NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

October 19, 2017, 9:00 A.M.

NIRPC Lake Michigan Room 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN A G E N D A

Amendment #4 for Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties

1. INDOT, Rick Powers, La Porte District Deputy Commissioner

   
   

2. Other Business

   
   

3. Announcements

   
   

4. 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 Mary Thorne at (219) 763-6060 extension 131 or mthorne@nirpc.org. Individuals with hearing impairments may contact us through the Indiana Relay 711 service by calling 711 or (800) 743-3333.

Call to Order

NIRPC Executive Board Meeting 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN September 21, 2017

Minutes

Chairman Michael Griffin called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self-introductions.

Executive Board members present included Michael Griffin, Geof Benson, Justin Kiel, Tom McDermott, Jr., Diane Noll, Ed Soliday, Greg Stinson and Jim Ton.

Commissioners present included Kevin Breitzke, Robert Carnahan, Christine Cid, Bill Emerson, Jr., Don Ensign, Will Farrellbegg, Richard Hardaway, Mark Krentz, Tom Schmitt, Dave Shafer, Mary Tanis and George Topoll. Rick Powers was present from INDOT.

Guests present included Lyndsay Quist, Dorreen Carey, David Wright, Randy Strasser, Don Oliphant, Ismail Attallah, Zully Alvarado, Christopher Murphy, Teresa Torres, Andrew Steele and Tim Zorn.

Staff present included Ty Warner, Kathy Luther, Mitch Barloga, Scott Weber, Gary Evers, James Winters, Jody Melton and Mary Thorne.

Minutes

On a motion by Jim Ton and a second by Geof Benson, the minutes of the July 20, 2017 Full Commission meeting were approved by the Executive Board.

Appointment to the NIRPC Board

Dave Hollenbeck announced the appointment of Mark Krentz to the NIRPC Commission by the City of La Porte.

Report of the Chairman

Michael Griffin said the task force on by-laws consists of Justin Kiel, Dave Shafer, George Topoll, Will Farrellbegg and Michael Griffin. A draft document will be sent via email and a report given at a later date once our attorney has reviewed the draft. He asked the Commissioners to see the Executive Director if they have not yet received their NIRPC membership pin.

Report of the Executive Director

• Ty Warner thanked Kathy Luther and other NIRPC staff for their efforts to cover other duties held by former staff members who have left the agency.

• Scheduling efforts are underway to get all communities to the table for a meeting regarding the LakeShore South route to address the funding situation.

• Ty Warner was on a panel in Chicago on Midwest MegaRegion Freight Issues hosted by FHWA, with FHWA Division Administrators and other MPOs in from multiple Midwest states. A common theme was the difficulty in situations with important regional projects falling on state boundary lines that could greatly benefit from more flexible federal funding across state lines; northwest Indiana of course is a prime example where this would be beneficial.

• Further discussion is taking place with the Northwest Indiana Forum on partnering better with brownfield economic development. The Calumet Collaborative is a newly formed bi-state organization that also has this as an initiative.

• Ty Warner welcomed Mark Krentz, the new Mayor of the City of La Porte, to the Commission, replacing Blair Milo who was appointed Indiana’s Secretary of Career Connections and Talent.

• The US Forestry Service held a CommuniTrees Program workshop at NIRPC with staging. About 335 trees are being planted throughout the region.

• In answer to a question from Tom McDermott, Ty Warner said NIRPC does partner with OneRegion, which serves best as a hub to connect the regional agencies but does not need to “reinvent the wheel.” The region already has a strong vision for northwest Indiana, reflected in the 2040 Plan, and we all need to get behind it, though One Region can accomplish some things NIRPC cannot, given their source of private funding. Mayor McDermott said that NIRPC already convenes entities from across the region to move forward together.

  
  

  Finance & Personnel Committee

• Vice Chairman Dave Shafer reported that the committee met this morning. NIRPC’s finances are solid. NIRPC is hosting the annual MPO Conference this year and registration revenue is anticipated to be spent on that conference. Proposed budget amendment 5 would add an additional $27,000 in new funds to the budget generated through these registration and sponsorships for the conference. On a motion by Diane Noll and a second by Jim Ton, the Executive Board voted to adopt amendment 5.

