Portage, Indiana 46368
(219) 763-6060
NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
November 18, 2021 at 9:00 A.M.
NIRPC Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road, Portage
Zoom Information: https://zoom.us/j/99899616088?pwd=Rm1ObDA0dXRhdUVDWUxLa3l4YzVQUT09 Meeting ID: 923 2465 2053
Meeting Passcode: 135732
Call in: (312) 626-6799
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 September 16, 2021, Executive (pp. 1-4)
ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
4.0 Public Comment on Current Agenda Items
Members of the audience who have signed up to comment on agenda items will be recognized by the Chair. Time is limited to 3 minutes per commenter.
5.0 Report of the Chair - George Topoll
6.0 Report of the Executive Director - Ty Warner
7.0 Environmental Management Policy Committee – Bill Emerson (pp. 5-6)
Consent Agenda
NIRPC Full/Commission Executive Board Meeting Calendar for 2022 (p.8)
ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
Finance and Personnel Committee - Greg Stinson (pp. 7-13)
NIRPC Full/Commission Executive Board Meeting Calendar for 2022 (p.8)
ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
Procurement Recommendations (p.10)
ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
Resolution #21-21: Authorizing the submittal of the Economic Development Administration FY 20922 Partnership Planning Grant Application to Administer the Economic Development District (pp. 11-12)
ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
Executive Director Employment Agreement Extension (p. 13)
ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
Geosyntec Consultants Inc. Contract for Technical Green Infrastructure Guidelines for Transportation Projects
ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
Cambridge Systematics, Inc. Contract for Travel Demand Model Project
ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
Technical Planning Committee - Kevin Breitzke (pp. 14-18)
Resolution #21-19: Safety Performance Measure Targets for 2022 (pp. 16-18)
ACTION REQUESTED: Adoption
9.0 NIRPC Economic Development District Report – Denarie Kane
10.0 INDOT, Matt Deitchley, La Porte District Deputy Commissioner
10.0 Other Business
11.0 Announcements
Adjournment
Electronic Meeting via Zoom September 16, 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
Ty Warner announced there were no new appointments to the Commission. Roll call - Taken by Candice Eklund.
Present
The 9 Executive Board members present at the meeting included Tom Dermody (La Laporte), Bill Emerson (Lake County Surveyor), Richard Hardaway (Merrillville), Justin Kiel (La Crosse), Sue Lynch (Portage), Wendy Mis (Munster), Greg Stinson (Porter), James Ton (Chesterton), and George Topoll (Union Township).
The 10 other Commissioners present included Geof Benson (Beverly Shores), Kevin Breitzke (Porter County Surveyor), Robert Carnahan (Cedar Lake), Joshleen Denham (Trail Creek), Jon Derwinski (Winfield), Daina Dumbrys (Michiana Shores), Jerome Prince (Gary), Tom Schmitt (Schererville), Gerald Swets (St. John), and Mary Tanis (Dyer).
Absent
The 3 Executive Board members absent at the meeting included Michael Griffin (Highland), Sheila Matias (LaPorte County Commissioner), and Jim Pressel (Governor Appointee).
