6100 Southport Road‌‌

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219) 763-6060

www.nirpc.org

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

September 17, 2020, 9:00 A.M. Join Zoom Meeting:‌

https://zoom.us/j/99956142174?pwd=cVNReXFsdDBxaEovTytDd0FrSks4UT09

Annotated Agenda

1.0 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance - Michael Griffin

2.0 New Appointments to the Commission - Attorney Dave Hollenbeck

3.0 Roll Call and approval of the Minutes of the July 16, 2020 Full Commission Board Meeting (pp. 1-5)

ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

4.0 Public Comment on Current Agenda Items‌‌

Members of the audience who have signed up to comment on agenda items will be recognized by the Chair. Time is limited to 3 minutes per commenter. Commenters must indicate on the sign-in sheet prior to the start of the meeting.

5.0 Report of the Chair - Michael Griffin

6.0 Report of the Executive Director - Ty Warner‌‌

1. Environmental Management Policy Committee - Bill Emerson‌‌‌

2. Resolution #20-24 – NIRPC sponsorship of Regional Environmental Resilience Institute application (pp 6-7)‌

ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

1. Finance & Personnel Committee - Richard Hardaway (pp. 8-13)‌

2. Staff Overview of Consent Agenda Items

   
   

3. CONSENT AGENDA for Finance & Personnel Items

   ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

   • Resolution #20-25 - Updating LaPorte Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Management Plan with CARES Act Recommendations (p. 12)‌‌

   • Resolution #20-26 - New Regional CARES Act RLF Management Plan (p. 13)

1. Technical Planning Committee - Kevin Breitzke (pp. 14-42)

2. Staff Overview of Consent Agenda Items

   • MOVE NWI Congestion Management Program Public Comment Report (p. 16)

   • TIP Amendment #10 Public Comment Report (pp. 19-20)

     
     

3. CONSENT AGENDA for TPC Items

   ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

   • Resolution #20-22 - MOVE NWI Congestion Management Program (pp. 17-18)

● Resolution #20-23 - FY 2020-2024 TIP Amendment #10 (pp. 21-42)

10.0 INDOT, Matt Deitchley, La Porte District Deputy Commissioner

11.0 Other Business

12.0 Announcements

13.0 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.

Call to Order

NIRPC Full Commission Meeting

Electronic Meeting via Zoom July 16, 2020 Minutes

Chairman, Michael Griffin, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

This meeting was convened as an electronic meeting, pursuant to Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20- 36 on July 1, extending the declaration of emergency, allowing such meetings pursuant to IC 5-14-1.5-3.6 for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency until August 3. All persons were meeting remotely on a Zoom platform that allowed for real time interaction, and supported the public’s ability to observe and record the proceedings. When the agenda item provided for public comment, this was supported as well.

Roll call and Minutes

The minutes of the May 21, 2020 Full Commission meeting were approved on motion by Mary Tanis and second by Geof Benson. Roll call was taken by Candice Eklund for both attendance and approval of the minutes, for each Commissioner. With Janet Beck, Geof Benson, Kevin Breitzke, Charlie Brown, Bill Carroll, Robert Carnahan, Joshleen Denham, Tom Dermody, Daina Dumbrys, Bill Emerson, Michael Griffin, Richard Hardaway, Jack Jeralds, Justin Kiel, Robert Lemay, Sue Lynch, Sheila Matias, Wendy Mis, Matt Murphy, Diane Noll, Jerome Prince, Rick Ryfa, Tom Schmitt, Ed Soliday, Greg Stinson, Gerald Swets, Mary Tanis, James Ton, and George Topoll voting by Consent Agenda in the affirmative, and no one voting in the negative, the motion passed.

New Appointments to the Commission

Dave Hollenbeck announced the appointments to the Commission of Duane Arndt (Town of Kingsford Heights), Jon Derwinski (Town of Winfield), Tim Jones (Town of Kouts), Wendy Mis (Town of Munster), Mayor, Duane Parry (Michigan City), Mayor, Jerome Prince (City of Gary), and John Yelkich (Town of Lowell).

Present

The 30 Commissioners present included Janet Beck (Pottawattomie Park), Geof Benson (Beverly Shores), Kevin Breitzke (Porter County Surveyor), Charlie Brown (Lake County Council), Bill Carroll (Lake Station), Robert Carnahan (Cedar Lake), Joshleen Denham (Trail Creek), Tom Dermody (LaPorte), Daina Dumbrys (Michiana Shores), Bill Emerson (Lake County Surveyor), Michael Griffin (Highland), Richard Hardaway (Merrillville), Jack Jeralds (Schneider), Justin Kiel (La Crosse), Andrew Kyres (Crown Point), Robert Lemay (Long Beach), Sue Lynch (Portage), Sheila Matias (LaPorte County Commissioner), Wendy Mis (Munster), Matt Murphy (Valparaiso), Diane Noll (Wanatah), Jerome Prince (Gary), Rick Ryfa (Griffith), Tom Schmitt (Schererville), Ed Soliday (Governor Appointee), Greg Stinson (Porter), Gerald Swets (St. John), Mary Tanis (Dyer), James Ton (Chesterton), and George Topoll (Union Township). Also present was Matt Deitchley representing INDOT.

Absent

The 21 Commissioners absent included Kyle Allen (Lake County Commissioner), Duane Arndt (Kingsford Heights), Jeanette Bapst (Dune Acres), Jim Biggs (Porter County Commissioner), Anthony Copeland (East Chicago), Jon Derwinski (Winfield), Tony Hendricks (LaPorte County), Eric Hull (Burns Harbor), Tim Jones (Kouts), Jeff Larson (Porter County Council), Tom McDermott (Hammond), Lori Mercer (Westville), Edward Morales (Porter Township), Duane Parry (Michigan City), David Peeler (Hebron), Michael Rosenbaum (LaPorte County), Carolyn Saxton (Ogden Dunes), Brian Snedecor (Hobart), Joe Stahura (Whiting), Sharon Szwedo (New Chicago), and John Yelkich (Lowell).