• Dave Shafer said Procurement Recommendation #17-14 is to purchase computers, upgrades and a sound system through 80% FTA grant and the local share provided by NIRPC. Procurement Recommendation #17-18 is a contract with the Stardust Event Center in Michigan City and items necessary to hold the conference in an amount not to exceed

  $30,000. On a motion by Tom McDermott and a second by Diane Noll, the Executive Board voted to adopt 17-14 and 17-18.

• A contract with Eco-Interactive Inc. for Electronic Transportation Improvement Program (e- TIP) System services was approved on a motion by Diane Noll and a second by Greg Stinson. Ty Warner commented that the software enables LPAs to track the TIP for status of their projects, and is already used by CMAP in Chicago as well as the Indianapolis MPO.

  
  

  Environmental Management Policy Committee

  Geof Benson welcomed Dorreen Carey, DNR Coastal, who presented on SepticSmart Week September 18-22, 2017.

  
  

• On a motion by Tom McDermott and a second by Geof Benson, the Executive Board voted to adopt Resolution 17-18 in support of SepticSmart Week.

• On a motion by Jim Ton and a second by Justin Kiel, the Executive Board voted to adopt Resolution 17-19 in support of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park request to be designated as a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association.

  
  

  The next EMPC meeting will take place on October 5 at 9 a.m. at NIRPC.

  
  

  Technical Planning Committee

  Kevin Breitzke reported that the Technical Planning Committee met last Tuesday and heard a presentations from staff on the safe and secure transportation goal of the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan and an update from Lyndsay Quist on INDOT’s Next Level Plan.

  
  

• Gary Evers explained Resolution 17-20, Amendment #2 to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program for local projects as recommended by the TPC. On a motion by Geof

  Benson and a second by Greg Stinson, the Commission voted to adopt Resolution 17-20, FY 2018-2021 TIP Amendment #2.

• Gary Evers explained Resolution 17-21, Amendment #3 to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program for INDOT projects as recommended by the TPC. On a motion by Greg Stinson and a second by Geof Benson, the Commission voted to adopt Resolution 17- 21, FY 2018-2021 TIP Amendment #3.

  
  

  Geof Benson thanked Ed Soliday for his work on the General Assembly. He also thanked the Indiana General Assembly and Gov. Eric Holcomb for the 20-year funding package for infrastructure.

  
  

  The next meeting of the Technical Planning Committee is scheduled for September 12 at 9 a.m. at NIRPC.

  
  

  Indiana Department of Transportation

  Rick Powers said the Community Crossings grants were just announced and thanked Ed Soliday for his work. INDOT is taking on an asset management plan and is also moving forward with maintenance and winter preparations. INDOT is hiring seasonal CDL employees. Rick Powers conceded the rest of his time to Ed Soliday.

  
  

  Ed Soliday said local governments around the state applied for almost twice the $150 million available for the Community Crossings program. While the application was simple, a lot of applicants’ forms were incomplete.

  
  

  Ed Soliday said a bipartisan group of legislators met with NIRPC about the emissions testing program in Northwest Indiana. Lake and Porter counties have the cleanest air but can’t get out of the testing program because they are lumped together with the Northeastern Illinois and Southwestern Wisconsin MPOs. The elderly and poor suffer the most because they cannot afford newer cars. The delegation will probably send a letter to Congress asking that Lake and Porter become their own environmental district.

  
  

  There have been several stakeholder meetings on autonomous vehicles. General use of these vehicles will not happen quickly due to several variables on safety, recognition of lighting, ethics, regulatory, insurance, etc. Technology is developing faster than regulatory laws. Ed Soliday also touched on building infrastructure for the 21st Century. Some new infrastructure will need to be hybridized, integrating both physical and digital features and capabilities.

  
  

  Other Business

  Bob Carnahan mentioned the Coca Cola plant in Portage will discontinue delivery operations from the facility. The site is not closing, according to the company, but some jobs will be eliminated.

  
  

  Public Comment

• Michael Griffin said a letter was received from Kim Irwin, Executive Director of Health By Design, Indiana Citizens Alliance for Transit in support of a “...renewed, collective approach to accessibility and mobility in Lake County and beyond”. Michael Griffin said under general consent, the letter will become part of the Public Comment section of the meeting’s minutes.

• David Wright, GPTC, reiterated his request for a partnership with local governments in the communities to find sustainable funding for the Lakeshore South system which services in portions of portions of Hammond, Highland and Munster. GPTC would need $73,000 annually to continue the Lakeshore route or it will be forced to cut services in December. Tom McDermott commented that transit should be funded regionally.

