $100 million was awarded statewide. Other Business

Mary Tanis requested a crosswalk across Route 30 to connect Schererville and Munster and would also like assistance with a pedestrian bike crossing around Kahler Middle School on Route 30. Mary Tanis also requested extending Calumet Avenue to four lanes, South of Route 30 to 77th Avenue, to provide a four-lane crosswalk.

Announcements

There were no announcements.

Hearing no other business, George Topoll adjourned the meeting at 10:29 a.m.

The livestream video recording of this meeting is available on NIRPC’s YouTube Channel at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWQAh6wRO6k

2022 NOMINATION SLATE

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE

(GEORGE TOPOLL, JUSTIN KIEL, RICHARD HARDAWAY, GREG STINSON)

FOR THE

EXECUTIVE BOARD OF NIRPC

CHAIRPERSON Justin Kiel

VICE CHAIRPERSON Richard Hardaway

SECRETARY Greg Stinson

TREASURER Tom Dermody

EXECUTIVE BOARD (LAKE COUNTY) Wendy Mis

Bill Emerson

EXECUTIVE BOARD (LA PORTE COUNTY) Sheila Matias

Lori Mercer

EXECUTIVE BOARD (PORTER COUNTY) Jim Ton

Sue Lynch

GOVERNOR'S APPOINTMENT Jim Pressel

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR (non-voting) George Topoll

2022

Commission Meeting Dates

6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219) 763-6060

www.nirpc.org

Consult www.NIRPC.org and/or postings outside NIRPC’s offices at 6100 Southport Rd in Portage for meeting venue.

January 20	Full Commission	9:00 a.m.
March 17	Executive Board	9:00 a.m.
April 21	Full Commission	9:00 a.m.
May 19	Executive Board	9:00 a.m.
July 21	Full Commission	9:00 a.m.
September 15	Executive Board	9:00 a.m.
October 20	Executive Board	9:00 a.m.
December 8	Full Commission	9:00 a.m.

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

November 18, 2021 / Zoom Virtual Meeting – 8:00 a.m.

Members Present

Denise Ebert, Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Greg Stinson, George Topoll

Staff and Others Present

Talaya Jones, Kathy Luther, Lisa Todd, Meredith Stilwell, Stephanie Kuziela, Scott Weber, Matthew Paskash, Bryan Blazak, David Hollenbeck,

Call to Order

Chairman Stinson called the meeting to order.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the October 21, 2021 meeting were presented. Justin Kiel made motion and George Topoll seconded to approve the minutes. A roll call vote was taken with Justin Kiel, Greg Stinson and George Topoll. Motion passed 3-0.

Review of Financial Status – October 2021 Budget vs Actual

Talaya Jones presented the October 2021 bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general account and the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) account.

Talaya Jones presented the October 2021 general fund financial reports. There were no significant changes in budget to actual expenditures. Environmental programs promotional expenses are currently over budget, but some of the expenses will be recategorized to contractual. Total expenditures for the period ending October 31, 2021, were $3,618,110 of the $11,981,765 budgeted. Total general fund revenue for the period was $1,692,421 of the $3,574,659 budgeted.

Talaya presented the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities (CARES) Act financial reports, year to date October 2021. Total NIRPC CARES fund expenditures for the period ending October 31, 2021, was $2,550,812 of the $4,717,013 budgeted. Total CARES revenue collected for the period is

$2,643,079 of the $4,307,009 budgeted.

Approval of Claims Registers – October 2021

Talaya presented the October 2021 General Fund claims register totaling $356,069.52 to the Committee for approval. Richard Hardaway made motion and George Topoll seconded to approve the October 2021 General Fund claims register. A roll call vote was taken with Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Greg Stinson, George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 4-0. The CARES Act expenditures register of claims totaling $1,562.99. was presented for approval. Richard Hardaway made motion and Justin Kiel seconded to approve the October 2021 CARES Act claims register. A roll call vote was taken with Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Greg Stinson, George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 4-0.

Procurement Recommendations

Lisa Todd presented three procurements. Procurement #22-01.01: One BOC replacement vehicle for Opportunity Enterprises for $82,000, not to exceed $65,600.00 in federal funds. Procurement #22- 01.02: Two BOC replacement vehicles for Porter County Aging Community Services, not to exceed

$104,000.00 in federal funds. Procurement #22-01.03: Two BOC vehicle replacements for $140,000.00, not to exceed $112,000.00 in federal funds. Justin Kiel made motion and Richard Hardaway seconded to approve the procurement recommendations to be forwarded to the NIRPC Commission for approval. A roll call vote was taken with Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Greg Stinson, George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 4-0.

NIRPC Resolution 21-21: Authorizing the submittal of the Economic Development Administration FY 2022 Partnership Planning Grant Application to Administer the Economic Development District

As resolution was passed in 2020 for this grant and the Economic Development Administration has stipulated that a resolution needs to be approved by the NIRPC Commission each year for the submittal for the Partnership Planning Grant to administer the Economic Development District. This grant is a 50/50 split for a total of $140,000.00. Justin Kiel made motion and Richard Hardaway seconded a favorable recommendation of NIRPC Resolution 21-21 to the NIRPC Commission for approval. A roll call vote was taken with Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Greg Stinson, George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 4-0.

NIRPC Resolution 21-22: Extending the current Executive Director Employment Agreement

David Hollenbeck reported that he, George Topoll, and Justin Kiel evaluated Ty and recommended a renewal or extension. Since the 2022 budget has not yet been finalized, Ty’s salary figure could not be finalized at this time. They concluded the best approach would be to present resolution 21-22 to extend the contract for Full Commission approval in the interim until final budget calculations are in place, which will hopefully be in January and at which time the contract renewal could be finalized. George Topoll made motion and Richard Hardaway seconded a favorable recommendation of NIRPC Resolution 21-22 to the NIRPC Commission for approval. A roll call vote was taken with Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Greg Stinson, George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 4-0.

Geosyntec Consultants Inc. Contract for Technical Green Infrastructure Guidelines for Transportation Projects

Kathy Luther presented the Geosyntec Consultants contract which will commence on November 30, 2021, with guidelines completed by May 31, 2022. All goods and services will be provided by the contractor at a cost not to exceed $58,000.00. Richard Hardaway made motion and Justin Kiel seconded a favorable recommendation of the Geosyntec Consultants contract to the NIRPC Commission for approval. A roll call vote was taken with Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Greg Stinson, George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 4-0.

Cambridge Systematics, Inc. contract for Travel Demand Model Project

Scott Weber presented the Cambridge Systematics, Inc. contract which is for an update to NIRPC’s travel demand model. The last update was a little over 20 years ago and has been managed in- house since the last update. The contract is for $149,862.00. Richard Hardaway made motion and Justin Kiel seconded a favorable recommendation of the Geosyntec Consultants contract to the NIRPC Commission for approval. A roll call vote was taken with Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Greg Stinson, George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 4-0.

