NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION FULL COMMISSION/EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

January 21, 2021 9:00 A.M.

Zoom Information:

https://zoom.us/j/99401059862?pwd=UStDNUk1TW1zM1Z5T1hhZGluZy9RQT09 Meeting ID: 994 0105 9862

Meeting Passcode: 763853

Call in: (312) 626 6799

Annotated Agenda

6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219) 763-6060

www.nirpc.org

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 November 19, 2020 Full Commission Meeting (pp. 1-4)

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 2020 NIRPC Annual Report - Ty Warner

1. Officers & Executive Board for 2021 - Michael Griffin

2. Report of Nominating Committee

3. Election of Officers & Executive Board (p. 5)

   ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

4. Exchange of Gavel

5. 2021 NIRPC Commission Meeting Dates (p. 6)

7.0 Environmental Management Policy Committee - Bill Emerson (pp. 7-9)

1. Consent Agenda

   
   

2. Finance and Personnel Committee - Richard Hardaway (pp. 10-12)

   1. Procurement #21-01 - Two replacement Body on Chassis (BOC) Vehicles (p. 12)

      ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

3. Technical Planning Committee - Kevin Breitzke (pp. 13-60)

   1. Public Comment Report on the FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment #12 (p. 15)

   2. Resolution #21-01 FY 2020-2024 TIP Amendment #12 (pp. 16-57)

      ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

   3. Resolution #21-02 The State’s Safety Performance Measure Targets (pp. 58-60)

ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

9.0 NIRPC Economic Development District Report - Gabrielle Biciunas

10.0 INDOT, Matt Deitchley, La Porte District Deputy Commissioner

11.0 Other Business

12.0 Announcements

13.0 Adjournment

NIRPC Full Commission Meeting

Electronic Meeting via Zoom November 19, 2020 Minutes

Call to Order

Chairman, Michael Griffin, called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

This meeting was convened as an electronic meeting, pursuant to Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-47 on November 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 December 1. 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.

New Appointments to the Commission

Dave Hollenbeck announced the appointment to the Commission of Mayor, Steve Spebar (City of whiting).

Roll call - Taken by Candice Eklund.

Present

The 28 Commissioners present included Jeanette Bapst (Dune Acres), Janet Beck (Pottawattomie Park), Geof Benson (Beverly Shores), Kevin Breitzke (Porter County Surveyor), Charlie Brown (Lake County Council), Robert Carnahan (Cedar Lake), Tom Dermody (LaPorte), Jon Derwinski (Winfield), Bill Emerson (Lake County Surveyor), Michael Griffin (Highland), Richard Hardaway (Merrillville), Eric Hull (Burns Harbor), Justin Kiel (La Crosse), Andrew Kyres (Crown Point), Sue Lynch (Portage), Sheila Matias (LaPorte County Commissioner), Wendy Mis (Munster), Diana Noll (Wanatah), Duane Parry (Michigan City), Carolyn Saxton (Ogden Dunes), Tom Schmitt (Schererville), Brian Snedecor (Hobart), Steve Spebar (Whiting), 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 23 Commissioners absent included Kyle Allen (Lake County Commissioner), Duane Arndt (Kingsford Heights), Jim Biggs (Porter County Commissioner), Bill Carroll (Lake Station), Anthony Copeland (East Chicago), Joshleen Denham (Trail Creek), Daina Dumbrys (Michiana Shores), Tony Hendricks (LaPorte County), Jack Jeralds (Schneider), Tim Jones (Kouts), Jeff Larson (Porter County Council), Robert Lemay (Long Beach), Tom McDermott (Hammond), Lori Mercer (Westville), Edward Morales (Porter Township), Matt Murphy (Valparaiso), David Peeler (Hebron), Jerome Prince (Gary), Michael Rosenbaum (LaPorte County), Rick Ryfa (Griffith), Ed Soliday (Governor Appointee), Sharon Szwedo (New Chicago), and John Yelkich (Lowell).

Kingsbury and The Pines have appointed no representatives to NIRPC.

Staff present included Ty Warner, Kathy Luther, Charles Bradsky, Mitch Barloga, Flor Baum, Eman Ibrahim, Scott Weber, Meredith Stilwell, Kevin Polette, Candice Eklund, and attorney Dave Hollenbeck.

Approval of Minutes

Under General Consent, Michael Griffin declared the minutes of the September 17, 2020 Executive Board meeting minutes were adopted. There were no objections.

The Chair, by General Consent, modified the agenda by moving the matters requiring a vote forward in the agenda. The reports of the Finance & Personnel (F&P) Committee and the Technical Planning Committee (TPC) will be voted on by matters of Consent and all matters will be taken as one vote. The report of the Chair and Executive Director will follow the roll call of the consent agenda. There were no objections.

