NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION FULL COMMISSION MEETING

December 8, 2022 at 9:00 A.M.

NIRPC Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road, Portage

6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219) 763-6060

www.nirpc.org

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance – Justin Kiel

   
   

2. New Appointments to the Commission

   
   

3. Roll Call – Candice Eklund

   
   

4. 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. Approval of the Minutes of the October 20, 2022, Executive Board Meeting (pp. 1-3)

   ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

   
   

6. Report of the Chair - Justin Kiel

   1. NIRPC Commission Meeting Calendar for 2023 (p. 4)

      
      

7. Report of the Executive Director - Ty Warner

   
   

8. Environmental Management Policy Committee – Bill Emerson (pp. 5-8)

   
   

9. Finance and Personnel Committee (F&P) – Tom Dermody (pp. 9-23)

   1. NIRPC Resolution #22-23: Calendar Year 2023 Budget (pp. 11-22)

      ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

   2. Executive Director Contract – 2023 Addendum to Employment Agreement (p. 23)

ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

1. Technical Planning Committee (TPC) - Kevin Breitzke (pp. 24-34)

2. Resolution #22-22: Adoption of Updated Transportation Performance Measure Targets (pp. 26-31)

   ACTION REQUESTED: Adopt

3. Emergency Transit Amendment #22-07.5 to 2022-2026 TIP (pp. 32-34)

ACTION REQUESTED: Informational

1. NIRPC Economic Development District Report - Denarie Kane

2. Acceptance of Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan – document available separately

ACTION REQUESTED: Acceptance

1. INDOT, Matt Deitchley, La Porte District Deputy Commissioner

   
   

2. Other Business

   
   

3. Announcements

4. Adjournment

   The next meeting on January 19, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. will be a Full Commission meeting.

   NIRPC Executive Board Meeting

   6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN October 20, 2022 Minutes

   
   

   Call to Order

   Chairman Justin Kiel, called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

   
   

   New Appointments to the Commission

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

   Present

   The 6 Executive Board members present at the meeting included Bill Emerson (Lake County Surveyor), Richard Hardaway (Merrillville), Justin Kiel (La Crosse), Wendy Mis (Munster), Sue Lynch (Portage), and Jim Ton (Chesterton).

   
   

   The 4 other Commissioners present at the meeting included Janet Beck (Pottawattomie Park), Kevin Breitzke (Porter County Surveyor), Robert Forster (Kouts), and George Topoll (Union Township). Also present was Lisa Shrader representing INDOT.

   
   

   Absent

   The 4 Executive Board members absent at the meeting included Tom Dermody (LaPorte), Sheila Matias (LaPorte County Commissioner), Jim Pressel (Governor Appointee), and Lori Mercer (Westville).

   Staff present included Ty Warner, Thomas Dow, Lisa Todd, Eman Ibrahim, Mitch Barloga, Denarie Kane, Kevin Polette, Candice Eklund, and attorney Dave Hollenbeck.

   Public Comment – There were no public comments. Approval of Minutes

   The minutes of the September 15, 2022, Executive Board meeting minutes were approved on motion by Sue Lynch and seconded by Richard Hardaway.

   
   

   Report of the Chair – Justin Kiel Justin Kiel had no updates to report.

   
   

   Report of the Executive Director - Ty Warner

   Mr. Warner discussed the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) conference and NARC Board Retreat that he and Justin Kiel attended this week. Ty was appreciative for the opportunity to attend this conference with over 50 Executive Directors from other regional councils across the country. Three initiatives focused on were the opportunity to connect with other peers, communicating planning concepts for the next generation and how to get them involved, and the new relationship with an organization called METRopolitan Exchange (METREX), similar to NARC, but among European countries. Another topic discussed was the raised awareness of the rollout for the 988 national hotline for mental health.

   
   

   Ty reported that Thomas Dow is spearheading the updates to NWI 2050+, NIRPC’s update of the region’s long- range comprehensive plan. There are three phases of the development of the plan, and the project is entering phase 2. The online survey to help determine transportation priorities is still open. Just as NIRPC staff was at county fairs throughout the summer, staff is holding pop up events at bike shops across the region to discuss this plan. Thomas Dow has also been working to establish a new partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, which is in line with the initiatives Ty discussed above to get the next generation involved in planning concepts.