Personnel updates

Meredith Stilwell reported that the revised Programming and Grant Assistant position and Natural Resource Planner positions will be posted soon.

Other Business

A special F&P meeting to discuss the budget is to be held December 16th at 9:00 a.m. Justin Kiel asked about minutes for the 2 special meetings held prior and Kathy and Talaya indicated they could put notes together for those meetings. George Topoll proposed an increase of NIRPC salaries

David Hollenbeck indicated a definitive legal conclusion had not yet been reached regarding the ability for NIRPC to have hybrid meetings.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

RESOLUTION 22-01 ‌

6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219) 763-6060

www.nirpc.org

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTING THE YEAR 2022 APPROPRIATION BUDGETS FOR THE COMMISSION’S GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS

WHEREAS, a budget is required for governmental funds; and

WHEREAS, it is anticipated that sufficient revenues and other financing sources will be available to support the budgets herein proposed; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Commission, as a whole, to approve the appropriations budget of the Commission;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission adopt as its Year 2022 budget for the General Fund for the budget identified in Attachment A to this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission adopt as its Year 2022 budget for the Transit Capital Projects Funds the budget identified in Attachment B to this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission adopt as its Year 2022 budget for the Transit Operating Projects Funds the budget identified in Attachment C to this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission adopt as its Year 2022 budget for the Revolving Loan Funds the budget identified in Attachment D to this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Finance and Personnel Committee of the Commission be designated to oversee the administration of these budgets within the framework of more detailed budget guidelines it might establish.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this 20th day of January 2022.

Chairperson

ATTEST:

Secretary

2022 BUDGET

12/15/2021

FY 2022 BUDGET

ATTACHMENT A

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

2022 GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET

PERSONNEL - SALARIES

1,590,648

PERSONNEL - FRINGE BENEFITS

637,853

OCCUPANCY

292,398

EQUIPMENT SERVICE/MAINTENANCE

82,636

DEPARTMENTAL

403,483

CONTRACTUAL

1,931,718

CAPITAL OUTLAYS - Equipment & Furniture 180,000

TOTAL FUND BUDGET

5,118,736

ATTACHMENT B

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

2022 TRANSIT CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET

CAPITAL OUTLAYS - TRANSIT EQUIPMENT 3,578,506

CARES ACT 2020 CAPITAL OUTLAYS - TRANSIT EQUIPMENT 501,999

TOTAL FUND BUDGET

4,080,505

ATTACHMENT C

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

2022 TRANSIT OPERATING PROJECTS FUND APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET

OTHER SERVICES AND CHARGES 4,438,881

OTHER SERVICES AND CHARGES- CARES ACT 2020 -

TOTAL FUND BUDGET

4,438,881

ATTACHMENT D

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

2022 LAPORTE COUNTY REVOLVING LOAN FUND APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET

OTHER SERVICES AND CHARGES 200,000

TOTAL FUND BUDGET

200,000

2022 CARES ACT 2020 REVOLVING LOAN FUND APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET

OTHER SERVICES AND CHARGES	461,648
	.
TOTAL FUND BUDGET	461,648

TOTAL BUDGET OF

14,299,770

Attachment A

	NIRPC FY 2022 Budget
	FY 2021 Budget	FY 2022 Budget Change %
REVENUES
COUNTY APPROPRIATIONS	540,271	540,271
FEDERAL AGENCIES	1,994,419	1,748,928
STATE AGENCIES	2,504,813	2,668,379
LOCAL AGENCIES	37,050	76,760
NON-GOVERNMENTAL	52,338	46,513
INTEREST INCOME	37,885	37,885
TOTAL REVENUES	5,166,775	5,118,736 -1%

EXPENDITURES

SALARY

FRINGE BENEFITS

FICA CONTRIBUTIONS

WORKERS COMPENSATION

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

PERF CONTRIBUTIONS

HEALTH INSURANCE

LIFE & DISABILITY INSURANCE

ICMA CONTRIBUTIONS

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

1,565,254

1,590,648

CONTRACTUAL

LEGAL SERVICES

AUDIT & ACCOUNTING

LA PORTE RLF SERVICES

TRANSIT OVERSIGHT

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRACTS

PLANNING

BOARD DEVELOPMENT

ECONOMIC DEVEL DISTRICT RLF-CARES ACT

ECONOMIC DEVEL DISTRICT INSTITUT- CARES ACT

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

E-TIP

22,200	23,400
38,000	70,000
2,000	2,000
17,347	17,347
837,300	837,314
320,000	320,000
2,000	2,000
550,000	461,648
136,000	101,000
2,000	2,000
51,500	95,009
1,978,347	1,931,718	-2%
180,000	180,000	0%
5,166,774	5,118,736	-1%
0	0

FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT

TOTAL EXPENSES

FUND BALANCE - ENDING

119,742	121,685
9,500	5,000
3,000	3,000
200,012	199,688
230,000	240,000
24,000	24,000
23,000	24,480
20,000	20,000
629,254	637,853	1%

OCCUPANCY

OFFICE LEASE

PROPERTY INSURANCE

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

UTILITIES

231,000	236,708
6,500	6,500
18,540	18,540
30,650	30,650
286,690	292,398	2%

EQUIPMENT SERVICE/MAINTENANCE

COPIER LEASING/MAINTENANCE

COMPUTER SERVICE

TELEPHONE & INTERNET SERVICE / MAIN.

OTHER EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

20,370	18,000
43,736	43,736
18,900	18,900
2,000	2,000
85,006	82,636	-3%

DEPARTMENTAL

COMMISSION/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PLANNING

SUBGRANTEE MANAGEMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS

PARTNER AGENCIES

ALLOCATED FUNCTIONS

ENVIRONMENTAL PROMOTIONS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

GENERAL USE SUPPLIES

41,500	35,000
299,000	239,000
25,000	25,000
25,255	28,947
1,000	1,000
28,000	25,000
3,700	14,953
11,768	29,583
7,000	5,000
442,223	403,483	-10%

Attachment A page 2

NIRPC FY 2022 Revenue Detail

347,204

115,040

78,027

540,271

357,000

141,700

142,176

225,502

852,545

30,005

1,748,928

500,000
150,000
1,408,810
86,679
95,009
31,119
216,762
180,000
2,668,379

1,800

15,300

16,000

750

42,910

76,760

42,676

1,837

2,000

46,513

COUNTY APPROPRIATIONS

LAKE COUNTY

PORTER COUNTY

LA PORTE COUNTY

TOTAL

FEDERAL AGENCIES

FTA OVERSIGHT

FTA CAPITAL

USDA FOREST SVC

BROWNFIELD GRANT

EDD

CAWS GLC

TOTAL

STATE AGENCIES

INDOT PL 2020

INDOT PL 2021

INDOT PL 2022

INDOT PL 2023

STBG

CMAQ 2020

CMAQ 2022

CMAQ 2023

TOTAL

LOCAL AGENCIES

CITY of PORTAGE

KRBC

PARTNERS for CLEAN AIR

FORUM

ONE REGION ONE TRAIL

TOTAL

NON-GOVERNMENTAL

CALUMET LAND CONSERVATION PARTN.