Public Comment

There were no public comments.

Environmental Management Policy Committee - Jeanette Bapst

Jan Bapst reported the EMPC met on November 5, 2020 and reviewed two local projects, one being an agriculture restoration project. A grant application for South Shore Clean Cities (SSCC) for FY 2025 and FY 2026 was also reviewed.

Finance & Personnel Committee - Richard Hardaway

Richard Hardaway reported the Finance & Personnel (F & P) Committee met this morning to review the bank reconciliations and claims registers. There are two actions for consideration that come highly recommended for approval from the F & P Committee.

Dave Hollenbeck presented the addendum for the Executive Director contract. In November 2018, NIRPC entered into a three-year employment agreement with Ty Warner to serve as the Executive Director, with the contract providing an annual performance review. The addendum reflects a recommendation of the Chair and the unanimous recommendation of the F & P Committee that Mr. Warner receive a salary increase of 3% in calendar year 2021.

Talaya Jones, NIRPC’s Chief Financial Officer, presented the proposed budget for 2021, stating revenues increased 32% for 2021. The increase is due to the new CARES Act funding from the Economic Development District (EDD) program and from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding where subrecipients reprogrammed some of their transportation funding from 2020. Talaya provided details for each of the budget expenditures and explained the variance between the budget items in 2020 and 2021.

Technical Planning Committee - Kevin Breitzke

The Technical Planning Committee (TPC) met virtually on November 10, 2020. The Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC) gave a presentation on the electric buses they purchased for their Broadway Metro Express route. The buses are scheduled to be operational by early 2022. Please contact David Wright for more information.

Kevin Breitzke stated there were two actions for consideration today and each one comes with a favorable recommendation by the TPC.

Eman Ibrahim and Scott Weber presented on Resolution #20-27, E-Commerce in Northwest Indiana. The report was created as a result of NWI 2050 on how to improve communities within our region. In March of this year, E- Commerce in the retail market was nearly 12% and as of today that number has more than doubled, with freight expecting to increase 40% by 2050. Sheila Matias asked if broadband width would be a regional effort, as it will require funding and collaboration across governmental jurisdictions. Mr. Warner noted that as part of NIRPC’s EDD function, funding received would be allocated to review several pandemic recovery activities.

Kathy Luther presented the details for Resolution #20-28, UPWP 2021-2022 Amendment #3. As a result of having unexpended funds in the transportation funding category, as noted under the 2021 budget presentation, the funds need to be amended into the 2021-2022 UPWP. The unspent federal funding of $86,243 in CMAQ funds, $3,000 for surface transportation funds, $559,306 for planning funds, and $551,998 for data collection equipment and supplies, trail counters, modeling software, and creating an E-TIP; will all need to be moved into the 2021-2022 UPWP.

The next TPC meeting will be held on January 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

By virtue of the Full Commission of General Consent to allow all items to be Consent Agenda matters, Michael Griffin asked for a vote on the four matters below:

• Adoption of the 2021 Addendum Employment Agreement for the Executive Director’s Contract

• Approval of Resolution #20-29, The 2021 Budget

• Adoption of Resolution #20-27, E-Commerce in Northwest Indiana Report

• Approval of Resolution #20-28, UPWP 2021-2022 Amendment #3

  Hearing no objections, a motion was received by Charlie Brown and seconded by Kevin Breitzke to adopt the matters on the consent agenda. Roll call was taken by Candice Eklund for these four matters. With Janet Beck, Geof Benson, Kevin Breitzke, Charlie Brown, Robert Carnahan, Tom Dermody, Michael Griffin, Richard Hardaway, Eric Hull, Justin Kiel, Andrew Kyres, Sue Lynch, Sheila Matias, Wendy Mis, Diane Noll, Duane Parry, Tom Schmitt, Brian Snedecor, Steve Spebar, Greg Stinson, Gerald Swets, Mary Tanis, James Ton, and George Topoll voting in the affirmative, and no one voting in the negative, the motion passed.

  
  

  Report of the Chair - Michael Griffin

  Michael Griffin stated he is working with the Executive Director on the Commission meeting schedule for 2021 and is continuing to refine the rules for the Commission to consider and adopt, with hopes to present them to the Commissioners in the near future. Michael noted the Legislature is trying to accommodate the pandemic, but he would like to work on NIRPC being able to continue holding meetings electronically without needing an executive order from the Governor.