Kingsbury, and The Pines have appointed no representatives to NIRPC. Staff in Attendance

Staff present included Ty Warner, Kathy Luther, Tayala Jones, Meredith Stilwell, Charles Bradsky, James

Winters, Mitch Barloga, Lisa Todd, Flor Baum, Dominique Edwards, Kevin Pollette, Candice Eklund, and attorney Dave Hollenbeck.

Public Comment

There were no public comments.

Presentation: NICTD - Double Track and West Lake Projects

Mike Noland, President and General Manager of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), thanked the Commission for the invitation to present on the Double Track and West Lake Projects. Mr. Noland said the West Lake project will begin construction on the 90 mile railway this fall, and will run from Millenium Station in Chicago to the South Bend International Airport. The service on the new rail will offer many trips to Chicago throughout the day, and an intermediate service for off-peak, evening, and weekends. Each new platform is being constructed to build out to the eight car level, with the Munster/Dyer station being the largest station. A design build approach was used to procure the construction and will be presented to the NICTD board on July 20 for authorization to proceed to the design this fall. NICTD is on a fast track to receive a full funding grant agreement from the FTA, with a target date of the end of September. Mike also noted that President Trump stated in a Tweet message that the West Lake Project received an advanced commitment of capital investment grant funding in the amount of $100 million in United States Department of Transportation transit funds.

Nicole Barker, Director of Capital Investment and Implementation, and the Double Track NWI Project Manager, presented on the Double Track project. Nicole stated the design phase is 60% complete, with an expectation of completion by the end of this year. The plans for each of the stations discussed were the Miller Station, Portage/Ogden Dunes, Dune Park, Beverly Shores, and the 11th Street station in Michigan City. Travel times from the Michigan City station to Chicago will be reduced to one hour and 15 minutes, a 26 minute reduction in time. NICTD is working with local transit connection entities for good inter-modal connectivity at all stations. At the request of the community in Michigan City, the old station building at the 11th street station will be preserved.

Mary Tanis voiced her concerns with how much traffic this could add to the already congested traffic conditions in the Munster / Dyer area and how commuters from Lowell would be able to get to the new station quickly. Mary also questioned the connectivity to the new stations from the bike trails. Mike Noland said that NICTD is preserving the Monon trail and has worked closely with the communities from Dyer, Hammond, and Munster on trail issues, adding all West Lake station platforms will be high level and will accommodate bikes.

Ty Warner thanked Mike and Nicole for their presentations and congratulated them on the progress of their exciting projects. Ty asked what year they expected both projects to be operating. Mike said the Double Track project had a non-contingent schedule of September 2023 with the West Lake project having a non- contingent schedule of October 2024. Jim Ton added the communities of Chesterton and Duneland welcome the Double Track project and feels it will help with the Economic Development District and tourism to the Indiana Dunes.

Report of the Chair - Michael Griffin

Michael Griffin discussed the concept of the Consent Agenda and stated the Town of Munster has successfully utilized a consent agenda concept as well as it being recognized by Robert's Rules of Order. The concept of a consent agenda in an administrative body such as NIRPC, is that there are a number of matters that require by law, action to favor or disfavor matters that generally do not require a lot of deliberation. It is the right of any one committee member to request an item be removed from the consent agenda, allowing that item to be voted on separately.

Michael shared he took a seminar and completed a test as part of his continuing education for the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada, achieving the designation of Advanced Public Finance Investments Manager. This designation will add a post-nominal initial of an “A” after his name. Michael offered this milestone as information for the Commissioners and said he will continue to try and lead with a servant’s heart.

Report of the Executive Director - Ty Warner

Ty Warner congratulated Michael Griffin on increasing his already long stream of initials after his name.

Mr. Warner thanked all who were able to participate in the virtual format of the meeting, saying this format brings both challenges and joys and that it was nice to see everyone in their natural habitat. Ty noted that NIRPC staff is still working remotely, but the situation with COVID-19 is continuing to be monitored, so the status may change in the near future. Staff continues to be available by phone and email contact.

At the Full Commission meeting on May 21, Ty discussed the Economic Development Administration (EDA) funds being a new development for NIRPC. With this development, staff member Gabrielle Biciunas, has been promoted to the Economic Development Coordinator position. Gabrielle will help build this new program and has already been working with communities to connect them to EDA on the grant process and will be assisting communities through the application process. There is a substantial amount of funding the EDA has made available through the CARES Act that is available for economic related projects due to COVID-

1. The funds need to be spent and are on a first come, first served basis, with the FTA expecting to be oversubscribed.

   
   

   Mr. Warner recounted that Representative Soliday discussed the impacts of COVID-19 and the reductions of gas tax revenues on the federal level, at the Full Commission meeting in May. Mr. Warner provided an update to this discussion stating this is expected to affect the highway trust fund, which is where NIRPC receives funding for projects. Due to a decrease in travel related to COVID-19, the projection for insolvency of the highway trust fund is now moved up to April 2021. From past discussion, congress has not put a sustainable source of income for the highway trust fund and when the plan created five years ago expires in September this year, there will be challenges, so it will depend how congress mobilizes to try and address the potential shortfall.

   
   

   Ty informed the Commissioners that the House of Representatives passed HR-2, Moving Forward Act, but the Senate has indicated it is not likely to back it. An important aspect of HR-2 relates to NIRPC because of the Railroad Task Force (RTF) that was created at the request of Mayor McDermott, to address the issue of not being able to ticket trains blocking an intersection for more than 10 minutes. HR-2, on the federal level, contains a section related to railroad crossings. There is a provision in this section for all rail crossing grants to help with those crossings and contains a provision to be able to ticket trains that are blocking intersections for more than 10 minutes. What was previously state law, struck down by most of the states’ supreme courts, but is being proposed as a federal solution in HR-2.

   
   

   Mr. Warner noted that while Community Crossings funds do not go through NIRPC, a notification was sent to inform the Commissioners that due to the impact of COVID-19, INDOT has delayed the next grant round at least until September so they can better evaluate the projection of revenues.