   Finance & Personnel Committee (F&P) – Richard Hardaway

   Richard Hardaway reported the F&P Committee met this morning to review the financial reports, bank reconciliations and claims registers for September 2022. The F&P Committee brought the action item below to the Executive Board with a favorable recommendation.

   
   

   • Eco-Interactive Contract Addendum III, presented by Lisa Todd. In 2017, NIRPC entered into a five- year contract with Eco-Interactive, who provides the electronic Transportation Improvement Program (eTIP) system. The contract addendum is seeking approval to extend the contract for two years with a cost not to exceed $50,600 for year six and $53,130 for year seven. On motion by Bill Emerson and seconded by Jim Ton, the Executive Board approved the Addendum to extend the Eco-Interactive contract for two years.

   
   

   Technical Planning Committee (TPC) – Kevin Breitzke

   Kevin Breitzke reported the TPC met on October 4, 2022. The TPC favorably recommended the three action items below to the Executive Board for consideration and approval. The next TPC meeting is scheduled for November 15, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.

   
   

   • Resolution #22-19: Adopting NIRPC Transit Oriented Development (TOD) program eligibility, Supporting Report, and Scoring Criteria. Eman Ibrahim provided an overview of NIRPC’s new TOD initiative that came as a recommendation from the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Framework Plan and NWI 2050. This initiative has received support from One Region, RDA, and NICTD. The TODs eligible for funding are 13 train stations along the South Shore Line and West Lake corridors as well as five bus stations (East Chicago, Gary, Merrillville, and Valparaiso). The TOD program will also be included in the NOFA application this year. There will be $600,000 in funding allocated to this initiative over the next four years. The approved TOD document can be found on NIRPC’s website at https://nirpc.org/wp-content/uploads/TOD_Final-Draft_10-16-22.pdf. On motion by Jim Ton and seconded by Richard Hardaway, the Executive Board approved Resolution #22-19.

   • Resolution #22-20: FY 2022-2026 TIP Amendment #22-07. Mitch Barloga stated there were no comments received during the 21-day public comment period or from the Interagency Consultation Group. Mitch noted the various projects included in Amendment #7. On motion by Richard Hardaway and seconded by Bill Emerson, the Executive Board approved Resolution #22-20.

   • Resolution #22-21: FY 2023-2024 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Amendment #1. Thomas Dow presented this resolution. The first change to the UPWP is for $55,000 for the Eco-Interactive contract addendum and the second is to allow NIRPC to contract a GIS spatial analyst to help with mapping needs. This request is to transfer funding from one line item to another in the budget to cover both costs. On motion by Sue Lynch and seconded by Jim Ton, the Executive Board approved Resolution #22-21.

It was noted that Structure Point will provide a presentation on the Willowcreek Road extension project on November 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Porter County Expo Center.

INDOT – Lisa Shrader

Lisa Shrader presented for Matt Deitchley. Lisa did not have any updates to report on but did note that INDOT is looking forward to announcing the Community Crossings awards in early November.

Other Business

No other business was reported.

Announcements

Janet Beck announced Regina Rudell, also in attendance, will be taking her place as the Pottawattamie Parks representative on NIRPC’s Commission in 2023.

George Topoll informed the Commissioners that Robert Carnahan is recovering from an illness.

Ty Warner said that with struggling to obtain a quorum lately, he wanted to inform the Commissioners that the December meeting will be held on December 8, 2022 and will be of the Full Commission. Attendance will be important as resolutions need to be approved at this meeting.

Adjournment

Hearing no other business, Justin Kiel adjourned the meeting at 9:43 a.m.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4uzvN2dlPQ

2023

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.

Environmental Management Policy Committee NIRPC – Virtual Meeting

April 7, 2022 Minutes

Bill Emerson called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call.