The 28 other Commissioners not present for the Executive Board meeting included Kyle Allen (Lake County Commissioner), Duane Arndt (Kingsford Heights), Jeanette Bapst (Dune Acres), Janet Beck (Pottawattomie Park), Jim Biggs (Porter County Commissioner), Charlie Brown (Lake County Council), Bill Carroll (Lake Station), Anthony Copeland (East Chicago), Denise Ebert (Wanatah), Robert Forster (Kouts), Tony Hendricks (LaPorte County Surveyor), Eric Hull (Burns Harbor), Jack Jeralds (Schneider), Andrew Kyres (Crown Point), Robert Lemay (Long Beach), Tom McDermott (Hammond), Lori Mercer (Westville), Mike Mollenhauer (La Porte County Council), Edward Morales (Porter Township), Matt Murphy (Valparaiso), Duane Parry (Michigan City), David Peeler (Hebron), Bob Poparad (Porter County Council), Rick Ryfa (Griffith), Brian Snedecor (Hobart), Steve Spebar (Whiting), 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, Mitch Barloga, Flor Baum, Meredith Stilwell, Denarie Kane, Peter Kimball, Kevin Polette, Candice Eklund, and attorney Dave Hollenbeck.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the July 15, 2021 Full Commission Board meeting were approved on motion by James Ton and second by Greg Stinson. With Tom Dermody, Bill Emerson, Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Sue Lynch, Wendy Mis, Greg Stinson, James 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 referenced the consent agenda items being presented at today’s meeting and asked if a member on the Executive Board would like an item to be removed from the consent agenda vote, to please address it at the time the items will be voted on. George thanked all commissioners for their attendance and for obtaining a quorum of the Executive Board.
Report of the Executive Director - Ty Warner
Ty Warner introduced Thomas Dow, NIRPC’s new Director of Transportation. Thomas said he is looking forward to working with everyone on the call. Thomas provided a quick overview of the upcoming schedule to update NIRPC’s long range transportation plan, adopted as NWI 2050, that will be due May 2023. This long range plan requires updating every four years and was last adopted by NIRPC’s Executive Board in May 2019. Thomas is developing a preliminary project schedule and will provide an update to the Full Commission at the November meeting.
Mr. Warner said NIRPC staff created an overview of the 2020 census data for the NIRPC region. Peter Kimball and Scott Weber presented on the census data stating the total population for Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties increased by 1.6%. Various graphs presented depicted changes in housing units, minority changes, population changes and density, with the Town of Highland now being the most densely populated municipality in NIRPC’s region. The response rate for the census in Indiana was 70.3%, which is above the national response rate of 67%. The presentation can be found on NIRPC’s website at https://nirpc.org/2040- plan/economy-and-place/regional-data-maps/.
Environmental Management Policy Committee (EMPC) – Bill Emerson
Bill Emerson reported the EMPC met on September 2, 2021 and included presentations from Dan Robinson with Solar United Neighbors and Kathy Sipple and Alek Thiesz for the NWI Greenhouse Gas Inventory project. During today’s meeting, Kathy Luther provided an update on the NWI Regional Greenhouse Gas Inventory results, stating this is the first regional gas inventory in Indiana and one of very few across the county. In the fall of 2020, there was representation from all three counties in NIRPC’s area, totaling 11 municipalities. This project would not have been possible if the communities that participated had not committed to helping with the cost of the interns as well as having the support and assistance of NIRPC staff. Kathy Sipple managed the interns and received support from the Indiana Environmental Resilience Institute and ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives). Results from the study performed in 2017 showed that carbon dioxide equivalents were nearly 40 million tons, with over 33 million tons being from industrial energy. Not counting industrial usage, 74% of carbon dioxide equivalents was from transportation and mobile sources. A final report will be generated in September for each of the municipalities that followed thru on their commitment.
Finance & Personnel Committee (F & P) - Greg Stinson
Greg Stinson reported the F & P Committee met this morning to review the financial reports, bank reconciliations, and claims registers for June and July. The F&P Committee favorably recommends Resolution #21-16, a request to the EDA to release the LaPorte County Revolving Loan Fund from certain federal requirements. The LaPorte County loan committee made this recommendation to the F&P Committee for the program to be defederalized. Denarie Kane said once this request is approved it would accompany a letter to the EDA with specifics about the loan program as well as the most recent financial report and audit.
The Economic Resiliency Plan is seeking authorization for NIRPC’s Executive Director to negotiate and sign this contract. Three firms submitted full proposals after being invited to do so following NIRPC’s Request for Qualifications for this project. Two of these firms were selected to be interviewed. It is being recommended to hire TIP Strategies Inc. located in Texas. Approval of this plan would authorize the Executive Director to negotiate the final terms of the contract, in coordination with NIRPC’s attorney, and allow him to execute the final contract on behalf of the commission in an amount not to exceed $112,000, the sum of the grant.
