NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING‌

Thursday, March 16, 2017, 9:00 A.M. NIRPC Lake Michigan Room 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN

A G E N D A

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 NIRPC, 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN

January 19, 2017 Minutes

Call to Order

Chairman Jim Ton called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners present included Kyle Allen, Jr., Jeannette Bapst, John Bayler, Geof Benson, Robert Carnahan, Christine Cid, Anthony Copeland, John Costas, Bill Emerson, Jr., Will Farrellbegg, Sylvia Graham, Michael Griffin, Richard Hardaway, Jack Jeralds, Tim Jones, Justin Kiel, Cary Kirkham, Tom McDermott, Jr., Blair Milo, Diane Noll, Ray Poparad, Lori Reno, Dave Shafer, Fred Siminski, Greg Stinson, Mary Tanis, James Ton, and George Topoll.

Guests present included Jim Biggs, Mary Brown, Justin Mount, Rick Powers, Matt Keiser, Jon Krueger, Jeff Huet, Rebecca Williams, Don Oliphant, Christopher Murphy, Salvatore DiBernardo, Sanjay Patel, David Wright, Mike Yacullo, James Nowacki, Tim Zorn and Andrew Steele. Joyce Newland participated via conference phone.

Staff present included Ty Warner, Dave Hollenbeck, Angie Hayes, Kathy Luther, Jody Melton, John Smith, Eman Ibrahim, Gary Evers, Mitch Barloga, Scott Weber, James Winters, Stephen Sostaric, Sarah Geinosky and Mary Thorne.

New Appointments to the Commission

Dave Hollenbeck announced new appointments to the Commission of Andrew Kyres for the City of Crown Point, Mary Tanis for the Town of Dyer, Tim Jones for the Town of Kouts and Ray Poparad for the Town of Burns Harbor. The Porter County Board of Commissioners appointed Jim Biggs at their meeting; the letter of appointment is forthcoming.

Approval of Minutes

On a motion by Geof Benson and a second by Kyle Anderson, Jr., the minutes of the December 8, 2016 meeting of the Executive Board were approved as submitted.

Report of the Executive Director

Ty Warner encouraged the new Commissioners to contact staff as needed for assistance. The NIRPC 2016 Year in Review was available, and is a web-based document. NIRPC received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award and the Commission applauded Angie Hayes and the Finance Department. NIRPC has a new website that launched with the new year; some of the new content is still under development. Ty Warner presented Jody Melton with an award for 35 years of service and John Smith for 40 years of service to the agency.

Finance & Personnel Committee

Diane Noll reported that the Finance & Personnel Committee met this morning and action is needed on three items. The agreement between NIRPC and South Shore Clean Cities for provision of professional education and training services was adopted on a motion by Diane Noll and a second by Geof Benson. The Agreement between NIRPC and Responsive Management for the Air Quality Survey was adopted on a motion by Diane Noll and a second by Greg Stinson. Resolution 17-01 establishing an Internal Control System and Policy and a Materiality/Irregular Variances, Losses and Shortages Policy was adopted by the Commission on a motion by Diane Noll and a second by Michael Griffin.

Legislative Committee

Blair Milo gave a follow-up report from the November 2016 meeting of the Legislative Committee, which will meet as needed to identify and discuss issues relative to transportation both at the state level and at the federal level working with the National Association of Regional Councils. The committee will continue to monitor progress in support of the West Lake Corridor and NICTD double tracking. NIRPC Delegates will attend the February NARC conference and visit with congressional delegations regarding issues relevant to Northwest Indiana.

Environmental Management Policy Committee

Geof Benson said the Environmental Management Policy Committee had a joint meeting in November with the Urban Waters Partnership. The next meeting will be on February 2 at 9 a.m. at NIRPC.

Report of the Chair

Jim Ton thanked the Commission for helping to celebrate NIRPC’s 50th anniversary last month. The new committee structure is in place, implementing the structure spearheaded the previous year by Mayor Milo. The Nominating Committee produced a slate of nominations as follows:

Michael Griffin Chair

Geof Benson Vice Chair

Diane Noll Secretary

Karen Freeman-Wilson Treasurer Executive Board:

Lake County: Anthony Copeland

Lake County: Tom McDermott

LaPorte County: Blair Milo

LaPorte County: Justin Kiel

Porter County: Jim Ton

Porter County: Greg Stinson

The continued appointment of Rep. Ed Soliday as the Governor’s appointee to the Executive Board is assumed. There were no nominations from the floor. On a motion by Jon Costas and a second by Kyle Allen, Jr., the Commission voted to adopt the 2017 slate as presented. Jim Ton turned the gavel over to newly-elected Chairman Michael Griffin. To celebrate his service as 2016 Chairman, Michael Griffin and Ty Warner presented Jim Ton with the Gavel Plaque. Michael Griffin recognized NIRPC past Chairs present at the meeting: Dave Shafer, Jon Costas, Blair Milo, Tom McDermott and Jim Ton. The 2017 Schedule of Meetings was available in the packet.

Technical Planning Committee

Michael Griffin reported that the Technical Planning Committee met on January 10 and heard an overview of the vision and principles of the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan. Goals, objectives and implementation projects will be presented at future meetings. Stephen Sostaric presented the Regional Corridors Study Public Comment Report, which had no adverse comments.

Eman Ibrahim gave a brief presentation on the Regional Corridors Study Plan and explained Resolution 17-02 for adoption. On a motion by George Topoll and a second by Kyle Allen, Jr., the Commission voted to adopt Resolution 17-02, the Regional Corridors Study Plan.

Amanda Pollard explained Resolution 17-03, Amendment #33 to the FY 2016-2019 Transportation Improvement Program consisting of one project for the City of Portage. She explained that the two Valparaiso projects listed will be deleted from this amendment and will be included in a later amendment. On a motion by Jon Costas and a second by Kyle Allen, Jr., the Commission voted to adopt Resolution 17-03, Amendment #33 as amended.

The Transportation Policy Committee will meet on February 14, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at NIRPC.

Indiana Department of Transportation

Rick Powers announced several staffing changes. INDOT’s new Commissioner is Joe McGinnis, former Mayor of Franklin. Lyndsay Quist is on maternity leave. Brandye Hendrickson left INDOT to become the Commissioner for State Personnel. Louis Torres is now Inspector General. Randy Gallagher, Operations Deputy is going to Purdue. In other news, the copper wire thief has been caught.

Other Business

Tom McDermott, pleaded strongly for a resolution of support for the Cline Avenue Bridge which has still not been built more than seven years after being condemned by the state. Traffic is still diverted to local roads in East Chicago, Hammond and Whiting and no state money is forthcoming to assist in this infrastructure. Anthony Copeland said that when the state declined to replace the bridge, privatization was the available alternative. Mitch Barloga indicated he had already been speaking with the Figg Group, and offered to contact the consultants to give a presentation at a future NIRPC meeting.

Joyce Newland said USDOT will be conducting its regular four-year review of the metropolitan planning process for northwest Indiana in July.

Public Comment

James Nowacki, Gary resident, said he walked from Gary to Indianapolis in support of the legalization of medical marijuana in Indiana and gave his thoughts on striping of the roads along the way. He asked everyone to support SB 255 to legalize medical marijuana in Indiana.

Announcements

Robert Carnahan announced the second annual Winter Wine Tasting event on Saturday, February 4 at The Lighthouse Restaurant.

Adjournment

Hearing no other business, Michael Griffin adjourned the meeting at 10:00 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.

For requests for alternate formats, please contact Mary Thorne at NIRPC at (219) 763-6060 extension 131 or at mthorne@nirpc.org. Individuals with hearing impairments may contact us through the Indiana Relay 711 service by calling 711 or (800) 743-3333.

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.

Call to Order

NIRPC Executive Board Meeting 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN February 16, 2017

Minutes

Chairman Michael Griffin called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Executive Board members present included Geof Benson, Karen Freeman-Wilson, Michael Griffin, Justin Kiel, and James Ton. As there was no quorum, Michael Griffin announced the meeting would be informational only and no vote would take place.

Other Commissioners present included Christine Cid, Jeff Larson, Roger Miller, Rich Mrozinski, Brian Snedecor and George Topoll.

Guests present included Rick Powers, Randy Strasser, Don Oliphant, Bill McCall, David Wright, Jonathan Kruger and Andrew Steele. Joyce Newland participated via conference phone.

Staff present included Ty Warner, Dave Hollenbeck, Angie Hayes, Kathy Luther, Mitch Barloga, Amanda Pollard and Mary Thorne.

New Appointments to the Commission

Dave Hollenbeck announced new appointments to the Commission of Jeff Larson, President of the Porter County Council, Christian Jorgensen, Councilman for the Town of St. John Town and Rich Mrozinski, Jr. President of the LaPorte County Board of Commissioners.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the January 19, 2016 meeting of the Full Commission were available and would be approved at the next meeting in March.

Report of the Chair

Michael Griffin said that the resolution supporting the expedited construction of the Cline Avenue Bridge which was requested by Tom McDermott, Jr. will go before the Full Commission at the April meeting for a vote. The resolution, if approved, will go to the Governor and INDOT. Michael Griffin briefly explained NIRPC’s dual function as both a Metropolitan Planning Organization and a Council of Governments and the restructuring of the topical committees. The preference surveys will go out shortly.

