NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

Thursday, July 19, 2018, 9:00 A.M. NIRPC Lake Michigan Room 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN A G E N D A

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance – Geof Benson, Chair

   
   

2. Public Comment

   
   

3. Approval of Minutes of the April 19, 2018 Full Commission Meeting Pages 1-3

   
   

4. Report of the Executive Director – Ty Warner

   
   

5. Report of the Chair – Geof Benson

   
   

6. Finance & Personnel Committee – George Topoll Pages 4-9

   1. Budget Amendments Page 7

   2. Procurement – June Page 8

   3. Procurement – July Page 9

      
      

7. Environmental Management Policy Committee – Bill Emerson, Jr. Page 10-11

   
   

8. Technical Planning Committee – Kevin Breitzke Pages 12 - 33

   1. Public Comment Report on FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment #13 for Local Projects and Amendment #14 for

      INDOT Projects Page 14

   2. Action on Resolution 18-10, FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement

      Program Amendment #13 for Local Projects Pages 15-17

   3. Action on Resolution 18-11 FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement

Program Amendment #14 for INDOT Projects Pages 18- 30

1. Public Comment Report on FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement

   Program Amendment #15 for Transit Projects Pages 31

2. Action on Resolution 18-12 FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement

Program Amendment #15 for Transit Projects Pages 32-33

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

1. Certification Review – Federal Highways Administration/Federal Transit Administration

   
   

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.

   NIRPC Full Commission Meeting 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN April 19, 2018

   Minutes

   
   

   Call to Order - Chairman Geof Benson called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was streamed live.

   
   

   Commissioners present included Kyle Allen, Sr., Christopher Anderson, Geof Benson, Tim Bietry, Kevin Breitzke, Robert Carnahan, Christine Cid, Lori Colmar, Bill Emerson, Jr., Don Ensign, Will Farrellbegg, Tom Fath, Karen Freeman-Wilson, Michael Griffin, Richard Hardaway, Jack Jeralds, Justin Kiel, Cary Kirkham, Andrew Kyres, Tom McDermott, Diane Noll, Rick Ryfa, Carolyn Saxton, Tom Schmitt, Brian Snedecor, Mary Tanis, James Ton and George Topoll.

   
   

   Guests present included Rick Powers, Hodge Patel, Leah Konrady, Lyndsay Quist, Rick Powers, Matt Deitchley, Ismail Attallah, Don Oliphant, Kelly Wenger, David Wright, Frank Rosado, Jr. Jim Nowacki and Andrew Steele. Joyce Newland participated via conference phone.

   
   

   Staff present included Ethan Lowe, Ty Warner, Kathy Luther, Daria Sztaba, Trey Wadsworth, Talaya Jones, Dominique Edwards, Charles Bradsky, Mitch Barloga, Meredith Stilwell, Lisa Todd, Gabrielle Biciunas, Eman Ibrahim, Scott Weber, James Winters and Mary Thorne.

   
   

   Public Comment – Jim Nowacki, Gary resident, commented on the sinkhole on State Route 51 in Hobart and potholes on the US Highway 12-20 and State Route 53 projects. He conveyed his disappointment in the RDA once again holding their board meeting at the same date and time as NIRPC’s board meeting.

   
   

   Minutes – On a motion by Jim Ton and a second by George Topoll, the minutes of the March 15, 2018 Executive Board meeting were approved as presented.

   
   

   Report of the Executive Director – Ty Warner introduced Dominique Edwards, NIRPC’s Public Participation Planner, and announced the Brownfields Education Panel on April 25 from 8 am to 11:30 am at the NIRPC- Forum Offices in Portage. The schedule of public meetings for the 2050 Plan was available. Mr. Warner also directed attention to the Local Trax Program for rail overpasses, as there is hardly a community in Northwest Indiana unaffected by rail crossing issues. He thanked INDOT for the program and offered NIRPC staff’s assistance if communities need help with the application.