   
   

   Finance & Personnel Committee - Richard Hardaway

   Richard Hardaway reported the Finance & Personnel Committee met this morning to review the bank reconciliations, claims registers, and the June financial reports. Mr. Hardaway stated there were five actions for consideration today.

   
   

   Talaya Jones reported on the FY 2020 Budget Amendment #3. This amendment is to add the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act awarded funds of $5,897,297 to the revenue and expenditures categories that are listed in the amendment.

   
   

   Kathy Luther reported on Resolution #20-19, Amendment #2 to the UPWP. This resolution is adding

   $658,000 of the Budget Amendment #3, to the UPWP budget tables to cover NIRPC expenses for the FTA CARES Act Transit Oversight Funds program.

   
   

   Tayla Jones reported on Resolution #20-20, creating a new accounting fund number to track all CARES Act revenues and expenditures. With NIRPC being awarded the CARES Act funds, it is imperative to comply with the State Board of Accounts (SBOA). A memorandum from the SBOA dated April 29, 2020, states that accounting guidance has been given for tracking CARES Act funds and each program funded by different CARES Act providers will be required to have a different fund number and fund name that clearly identifies the assistance being provided. NIRPC is requesting the Commissioners approval to the creation of a new accounting fund number for all programs awarded under the CARES Act of 2020.

   Talaya Jones reported on Resolution #20-21, opening a new Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) bank account for the EDA Cares Act funds. NIRPC has been awarded CARES Act funding under the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Dept of Commerce for supplemental RLF funds from the EDA. Per the EDA requirements, these funds must be tracked separately from NIRPC’s existing RLF bank account to remain compliant with both the EDA and the Indiana SBOA. NIRPC is requesting the Commissioners’ approval to open a new bank account for purposes of the CARES Act fund for the expanded revolving loan program.

   
   

   Lisa Todd presented the procurement recommendations that fall under Indiana Grant 2020014, the CARES Act fund grant through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The funds are 100% federal with 0% local share match, on all three procurements. Procurement #20-14 is the replacement of five vehicles; three for Opportunity Enterprises and two for LaPorte Transport, totalling $345,208. Procurement #20-15 is for two replacement support vehicles for the City of East Chicago in the amount of $110,000. Procurement #20-16 is to acquire miscellaneous support equipment for all seven subrecipients and NIRPC, in the amount of

   $931,924. All three procurements total $1,387,132.

   
   

   Under the matters of the Consent Agenda, and the Chairman receiving a motion by Jim Ton and second by Wendy Mis, the Full Commission voted to approve Budget Amendment #3, Resolution numbers 20-19, 20- 20, 20-21, and Procurement numbers 20-14, 20-15, and 20-16. Roll call was taken by Candice Eklund for the seven items listed above. No Commissioners requested an agenda item to be voted on separately. With Janet Beck, Geof Benson, Kevin Breitzke, Charlie Brown, Bill Carroll, Robert Carnahan, Joshleen Denham, Tom Dermody, Daina Dumbrys, Bill Emerson, Michael Griffin, Richard Hardaway, Jack Jeralds, Justin Kiel, Robert Lemay, Sue Lynch, Sheila Matias, Wendy Mis, Matt Murphy, Diane Noll, Jerome Prince, Rick Ryfa, Ed Soliday, Greg Stinson, Gerald Swets, Mary Tanis, James Ton, and George Topoll voting by Consent Agenda in the affirmative, and no one voting in the negative, the motion passed.

   
   

   Technical Planning Committee - Kevin Breitzke

   The Technical Planning Committee (TPC) met virtually on July 7. Kevin Breitzke stated there were three actions for consideration today and each one comes with a favorable recommendation by TPC.

   
   

   James Winters presented on Resolution #20-16, Amendment #1 to the UPWP. This resolution will add language into the UPWP that includes other significant regional planning activities, so that other bodies in addition to NIRPC can have access to funds for planning purposes. The Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC) contacted NIRPC to request inclusion of verbiage regarding their planning practices. This resolution is to accommodate GPTC’s request so they can continue to receive funding to support their planning.

   
   

   Mitch Barloga presented on Resolution #20-17, the Living Streets Ordinance. The Living Streets guidelines and resolution builds off of the Green Streets resolution that was adopted by NIRPC more than a decade ago. The new Living Streets policy includes the integration of environmental aspects into the streets and roadways design. The Environmental Management Policy Committee (EMPC) and the Ped, Pedal, and Paddle (3PC) Committee’s worked together to incorporate the Green Streets elements into the Living Streets guideline and resolution, gaining approval from both committees. There has been a delay in the policy due to COVID-19, this allocating additional time to review guidelines with the stakeholders throughout the region. The TPC Committee approved the draft Living Streets guidelines at their meeting on July 7.

   
   

   Charles Bradsky presented on Resolution #20-18, FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) Amendment #9. There were no public comments received from the public or the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG) during the 21 day public comment period from June 10 to July 1. Approval was received from the ICG on June 8. Amendment #9 consists of 57 projects covering FY 2020-2024. One project is for the City of Crown Point moving funds from FY 2020 to FY 2022 from PE to ROW, Michigan City eliminated a project in 2021, and the remaining 55 projects belong to INDOT.

   
   

   Under the matters of the Consent Agenda, and the Chairman receiving a motion by Geof Benson and second by Jim Ton, the Full Commission voted to approve Resolution numbers 20-16, 20-17, and 20-18. No Commissioners requested an agenda item to be voted on separately. Roll call was taken by Candice Eklund for the three items listed above. With Janet Beck, Geof Benson, Kevin Breitzke, Charlie Brown, Bill Carroll, Robert Carnahan, Joshleen Denham, Tom Dermody, Daina Dumbrys, Bill Emerson, Michael Griffin, Richard

   Hardaway, Jack Jeralds, Justin Kiel, Andrew Kyres, Robert Lemay, Sue Lynch, Sheila Matias, Wendy Mis, Matt Murphy, Diane Noll, Jerome Prince, Rick Ryfa, Ed Soliday, Greg Stinson, Gerald Swets, Mary Tanis, James Ton, and George Topoll voting by Consent Agenda in the affirmative, and no one voting in the negative, the motion passed.