  
  

  Report of the Executive Director - Ty Warner

  Ty Warner referenced the state’s new color-coded map for COVID-19, stating Lake and Porter Counties are now in the red category. As a result, NIRPC staff is working remotely and will continue to do so until January, and reiterated all staff will continue to be available by phone and email. With the CARES Act funds received, funding also became available to hire new staff. Ty introduced Lucas Ecklund-Baker as NIRPC’s Communications Specialist.

  
  

  Ty Warner announced that NIRPC and the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) were awarded $206,000 in Indiana Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund grants, allowing for 24 electric vehicle charging stations in the communities these two agencies serve. Ty thanked NIRPC’s partner, South Shore Clean Cities (SSCC), for all of their efforts in this initiative.

  
  

  Mr. Warner announced that Diane Noll, NIRPC’s Immediate Past Chair, will be retiring at the end of this year and thanked her for her services to the Commission and wished her well in her upcoming retirement. Ty also welcomed Mayor Steve Spebar to the Commission.

  
  

  INDOT - Matt Deitchley

  Matt Detichley, La Porte District Deputy Commissioner, reported the Community Crossings program had a call for projects last month. The awarded projects should be announced by the end of the year. All INDOT staff is working remotely, with the exception of their essential workers.

  
  

  Matt noted the roundabout at SR 55 and 73rd avenue in Merrillville is scheduled to begin construction in

  FY 2022. The public hearing held for the work on I-65 and 109th Avenue was held virtually due to COVID-19.

  
  

  Charlie Brown requested a description of the Hoosier Helpers Program be distributed to elected officials. Matt will deliver this information to NIRPC for distribution to the Commissioners.

  
  

  Announcements

  Lauri Keagle, SSCC, noted there would be electric vehicle charging stations installed in all three counties that NIRPC serves. A formal announcement of the Indiana Volkswagen Mitigation grants will be coming soon.

  
  

  Mary Tanis talked about the groundbreaking ceremony that took place two weeks ago at the Munster/Dyer South Shore line expansion location.

  
  

  Robert Carnahan wished all of his colleagues a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas.

  
  

  Ty Warner announced the retirement of Joyce Newland from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and thanked her for her services. Joyce announced the Alternative Fuels Corridor call is going out. Joyce informed the Committee that Robert Dirks will be her replacement when she retires on December 31, 2020.

  Ty Warner shared a chat message from Zully Alvarado noting December 3 is International Disability Awareness day and there is a Governor's Council for People with Disabilities Town Hall Meeting on this date for Northwest Indiana.

  
  

  Adjournment

  Hearing no other business, Michael Griffin adjourned the meeting at 10:32 a.m.

  
  

  Michael Griffin ended the meeting saying NIRPC is made up of 53 elected officials to represent different regions in a democracy elected to do what is best for the people they serve, yet they transcend our structure by thinking about what our neighboring communities need as well. Michael expressed his thankfulness for the Commissioners, and their encouragement and examples of leadership.

  
  

  The Executive Board will meet on January 21, 2021 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=n_BM0bP21Mw

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  

  2021 NOMINATIONS

  January 5, 2021

  
  

  

  
  

  RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE

  (MICHAEL GRIFFIN, GEORGE TOPOLL, JUSTIN KIEL, RICHARD HARDAWAY)

  FOR THE

  EXECUTIVE BOARD OF NIRPC

  
  

  CHAIRPERSON George Topoll

  VICE CHAIRPERSON Justin Kiel

  SECRETARY Richard Hardaway

  TREASURER Greg Stinson

  
  

  EXECUTIVE BOARD (LAKE COUNTY) Wendy Mis

  Bill Emerson

  
  

  EXECUTIVE BOARD (LA PORTE COUNTY) Sheila Matias

  Tom Dermody

  
  

  EXECUTIVE BOARD (PORTER COUNTY) Jim Ton

  Sue Lynch

  
  

  

  
  

  GOVERNOR'S APPOINTMENT Ed Soliday

  IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR (non-voting) Michael Griffin

  
  

  
  

  

  2021

  Commission Meeting Dates

  6100 Southport Road

  Portage, Indiana 46368

  (219) 763-6060

  www.nirpc.org

  
  

  Consult www.NIRPC.org and/or postings outside NIRPC’s offices at 6100 Southport Rd in Portage for meeting venue.

  
  

  January 21	Full Commission	9:00 a.m.
  March 18	Executive Board	9:00 a.m.
  April 15	Full Commission	9:00 a.m.
  May 20	Executive Board	9:00 a.m.
  July 15	Full Commission	9:00 a.m.
  September 16	Executive Board	9:00 a.m.
  November 18	Full Commission	9:00 a.m.