• Teresa Torres, Everybody Counts, renewed her plea for access to public transportation for the 20% of the population with disabilities. A meeting will be held on October 4 at the Hammond Public Library for residents and riders and Kim Irwin will be in attendance.

  
  

  Michael Griffin said he will contact the Legislative Committee and ask them to if they consider some advocacy for some statutory construct. We still have a Regional Bus Authority statute and at the time of its operation, there was support by the City of Hammond.

  
  

  Announcements

  Bob Carnahan said OneRegion is holding their annual luncheon on October 5 at Avalon Manor.

  
  

  Adjournment

  Hearing no other business, Michael Griffin adjourned the meeting at 10:45 a.m.

  
  

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

  
  

  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.

  
  

  September 21, 2017

  
  

  Dear Members of the Commission,

  
  

  

  Health bv Design

  ue•t1og built 111.,;rorvn.nt lofo 1er hulthylivi-lgl

  lll'I AUJAHCffORHL\1.TMMOMOT10N llMlll

  
  

  Please accept this letter as my public comment for this morning's meeting. Ihad hoped to be with you in person to speak,but am unable to be,so offer this communication instead.

  
  

  Iam the executive director of Health by Design. We are a coalition of partners working to ensure that communities throughout Indiana have neighborhoods, public spaces and transportat ion infrastructure that promote physicalactivity and healthy living.We work to increase funding and develop policies that support

  increased options for walking,biking and public transit.Through our efforts, we convene the Indiana Citizens' Alliance for Transit { ICAT).

  
  

  We are aware of and monitoring the important conversations you have underway related to transit service and funding in Northwest Indiana.We recognize that you are at a criticaljuncture,simultaneously facing momentum and excitement around system expansion and the harsh reality of potential service cuts. We strongly support a cooperat ive, equitable solution that preserves service to Lake Shore S·outh riders.

  
  

  The evidence base is clear:transit benefits communities and the people who live in and visit them. We support transportation options because they are good for public health. Walking,biking and transit options help people incorporate physicalactivity into their daily lives. They reduce air pollution and help to protect our environment. As transit service increases, the overall transportation network becomes safer and total crashes are reduced. Lastly, transit provides access to people of all ages,abilities and income levels.

  Whether that means access to medical care or healthy food,access to school or work, improved mobility through transit service means improved quality of life for residents and improved economic vibrancy for cities and towns.

  
  

  The collaborative energy and approach that has been demonstrated for the Broadway Metro Express and South Shore expansion projects must be harnessed to maintain paratransit and fixed route service in other communities, as well. Local investment in transit is critical,both by providing direct financial support,but also by maximizing available federa land state funding as leverage.

  
  

  We strongly encourage a renewed, collective approach to access ibility and mobility in Lake County and beyond.We request continued leadership by NIRPC staff in convening appropriate dec isi1on-makers, providing data and statistics,facilitating dialogue and seek ing solutions that willnot just maintain,but expand regional transit service. Please know that we are happy to come alongside you and assist in that

  process, building on more than ten years of experience in advocating for better transit policy and funding. Please don't hesitate to let me know of any questions. Thank you for your time and attention.

  Sincerely,

  
  

  

  Kim Irwin,MPH Executive Director

  
  

  615 N.Alabama Street,Suite 426 •Indianapolis, IN 46204 •317-622-4820 • kirwin@hbdin.org

  

  
  

  FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

  Meeting Agenda Thursday

  October 19th, 2017

  8:00 a.m.

  NIRPC Office, Portage, Indiana

  
  

  
  

  1.	Call to Order
  2.	Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2017	(Page )
  3.	Review of Financial Status	(Page )
  4.	Approval of Claims Register	(Page )
  5.	NIRPC Personal Handbook Revisions
  	Vacation Leave Policy	(Page )
  	Accounting for Time Worked
  6.	2017 Budget Amendment 6	(Page
  7.	Procurement Recommendations	(Page )
  8.	Contracts for Approval	(Page )

  • Procurement #17-20

  • Procurement #17-21

  • Contract for Legal Services: Blachly, Tabor, Bozik

  & Hartman Procurement # 17-16

  
  

  1. 2018 Budget Draft Discussion

     
     

  2. Other Business

     • New Hires

  3. 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 Allen Hammond 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.