ROOM RENTAL INCOME

SHARED ETHICS ADVISORY COMMISSION

TOTAL

INTEREST INCOME

BANK INTEREST INCOME

RLF INTEREST INCOME

TOTAL FY 2022 REVENUE

3,000

34,885

5,118,736

Attachment B

NIRPC FY 2022 Budget

35,000
31,353
3,500
55,000
24,000
345,000
220,000
792,500
-
100,000
79,809
275,000
4,500
3,500
6,500
619,965
-
60,000
3,399
150,000
125,000
82,000
140,000
130,000

Grant Federal Req. Match Total

Architectual Services

Ticket Kiosks and On-Board fare boxes

Security Cameras

Vehicles (2)

Security Camera & Lighting

TOD Ground Improvements

Support Vehicle

Computers/Sound System

Support Equipment

Support Vehicle

Rehab/Renovate - Admin Facility

Replace 3 Revenue Vehicles

Replace 2 Revenue Vehicles

Replace 1 Communter Vehicle

Replace 2 Revenue Vehicles

Replace Staff Computers

Replace 4 Communter Vehicle

Associated Transit Improv

Tablets and Vehicle Devices

Office Computer Equipment

Replace ChicaGO Dash

Replace 2 Vehicle

Replace 1 Vehicle

Computers

Replace Bus Stop Signs

Transit Improvements

Buy Replacement

X012
X012
X667	16,320
X667	110,500
2016-033
2016-033
2016-033	28,000
2016-033	25,082
2016-033	2,800
2017-028	44,000
2017-028	19,200
2018-026	276,000
2018-026	176,000
2018-026	637,500
2019-029	-
2019-029	80,000
2019-029	59,857
2019-029	220,000
2019-029	3,600
2019-029	2,800
2019-029	5,200
2019-029	495,966
2019-030
2019-030	48,000
2019-030	2,700
2019-030	120,000
2019-030	100,000
2020-054	65,600
2020-054	112,000
2020-054	104,000

-
-
4,080
19,500
-
-
7,000
6,271
700
11,000
4,800
69,000
44,000
155,000
-
20,000
19,952
55,000
900
700
1,300
123,999

20,400

130,000

12,000

699

30,000

25,000

16,400

28,000

26,000

TOTAL 2,755,125 681,301 3,436,426

Contingency -

TOTAL BUDGET 3,436,426

**	new projects for 2021 not included
**	no grant written for 2021

Attachment B

CY 2021 TRANSIT CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
Subrecipent	Grant	Project	Letting Date	Total	Non-Federal Funds	Federal Funds
NT	2020-039	Replace 2 Revenue Vehicles		$ 142,080	$ 23,680	$ 118,400

TOTAL BUDGET

$ 142,080

$ 118,400

Attachment B

CY 2021 CARES ACT 2020 TRANSIT CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
Subrecipent	Grant	Project	Total	Federal Funds
OE	CARES Act 2020-014	Bus Rolling Stock (3)	$ 202,008	$ 202,008
Valpo	CARES Act 2020-014	Parking lot repair	$ 3,957	$ 3,957
ECT	CARES Act 2020-014	Support Vehicle (2)	$ 8,594	$ 8,594
NT	CARES Act 2020-014	Misc Support Equipment	$ 41,485	$ 41,485
OE	CARES Act 2020-014	Misc Support Equipment	$ 9,544	$ 9,544
PC	CARES Act 2020-014	Misc Support Equipment	$ 36,502	$ 36,502
Valpo	CARES Act 2020-014	Misc Support Equipment	$ 1,897	$ 1,897
ECT	CARES Act 2020-014	Misc Support Equipment	$ 39,421	$ 39,421
City of LaPorte	CARES Act 2020-014	Bus Replacements (2)	$ 143,200	$ 143,200
City of LaPorte	CARES Act 2020-014	Misc Support Equipment	$ 15,391	$ 15,391

TOTAL BUDGET

$ 501,999

Attachment C

CY 2022 TRANSIT OPERATING PROJECTS FUND

Federal Req. Match Total

City of East Chicago
Preventative Maintenance	287,064
Complementary Paratransit	368,794
Operating Assistance	186,437
Existing Grants	423,388

57,787

92,198

186,437

423,388

344,851

460,992

372,874

846,776

City of LaPorte
Operating Assistance	259,890
Existing Grants

259,890 519,780

City of Valparaiso
Capital Cost of Contracting	1,055,330

263,888 1,319,218

North Township
Preventative Maintenance	28,000
Operating Assistance	190,000
Existing Grants	116,282

7,000

190,000

116,282

35,000

380,000

232,564

Opportunity Enterprises
Preventative Maintenance	102,000
Existing Grants	77,615

20,400

15,523

122,400

93,138

Porter County Community Services
Preventative Maintenance
Operating Assistance	75,000
Existing Grants	335,850

75,000

154,000

150,000

489,850

Southlake Community Services
Preventative Maintenance	101,102
Operating Assistance	194,960
Existing Grants	114,488

20,220

194,960

89,000

121,322

389,920

203,488

PMTF Funds (NT,SLCS,PCCS, OE & CV)
Public Mass Transportation Fund	522,681

522,681

TOTAL

4,438,881 2,165,973 6,604,854

Attachment D

CY 2021 LAPORTE COUNTY REVOLVING LOAN FUND

2021 2022

Budget Budget

New Loans		85,000	200,000
	TOTAL	85,000	200,000

	TOTAL BUDGET		200,000

Attachment D

LaPorte RLF 2022 Administration Budget

Per RLF Management Plan 50% of interest can be used for Administrative Cost

REVENUES

RLF INTEREST INCOME 7,800

CLOSING CHARGES 2,000

TOTAL REVENUES 9,800

EXPENDITURES

SALARY

FRINGE BENEFITS ALLOC

INDIRECT COST ALLOC

2,500

2,025

2,400

6,925

DEPARTMENTAL

COMMUNICATION

GENERAL USE SUPPLIES

365

510

CONTRACTUAL

LA PORTE RLF SERVICES

875

2,000

TOTAL EXPENSES 9,800

FUND BALANCE - ENDING -

Attachment D
CARES ACT RLF 2022 Administration Budget
Per RLF Management Plan 50% of interest can be used for Administrative Cost
REVENUES
EDD CARES ACT 2020	461,648
RLF INTEREST INCOME	25,085
CLOSING CHARGES	7,000
TOTAL REVENUES	493,733