  
  

  
  

  November 13, 2020

  Environmental Management Policy Committee NIRPC – Virtual Meeting

  November 5, 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 20-47. 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.

  
  

  Jan Bapst called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. In attendance were Geof Benson (Beverly Shores), Jennifer Gadzala (Chesterton), Jenny Orsburn (LMCP), Kevin Brietzke, Tim Kingsland (Hobart), Sarah Nimetz (LaPorte), Wendy Mis (Munster), Kay Nelson (Forum), Susan MiHalo (Nature Conservancy), Trisha Nugent (DLZ), George Topoll (Union Township), Carl Lisek (SSCC), Amy Blaker (Lochmueller), Robert Thompson (Porter County), Deb Backhus (City of Gary), and Amanda Vandenoever (Porter County).

  
  

  NIRPC staff present were Kathy Luther, Charles Bradsky, Ty Warner, Candice Eklund, Joe Exl, Kevin Polette, and Flor Baum.

  
  

  The meeting minutes of September 3 were approved on motion by Kay Nelson and second by Tim Kingsland. A roll call was taken, and the committee voted unanimously to approve.

  There were no public comments. Year-In Review

  Kathy Luther presented on the Greater Northwest Indiana Brownfield Coalition (GNIBC) project.

  NIRPC is the Grantee to the regional project in collaboration with the RDA and The Northwest Indiana Forum. The Coalition’s grant is $600,000 with $448,000 of that contracted out to SME for performing Environmental Assessments. By September of 2023, the grant targets are to complete 20 Phase I projects, eight (8) Phase II projects, 10 Hazardous Material Assessments (asbestos), and 10 Clean-up and Reuse Planning. To date four (4) Phase I projects have been completed, three (3) of which were done on behalf of the Gary Redevelopment Commission. The fourth Phase I and a Phase II projects are based in East Chicago for the purpose of the purchaser to acquire property and protect them from environmental liability. The property will be a parking lot and it will reduce heavy truck traffic through residential neighborhoods in East Chicago. The second Phase II has been done on behalf of a bona fide prospective purchaser for a private property in Gary. This is a job-retention project because the purchaser plans to continue to operate the business. Prioritization is divided into five (5) sections: redevelopment readiness, public need, economic benefit, community need, and leverage. Each section has two (2) questions, and a point is given to each question, totaling 10 points. Kathy shared examples of Brownfield sites, such as older housing, strip malls that may have had a dry cleaner on site, or older apartments and hotels that may have had asbestos. The Coalition has another year and half to complete projects. The Coalition is required to hire an environmental professional. A competitive procurement was completed, and SME was chosen as the contractor to perform all environmental assessments for Phase I and II. There are some cases where sampling and soil disposal is subcontracted out. For further information, contact Kathy Luther at kluther@nirpc.org.

  
  

  Joe Exl presented on Lake County Parks Grassland Restoration Project. NIRPC’s administrative role brings the following project partners together:

  • Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) who has provided technical assistance.

  • Lake County Parks & Recreation who are the landowners of the project.

  • Porter & Lake County Soil & Water Conservation Districts who have provided technical and funding assistance.

  • Urban Waters Partnership who has provided funding.

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who provided The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Funding grant of $25,000 with no match required.

The project is located on the Deep River Portage Burns Waterway Watershed. It is anticipated to reduce the pollutant load of sediments to the river by 50 tons per year. A 73-pound reduction of phosphorus per year is also projected. Fragmented habitat will be restored along the Deep River Corridor. The project is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2021. Currently there is a contracted farmer removing soybean on the field-I property. Field-II is the largest property that will connect the fragmented habitat. Field-III and Field VI were also shown. Mix seeds will be used for pollinators and grassland birds. NRCS will have a maintenance and inspection plan in place. Please contact Joe Exl for more information at jexl@nirpc.org.

South Shore Clean Cities (SSCC) Executive Director Carl Lisek and Communications Director Lauri Keagle presented on the Green Fleet program with SSCC. In 2019 SSCC members reduced greenhouse emissions by 129,000 tons and reduced the number of gasoline gallon equivalents by