Procurement Recommendations October 19th, 2017

Eight (8) Replacement Vehicles – Procurement #17-20

 Purchase of:

o One (1) vehicle replacement for North Township Dial-A-Ride

o Three (3) vehicle replacements for Opportunity Enterprises

o Two (2) vehicle replacements for South Lake County Community Services

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

 Recommendation to approve purchase of replacement vehicles not to exceed

$360,040.00 in federal funds.

Acquire One (1) Support Vehicle – Procurement #17-21

• Purchase of one (1) transit support vehicle “pick-up truck” for LaPorte TransPorte.

• Paid with Federal Transit Administration Funds (80%) out of grant IN-2017- 028 and the local share coming from the above listed agency.

• Recommendation to purchase one transit support vehicle not to exceed

$44,000 in federal funds.

AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES

This Agreement, entered into this day of

2017, by and between

the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, hereinafter referred to as the "Commission", and Blachly Tabor Bozik and Hartman, hereinafter referred to as the "Attorneys" ;

W I T N E S S E T H:

The Commission, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein contained, hereby retains and employs the services of the Attorneys and said Attorneys hereby agree to work for and provide legal services to said Commission under the following terms and conditions:

NATURE OF SERVICES

I. The Attorneys shall prepare for and attend all regularly scheduled meetings of the Commission and also shall prepare for and attend any and all special or adjourned meetings as from time to time may be called by the Commission.

1. The Attorneys shall prepare for and attend all regularly scheduled meetings of the Executive Board of the Commission as well as all special and adjourned meetings as from time to time may be called by the Executive Board.

2. Upon the request of the Chairman of the Finance and Personnel Committee of the Commission or the Executive Director of the Commission, the Attorneys shall prepare for and attend all of the meetings of the Committee on an "as needed" basis.

3. The Attorneys shall provide legal services, counsel, consultation and advice to the Commission and its staff on legal matters which from time to time develop during the ongoing,

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daily and ordinary course of business as conducted by the Commission and its staff. Such matters to include, but not necessarily be limited to, the review and approval of contracts or similar agreements to be entered into by the Commission as well as the review and approval of leases and other legal documents made necessary by the ongoing and every day activities of the Commission and its staff. When requested to do so, the Attorneys shall provide written legal opinions for utilization by the Commission and its staff.

1. It is contemplated by the parties to this Agreement that there will be on occasion a necessity for the Attorneys to provide legal services, advice, consultation and opinions with regard to extraordinary matters confronted by the Commission and its staff. It is further contemplated by the parties to this Agreement that the extraordinary matters will be individually identified and specifically assigned to the Attorneys. The identification of such extraordinary matters and the assignment of same to the Attorneys shall be the responsibility of the Chairman of the Commission upon the advice and consultation of the Finance and Personnel Committee.

2. It is further contemplated by the parties to this Agreement that the Attorneys shall represent the Commission in any and all matters requiring court appearances or representation of the Commission before administrative boards and agencies and that such representation shall be deemed by the parties to this Agreement as an extraordinary matter.

TERMS OF AGREEMENT

I . The Attorneys shall commence work hereunder on the 1st day of January, 2018 through and including the 31st day of December, 2018. Such legal representation of the Commission by the Attorneys may continue for an additional period of four years pursuant to the agreements contained herein and/or until terminated or modified pursuant to the intentions and desires of the

parties.

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1. In the event that either party to this Agreement shall determine that the association of these parties under this Agreement is unsatisfactory, then either party to this Agreement shall be entitled to terminate the Agreement upon thirty (30) days' notice to the other party. The Attorneys shall cooperate and fully assist the Commission with the transition of legal services.

2. The Commission may terminate this contract at any time for cause and, in such event, the notice provision of the previous section is suspended.

3. This Agreement may be modified and/or amended under such terms and conditions as the Commission and the Attorneys may from time to time agree upon.

4. The Commission reserves the right to review and/or otherwise evaluate and assess the performance of the Attorneys under the provisions of this Agreement at any time.

   COMPENSATION

   
   

   1. As compensation for the Attorneys performing of those legal services other than matters deemed extraordinary under the provisions of this Agreement, the Commission agrees to retain the services of the Attorneys at the rate of One Thousand Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,550.00) for each calendar month that the Attorneys provides such services under this Agreement. Payment of said sum to be made on a monthly basis.

