NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

Thursday, September 20, 2018, 9:00 A.M.

NIRPC Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN Annotated Agenda

#18-21 Vehicle Replacement – City of Valparaiso V-Line

#18-20 Vehicle Replacement – Porter County Aging & Community Services and Valparaiso V-Line

#18-24 Vehicle Replacement – East Chicago Transit ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

7.2 Contract – South Shore Clean Cities Page 7 As NIRPC currently has no environmental educator, it has asked South Shore

Clean Cities to pick up several responsibilities and partnerships. The attached draft amendment to their existing green fleets contract reflects the additional duties for five and one-half months for an additional $30,000 CMAQ federal that they will be required to match.

Pending Attorney Review.

15.0 Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Executive Board is currently scheduled for October 18, 2018 at 9 a.m.

1. Adjournment

   
   

   The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.

   NIRPC Full Commission Meeting 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN August 16, 2018

   Minutes

   
   

   Call to Order - Chairman Geof Benson called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube and filmed for local public access. Chairman Benson announced a change in the order of the agenda, with the appeal by the City of Gary coming after the approval of minutes. The agenda was updated to reflect the action by the Technical Planning Committee on Tuesday.

   
   

   Commissioners present included Geof Benson, Kyle Allen, Jr, Tim Bietry, Kevin Breitzke, Robert Carnahan, Christine Cid, Lori Colmar, Don Ensign, Will Farrellbegg, Karen Freeman-Wilson, Michael Griffin, Richard Hardaway, Jane Jordan, Justin Kiel, Cary Kirkham, Mark Krentz, Andrew Kyres, Jeff Larson, Tom McDermott, Jr., Matt Murphy, Diane Noll, Tom Schmitt, Brian Snedecor, Joe Stahura, Greg Stinson, Mary Tanis, Jim Ton and George Topoll.

   
   

   Guests present included Rick Powers, Justin Mount, Matt Deitchley, Zully Alvarado, Heather Ennis, Terry Velligan, Jeff Huet, Jake Dammarell, Jim Nowacki, Dean Button, Jill Murr, Christopher Murphy, David Wright and Tim Zorn. Joyce Newland participated via conference phone.

   
   

   Staff present included Dave Hollenbeck, Ty Warner, Kathy Luther, Daria Sztaba, Trey Wadsworth, Talaya Jones, Dominique Edwards, Charles Bradsky, Mitch Barloga, Eman Ibrahim, Meredith Stilwell, Candi Eklund, Lisa Todd, Gabrielle Biciunas, James Winters, Peter Kimball, Scott Weber, Glen Wells and Mary Thorne.

   
   

   Public Comment – Zully Alvarado, Gary resident, commented on maintenance needs on the Broadway corridor. Jim Nowacki, Gary resident, commented on flooding issues still occurring at 6th and Broadway.

   
   

   Minutes – On a motion by Michael Griffin and a second by Robert Carnahan, the minutes of the July 19, 2018 Executive Board meeting were approved as presented.

   
   

   A change in the order of the agenda was brought at the request of Karen Freeman-Wilson. The City of Gary brought before the Commission an appeal of the decision of the Transportation Resource & Oversight Committee (TROC) on project scope changes. At the request of the Technical Planning Committee at their meeting on Tuesday, NIRPC staff provided a presentation to the Commission on the history of the project under Gary’s appeal. Charles Bradsky outlined the background of the project, the appeal by the City of Gary, the TROC Lake/Porter County-approved Project and Scope Change Policy, and the project proposal. The policy was endorsed by the Lake/Porter TROC but not the LaPorte TROC but it had not been approved by the Commission. The City of Gary was following this policy in making their request; the policy had not previously been tested. The actions requested of the Commission were to (1) review and either adopt or reject the Scope Change Policy proposal, and (2) either sustain or reverse the decision of the Lake/Porter TROC and the TPC. Sustaining the decision of TROC and TPC would mean keeping the $5 million with the Ridge Road project; reversing the decision per the City’s request would split the $5 million over the desired two new projects of Airport Road Phase 2 and the East Lakefront Complete Streets project as described in the presentation.The Ridge Road project would come off the books under the City’s request, in favor of the two new projects. Karen Freeman-Wilson stated the case for the split in that there is new economic development, and leveraged funds with RDA, state, local and private investment. She also indicated that the new projects scored even higher than the original project.