   
   

   Trey Wadsworth presented on the 2050 Plan. Ten public meetings, nine of which are accessible by public transit, will be held around the three-county region. Engagement will also be solicited through internet surveys and NIRPC’s committee meetings. Plan adoption is scheduled for May 2019. Ty Warner commented that the Northwest Indiana Forum kicked off their regional economic development strategy project in which we are also involved and this process will be in sync.

   
   

   In response to a request for information several months ago by Ed Soliday, a joint presentation was given by INDOT and NIRPC staff on Vehicular Traffic Planning for South Lake County. Matt Deitchley and Lyndsay Quist outlined a plan stemming from HEA 1002, a 20-year funding plan for state and local highway investment. The South Lake County plan calls for $5.1 billion to repair existing infrastructure in the first five years with a Next Level Roads initiative for larger projects down the road. For more information go to NextLevelRoads.INDOT.in.gov. Trey Wadsworth and Scott Weber discussed congestion management

   in the region through the performance-based planning process. Congestion measures and targets will be set by INDOT later this year. For more information, email Trey at twadsworth@nirpc.org.

   
   

   Report of the Chair – Geof Benson said he and Ty Warner were invited to Las Vegas next month to attend a project demonstration event on Hyperloop development. Mr. Warner and Benson explained it was a sealed tube or system of tubes through which a pod may travel free of air resistance or friction conveying people at high speeds while being very efficient, similar to the bank deposit tubes at a drive-through. In a global competition, the Chicago-Columbus-Pittsburgh corridor was selected for further exploration, and they will join colleagues from this corridor in the trip arranged by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission in Columbus

   
   

   Finance & Personnel Committee – George Topoll said the committee met this morning to review the financial status, reconciliation of expenses, and approve the claims register. No action was required by the Commission today.

   
   

   Legislative Committee – Mary Tanis said the Times ran a story this morning on the support of the South Shore by Congressman Visclosky. The General Assembly will meet in a special session on May 14. Kathy Luther described the need for support for ongoing funding for coastal programs. Contact Mary Tanis or Tom McDermott for more information.

   
   

   Environmental Management Policy Committee – Bill Emerson, Jr. said the committee held a joint semi- annual meeting earlier in April with Urban Waters. DNR presented on the Indiana Stream and Wetland Mitigation Program. This program will fulfill mitigation permits as required by the Army Corps of Engineers, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water. The next meeting is May 3 at 9 a.m. The committee is looking for presenters on issues like chromium, lead, Kankakee River issues, etc.

   
   

   Technical Planning Committee – Kevin Breitzke reported that the Technical Planning Committee met last Tuesday and heard updates and a presentation on the 2050 Plan Development. A 30-day public comment period was held from March 5 to April 4 on the draft FY 2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program with no public comments received. INDOT had several technical comments which did not result in any significant changes. Trey Wadsworth overviewed Resolution 18-08, the draft FY 2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program consisting of $2,514,629 in planning activities just in 2019 and $2,527,445 in 2020. On a motion by Kevin Breitzke and a second by Michael Griffin, the Commission voted to adopt Resolution 18-08, the draft FY 2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program.

   
   

   James Winters explained the 7-day public comment report on Amendment #12 to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program went from April 3 to April 10. No comments were received. The amendment lists several funding increases and well as decreases. On a motion by Kevin Breitzke and a second by Andrew Kyres, the Commission voted to adopt Resolution 18-09, Amendment #12 to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program. In other reports, Mitch Barloga said the TIGER grant is doing another round in June and we will be submitting another application. Charles Bradsky said each community is required to meet with NIRPC and INDOT on their projects quarterly. The quarterly reports are due April 30. Meetings will be held on May 11 in La Porte, May 12 and May 15 at NIRPC. The next meeting of the Technical Planning Committee is scheduled for May 8, 2018 at 9 a.m. at NIRPC.

   Indiana Department of Transportation – Rick Powers reported that with such a bad winter, INDOT staff has spent almost 25,000 hours in pothole repair. Construction season is open. Brian Snedecor thanked INDOT for the work on SR 51 between US 20 and US 30.