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2. As compensation for the Attorneys providing of legal services with regard to those matters classified under this Agreement as extraordinary in nature, the Commission agrees to pay the Attorneys at the rate of One Hundred Fifty-Five Dollars ($155.00) per hour. It is contemplated by the parties to this Agreement that the Attorneys shall keep accurate time records with regard to those matters for which he is to be compensated on an hourly basis and that he will submit to the Commission itemized statements to that effect.

ANNUAL RENEWAL

1. The Attorneys and the Commission agree that this legal services agreement may be extended on an annual basis through calendar year 2018 with all of the same terms and conditions as contained herein except that the compensation for the Attorney shall be as follows:

   YEAR ORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY

   
   

   2019 $1,600.00/month $155.00/hour

   2020 $1,650.00/month $160.00/hour

   2021 $1,700.00/month $160.00/hour

   2022 $1,750.00/month $165.00/hour

   
   

2. The extension of this agreement on a calendar year annual basis shall occur automatically with no further need for action or documentation by the Attorneys and the Commission unless the Attorneys or the Commission notifies the other on or before December 1 of each calendar year of its intention to terminate or otherwise seek modification to this agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands and seals this day

of

2017.

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

Blachly Tabor Bozik and Hartman

Chairman By: Attorney David L. Hollenbeck

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT POLICY COMMITTEE

NIRPC- Lake Michigan Room September 7, 2017

Members/Guests: Geof Benson, Jen Birchfield, Mary Tanis, Will Farrellbegg, George Topoll, Lauri Keagle, Jennifer Gadzala, Brenda Scott Henry, Leslie Dorworth, Dorreen Carey, Chandramouli Viswana, Jeff Loewe and George Malis.

NIRPC Staff: Kathy Luther, Rachel Veronesi and Mary Thorne.

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Chairman Geof Benson called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self- introductions.

Approval of June 1, 2017 EMPC Minutes

On motion by Mary Tanis and a second by Will Farrellbegg, the August 3, 2017 EMPC meeting minutes were unanimously approved as presented.

Old Business:

1. Action on Resolution 17-19

   On a motion by Will Farrellbegg and a second by Mary Tanis, the EMPC voted unanimously to recommend Resolution 17-19 in Support of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park Request to be Designated as a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association to the NIRPC Board for adoption.

2. Additional Information

Kathy Luther informed the committee that additional information received from Dr. Robert Kramer on CO2 savings for the retrofit of the HPS street lights to LED was available as a note to the August 3, 2017 minutes.

Presentations:

1. SepticSmart Week September 18-22, 2017 – Dorreen Carey, DNR – Coastal Program

   Dorreen Carey presented information on a statewide outreach program to homeowners who have septic systems. The information includes a system guide, maintenance record keeping information, and yard signage designed to advertise and promote SepticSmart in the neighborhoods. Deb Backhus is the Special Projects Coordinator for the Source Tracking Project. LaPorte County has adopted an ordinance that homes on the market containing septic systems must first have a certified inspection prior to being put up for sale. Brief discussion followed. Contact Dorreen Carey for more information.

2. Microbial Source Tracking – Jenny Fischer, Ph.D., Indiana University Northwest

Jenny Fischer presented on technology being used in tracking sources of pollution in waterways through the use of DNA testing and E. coli, which is a good indicator of microbial pollution. Fixing septic systems will not eliminate E. coli in waterways. Identifying bacteria in the watershed will show which sources are contributing to the pollution. Dr. Fischer has applied for a Lake Michigan Coastal Program grant to identify septic pollution in Northwest Indiana and establishing the proportion of E. coli derived from septic system leakage.

New Business:

a) Action on Resolution 17-18

On a motion by Chandramouli Viswana and a second by Brenda Scott Henry, the EMPC voted unanimously to recommend Resolution 17-18 in Support of SepticSmart Week September 18-22 to the NIRPC Board for adoption.

NIRPC Announcements

1. Kathy Luther introduced Rachel Veronesi, NIRPC’s new environmental educator.

2. Kathy Luther said NIRPC has staffing positions openings in accounting, planning, etc. Go to www.nirpc.org for more information.

3. Kathy Luther said NIRPC is hosting the statewide Indiana MPO Conference September 25 through September 28 at the Stardust Event Center in Michigan City. Several mobile tours are being offered. A PowerPlanningPalooza will be held the morning of September 27 and the keynote speakers are from FHWA and INDOT. Go to the NIRPC website at http://www.nirpc.org/2017-mpo-conference/ for the registration link.