In attendance were Bill Emerson (Lake County), George Topoll (Union Township), Lauri Keagle (DCI), Joe Exl (DNR), Jennifer Gadzala (Chesterton), Kay Nelson (Forum), Cathy Csatari (IDEM), Jenny Orsburn (DNR), Ashley Sharkey (DNR), Katherine Balkema (DNR), and Nancy Moldenhauer (MCSC).

NIRPC staff present were Kathy Luther, Meredith Stilwell, Kevin Polette, and Flor Baum.

The meeting minutes of February 3, 2022 were approved on motion by Lauri Keagle and second by George Topoll.

Public Comments

No public comments were submitted.

Resolution 22-07

Kathy Luther spoke on Res. 22-07, a resolution to adopt the 2017 regional inventory of community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as the regional baseline for future climate action planning, and fr measuring current and future emission-reducing activities. In September 2020, NIRPC authorized the application to the Indiana University Environmental Resiliency Institute for internship and technical support to assist in conducting a regional GHG inventory. In 2021 Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties, along with 13 municipalities, partook in the development of local GHG emission inventories using 2017 as the baseline. In 2019 the cities of Gary and Michigan City also conducted local a GHG emission inventory using 2017 as the baseline.

On motion by Kay Nelson and second by Jennifer Gadzala, the EMPC approved to recommend Res. 22-07 to the Commission for approval.

NWI Regional Cimate Action Planning

Kathy presented on the Regional Climate Action Planning (RCAP) Framework. The 2017 Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories (GHGE) has been completed in 15 communities within The Region. The 2017 GHGE baseline total for carbon dioxide equivalents were 49M metric tons from sources such as commercial and residential energy, industrial, transportation, solid waste, and water treatment within The Region. The focus was narrowed into three scopes. Scope I focuses on GHGE from sources located within the community boundary. Scope II focuses on GHGE occurring because of the use of grid-supplied electricity, heat, steam and/or cooling. Scope III focuses on all other GHGE that occur outside the community boundary as a result of activities taking place within the community boundary. The RCAP process is slated to form a working group between March through May. The working group will develop and implement outreach and engagement strategies, goals and objectives. A draft of the RCAP framework and development of local CAP support plan and performance metrics is slated for August 2022. By November, the working group will finalize and adopt a NWI regional climate action framework. For more information, please contact Kathy at kluther@nirpc.org.

Partners for Clean Air Promotion

Lauri Keagle (DCI) presented on becoming a partner with Partners for Clean Air (PCA). Drive Clean Indiana’s (DCI) mission is to promote fuel and technology-neutral sustainable transportation and

clean energy options in Indiana. DCI’s programs improve air quality, promote domestic fuels, reduce dependence on imported oil and supports local jobs and the local economy. Part of DCI’s partnership with NIRPC is to manage air quality programming via social media and media relations for NWI PCA and serves on the PCA Steering Committee. PCA is managed by the IDEM NWI office, along with NIRPC support. PCA is comprised of NWI businesses, industries, local governments, and community groups committed to better air quality and public health through voluntary actions.

Members develop Air Quality Action Plans designed to be implemented on Air Quality Action Days (May – September) to reduce harmful air pollutants, such as ozone and PM 2.5 (air pollutant). Free annual memberships are available and involve one to three voluntary action commitments, such as recycling or packing a lunch to work. To become a member, go to https://www.in.gov/idem/partnerships/partners-for-clean-air/. PCA also awarded $12.5K is scholarships to five high school seniors in the Region who are planning to pursue careers that will benefit clean air. Furthermore, PCA hosts and participates in a myriad of educational events throughout the year that are aimed at increasing participation in clean air activities. For more information, contact Lauri at lkeagle@drivecleanindiana.org.

Reports from Planning Partners

Lauri Keagle (DCI) presented on the Drive Clean Indiana NIRPC EMPC Report. Please go to https://files.constantcontact.com/b4f049b7201/1eba7c5f-a4fa-4d1c-a9a0-bdd7587a71c1.png to view the full report. For more information, please visit https://drivecleanindiana.org/ or contact Lauri at lkeagle@drivecleanindiana.org

Announcements were made.

The next EMPC meeting is slated for August 4, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in the NIRPC offices. Hearing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:47 a.m.