Report of the Executive Director

Ty Warner reported on the National Association of Regional Council’s Conference this week. NIRPC’s representation on the NARC Board include Geof Benson as Senior Vice President, Dave Shafer as past President and Blair Milo as a member of the Board. Legislative meetings were held with Pete Visclosky, Jackie Walorski, Todd Young and Joe Donnelly. Topics of discussion included the need for a sustainable transportation funding mechanism when the FAST Act expires and the desire by most metropolitan planning organizations for rescission of the federal MPO rulemaking by USDOT which would effectively combine NIRPC with the Chicago MPO (CMAP) and the southeastern Wisconsin MPO (SEWRPC). This action would put projects in our TIP in stiff competition for funding. NIRPC and the other MPOs are against this rulemaking. The Trump Administration issued a 10-page conceptual white paper about transportation priorities with significant emphasis on public-private partnerships. The Democratic Party released a plan but no funding sources were identified.

Geof Benson added that there is support from both the Democrats and Republicans to draft a request to remove the MPO rulemaking. There were a lot of helpful seminars and speakers at the conference and it was noted that some regional councils have incorporated autonomous vehicles in their long range transportation plans.

Ty Warner said that the newest developed space in the building will house Purdue Northwest and South Shore Leadership Center. Once all remodeling is finished, an open house may be planned.

Finance & Personnel Committee

Karen Freeman-Wilson reported that the Finance & Personnel Committee met this morning and action on three items was recommended by the committee. The first is two procurement recommendations for the Deep River – Burns Waterway Watershed Initiative Cost Share Program and two vehicle replacements for LaPorte TransPorte. There is also a proposed budget amendment and a contract amendment for the Hobart Transit Feasibility Study. The procurement action is time-sensitive. Dave Hollenbeck said there is a ratification statute in Indiana and the only risk is if the action is not ratified by the appropriate body. Jim Ton motioned to recommend the procurement recommendation for approval, seconded by Geof Benson with the caveat of ratification by the quorum of the Executive Board at their next meeting. A roll call of the eleven Executive Board members showed the five members present voting unanimously to approve the procurement recommendation with the caveat of ratification by the quorum of the Executive Board at their next meeting; the other six members were not present. The remainder of the report will be presented at the next meeting, along with a report from this meeting on the procurement vote.

Environmental Management Policy Committee

Geof Benson said the Environmental Management Policy Committee heard a presentation from the EPA this month on the lead issue in East Chicago. Governor Holcomb declared a state of emergency in East Chicago. The committee will hear a presentation from the EPA at the April 6 meeting at 9 a.m. and the new head of IDEM is expected to attend.

Technical Planning Committee

Michael Griffin reported that the Technical Planning Committee met on February 14 and heard a presentation by Kathy Luther on the Thriving Economy goals from the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan. Joe Exl presented on the Deep River, Portage-Burns Waterway Initiative. David Wright of the Gary Public Transportation Corporation showed a short video on transit benefits. Mitch Barloga gave a brief update on the Greenways & Blueways 2020 Plan which is slated for final adoption in June. One Transportation Improvement Program amendment was recommended by the Committee and will be brought to the NIRPC Board for adoption at their next meeting.

The Transportation Policy Committee will meet on March 14, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at NIRPC.

Legislative Committee – Ty Warner said the committee has not met recently. HB 1002 is being examined by the state MPOs and there is an exchange provision at the end of that bill on a state – federal funding swap. There are several unknowns with the bill and its funding mechanisms. There is tight coordination between USDOT, INDOT and the 14 MPOs in the state and they are looking to insure that the communities are not harmed by the legislation.

Indiana Department of Transportation

Rick Powers reported on the importance of due diligence in road projects. He said there was new wire theft between Cline and Kennedy on 80-94. Discussion is underway about deterrents. The salt barns are full. A seven-mile stretch of SR 14 disintegrated due to the freeze-thaw cycles. A private contractor assisted in repairs by opening a hot mix plant. INDOT is working to address the rumble strip paint issue.

Other Business

Ty Warner said NICTD is offering free rides westbound for a few days for Valentine’s Day; however, passengers must pay for eastbound rides.

Christine Cid thanked EMPC for addressing the concerns of East Chicago. Michael Griffin said he would pen a letter of thanks to the Governor for addressing the issues in East Chicago.

There was no request for public comment.

Adjournment

Hearing no other business, Michael Griffin adjourned the meeting at 10:00 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.

For requests for alternate formats, please contact Mary Thorne at NIRPC at (219) 763-6060 extension 131 or at mthorne@nirpc.org. Individuals with hearing impairments may contact us through the Indiana Relay 711 service by calling 711 or (800) 743-3333.

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.

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Meeting Agenda Thursday February 16, 2017

8:00 a.m.

NIRPC Office Portage, Indiana

1. Call to Order

   
   

2. Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2017 (Page 1-2)

   
   

3. Review of Financial Status (Page 3-4)

   
   

4. Approval of Claims Register (Page )

   
   

5. Procurement Recommendation (Page )

   
   

6. Kankakee River Basin Commission Contract (Page )

   
   

7. Title VI Program Resolution (Page )

   
   

8. Other Business

   
   

9. 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.

Requests for alternate formats please contact Angie Hayes at (219) 763-6060 extension 104 or ahayes@nirpc.org. Individuals with hearing impairments may contact us through the Indiana Relay 711 service by calling 711 or (800) 743-3333.

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

January 19, 2017 NIRPC Dune Room Portage, Indiana

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 8:04 a.m. by Karen Freeman-Wilson.

Approval of Minutes

Karen Freeman-Wilson presented the minutes of the January 19, 2017 meeting. Upon a motion by Richard Hardaway, seconded by Christine Cid, the Committee approved the minutes of the January 19, 2017 meeting.

Review of Financial Status

Angie Hayes presented the final expenditure report for 2016 in which NIRPC expended 71.98% of the total expenditures. At this time there are no cash issues to report. The Budget to Actual reports were presented to the Committee. The total expenditures of the General Fund for the period ending January 31, 2017 are at 4.11%.

Approval of Claims Register

Angie Hayes presented the claims register to the Committee for approval. Upon a motion by Christine Cid, seconded by Richard Hardaway, the Committee approved the claims register.

AccuFund Contract Amendment

Angie Hayes presented Amendment 2 for the AccuFund Software Agreement to the Committee. The amended specifies all services must be completed by June 30, 2017. Upon a motion by Richard Hardaway, seconded by Christine Cid, the Committee approved the contract extension.

Petty Cash Policy

Angie Hayes presented the Petty Cash Policy to the Committee. The updated Petty Cash Policy will reduce the petty cash balance from $200.00 to $100.00. Upon a motion by Christine Cid, seconded by Richard Hardaway, the Committee approved updated Petty Cash Policy.

Internal Control Overview

Angie Hayes presented the Internal Control Overview which documents the segregation of duties to the Committee. There was discussion and proposed changes. Upon a motion by Richard Hardaway, seconded by Christine Cid, the Committee approved the Internal Control Overview Documenting Segregation of Duties with the proposed changes.

Procurement Recommendations

Kathy Luther presented the Deep River – Burns Waterway Watershed Initiative Cost Share Program to the Committee. The grant is a cost-share program in which corrective actions will be implemented in the identified problem areas through partnerships. Applicants will pay for the remediation up front and then will be reimbursed at a rate of 50% through the grant. This recommendation is to approve agreements up to a total reimbursement from NIRPC of

$268,975.

Angie Hayes presented two vehicle replacements to the Committee purchasing two propane fueled vehicles for LaPorte TransPorte. The vehicles will be paid with Federal Transit Administration Funds (80%) out of Grant IN-95-X053 and LaPorte TransPorte will pay the remaining (20%). The two vehicle replacements will not exceed $145,219 in federal funds.

Upon a motion by Richard Hardaway, seconded by Christine Cid, the Committee approved the Procurements for recommendation to the Executive Board.

2017 Budget Amendment

Angie Hayes presented a budget amendment to the Committee to add new funds to the 2017 budget in the amount of $28,000. The revenue is from Federal Transit Administration and the City of Hobart to add additional work for the Hobart Feasibility Study. Upon a motion by Christine Cid, seconded by Richard Hardaway, the Committee approved the budget amendment to add new funds to the 2017 budget for recommendation to the Executive Board.

SRF Consulting Group, Inc. Contract Amendment

Angie Hayes presented the Amendment for the SRF Consulting Group, Inc. for the City of Hobart Transit Feasibility Study. This Amendment expands the scope of work to enable the City of Hobart to pursue public transit and possible funding options. Upon a motion by Richard Hardaway, seconded by Christine Cid, the Committee approved the SRF Consulting Group, Inc. Amendment for recommendation to the Executive Board.

Other Business

Dave Hollenbeck informed the Committee NIRPC received a public record request under the Indiana Open Records Law. There was no other business to discuss.

Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

February 16, 2017 NIRPC Dune Room Portage, Indiana

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 8:04 a.m. by Karen Freeman-Wilson.

Approval of Minutes

Karen Freeman-Wilson presented the minutes of the January 19, 2017 meeting. Upon a motion by Richard Hardaway, seconded by Christine Cid, the Committee approved the minutes of the January 19, 2017 meeting.

Review of Financial Status

Angie Hayes presented the final expenditure report for 2016 in which NIRPC expended 71.98% of the total expenditures. At this time there are no cash issues to report. The Budget to Actual reports were presented to the Committee. The total expenditures of the General Fund for the period ending January 31, 2017 are at 4.11%.