   
   

   Charles Bradsky presented emergency TIP Amendment #8 that was signed in April to retain federal funds in the region. At the end of April each year, NIRPC obligates the balance of unused funds, through emergency amendments. These funds can be allocated towards transit or for phases of projects currently residing in the TIP and that have already gone through the public comment process. NIRPC added funding to the following projects: Economic Corridor study in LaPorte County received $309,269 in PE funding, Willowcreek extension in Porter County received $145,706 in PE funding for design, and the Campbell and Lincolnway roundabout in Valparaiso received $309,081 in design funding.

   The next TPC meeting will be held on August 11, 2020 ay 10:00 a.m. INDOT - Matt Deitchley

   Matt reiterated that the July Community Crossings call is on hold until September to re-evaluate and assess

   the projection of revenues.

   
   

   Matt shared that INDOT has been receiving complaints on the issues of mowing on state right-of-ways, particularly in the LaPorte District, due to challenges with the contractor this year. Contractor crews moved into the LaPorte District this week and INDOT is hopeful this will remedy the issue in the near future. Please contact Matt with any concerns.

   
   

   There are no significant delays on the construction work being done on I-65 and should be completed in November. Mary Tanis noted Route 30 in Dyer is down to one lane and is causing traffic issues into Illinois. Ms. Tanis requested INDOT notify the communities of road work so they can update the residents. Charlie Brown said there were no signs indicating the I-65 North exit was closed off of Route 30. Matt will investigate and try to remedy the situation.

   
   

   Other Business

   Commissioner Brown discussed the importance of the Census and said elected officials need to help in getting all residents in each community to complete the survey by October 31, in order to capture all federal funding possible. Commissioner Brown feels the importance of the Census needs to be advertised and requested NIRPC communicate the importance of completing the Census on all platforms available. Ty agreed with the criticality and stated that NIRPC had done quite a bit of notification about the Census leading up to April 1 through social media and workshop opportunities, but staff would continue to communicate the importance through social media and electronic communications.

   
   

   Robert Carnahan agreed with Commissioner Brown on the importance of communicating the need to support the completion of the Census. Robert noted that only 73.4% of the residents in the Town of Cedar Lake have completed the Census. In addition to completing the Census online or by paper form, it can also be completed by phone at 843-330-2020.

   
   

   Announcements

   Kathy Sipple, with Kathy Sipple and Associates, requested to present on the Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory for the region at the next Commission meeting. Kathy Luther will contact Ms. Sipple.

   
   

   Adjournment

   Hearing no other business, Michael Griffin adjourned the meeting at 10:33 a.m. The Executive Board will meet on September 17, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

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

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEIbJp-mtPQ

   

   
   

   RESOLUTION 20-24

   
   

   A RESOLUTION ALLOWING NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION TO SUBMIT A REGIONAL APPLICATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE INSTITUTE 2021 INTERN COHORT ON BEHALF OF MULTIPLE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA JURISDICTIONS

   September 17, 2020

   WHEREAS, the statutory purpose of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) per IC 36-7-7.6-12 is to institute and maintain a comprehensive planning and programming process for:

   1. transportation;

   2. economic development; and

   3. environmental;

WHEREAS, the statute further states that the commission shall coordinate its activities with all member units in the counties and shall coordinate and assist the planning programs of member units and the state that are related to its purpose; and

WHEREAS, NIRPC is authorized to provide any administrative, management, or technical service to a unit of local government that requests the services. The local unit and the commission may enter into a contract concerning the commission's provision of administrative, management, or technical services and the cost to the local unit for the services; and

WHEREAS, member units of local government may be desirous of applying competitively to receive services from the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI) 2021 Cohort; and

WHEREAS, a regional application may be more cost effective for participating local governments than individual applications; and

WHEREAS, only 1.2 % of NIRPC's annual operating budget is available for discretionary activities; and

WHEREAS, ERI has recommended that the maximum ratio of individual governmental units to interns is 5 to 2 and that interns receive considerable support from each other;

WHEREAS, ERI requires successful applicants to pay a $1,500 stipend per intern to supplement grant support; and

WHEREAS, NIRPC estimates a cost of $1,260 per intern for overhead, technology, and oversight expenses;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NIRPC authorizes submission of a Regional Environmental Resilience Institute on behalf of units of government committing to participate fully in the project, subject to the following conditions being met:

that at least three units of government wishing to participate in this regional application must submit signed letters of commitment to NIRPC 7 business days prior to the

application due date of December 3, 2020

that participating units of government commit to paying ERI directly a $200 ICLEI resources fee ($300 for populations over 50,000 in a regional application) should the regional NIRPC application be accepted.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that should the NIRPC Regional Environmental Resilience Institute application be accepted, prior to NIRPC entering into an internship agreement with Indiana University, each participating unit of government will enter into a Memorandum of Agreement stipulating the following:

Local Government shall make payment directly to ERI of $200 ICLEI resources fee ($300 for populations over 50,000) should the regional NIRPC application be accepted.

Local Government shall identify a single point of contact on staff to help guide the greenhouse gas inventory. This person would be responsible for:

• Meeting (virtually or in person) with their designated intern regularly (at least an hour or two a week) to help identify points of contact for data collection and answer nuanced questions that relate to the community

• Participating in the bi-weekly 1-hour Resilience Cohort webinar trainings between April and September 2021

• Staying in contact with Ms. Kathy Luther (or other designated NIRPC contact) who will be providing on-site supervision of the interns

NIRPC shall provide ERI Interns with a laptop computer, NIRPC email account, internet access.

If pandemic conditions allow NIRPC shall further provide interns with landing space and staff oversight at 6100 Southport, Portage IN.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NIRPC be in receipt of $2,760 per intern from participating units of governments or supporting partner organizations prior into entering into an internship sponsorship agreement with the Environmental Resilience Institute.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission on this seventeenth day of September, 2020.