EXPENDITURES

SALARY

FRINGE BENEFITS ALLOC

INDIRECT COST ALLOC

11,900

7,854

9,163

28,917

DEPARTMENTAL

COMMUNICATION

GENERAL USE SUPPLIES- AF Loan

368

2,800

CONTRACTUAL

LA PORTE RLF SERVICES

3,168

461,648

TOTAL EXPENSES 493,733

FUND BALANCE - ENDING -

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

BY AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO the 20th day of January 2022, by and between the NORTHWESTER:\! INDIANA REGIO AL PLA I G COMMISSION, hereinafter referred to as "NIRPC", and MR. TYSON WARNER, hereinafter referred to as "Executive Director", the following is hereby agreed to:

WHEREAS, IRPC is desirous of securing the services of an Executive Director to assist in implementation of its statutory role and function including that of a metropolitan planning organization for Northwest lndi.ma; and

WHEREAS, Tyscn Warner has served as the Executive Director of TRPC since January I, 2013, and the parties to thi agreement are desirous of renewing and otherwise extending his serving as the Executive Director ofNIRPC.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE TT RESOLVED that the parties to this agreement hereby do mutually agree as follows:

The term of this agreement shall commence on January l, 2022, and shall terminate as of December 31, 2024 unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the provisions of this agreement.
Mr. Tyson Warner shall pe1form the function and serve in the role of the Executive Director of NIKPC during the term of this agreement. In addition to those matters which may from time to time be assigned to him by NIRPC, Mr. Warner's role and responsibility as Executive Direct(>r for NIRPC are more particularly described and identified in the Job Description attachf:d hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "A" to this agreement.
The Executive Director shall meet with the Chairman of the NIRPC Commission following the Chainnan's appointment in 2022 2023 and 2024, for purposes of establishing goals for each of the years of this Employment Agreement. The Executive Director and Chairman, togeth r with other NlRPC appointed officers as may desire, shall meet mid-year and near end-of year to discuss progress, provide feedback on performance, and to make such other adjustrnent and course correction to goals as may be necessary or beneficial.
During the first year of this agreement, NlRPC agrees to pay to its Executive Director the stun of One Hundred Sixty-Four Thousand Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($164,500.00) to be paid in the same manner and fashion as payments are made to other IRPC employees during the course of the calendar year. The Executive Director salary for the second year and third years c·if this agreement shall be determined through discussions with the Executive Director and ar.y salary increases shall be predicated upon positiv performance evaluations, the availability of funding and the approval of the Full lRPC Commission. Additionally, the followi.ng benefits of employment shall be available to the Executive Director:
l. . Insurance: The same health insurance and benefit programs provided to NIRPC employees shall be available to the Executive Director.
1. : Vehicle: The Executive Director will be reimbursed for mileage at the applicable IRS rate for use of his personal vehicle in conducting JR.PC business. The
  · Executive Director may have use of a NIRPC owned or NIRPC leased vehicle as
  . may be authorized by the Chairman of the Full NIRPC Commission.
2. Professional Memberships: NIRPC will maintain membership for its Executive Director in ICMA, APA and the Congress of New Urbanism and their respective state chapters and will either pay for, or reimburse, the Executive Director for pa11icipation in these organizations annual conferences.
3. Retirement Benefit: The Executive Director will participate in ICMA-RC 457 Plan. NIRPC will contribute to that plan in the same amount as would have been paid on the Executive Director's behalf to PERF.
4. NARC Participation: NIRPC shall pay for or reimburse the Executive Director to participate in events and activities of the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) on behalf of NIRPC.
5. Vacation: The Executive Director shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation
  · during each calendar year of employment under this agreement. While vacation is intended to be used throughout the course of year, vacation shall be allowed to accrue within the same limits allowed to other NIRPC employees as long as the Executive Director is employed by NJRPC. Should any accrued vacation remain upon termination of this agreement, the Executive Director shall be paid in accordance with Section E below.
6. Expense Reimbursement: The Executive Director shall be entitled to reimbursement for business related expenses pursuant to the guidelines and procedures established by NIRPC. In addition thereto, the Executive Director shall be paid the sum of
$150.00 per month as reimbursement for his job related use of communication technology. This reimbursement shall not preclude the use of data connected equipment as may be issued and paid for by NIRPC.
This agreement may be terminated upon the agreement of the parties or upon a showing of just ca11se:
1. In the event the Executive Director is terminated pursuant to this Agreement, NIRPC agrees to pay the Executive Director a severance payment equal to twelve (12) weeks base salary, plus accrued and unused vacation days; provided, however, that in the event the Executive Director is terminated because of his conviction of any illegal act, then in that event, NIRPC shall have no obligation to pay the severance pay sum designated in this paragraph.
2. In the event the Executive Director voluntarily resigns his position with NIRPC, he shall give NIRPC at least sixty (60) day notice of such resignation prior to the cessation of the performance of his duties hereunder unless otherwise agreed to by TRPC. If the Executive Director resigns, he shall not be paid the severance pay above but shall receive accrued and unused vacation days; provided, however, the
  Executive Director shall be paid his base sala1y during said 60 day notice period.
This agreement shall be deemed as superseding and replacing the terms and conditions of the prior employment agreements entered into by NIRPC and the Executive Director.
For tlK purpose of interpreting the terms and conditions of this agreement, the laws of the State of Indiana shall apply.

ALL OF WHTCH HA YING BEEN AGREED to by these parties and memorialized by the signatures affixed hereto:

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNTNG COMMISSION

By: _ Chairperson

ATTEST:

Tyson Warner

Exhibit A

Job Description

Job Title: Executive Director

Agency: Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

Reports to: orthwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

The Executive Dir1:,ctor is the Chief Administrative Officer and regular Technical dvisor of the Commission. The s-1bject of the supervision by the Commission and in furtherance of the purpose of the Commission, the Executive Director role and responsibilities are that which are identified in IC 36-7-7.6-1l(Executive Director; Powers and Duties). All of which is intended to facilitate fulfillment of NIRPC's overall purpose as defined in IC 36-7-7.6-12.

Technical Planning Committee NIRPC – Virtual Meeting November 9, 2021

Minutes

This meeting was convened as an electronic meeting, pursuant to Governor Holcomb’s extended Executive Order 21-29. All persons were meeting remotely on a Zoom platform that allowed for real time interaction and supported the public’s ability to observe and record the proceedings. When the agenda item was provided for public comment, this was supported as well. A roll call was taken to motion and approve the agenda items.