Approval of Claims Register

Angie Hayes presented the claims register to the Committee for approval. Upon a motion by Christine Cid, seconded by Richard Hardaway, the Committee approved the claims register.

AccuFund Contract Amendment

Angie Hayes presented Amendment 2 for the AccuFund Software Agreement to the Committee. The amended specifies all services must be completed by June 30, 2017. Upon a motion by Richard Hardaway, seconded by Christine Cid, the Committee approved the contract extension.

Petty Cash Policy

Angie Hayes presented the Petty Cash Policy to the Committee. The updated Petty Cash Policy will reduce the petty cash balance from $200.00 to $100.00. Upon a motion by Christine Cid, seconded by Richard Hardaway, the Committee approved updated Petty Cash Policy.

Internal Control Overview

Angie Hayes presented the Internal Control Overview which documents the segregation of duties to the Committee. There was discussion and proposed changes. Upon a motion by Richard Hardaway, seconded by Christine Cid, the Committee approved the Internal Control Overview Documenting Segregation of Duties with the proposed changes.

Procurement Recommendations

Kathy Luther presented the Deep River – Burns Waterway Watershed Initiative Cost Share Program to the Committee. The grant is a cost-share program in which corrective actions will be implemented in the identified problem areas through partnerships. Applicants will pay for the remediation up front and then will be reimbursed at a rate of 50% through the grant. This recommendation is to approve agreements up to a total reimbursement from NIRPC of

$268,975.

Angie Hayes presented two vehicle replacements to the Committee purchasing two propane fueled vehicles for LaPorte TransPorte. The vehicles will be paid with Federal Transit Administration Funds (80%) out of Grant IN-95-X053 and LaPorte TransPorte will pay the remaining (20%). The two vehicle replacements will not exceed $145,219 in federal funds.

Upon a motion by Richard Hardaway, seconded by Christine Cid, the Committee approved the Procurements for recommendation to the Executive Board.

2017 Budget Amendment

Angie Hayes presented a budget amendment to the Committee to add new funds to the 2017 budget in the amount of $28,000. The revenue is from Federal Transit Administration and the City of Hobart to add additional work for the Hobart Feasibility Study. Upon a motion by Christine Cid, seconded by Richard Hardaway, the Committee approved the budget amendment to add new funds to the 2017 budget for recommendation to the Executive Board.

SRF Consulting Group, Inc. Contract Amendment

Angie Hayes presented the Amendment for the SRF Consulting Group, Inc. for the City of Hobart Transit Feasibility Study. This Amendment expands the scope of work to enable the City of Hobart to pursue public transit and possible funding options. Upon a motion by Richard Hardaway, seconded by Christine Cid, the Committee approved the SRF Consulting Group, Inc. Amendment for recommendation to the Executive Board.

Other Business

Dave Hollenbeck informed the Committee NIRPC received a public record request under the Indiana Open Records Law. There was no other business to discuss.

Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.

Procurement Recommendations February 16, 2017

Deep River – Burns Waterway Watershed Initiative Cost Share Program

NIRPC has been awarded a grant through the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to identify problem areas and improve water quality within the Deep River- Portage Burns Waterway watershed. Work done within this grant has developed a watershed management plan. This plan identifies critical areas of pollution sources which has allowed for the creation of best management practices to correct identified issues. Based on this program NIRPC is ready to move forward with the cost-share program in which corrective actions will be implemented in the identified problem areas through partnerships in which the applicants will pay for the remediation up front and then will be reimbursed at a rate of 50% through the grant. This recommendation is to approve agreements up to a total reimbursement from NIRPC of $268,975.

Two Vehicles Replacements– Procurement #17-03

• Purchasing two propane fueled replacement vehicles for LaPorte TransPorte.

• Paid with Federal Transit Administration Funds (80%) out of grant IN-95-X053 and the above listed agencies (20%).

• Recommendation to purchase two vehicle replacements not to exceed $145,219 in federal funds.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND THE KANKAKEE RIVER BASIN COMMISSION FOR THE PROVISIONS OF GENERAL SERVICES

BY AGREEMENT MADE AND ENTERED INTO, on the date hereinafter written, by and between the NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION,

hereinafter referred to as “NIRPC” and the KANKAKEE RIVER BASIN COMMISSION: hereinafter referred to as “KRBC” under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the following is hereby agreed:

1. NIRPC shall provide the KRBC services and assistance as is required by the KRBC to carry out its purposes under its enabling statute. NIRPC shall assign Jody Melton to service in the capacity as Director of the Kankakee River Basin Commission. NIRPC shall be compensated eight thousand seven hundred ninety dollars ($8,790) per month for services provided by this staff member. This amount is intended to cover salary and fringe benefit costs. Should the need arise to replace this staff member during the course of this Agreement; it will be done with the mutual consent of both parties to this Agreement. Should the Director of the KRBC receive a salary increase during the course of the Agreement, the amount charged will be increased on a basis equivalent to such an increase.

   
   

2. In conjunction with the above designated staff, NIRPC shall provide adequate office space and furnishings for their use and make available use of all common facilities within the overall NIRPC offices such as conference and meeting rooms, hallways, restrooms, etc.; the provision of basic utilities such as gas, electric and water; and the provision of reception services including the answering of telephones and greeting of visitors. For these services the KRBC shall pay NIRPC four hundred thirty-one dollars ($431) per month.

   
   

3. NIRPC shall provide the following financial management assistance to the KRBC and shall be compensated for such service by the KRBC at the rate of seven hundred thirty-six dollars ($736) per month:

   
   

   1. Aid the KRBC in preparation of its budget, and provide accounting services for the receipt, investment and disbursal of its funds, all in accordance with applicable State Board of Accounts guidelines, statute, and guidelines set out by the Commission herein or otherwise.

      
      

   2. Deposit KRBC funds in the name of the KRBC and in depositories designated by the KRBC.

      
      

   3. Disburse KRBC funds only upon authorization to do so by the KRBC and presentation of a State Board of Accounts standard claim form signed by at least two (2) Commission members and approved by the KRBC. Checks shall be drawn from an account in the KRBC’s name and shall be signed by two authorized officials.

      
      

4. NIRPC shall provide for telephone service and equipment to the KRBC at an amount not to exceed $50 per month.

   
   

5. NIRPC shall make available to the KRBC the use of its postage machine. Actual postage cost shall be billed to the KRBC.

   
   

6. NIRPC shall make available the use of its copy machines. Use of this equipment will be billed at the rate of $5.00 per month plus $.06 per black & white copies and $.20 per copy for color copies.

   
   

7. KRBC agrees not to install within the NIRPC offices telephone, copier or facsimile equipment. Any furniture or other equipment installed shall be located within the spaces designated for the exclusive use of the KRBC.

   
   

8. NIRPC shall make available the use of its graphics and printing equipment and personnel. Graphics and printing time charges will be billed at an actual cost basis. No charge will be made for bond paper or miscellaneous printing supplies. However, special order items will be billed as material costs. Such items include, but are not limited to, metal plates, envelopes, binders, labels and other specialty items for printing and graphic work.

   
   

9. NIRPC may make available additional space or other services to the KRBC on a direct charge basis. NIRPC shall bill the KRBC for such services on a basis that is mutually agreed to by the parties. NIRPC has provided in its 2017 calendar year budget $20,000.00 to be used as local share usage for the purposes of the Kankakee River Basin Commission.

   
   

10. NIRPC shall provide itemized monthly billings for services performed. Payment shall be due within thirty (30) days after billing.

    
    

11. This agreement may be amended by mutual agreement of the parties. Amendments shall be in writing.

    
    

12. This agreement shall be effective January 1, 2017 and terminate December 31, 2017. However, either party may terminate the agreement at an earlier date by providing a written notice of intent at least sixty (60) days prior to an effective termination date, which shall coincide with the last day of a calendar month.

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL KANKAKEE RIVER BASIN COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION

By: By:

Tyson Warner Chris Knochel

Executive Director Chair

Angie Hayes Jody Melton

Director of Finance and Administration Director

RESOLUTION 17-06

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AUTHORIZING AND ADOPTING THE TITLE VI PROGRAM OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNDER PROVISION OF FTA CIRCULAR 4702.1b

WHEREAS, Federal Transit Administration statutes, requirements, policies, and regulations, including those related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and other U.S. Department of Transportation requirements and implementing regulations; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Title VI non-discrimination laws in regard to providing appropriate access to services and activities provided by federal agencies and recipients of federal assistance, the Limited English Proficiency requirement will accommodate persons with Limited English Proficiency; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission:

The Commission approves and submits to the Federal Transit Administration and/or U.S. Department of Transportation pertaining to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, on behalf of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission on this sixteenth day of March, 2017.