Mr. Stinson reported the F&P committee will meet on October 21, 2021 to consider the preliminary 2022 budget.
Technical Planning Committee (TPC) - Kevin Breitzke
Kevin Breitzke reported the TPC met on September 14, 2021 and recommends for consideration the adoption of Resolution #21-17. The next TPC meeting is scheduled for October 12, 2021.
Charles Bradsky stated Amendment #2 to the FY 2022-2026 TIP was released for a 21-day public comment period from August 19 to September 9. There were no comments received from the public or the Inter Agency Consultation Group (ICG). NIRPC is still awaiting approval on the FY 2022-2026 TIP from the FHWA and the FTA. There are seven new INDOT projects in this amendment.
Legislative Committee – Justin Kiel
Justin Kiel stated the Legislative Committee met on September 7 for a kickoff meeting for the upcoming legislative session. The primary topic discussed was the proposed Calumet National Heritage Area (CNHA). Gary Johnson, Director and Indiana Vice President of the Calumet Heritage Partnership and Mark Bouman, Chicago Regional Program Director with the Field Museum, provided a presentation on this initiative. There are 55 designated National Heritage Areas in the United States, but none currently in Indiana. The Calumet Heritage Area (CHA) boundaries include Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties of Indiana, as well as the southern portion of Chicago and south suburbs in Illinois. A CHA exhibit is scheduled to open at the Field Museum November 2022. This exhibit is currently at the Gary Public Library and will be at the Porter County Museum next year. Some of the benefits of National Heritage Areas are increased attendance, supporting integration of NWI into the metropolitan economy, and a high return on investment. The CHAs also aligns with NIRPC’s NWI 2050 plan and is complementary to NIRPC’s Economic Development District designation. Mark Bouman noted that the Calumet Heritage Partnership will hold their annual conference virtually on October 12-13.
Justin Kiel said Resolution #21-18, Calumet National Heritage Area, comes with a favorable recommendation from the Legislative Committee.
By virtue of the Executive Board of General Consent to allow all items to be Consent Agenda matters, and there being no objections to all items being voted on under one consent agenda, George Topoll asked for a vote on the three matters below:
Approval of Resolution #21-16, LaPorte County Revolving Loan Fund Defederalization
Approval of Resolution #21-17, FY 2022-2026 TIP Amendment #2
Approval of Resolution #21-18, Calumet National Heritage Area
A motion was received and seconded to adopt the matters of the consent agenda. Roll call was taken by Candice Eklund for these three matters. With Tom Dermody, Bill Emerson, Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Wendy Mis, Greg Stinson, James 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 NIRPC is continuing to have discussions with interested parties that want to learn about the EDA grant funding. It was encouraged of those who want to learn more about this grant funding to contact her (dkane@nirpc.org), so she could arrange those discussions with NIRPC’s EDA representative. Matt Paskash, NIRPC’s new Economic Development Specialist, has been working with municipalities regarding the NWI revolving loan fund and assisting people with questions and applications. NIRPC is investigating the Build Back Better Regional Challenge to formulate a grant application associated for this EDA grant.
INDOT - Matt Deitchley
Matt Deitchley discussed the Restore 94 project and said it should be complete by the end of October. There will be a lot of projects on the Boreman Expressway in 2021 and 2022. INDOT will also be working on an Intelligent Transportation System along I-94 and I-65 with hopes of eliminating congestion. Planning & Environmental Linkage (PEL) meetings are ongoing with more meetings scheduled in October. The Flex Road study will be approximately a $30 million project but is in the early stages. Construction is scheduled to begin on this project in 2024. Lastly, INDOT will be having a statewide job fair beginning September 30.