   
   

   Discussion in favor of both the Ridge Road and the Airport Road and East Lakefront options took place. Tom McDermott, Jr. expressed his support for the City of Gary. The Technical Planning Committee had some questions regarding the scope change policy. Michael Griffin said while NIRPC authorized its committees to perform the work tasked to them, committees do not have the authority to set policy and

   must take their draft policies to the Commission for its approval. The Commission can decide on the policy once it has had time to deliberate on it. The appeal can be voted upon today; if the Commission is not prepared to vote on the policy, it must come back to the Commission another time for a vote. Charles Bradsky said there were 23 projects older than 5 years: 13 between 5 and 9 years, 5 between 10 and 14 years, 4 between 15 and 19 years and 1 over 20 years, which explains the need for the policy. Robert Carnahan requested a list of all projects older than five years.

   
   

   Karen Freeman-Wilson moved to accept the changes in projects as outlined; seconded by Matt Murphy. Brief discussion followed. On a call to question by Jim Ton, Karen Freeman-Wilson requested a weighted vote be performed; with a second by Michael Griffin. The result of the weighted vote was 26 to 1 in favor, at 69.06% in favor with 1.69% against.

   
   

   Heather Ennis and TIP Strategies (“Theory in Practice”) gave a presentation on the Northwest Indiana Regional Economic Development Plan, highlighting the draft vision and goals for a dynamic economic environment for Northwest Indiana. Warner indicated NIRPC had been brought in early into this process so that these efforts would sync with the development of NIRPC’s 2050 Plan and the NWI Economic Development District.

   
   

   Due to the amount of time spent on the Gary appeal, the presenters of the Cline Avenue Bridge update offered to delay their presentation until the next meeting.

   
   

   Report of the Executive Director – Ty Warner introduced Candi Eklund, NIRPC’s newest Administrative Assistant.

   
   

   Finance & Personnel Committee – George Topoll said the committee met this morning to review the financial status, reconciliation of expenses, and approve the claims register.

   
   

   Environmental Management Policy Committee – Kathy Luther reported that the committee did not meet in July or August. Letters on the US Steel chromium spill were passed along and the EPA is looking at creating a Northwest Indiana specific plan for environmental instances for a future EMPC meeting presentation.

   
   

   Technical Planning Committee – Kevin Breitzke reported that the Technical Planning Committee met on Tuesday and heard several staff updates on the Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan and outreach, 2050 Plan outreach, a TIP amendment and the City of Gary’s appeal.

   
   

   Charles Bradsky summarized the 30-day public comment period on amendment 16 to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program. There were technical comments from INDOT and FHWA. He gave a brief overview of Resolution 18-13, amendment 16 for INDOT and local projects. On a motion by George Topoll and a second by Greg Stinson, the Commission approved amendment 16. The next meeting of the Technical Planning Committee is scheduled for September 11, 2018 at 9 a.m. at NIRPC.

   
   

   Dominique Edwards reported on 2050 Plan pop up events. 409 responses were received to date. Mitch Barloga will be sending information on the Complete Streets Workshop to be held in the fall.

   
   

   Legislative Committee – Mary Tanis requested Ty Warner to arrange for a meeting of the committee to meet within the next two months.

   
   

   Local Government Assistance Committee – Will Farrellbegg said the next meeting will be held on August 30 at 1:30 p.m. at NIRPC. [Note: this meeting was subsequently canceled to a scheduling change of the main speaker for the meeting.]

   Indiana Department of Transportation – Rick Powers said the call for Community Crossings projects will close on September 28, with one award per year. The Local TRAX application program closes August 31 with awards in September. Construction is moving along. Jessica Miller is the replacement for Lyndsay Quist, who moved to the Central Office. The SR 8 project into LaCrosse will be completed by the end of September.

   
   

   Announcements

   • Bob Carnahan said the 16 Plus meeting next Friday will feature prosecuting attorney, Bernie Carter. Police chiefs are invited to attend.

   • Don Ensign thanked INDOT for the work at SR 2 and US 231.