4. Joe Exl said the CommuniTree Program was made possible with funding through a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant awarded to NIRPC by the USDA Forest Service. CommuniTree grant applications are due this Friday, September 8. The workshop and tree planting will be held at NIRPC on September 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. Go to http://www.nirpc.org/2040-plan/environment- green-infrastructure/communitree/communitree-events/ for more information.

   
   

   Public Comment:

   No comments were offered.

   
   

   Other Announcements

   1. Laurie Keagle announced the Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive on September 15 from 11 a.m. to 2

      p.m. at NIRPC. Contact Catherine at 219-644-3690 or cyoder@southshorecleancities.org for reservations.

   2. Geof Benson announced the Apples Festival September 16 and 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chellberg Farm. Contact Geof at (219) 395-9555 or gbenson@duneslearningcenter.org for more information.

   3. The Clean Air Golf Outing is September 19 at 10:30 a.m. at River Point Country Club, 6700 Country Club Rd, Hobart. Register at http://southshorecleancities.org/events/golf_outing.php.

   4. FarmHop, four local farm tours, will be held on September 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Buy your tickets at http://mailchi.mp/af3c0c4c4d23/cs0rifzuly-1139669?e=ee0ddd13d9.

   5. Green Business Workshop and Showcase is October 17 at Century Center, South Bend. Details will be forthcoming.

   6. Jennifer Birchfield said the Urban Waters meeting will be the last week in October.

The next meeting of the Environmental Management Policy Committee will be held on October 5, 2017 at 9 a.m. featuring a presentation on the 2017 Air Quality Survey.

Hearing no other business, on a motion by Mary Tanis and a second by Chandramouli Viswana, Chairman Benson adjourned the meeting at 10:15 a.m.

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

Technical Planning Committee Meeting‌

NIRPC Lake Michigan Room 6100 Southport Road, Portage September 12, 2017‌‌

MINUTES

Chairman Kevin Breitzke called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self- introductions. Members present included Kevin Breitzke, Geof Benson, George Topoll, David Wright, Tom MacLennan, Lyndsay Quist, Stephen Stofko and Beth Shrader. Others present included Jeff Huet, Robin Barzoni-Tilman, Jill Murr, Jake Dammarel, Joe Crnkovich, Claudia Taylor, Mark Gordish, Karie Koehneke, Dennis Cobb, Matt Deitchley, Thomas Silich, Lauri Keagle, Ismail Attallah, Zach Hurst, Jerry Siska, Eric Wolverton, Don Oliphant, Phil Gralik, and Andrew Steele. Joyce Newland, FHWA and Kat Schoenherr, INDOT, participated via conference phone. Staff present included Kathy Luther, Gary Evers, Stephen Sostaric, Mitch Barloga, Scott Weber and Mary Thorne.

The INDOT participation survey was available at the table in the lobby. The minutes of the July 11, 2017 Technical Planning Committee meeting were approved on a motion by Geof Benson and a second by Tom MacLennan.

Presentation: Mitch Barloga presented on the Safe and Secure Transportation System goal of the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan, and gave examples of strategies for improving safety on roads and trails, reducing flooding and improving safety and security of transit facilities.

Implementation Planning

Lyndsay Quist gave an update on Next Level planning for the Indiana Department of Transportation. A large number of products will be going into the Transportation Improvement Program in the amount of

$226.1 million through FY 2022, and that number will increase as future projects become identified. Most of the work in the state’s $4.7 billion Next Level Plan is on preventive maintenance under SB 1002, enacting a 20-year financing plan.

Programming

• Gary Evers presented Resolution 17-20, the second amendment to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program for local agencies. The projects went through the Transportation Resource

  & Oversight Committee process, interagency consultation and no public comments were received. On a motion by Geof Benson and a second by George Topoll, the Technical Planning Committee recommended Amendment #2 to the 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program to the NIRPC Board for adoption.

• Gary Evers presented Resolution 17-21, the third amendment to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program for INDOT projects. Calling it the “Mother of all Amendments,” Evers said there were 17 pages of projects, mostly preventive maintenance, for a total amount of $9.79 million. The projects went through the TROC process, interagency consultation and no public comments were received. Geof Benson moved to recommend Resolution 17-21 to the Board for adoption, seconded by David Wright. Some of the committee members commented on INDOT having a comprehensive plan for alternate routes making sure traffic flow is as smooth as possible. Kevin Breitzke commented that there was a motion and second on the floor. The Technical Planning Committee unanimously recommended Amendment #3 to the 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program to the NIRPC Board for adoption.