Michael Griffin Chairperson

ATTEST:

Justin Kiel Secretary

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE June 18, 2020

Google Meet Virtual Meeting

Members Present Staff and Others Present

Richard Hardaway - Chair David Hollenbeck

George Topoll Talaya Jones

Bob Carnahan Kathy Luther

Stephanie Kuziela Ty Warner Meredith Stilwell

Call to Order

Richard Hardaway called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the May 21, 2020 meeting were presented. Bob Carnahan made motion and George Topoll seconded to approve the minutes. Chairman Hardaway asked all Committee members in favor to signify with aye and for any opposed. With no opposition, the motion to approve the May meeting minutes passed.

Review of Financial Status – March 2020

Talaya Jones presented the March 2020 bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general account and the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) account. The general account beginning balance from 3/1/2020 was

$1,401,947.57 and reconciliation balance as of 3/31/2020 was $1,260,420.17. Bob Carnahan questioned and negative adjustment of $26,347.10, which was explained as an incorrect deposit reversal by Talaya. The RLF account beginning balance from 3/1/2020 was $119,470.28 and ending balance for 3/31/2020 was $125,808.74.

Talaya presented the financial status report for category expenditures year to date, March 2020.

$321,555 has been expended of the $1,489,490 Salaries budget, $50,818 under budget. $121,269 has been expended of the $574,817 Fringe Benefits budget, $22,435 under budget. $65,123 has been expended of the $280,297 Occupancy budget, $4,951 under budget. $17,186 has been expended of the $78,840 Maintenance budget, $2,524 under budget. $37,771 has been expended of the $196,750 Departmental budget, $11,417 under budget. $105,945 has been expended of the

$884,465 Contractual budget, $115,171 under budget. $350 has been expended of the $100,000 Capital Outlays budget, $24,650 under budget. Total General Fund expenditures were $669,199 of the $3,604,659 budgeted, $231,965 under budget. There have been no RLF loans from the $85,000 budgeted year to date. $1,701,386 has been expended of the $2,440,988 Transit Capital Fund budget, $739,602 under budget. $777,377 has been expended of the $4,389,036 2019 Transit Operating Fund budget, $3,611,659 under budget.

Talaya presented the year to date March 2020 expended by category chart. 48% of the expended budget was salaries and 18% fringe benefits.

Talaya presented the year to date March 2020 budget vs. actual revenue report. There have been no collections of County appropriations yet. Lake County has been invoiced for half of their portion, and Porter and LaPorte will be invoiced in June. $100,447 has been collected from federal agencies of the

$869,119 budgeted, $116,833 under budget. $289,042 has been collected from state agencies of the $1,935,395 budgeted, $194,807 under budget. $6,139 has been collected from local agencies of the $44,694 budgeted, $5,035 under budget. $473 of non-governmental funds have been collected of the $135,318 budgeted, $33,357 under budget. Economic Development Funds have not been collected yet as the grant funds will not be available until July 1. $1,543 has been collected of the budgeted $9,862 Interest income, $923 under budget. Talaya noted that a budget amendment will be brought before the Finance & Personnel Committee in July. New RLF and EDA funding, as well as additional FTA CARES act funds will be included in the amendment.

Talaya presented the year to date revenue by funding source as of March 31. 73% of collected revenue has been from state agencies and 25% from federal agencies.

Approval of Claims Register – March 2020

Talaya presented the March 2020 claims register totaling $171,656.53 to the Committee for approval. Bob Carnahan made motion and George Topoll seconded to approve the claims register. Bob Carnahan questioned the purchase of different colored can liners, which was explained as signifying recycling and garbage for the cleaning crew. Chairman Hardaway asked Committee members in favor to signify with the sign of aye and the same for any opposed. With no opposition, the motion carried.

Review of Financial Status – April 2020

Talaya Jones presented the April 2020 bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general account and the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) account. The general account beginning balance from 4/1/2020 was

$1,260,363.40 and closing balance as of 4/30/2020 was $1,061,898.41. The RLF account beginning balance from 4/1/2020 was $125,808,74 and closing balance for 4/30/2020 was

$126,119.10.

Talaya presented the financial status report for category expenditures year to date, April 2020.

$428,599 has been expended of the $1,489,490 Salaries budget, $67,898 under budget. $160,611 has been expended of the $574,817 Fringe Benefits budget, $30,995 under budget. $111,393 has been expended of the $280,297 Occupancy budget, $17,961 over budget. Talaya explained that the office lease line was overspent by $18,709 due to 2 lease payments being paid within the month.

$17,490 has been expended of the $78,840 Maintenance budget, $8,790 under budget. $42,608 has been expended of the $196,750 Departmental budget, $22,976 under budget. Talaya highlighted the general use supplies line item which is overspent by $8,834, which is due to funds spent on COVID related items. The money spent on COVID supplies will be reimbursed with funds from the CARES grant and can be drawn down from the grant when the budget amendment is passed. $109,695 has been expended of the $884,465 Contractual budget, $173,460 under budget. $350 has been expended of the $100,000 Capital Outlays budget, $32,983 under budget. Total General Fund expenditures were $870,746 of the $3,604,659 budgeted, $319,141 under budget. $200 has been expended of the $85,000 LaPorte Revolving Loan Fund budget. The $200 was for loan underwriting for a loan application received. $1,711,924 has been expended of the $2,440,988 Transit Capital Fund budget,

$729,064 under budget. $777,377 has been expended of the $4,389,036 2019 Transit Operating Fund budget, $3,611,659 under budget.

Talaya presented the year to date April 2020 expended by category chart. 49% of the expended budget was salaries and 18% fringe benefits.

Talaya presented the year to date April 2020 budget vs. actual revenue report. There have been no collections of County appropriations yet. $101,447 has been collected from federal agencies of the

$869,119 budgeted, $188,260 under budget. $289,042 has been collected from state agencies of the $1,935,395 budgeted, $356,090 under budget. $6,139 has been collected from local agencies of the $44,694 budgeted, $8,759 under budget. $473 of non-governmental funds have been

collected of the $135,318 budgeted, $44,634 under budget. Economic Development Funds have not been collected yet as the grant funds will not be available until July 1. $1,685 has been collected of the budgeted $9,862 Interest income, $1,602 under budget.