   
   

   Announcements

   • Bob Carnahan said volunteer week is April 15-25. The 16-Plus meeting on April 27 will feature Hal Slager as US District Attorney Tom Kirsch was called to Chicago. Mr. Kirsch will present at the next meeting on May 25 at 9 a.m. at Schererville Town Hall.

   • Kevin Breitzke said Earth Day will be held at Porter County Expo Center this Saturday.

   • Ty Warner thanked One Region Director, Leah Konrady, for attending today and for an excellent regional tour recently celebrating the assets of the lakefront served by the Marquette Plan. Mr. Warner also noted a format change to the meeting packet highlighting NIRPC mission. Attendance at the 2050 public meetings was encouraged to hear perceptions about the future from Commissioners’ constituents.

   • Kathy Luther expressed staff’s willingness to come to a council or chamber meeting to talk about the 2050 Plan.

   • Tom McDermott moved to address the issue again with the RDA to change their meeting time so as not to conflict with NIRPC’s meeting as a gesture of good government; Jim Ton seconded. Motion carried.

     
     

     Adjournment – Hearing no other business, on several motions and seconds, Geof Benson adjourned the meeting at 10:15 a.m.

     
     

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

     
     

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

     

     FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

     Meeting Agenda Thursday

     July 19, 2018

     8:00 a.m.

     NIRPC Office, Portage, Indiana

     
     

     1. Call to Order

        
        

     2. Meeting Minutes of June 21, 2018 (Pages 1-2)

        
        

     3. Review of Financial Status – June 2018 (Pages 3-8)

        • Bank Statements Reconciliation

        • Expenses YTD June 2018 – Budget vs. Actual (Page 9)

          
          

     4. Approval of Claims Register – June 2018 (Pages 10-17)

        
        

     5. Budget Amendments (Page 18)

        
        

     6. Procurement Recommendations (Pages 19-20)

        
        

     7. Internal Control Procedures (Pages 21-27)

        
        

     8. IDECL Incorporated Addendum to the Agreement (Page 28)

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 Daria Sztaba at (219) 763-6060 extension 104 or dsztaba@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

June 21, 2018

NIRPC Dune Room, Portage, Indiana

Members Present Staff and Others Present

George Topoll - Chair Kathy Luther

Christine Cid Daria Sztaba

Richard Hardaway Meredith Stilwell

Justin Kiel Talaya Jones

Jim Ton Candice Eklund

Glen Wells

Call to Order

George Topoll called the meeting to order at 8:07 a.m.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the April 19, 2018 meeting were approved as presented on motion by Jim Ton and second by Richard Hardaway.

Review of Financial Status – April 2018

1. Daria Sztaba presented the April bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general fund account, the LaPorte County Revolving Loan fund and the Sequestered Revolving Loan Fund. Kathy Luther gave a brief history of the LaPorte County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). Roughly one or two people apply for loans per year.

2. Daria Sztaba presented the Budget to Actual Expenditures Report for January through April 2018. Salaries, fringe benefits, maintenance, contractual and capital outlays categories are all currently under budget. Daria noted line items Workers Compensation and Unemployment Compensation reflect an over budget variance due to staff additions. The occupancy category is 1% over budget due to the utilities line item and may need a budget amendment as the year progresses. The departmental category is 11% over budget, but there is enough money left for the year. Total expenditures of the NIRPC general fund are at

$89,604 for the year, which is 7% under budget.

Review of Financial Status – May 2018

1. Daria Sztaba presented the May bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general fund account, the LaPorte County Revolving Loan fund and the Sequestered Revolving Loan Fund.

   $75,000 was transferred from the Sequestered Revolving Loan Fund to the Revolving Loan Fund for disbursement to an approved RLF loan borrower.

2. Daria Sztaba presented the Budget to Actual Expenditures Report for January through May 2018. The salaries, fringe benefits, maintenance, contractual and capital outlays categories are all currently under budget. The occupancy category remains 1% over budget due to the utilities line item, but may even out as the year progresses. A brief discussion was held regarding utilities. The departmental category is 12% over budget and discussions to address spending will need to be held with department directors. Total expenditures for the NIRPC general fund are at $185,089 for the year, which is 12% under budget.