  Topical Committee Reports:

• Kathy Luther said the Environmental Management Policy Committee met on September 7 and heard presentations from Lake Michigan Coastal on SepticSmart Week and Dr. Jennifer Fischer of IUN on technology for microbial source tracking. EMPC will ask for adoption by the NIRPC board of resolutions in support of SepticSmart Week and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park being designated an International Dark Sky Sate Park. Laurie Keagle added that South Shore Clean Cities applied for 14 dieselwise grants; results are forthcoming.

• Mitch Barloga said the Ped, Pedal & Paddle Committee met last month and heard presentations on Adaptive Strategies for Disabled Access from Zully Alvarado, Causes for Change and Jessie Renslow, Neighborhood Spotlight for Legacy Foundation. There will not be a meeting in September because of the MPO Conference. The next meeting will be on October 26.

• Tom MacLennan reported that the transit operators roundtable will not meet due to BusCon in Indianapolis and the subrecipient meeting is also canceled as NIRPC currently has no financial people on staff.

• Stephen Sostaric said the next Freight Committee meeting will be announced.

• Reporting for Scott Weber, Stephen Sostaric said the committee met last week and adopted bylaws, guidelines for asset management plans, roles and responsibilities, and data collection efforts. The committee will meet December 5 at 9 a.m.

  
  

  Planning Partners:

• Federal Highway Administration – Joyce Newland said the public comment period from the certification review has ended. Their report should be forthcoming by December.

  There were no comments from the public.

  Emerging Trends: Mitch Barloga showed a brief video on Superblocks in Barcelona Spain, making city centers more pedestrian-friendly, thereby reducing air and noise pollution.

  Announcements:

• Kevin Breitzke announced that NIRPC is hosting the Indiana MPO Conference this year. The conference allows the extended MPO staffs, as well as representatives from other state and local agencies, to share topics in current transportation planning practice. One day attendance is $50 and two day is $90 and the registration deadline is this Friday. The conference will be held at the Stardust Event Center in Michigan City and will feature a PowerPlanningPalooza and several mobile tours. Visit the NIRPC website for more information and the link to register.

• Laurie Keagle announced the Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive on September 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at NIRPC. Contact Catherine at 219-644-3690 or cyoder@southshorecleancities.org for reservations.

• Kevin Breitzke announced the upcoming meetings at NIRPC.

The next Technical Planning Committee meeting is October 10 at 9 a.m. at NIRPC. On a motion by Geof Benson and a second by George Topoll and Tom MacLennan, Kevin Breitzke adjourned the meeting at 10:00 a.m.

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

2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment #4 Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

October 10, 2017

Amendment 4 of the 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program was released for a 7-day public comment period which began on October 3, 2017 and ended October 9, 2017. The amendment was made available at www.nirpc.org.

One comment was received. The comment and staff response follows.

:t=J:G Northwestern Indiana

INJRPC

Regional Planning Commission

RESOLUTION 17-22

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AMENDING THE

FY 2018-2021 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR LAKE, PORTER, AND LAPORTE COUNTIES, INDIANA

AMENDMENT NO. 4

October 19, 2017

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

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

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

WHEREAS, the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program is a product of a multi-modal, 3-C transportation planning process, compatible with regional goals and objectives and socio-economic and demographic factors used to form the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan (CRP}, as amended; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program is an implementation of the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan (CRP), as amended; is fiscally constrained,and is consistent with the State Implementation Plan for Air Quality; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program is developed by the Commission in coordination and cooperation with local elected and appointed highway and transit officials, special interest and service organizations, including users of public transit, the Indiana Department of Transportation, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the U.S. Federal Highway Administrati on, the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency;and

WHEREAS, the changes to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program brought about by this amendment were reviewed by the Air Quality Conformity Task Force's lnteragency Consultation Group (ICG);and

WHEREAS, the changes to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program brought about by this amendment were subjected to public comment in the manner prescribed by the 2014 Public Participation Plan with no comments received; and

WHEREAS, the Technical Policy Committee (TPC) has recommended that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission make these changes to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby amends the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program by adding the new projects and making other changes as shown on the attachment to this resolution.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this nineteenth day of October,2017.

Michael W. Griffin Chairperson

ATIEST:

Diane Noll Secretary

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