Environmental Management Policy Committee Lake Michigan Room

August 4, 2022 Minutes

Bill Emerson called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call.

In attendance were Bill Emerson (Lake County), George Topoll (Union Township), Sharon Semko (DCI), Susan MiHalo (NC), Cathy Csatari (IDEM), Tim Kingsland (Hobart), Jennifer Collins (IDEM), Jan Bapst (Dune Acres), Joe Exl (LMCP), Jenny Orsburn (LMCP), Brenda Scott Henry (Gary), Katherine Balkema, Kevin Breitzke (Porter County), Betsey Maher (SD), Daina Dumbrys (Michiana Shores), Harshini Ratnayaka, Nancy Moldenhauer (Michigan City), and Ashley Sharkey (DNR).

NIRPC staff present were Kathy Luther, Jennifer Birchfield, Candice Eklund, Meredith Stilwell, Kevin Polette, and Flor Baum.

The meeting minutes of April 7, 2022 were tabled for the November 3 meeting. Public Comments

No public comments were submitted.

IDEM Presentation

Cathy Csatari and Jennifer Collins presented on Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management (IDEM) overview. Staff updates were presented, which included Brian Rockensuess as the new commissioner, and Parvonay Stover as the new Chief of Staff. IDEM services the Region, as well as Jasper and Newton County. Inspector positions and projects are growing for water quality, air quality, and land quality. IDEM has created new websites where residents and stakeholders can sign up to receive updates for individual sites of interest. Residents can view current permits, consent decrees, and agreed orders on the new websites. The sites contain links to IDEM’s virtual file cabinet and links to any recent incidents at the facility. The Compliance and Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) is free and confidential, non-regulatory, and is multimedia. CTAP offers environmental regulatory assistance to Indiana businesses and organizations for all sized and types including the following:

• Existing facilities with legacy issues

• New companies looking to locate in Indiana

• Government agencies

• Trade Associations, industry groups, environmental consultants, and other interested stakeholders

Communities can apply for memberships that are tiered as bronze, silver, and gold. The bronze level requires a positive environmental history, developing a “clean team,” and attending a Clean Annual meeting. The Silver level requires the community to meet the bronze level, implement 4 – 8 projects, report performance metrics, and achieve recognition and benefits. The gold level meets the bronze and silver requirements, implements additional 4 – 8 best practices, and additional recognition. Grants and awards were presented. The Indiana Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence is Indiana’s most prestigious recognition for most innovative and sustainable programs within the categories of environmental outreach, improvement, greening government, land use, pollution prevention, recycling, and renewable resources. For more information, contact Jennifer at jcollins@idem.in.gov.

Climate Action NWI Update

Kathy presented on the NWI Regional Climate Action Planning (RCAP & CAP) update. NIRPC has been accepted to have the McKinney Climate Fellow from IU extended for the remainder of the calendar year. NIRPC is currently working on the draft RCAP framework. The Local CAP and performance metrics are slated to be developed between the months of August and September. By the end of November, NIRPC staff will finalize and adopt the NWI Regional Climate Action Framework. NIRPC invited 68 stakeholders to form a work group with an expertise in several environmental categories. 36 participants attended the virtual kickoff meeting that took place on May 6 and covered the GHG inventory, CAP workplan, and reduction targets. The June 2 virtual meeting had 18 participants and covered a “business as usual” forecast and climate vulnerability and equity. For more information, please contact Kathy at kluther@nirpc.org.

Reports from Planning Partners

Sharon Semko (DCI) reported on events and programs with Drive Clean Indiana. For more information, please visit https://drivecleanindiana.org/.

Announcements were made.

The next EMPC meeting is slated for November 3, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in the NIRPC offices. Hearing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:26 a.m.

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

September 15, 2022 / NIRPC Dune Room – 8:00 a.m.

Members present in-person

Bob Carnahan, Don Craft, Tom Dermody, Denise Ebert, Justin Kiel, Wendy Mis, George Topoll

Staff and others present in-person

Talaya Jones, Meredith Stilwell, Ty Warner, Stephanie Kuziela, Kathy Luther, David Hollenbeck

Call to Order

Chairperson Dermody called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the July 21, 2022 meeting were presented. On motion by Bob Carnahan, second by George Topoll and no opposition, the minutes were approved.