   
   

   Approval of Claims Register – April 2018

   Daria Sztaba presented the April 2018 claims register to the Committee for approval. A check was issued to South Shore Clean Cities for the first quarter payment on their $100,000 contract

   which is paid though the CMAQ grant. NIRPC paid subrecipients their first quarter payments using Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds. NIRPC draws down FTA funds and once the funds are received, payment is made to the subrecipients. On motion by Jim Ton and second by Richard Hardaway, the Committee approved the claims register.

   
   

   Approval of Claims Register – May 2018

   Daria Sztaba presented the May 2018 claims register. A payment to Walmart for Partners for Clean Air purchase of bikes was questioned. Kathy Luther explained that while the money is part of the NIRPC account, Partners for Clean Air money is funds from outside partners. A question was raised regarding a payment to Adams Radio Group. Kathy Luther explained that Adams Radio Group owns four different radio stations and was procured for air quality public education. Not only do they own a van that allows for mobile on-site radio remotes but they also provide a good deal of in-kind match with no cost air quality messages and promos. On motion by Christine Cid and second by Justin Kiel, the Committee approved the claims register.

   
   

   Procurement Recommendations – Procurement #18-11

   Daria Sztaba reported procurement 18-11 is for two propane replacement vehicles for LaPorte TransPorte which will be purchased using a Federal Transit Administration grant. The transit support vehicles will replace two gas powered vehicles which have reached their federal useful life at a cost not to exceed $140,800 in federal funds. On motion by Richard Hardaway and second by Justin Kiel, the Committee approved the procurement for recommendation to the Executive Board.

   
   

   Other Business – Internal Control Procedures

   Daria Sztaba presented an update to NIRPCs Internal Control Overview Documenting Segregation of Duties. Organizational and staff changes have been made resulting in the need for an update. Discussion was held regarding the Family Express gas card and check deposits. In reference to the gas card, a suggestion was made to record the NIRPC van mileage when the card is checked out for usage. Daria will also check to clarify if the card can only be used for gas purchases and nothing else. In reference to the check deposit discussion, while procedures for check handling were addressed in the mail section of the document, there will be a separate section for check handling added. The updates will be made and presented at the next Finance and Personnel meeting in July.

   
   

   Adjournment

   There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

   PROPOSED 2018 BUDGET AMENDMENT

   Transfers Between Categories

   
   

   
   

   	Increasing Communication: Environmental Programs for 2018
   TO:	Environmental Programs

   	Increasing Communication: Environmental Programs for 2018
   TO:	Environmental Programs

   Amendment 1:

   
   

   Purpose: Higher than original estimated cost of environmental programs.

   
   

   
   

   

   CATEGORY DEPARTMENTAL

   Expense:

   DETAILED BUDGET LINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS

   Original 20,000

   CATEGORY DEPARTMENTAL

   Expense:

   DETAILED BUDGET LINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS

   Original 20,000

   Addition Amended

   

   
   

   55,000 75,000

   
   

   CONTRACTUAL

   Expense:

   ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRACTS

   591,220

   CONTRACTUAL

   Expense:

   ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRACTS

   591,220

   (55,000) 536,220

   
   

   -

   
   

   Transfers Between Categories

   
   

   Amendment 2: Increasing budget for Utilities by $3,000

   
   

   TO:

   Utilities

   
   

   Purpose: Underestimated cost of utilities increase for FY 2018

   
   

   
   

   

   CATEGORY OCCUPANCY

   Expense:

   DETAILED BUDGET LINE Utilities

   Original 24,000

   CATEGORY OCCUPANCY

   Expense:

   DETAILED BUDGET LINE Utilities

   Original 24,000

   Addition Amended

   

   
   

   3,000 27,000

   
   

   EQUIPMENT/MAINTEN EQUIPMENT/MAINTEN

   Expense: Expense:

   Copier Leasing/Maintenance Telephone Service/Maintenance

   21,000 23,000

   EQUIPMENT/MAINTEN EQUIPMENT/MAINTEN

   Expense: Expense:

   Copier Leasing/Maintenance Telephone Service/Maintenance

   21,000 23,000

   (1,600) 19,400

   
   

   
   

   Amendment 3:

   
   

   Purpose:

   
   

   

   Transfers Between Categories

   
   

   Increasing budget for Communication

   
   

   TO:	Communications: Commission/Ex. Dir.

