board of directors - Ozarks Transportation Organization
Transcription
board of directors - Ozarks Transportation Organization
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AGENDA OCTOBER 15, 2015 12:00 - 1:30 PM OTO CONFERENCE ROOM, SUITE 212 HOLLAND BUILDING, 205 PARK CENTRAL EAST OZARKS TRANSPORTATION ORGANIZATION A METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Board of Directors Meeting Agenda October 15, 2015 OTO Conference Room 205 Park Central Square, Suite 212 Call to Order ................................................................................................................................ NOON I. Administration A. Introductions B. Approval of Board of Directors Meeting Agenda (2 minutes/McClure) BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA C. Approval of the August 20, 2015 Meeting Minutes ...................................................... Tab 1 (2 minutes/McClure) BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 18 MEETING MINUTES. D. Public Comment Period .............................................................................................. Tab 2 (15 minutes/McClure) Individuals requesting to speak are asked to state their name and organization or address before making comments. Individuals and organizations have a combined 15 minutes which will be divided among those requesting to address the Board of Directors (not to exceed five minutes per individual). Any public comment received since the last meeting has been distributed to the Board of Directors. E. Executive Director’s Report (5 minutes/Fields) A review of staff activities since the last Board of Directors meeting will be given. F. MoDOT Update (5 minutes/Baltz) The MoDOT Southwest District Engineer, Becky Baltz, will give an update of any pertinent information. G. Legislative Reports (5 minutes/McClure) Representatives from the OTO area congressional delegation will have an opportunity to give updates on current items of interest. II. New Business A. Christian County Representative ................................................................................. Tab 3 (5 minutes/Fields) Christian County has made a nomination for the newly created citizen representative position on the OTO Board of Directors. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED TO APPOINT A CITIZEN REPRESENTATIVE FROM CHRISTIAN COUNTY. B. Amendment Number Seven to the FY 2015‐2018 TIP ................................................... Tab 4 (5 minutes/Longpine) There is one change requested to the Transportation Improvement Program which is included for member review. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED TO APPROVE TIP AMENDMENT NUMBER SEVEN. C. Transportation Plan 2040 Vision ................................................................................. Tab 5 (10 minutes/Longpine) The LRTP Subcommittee has agreed upon a proposed vision and goals to be included in the new transportation plan. Input from the board is requested. NO ACTION REQUIRED – INFORMATIONAL ONLY D. DBE Annual Goal ......................................................................................................... Tab 6 (5 minutes/Parks) OTO reviews the disadvantaged enterprise goal annually to ensure compliance with federal regulations. The goal is proposed to be zero based on possible contract types and availability of DBE firms to contract with. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED ANNUAL DBE GOAL. E. Rideshare Program Continuation ................................................................................. Tab 7 (5 minutes/Fields) Staff will give an overview of the proposed rideshare program and ask the Committee to decide if continuing the program should be a priority for the region. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED TO APPROVE CONTINUATION OF THE RIDESHARE PROGRAM AND ASSOCIATED STP‐URBAN TRANSFER TO SPRINGFIELD. F. Operational Budget Amendment ................................................................................. Tab 8 (10 minutes/Parks) An amendment to the operational budget is requested in order to make a payment for the regional rideshare program and for the OTO office relocation. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED OPERATIONAL BUDGET AMENDMENT. III. IV. G. Nominating Committee ............................................................................................... Tab 9 (5 minutes/Fields) Staff is seeking nominations to serve on the nominating committee to appoint or reappoint OTO Officers and members of the Executive Committee BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED TO APPOINT A NOMINATING COMMITTEE. Other Business A. Board of Directors Member Announcements (5 minutes/Board of Directors Members) Members are encouraged to announce transportation events being scheduled that may be of interest to OTO Board of Directors members. B. Transportation Issues For Board of Directors Member Review (5 minutes/Board of Directors Members) Members are encouraged to raise transportation issues or concerns that they have for future agenda items or later in‐depth discussion by the OTO Board of Directors. C. Articles for Board of Directors Member Information .................................................. Tab 10 (Articles attached) Adjourn meeting. A motion is requested to adjourn the meeting. Targeted for 1:00 P.M. The next Board of Directors regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 17, 2015 at 12:00 P.M. in OTO Offices at 205 Park Central East, Suite 212. Attachments Pc: Ken McClure, Missouri State University Matt Morrow, President, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Stacy Burks, Senator Blunt’s Office Dan Wadlington, Senator Blunt’s Office David Stokely, Senator McCaskill’s Office Matt Hough, Congressman Long’s Office Area News Media Si usted necesita la ayuda de un traductor del idioma español, por favor comuníquese con la Debbie Parks al teléfono (417) 865‐3042, cuando menos 48 horas antes de la junta. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require interpreter services (free of charge) should contact Debbie Parks at (417) 865‐3042 at least 24 hours ahead of the meeting. If you need relay services please call the following numbers: 711 ‐ Nationwide relay service; 1‐800‐735‐2966 ‐ Missouri TTY service; 1‐800‐735‐0135 ‐ Missouri voice carry‐over service. OTO fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, see www.ozarkstransportation.org or call (417) 865‐3042. TAB 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA 10/15/2015; ITEM I.C. August 20, 2015 Meeting Minutes Ozarks Transportation Organization (Springfield, MO Area MPO) AGENDA DESCRIPTION: Attached for Board of Directors member review are the minutes from the August 20, 2015 Board of Directors meeting. Please review these minutes prior to the meeting and note any changes that need to be made. The Chair will ask during the meeting if any Board of Directors member has any amendments to the attached minutes. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED: That a member of the Board of Directors makes the following motion: “Move to approve the August 20, 2015 Board of Directors meeting minutes.” OR “Move to approve the August 20, 2015 Board of Directors meeting minutes with the following corrections…” OZARKS TRANSPORTATION ORGANIZATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES August 20, 2015 The Board of Directors of the Ozarks Transportation Organization met at its scheduled time of 12:00 p.m. in the Ozarks Transportation Organization Large Conference Room in Springfield, Missouri. The following members were present: Ms. Becky Baltz, MoDOT Mr. J. Everett Mitchell, City of Willard (a) Mr. James O’Neal, Citizen‐at‐Large Mr. Harold Bengsch, Greene County Mr. Steve Bodenhamer, City of Strafford (a) Mr. Dan Smith, City of Springfield Mr. Steve Childers, City of Ozark (a) Mr. Steve Stewart, City Utilities Mr. Bob Cirtin, Greene County Mr. Richard Walker, Citizen‐at‐Large Mr. J. Howard Fisk, Citizen‐at‐Large Mr. Brian Weiler, Airport Board (a) Mr. Warren Griffith, City of Battlefield Mr. Ray Weter, Christian County Ms. Debra Hickey, City of Battlefield (a) (a) Denotes alternate given voting privileges as a substitute for voting member not present The following members were not present: Mr. Mokhtee Ahmad, FTA Mr. Jim Krischke, City of Republic (a) Mr. Mark Bechtel, FTA (a) Mr. Ken McClure, City of Springfield (Chair) Mr. Brian Bingle, City of Nixa (a) Mr. Bradley McMahon, FHWA Mr. Brian Buckner, City of Republic Mr. Steve Meyer, City of Springfield (a) Mr. Andy Mueller, MoDOT (a) Mr. Chris Coulter, Greene County (a) Mr. John Elkins, Citizen‐at‐Large (a) Mr. Shane Nelson, City of Ozark Mr. Craig Fishel, City of Springfield Mr. Dan Salisbury, MoDOT (a) Mr. Wendell Forshee, City of Willard Mr. Mark Schenkelberg, FAA Mr. Rick Gardner, City of Ozark Mr. Brian Steele, City of Nixa Mr. Corey Hendrickson, City of Willard Mr. Bob Stephens, City of Springfield Ms. Susan Krieger, City of Strafford Others Present: Mr. Joshua Boley, Ms. Sara Fields, Mr. Jacob Guthrie, Ms. Natasha Longpine, and Ms. Debbie Parks, Ozarks Transportation Organization; Mr. Truman Isbell, City of Ozark Police Department; Mr. Rick Artman, Greene County; Mr. Marc Lewis and Mr. Bruce Pettus, MoDOT; Mr. Matt Hough, Congressman Long’s Office. Mr. Cirtin called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. I. Administration A. Introductions B. Approval of Board of Directors Meeting Agenda 1 Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – June 18, 2015 Mr. Bengsch made the motion to approve the August 20, 2015 Meeting Agenda. Mr. Fisk seconded and the motion was seconded. Mr. Bruce Pettus made a correction that Lieutenant Truman Isbell was attending in place of Sargent Appleton. Ms. Fields had a correction, at the last minute Item H was added to the agenda and had been distributed. The motion carried unanimously. C. Approval of the June 18, 2015 Meeting Minutes Mr. Weiler made the motion to approve the June 18, 2015 Meeting Minutes. Mr. Bengsch seconded and the motion carried unanimously. D. Public Comment Period Ms. Fields stated that there was a public comment received via Twitter about the signage of the Diverging Diamond on National Avenue and James River Freeway. The public comment has been referred to the City of Springfield. E. Executive Director’s Report Ms. Fields stated that work is centered on the Long Range Transportation Plan update at the moment. The update is required by federal law every 5 years. The Long Range Transportation Plan Subcommittee is meeting next week to look at goals and actions and to prioritize the projects in the plan. The subcommittee worked hard on the Major Thoroughfare Plan and those changes are in the agenda. The Aerial Photography flight is planned for next spring. The OTO participates and contributes $40,000 which is used to offset member cities and counties cost, as seen on their invoices. The traffic sensing units are under contract and hopefully will be installed later this year. The OTO share is 11 unites, 9 fixed and 2 mobile units, which come in a little under $80,000. Ewing Signal of Nixa, MO was awarded the contract and is using a secondary contractor for the software. The OTO has been doing media outreach. Ms. Fields