Michael Griffin

Chair

ATTEST:

Diane Noll

Secretary

Title VI Program

Recertification Document

Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 601 Specific to Federal Transit Administration Programs

March 16, 2017

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission 6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

Phone (219) 763.6060

Fax (219) 762.1653

e-mail: nirpc@nirpc.org

2017

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission Title VI Program Certification Document

Table of Contents

NIRPC’S RESOLUTION ADOPTING TITLE VI PLAN

IDENTIFICATION OF DESIGNATED RECIPIENT, DIRECT GRANTEE, AND SUBRECIPIENTS 1

PART I. NIRPC GENERAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 3

1. REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE AN ANNUAL TITLE VI CERTIFICATION AND

   ASSURANCES 3

2. REQUIREMENT TO DEVELOP TITLE VI COMPLAINT PROCEDURES 3

3. REQUIREMENT TO RECORD TITLE VI INVESTIGATIONS, COMPLAINTS, & LAWSUITS 3

4. REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL ACCESS TO LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) PERSONS 3

5. REQUIREMENT TO NOTIFY BENEFICIARIES OF PROTECTION UNDER TITLE VI 3

6. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES 4

7. MINORITY REPRESENTATION ON PLANNING & ADVISORY BOARDS 11

8. MONITORING SUBRECIPIENTS 12

9. REQUIREMENT TO CONDUCT EQUITY ANALYSIS 13

PART II. MPO REQUIREMENTS 15

1. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE 15

2. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE BENEFITS AND BURDENS ANALYSIS 15

3. DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURES WITHIN PLANNING PROCESS 15

4. DEMOGRAPHIC MAPS SHOWING IMPACTS OF STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS 17

5. ANALYSIS OF TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM INVESTMENTS 18

6. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURES THE MPO USES TO PASS THROUGH FTA

   FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SUBRECIPIENTS IN A NON-DISCRIMINATORY MANNER 19

7. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURES THE MPO USES TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO POTENTIAL SUBRECIPIENTS APPLYING FOR FUNDING, INCLUDING ITS EFFORTS TO ASSIST APPLICANTS THAT WOULD SERVE PREDOMINANTLY MINORITY POPULATIONS 19

   PART III. NIRPC RECERTIFICATION ATTACHMENTS 21

   ATTACHMENT #1: NIRPC’S TITLE VI COMPLAINT PROCEDURES 22

   ATTACHMENT #2: LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY STRATEGY 29

   ATTACHMENT #3: 2010 LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE 38

   ATTACHMENT #4: MINORITY & LOW INCOME POPULATION DISTRIBUTION MAPS 47

   ATTACHMENT #5: MINORITY & LOW INCOME POPULATION DISTRIBUTION CHART... 49 PART IV. TRANSIT OPERATOR SUBMISSIONS 57

   NORTHERN INDIANA COMMUTER TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT (NICTD) 58

   CITY OF EAST CHICAGO, IN (EAST CHICAGO TRANSIT) 59

   NORTH TOWNSHIP, LAKE COUNTY, IN (NORTH TWP DIAL-A-RIDE) 92

   SOUTH LAKE COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. (SOUTHLAKE TRANSIT) 105

   OPPORTUNITY ENTERPRISES, INC. (OE EXPRESS) 122

   PORTER COUNTY AGING & COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC 141

   CITY OF VALPARAISO, IN (V-LINE/ CHICAGO DASH) 160

   CITY OF LA PORTE, IN (TRANSPORTE) 192

   
   

   Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission 6100 Southport Road

   Portage, Indiana 46368

   
   

   Phone (219) 763.6060

   Fax (219) 762.1653

   e-mail: nirpc@nirpc.org

   
   

   Ty Warner AICP Executive Director

   Identification of Designated Recipient, Direct Grantee, and Subrecipients‌

   
   

   Recipient: Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN 46368-6409

   FTA Grantee: 1193 Subrecipients:

   City of East Chicago, IN (East Chicago Transit)

   North Township, Lake County, IN (North Twp Dial-a-Ride) South Lake County Community Services, Inc.

   Opportunity Enterprises, Inc. (OE Express)

   Porter County Aging & Community Services, Inc. City of Valparaiso, IN (V-Line & ChicaGo Dash) City of La Porte, IN (TransPorte)

   
   

   NIRPC also functions as the cognizant Designated Recipient and executes supplemental agreements for the following transit operator, which is itself a direct grantee of Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) funds:

   
   

   Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) (South Shore Commuter Rail)

   FTA Grantee: 1201

   
   

   NICTD will be submitting their own Title VI Certification to FTA. Please see their submitted document.

   Part I. NIRPC General Reporting Requirements‌

   
   

   The information contained in this report reflects the Title VI requirement per Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1B of October 1, 2012. The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) functions as a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO): FTA direct grantee that passes through funding to seven (7) different transit operators; and as the “cognizant” Designated Recipient for a commuter rail provider. As a recipient of FTA funds, NIRPC submits the following information under General Reporting Requirements of Chapter III of the Circular.

   
   

   Requirement to Provide an Annual Title VI Certification and Assurances‌

   The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) submitted the FY 2017 Certifications and Assurances on TRAMS on January 9, 2017.

   
   

   Requirement to Develop Title VI Complaint Procedures‌

   In 2010 NIRPC updated its Title VI complaints procedures. This update included the addition of a complaint form and was approved by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) in May of 2010. NIRPC’s Title VI Complaint Procedures (see Attachment #1) are posted on the bulletin board in NIRPC’s reception area and are available for the public to download from NIRPC’s website.

   
   

   Requirement to Record Title VI Investigations, Complaints, & Lawsuits‌

   NIRPC has no active lawsuits or complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin with respect to service or other transit benefits.

   
   

   Requirement to Provide Meaningful Access to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Persons‌

   NIRPC’s Public Participation Plan was updated and adopted in December 2014. NIRPC receives federal financial assistance from the US Department of Transportation (US DOT). For this reason it is subject to the US DOT’s Limited English Proficiency Guidance, issued on December 14, 2005. NIRPC has elected not to prepare a formal Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan. In 2011 NIRPC completed the LEP Four Factor Analysis (see Attachments #2 & Attachment #3). NIRPC has elected not to update the four factor analysis at this time. This is due to the low number of LEP persons historically accessing NIRPC services, and the low frequency at which LEP persons encounter NIRPC’s services. NIRPC will update the four factor analysis and revisit the possibility of creating a formal Limited English Proficiency Plan upon the release of more detailed data. The conclusions to the four factor analysis have been updated to reflect the steps taken and the future steps that will be taken to expand NIRPC’s access to LEP populations (See Attachment #3).

   
   

   Requirement to Notify Beneficiaries of Protection Under Title VI‌

   NIRPC’s Title VI Complaint Procedures (see Attachment #1) are posted on the bulletin board in NIRPC’s reception area and are available for the public to download from NIRPC’s website. NIRPC staff updated its Non- Discrimination Statement in 2010 to fulfill the INDOT ADA review. A Request for Alternate Formats statement was developed in 2010. It is NIRPC’s policy to incorporate both the Non-Discrimination and Request for

   Alternate Format Statements into all public documents. Below are the Non-Discrimination and Request for Alternate Format Statements.

   
   

   Non-Discrimination Statement

   
   

   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.

   
   

   Request for Alternate Formats

   
   

   Requests for alternate formats please Allen Hammond at NIRPC at (219)763-6060 (extension 141) or ahammond@nirpc.org. Individuals with hearing impairments may contact us through the Indiana relay 711 service by calling 711 or (800) 743-3333.

   
   

   Public Participation Plan & Summary of Public Outreach and Involvement Activities‌

   NIRPC’s Public Participation Plan was updated and adopted in December 2014. NIRPC’s plan outlines goals and objectives for public participation in the Commission’s transportation, economic development, and environmental plan and programs. It identifies public involvement activities that NIRPC will use to achieve the plan’s goals. The Public Participation Plan also outlines strategies NIRPC utilizes to involve citizens including low income, minority and non-English speaking participants in the decision making process. Please see NIRPC’s Public Participation Plan submitted along with this document as well located on NIRPC’s website.

   
   

   Several steps have been taken since the last Title VI submission in 2014 to ensure that the general public, including minority and low income populations, are involved in and have meaningful access to NIRPC activities and events. These steps include, but are not limited to:

   • Adopting a new Public Participation Plan in December of 2014. The Plan includes many improvements, including a list of essential accessibility features for venues for NIRPC events.

   • Appointing a staff member as the Public Involvement and Communications Coordinator to oversee the implementation of the Public Participation Plan.

   • Engaging in a large number of public workshops and public outreach events in multiple locations throughout the region. This includes organizing several events in minority and low income communities.

   • Hosting topical listening sessions throughout the region, including minority and low income communities, for the 2040 CRP Update Companion and the Greenways + Blueways 2020 Plan prior to the start of any work on those documents.

   • Broadcasting information regarding NIRPC activities and public involvement opportunities through radio, newspaper, and television. This activity ranged from press releases to special appearances and feature articles. This includes monthly appearances on “The Green Commuter,” a local radio show hosted by NIRPC planning partner South Shore Clean Cities.

   • Posting NIRPC activities, information, publications and events on NIRPC’s website.

   • NIRPC provides public notice through media notices, public service announcements, web site meeting calendar, and announcements at monthly policy board and stakeholder meetings. Notices of regularly scheduled meetings are sent out and posted at least 48 hours in advance. A notice is also sent prior to

     
     

     

     January for the entire years’ worth of meetings. Notices of formal public hearings are done 30 days in advance of the hearing.

   • Providing sign language interpreters and or Spanish translators at NIRPC outreach events upon request.

   • Releasing various draft plans, programs and other documents for 30-45 day public comment periods, following the guidelines as established I the Public Participation Plan.

   • NIRPC has established a social media presence that includes Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter as additional tools for outreach and engagement.

   • NIRPC launched a redesigned web page in January of 2017 to further improve upon the user experience.

   • Hosted and presented numerous webinars.