   • Warner said the data center groundbreaking was held in Hammond yesterday and that an announcement of an industry investment would be made in Gary today, with the Governor present at both events.

Adjournment – Hearing no other business, on a motion by George Topoll and several seconds, Geof Benson adjourned the meeting at 10:45 a.m.

A Digital MP3 of this meeting is filed. Contact Mary Thorne at the phone or email below should you wish to receive a copy of it. DVD recordings will be available once they are received by NIRPC from the videographer.

The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

August 16, 2018

NIRPC Dune Room, Portage, Indiana

Members Present Staff and Others Present

George Topoll - Chair Ty Warner

Christine Cid Dave Hollenbeck

Richard Hardaway Daria Sztaba

Justin Kiel Kathy Luther

Jim Ton Talaya Jones

Diane Noll Lisa Todd

Karen Freeman-Wilson Meredith Stilwell Candice Eklund

Call to Order

George Topoll called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the July 19, 2018 meeting were approved as presented on motion by Richard Hardaway and second by Justin Kiel.

Review of Financial Status – July 2018

1. Daria Sztaba presented the July bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general fund account, the LaPorte County Revolving Loan fund (RLF) and the Sequestered Revolving Loan Fund. It was explained that a difference of $48,190 in the general fund reconciliation was due to a deposit made in July that was not posted as a journal entry until August. A difference in the RLF reconciliation was due to a journal entry posted in July with the deposit posted to the bank account in August.

2. Daria Sztaba presented the Budget to Actual Expenditures Report for January through July 2018. Salaries, fringe benefits, maintenance, departmental, contractual and capital outlays categories are all currently under budget. While the communications line for the commission/Executive Director is currently over budget, it will most likely even out over the course of the rest of the year. The contractual line for legal services is over budget due to the legal costs for background checks for new employees. There will be additional legal work regarding an immigration situation so any amendment to the budget will be addressed after further information is gathered. It was also noted that NIRPC should be receiving invoices shortly for the household travel survey which is currently at 100% under budget. Year to date general fund expenditures of $1,903,080 are 14% under budget.

   
   

   Approval of Claims Register – July 2018

   Daria Sztaba presented the July 2018 claims register. Subrecipient reimbursements pass-through payments were made to the South Lake County Community Services and North Township for April through June quarterly expenses. Kathy Luther explained that a $6,000.00 check issued to the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra was in sponsorship for free concerts they were hosting at which NIRPC would have a table to promote the 2050 plan and air quality education. On motion by Jim Ton and second by Richard Hardaway, the committee approved the claims register for July

   Other Business

   The State Board of Accountants will be on site for several weeks.

   
   

   With the absence of NIRPC’s Environmental Educator, Kathy Luther stated the contract with SSCC will be amended to assume some of those responsibilities.

   Kathy Luther presented the option of NIRPC observing Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve as paid holiday’s in 2018, since they fall on Monday. Kathy stated the budget for Christmas Eve would allow the paid time off. The budget for New Year’s Eve will be reviewed at the end of the year. The Committee agreed to the additional paid holidays.

   
   

   Adjournment

   There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:47 a.m.

   Procurement Recommendations September 20, 2018

   
   

   Three (3) Replacement Vehicles – Procurement #18-21

   • Purchase of:

     • Three (3) vehicle replacements (<30FT BOC buses) for City of Valparaiso V-Line

       • Replacing bus numbers 11, 12, & 13

       • $255,000.00 in federal funds

       • Funding source: 5307

   • 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 (85%) out of grant IN-2016- 033 and local share coming from the above listed agency.

   • Recommendation to approve purchase of replacement vehicles not to exceed $255,000.00 in federal funds.

     
     

     Four (4) Replacement Vehicles – Procurement #18-20

   • Purchase of:

     • Two (2) vehicle replacements (<30FT BOC buses) for Porter County Aging Community Services

       • Replacing bus numbers 70 &71

       • $131,750.00 in federal funds

       • Funding source: FHWA Funds

     • Two (2) vehicle replacements (<30FT BOC buses) for City of Valparaiso V-Line

       • Replacing bus numbers 14 & 15

       • $132,025.00 in federal funds

       • Funding source: FHWA funds

   • 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-2017- 027 and local share coming from the above listed agency.