Review of Financial Status – July 2022 Budget vs Actual

Talaya Jones presented the July 2022 bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general account, the CARES Revolving Loan Fund account, and the Revolving Loan Fund Account.

Talaya presented the July 2022 general fund financial reports. Total expenditures for the period ending July 31, 2022, were $3,710,453 of the $9,201,349 budgeted. Total general fund revenue for the period was $1,014,182 of the $4,311,106 budgeted.

Talaya presented the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities (CARES) Act financial reports, year to date July 2022. Total NIRPC CARES fund expenditures for the period ending July 31, 2022, was

$304,737 of the $1,153,515 budgeted. Total CARES revenue collected for the period was $294,970 of the $1,352,229 budgeted.

Approval of Claims Registers – July 2022

Talaya presented the July 2022 General Fund claims register totaling $441,021.35 to the Committee for approval. On motion by Bob Carnahan, second by George Topoll and no opposition, the General Fund register claims in the amount of $441,021.35 was approved. The CARES Act register of claims totaling

$30,396.79 was presented for approval. On motion by Bob Carnahan, second by George Topoll and no opposition, the CARES Act register of claims in the amount of $30,396.79 was approved. The CARES RLF register of claims totaling $50,000.00 was presented for approval. On motion by Bob Carnahan, second by George Topoll and no opposition, the CARES RLF register of claims in the amount of

$50,000.00 was approved. The RLF register of claims totaling $70,284.75 was presented for approval. On motion by Bob Carnahan, second by Richard Hardaway and no opposition, the RLF register of claims in the amount of $70,284.75 was approved.

Review of Financial Status – August 2022 Budget vs Actual

Talaya presented the August 2022 bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general account, the CARES Revolving Loan Fund account, and the Revolving Loan Fund Account.

Talaya presented the August 2022 general fund financial reports. Total expenditures for the period ending August 31, 2022, were $4,241,777 of the $9,201,349 budgeted. Total general fund revenue for the period was $1,154,868 of the $4,311,106 budgeted.

Talaya presented the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities (CARES) Act financial reports, year to date August 2022. Total NIRPC CARES fund expenditures for the period ending August 31, 2022, was

$313,816 of the $1,153,515 budgeted. Total CARES revenue collected for the period was $325,733 of the $1,352,229 budgeted.

Approval of Claims Registers – August 2022

Talaya presented the August 2022 General Fund claims register totaling $544,972.29 to the Committee for approval. On motion by Wendy Mis, second by Bob Carnahan and no opposition, the General Fund register of claims in the amount of $544,972.29 was approved. The CARES Act register of claims totaling $7,953.57 was presented for approval. On motion by Wendy Mis, second by Bob Carnahan and no opposition, the CARES Act Register of claims in the amount of $7,953.57 was approved. The RLF

register of claims totaling $25.48 was presented for approval. On motion by Wendy Mis, second by Bob Carnahan and no opposition, the RLF Register claims in the amount of $25.48 was approved.

December 2021 Financials

Talaya presented the January - December 2021 general fund financial reports. Total expenditures were

$4,810,681 of the $11,981,765 budgeted. Total general fund revenue for the period was $3,046,474 of the $3,574,659 budgeted.

Talaya presented the January – December 2021 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities (CARES) Act financial reports. Total NIRPC CARES fund expenditures were $2,882,332 of the

$4,717,013 budgeted. Total CARES revenue collected for the period was $3,162,330 of the

$4,307,009 budgeted.

NIRPC Resolution 22-18 – Approval of a Comprehensive Conflict of Interest Policy

Lisa Todd presented Resolution 22-18 for approval of a comprehensive conflict of interest policy. NIRPC was awarded a grant from the United States Department of Transportation under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program for several major portions of the Marquette Greenway Trail. The Trail extends from Chicago, Illinois to New Buffalo, Michigan, through many scenic parts of Northwest Indiana. NIRPC needs to put out several RFQs and RFPs for professional services, and the hired firms must follow a code of ethics and disclose if there is or will be any conflict of interest. As the direct recipient of the grant funds, NIRPC needs to adopt a conflict-of-interest policy.