Kevin Breitzke called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call.

In attendance were Kevin Breitzke, Anthony Kenning (DLZ), Beth West (La Porte), Chris Murphy (Structurepoint), David Wright (GPTC), Eric Wolverton (Structurepoint), George Topoll (Union Township), Jake Dammarell BFS), Jessica Miller (INDOT), Jodi Coblentz (DLZ), Kelly Wenger (NICTD), Laurie Keagle (SSCC), Mark O’Dell (Chesterton), Robin Barzoni-Tillman (Michigan City Transit), Jeff Huet (Schererville, Thomas Schmitt (Schererville), and Steve King (Merrillville).

NIRPC staff present were Mitch Barloga, Charles Bradsky, Meredith Stilwell, Candice Eklund, Kevin Polette, Denarie Kane, Eman Ibrahim, Matthew Paskash, Peter Kimball, Scott Weber, Thomas Dow, and Flor Baum.

The meeting minutes of September 14, 2021 were approved on motion by Mark O’Dell and second by George Topoll. A roll call was taken, and the committee voted unanimously to approve.

There were no public comments. Planning

Scott Weber presented on Resolution 21-19, Adopting Safety Performance Measure Targets (PMT)

for 2022. Res 21-19 is in support of the PMT that INDOT has adopted statewide. Res 21-19 will make a technical amendment to the NWI 2050 Plan and FY 2022-2026 TIP. The changes to the NWI 2050 Plan and the FY 2022-2026 TIP were presented and supplied in page 5 of the meeting packet (click here). With the revision of Performance Measure for the Number of Fatalities on page 28 of the FY 2022-2026 TIP, on motion by George Topoll and second by Mark O’Dell, the Technical Planning Committee approved to recommend Resolution 21-19 to The Commission.

Thomas Dow presented on the Regional Transportation Plan Update. Under federal law, NIRPC is required to develop a Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) every four years because of our non- attainment status with Air Quality. Then next plan update is due May 16, 2023. A tentative scheduled for producing the plan was discussed and provided in the meeting packet. Three major steps have been identified: Finding Meaning by evaluating the existing and historic conditions; Creating Purpose by considering future scenarios & setting the preferred vision; and Purpose Driven Planning by shaping the future of The Region. The MTP must include all modes of surface transportation, as well as considering the impacts of transportation. NIRPC has already selected a consulting firm to help update the Regional Travel Demand model. The contract will be presented to the Executive Commission for approval. A written report at the end of each phase will be provided to the TPC upon completion.

Mitch Barloga spoke on Next Level Trails (NLT) Funding. The current NLT cycle is active and in its third round. It is offering $25M to regionally significant projects, and $10M for locally significant projects. Eligible match entails monetary contributions, land value, and in-kind donations of materials and labor. NIRPC encourages interested communities to submit their application before the December 1 deadline. For more information, please contact Mitch at mbarloga@nirpc.org .

Mitch also spoke on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Overview. The IIJA passed the Senate in August and passed the House last week. It will allow $1.2T in spending over the next five years. Highlights of the IIJA include the following: Significant investments in addressing at-grade rail crossings; Creates new Bridge Investment Program; Modernizes public transit; New investments in Vision Zero projects; New climate initiatives; Funding to improve the electric grid; Boosting environmental funding for wildlife crossings & brownfield restoration. NIRPC will obtain guidance about the new programs and division of funds by state and MPO’s over the next year.

Topical Committee Reports

The Environmental Management Policy Committee met in October and will be on hiatus until January. Ped Pedal and Paddle Committee met in November and will be on hiatus until January. The Surface Transportation Committee met in November to discuss Res 21-19, and their next meeting will be in February. The Land Use Committee met in November to discuss putting together the TOD that supports the ongoing regional efforts of the RDA and NICTD. An E-commerce presentation was also given at the November meeting. All meetings are recorded and can be viewed on NIRPC’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyyqyHDk-qkUERzdDwU73_Q .

Reports from Planning Partners

Laurie Keagle (SSCC) reported on events and programs. Please click here for complete details of the SSCC report. Visit www.southshorecleancities.org or contact Lauri at lkeagle@southshorecleancities.org .

Other Business

Mitch presented a video on Emerging Trends. The videos depicted the large technological improvements that are coming to The Region.

Adjournment

The next TPC meeting will be held on January 11, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Hearing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:01 a.m.

A picture containing text, clipart

Description automatically generated

RESOLUTION # 22-02

A RESOLUTION APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF SAUK VILLAGE, ILLINOIS

AND THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THE 2020 INVEST IN COOK PROGRAM

January 20, 2022

WHEREAS, the Village of Sauk Village (“SAUK VILLAGE”) and the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (“NIRPC”) to aim to create active, safe, and healthy communities by enhancing connectivity through the improvement to the transportation system for all users; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation and Highways of Cook County, Illinois (the “COUNTY”) has approved and awarded SAUK VILLAGE an Invest in Cook grant in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) toward the cost of the PROJECT; and

WHEREAS, NIRPC has agreed to reimburse Sauk Village up to Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) toward the cost of conducting the PROJECT from 2020 federal planning liaison (PL) funds and the PROJECT has been included and approved as part of the 2021 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Amendment #3; and

WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Understanding has already been executed between the Town of Schererville, and the Villages of Sauk Village, Lynwood, Ford Heights and Chicago Heights towards collaboration on the PROJECT; and

WHEREAS, the PROJECT has been included within NIRPC’s 2021-2022 UPWP for the three- county Northwestern Indiana Region and is in conjunction with the programs of the Federal Highway Administration for work of this nature.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION:

Section 1: The Memorandum of Understanding attached hereto as Exhibit A is hereby approved and the Executive Director is authorized and directed to execute said Memorandum of Understanding in substantially the form attached hereto and any and all documentation that many be necessary to carry out the intent of the Memorandum of Understanding.

Section 2: This resolution shall be effective as of the date of its adoption.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this twentieth day of January 2022.

Chairperson

ATTEST:

Secretary

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF SAUK VILLAGE, ILLINOIS

AND THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

FOR PARTIAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE OLD PLANK ROAD TRAIL EXTENSION FEASIBILITY STUDY

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) is to establish the terms by which the Village of Sauk Village (“SAUK VILLAGE”), and the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (“NIRPC”), hereafter collectively referred to as the “PARTIES,” will collaborate on partial reimbursement for the 2020 Invest in Cook project to conduct a feasibility study for a potential extension of the Old Plank Road Trail (the “PROJECT”).