   
   

   Unbudgeted cost of promotion/communication paid from Commission/Executive Director line

   (1,400) 21,600

   
   

   
   

   

   CATEGORY SALARIES

   Expense:

   DETAILED BUDGET LINE STAFF SALARIES

   Original 1,560,461

   CATEGORY SALARIES

   Expense:

   DETAILED BUDGET LINE STAFF SALARIES

   Original 1,560,461

   Addition Amended

   

   
   

   (10,000) 1,550,461

   
   

   DEPARTMENTAL

   Expense:

   COMMISSION/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

   34,877 10,000 44,877

   Transfers Within Categories

   
   

   Transferring within Departmental categories amount of $6,500

   Workers Compensation

   Unemployment Compensation

   Life & Disability Insurance

   Transferring funds from Health Insurance line item for Workers compensation, Life & Disability, and Unemployment compensation cost increase corralated to wages.

   Transferring within Departmental categories amount of $6,500

   Workers Compensation

   Unemployment Compensation

   Life & Disability Insurance

   Transferring funds from Health Insurance line item for Workers compensation, Life & Disability, and Unemployment compensation cost increase corralated to wages.

   Amendment 4:

   TO:

   
   

   

   Purpose:

   
   

   CATEGORY		DETAILED BUDGET LINE	Original Addition Amended
   FRINGE BENEFITS	Expense:	Health Insurance	275,000 (6,500) 268,500

   
   

   FRINGE BENEFITS

   Expense:

   Workers Compensation

   4,850

   FRINGE BENEFITS

   Expense:

   Workers Compensation

   4,850

   2,500 7,350

   
   

   FRINGE BENEFITS FRINGE BENEFITS

   Expense: Expense:

   Life & Disability Insurance Unemployment Compensation

   21,000 1,660

   FRINGE BENEFITS FRINGE BENEFITS

   Expense: Expense:

   Life & Disability Insurance Unemployment Compensation

   21,000 1,660

   3,000 24,000

   
   

   1,000 2,660

   

   
   

   7

   Procurement Recommendations June 21st, 2018

   
   

   Two (2) Replacement Vehicles – Procurement #18-11

   • Purchase of:

     o Two (2) propane vehicle replacements 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 two transit support vehicles not to exceed

     $140,800.00 in federal funds.

     
     

     8

     Procurement Recommendation July 19, 2018

     Purchase Trees– Procurement #18-05.02

   • Purchase trees native to the Northwest Indiana Lake Michigan Watershed area to cover the equivalent of seven acres to mitigate canopy loss from emerald ash borer in connection with the Northwest Indiana Regional Urban Forestry EAB Recovery Program.

   • Paid with U.S. Forest Service Funds out of grant 18-DG-11420004-028 and a local share requirement of $0.00 as a match waiver was granted for this project.

   • Recommendation to purchase plant materials not to exceed $87,500 in federal funds.

9

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT POLICY COMMITTEE

NIRPC- Lake Michigan Room May 3, 2018

Minutes

Members/Guests: Bill Emerson, Jr., Jeannette Bapst, George Topoll, Will Farrellbegg, Sarah Nimetz, Lynda Lancaster, Michael Kuss, Michelle Caldwell, Lauri Keagle, George Malis, Brenda Scott Henry, Katherine Moore Powell, Robert Verbik, Kathryn Vallis, jen Birchfield, Deb Backhus, Natalie Johnson, Collin Simick, Kay Nelson, Maggie Byrne and Sarah Reese.