16.6 million gallons. In 2020 Crown Point Community Schools had their first electric bus. Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC) will be deploying one of the first transit electric busses in The Region. Porter County Sheriff's Department rolled out with their first hybrid police squad cars in the state. The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor has their first electric car rail mover. Updates on the Michigan to Montana I-94 Clean Fuel Corridor project (M2M94). As of June 2019, INDOT installed signs along Interstate 94 in Indiana designating the route as an Alternative Fuel Corridor because of the M2M project. In 2019 and 2020 SSCC wrote 47 grant applications. Members and partners were awarded $13.3 million for projects involving 240 vehicles and equipment. Carl hosts “Green Fleet Radio” every Wednesday on Lake Shore Public Radio. The radio show features Carl interviewing guests on topics pertaining to SSCC’s mission to broaden awareness of sustainable transportation projects. Carl has also written a guest column in the NWI Times focusing on topics of sustainable transportation and energy. SSCC launched the “Region Man” campaign in May 2020. Additional marketing includes the Air Quality Action Season billboard campaign and the “It all adds up to clean air,” radio campaign. SSCC hosted 17 in-person events in the first 10 months of 2020. In 2020, Partners for Clean Air (PCA) launched a new scholarship program for high school students within The Region of two $2500 scholarships. SSCC has worked with the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor and its clients on emission reductions in relation to port equipment. For more information, contact Carl Lisek at clisek@southshorecleancities.org or Lauri at lkeagle@southshorecleancities.org.

NOFA Application

Kathy Luther reviewed the 2020 Notice of Funding Applications (NOFA). One application was received for Air Quality. There were no applications received for Environmental Quality. The scoring changes that were discussed and agreed on by the committee were made live by Kathy.

Air Quality submission:

• South Shore Clean Cities - Alternative fuel infrastructure, vehicle emission reduction, advanced truck stop electrification, and air quality education. Funding request of $900,000

with Federal Funding in FY 25-26 for $720,000, a minimum Federal share of $180,000 and a match of $180,000.

Pending communication to Kathy Luther by the end of today with objections on the self-scores, on motion by Geoff Benson and second by Jan Bapst, the committee approved the self-scores. SSCC attendees recused themself from the vote.

There were no announcements.

The next EMPC meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. in the NIRPC offices. Hearing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:31 a.m.

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

October 15, 2020 / Google Meet Virtual Meeting – 8:00 a.m.

Members Present

Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel, George Topoll Staff and Others Present

Ty Warner, Talaya Jones, Kathy Luther, Lisa Todd, Stephanie Kuziela, Meredith Stilwell, David Hollenbeck

Call to Order

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

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the September 17, 2020 meeting were presented. George Topoll made motion and Richard Hardaway seconded to approve the minutes. A roll call vote was taken with Richard Hardaway and George Topoll voting in the affirmative, and no one voting in the negative. Motion passed 2-0. Justin Kiel joined the meeting after the vote and also gave his vote in the affirmative and making the motion passing at 3-0.

Review of Financial Status – September 2020

Talaya Jones presented the September 2020 bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general account and the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) account. The general account beginning balance from 9/1/2020 was

$1,582,046.34 with a closing balance of $1,312,796,77 as of 9/30/2020. The RLF account beginning balance from 9/1/2020 was $137,432.15 with a closing balance of $142,024.84 as of 9/30/2020.

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

$863,443 has been expended of the $1,293,260 Salaries budget. $358,747 has been expended of the

$509,690 Fringe Benefits budget. $204,040 has been expended of the $280,297 Occupancy budget.

$44,729 has been expended of the $78,840 Maintenance budget. $91,855 has been expended of the

$196,750 Departmental budget. $286,492 has been expended of the $884,465 Contractual budget.

$6,736 has been expended of the $100,000 Capital Outlays budget. Total General Fund expenditures totaled $1,856,042 of the $3,343,302 budgeted. $200 has been expended of the $85,000 LaPorte Revolving Loan Fund budget. $2,216,483 has been expended of the $2,440,988 Transit Capital Fund budget. Year to date, all categories are under budget, with total expenditures of $5,697,701 of the

$10,258,326 budgeted, $4,560,625 under budget.

Talaya presented the year to date September 2020 expended by category chart. 47% of the expended budget was salaries, 19% fringe benefits, 16% contractual, 11% occupancy, 5% departmental and 2% maintenance.

Talaya presented the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities (CARES) Act budget to actual expenditures year to date, September 2020. Per the State Board of Accounts, the CARES Act and general funds must be reported separately. $92,504 of the $236,733 has been expended of the Salaries budget.

$0 of $5,000 contractual, RLF Services, budget has been expended. $103 of the $25,000 departmental, PPE Supplies, budget has been expended. Talaya noted funds have been expended in the PPE Supplies budget, but they are still reflected in the general funds supply budget and have not been transferred yet.