Other Business
Ty Warner noted NIRPC met with the FHWA and FTA this week to discuss NIRPC’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) transportation processes, a review which occurs every four years. Robert Dirks, with the FHWA, stated the USDOT requires the review of the transportation planning processes for Transportation Management Areas, or MPOs that are greater than 200,000 in population. The prior certification was completed December 2017. Robert stated the FHWA does not anticipate any problems with certifying NIRPC’s planning processes, but still needs to meet with his team and the review team for a summary of their findings. Robert suspects there will be some recommendations in the report as well as commendations. The FHWA will compile a report for NIRPC’s review, with hopes to finalize the report and certify NIRPC’s processes by December 2021. Robert thanked Ty and NIRPC staff on their preparation for the review.
Robert Dirks announced he will be retiring from the FHWA after working there for 33 years. Erica Tate will be his replacement. Ty wished Robert well in his retirement and that he appreciates the partnership that NIRPC has with its federal partners.
Announcements
Bob Carnahan announced the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority is holding their Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Award on September 22 at the Barbara and Dean White Community Center in Merrillville.
Hearing no other business, George Topoll adjourned the meeting at 10:12 a.m.
The livestream video recording of this meeting is available on NIRPC’s YouTube Channel at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNNcs0glC78
Commission Meeting Dates
6100 Southport Road
Portage, Indiana 46368
(219) 763-6060
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. |
November 12, 2021
Environmental Management Policy Committee NIRPC – Virtual Meeting
September 2, 2021 Minutes
This meeting was convened as an electronic meeting, pursuant to Governor Holcomb’s extended Executive Order 21-24. 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.
Bill Emerson called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call.
In attendance were Bill Emerson (Lake County), Lauri Keagle (SSCC), Geof Benson, Alec Theisz (IU intern), Kathy Sipple (Earth Charter), Richard Morrisroe, Dan Robinson (SUN), Ashley Sharkey, Jennifer Gadzala, Jen Orsburn, Tim Kingsland (Hobart), Kay Nelson (Forum), George Topoll, Brenda Scott-Henry, Kevin Brietzke, Ellen Woodward, and Susan MiHalo (TNC)l.
NIRPC staff present were Kathy Luther, Meredith Stilwell, Candice Eklund, Kevin Polette, and Flor Baum.
The meeting minutes of June 2, 2021 were approved on motion by Geof Benson and second by Lauri Keagle. A roll call was taken, and the committee voted unanimously to approve.
There were no public comments.
Kathy Sipple and Alec Theisz presented on the Northwest Indiana Regional Green House Gas (GHG) Inventory Project update. The project is the first regional GHG inventory in the state. The data collected provided a baseline that will be used for future climate action plan development. The application for the action plan development will be open from October to December and will begin in January for participating communities. The cost per jurisdiction is incrementally higher because the program will run for the entire year. Kathy is working on securing funding to assist communities in moving forward. Interns were given the opportunity to make connections both regionally and statewide. The project is concluding in September. One intern will continue to work on preparing applications for the Climate Action phase due in December. In 2022 there will be a focus on the development of the Regional Climate Action Plans in response to data collected. Alec presented the technical overview for the region-wide emissions by sector: Residential (2%), Industrial (83.5%), Transportation (12.2%), Solid Waste (.8%), and Commercial Energy (1%). These numbers are for the participating communities of Lake, Porter, and La Porte County only for the Scope 1 emissions.
Extensive training was provided to the interns that included weekly meetings for the interns to meet the goals. A global protocol was used in creating reports. The data collected came from public sources, government sources, and from the facilities was entered into ClearPath; an online tool used to house all emissions inventories. In some cased, with the assistance of ERI and ICLEI, interns had to conduct population scaling for unavailable data. Assumed data can always be updated. The City of Hammond supplies water to certain Illinois communities, Muster and Highland. Therefore, water utilities data will be reviewed to assure there is no duplicate data.