NIRPC Staff: Kathy Luther, Joe Exl, Dominique Edwards and Mary Thorne.

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Chairman Bill Emerson, Jr., called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self-introductions.

NIRPC Business:

1. Approval of Minutes

   On motion by Brenda Scott-Henry and a second by Sarah Nimetz, the April 5, 2018 EMPC meeting minutes were approved as presented.

2. Status of USX Chromium Spill Settlement Agreement

Kathy Luther gave an update on the settlement agreement and steps to be taken by US Steel regarding its violations of the Clean Water Act. During discussion, Save the Dunes said it would be happy to facilitate a public meeting to provide as many comments as possible before the June 5 public comment deadline. Bill Emerson, Jr. made a motion, seconded by Natalie Johnson, for staff to prepare a letter recommending to the Board to actively work towards a better notification process. Motion carried. The consent decree can be viewed at http://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees. Contact Natalie@savedunes.org for more information.

Main Event:

Dominique Edwards led the discussion on input for the 2050 Plan vision and goals. Many suggestions were submitted on wordsmithing. Staff will incorporate suggestions from all NIRPC committeees into the plan.

Announcements

• City of Gary’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection & Green Awareness Day is Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 455 Massachusetts Street.

• Living and Creating in the Dunes sponsored by Save the Dunes and Lubeznik Center for the Arts, funded in Part by the Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Program is May 10, 2018 5:30 pm - 7 pm at Lubeznik Center, Michigan City. Contact: Victoria Wittig, 219-879-3564 x 127 or victoria@savedunes.org

• Deep River Dam Feasibility Study Public Meeting is on May 15, 2018 5 pm at Lake Station Public Library. Contact: Joe Exl, 219-763-6060 x 137 or jexl@nirpc.org

• Green Drives Conference and Expo, South Shore Clean Cities, is May 17, 2018 8 am - 4:30 pm at Northern Illinois University Naperville Conference Center, 1120 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL. Contact: Laurie Keagle at lkeagle@southshorecleancities.org

  
  

  1

• Public Input Acceptance on Grant Funding Priorities, IDNR - Lake Michigan Coastal Program Now through May 18. Contact: Sarah Nimetz at 219-250-5401 or snimetz@dnr.IN.gov

• Lake Michigan Coastal Awareness Month, IDNR-Lake Michigan Coastal Program, June, 2018, at locations throughout Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties. Contact: Kathryn Vallis at 219-250- 5402 or kvallis@dnr.in.gov. Submission Deadline is May 18.

• 8th Annual Jammin’ with Save the Dunes signature fundraiser is June 2, 2018 4 pm - 10 pm, in West Lafayette, IN. Contact: Heather Pritchard at 219-879-3564 x 121 or heather@savedunes.org

• Deep River Watershed Initiative Partnership Meeting is June 28, 2018 10 am at NIRPC, 6100 Southport Road, Portage. Contact: Joe Exl at 219-763-6060 x 137 or jexl@nirpc.org

• Conference on the Environment, Michigan City Sanitary District, is June 8, 2018 at Blue Chip Resort. Contact: Michael Kuss at 219-229-1298 or mkuss@mcsan.org

• Urban Waters Meeting July 20, 2018 at 9:30 am at Purdue NW Meeting Facility, 6100 Southport Road, Portage. Contact: Jen Birchfield at jbirchfield@pnw.edu

• WIFIA– Kay Nelson gave updates on the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. The money will be used to support 49% of construction project money to Local, state, tribal, and federal government entities, partnerships and joint ventures, corporations and trusts and Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs. For more information, visit https://www.epa.gov/wifia

• VW Trust Updates – Kay Nelson gave an update on the VW Trust. The board is working on a vision statement and is waiting for direction about the return on investment for those dollars. Projects are limited to emissions within the state only. Laurie Keagle gave some information provided by Shawn Seales. Indiana has the lowest administrative costs at 3%. For more information, go to https://www.in.gov/idem/airquality/2712.htm. You may also contact Laurie Keagle, Laurie Keagle at lkeagle@southshorecleancities.org.