     
     

     In addition to the above steps, the following is a summary of specific public outreach and involvement activities undertaken since the submission of the last Title VI certification in May of 2014.

     
     

     2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan (CRP) Update Companion Listening Sessions

     In 2014, in anticipation of updating the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan (CRP) as required by federal regulation, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) conducted a series of listening sessions to gain public input on the areas of motorized surface transportation, public transportation, and the environment and land use. This input will be used to inform the update process. A series of fifteen public meetings were held during September and October. The schedule was as follows:

     
     

     Motorized Surface Transportation

     • Thursday, September 18, 2014, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm, Michigan City City Hall, 100 East Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City

     • Wednesday, October 1, 2014, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm & 5:00 pm-7:00 pm, Merrillville Town Hall, 7820 Broadway, Merrillville

     • Tuesday, October 21, 2014, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm, Munster Town Hall, 1005 Ridge Road, Munster

     • Wednesday October 22, 2014, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm, Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson Street, Valparaiso

Public Transit

• Monday, September 22, 2014, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, Dyer-Schererville Public Library, 1001

  W. Lincoln Highway, Schererville

• Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, East Chicago Public Library Main Branch, 2401 E. Columbus Drive, East Chicago

• Monday, October 6, 2014, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, Crown Point Public Library, 122 N. Main Street, Crown Point

• Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 4:00 pm-6:00 pm, Adam Benjamin Metro Center, 100 W. 4th Avenue, Gary

• Tuesday, October 14, 2014, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm, Portage City Hall, 6070 Central Avenue, Portage

• Wednesday, October 15, 2014, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, Valparaiso City Hall, 166 Lincolnway, Valparaiso

• Thursday, October 16, 2014, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, La Porte City Hall, 801 Michigan Avenue, La Porte

  
  

  

  • Thursday, October 16, 2014, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm, Michigan City City Hall, 100 East Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City

  • Thursday, October 23, 2014, 4:00 pm-6:00 pm, Hammond Public Library, 564 State Street, Hammond

    
    

    Environment

    
    

• Tuesday, September 16, 2014, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, Room 002 of the Library-Student- Faculty Building at Purdue University North Central, US 421, Westville

• Wednesday, October 29, 2014, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm, Merrillville Town Hall, 7820 Broadway, Merrillville

  
  

  The 2040 CRP contains NIRPC’s long range transportation plan, which federal regulations require be updated every four years.

  
  

  Notification of the meetings was distributed to NIRPC’s media contacts, as well as NIRPC’s stakeholder and committee lists, including the Transportation Policy Committee and NIRPC Commission. Information was also distributed via the NIRPC website (www.nirpc.org) and NIRPC’s social media outlets. Information gathered at these meetings was used when staff produced the 2040 CRP Update Companion.

  
  

  2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan (CRP) Update Companion 30 Day Comment Period

  Prior to action on adoption, NIRPC convened a 30 day public comment period to gather input on the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan (CRP) Update Companion. The comment period also encompassed two items related to the 2040 CRP Update Companion: the 2016-2019 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the new Air Quality Conformity Analysis. The comment period began March 9, 2015 and was originally scheduled to end on April 10, 2015. It was subsequently extended to April 27, 2015 due to issues encountered with the development of the air quality conformity analysis. The extension allowed for the required 30-day review period. Seven public meetings were held throughout the region during the month of March. The meeting schedule was as follows:

  • March 12, 2015: Valparaiso City Hall, 166 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN, 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • March 17, 2015: Merrillville Town Hall, 7820 Broadway, Merrillville, IN, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • March 19, 2015: Michigan City City Hall, 100 E Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City, IN, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • March 21, 2015: John W. Anderson Library, Indiana University Northwest, 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  • March 24, 2015: Munster Town Hall, 1005 Ridge Road, Munster, IN, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • March 26, 2015: Porter Regional Hospital Community Room, 85 East US 6 Frontage Road, Valparaiso, IN, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  • March 31, 2015: East Chicago Public Library Main Branch, 2401 E Columbus Drive, East Chicago, IN, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Notification of the meetings was distributed to NIRPC’s media contacts, as well as NIRPC’s stakeholder and committee lists, including the Transportation Policy Committee and NIRPC Commission. Information was also distributed via the NIRPC website (www.nirpc.org) and NIRPC’s social media outlets.

In addition to the public meetings, comments could also be submitted by email to comments@nirpc.org, by telephone at 219-763-6060, ext. 160, or by United States Postal Service.

1. Added Travel Lanes & Cline Avenue Bridge Amendments to the 2040 CRP, 2014-2017 TIP, and AQCA

   The Indiana Department of Transportation proposed amendments to add the expansion of I-65 from US 231 south to SR 2, and United Bridge Partners proposed amendments to add their Cline Avenue bridge project to the following documents:

   • 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan (2040 CRP)

   • 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

   • Air Quality Conformity Analysis, a new version which includes the proposed projects

     
     

     Additionally, the Town of Porter proposed to amend the existing State Road 49 project in the 2040 CRP and Air Quality Conformity Analysis from a three lane configuration to the existing four lane configuration.

     
     

     Together, these items constitute Amendment #4 to the 2040 CRP and Amendment #11 to the 2014-2017 TIP. These items were subject to a formal 30-day public comment period which commenced on February 3, 2014 and ended on March 21, 2014. During the public comment period, NIRPC hosted two public meetings to gather comments. The meeting schedule was:

   • February 18, 2014: Merrillville Town Hall, 7820 Broadway, 1:00 to 3:00 pm

   • February 19, 2014: East Chicago Public Library Main Branch, 2401 E. Columbus Drive, 2:00 to 4:00 pm

     
     

     The comments received at these meetings were compiled into a comment report, along with comments received on NIRPC’s telephone comment line at (219) 763-6060, ext. 160, via email, and via the United States Postal Service.

     
     

     NIRPC 2014 Public Participation Plan 45 Day Comment Period on Draft

     NIRPC conducted a 45-day comment and review period and held one public meeting on the draft 2014 Public Participation Plan.

     
     

     The comment and review period will ran from Monday, September 15, 2014 to Wednesday, October 29, 2014. The public meeting was held on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at the downtown branch of the Hammond Public Library, 654 State Street, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

     
     

     Comments received were compiled into a public comment report that was made available to the public.

     This comment period was the conclusion of a process that began in 2012 and included several public meetings, multiple drafts, a task force, an ad-hoc committee, and comment periods totaling over 200 days’ worth of availability for public comment.

     
     

     Greenways + Blueways 2020 Listening Sessions

     The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) held a series of listening sessions in preparation for creating the Greenways + Blueways 2020 plan. This plan combines the 2007 Greenways + Blueways plan and the 2010 Ped & Pedal Plan. It is the first time that the areas of conservation, transportation, and recreation have all been combined into a single document for Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties.

     The public was invited to attend these listening sessions and provide input to guide NIRPC’s planning process. The sessions were especially of interest to those interested in conservation of natural areas and open lands and non-motorized transportation such as walking, biking, hiking, and paddling.

     A total of six listening sessions were held at locations throughout the region. They were:

   • May 27: LaPorte County Solid Waste & Water Conservation District, 2057 W. State Road 2, La Porte, IN, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

   • June 4: Munster Town Hall, 1005 Ridge Road, Munster, IN, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

   • June 16: Crown Point Public Library, 122 N. Main Street, Crown Point, IN, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

   • June 18: Valparaiso City Hall, 166 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

   • June 23: Gary Public Library Woodson (Miller) Branch, 501 S. Lake Street, Gary, IN, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

   • June 24: Construction Advancement Foundation, 6050 Southport Road, Portage, IN, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

     
     

     The public was invited to attend any and all of these public meetings. Comments could also be submitted to comments@nirpc.org, by calling NIRPC at 219-763-6060, ext. 160, or by mailing to NIRPC at 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN 46368. Additionally, targeted workshops were held with NIRPC’s Environmental Management Policy Committee and Ped, Pedal, & Paddle Committee.

     
     

     Greenways + Blueways 2020 30 Day Public Comment Period

     NIRPC held a 30-day public comment period on the draft Greenways + Blueways 2020 plan. The comment period began on October 21, 2016 and ended on November 21, 2016.

     
     

     Greenways + Blueways 2020 combines the 2007 Greenways + Blueways plan and the 2010 Ped & Pedal Plan, and environmental elements of the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan. It is the first time that the areas of conservation, transportation, and recreation have all been combined into a single document for Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties. The plan was formed with input from public listening sessions and stakeholders with an interest in conservation of natural areas and open lands and non-motorized transportation such as walking, biking, hiking, and paddling.

     
     

     As part of the public comment period, four public meetings were held:

   • November 2, 2016: NIRPC, 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

   • November 3, 2016: Merrillville Branch, Lake County Public Library, 1919 81st Avenue, Merrillville, IN, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

   • November 14, 2016: East Chicago Public Library Main Branch, 2401 E. Columbus Drive, East Chicago, IN, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

   • November 16, 2016: Michigan City City Hall, 100 E. Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City, IN, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

A draft of the plan was made available at www.nirpc.org, and stakeholders were made aware via email, a news release, and social media. The public was able to comment via email, telephone, regular mail, and at the public meeting.

Some comments received were deemed significant according to the definition set forth in the 2014 Public Participation Plan. Therefore, after proper edits are made, the plan will be made available for another 30 day public comment period.