Talaya presented the year to date revenue by funding source as of April 30. 73% of collected revenue has been from state agencies and 25% from federal agencies.

Approval of Claims Register – April 2020

Talaya presented the April 2020 claims register totaling $213,937.41 to the Committee for approval. Bob Carnahan made motion and George Topoll seconded to approve the claims register. Chairman Hardaway asked Committee members in favor to signify with the sign of aye and the same for any opposed. With no opposition, the motion carried.

Review of Financial Status – May 2020

Talaya Jones presented the May 2020 bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general account and the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) account. The general account beginning balance from 5/1/2020 was

$1,061,898.41 and closing balance as of 5/31/2020 was $908,708.79. The RLF account beginning balance from 5/1/2020 was $126,119.10 and closing balance for 5/31/2020 was $126,429.82.

Talaya presented the financial status report for category expenditures year to date, May 2020.

$531,408 has been expended of the $1,489,490 Salaries budget, $89,213 under budget. $195,580 has been expended of the $574,817 Fringe Benefits budget, $43,927 under budget. $117,177 has been expended of the $280,297 Occupancy budget, $387 over budget. $23,476 has been expended of the $78,840 Maintenance budget, $9,374 under budget. $47,959 has been expended of the

$196,750 Departmental budget, $34,021 under budget. $119,968 has been expended of the

$884,465 Contractual budget, $248,559 under budget. $350 has been expended of the $100,000 Capital Outlays budget, $41,317 under budget. Total General Fund expenditures were $1,035,918 of the $3,604,659 budgeted, $466,023 under budget. $200 has been expended of the $85,000 LaPorte Revolving Loan Fund budget. $1,713,989 has been expended of the $2,440,988 Transit Capital Fund budget, $726,999 under budget. $986,751 has been expended of the $4,389,036 2019 Transit Operating Fund budget, $3,402,285 under budget.

Talaya presented the year to date May 2020 expended by category chart. 51% of the expended budget was salaries and 19% fringe benefits.

Talaya presented the year to date May 2020 budget vs. actual revenue report. There have been no collections of County appropriations yet. $106,400 has been collected from federal agencies of the

$869,119 budgeted, $255,733 under budget. $671,173 has been collected from state agencies of the $1,935,395 budgeted, $135,242 under budget. $6,139 has been collected from local agencies of the $44,694 budgeted, $12,484 under budget. $743 of non-governmental funds have been collected of the $135,318 budgeted, $55,640 under budget. Economic Development Funds have not been collected yet as the grant funds will not be available until July 1.

Talaya presented the year to date revenue by funding source as of April 30. 85% of collected revenue has been from state agencies and 14% from federal agencies.

Approval of Claims Register – April 2020

Talaya presented the April 2020 claims register totaling $359,372.12 to the Committee for approval. Bob Carnahan made motion and George Topoll seconded to approve the claims register. Chairman Hardaway asked Committee members in favor to signify with the sign of aye and the same for any opposed. With no opposition, the motion carried.

Personnel updates

There were no personnel matters to discuss.

Other Business

Bob Carnahan brought up the 2020 census and his disappointment that Cedar Lake is below his expectations. Richard Haradaway stated that Merrillville is around 67% and Lake County needs to do better. St. John is best in the State. The deadline for census completion has been extended until October 31, 2020.

The next Full Commission is July 16th. The next Finance & Personnel Committee meeting will be held June 16th at 8:00 a.m.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:09 a.m.

RESOLUTION 20-25

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AMENDING THE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE LAPORTE COUNTY REVOLVING LOAN FUND

Whereas, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (hereafter referred to as “The Commission”) adopted updates to the Management Plan for the LaPorte County Revolving Loan Fund (hereafter referred to as “The LaPorte County RLF”) on May 19, 2016 in Resolution 16-19; and

Whereas, under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) is relaxing certain policies and providing greater flexibility to allow the RLF program to help address the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses; and

Whereas, the LaPorte County RLF Board approved and adopted these changes at their meeting of August 5, 2020 by unanimous vote; and

Whereas, the EDA subsequently approved and accepted this addendum to the Laporte County RLF Management Plan on August 25, 2020;

Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Commission approves the addendum to the Management Plan for the LaPorte County Revolving Loan Fund for CARES Act Recovery Assistance, as attached to this resolution.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this 17th day of September, 2020.

Michael Griffin, Chair

ATTEST:

Justin Kiel, Secretary

RESOLUTION 20-26

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTING A MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR A REGIONAL REVOLVING LOAN FUND FOR LAKE, PORTER, AND LAPORTE COUNTIES

Whereas, in 2019, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (hereafter referred to as “The Commission”) was designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) as the Economic Development District (EDD) for Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties; and

Whereas, The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided the EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus; and

Whereas, the Commission has received funds from the EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grant totaling $583,000 to capitalize and administer a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to make loans available to small businesses in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties that have been impacted by the coronavirus; and

Whereas, this financing will assist businesses in recovering and responding to the impacts of the pandemic; and

Whereas, an approved RLF Management Plan is necessary for the Commission to capitalize and administer this Regional Revolving Loan Fund;

Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Commission approves and adopts the Regional Revolving Loan Fund Management Plan for Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties, as attached to this resolution.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this 17th day of September, 2020.

Michael Griffin, Chair

ATTEST:

Justin Kiel, Secretary

Technical Planning Committee Virtual Meeting

Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Minutes

This meeting was convened as an electronic meeting, pursuant to Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-04 and 20-09, extended by Executive Order 20-25, allowing such meetings for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. All persons were meeting remotely on a Google Meet platform that allowed for real time interaction and supported the public’s ability to observe and record the proceedings. When the agenda item was provided for public comment, this was supported as well. A roll call was taken to motion and approve the agenda items.

Kevin Breitzke called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Committee members present were Kevin Breitzke, Blossom Mabon, Mark O’Dell, David Wright, George Topoll, Dean Button, Beth West, Mike Jabo, Beth Shrader, and Kelly Wenger.