   • Recommendation to approve purchase of replacement vehicles not to exceed $263,775.00 in federal funds.

     Two (2) Replacement Vehicles – Procurement #18-24

   • Purchase of:

     • Two (2) vehicle replacements (35FT buses) for East Chicago Transit

       • Replacing bus numbers 2006A & 2006B

       • $608,000.00 in federal funds

       • Funding source: 5307

   • Vehicles being replaced will have met their useful life of 12 years or 500,000 miles at the time of delivery.

   • Paid with Federal Transit Administration Funds (80%) out of grant IN-2017- 027 and local share coming from the above listed agency.

   • Recommendation to approve purchase of replacement vehicles not to exceed $608,000.00 in federal funds.

ADDENDUM TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND SOUTH SHORE CLEAN CITIES, INC., FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NORTHWEST INDIANA GREEN FLEETS PROGRAM‌

This addendum is intended to modify the January 2, 2018 original agreement between these parties regarding the implementation of the Northwest Indiana Green Fleets program as follows:

Task 4. NIRPC NWI Clean Air Initiatives - $ 30,000

SSCC will coordinate the following:

• Assist with NIRPC social media outreach and related promotions;

• Manage the Purdue University Senior Design program for improving education & outreach of local air quality in Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties;

• Work with green business challenge leaders, schools, communities and Partners for Clean Air to reduce air pollution and its precursors;

• Work with Municipalities, Business and School Corporations on vehicle idle reduction education, as well as Safe Routes to School and active transportation;

• Work with local/state/federal organizations on driving pledge and responsibilities of driving, impacts on walkers and bicycle users.

This addendum shall be deemed implemented by the parties as of the date of its execution as indicated below.

It is hereby agreed and understood by the party’s signatory hereto that this Addendum becomes executed when the appropriate signatures are affixed hereto as , day of September, 2018.

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

BY:

Ty Warner Executive Director

ATTEST:

Kathy Luther Chief of Staff

SOUTH SHORE CLEAN CITIES, INC.

By:

Carl Lisek Executive Director

ATTEST:

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT POLICY COMMITTEE

NIRPC - Lake Michigan Room June 7, 2018

Minutes

Members/Guests: Bill Emerson, Jr., Collin Simick, Jacob Fenske, Sherryl Doerr, Jen Birchfield, Tim Kingsland, Sarah Nimetz, Leslie Dorworth, Elizabeth McCloskey, George Malis, Kathryn Vallis, David Wosonecki-Ellis, Susan Mihalo, Robert Verbik, Lauri Keagle, Jeff Loewe, Kris Krouse, Greg Towler, Peg Donnelly, Geof Benson and Brenda Scott Henry.

NIRPC Staff: Kathy Luther, Joe Exl, Gabrielle Biciunas, Eman Ibrahim, Mary Thorne and Candi Eklund.

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Chairman Bill Emerson, Jr., called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self- introductions. Kathy Luther introduced Candi Eklund, NIPRC’s new Administrative Assistant.

NIRPC Business:

1. Approval of Minutes

   On motion by Tim Kingsland and a second by Sarah Nimetz, the May 3, 2018 EMPC meeting minutes were approved as presented.

2. Review Comment Letter for US Steel Corporation

Kathy Luther presented the comments written for the Proposed Consent Decree-United States et al v. United States Steel Corporation. Comments were submitted on June 6, 2018. The comments focused on coordinating spill responses with local government. Further clarification on the proposed notification plan that US Steel Midwest put in that was part of the proposed Consent Decree. If state and federal agencies were going to pursue legal settlements, they should contact their local governments and give them the opportunity to participate.

Marquette Action Plan

Gabrielle Biciunas presented the lakefront Marquette Action Plan (MAP). The plan was initiated by Congressman Pete Visclosky to have a vision and a strategy in creating a local lakefront and a goal to increase the shoreline access to 75%. In 2000, the open active shoreline access was

33%. Phase 1 took place in 2005 and focused on reclaiming the areas between the Indiana / Illinois state line to Portage, achieving 44% of shoreline access. Phase 2 began in 2008 and extended the area to include Portage to Michigan, achieving 66%. With the implementation of the MAP, the accessible shoreline reached 76% in 2017. Gabrielle noted that there is now an average of one access point of accessible lakefront for every two miles within the 45 miles of shoreline.