1. Added Travel Lanes from SR 2 to SR 10 2040 CRP Amendment, TIP Amendment, & AQCA

   NIRPC convened a 30-day public comment period to amend added travel lanes on I-65 from SR 2 to SR 10 to the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan Update Companion (CRP), the 2016-2019 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and a new Air Quality Conformity Analysis. The request for this came from the Indiana Department of Transportation. The comment period began on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 and ended on Friday, April 15, 2016. A public meeting was held at the Lowell Public Library on March 31, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A comment report was prepared and made available.

   
   

   City of Hobart & City of Portage Transit Feasibility Studies

   NIRPC held a 30 day public comment period on requests from the Cities of Hobart and Portage for Federal Transit Administration funds to support studies to explore the potential for public transit in their respective communities. The comment period began on December 10, 2014 and ended on Friday, January 9, 2015. A comment report was prepared and made available.

   
   

   During the planning process, NIRPC staff helped to promote the public outreach activities and provided support when possible and appropriate.

   
   

   Meetings on Public Transit in Northwest Indiana

   NIRPC hosted two meetings about public transportation in northwest Indiana at the Wicker Park Social Center on October 29, 2014. The first session was from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. The second session was from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm and will be a repeat of the first session. The Wicker Park Social Center is located in Wicker Park at 2215 Ridge Road, Highland.

   
   

   The purpose of the meetings was twofold. The first purpose was to present current information on existing public transportation, including fixed route bus, train, demand response and paratransit. Information on who operates public transit, how it is funded, and where it is currently offered was discussed by NIRPC staff.

   
   

   The second purpose of the meetings was to gather public opinion on the performance of existing transit services and the needs for future public transportation services. The regional planners wanted to hear about how the existing services are meeting transit needs, where people would like to see public transit offered, and how public transit might be paid for.

   
   

   All were encouraged to participate, especially current and former users of public transit, those who would like to use it, and members of the disability community, the elderly, minorities and low-income persons. The meetings were videotaped and transcribed American Sign Language interpreters and Real Time Captioning.

   
   

   Marquette Plan 2015 Update

   NIRPC, in partnership with the Regional Development Authority and Indiana Landmarks, held a series of public workshops prior to updating the Marquette Plan, Northwest Indiana’s signature livable lakefront plan. The plan provides policy frameworks and promotes local sub-area planning that can purposefully move Northwest Indiana toward environmental, economic, and social sustainability of our shoreline, with new and mixed uses, as well as increased public access to Lake Michigan.

   
   

   The 2015 update of the plan included progress reports from each of the subareas addressed in the original documents, integration of the two phases into one plan, an enhanced digital mapping and web presence, examined

   the expansion of public transit, and new strategies for building upon the historical and cultural landmarks and resources near the lakefront. In April, 2015 this process concluded with three public open houses throughout the NIRPC region.

   
   

   Environmental Public Outreach

   NIRPC’s Environmental Department provides a public education program for both its Air Quality Program and Stormwater Management Program. The environmental division has produced a large amount of public outreach materials, several of which have been translated into Spanish. These materials are distributed each year to the public at several events, including gas can exchanges, the Porter County Earth Day event and a yearly beach clean-up along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The environmental division also held several meetings and workshops throughout every year for Hoosier Riverwatch, and the Stormwater Management Program, including numerous workshops from 2014-2016.

   
   

   To promote cleaner air throughout the region the Environmental Department also organizes the Partners for Clean Air Award Breakfast/Luncheon and Asthma Awareness Day at Gary RailCats baseball games. The breakfast is open to the public and NIRPC distributes free tickets to the baseball game at asthma and health clinics throughout the region, with a focus on those in the urban and minority communities. Outreach materials and public education is also done at events throughout the year including, Working Women’s Wednesday, the Annual Porter County Master Gardening Show, and the Girl’s and Boy’s Club biking event in Valparaiso. In addition billboard, newspaper, and radio, space has been purchased to educate the public on Air Quality and Stormwater Management and to promote events. This includes space in Que Viva, Northwest Indiana’s Spanish speaking newspaper.

   Minority Representation on Planning and Advisory Bodies

   The table below depicts membership of NIRPC Committees broken down by race based on 2010 Census for the NIRPC Region of Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties.

   
   

   NIRPC Committee Membership Broken Down by Race Based on 2010 Census for the NIRPC Region of Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties.

   
   

   Body	2010 Population	Technical Planning Committee	Ped, Pedal, Paddle Committee	NIRPC Board	Transit Operators Roundtable	Finance & Personnel Committee	Outreach Committee
   White alone	65.6%	93.8%	94.2%	92.5%	75%	77.8%	84%
   Black or African American	18.4%	6.2%	2.9%	7.5%	16.7%	22.2%	16%
   American Indian and Alaska Native alone	0.2%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
   Asian alone	1.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
   Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
   Some Other Race alone	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
   Two or More Races	1.3%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
   Hispanic or Latino	13.3%	0.0%	2.9%	0.0%	8.3%	0.0%	0.0%

   
   

   Membership on the NIRPC Board is made under the NIRPC Enabling Legislation (P.L.165-2003, and as amended by P.L. 2-2007) that states the following:

   IC 36-7-7.6-4

   Commission Membership

   Sec. 4. (a) The following members shall be appointed to the commission:

   1. A member of the county executive of each county described in section I of this chapter, to be appointed by the county executive.

1. A member of the county fiscal body of each county described in section I of this chapter, to be appointed by the county fiscal body.

2. The county surveyor of each county described in section I of this chapter.

3. For a county having a population of not more than four hundred thousand (400,000), one (1) person appointed by the executive of each of the eleven (11) largest municipalities.

4. For a county having a population of more than four hundred thousand (400,000) but less than seven hundred thousand (700,000), one (1) person appointed by the executive of each of the nineteen (19) largest municipalities.

5. Beginning July 1, 2007, one (1) person appointed by the trustee of each township that:

   1. Is located in a county described in section 1 of this chapter;

   2. Has a population of at least eight thousand (8,000); and

   3. Does not contain a municipality.

1. One (1) voting member of the commission shall be appointed by the governor. The member appointed under this subsection may not vote in a weighted vote under section 9 of this chapter.

2. A member of the commission who is a county surveyor may not vote in a weighted vote under section 9 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.165-2003, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.169-2006, SEC.57. IC 36-7-7.6-5

Sec. 5. (a) All commission members must be elected officials.

NIRPC’s Board of Commissioners established a new Committee structure of NIRPC to ensure diverse and equal representation and function of all the agency’s Committees. Membership includes representation from minority agencies and organizations, transportation, environmental, environmental justice, economic development, universities and representatives from the Urban Core Communities, including Gary, Hammond, East Chicago and Michigan City.

According to the Federal Register 23 CFR 450, NIRPC MPO policy committees, such as the Technical Planning Committee, shall consist of the following, “each MPO that serves a TMA shall consist of local elected officials, public transportation agencies or appropriate State officials on their policy boards”. NIRPC’s Board of Commissioners selects the representation on the Technical Planning Committee.

Monitoring Subrecipients

NIRPC conducts Biennial Reviews of all Subrecipients, which includes addressing Title VI Federal Requirements. The purpose of a Biennial Review is to assess the subrecipient’s management practices and program implementation to evaluate compliance with federal requirements. The Biennial Review consists of two stages. The first stage is a desk review conducted at NIRPC to review documentation pertaining to the subrecipient. The second stage is a site visit for NIRPC to discuss any outstanding items, examine FTA-funded facilities and equipment, and review any additional documents.

The review package details the information needed for the Biennial Review Site Visit, most of which is provided in advance. This information request is organized into three parts: Subrecipient Profile, Requested Documents and Questions for the Review. The Biennial Reviewers may request additional information during the site visit.

A draft report is issued at the end of the process, describing any deficiencies in the subrecipient’s program that have been identified and the necessary corrective actions. In order to enable NIRPC to make these determinations during the site visit, the subrecipient must submit the information requested, and written responses to the questions.

Requirement to Conduct Equity Analysis to Determine Site or Location of Facilities

No such projects requiring land acquisition or the displacement of persons from their residences and businesses was conducted during this reporting period.

Part II. MPO Requirements‌

As a recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds, NIRPC submits the following information under the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organizations Reporting Requirements of Chapter VI of the Circular.

Demographic Profile‌

Northwest Indiana’s population of just over 770,000 people is concentrated in northern and central Lake County, northern Porter County, in and around Valparaiso in central Porter County, and in the cities of La Porte and Michigan City in LaPorte County. The remainder of northwest Indiana is mostly rural and not densely populated. Minority and low-income residents of northwest Indiana are concentrated almost exclusively in the “urban core” communities of Hammond, Gary, East Chicago, and Michigan City, as well as parts of Merrillville and Hobart (see Attachment #5). Fixed route transit services serve these areas of minority and low-income residents, however, the recent shut down of the Regional Bus Authority (formerly Hammond Transit) left gaps in service that have only been partially filled by other regional operators. Demand response services serve these areas as well, in addition to serving the more suburban and rural parts of the region. The attached tables and maps show each operator’s service area by Census Tract for the entire region, and identify minority and low-income tracts as well (see Attachment #6).