$2,160 of the $165,000 Capital Outlays, Furniture and Equipment, budget has been expended. Total NIRPC CARES Fund Expenditures of $94,766 had been expended from the $431,733 budget. $0 of the $583,000 CARES Revolving Loan Fund budget has been expended. $6,437 of the $1,219,972 CARES Transit Capital Fund budget has been expended. $1,092,610 of the $4,314,322 CARES Agency Fund has been expended. Total expenditures were $1,193,813 of the $6,549,027 budgeted.

Talaya presented the year to date September 2020 budget vs. actual revenue report. $366,669 of the

$540,271 county appropriations budget has been collected. $189,246 of the $539,733 federal agencies budget has been collected. $1,233,857 of the $1,935,395 state agencies budget has been collected.

$24,224 of the $44,694 local agencies budget has been collected. $11,051 of the $135,318 non- governmental funds budget has been collected. $13,288 of the $70,000 Economic Development District

budget has been collected. $6,788 of the $9,682 interest income budget has been collected. All categories are currently under collected. George Topoll questioned the under collection in the categories and Talaya explained that it is the end of the quarter and reporting has to be submitted for reimbursement.

Talaya presented the year to date revenue by funding source chart as of September 30. 67% of collected revenue has been from state agencies, 20% from county appropriations, 10% from federal agencies, 1% from local agencies, 1% from Economic Development District, and 1% from interest income.

Talaya presented the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities (CARES) Act budget to actual revenue year to date, September 2020. All revenue is federal and is classified as Economic Development District or FTA. $202,943 has been collected of the $604,229 total CARES Act revenue budget.

Approval of Claims Register – September 2020

Talaya informed the committee that there are two registers to approve due to the specifications from the State Board of Accounts that CARES Act expenditures must be separate. Talaya first presented the September 2020 regular claims register totaling $680,762.96 to the Committee for approval. George Topoll made motion and Justin Kiel seconded to approve the September 2020 claims register. A roll call vote was taken with Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel and George Topoll voting in the affirmative, and no one voting in the negative. Motion passed 3-0. The CARES Act expenditures register of claims was totaling $5,617.92 was then presented for approval. George Topoll made motion and Justin Kiel seconded to approve the September 2020 claims register. A roll call vote was taken with Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel and George Topoll voting in the affirmative, and no one voting in the negative. Motion passed 3-0.

Budget Amendment #4

Talaya presented 2020 budget amendment #4 to the committee for approval. The amendment is a transfer of $47,000 between Environmental Projects and Audit and Accounting within the contractual category. George Topoll made motion and Justin Kiel seconded to approve the September 2020 claims register. A roll call vote was taken with Richard Hardaway, Justin Kiel and George Topoll voting in the affirmative, and no one voting in the negative. Motion passed 3-0.

FY2021 NIRPC Preliminary Budget

Talaya presented the 2021 preliminary budget. She explained the budget includes CARES act funds and PL carryover and there will be an increase and change before the final budget is brought before the Committee at the November meeting.

Personnel updates

Meredith Stilwell reported interviews were held for the Economic Development Specialist and Communication Specialist positions and NIRPC staff continues to work a staggered in-office and remote schedule, with the entire office working remotely on Fridays. Ty reminded the Committee the 2 positions interviewed for are CARES Act funded, EDA positions which are temporary and last until July 2022. Everything appears to be set to make offers to candidates and both positions should be filled shortly, dependent upon candidate availability. After that, the focus will be on the three remaining openings for Director of Transportation, Transit Planner, and Programming and Grant Assistant. Ty indicated he was thankful staff for helping make the staggered scheduling work and indicated he is not planning to deviate from that anytime real soon.

Other Business None.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Procurement Recommendations January 21, 2021

Two (2) Replacement BOC Vehicles – Procurement #21-01

• Purchase of:

  o Two (2) vehicle replacements for LaPorte TransPorte - $118,400.00

• Vehicles being replaced will have met their useful life of 4 years or 100,000 miles at the time of delivery.

• Paid with Federal Transit Administration funds (80%) out of grant IN-2020- 039 and local share coming from the above listed agencies.

• Recommendation to approve purchase of replacement vehicles not to exceed

$118,400.00 in federal funds.

Technical Planning Committee Tuesday, November 10, 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 20-47. 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 (Porter County), Steve King (Merrillville), Mark O’Dell (Chesterton), Frank Rivera (East Chicago), Dean Button (Hammond), David Wright (GPTC), George Topoll (Union Township), Blossom Mabon (Lake Co. Comm. Services), Beth West (La Porte TransPorte), Michael Griffin, Kay Nelson (FORUM) and Kelly Wenger (NICTD).