The draft plan is currently in a public comment period from May 30 to June 28.

Deep River Dam Feasibility Study

Joe Exl provided an overview and a history of the Deep River Dam feasibility study. In 2016, with the help of many partners, a recommended action of the Watershed Plan was to evaluate potentially removing or modifying the existing structure. Grant funding from the Department of Natural Resources was secured to conduct the lakes and river enhancements program and Lake Michigan coastal

plan. The reasons for the modifications were for safety, improved recreational opportunities and increased biodiversity.

Three public meetings took place to hear the publics concerns. Of the four options proposed, the fourth option, to construct a riffle, is being presented moving forward.

The next phase is to obtain preliminary cost estimates with a letter of support from the Little Calumet River Basin Commission. The total cost of the project would be $1.25 to $1.55 million dollars.

Announcements

The event announcements submitted will be distributed in an email to the committee.

Kathy Luther presented the award that NIRPC received for the 2018 Medium Metro Achievement in Recognition of its Greenway and Blueways 2020 Plan.

The meeting for July has been cancelled. The next meeting of the Environmental Management Policy Committee will be held on August 2, 2018 at 9 a.m.

Hearing no other business, Bill Emerson adjourned the meeting at 10:15 a.m.

A Digital MP3 of this meeting is filed. Contact Candi Eklund at 219-763-6060 or ceklund@nirpc.org should you wish to receive a copy of it.

RESOLUTION 18-15

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION IN SUPPORT OF THE 2018 SEPTICSMART WEEK

September 20, 2018

WHEREAS: Throughout Northwest Indiana, many communities rely on Septic Systems, or Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems, to dispose of wastewater from their homes and businesses; and

WHEREAS: Septic Systems can fail or malfunction polluting our lands and waterways causing public health hazards and natural resource degradation; and

WHEREAS: Educating home and business Septic System owners about the need for periodic inspection, maintenance and proper daily use can result in the highest possible standard of safe, sanitary and environmentally sound onsite wastewater service.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby proclaims September 17-21, 2018 to be SEPTICSMART WEEK in Northwest Indiana and encourage all residents and businesses to join in this observance.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this 20th day of September, 2018.

Geof R. Benson Chairperson

ATTEST:

Karen Freeman-Wilson Secretary

Technical Planning Committee

NIRPC Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road, Portage August 14, 22018

Minutes

Geof Benson called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self- introductions. Members present included Geof Benson, Tom Schmitt, George Topoll, Susan Weber, David Wright, Mark O’Dell, Kelly Wenger, Tom MacLennan, Margot Sabato, Dean Button, Kay Nelson, Julie Ritzler and Tyler Kent. Others present included Jerry Siska, Bruce Lindner, Jake Dammarell, Doug Ferguson, Claudia Taylor, K-Todd Behling, Jill Murr, Joe Van Dyk, Greg Lorig, Tim Werner and Stephen Stofko. Joyce Newland of the Federal Highway Administration participated via conference phone. Staff present included Mitch Barloga, Trey Wadsworth, Charles Bradsky, Dominique Edwards, Scott Weber, James Winters, Peter Kimball, Candi Eklund and Mary Thorne.

The INDOT participation survey was available at the table in the lobby. The minutes of the July 10, 2018 Technical Planning Committee meeting were approved on a motion by George Topoll and a second by Dean Button. There were no public comments.

Presentation

James Winters presented on the development of the Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan. This plan is a federal requirement in order for eligible transit operators to receive funding for improving mobility for people with disabilities, people who are elderly and people with low incomes. Meetings will be held today at the Porter County Public Library in Valparaiso at 2:30 pm; tomorrow at the Gary WorkOne office at 5 pm; and on Thursday, August 16 at the Michigan City Public Library at 3:30 pm. A survey is available on the NIRPC website. Contact James Winters for more information.