Dan Robinson (Solar United Neighbors) presented on the 2021 Solar United Neighbors (SUN)Co-op campaign. SUN is a national nonprofit that is working to help people convert to solar energy. SUN
also advocates for solar policy at the state and national level with a presence in 12 states, including Indiana. Developing solar co-ops is one of the main pieces of work in Indiana. Homeowners and small businesses can come together to purchase a solar array/system at a co-op value price. The campaign will launch in mid-September for those would be interested in being a partner. NIRPC, 219 Green Connect, Michigan City Sustainability Commission, Earth Charter Indiana, and NWI Green Drinks are local partners and/or sponsors working with SUN. Hybrid and virtual info sessions are being held monthly. Further information will be sent out to EMPC via email.
Lauri Keagle (SSCC) presented on the South Shore Clean Cities NIRPC EMPC Report. Please click here to view the report. For more information, please visit www.southshorecleancities.org or contact Lauri at lkeagle@southshorecleancities.org
The next EMPC meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. in the NIRPC offices. Hearing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:27 a.m.
NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
September 16, 2021 / Zoom Virtual Meeting – 8:00 a.m.
Members Present
Greg Stinson, Richard Hardaway, Bob Carnahan, George Topoll, Wendy Mis, Joshleen Denham, Justin Kiel
Staff and Others Present
Ty Warner, Talaya Jones, Kathy Luther, Lisa Todd, Meredith Stilwell, Denarie Kane, Stephanie Kuziela, David Hollenbeck
Call to Order
Chairman Stinson called the meeting to order.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the July 15, 2021 meeting were presented. Bob Carnahan made motion and Justin Kiel seconded to approve the minutes. A roll call vote was taken with Bob Carnahan, Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Greg Stinson and George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Wendy Mis abstained from voting since she had just joined the meeting. Motion passed 5-0.
Review of Financial Status – June 2021 Budget vs Actual
Talaya Jones presented the June 2021 bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general account and the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) account.
Talaya Jones presented the June 2021 general fund financial reports. Total expenditures for the period ending June 30, 2021 were $2,103,110 of the $11,981,765 budgeted. Total general fund revenue for the period was $1,189,579 of the $3,574,659 budgeted.
Talaya presented the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities (CARES) Act financial reports, year to date June 2021. Total NIRPC CARES fund expenditures for the period ending June 30, 2021, was
$2,154,851 of the $4,717,013 budgeted. Total CARES revenue collected for the period is $2,181,787 of the $4,307,009 budgeted.
Approval of Claims Registers – June 2021
Talaya presented the June 2021 General Fund claims register totaling $306,199.20 to the Committee for approval. Richard Hardaway made motion and Justin Kiel seconded to approve the June 2021 General Fund claims register. A roll call vote was taken with Bob Carnahan, Joshleen Denham, Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Wendy Mis, Greg Stinson and George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 7-0. The CARES Act expenditures register of claims totaling $105,359.51 was presented for approval. Richard Hardaway made motion and Justin Kiel seconded to approve the June 2021 CARES Act claims register. A roll call vote was taken with Bob Carnahan, Joshleen Denham, Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Wendy Mis, Greg Stinson and George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 7-0.
Review of Financial Status – July 2021 Budget vs Actual
Talaya Jones presented the July 2021 bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general account and the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) account.
Talaya Jones presented the July 2021 general fund financial reports. Total expenditures for the period ending July 31, 2021 were $2,412,666 of the $11,981,765 budgeted. Total general fund revenue for the
period was $1,195,203 of the $3,574,659 budgeted.
Talaya presented the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities (CARES) Act financial reports, year to date July 2021. Total NIRPC CARES fund expenditures for the period ending June 30, 2021, was
$2,186,424 of the $4,717,013 budgeted. Total CARES revenue collected for the period is $2,303,262 of the $4,307,009 budgeted.