Staff present were Mitch Barloga, Eman Ibrahim, Ty Warner, Kathy Luther, Scott Weber, Kevin Polette, Candice Eklund, Charles Bradsky, Peter Kimball, and Flor Baum.

The September 8, 2020 meeting minutes were approved on motion by George Topoll and second by Steve King.

Public Comments

No public comments to announce.

Planning

Eman Ibrahim and Scott Weber presented on the E-Commerce in Northwest Indiana report, Resolution 20-27, which deals with the rapidly changing retail landscape on land-uses and our transportation network. The E-Commerce report is part of the 2050 Plan implementation. e-commerce directly impacts the transportation network, projecting a 40% expansion in urban freight by 2050. An analysis of a shift toward automated vehicles (AV) was conducted.

AV trucks help receive congestion. AV trucks will be able to dramatically shorten following distances between other vehicles, increasing road capacity. AV trucks can also improve safety by eliminating human error. Urban logistics of transportation will be impacted with further expansion of e-commerce, changing roadway system use and needs.

Land use and retail will also be impacted by e-Commerce in The Region. Shopping trips have decreased by 12% between 2014 to 2018. Large retail stores are being vacated and these vacant retail spaces need a plan to be repurposed. However, E-commerce is also a good opportunity for job increase and to improve the economy.

Northwestern Indiana is within the 100-mile radius of the nearest regional fulfillment market. The Region also has a freight hub and interstate system that links east to west. Examples of repurposed retail space were presented. The committee is mindful that retail space is usually rented and the building space either needs to be sold or subsidized. Data was collected to capture e-commerce accessibility. NIRPC staff defined criteria to develop a potential location for an e-commerce facility. This includes proximity to airports, railroad stations, and manufacturing hubs. Additional criteria encompass utilities availability, as well as locations of minimum environmental impact.

On motion by George Topoll and second by Frank Rivera, the committee will recommend Resolution 20-27 to The Commission.

Kathy Luther presented on the UPWP 2021-2022 Amendment #3, Resolution 20-28. Federal transportation fund expenses contracted to NIRPC must be adopted into the current UPWP to be reimbursed. The primary focus is on purchasing equipment and software that can improve our function going forward with the match that has been freed up for NIRPC. A balance of $648,549.24 in Congestion Management and Air Quality, Pl/5307 and Surface Transportation Block Grant funds remain in NIRPC’s open IDOT purchase orders. $3,000O is being carried forward

of STBG for the R-TIP contract, $86,243.26 from CMAQ for extended advertising contracts through the summer and into the fall for ozone and air quality information, as well as the bike map application which was delayed.

$8,000 will go towards the purchase of placard trail counters for US bicycle routes.

On motion by Frank Rivera and second by Michael Griffin the TPC approved Resolution 20-28 to be recommended to The Commission.

Programming

Charles Bradsky presented on the request for a scope and program change for The City of Hammond (Des # 1601145; Marquette Greenway Trail). The multi-use trail will be changed to a Complete Streets. $1.2M of CMAQ construction (CN) funds and $540K in Right of Way (ROW) funds are being requested to be moved from Marquette Greenway Trail to Hohman Ave Phase 2 Complete Streets. The initial project would follow the North bank of the Grand Calumet River, scoring very well in terms of funding. However there has been recent reflection to reconsider the location because it travels closer to a newly constructed sewer overflow basin of the wastewater treatment facility plant. This would not be a pleasant experience using the multi-use trail. The City of Hammond would commit to a street trail connector project, using local funds to be able to make this connection. This project would be supplementing the Phase 2 project of Hohman Ave.

On motion by Mark O’Dell and second by George Topoll the TPC approved the request for The City of Hammond to change the scope and program.

Topical Committee Reports

Mitch Barloga spoke on the Ped, Pedal, and Paddle Committee (3PC). The first round of the NOFA applications was productive regarding the 13 submissions of Multi-Use Trails and/or Complete Streets; over $18M requested. Charles spoke on NOFA applications. Nearly $123M worth of applications were received. Group one submitted 47 applications (Lake and Porter County). Group two submitted 4 applications (La Porte County).

Reports and Planning Partners

David Wright presented on the Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC) Electric Bus and Bus Manufacturer on the Project. Electric bus market is growing exponentially in the USA. In 2014, 140 electric busses were in service. In 2019, the number of busses increased to 650 busses in service. There are many benefits of having electric busses in Northwest Indiana. Utility costs average $7,978 per year, and fuel saving average $15,918 per year. Replacing diesel powered vehicles with cleaner energy alternatives reduces emissions. In July of 2019, with the help of South Shore Clean Cities, The GPTC received funding for four buses through Indiana’s Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund. Gillig will be the transit bus manufacturer and is the leading US manufacturer of transit buses. They have lower excess inventory needed. The bus specifications are as follows: 35-40 feet in length, 120-140 miles on a single charge, Wi-Fi enabled, equipped with bike racks, ADA accessible with auto-stop announcements, and convenient battery access. The bus costs will be $3,452,564 ($2762,051 in Federal funds, $690,513 in VW funds, and $0 GPTC). The charger costs will be $134,000-$268,000 for GPTC.