INDOT already has a policy which NIRPC would like to copy and adopt. Attorney Hollenbeck as already reviewed the policy and given his blessing. On motion by George Topoll and Second by Bob Carnahan and no opposition, the Committee approved Resolution 22-18 to adopt the comprehensive conflict of interest policy.

SME Contract Amendment 1

Kathy Luther presented SME contract Amendment 1. NIRPC entered into an agreement on March 19, 2020 with SME to provide technical and professional environmental services under a Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant. Since SME is already conducting assessment work, the Coalition and the City of Hammond would like to utilize them to assess a parcel which is not eligible for use of federal grant funds. NIRPC has entered into an MOU with Hammond and is adding funds to pay the contractor, for which Hammond will reimburse NIRPC. The new task shall not exceed $21,925, unless all parties agree in writing on an additional scope of work and cost up to $60K. On motion by Bob Carnahan, second by Richard Hardaway and no opposition, the Committee approved SME contract amendment 1 to be forwarded with a favorable recommendation to the NIRPC Board for approval.

Personnel updates

NIRPC now has 4 open positions. In addition to the already open positions, Ty announced that NIRPC’s Regional Planner/Spatial Analyst (GIS mapping), Peter Kimball, has left NIRPC. Ty held an exit interview with Peter and indicated he had nothing bad to say about NIRPC and is going to the Grand Rapids MPO where he will be paid more. NIRPC’s Accountant, Stephanie Kuziela will be leaving in December.

Stephanie stated she has an opportunity to take over a tax business and will be a business owner. Mayor Dermody stated that Cities and Councils are also struggling to keep people. Ty noted that a couple of the current openings meshed more than one position and possibly weren’t the best mashups. Discussion followed regarding the need for an increase in local share which could work toward raises and new positions. All of the local share is used every year and while there are more federal funds to be tapped, there is not enough local share for match. Previously Michael Griffin drafted legislature asking to right size the local share based on current value and add with increases based on the consumer price index so NIRPC would not have to keep coming back. NIRPC’s Chair, Justin Kiel, has taken up the cause. Bob Carnahan stated Cedar Lake is hiring within for their Planning Director position.

Other Business None

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

RESOLUTION 22-23‌

6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219) 763-6060

www.nirpc.org

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTING THE YEAR 2023 APPROPRIATION BUDGETS FOR THE COMMISSION’S GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS

December 8, 2022

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 2023 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 2023 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 2023 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 2023 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 8th day of December 2022.

Justin Kiel Chairperson‌

ATTEST:

2023 BUDGET ‌

12/8/2022

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

2023 GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET

CAPITAL OUTLAYS - Equipment & Furniture 180,000

ATTACHMENT B

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

2023 TRANSIT CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET

ATTACHMENT C

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

2023 TRANSIT OPERATING PROJECTS FUND APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET

ATTACHMENT D

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

2023 LAPORTE COUNTY REVOLVING LOAN FUND APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET

OTHER SERVICES AND CHARGES 220,000

Attachment A

3%

Attachment A page 2

NIRPC FY 2023 Revenue Detail

15,000

     2,000

17,000

3,000

14,814

   4,566,948

Attachment B

NIRPC FY 2023 Budget

Grant Federal Req. Match Total

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

Contingency -

TOTAL BUDGET

Attachment B

TOTAL BUDGET

$   549,590

$   457,992

Attachment B

TOTAL BUDGET

$    62,354

$   62,354

Attachment C

CY 2023 TRANSIT OPERATING PROJECTS FUND

Federal Req. Match Total

   3,517,160  10,738,856

Attachment D

CY 2023 LAPORTE COUNTY REVOLVING LOAN FUND

TOTAL EXPENSES 9,800

FUND BALANCE - ENDING  -

TOTAL EXPENSES 8,014

FUND BALANCE - ENDING  -

ADDENDUM TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This addendum to the Executive Director Employment Agreement is entered into the 8th day of December, 2022, by and between the NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION,

hereinafter referred to as "NIRPC", and MR. TYSON WARNER, hereinafter referred to as "Executive Director", for purposes of establishing salary for the Executive Director during the second year (2023) of the current three year executive director employment agreement.