Approval of Claims Registers – July 2021
Talaya presented the July 2021 General Fund claims register totaling $316,417.62 to the Committee for approval. Richard Hardaway made motion and Bob Carnahan seconded to approve the July 2021 General Fund claims register. A roll call vote was taken with Bob Carnahan, Joshleen Denham, Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Wendy Mis, Greg Stinson and George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 7-0. The CARES Act expenditures register of claims totaling $12,575.69 was presented for approval. Richard Hardaway made motion and Justin Kiel seconded to approve the June 2021 CARES Act claims register. A roll call vote was taken with Bob Carnahan, Joshleen Denham, Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Wendy Mis, Greg Stinson and George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 7-0.
Economic Resiliency Plan Consultant Selection and Contract
Denarie Kane presented a memorandum on the Economic Resiliency Plan consultant selection process and contract. An RFP was solicited from five consultants were chosen based on scores from a prior RFQ. Three proposals were received and two chosen for interviews. The decision was made to award the contract to TIP Strategies and Denarie asked the Finance & Personnel Committee to forward a recommendation for approval of the Executive Board to authorize the Executive Committee to allow NIRPC Executive Director Ty Warner to execute the contract paperwork and NIRPC attorney, Dave Hollenbeck, to work with Ty on the contract and scope of work. Wendy Mis motioned and Bob Carnahan seconded to forward the recommendation for approval. A roll call vote was taken with Bob Carnahan, Joshleen Denham, Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Wendy Mis, Greg Stinson and George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 7-0.
NIRPC Resolution 21-16: Requesting the Release of the LaPorte County RLF from certain requirements of the Economic Development Administration
Denarie Kane presented Resolution 21-16 and asked the Finance & Personnel Committee to forward the resolution with a recommendation for approval to the NIRPC Executive Board. Defederalizing the LaPorte County RLF would remove future reporting requirements. After a brief discussion regarding the possibility of the RLF being discontinued in the future, Richard Hardaway made motion and Wendy Mis seconded to recommend Resolution 21-16 to the NIRPC Executive Board for approval. A roll call vote was taken with Bob Carnahan, Joshleen Denham, Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, Wendy Mis, Greg Stinson and George Topoll voting in the affirmative. Motion passed 7-0.
Personnel updates
Ty Warner reported on the hiring of the new Economic Development Specialist, Matthew Paskash.
Other Business None
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
One (1) Replacement BOC Vehicle – Procurement #22-01.01
Purchase of:
One (1) vehicle replacement for Opportunity Enterprises - $82,000.00
Vehicles being replaced will have met their useful life of 4 years or 100,000 miles at the time of delivery.
Paid with Federal Transit Administration funds (80%) out of grant IN-2021- 054 and local share coming from the above listed agencies.
Recommendation to approve purchase of replacement vehicles not to exceed
$65,600.00 in federal funds.
Two (2) Replacement BOC Vehicles – Procurement #22-01.02
Purchase of:
Two (2) vehicle replacements for Porter County Aging Community Services - $130,000.00
Vehicles being replaced will have met their useful life of 4 years or 100,000 miles at the time of delivery.
Paid with Federal Transit Administration funds (80%) out of grant IN-2021- 054 and local share coming from the above listed agencies.
Recommendation to approve purchase of replacement vehicles not to exceed
$104,000.00 in federal funds.
Two (2) Replacement BOC Vehicles – Procurement #22-01.03
Purchase of:
Two (2) vehicle replacements for Porter County Aging Community Services - $140,000.00
Vehicles being replaced will have met their useful life of 4 years or 100,000 miles at the time of delivery.
Paid with Federal Transit Administration funds (80%) out of grant IN-2021- 054 and local share coming from the above listed agencies.
Recommendation to approve purchase of replacement vehicles not to exceed
$112,000.00 in federal funds.