Others present were Lauri Keagle, Jessica Miller, Esperanza Ceja, Joyce Newland, and Kathryn Vallis.

Staff present were Candice Eklund, James Winters, Joe Exl, Kathy Luther, Scott Weber, Kevin Polette, Charles Bradsky, Ty Warner, Peter Kimball, and Flor Baum.

The minutes of the May 2020 meeting were approved on motion by Dean Button and a second by David Wright. Roll call was taken, and the committee voted unanimously to approve.

Public Comments

No public comments to announce.

Planning

Joe Exl presented on the update to NIRPC’s Complete Street Ordinance. The highlighted changes to the resolution included adding language of inclusivity, such as walking, biking, rolling, and using public transportation to lower emission vehicles. A larger change to the resolution includes the Green Street concepts addressing storm water and run-off issues. The resolution combines both Complete and Green Streets principles into a unified policy called “Living Streets.” Joe Exl continued with Living Streets Planning & Design Guidelines. Significant changes include the cost of establishing Living Streets facilities that meet applicable standards would exceed 15% of the cost of the larger transportation project. The addition of vegetation improvements was also mentioned. Joe Exl added that NIRPC has funding set aside this year to come up with further guidelines and information on the stormwater practices. Roll call was announced, and the following present members voted to recommend the Resolution: Kevin Breitzke, George Topoll, Dean Button, Mark O’Dell, David Wright, Blossom Mabon, Beth Shrader, Beth West, Kelly Wegner, and Mike Jabo. There were no members who opposed. On motion by George Topoll and second by David Wright, the Technical Planning Committee (TPC) unanimously voted to recommend Living Streets Ordinance, Resolution #20-17 to the NIRPC Full Commission for adoption.

Scott Weber presented on NIRPC's progress for the upcoming MOVE NWI Congestion Management Process (CMP), a federally required process. Preparation to adopt MOVE NWI is needed due to the 2011 CMP being outdated. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) have recommended the CMP be updated. MOVE NWI will have passively collected data coming from several sources, especially big data as opposed to static data that is currently being used. This will be a shared responsibility between NIRPC and project sponsors. NIRPC will allocate the resources to acquire and maintain the analytical tools used in MOVE NWI. The NOFA process will include MOVE NWI as an easy-to-understand checklist to determine whether a project is exempt or needs to be screened for CMP compliance. The draft policy will be presented and reviewed at the Surface Transportation

Commission (STC) in August and scheduled to be presented to The Commission for adoption in September. Contact Scott with any questions regarding the MOVE NWI CMP.

James Winters presented on the UPWP update that includes additional language about regional planning efforts, and some added financial information pertaining to the CARES Act. The committee discussed the status of CARE funding into the UPWP. NIRPC’s leadership and finance team is putting together funding tables to illustrate spending with CARES funding in regard to transportation oversight. The grant has been approved. Roll call was announced, and the following present members voted to recommend the Resolution: Kevin Breitzke, George Topoll, Dean Button, Mark O’Dell, David Wright, Blossom Mabon, Beth Shrader, Beth West, Kelly Wegner, and Mike Jabo. There were no members who opposed. On motion by George Topoll and second by Dean Button, the Technical Planning Committee (TPC) unanimously voted to favorably recommend the UPWP Amendment #1, Resolution 20-16 to the NIRPC Full Commission for adoption.

Programming

Charles Bradsky presented on the emergency amendment #8 to the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). To keep federal funds within The Region, every year at the end of April, NIRPC obligates its unused balance of funds to an emergency amendment. Funds go through a transit project, or projects, or phases in projects that are already in the TIP. The three projects listed are as follows: 1) The Economic Corridor Study in La Porte County. NIRPC allocated $309,269. 2) Willowcreek Road Extension Corridor Study (with NEPA) at Willowcreek Road, in Porter County. NIRPC allocated

$145,706. 3) Roundabout; Valparaiso- Campbell & Lincoln Ave, in Porter County. NIRPC allocated

$309,081.

Charles Bradsky presented the draft changes included in Amendment #9 to the TIP. The public comment report was released and made available on June 10th through July 1st, and there were no comments received in the 21 days that it was posted. This amendment comprises 57 projects and covers FY-20 to FY-24. Two projects were local. Crown Point moved funding from PE to Right of Way (ROW) in 2022. Michigan City cancelled a project in 2021. The remaining 55 projects are from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), and are as follows: 40 bridge deck overlay projects, one

(1) bridge deck replacement project, 3 (3) concrete pavement rehab projects, and 11 HMA overlay preventative maintenance projects. On motion by Dean Button and second by George Topoll, the Technical Planning Committee (TPC) unanimously voted to recommend Resolution #20-18, TIP Amendment #9 to The Commission for adoption.

Topical Committee Reports

There were no committee reports for June.

Other Business, Staff Announcements and Upcoming Meetings

Announcements and upcoming dates were shared with the committee. Joyce Newland from Federal Highway announced that there is $40 million in funding available to enable communities to showcase business partnerships. Applications are due August 13th. Jessica Miller from INDOT announced that a hold on the second call for projects due to the pandemic. Laurie Keagle from Southshore Clean Cities shared information on Indiana VW Mitigation Trust Program Overview.

Upcoming meetings were announced. All NIRPC meetings in July will be virtual. Charles provided a NOFA schedule and announced that the NOFA application window will be open and available starting Friday September 11th.

Next Meeting

The next Technical Planning Committee (TPC) meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the Lake Michigan Room at NIRPC offices. Notifications will be sent if cancelled.

The meeting concluded at 10:51 am.

September 1, 2020

6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219) 763-6060

www.nirpc.org

Public Comment Report

MOVE NWI

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission September 8, 2020

The draft of MOVE NWI was released for a 21-day public comment period which began August 10, 2020 and ended August 31, 2020. A draft of the document was made available at www.nirpc.org and emailed to stakeholders. No comments from the public were received during the comment period on the draft document.