WHEREAS, NIRPC and the Executive Director entered into a three year employment agreement on the 20th day of January, 2022, which established the salary for the first year (2022) of the Executive Director Employment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, NIRPC and the Executive Director are desirous of establishing the Executive Director salary for the second year (2023) of the current Executive Director Employment Agreement.

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

1. This addendum is intended by the parties so as to establish the Executive Director salary for the second year (2022) of the of the Executive Director Employment Agreement and in so doing comply with Section D of the current Executive Director Employment Agreement which provides that the Executive Director salary for the second year of the agreement shall be determined through discussions with the Executive Director and any salary increases shall be predicated upon positive performance evaluations, availability of funding and the approval of the Full NIRPC Commission.

2. That upon completion of the evaluation and performance criteria, NIRPC and Executive Director have mutually agreed to a 7% salary increase resulting in a 2023 calendar year salary of One Hundred Seventy-Six Thousand and Fifteen Dollars ($176,015). The Executive Director salary increase shall be effective as of January 1, 2023.

3. Any and all other provisions of the current Executive Director Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless and until subsequent written modification.

This Addendum establishing an Executive Director salary for calendar year 2023 is approved by the Full Commission of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission on this the 8th day of December, 2022.

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

By:                      Chairperson

ATTEST:

Tyson Warner

Technical Planning Committee NIRPC Lake Michigan Room YouTube Recording:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXzie6hBTLM&t=1692s October 4, 2022

Minutes

Kevin Breitzke called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

In attendance were Kevin Breitzke, George Topoll (Union Township), Mark O’Dell (Chesterton), Mary Tanis (Dyer), Lisa Shrader (INDOT). Also in attendance were Deb Backhus, Jeff Huet (Schererville), Ryan Lisek (DCI), and Courtney Anderson (Ciorba). Thomas Dow was present via telephone.

NIRPC staff present were Mitch Barloga, Charles Bradsky, Eman Ibrahim, Meredith Stilwell, Candice Eklund, and Flor Baum.

On motion by George Topoll, second by Mark O’Dell, the Technical Planning Committee (TPC) approved the minutes of August 30, 2022.

There were no public comments. Planning

Eman Ibrahim presented on Resolution 22-19, Adopting NIRPC Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Funding Program Eligibility, Supporting Report, and Scoring Criteria. NIRPC promotes a TOD with sustainable and safe operations of transportation for walking, rolling, biking, and transit use. The program aims to establish investment guideline, criteria, and project eligibility, as well as bring vitality and livability to transit station areas and corridors. Funding will be provided to 18 identified TOD areas, including the NICTD existing South Shore and future Westlake stations. Five bus stations in Gary, Merrillville, East Chicago, and Valparaiso will also be included. The TOD report was not presented. On motion by George Topoll, second by Mark O’Dell, the TPC voted to recommend Res 22-19 to the Commission for approval.

Programming

Charles Bradsky presented on Resolution 22-20, TIP Amendment 22-07. Res 22-20; Amendment 22-07 was released for a 21-day public comment that began on September 12, 2022 and ended on October 3, 2022. NIRPC did not receive any comments from the public or the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG). Documentation of the projects in amendment 22-07 were presented.

There were five INDOT projects, one environmental mitigation project, two traffic management system projects, one trail project was added ROW (Michigan City), addition of PE funds (E. Porter County and LaPorte County), one new roadway safety project. Additionally, NIRPC had three projects on the Marquette Greenway Trail. Portage had CN funding move out a year, and the Town of Porter had a project added to The Dunes Learning Center. On motion by George Topoll, second my Mark O’Dell, the TPC voted to recommend Res. 22-20 to the Commission for approval.

Thomas Dow and Mitch Barloga presented on Resolution 22-21: FY 2023-2024 UPWP Amendment

1. The two changes to the UPWP are as follows:

• $55K will be shifted to cover the cost of TIP software.