WHEREAS, currently, the Old Plank Road Trail’s (OPRT) eastern terminus is in CHICAGO HEIGHTS, but an extension through SAUK VILLAGE, FORD HEIGHTS, LYNWOOD, and DYER could connect the OPRT to the Pennsy Greenway in SCHERERVILLE, Indiana; and

WHEREAS, an extension of the OPRT would bridge a critical gap in the regional trail system, connect residents and visitors to key destinations, and help to realize a larger vision aimed at revitalizing the Chicago Southland and supporting active, safe, and healthy communities across the Calumet region; and

WHEREAS, Invest in Cook is an annual $8.5 million program that funds planning and feasibility studies, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of transportation improvements sponsored by local and regional governments and private partners that are consistent with the priorities of Cook County’s (the “COUNTY”) long range transportation plan; and

WHEREAS, the COUNTY has agreed to award SAUK VILLAGE up to Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) toward the cost of conducting the PROJECT; and

WHEREAS, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission has agreed to contribute up to Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) toward the cost of conducting the PROJECT; and

WHEREAS, the COUNTY and SAUK VILLAGE have entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement that establishes their respective responsibilities for the PROJECT.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises, terms, and conditions set forth herein, and in the spirit of intergovernmental cooperation, the PARTIES agree as follows:

Incorporation of preambles. The preambles set forth above are incorporated herein and made a part thereof.
Establishment of the Old Plank Road Trail extension. In accordance with the intent of the PARTIES to extend the OPRT and support for the Invest in Cook application, the PARTIES hereby agree to participate in the PROJECT, which will include selecting a consultant to conduct existing conditions analysis, gather stakeholder input, and create a final study that identifies trail alignment and access points, among other project objectives.
Lead agency. The PARTIES hereby recognize SAUK VILLAGE as the lead agency for the PROJECT. In its capacity as the lead agency, SAUK VILLAGE shall be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the PROJECT with the consultant, the COUNTY, and other agencies, and for monitoring the services performed by the consultant.
Funding. NIRPC agrees to reimburse SAUK VILLAGE for the actual costs to complete the PROJECT, up to a total maximum contribution of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000). No local match is required of SAUK VILLAGE or NIRPC.
Consultant selection. The PARTIES commit to a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) of professional planning and/or engineering consultant(s). The QBS process will be administered by
SAUK VILLAGE and the selection of consultant(s) must be agreed to jointly by all PARTIES that adopt this MOU and in the spirit of selecting the best qualified professionals to meet the needs of the PROJECT.
Feasibility/Planning study. The PARTIES agree that this MOU covers only services included in a feasibility/planning study. It does not cover Phase I Preliminary Engineering or other future phases of work.
Payment Procedures.
NIRPC shall make periodic payments to SAUK VILLAGE for services rendered in the conjunction with the MOU in the following manner:
1. SAUK VILLAGE shall submit invoices to NIRPC. Invoices should be supported by documentation of included expenses.
2. Invoices shall be accompanied by a narrative progress report describing activities which have been performed and for which reimbursement is being claimed.
3. Following its approved of the invoice and related materials submitted by SAUK VILLAGE, NIRPC shall make payment. Payment will normally be made within thirty days after said approval.
4. All invoices shall be submitted to: Accounts Payable
  Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission 6100 Southport Road
  Portage, IN 46368
Notices. All notices given under this MOU shall be in writing and shall be either (a) served personally during regular business hours; (b) serviced by facsimile transmission during regular business hours; or (c) served by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, properly addressed with postage prepaid and deposited in the United States mail. Notices served personally or by facsimile transmission shall be effective upon receipt, and notices served by mail shall be effective upon receipt as verified by the United States Postal Service. Notices shall be served at the following addresses:
Village of Sauk Village NIRPC
Attn: Mayor Derrick Burgess Attn: Mitch Barloga
21801 Torrence Avenue 6100 Southport Road
Sauk Village, Illinois 60411 Portage, Indiana 46438
Execution. The PARTIES shall each approve this MOU pursuant to a duly passed ordinance or resolution and shall execute a separate signature page and send the original page to SAUK VILLAGE. After all the original signature pages have been received, SAUK VILLAGE shall provide NIRPC with a fully executed copy of the MOU.
Incorporation. The provisions set forth herein represent the entire agreement between the PARTIES and supersede any previous oral or written agreements, as it is the intent of the PARTIES to provide for integration within the terms of this MOU. No provision may be modified in any respect unless each modification is in writing and signed by all PARTIES.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the PARTIES, through their duly authorized representatives, have executed this MOU on the days and dates set out below, and certify that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions of this MOU as set forth herein. The effective date of this MOU is the date of the signature last affixed to this page.

VILLAGE OF SAUK VILLAGE

By: Mayor Derrick Burgess

Attest:

Date:

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

By: Ty Warner, Executive Director

Attest:

Date:

Public Comment Report

Amendments #22-03 & 22-03.5 to the 2020-2024 & 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP)

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission Technical Planning Committee

January 11, 2022

Amendments #22-03 & #22-03.5 of the FY 2020-2024 & 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Programs were released for a 21-day public comment period which began on December 13, 2021 and ended on January 3, 2022. The amendments were made available for viewing at www.nirpc.org and press releases with links were posted on several social media sites. No comments from the public were received during the comment period on the proposed amendments.

NIRPC only received one technical question from the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG). The questions was whether four large legacy projects were included in NIRPC Metropolitan Transportation Plan (our Long Range Plan) – they were. The Air Quality Complete date given by the ICG is December 17th, 2021. All projects are found to be exempt from the Air Quality Conformity and non-regionally significant.

RESOLUTION 22-03 ‌

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AMENDING THE

FY 2020-2024 & FY 2022-2026 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS FOR LAKE, PORTER, AND LAPORTE COUNTIES, INDIANA AMENDMENT NO. 22-03

January 20, 2022

WHEREAS, Northwest Indiana’s citizens require a safe, efficient, effective, resource- conserving regional transportation system that maintains and enhances regional mobility and contributes to improving the quality of life in Northwest Indiana; and

WHEREAS, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, hereafter referred to as “the Commission”, being designated the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Lake, Porter and LaPorte County area, has established a regional, comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing (3-C) transportation planning process to develop the unified planning work program, a transportation plan, and a transportation improvement program to facilitate federal funding for communities, counties, and transit operators, and to provide technical assistance and expertise to regional transportation interests; and

WHEREAS, the Commission performs the above activities to satisfy requirements of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015 (PL 114-94), applicable portions of all prior federal transportation program authorizing legislation, as well as other federal, state, and local laws mandating or authorizing transportation planning activities; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2020-2024 & FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Programs are a product of a multi-modal, 3-C transportation planning process, compatible with regional goals and objectives and socio-economic and demographic factors used to form the NWI 2050 Plan; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2020-2024 & FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program is an implementation of the NWI 2050 Plan, is fiscally constrained, and is consistent with the State Implementation Plan for Air Quality; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2020-2024 & FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Programs are developed by the Commission in coordination and cooperation with local elected and appointed highway and transit officials, special interest and service organizations, including users of public transit, the Indiana Department of Transportation, the Indiana Department of