Environmental Justice Benefits and Burdens Analysis‌

As part of the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan (CRP), NIRPC conducted an Environmental Justice Benefits and Burdens Analysis to determine what, if any, benefits or burdens the transportation projects selected for the plan would have on Environmental Justice (EJ) populations. The analysis examined 11 performance measures related to accessibility and mobility, and found that if all projects in the plan are implemented, EJ communities would have no undue burdens placed upon them as a result of the projects, and would most likely see benefits from the projects. The EJ analysis that NIRPC developed was commended by the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration during NIRPC’s recent Certification Review, and was called “a model for other Metropolitan Planning Organizations”. Additionally, in 2015 NIRPC added an analysis of the zoning in communities adjacent to projects in order to provide recommendations to mitigate sprawl, with the goal of encouraging more development in EJ communities and less on the periphery.

Description of Procedures Within Planning Process

The planning process that produces an MPO’s long range and short range plans is the initial source of the procedures used to identify and consider the mobility needs of the minority populations. The most recent long range planning process for northwest Indiana took place beginning in 2008 and was completed in 2011. The 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan (CRP) involved the largest, most representative group of participants from every corner of the three-county region. The resultant goals and objectives reflect the input of citizens from every component of northwest Indiana’s diverse population. Minority population input was specifically sought out by holding multiple public workshops in neighborhoods of minority concentrations.

The CRP’s goals and objectives formed the basis for setting priorities for the federal transportation funds NIRPC programs for Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties in the short range Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Once priorities are determined criteria are developed and projects are solicited from eligible public transit operators. Projects are then ranked according to the criteria and funded until available dollars are programmed. The public transit operators oversee the development of the criteria and subsequent ranking of projects.

For the new TIP developed under the goals and objectives of the CRP, priorities were determined to be preservation and maintenance of the existing system. Consequently, projects supporting the continued operating assistance and replacement of revenue vehicles for existing systems in the urbanized area rank the highest. This benefits systems serving the urban areas of Gary, Hammond, East Chicago and Michigan City which are the center of concentrations of minority populations. On-going input occurs each time the transit providers complete a rider survey. The transit operators then have the option to include a new project that may be amended into a TIP when an unanticipated need arises to add or improve a service.

Demographic Maps Showing Impacts of State and Federal Funds

Transit Operator Service Areas (NIRPC Subrecipients)

Figure 1: Transit Operators and Minority Populations in Northwest Indiana

Figure 2: Transit Operator Funding and Estimated Expenditures by Minority/Non-Minority Population

The Figures, 1 and 2, demonstrate a clear commitment to providing transit service to low-income and minority areas in northwest Indiana. While it is not possible using aggregate numbers to identify exactly where and how funding is distributed, if the assumption that funding is distributed by transit operators in relative proportion to where people live then on a per capita basis, then roughly twice as much money is spent on the minority population ($24/person) than the non-minority population ($12). Figure 1 shows that in areas with higher concentrations of minority residents, there is also a higher concentration of transit service.

Analysis of Transportation System Investments

From the previously demonstrated mapping and funding analyses, there are no disparate impacts based on race, color, or national origin.

1 Population numbers are derived by aggregating the census tracts which fall within (or partially within) each transit operator’s service area. 2 Estimated expenditures are derived by taking the per capita funding calculation and multiplying that number by minority and non-minority population data for each transit operator’s service area.‌

3 ECT = City of East Chicago Transit NTDR = North Township Dial-a-Ride

SLCCS = South Lake County Community Services, Inc OE = Opportunity Enterprises, Inc

PCACS = Porter County Aging and Community Services, Inc V-Line/Dash = City of Valparaiso

TransPorte = City of La Porte

NICTD = Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District GPTC = Gary Public Transportation Corporation

MCT = Michigan City Transit

A description of the procedures the MPO uses to pass through FTA financial assistance to subrecipients in a non-discriminatory manner.‌

NIRPC is both the MPO and the direct recipient and does not operate public transit. In order to pass through FTA funds to sub-recipients, NIRPC requires the affected transit operators to participate in the MPO’s project solicitation process for the required Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP project selection process utilizes criteria based on the goals and objectives contained in the current adopted long range plan (2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan). The project selection process results in a prioritized list of projects to be included in the TIP. The project criteria are applied to every application for FTA funds, regardless of mode or size.

The project selection process is conducted every two years to maintain a current list of eligible projects. The call for projects is issued via media and mailings to known public transit operators. The call notes that operators must be eligible for FTA programs that support operations and maintenance of public transit.

Once applications are received, projects are listed by score. The Transit Operators’ Roundtable is the primary transit stakeholder group and acts to review and evaluate the submittals. Every public transit operator in the three- county area has a seat and a vote on the Roundtable. As both the MPO and the direct recipient, NIRPC does not operate public transit and therefore does not have a vote on the Roundtable.

Once the Roundtable has completed its review the list of recommended projects is forwarded to the MPO Transportation Policy Committee for approval to release for public comment as part of the proposed TIP. Upon completion of the public review period, and assuming a positive outcome, the TIP is presented to the NIRPC Board of Commissioners for adoption. Once the TIP has been approved, the direct recipients may proceed with the FTA process of grants.

A description of the procedures the MPO uses to provide assistance to potential subrecipients applying for funding, including its efforts to assist applicants that would serve predominantly minority populations.

NIRPC is both the MPO and the direct recipient and does not operate public transit. Procedurally, NIRPC includes all known private providers of transit in the distribution of the TIP call for projects. The solicitation notes the need to establish eligibility for non-public operators as a condition of participation in the grant process. The solicitation is distributed to the four major daily papers, multiple radio stations, and posted on NIRPC’s website and Facebook page. Three of the major daily papers serve areas with concentrations of minority and low income persons.

When an inquiry is received about accessing federal transit funds, an opportunity to meet with staff is always offered, regardless of where the service may be provided. Staff reviews the proposed services based on project eligibility, financial capacity of operator, and long-term sustainability of the service.

The first meeting is to exchange information about the proposed service, and about the federal funding programs. If a potential provider has prepared documents (usually a business plan) the staff will review them with the provider. Staff provides information on FTA, its funding opportunities, and oversight requirements. If appropriate, staff will recommend contacting a specific public operator to determine partnership opportunities, particularly in areas underserved by existing transit. Staff will help identify project weaknesses and recommend solutions, if possible.

Follow-up meetings and inspection of facilities are scheduled if the proposed service is found eligible and the operator is interested in proceeding. More detailed information on the operator’s past experience and financial capacity to manage federal funds is generally the subject of the first follow-up meeting. Staff will maintain close contact with the operator for as long as the operator wishes to pursue a grant. Staff will continue to provide technical assistance as needed as is done for all of the transit operators in the MPO planning area.

Part III. NIRPC Recertification Attachments

Attachment #1: NIRPC’s Title VI Complaint Procedures Attachment #2: Limited English Proficiency Strategy

Attachment #3: 2010 Limited English Proficiency Demographic Profile Attachment #4: Minority & Low Income Population Distribution Maps Attachment #5: Minority & Low Income Population Distribution Chart

Attachment #1: NIRPC’s Title VI Complaint Procedures‌

NIRPC Procedures for Tracking and Investigating Civil Rights Complaints

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and services funded, in whole or part, by financial assistance from the United States Government. NIRPC extends this prohibition to individuals on the basis of disability, religion and gender. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.

All services and programs operated or sponsored by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, 6100 Southport Road, Portage, Indiana, 46368 are subject to the requirements and obligations of Title VI, Section 504 and the ADA. It is the intention of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) to comply fully with Title VI, Section 504 and the ADA.

Under the provisions of Title VI, Section 504 and the ADA, persons who believe that they have experienced or witnessed any act or inaction, intentional or otherwise, in any program, service, or activity operated by or sponsored by the NIRPC that results in or may result in disparate treatment or impact, or perpetuates the effects of prior discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, or disability may file a written complaint with the NIRPC or directly with the U.S. Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), or the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).

Complaints filed directly with FTA must be mailed within 180 days of any alleged discrimination. Complaints should be mailed to:

Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights Attention Title VI Program Coordinator

East Building, 5th Floor – TCR 1200 New Jersey Ave. , SE Washington, D. C, 20590

Complaints filed directly with FHWA must be mailed within 180 days of any alleged discrimination. Complaints should be mailed to:

Federal Highway Administration Office of Civil Rights Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator

1200 New Jersey Ave. SE Washington, D.C. 20590

Complaints filed directly with INDOT must be mailed within 180 days of any alleged discrimination. Complaints should be mailed to:

Indiana Department of Transportation Attention Title VI Program Coordinator 100 N. Senate Ave. Room 750

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Or via the INDOT website at: http://www.in.gov/indot/div/legal/dbe/titlesix.htm#complaints

How to File a Complaint to NIRPC

A person with a Title VI or ADA complaint may also submit the complaint to NIRPC using the following procedures:

1. A complaint may be submitted in writing and must include the person’s name and contact information, the date of the incident, and the identity of the person or department or service that caused the complaint. Complaints may be sent via mail, email, fax, or hand delivered and shall be addressed to the NIRPC Compliance Manager 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN 46368. ahammond@nirpc.org

   
   

2. A complaint may be taken verbally and must include the person’s name and contact information, the date of the incident, and the identity of the person, department or service that caused the complaint.

   
   

3. Persons with a complaint may request a neutral third party to hear a verbal complaint or assist with a written complaint. The selection of the neutral third party shall be made cooperatively between NIRPC and the person filing the complaint.