• $50K will be shifted to cover the cost of GIS services.

On motion by George Topoll and second by Mark O’Dell, the TPC approved to recommend Res. 22-21 to the Commission.

Topical Committee Reports

The Next Order of Funding Availability (NOFA) workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 26 from 9 – 11:00 a.m. at the NIRPC building. Application deadline is November 18.

Reports from Planning Partners

Ryan Lisek (DCI) reported on reported on upcoming events and programs within NWI. Please visit www.drivecleanindiana.org for more information.

Adjournment

Hearing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:48 a.m.

The next TPC meeting will be on November 15, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in the NIRPC building.

RESOLUTION 22-22

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA

REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION SETTING UPDATED PERFORMANCE MEASURE TARGETS

December 8, 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 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (PL 117-58, 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 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 requires the Commission to set 2-year and 4-year performance measure targets for safety, pavement and bridge condition, travel time reliability, freight, and on-road mobile source emissions within 180 days of the Indiana Department of Transportation setting performance measure targets for the same measures; and

WHEREAS, staff of the Indiana Department of Transportation set 2-year and 4-year performance measure targets through a collaborative process with the Commission and sent letters informing the Commission of these targets between August and September 2023; and

WHEREAS, the NWI 2050 Plan and FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program must be amended to reflect the establishment of 2-year and 4-year 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 Policy 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 sets updated 2-year and 4-year performance measure targets for safety, pavement and bridge condition, travel time reliability, freight, and on road mobile source emissions 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 eighth day of December, 2022.

ATTEST:

Justin Kiel Chairperson

Changes to the NWI 2050 Plan:

Changes to the FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program:

November 29, 2022‌

Michael McNeil, STIP Director

Indiana Department of Transportation 100 North Senate Avenue, IGCN N955 Indianapolis, IN 46204

6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219) 763-6060

www.nirpc.org

Dear Mr. McNeil:

The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) is submitting Amendment #22-07.5 to the 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) via emergency amendment for inclusion in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.

There is one project on this Amendment and the summary is as follows:

• It is a new project for railroad signal improvement and will include a new pedestrian crossing at the intersection of US 12 and Hillcrest Rd. Work on the signal system needs to be completed in conjunction with both railroads (NICTD and Norfolk Southern).

• This project has already been sent to the ICG for their concurrence, which is expected to be received on December 5, 2022.

It is necessary to submit this amendment in an expedited manner in order to allow proper amount of time to process INDOT allocation of federal funds for railroad safety improvements. According to our Public Participation Plan, the Executive Director can authorize a TIP amendment without public process or Commission approval in two rare exceptions: life and safety, or the lapse of federal funds allocated to Northwestern Indiana. In this case, there is a pertinent life and safety risk that requires the deployment of adequate signalization for roadway users and including safe passage for pedestrians and bicyclists. The attached project list contains the addition to be included to NIRPC’s TIP.

Should you have any questions, please contact Charles Bradsky, Transportation Projects Manager at 219-254-2509.

Sincerely,

Tyson Warner, AICP Executive Director

CC: Jason Holder, INDOT Cassandra Hudson, INDOT Stephanie Belch, INDOT Erica Tait, FHWA

Amendment 22-07.5 Northwestern MPO

Transportation Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2022 - 2026 Amendment #22-07.5

1 Projects Listed

Amendment 22-07.5 Northwestern MPO

Transportation Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2022 - 2026 Amendment #22-07.5

1 Projects Listed

Email to the ICG including the following parties was sent 11/28/2022. Concurrence is as follows:

• FHWA concurrence forthcoming

• EPA concurrence given 11/28/2022

• IDEM concurrence given 11/28/2022

• INDOT concurrence given 11/29/2022

• FTA concurrence forthcoming

Because of the expeditious nature of this amemdment NIRPC has not received comments from FHWA or FTA at this time.

The AQC date for this project is 12/5/2022.

Prior

Northwestern MPO TIP SUMMARY BY LEAD AGENCY

FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026

FY 2027

Beyond Total