Other Business, Staff Announcements and Upcoming Meetings Announcements and upcoming dates were shared with the committee. Upcoming meetings were announced.

Next Meeting

The next Technical Planning Committee (TPC) meeting is slated for Tuesday, February 9, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the NIRPC offices.

The meeting concluded at 11:51 a.m.

6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219) 763-6060

www.nirpc.org

Public Comment Report

Amendment #12 to the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

January 21, 2020

Amendment #12 of the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program was released for a 21-day public comment period which began on December 18, 2020 and ended January 8, 2021. 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 did not receive technical comments from the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG). Approval by the IGC were given of this amendment #12 on 12/22/2020.

1601147

(Ver 4) 20-12

STATUS

Programmed FEDERAL

Title: Multi-use Trail Program / Bike/Pedestrian Facilities at Marquette Trail Route: N/A

Description: Marquette Greenway Trail portion within limits of Burns Harbor, SR149 loop to river overlook.

Project Type:

Bicycle Enhancement

AQ Exempt:

Exempt

District: LaPorte

County:

Porter

Limits:

Marquette Trail from 0 to 0 of Distance (mile) 1.4

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

Burns Harbor

Previously Approved Version

1601147 (Ver 3) 20-07

Title: Multi-use Trail Program / Bike/Pedestrian Facilities at Marquette Trail Route: N/A

Description: Marquette Greenway Trail portion within limits of Burns Harbor, SR149 to Babcock Rd

Project Type:

Bicycle Enhancement

AQ Exempt:

Exempt

District: LaPorte

County:

Porter

Limits:

Marquette Trail from 0 to 0 of Distance (mile) 1.4

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

Burns Harbor

1601145

(Ver 7) 20-12

STATUS

Programmed FEDERAL

Title: Multi-use Trail Program / Bike/Pedestrian Facilities at Marquette Trail Route: N/A

Description: from State St at Rabin Plaza to Toll Road overpass at Kosciusko St

Project Type:

Bicycle Enhancement

AQ Exempt:

Exempt

District: LaPorte

County:

Lake

Limits:

Marquette Trail from State St to Kosciusko St of Distance (mile) 2.11

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

Hammond

Previously Approved Version

1601145 (Ver 6) 20-06.1

Title: Multi-use Trail Program / Bike/Pedestrian Facilities at Marquette Trail Route: N/A

Description: from State St at Rabin Plaza to Toll Road overpass at Kosciusko St

Project Type:

Bicycle Enhancement

AQ Exempt:

Exempt

District: LaPorte

County:

Lake

Limits:

Marquette Trail from State St to Kosciusko St of Distance (mile) 2.11

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

Hammond

2002582

(Ver 2) 20-12

STATUS

Programmed FEDERAL

Title: Signal on Erie Lackawanna Trail Route: N/A

Description: at the EL trail intersection with Kennedy Ave

Project Type:

Bicycle Enhancement

AQ Exempt:

Non-Exempt

District: LaPorte

County:

Lake

Limits:

FED FY

2023

Local Fund

REVENUE SOURCE

PE RW

$0 $0

CN CE

$70,000

$0

TOTAL

$70,000

2023

TAP Chicago UZA

2020-2024 TOTAL ALL YEARS TOTAL

$0 $0

$0 $0

$0 $0

$280,000

$350,000

$350,000

$280,000

$0

$0 $350,000

$0 $350,000

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

Highland

Previously Approved Version

NIRPC26004 (Ver 1) 20-00

Title: Signal on Erie Lackawanna Trail Route: N/A

Description: at the EL trail intersection with Kennedy Ave

Project Type:

Bicycle Enhancement

AQ Exempt:

Non-Exempt

District: LaPorte

County:

Lake

Limits:

FED FY

2023

Local Fund

REVENUE SOURCE

PE RW

$0 $0

CN CE

$70,000

$0

TOTAL

$70,000

2023

TAP Chicago UZA

2020-2024 TOTAL ALL YEARS TOTAL

$0 $0

$0 $0

$0 $0

$280,000

$350,000

$350,000

$280,000

$0

$0 $350,000

$0 $350,000

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

Highland