Environmental Management, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency; and

WHEREAS, the changes to the FY 2020-2024 & FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Programs brought about by this amendment were reviewed by the Air Quality Conformity Task Force’s Interagency Consultation Group (ICG); and

WHEREAS, the changes to the FY 2020-2024 & FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Programs brought about by this amendment were subjected to public comment in the manner prescribed by the 2019 Public Participation Plan with no comments received; and

WHEREAS, the Technical Policy Committee (TPC) has recommended that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission make these changes to the FY 2020-2024 & FY 2022- 2026 Transportation Improvement Programs.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby amends the FY 2020-2024 & FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Programs by adding the new projects and making other changes as shown on the attachment to this resolution.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this twentieth day of January, 2022.

Justin Kiel Chairperson

ATTEST:

Richard Hardaway Secretary

RESOLUTION 22-04 ‌

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AMENDING THE

FY 2020-2024 & FY 2022-2026 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS FOR LAKE, PORTER, AND LAPORTE COUNTIES, INDIANA AMENDMENT NO. 22-03.5

January 20, 2022

Environmental Management, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency; and

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this twentieth day of January, 2022.

Justin Kiel Chairperson

ATTEST:

Richard Hardaway Secretary

Amendment 22-03.5 Northwestern MPO

FED FY	REVENUE SOURCE	PE	RW	CN	CE	TOTAL
2022	FTA 5309 New Starts	$0	$0	$24,585,403	$0	$24,585,403
2022-2026 TOTAL		$0	$0	$24,585,403	$0	$24,585,403
ALL YEARS TOTAL		$0	$0	$24,585,403	$0	$24,585,403

FED FY	REVENUE SOURCE	PE	RW	CN	CE	TOTAL
2022	FTA 5309 New Starts	$0	$0	$43,971,185	$0	$43,971,185
2022-2026 TOTAL		$0	$0	$43,971,185	$0	$43,971,185
ALL YEARS TOTAL		$0	$0	$43,971,185	$0	$43,971,185

Transportation Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2020-2024 Amendment #22-03.5

6 Projects Listed

NIRPC27005 (Ver 1) 22-03.5 STATUS New Project FEDERAL

Title: Double Track NWI - ARPA Route: N/A

Description: This program line is for the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Capital Investment Grants Program relief funding allocated to NICTD's Double Track project.

Project Type: Transit - Capital AQ Exempt: Non-Exempt District: LaPorte

County: Various Limits: Various Locations

Region: Northwestern MPO Lead Agency: NICTD

NIRPC27005 (Ver 1) 22-03.5 STATUS New Project FEDERAL

Title: West Lake Extension - ARPA Route: N/A

Description: This program line is for the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 Capital Investment Grants Program relief funding allocated to NICTD's West Lake Corridor project.

Project Type: Transit - Capital AQ Exempt: Non-Exempt District: LaPorte

County: Various Limits: Various Locations

Region: Northwestern MPO Lead Agency: NICTD

Amendment 22-03.5 Northwestern MPO

FED FY	REVENUE SOURCE	PE	RW	CN	CE	TOTAL
2022	FTA 5337 St of Good Repair	$0	$0	$956,800	$0	$956,800
2022	Local Transit Match Fund	$0	$0	$239,200	$0	$239,200
2022-2026 TOTAL		$0	$0	$1,196,000	$0	$1,196,000
ALL YEARS TOTAL		$0	$0	$1,196,000	$0	$1,196,000

FED FY	REVENUE SOURCE	PE	RW	CN	CE	TOTAL
2022	FTA 5337 St of Good Repair	$0	$0	$2,202,437	$0	$2,202,437
2022	Local Transit Match Fund	$0	$0	$550,609	$0	$550,609
2022-2026 TOTAL		$0	$0	$2,753,046	$0	$2,753,046
ALL YEARS TOTAL		$0	$0	$2,753,046	$0	$2,753,046

Transportation Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2020-2024 Amendment #22-03.5

6 Projects Listed

NIRPC27005 (Ver 1) 22-03.5 STATUS New Project FEDERAL

Title: NICTD PTC Equipment Route: N/A

Description: NICTD is updating on-board locomotive equipment necessary for the continued compatibility with the safety overlay Positive Train Control.

Project Type: Transit - Capital AQ Exempt: Exempt District: LaPorte

County: Various Limits: Various Locations

Region: Northwestern MPO Lead Agency: NICTD

NIRPC27005 (Ver 1) 22-03.5 STATUS New Project FEDERAL

Title: MED Improvement Route: N/A

Description: NICTD's final 14.1 miles from Kensington to downtown Chicago travel on Metra's track. This funding is to make changes in the track and station areas around Millennium Station and Van Buren Station. Track changes will facilitate NICTD trains upon entering and exiting Chicago and reduce the possible delays or cancellations of trains due to issues on Metra's track.

Project Type: Transit - Capital AQ Exempt: Exempt District: LaPorte

County: Various Limits: Various Locations

Region: Northwestern MPO Lead Agency: NICTD

Amendment 22-03.5 Northwestern MPO

FED FY	REVENUE SOURCE	PE	RW	CN	CE	TOTAL
2022	FTA 5337 St of Good Repair	$0	$0	$1,280,000	$0	$1,280,000
2022	Local Transit Match Fund	$0	$0	$320,000	$0	$320,000
2022-2026 TOTAL		$0	$0	$1,600,000	$0	$1,600,000
ALL YEARS TOTAL		$0	$0	$1,600,000	$0	$1,600,000

FED FY	REVENUE SOURCE	PE	RW	CN	CE	TOTAL
2022	FTA 5337 St of Good Repair	$0	$0	$40,520	$0	$40,520
2022	Local Transit Match Fund	$0	$0	$10,130	$0	$10,130
2022-2026 TOTAL		$0	$0	$50,650	$0	$50,650
ALL YEARS TOTAL		$0	$0	$50,650	$0	$50,650

Transportation Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2020-2024 Amendment #22-03.5

6 Projects Listed

NIRPC27005 (Ver 1) 22-03.5 STATUS New Project FEDERAL

Title: Mechanical Shop Roof Route: N/A

Description: This project will fund the removal and replacement of NICTD's mechanical shop roof. The mechanical shop is utilized for the inspection, maintenance, and repairs of NICTD's fleet.