Implementation Planning

1. Dominique Edwards reported that 2050 Plan pop up events will be held on August 14, 25, 28, 30 and September 1. To date, 394 responses have been received. Location and times of events are available in the meeting packet and on the NIRPC website.

   
   

2. Mitch Barloga said he is working with Active Transportation Alliance and Health by Design to schedule a Complete Streets workshop in the fall. More information will be sent as the date is worked out.

Programming

1. Charles Bradsky referenced the comment report for FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment #16 for INDOT and local projects and #14 for INDOT projects. The projects will be in this Transportation Improvement Program and the next adopted Transportation Improvement Program. Projects in the out years of 2022 and 2023 are illustrative.

   
   

2. Resolution 18-13, Amendment 16 to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program for the above referenced INDOT and local projects were vetted and supported by the Transportation Resource & Oversight Committee. On a motion by Dean Button and a second by Mark O’Dell, the Technical Planning Committee recommended Resolution 18-13, Amendment 16 to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program to the NIRPC Board for adoption.

   City of Gary’s Appeal

   Joe Van Dyk presented the City of Gary’s appeal on two project scope change requests. One project was denied by the Transportation Resource Oversight Committee (TROC) at an ad hoc meeting on July 31. A second project had no action by TROC. A third scope change proposal was passed by the committee. The original Ridge Road project was awarded over 10 years ago but a local match was lost due to the economic downturn. The City of Gary wants to shift $3 million towards the 15th Avenue Gateway project which is in a key economic development

   area. The remaining funding would shift to the East Lakefront Complete Streets project which would advance transit-oriented development and economic development around the Miller South Shore commuter station and improve access to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Local match is available for both projects. The action sought is to either sustain TROC’s decision or overturn it.

   
   

   Discussion took place on deficits in 2019 through 2022; Charles Bradsky will provide a list of 5- year and older projects to the committee. Discussion took place on the draft scope change policy. Charles said the Lake & Porter TROC adopted it; LaPorte TROC didn’t think they would need it and did not adopt it. The “5 year” language needs more clarification. It was suggested that any policies created by subcommittees should be sent to the Commission for final adoption. Joyce Newland offered that if a project has a complete environmental, the decision cannot be vacated. If there is a no build option then you can be released from that. Joe Van Dyk said Ridge Road had no federal money spent and no environmental done. Charles said the proposed projects have had environmental done.

   
   

   Dean Button moved to sustain the TROC decision on the request by the City of Gary; seconded by Mark O’Dell. Kay Nelson asked that NIRPC provide a white paper to the Commission on the full issue. Dean Button amended his motion to sustain the TROC decision on the request by the City of Gary in order that the Full Commission can provide the direction on this and future actions. Mark O’Dell seconded the amended motion for discussion, which followed. It was noted that clarification on the scope change policy is needed. Dean Button again amended his motion to sustain the TROC decision on the request by the City of Gary with a summary white paper to be provided to the Commission in order that the Commission can provide the direction on this and future actions. Mark O’Dell seconded the motion. On a roll call vote by Geof Benson, the committee voted to recommend the motion to the Commission on 7 yes and 2 no votes.

   
   

   Charles Bradsky said at the next quarterly tracking meeting on Friday, he will ask the City of Gary if the Commission denies their appeal, what they intend to do with this project. If the sponsor cannot construct the project in the letting year, it will move to a date mutually agreed upon by the sponsor and NIRPC. Joyce Newland added that if projects don’t move in a timely manner, the money will be taken away.

   
   

   Topical Committee Reports

   • The Environmental Management Policy Committee will meet at 9 a.m. on September 6.

   • The Ped, Pedal & Paddle Committee will meet at 11 a.m. on September 6. James Winters reported that the transit operators will meet immediately after this

   • Meeting.

   • The Land Use Committee meeting will be announced.

   • The Surface Transportation Committee will meet on August 7 at 9 a.m.

     
     

     Planning Partners

     Susan Weber said she will be attending the public meetings for the Coordinated Public Transit

     Human Services Transportation Plan.

     
     

     Emerging Trends: Due to time constraints, no video was provided.

     
     

     Announcements

     • South Shore Clean Cities is hosting a propane vehicle event from 10 to 2 today.

     • Congratulations were offered to Geof Benson for being named Chairman of the MPO Council.