• Kathy Luther said the EPA released new air quality attainment designations. Northwest Indiana is in attainment except for the five northern Lake County communities.

  
  

  The next meeting of the Environmental Management Policy Committee will be held on June 7, 2018 at 9 a.m.

  
  

  Hearing no other business, Bill Emerson adjourned the meeting at 10:50 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.

  
  

  
  

  2

  Technical Planning Committee Meeting

  NIRPC Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road, Portage May 8, 2018

  MINUTES

  
  

  Chairman Kevin Breitzke called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self-introductions. Members present included Kevin Breitzke, Geof Benson, George Topoll, David Wright, Mark O’Dell, Kelly Wenger, Tom MacLennan, Margot Sabato, Kay Nelson, Susan Weber, Tyler Kent, Dean Button, Beth Shrader and Stephen Stofko. Others present included Jerry Siska, Bruce Lindner, Jeff Huet, Chris Moore, Jake Dammarell, Doug Ferguson, Claudia Taylor and Andrew Steele. Joyce Newland of the Federal Highway Administration participated via conference phone. Staff present included Mitch Barloga, Trey Wadsworth, Kathy Luther, Scott Weber, James Winters, Eman Ibrahim, Gabrielle Biciunas, and Mary Thorne.

  
  

  The INDOT participation survey was available at the table in the lobby.

  
  

  The minutes of the April 10, 2018 Technical Planning Committee meeting were approved on a motion by Geof Benson and a second by Beth Shrader.

  
  

  There were no public comments.

  
  

  Implementation Planning

  Trey Wadsworth led the committee’s review and discussion on the 2050 Plan Vision and Goals. Many suggestions were submitted on wordsmithing. Staff will incorporate the suggestions from all NIRPC committees into the plan.

  
  

  Programming

  Charles Bradsky presented Resolution 18-10, Amendment 13 to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program for three local projects which were vetted and supported by the Transportation Resource & Oversight Committee. On a motion by Dean Button and a second by Kay Nelson, the Technical Planning Committee recommended Resolution 18-10, Amendment 13 to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program to the Commission for adoption.

  
  

  Topical Committee Reports:

• Kathy Luther said the Environmental Management Policy Committee met last Thursday and provided input on the 2050 Plan Vision and Goals. An update was given on the Status of USX Chromium Spill Settlement Agreement.

• Mitch Barloga said the Ped, Pedal & Paddle Committee will next meet on June 7 at 11 a.m. to provide their feedback on the 2050 Plan Vision and Goals.

• James Winters reported that the transit operators will meet today to provide their input on the 2050 Plan and also discuss the Human Services Coordinated Transit Plan. The steering committee will meet next week.

• Eman Ibrahim said the Land Use Committee will meet on May 16 to provide input on the 2050 Plan Visions and Goals, hear a presentation on the Marquette Action Plan and discuss how to plan sustainable growth for 2050.

• Scott Weber said the Surface Transportation Committee will meet on June 5 at 9 a.m. to discuss the 2050 Plan, discuss performance measures as relates to system maintenance. The Valparaiso University project presentation tomorrow is being filmed and will be shown at the June 5 meeting.

  Planning Partners:

  Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning – Doug Ferguson reported that their draft 2050 Plan will be released for public comment from June 15 to August 14.

  
  

  Emerging Trends: Two videos on food deserts were shown.

  
  

  Announcements:

• David Wright said seven markets will be set up along the Broadway Corridor downtown, at Ridge and University Park beginning July 27. On May 21 adjustments to the Broadway Metro Express and shuttle will be announced. A regional transportation summit is being held May 17 and 18. For more information go to http://gptcsummit.com or 219-595-2688, or by emailing info@gptcsummit.com.

• Mitch Barloga said the bike maps are being updated every two years. The 2018 edition should be coming out the end of the month.

• Trey Wadsworth introduced Oscar Castillo, NIRPC’s new GIS Planner.

• Kevin Breitzke read the list of upcoming meetings.