Project Type: Transit - Capital AQ Exempt: Exempt District: LaPorte

County: Laporte Limits: Nearest Crossstreet: 601 N. Roeske Ave., Michigan City, IN

Region: Northwestern MPO Lead Agency: NICTD

NIRPC27005 (Ver 1) 22-03.5 STATUS New Project FEDERAL

Title: Dispatcher Communication System Route: N/A

Description: Upgrade of the outdated communication system. The existing system is no longer supported by the manufacturer and a replacement is necessary for continued operation. The system is utilized by dispatch to communicate with trains along the rail line.

Project Type: Transit - Capital AQ Exempt: Exempt District: LaPorte

County: Various Limits: Various Locations

Region: Northwestern MPO Lead Agency: NICTD

Amendment 22-03.5 Northwestern MPO

Transportation Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2020-2024 Amendment #22-03.5

6 Projects Listed

Prior

Northwestern MPO TIP SUMMARY BY LEAD AGENCY

FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026

FY 2027

Beyond Total

NICTD	$0	$74,156,284	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$74,156,284
TOTAL $0		$74,156,284	$0	$0	$0		$0	$0	$0	$74,156,284

A picture containing text, clipart

Description automatically generated

RESOLUTION 22-05

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION TO ADOPT AMENDMENT #5 2021-2022 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM 2022 UPDATE

FOR LAKE, PORTER, AND LAPORTE COUNTIES, INDIANA

January 20, 2022

WHEREAS, the Northwestern Indiana Planning Commission, hereafter referred to as “the Commission,” being designated as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Lake, Porter, and LaPorte County area, has established a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing transportation planning process to develop the FY 2021 – 2022 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP); and

WHEREAS, the preparation of a UPWP is a necessary and required part of the metropolitan area transportation planning process as specified in 23 CFR 450.308; and by its State statutory authority, the Commission is charged with regional planning responsibility for the environment, economic development, and transportation; and

WHEREAS, the work tasks and budgets described within the Commission’s UPWP are in conjunction with the programs and planning emphasis areas of the Federal Highway and Transit Administrations, and significant planning projects in the region by other agencies; and

WHEREAS, federal transportation fund expenses contracted to NIRPC must be adopted into the current UPWP in order to be reimbursed; and

WHEREAS, the Commission must prepare an update to its most recent Metropolitan Transportation Plan, called NWI Plan 2050 by May 16, 2023, and assistance from consultants will be needed to complete this work on time so $400,000 will be reallocated from existing work items to support this; and

WHEREAS, the Technical Planning Committee has recommended that the Commission approve the content of UPWP 2021-2022 Amendment #5.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission hereby adopts the FY 2021 – 2022 UPWP Amendment #5 and the Commission is authorized to enter into such agreements and contracts as may be required with the funding and administrative agencies for the execution of this UPWP.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission on this 20th day of January 2022.

Chairperson

ATTEST:

Secretary

01/03/2022

| Long Range Planning

400: Long Range Planning
Funding Source	FY 2020 Amended Funds	FY 2021	FY 2022
Federal PL/5307	$ 61,600	$ 724,936	$ 342,879
Non-Federal	$ 15,400	$ 191,234	$ 85,720
TOTAL	$ 77,000	$ 956,169	$ 428,598
Tasks:		Tasks or expenses added with 2021 Funds
CRP implementation Development
Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
Sensible Tools Handbook Update
Public Health and Transportation
Regional land use planning		MTP Development with Consultant Assistance
		Living Streets Design Guidelines
Surface transportation planning
Environmental linkages planning		Vulnerability Assessment Consultant

01/03/2022

| Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Development

Task Status:

Ongoing and permanent

Task Lead: Thomas Dow

Task Contributors: Mitch Barloga, Charles Bradsky, Eman Ibrahim, Peter Kimball, KevinPolette, Scott Weber and other NIRPC Staff as needed

Task Objective:

To update the federally required Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) by May 31, 2023.

Prior Task Accomplishments

NWI 2050, adopted May 2019

Task Description:

Elements:

A multi-step process reflecting on the successes and work to be completed from NWI 2050, the updated plan will continue to articulate regional vision and needs, identify influences on our future, anticipate impacts of different possible futures. Additionally, the plan will also continue to refine the performance-based planning system created in NWI 2050, redefine defensible and clear evaluation criteria, and revise strategies and investments to improve our region, and identify partners to help us move towards the future. Planning updates to NWI 2050 will include robust public input, especially from Title VI and Environmental justice communities, and a continued commitment to data collection and analysis.

Task deliverables:

Planning updates to NWI 2050.

Public Engagement Goal:

Collaborate

Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

Plan for Transformative Investments

Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

The nature of this task impacts all plan strategies addressed by all other tasks in this document.

Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

The nature of this task impacts all performance measures addressed by all other tasks in this document.

Consultants will be hired to assist NIRPC staff with specific tasks.

RESOLUTION 22-06 ‌

A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING

H.R. 4878: NATIONAL DISCOVERY TRAILS ACT

6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219) 763-6060

www.nirpc.org

WHEREAS, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) promotes an effective multimodal, regional land use/transportation system that is safe, energy and fiscally efficient, maximizes regional connectivity, serves the mobility needs of all citizens, and is environmentally sensitive; and

WHEREAS, NIRPC promotes transportation improvements that encourage walking and bicycling while promoting safe operations for all users; and

WHEREAS, NIRPC has adopted the 2020 Greenways+Blueways Plan that outlines a series of regional priority trail corridors in NW Indiana connecting to all our major population centers and points outside of our region; and

WHEREAS, House Resolution 4878 (H.R. 4878) has been introduced to the 117th United States Congress as the National Discovery Trails Act, which amends the National Trails System Act to establish national discovery trails interstate in scope and that connect representative examples of America’s trails and communities; and

WHEREAS, H.R. 4878 would designate as a National Discovery Trail the American Discovery Trail (ADT), a 6000-mile system which extends from Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware to Point Reyes National Seashore in California, traveling northern and southern routes from Cincinnati, Ohio to Denver, Colorado; and

WHEREAS, the ADT’s northern route would directly bisect the NIRPC region by traversing through Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties for approximately 46 miles on proposed off-road trails including the Veterans Memorial Trail and Pennsy Greenway, and has been deemed a “State Visionary Trail”, the highest priority assigned to a planned trail corridor in NW Indiana; and

WHEREAS, NIRPC recognizes the importance of promoting the ADT as a benefit to the NW Indiana region in terms of tourism and national visiblity.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NIRPC strongly supports the passage of H.R. 4878: National Discovery Trails Act to establish the legacy of the American Discovery Trail as our country’s great connector route, and opening it up for additional assistance from the National Park Service.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission on this 20th day of January, two thousand and twenty-two.

Chairperson

ATTEST:

Secretary