The next Technical Planning Committee meeting is September 11 at 9 a.m. at NIRPC. Hearing no other business, Geof Benson adjourned the meeting at 10:50 a.m.

A Digital MP3 of this meeting is filed. Contact Mary Thorne at the phone number or email below should you wish to receive a copy or a portion of it.

The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.

RESOLUTION 18-16

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVING THE CONGESTION MITIGATION AIR QUALITY (CMAQ) PERFORMANCE PLAN

September 20, 2018

WHEREAS: Federal legislation enacted in the FAST Act signed into law December 4, 2015 imposed performance-based planning requirements; and

WHEREAS: The United States Department of Transportation issued a rulemaking effective February 17, 2017 (23 CFR 490.107) that requires the Commission to include a CMAQ Performance Plan to comply with the performance-based planning requirements; and

WHEREAS: The Technical Planning Committee approved the CMAQ Performance Plan at its September 11, 2018 meeting.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission approves the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) Performance Plan.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this 20th day of September 2018.

Geof R. Benson Chairperson

ATTEST:

Karen Freeman-Wilson Secretary

Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) Performance Plan

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Name:

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC)

Urbanized Area (UZA) and States:

Chicago, IL--IN

Background:

This CMAQ Performance Plan is attached to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Baseline performance report for the 2018 to 2021 performance period (calendar years for the traffic congestion measures, federal fiscal years for the on-road mobile source emissions measures). NIRPC, the MPO with a Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties in Indiana, is part of the Chicago, IL--IN UZA, which is designated as a Transportation Management Area (TMA) with a population greater than 200,000. For the purposes of 23 CFR 490.703, NIRPC is an MPO serving a UZA with a population over 1 million, subjecting NIRPC to the requirements of developing this CMAQ Performance Plan. This CMAQ Performance Plan satisfies these requirements by describing the baseline condition/performance for the traffic congestion and on-road mobile source measures, reporting the 2-year and 4-year targets for these measures, and describing the CMAQ-funded projects in the performance period and how the projects contribute to achieving the targets.

Baseline Condition/Performance:

Baseline Condition/Performance for Traffic Congestion Measures (Calendar Year 2017, UZA): Peak Hours of Excessive Delay Per Capita (PHED): 14.8

Percent Non-Single Occupancy Vehicle Travel (Non-SOV): 30.6%

SOURCE: National Performance Measure Research Data Set, US Census Bureau

Baseline Condition/Performance for On-Road Mobile Source Emissions Measures (Federal Fiscal Years 2014-2017, MPA):

24-hour PM10 Benefit (kg/day): 0.02

Ozone Precursors:

NOx Emissions Benefit (kg/day): 482.63

VOC Emissions Benefit (kg/day): 102.78

CO Benefit (kg/day): 1,107.98

SOURCE: FHWA CMAQ Public Access System, https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/cmaq_pub/

2-year and 4-year Targets:

Targets for Traffic Congestion Measures (UZA):

Peak Hours of Excessive Delay Per Capita (PHED):

2-Year Target: Not Applicable for 2018 to 2021 performance period

4-Year Target: 15.5

Percent Non-Single Occupancy Vehicle Travel (Non-SOV): 2-Year Target: 31.6%

4-Year Target: 32.1%

Targets for On-Road Mobile Source Emissions Measures (MPA): 24-hour PM10 Benefit (kg/day):

2-Year Target: 0.30 (Adopt Indiana State Target)

4-Year Target: 0.50 (Adopt Indiana State Target)

Ozone Precursors:

NOx Emissions Benefit (kg/day):

2-Year Target: 1,600.00 (Adopt Indiana State Target)

4-Year Target: 2,200.00 (Adopt Indiana State Target)

VOC Emissions Benefit (kg/day):

2-Year Target: 1,600.00 (Adopt Indiana State Target)

4-Year Target: 2,600.00 (Adopt Indiana State Target)

CO Benefit (kg/day):

2-Year Target: 200.00 (Adopt Indiana State Target)

4-Year Target: 400.00 (Adopt Indiana State Target)

Description of Projects:

Table 1: Description of NIRPC TIP Projects, 2018-2021