   
   

4. All complaints shall be addressed to the NIRPC Compliance Manager.

NIRPC Complaint Procedure

1. The person filing a complaint on the basis of discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin or disability will be informed that the complaint may be either filed directly with the FTA, FHWA, INDOT or with NIRPC. It shall be the responsibility of the Compliance Manager of NIRPC, or his designee, to track, investigate and document Title VI, Section 504, and ADA complaints.

   
   

2. If the person opts to file the complaint with NIRPC, the complaint will be directed by the Compliance Manager to the appropriate department manager for a fact-finding review. The manager will prepare a written response to the complaint and submit it to the NIRPC Compliance Manager.

   
   

3. If the NIRPC Compliance Manager determines that the fact-finding review substantiated the complaint, he shall report the same to the NIRPC Executive Director, who will order, or authorize the Compliance Manager to order, corrective action be taken as warranted.

   
   

4. The person who filed the complaint will be consulted as to the adequacy of the proposed remedy. If acceptable, the matter is concluded.

   
   

5. If the proposed remedy is not acceptable, the person who filed the complaint may appeal and request a hearing with the NIRPC Finance and Personnel Committee for purposes of stating their complaint and identifying an appropriate remedy.

   
   

6. The Finance and Personnel Committee will issue a response and recommend a remedy within ten days of the hearing.

   
   

7. If acceptable, the matter is concluded. If not, the person is again advised of the appropriate steps to appeal the complaint with the FTA, FHWA or INDOT.

8. The NIRPC Director of Finance and Administration shall maintain the files and records of the NIRPC relating to the complaints filed verbal and written for a period of three years.

Requests for this document in alternate format or assistance in preparing a complaint may be directed to NIRPC staff Allen Hammond at ahammond@nirpc.org, or by phone at 219/763-6060. TTY users may utilize the Relay Indiana Service by calling 711 or (800) 743-3333.

CONFIDENTIAL

The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

COMPLAINT FORM

All written complaints about any matter relating to civil rights, shall be submitted on this form. NIRPC will assist those who submit verbal complaints to transfer these complaints onto this written form. You are required to complete all sections. Before completing this form, please ensure that you have read NIRPC’s Procedures for Tracking and Investigating Civil Rights Complaints. You should expect an acknowledgement within 10 working days and will be informed of the outcome of your complaint within 90 days, unless NIRPC notifies you that the investigation will need additional time.

This form should be sent to the Compliance Manager of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

Please keep a copy of this form for your records, plus any material you submit.

SECTION A - YOUR DETAILS

Title ..….… Name(s).………………………………………..….. Address

..………………………………………………………………………………………………… City …………………………………….……State…………. Zip …………………… Telephone Number ……………………………………

SECTION B – NATURE OF THE COMPLAINT

Please set out below the main points of your complaint.

Use additional sheets if necessary.

PLEASE LIST ANY DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE ATTACHED AND MAKE SURE YOU KEEP A COPY.

(E.g., any correspondence, list of dates when events occurred, or other documentation related to your complaint)

SECTION C - AN OUTLINE OF THE ACTION YOU HAVE TAKEN SO FAR

Please outline the steps you have already taken to resolve your complaint informally:

With whom was it discussed? …………………………………………………..….……….. Date ..………………………

Position ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Department(s) …………………………………………………...…………………………………………………

Describe the outcome of any action taken so far and explain why you believe that the matter has not yet been resolved.

SECTION D - DESIRED OUTCOME

Please describe the action you would like to see taken in order to resolve the complaint to your satisfaction.

SECTION E – DECLARATION

I believe that the above information is accurate. I confirm that details of this complaint can be passed on to the NIRPC Finance and Personnel Committee for appeal (if applicable).

Signature: …………………………………………………………………. Name ……………………………………………………………………… Contact Information ……………………………………………………… Date: ...…………………………………………

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:

Acknowledgement sent …………………………..…………………… Reply sent ………………………………………

Complaint forwarded to department …………………………… Response received ………………………….

What action (if any) is now needed?

………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Attachment #2: Limited English Proficiency Strategy‌

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties, Indiana

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) receives federal financial assistance from the US Department of Transportation (US DOT). For this reason it is subject to the US DOT’s Limited English Proficiency Guidance, issued on December 14, 2005. NIRPC has prepared a Limited English Proficiency (LEP) strategy, as well as completed the Four Factor Analysis suggested in the guidance.

NIRPC offers services to outside entities that include: 1) Transportation Planning & Technical Assistance;

2) Public Transit Grants Management, Oversight, Procurement, and Technical Assistance; and 3) Environmental Public Education. NIRPC also passes FTA public transit funds through to seven (7) public transit operators in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties.

Pass-Through Public Transit Operators. The Public Transit Grants division, among other things, passes FTA funds through to seven (7) public transit operators in the three county area. A separate LEP analysis was not prepared for these operators. The three operators serving identified LEP areas have long acknowledged the need for and developed second language schedules and rider guides, and other service information. These operators include East Chicago Transit, North Township Dial-a-Ride and City of La Porte Transporte.

Demographic Data. Demographic data for northwest Indiana shows a significant concentration of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons in ten census tracts in northern Lake County. One of these is in Gary (Indiana), which is outside of the area covered by NIRPC’s transit subrecipients but within the area of our other services (Planning and Environmental Education).

The Four Factor Analysis.

Number or proportion of LEP persons eligible to be served or likely to be served or encountered by a program, activity, or service.

Transportation Planning & Technical Assistance: Fewer than 10 persons per year.

Persons served or encountered under these programs on a regular (ongoing) basis are those regular participants in the metropolitan transportation planning process, representatives of cities, towns, and counties, and technical personnel, including engineers and federal/state transportation officials.

Persons served or encountered on a sporadic basis are members of the general public who are asked to serve on planning focus groups to comment on transportation plans and projects. These are usually one-time only encounters.

Public Transit Grants Management, Oversight, Procurement, and Technical Assistance: Fewer than 10 persons per year.

Most encounters are the representatives of local transit operators, chief elected officials, and State/FTA officials.

Environmental Services: Over 500 persons per year (estimated)

Most encounters here are with the public at outreach events, which occur at public schools, county fairs, recycling events, and other sometimes unusual locations and venues.

Frequency with which LEP persons come in contact with the program.

Transportation Planning and Technical Assistance: Low Frequency

The public is involved in the transportation planning process through purposeful, intentional interactions (such as open houses, focus groups, and other venues established with the intent of obtaining thoughts, ideas, comments, and suggestions regarding a vision of the future. These events are usually held in conjunction with a long range transportation plan development (every four years) and transportation improvement program development (every two years).

There is also a Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) that meets monthly at which topics of interest, including policy recommendations are considered & recommended for approval by the NIRPC Board.

Public Transit Grants Management, Oversight, Procurement, and Technical Assistance: Low Frequency

This function within NIRPC is responsible for all post-grant activities associated with FTA grants. Environmental Services: Moderate Frequency

This division of NIRPC operates an air quality public education program funded with FHWA Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality Program funds. There is significant interaction with school-age children, environmental organizations, public officials, and community groups on an ongoing basis.

The nature and importance of the program, activity, or service provided by the recipient to people’s lives.

All Services: Very Low to Low

NIRPC’s services to the public are neither life-sustaining nor critical to the daily needs of people. Transportation planning, transit grant administration, transit subrecipient oversight/procurement, and environmental education are not quite as significant in comparison to the need for food, human services, medical services, transportation, and other similar, life-sustaining services.

The resources available to the recipient and costs.

The cost of developing written materials in multiple languages has not been explored. However, given the low encounter rates discussed earlier, it is likely that a large scale production of written documents, such as transportation plans, transportation improvement programs, and air quality conformity determinations within the metropolitan planning division would be expensive. In these instances the cost of translating these documents would likely not be cost-effective.

The environmental education program does not generate any significant planning studies and related documents. It already produces some Spanish-language materials that are intended for direct distribution to the public in northern Lake County.

Planning funds may be used for document translation.

Conclusion.

The low number of LEP persons accessing services in the past, the low frequency at which LEP persons encounter NIRPC’s services, and the insignificant value of our services to the daily lives of people all seem to indicate that only very limited measures are needed to address needs of the LEP (primarily Spanish- speaking) population.

A staff person who is fluent in Spanish has been assigned to handle all telephone calls and respond to e-mail messages that are placed or sent by a person speaking Spanish.

Se habla español “Spanish is spoken” is placed on public documents and NIRPC’s website.

The NIRPC website can be translated into Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Macedonian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish and Thai using the “Translate This Page” option available on the NIRPC website.

Regarding metropolitan planning, when NIRPC communicates with the public regarding an opportunity for anyone to participate in, comment on, or provide input to, some effort is needed to communicate with LEP persons so that their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions may be heard and understood.

Upon-request, up to 48 hours before a transportation outreach event, a staff person fluent in Spanish will be assigned to attend the outreach event and translate comments made in Spanish. If a staff person is not available a translator will be hired.

There is no need for grant administration, oversight, and procurement program-related materials to be translated.

The number of encounters with LEP populations is higher in the environmental department than other NIRPC divisions. There is a need for bilingual environmental education materials in locations where there is a significant Spanish-speaking population. Due to this, the Environmental Division has and will continue to translate core educational materials into Spanish and distribute these materials in these areas. Materials include a asthma awareness guide, a watershed protection booklet, and a Citizens Guide to the MS4 Program.

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Attachment #3: Limited English Proficiency by Census Tract – Demographic Profile

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey, Table S1601: Language Spoken at Home