The next Technical Planning Committee meeting is June 12 at 9 a.m. at NIRPC. Hearing no other business, Kevin Breitzke adjourned the meeting at 10:25 a.m.

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

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

Public Comment Report

Amendments #13 and #14 to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

July 2, 2018

Amendments #13 and #14 of the 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program were released for a 30-day public comment period which began on June 1, 2018 and ended July 1, 2018. The amendments were made available at www.nirpc.org. One comment was received.

The comment and staff response follow.

The projects that were part of Amendments #13 were already part of the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Per the NIRPC Public Participation Plan (PPP) an amendment must undergo a 7-day (for minor amendments) or a 30-day (for major amendments) comment period. NIRPC decided to put this project on a 30-day comment period to match Amendment #14 (for INDOT projects being added to the TIP). This comment period lasted from June 1 to July 1, 2018. No public meeting is required for these amendments.

These amendments were created with the input of both the Lake - Porter and the LaPorte Transportation Resources Oversight Committee (TROC). The membership of these committees consists of representatives of the local public agencies (LPAs) that are located within the Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties urbanized areas. As outlined in the NIRPC committee structure, this is the first step in the approval of an amendment. Following the TROC meeting, the amendment and any comments received are presented to the Technical Planning Committee (TPC) for a vote on whether or not to recommend adoption of the amendment to the NIRPC Commission. The NIRPC Commission is provided with the amendment and any comments received are provided to the Commission as part of the agenda packet. The Executive Board (or Commission, if it is a full commission meeting) then votes on whether or not to adopt the amendment.

NIRPC always appreciates constructive suggestions in how it can continue to improve its outreach activities. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Hopefully the above information helps to shed light on the process of creating and approving TIP amendments. This comment and any others received will be provided in a public comment report to the TPC as well as the NIRPC Commission prior to any action by those bodies. This comment report will also be made publicly available on our website at www.nirpc.org.

RESOLUTION 18-10‌

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. 13

July 19, 2018

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 Administration, 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 Interagency 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 July, 2018.

Geof R. Benson Chairperson

ATTEST:

Karen Freeman-Wilson Secretary

2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program for Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties, Indiana

Resolution 18-10; Amendment #13 July 2018

Local Projects/Project Phases

DES Sponsor Project Description/Location TIP Action Fund

Type

Phase Year Total Cost Federal Non-Federal

Lake county does not want continue with this P3 project

The county requests funds for this study.

The city wishes to add this phase to FY 18

The City wishes to add this phase to FY 19.

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RESOLUTION 18-11‌

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. 14

July 19, 2018

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 Administration, 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 Interagency 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 July, 2018.

Geof R. Benson Chairperson

ATTEST:

Karen Freeman-Wilson Secretary

State Projects/Project Phases

DES Sponsor Project Description/Location TIP Action Fund

Type

Phase Year Total Cost Federal Non-Federal

New project request from INDOT

New project request from INDOT

New project request from INDOT

New project request from INDOT

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Public Comment Report

FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment #15

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission July 2, 2016

The draft changes to the 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program, Amendment

#15, were released for a seven-day public comment period beginning June 25, 2018. The proposed changes and a summary description were made available at www.nirpc.org and emailed to stakeholders.

No comments have been received as of the above date. An update will be provided at the NIRPC Commission meeting on July 19, 2018 prior to action on the proposed amendment.

RESOLUTION 18-12

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. 15

July 19, 2018

WEREAS, 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 Northwestern 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 comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing transportation planning process to develop the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

WHEREAS, the FY 2018-2021 TIP 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 Administration, the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency; and

WHEREAS, the changes to the FY 2018 – 2021 TIP brought about in this amendment were subjected to public comment in the manner prescribed by the 2014 Public Participation Plan; and

Whereas, the Technical Policy Committee (TPC) has recommended that the Commission make these changes to the 2018-2021 TIP.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby amends the FY 2018-2021 TIP 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 July 2018.

ATTEST:

Geof R. Benson Chairperson

Karen Freeman-Wilson Secretary

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission | 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program | Amendment #15

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