RESOLUTION 20-22

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTING MOVE NWI

September 17, 2020

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 Commission performs the above activities in a Metropolitan Planning Area with a population more than 200,000 individuals and is therefore designated a Transportation Management Area, subject to additional requirements enumerated in 23 U.S.C. 134 and 49

1. 5303, chief among them the development and administration of a Congestion Management Process codified in 23 CFR 450.322; and

   
   

   WHEREAS, MOVE NWI is a product of a multi-modal, 3-C transportation planning process, compatible with regional goals and objectives and socio-economic and demographic factors; and

   
   

   WHEREAS, MOVE NWI adheres to the federal requirements of a Congestion Management Process as defined in 23 CFR 450.322; and

   
   

   WHEREAS, the proposed adoption of MOVE NWI was subjected to public comment in the manner prescribed by the 2019 Public Participation Plan, and comments were responded to in accordance with the 2019 Public Participation Plan; and

   WHEREAS, the Technical Policy Committee (TPC) has recommended that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission adopt MOVE NWI.

   
   

   NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby adopts MOVE NWI, a copy of which is attached to this resolution.

   
   

   Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this seventeenth day of September, 2020.

   
   

   
   

   

   Michael Griffin Chairperson

   
   

   ATTEST:

   
   

   
   

   

   Justin Kiel Secretary

   
   

   
   

   

   August 31, 2020

   6100 Southport Road

   Portage, Indiana 46368

   (219) 763-6060

   www.nirpc.org

   
   

   Public Comment Report

   Amendment #10 to the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

   September 8, 2020

   Amendment #10 of the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program was released for a 21-day public comment period which began on August 14, 2020 and ended September 4, 2020. The amendments were made available at www.nirpc.org . No comments from the public were received during the comment period on the proposed amendments.

   NIRPC received minor comments from the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG). The comments were (NIRPC’s responses are given in sub-bulleted points and in bold text):

   
   

   • First two projects are sponsored by the National Park Service

     • Correct. InDNR or more specifically Indiana Dunes National Park

   • 1902818 – Is says INDOT is the lead agency. Is this correct?

     • Laporte County is the Lead Agency (LPA project). This is a clerical error and will be corrected.

   • 1902815 – Br Replacement – Is this bridge adding capacity? If INDOT is sponsor, why is there no Route cited? Is INDOT really the Lead Agency?

     • Not adding capacity just replacing structure LaPorte County is the Lead Agency (LPA project). This is a clerical error and will be corrected.

   • 1902819 – Br Replacement – Is this bridge adding capacity? If INDOT is sponsor, why is there no Route cited? Is INDOT really the Lead Agency?

     • Not adding capacity just replacing structure. Lake County is the Lead Agency (LPA Project). This is a clerical error and will be corrected.

   • 1702988 – Intersection Improvement – Is this part of an overall added capacity project? If INDOT is sponsor, why is there no Route cited? Is INDOT really the Lead Agency?

     • INDOT is the sponsor and the description reads 'SR 2, 0.25mi W of SR 55 to 0.25mi E of SR 55' This is to add a center left turn lane at the west junction of SR 2 & SR

       55. The total length is approximately .5 miles and it is programmed for safety reason.

   • 1900830 – Is this just railing repair not replacement? Why is INDOT lead agency?

     • This project is part of the Local Traxx program and is replacing 1801884. INDOT is the sponsor for all of the Local Traxx projects. 1801884 was originally planned as a bridge project. When it was realized by INDOT that this project actually doesn't have a bridge on it, it was decided to eliminate 1801884 and reprogram those funds under 1900830. The scope of the project has not changed. There are no railroad tracks being removed. The N-S portion of Clark Rd, which crosses several tracks, is being closed between Olympic Steel and Airport Rd. The E-W portion of Clark Rd the alternative route is being improved to handle the increased truck traffic.

• 1801884 – Railroad Removal is non-exempt project that is being removed and needs a formal conformity determination. Does NIRPC want to keep this project in this amendment package? Does it need to be modeled for removing? AQ conformity analysis?

  • See our comments above in 1900830

• 1700088 – Br Replacement - Is this bridge adding capacity? If INDOT is sponsor, why is there no Route cited? Is INDOT really the Lead Agency?

  • INDOT is the sponsor and the description reads 'Replace Superstructure, US 41 SB over Brown Ditch, 3.54mi S of SR 2. This is a bridge replacement and there are no plans for widening at this time.

• 1700094 - Br Replacement - Is this bridge adding capacity? If INDOT is sponsor, why is there no Route cited? Is INDOT really the Lead Agency?

  • INDOT is the sponsor and the description reads 'Replace Superstructure, US 41 NB over Singleton Ditch, 3.23mi S of SR 2. This is a bridge replacement and there are no plans for widening at this time.

• 1700097 - Br Replacement - Is this bridge adding capacity? If INDOT is sponsor, why is there no Route cited? Is INDOT really the Lead Agency?

  • INDOT is the sponsor and the description reads 'Replace Superstructure, US 41 SB over Singleton Ditch, 3.23mi S of SR 2. This is a bridge replacement and there are no plans for widening at this time.

• 1902124 – Is the Rdway Recon adding capacity?

  • This project's sponsor is Portage and the scope of work does not include adding capacity. All work will take place between the edge of sidewalk on both sides.

Approval by the IGC were given of this amendments #9 on 8/26/2020.

RESOLUTION 20-23‌

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AMENDING THE

FY 2020-2024 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS FOR LAKE, PORTER, AND LAPORTE COUNTIES, INDIANA

AMENDMENT NO. 10

September 17, 2020

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 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Programs are 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 NWI 2050 Plan; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program is an implementation of the NWI 2050 Plan, is fiscally constrained, and is consistent with the State Implementation Plan for Air Quality; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Programs are 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 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Programs 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 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Programs brought about by this amendment were subjected to public comment in the manner prescribed by the 2019 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 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Programs.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby amends the FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Programs 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 seventeenth day of September 2020.

Michael Griffin Chairperson

ATTEST:

Justin Kiel Secretary