WHEREAS, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC), hereafter
referred to as “the Commission”, is the regional Council of Local Governments (COG) and the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of Lake, Porter, and La Porte County area; and
WHEREAS, NIRPC has been designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, as an Economic Development District (EDD) on August 23, 2019, that makes the counties of Lake, Porter, and La Porte in Northwest Indiana eligible to receive certain types of federal funding for regional and local economic development efforts; and
WHEREAS, the EDD designation is consistent with NIRPC’s charge within its state enabling
legislation to institute and maintain a comprehensive planning and programming processes for:
transportation, (2) economic development, and (3) environmental policy, and provide a coordinative management process for Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties (Indiana Code 36-7- 7.6); and
WHEREAS, EDA supports Partnership Planning investments to facilitate the development, implementation, revision, or replacement of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), which articulate and prioritize the strategic economic goals of recipients’ respective regions; and
WHEREAS, NIRPC has applied for an Economic Development Administration Partnership Planning grant for up to $70,000 (Seventy Thousand dollars) in federal funds to assist with the Economic Development District scope of work;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission board authorizes the NIRPC Executive Director:
To apply for and administer the Economic Development Administration grant award;
To sign related documents on behalf of the organization; and
To commit up to $70,000 (Seventy Thousand dollars) in local matching funds.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission will make the local match funds available as needed and affirms that the funds are not encumbered in any way that would preclude its use consistent with the requirements of the EDA Investment Assistance.
Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this 18th day of November 2021.
George Topoll Chairperson
ATTEST:
Richard Hardaway Secretary
ALL OF WHICH HAVING BEEN RESOLVED by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this 18th day of November, 2021.
Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission
By: Chairman
Tyson Warner
ATTEST:
Technical Planning Committee NIRPC – Virtual Meeting September 14, 2021
Minutes
This meeting was convened as an electronic meeting, pursuant to Governor Holcomb’s extended Executive Order 21-26. 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 Brietzke called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call.
In attendance were Bryan Blazak (St. John), Jake Dammarell (BFS), Kevin Brietzke (chair), Jessica Miller, Steve King (Merrillville), Kelly Wenger (NICTD), Emily Nayder (SSCC), David Wright (GPTC), Tim Werner (CIORBA), Chris Murphy (Structurepoint), Eric Wolverton (Structurepoint), and George Topoll (Union Township).
NIRPC staff present were Mitch Barloga, Charles Bradsky, Meredith Stilwell, Candice Eklund, Kevin Polette, Scott Weber, Thomas Dow, and Flor Baum.
The meeting minutes of July 13, 2021 were approved on motion by David Wright and second by Kelly Wenger. A roll call was taken, and the committee voted unanimously to approve.
There were no public comments. Planning
Peter Kimball and Scott Weber presented on the. Census Assessment. The assessment compared the 2010 population with the 2020 population within The NIRPC Region. Collectively, population for all three counties has increased by 1.6%. Lake County’s population has increased by .5%, Porter County has increased by 5.4%, and LaPorte County has increased by .9%. Further detail within the NIRPC Region was presented, using the census tracts that captured the growth within the three counties. The changes in the municipalities within The Region were also presented. The Industrial core in Lake County and Northwest Porter County experienced the most decline. Saint John and Crown Point experienced an influx in population. Municipal Population density change was discussed. Northern core communities, such as Hammond, Highland, and New Chicago had the densest population in our Region. The percentage of minority by census tract, will help to determine the locations of environmental justice (EJ) and be re-evaluated. The Census Bureau will release new urban area boundaries for the Chicago and Michigan City areas. NIRPC will adjust the urban area boundaries for Federal Highway purposes. The Census Data will be available on the NIRPC website. Contact Peter or Scott for more information.
Programming
Charles Bradsky presented on Resolution 21-17, Amendment #22-02 to FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). No public or technical comments were received during the 21-day public comment period, which began on August 19, and ended September 9. All projects were found to be exempt and non-regionally significant from the Air Quality Conformity. NIRPC is
waiting for Federal Highway (FH) and Federal Transit Agency approval. Any projects that have phase changes in 2022 or 2023 are in the current STIP. Charles delineated INDOT and local projects. On motion by George Topoll and second by David Wright, the Technical Planning Committee approved to recommend Resolution 21-17 to The Full Commission.
Topical Committee Reports
Mitch announced 3PC hosted a micromobility webinar on August 31. A recording is available on NIRPC’s YouTube channel. The next Ped Peddle and Paddle meeting is slated for October 7.
Reports from Planning Partners
Emily Nader (SSCC) reported on events and programs. Please click here for complete details of the South Shore Clean Cities report. Visit www.southshorecleancities.org or contact Lauri at lkeagle@southshorecleancities.org.
Adjournment
Hearing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:34 a.m.
A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA
REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTING SAFETY PERFORMANCE MEASURE TARGETS FOR 2022
November 18, 2021
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 NWI 2050 Plan and FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program are products of a multi-modal, 3-C transportation planning process, compatible with regional goals and objectives and socio-economic and demographic factors; and
WHEREAS, the FAST Act of 2015 requires the Commission to adopt annual safety performance measure targets; and
WHEREAS, the FAST Act of 2015 requires, within 180 days of the state department of transportation adopting targets, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to either adopt the targets of the state department of transportation or develop their own targets; and
WHEREAS, the Indiana Department of Transportation adopted its safety performance measure targets on August 31, 2021, and the Commission finds that the Commission should support the Indiana Department of Transportation’s targets; and
WHEREAS, the NWI 2050 Plan and FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program must be amended to reflect the updated safety performance measure targets; and
WHEREAS, the changes to the NWI 2050 Plan and FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program brought about by this amendment fit the criteria of a technical amendment according to the Engage NWI plan; and
WHEREAS, the Technical Planning Committee (TPC) has recommended that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission make these changes to the NWI 2050 Plan and FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby adopts safety performance measure targets for 2022 by making the following changes to the NWI 2050 Plan and FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program in a manner consistent with the definitions of a technical amendment as defined in Engage NWI and as shown on the attachment to this resolution.
Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this eighteenth day of November, 2021.
ATTEST:
George Topoll Chairperson
Richard Hardaway Secretary
Changes to the NWI 2050 Plan:
Page Number | Performance Measure | Original Text | Amended Text |
175 | Number of fatalities | “90 in 2021 in order to support the state target of no more than 817.3” | “102 in 2022 in order to support the state target of no more than 876.0” |
176 | Rate of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled | “0.776 in 2021 in order to support the state target of no more than 1.006” | “0.830 in 2022 in order to support the state target of no more than 1.076” |
176 | Number of serious injuries | “421 in 2021 in order to support the state target of no more than 3,311.4” | “347 in 2022 in order to support the state target of no more than 2,998.2” |
177 | Rate of serious injuries per 100 million vehicle miles traveled | “3.677 in 2021 in order to support the state target of no more than 4.088” | “3.306 in 2022 in order to support the state target of no more than 3.675” |
177 | Non-motorized serious injuries and fatalities | “58 in 2021 in order to support the state target of no more than 393.6” | “40 in 2022 in order to support the state target of no more than 344.5” |
Changes to the FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program:
Page Number | Performance Measure | Original Target/Desired Trend | Amended Target/Desired Trend |
28 | Number of fatalities | “no more than 817.3 in 2021” | “no more than 876.0 in 2022” |
28 | Rate of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled | “no more than 1.006 in 2021” | “no more than 1.076 in 2022” |
28 | Number of serious injuries | “no more than 3,311.4 in 2021” | “no more than 2,998.2 in 2022” |
28 | Rate of serious injuries per 100 million vehicle miles traveled | “no more than 4.088 in 2021” | “no more than 3.675 in 2022” |
28 | Non-motorized serious injuries and fatalities | “no more than 393.6 in 2021” | “no more than 344.5 in 2022” |