stated she, along with Dan Smith and Becky Baltz, was on Ozarks Public Television, for Sense of Community. There were a lot of questions about transportation in the area. There was a lot of positive feedback from people who saw the program. Ms. Fields stated she also was interviewed by KSMU and the League of Women’s Voters. KOLR 10 and the News‐Leader both ran stories last month on the Long Range Transportation Plan Survey. The OTO’s Multimedia Coordinator, Mr. Joshua Boley has been working to correspond with the media. Ms. Fields mentioned that the auditor has been in auditing the OTO’s financial statements. That is done every year. There has been no findings so far and staff is expecting a clean audit in September or October. F. MoDOT Update Ms. Baltz stated that MoDOT’s funding came in over the projections. It covers the concern about not matching federal funds in 2017, which will help the State through one more year. The Commission will be discussing the additional funds and how to program the funds. The entire State saw an increase of revenue this year overall of 9%. MoDOT saw a 4% growth. 2 Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – August 20, 2015 II. The biggest increase was in vehicle sales tax. That is a good indication that the economy is improving. Ms. Baltz also mentioned that the Chestnut Railroad Overpass Project has been delayed. It was supposed to be let this summer, but MoDOT was not able to acquire all the property for the project. It will be delayed until the Spring. That decision to delay the start of construction was made so the area would not be torn up over the winter. G. Legislative Reports Mr. Hough stated that the Highway funding issue has been kicked further down the road. The funding was tied to a Veteran’s bill that would provide some funding in the beginning of October for Veterans to receive medical care at non‐Veteran Administration facilities. The Highway funding is secure until the end of October. The hope is for a long term solution. New Business A. Traffic Incident Management Presentation Mr. Bruce Pettus, the Incident Management Coordinator from the MoDOT Southwest District, introduced himself. He gave a presentation on the Traffic Incident Management Training that is nationwide training. Prior to 2006, traffic incident management was done really at the local level, and as agencies saw fit. So Federal Highway under the SHRP Strategic Highway Research Program 2, worked to put together one traffic incident management program for all agencies. MoDOT began doing the training in Missouri. In Springfield the first Train the Trainer Intersession for Trainers which was made up of all disciplines, towing, EMS, fire, municipalities, city utilities had 20 trainers from our region that scheduled training throughout the last year. There has been 900 responders trained in the southwest region last year. The goal is 31,000 responders trained in the State of Missouri. He introduced Lieutenant Truman Isbell from the City of Ozark Police Department. Mr. Isbell gave an update on the City of Ozarks Police Department implementation of the Traffic Incident Management. He stated that every officer in the Ozarks Police Department, Christian County Dispatch, and the Ozark Fire Department have all received the training. The local tow truck operations have also been trained as well. He gave examples where the training had worked and the results. Ms. Fields asked him to talk about the requirements placed on the tow truck drivers on clearing and arrival times. Mr. Isbell stated that the City of Ozark has a 20 minute response time. If a tow truck driver is unable to make it in 20 minutes the driver is skipped and the next driver is called. Most drivers are good to provide actual estimates. There is also the enforcement of the law, on all tow truck drivers, to wear reflective vests. The drivers now understand that there might be a wait time before the accident can be cleared. But the drivers are there and ready to go. Mr. Pettus stated that the training conducted was multidisciplinary so the wrecker operators were trained at the same time as the other responders. He elaborated on the training aspect and passed out a flyer on the Traffic Incident Management Training. He stated that the district administers a traffic incident management self‐assessment. This is typically done in cities with over a million people. However the district decided to do the 3 Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – August 20, 2015 assessment, which consists of 51 questions put together by the Federal Highway Administration. The assessment is sent out to response agencies and then there is a meeting to score the assessments. The area scored 131 out of 204 and is serving as a template for goals in the upcoming year. One of the key goals is to have a Traffic Incident Management Committee in force. The OTO will be forming a Traffic Incident Management Committee to help the cities, municipalities and agencies have an active role. Mr. Fisk asked on the scores, what was the highest and lowest scores. Mr. Pettus stated that the Traffic Incident Training was the highest and the Traffic Incident Management Committee was the lowest, since one had not been established yet. Ms. Baltz mentioned that Mr. Pettus works out of the Transportation Management Center that is shared with the City of Springfield. Mr. O’Neal asked if the scope of the training included all the regions and political subdivisions. Mr. Pettus stated that it has been opened up to all the counties in southwest Missouri. There has been Training for the Trainers from all counties. There is a task force made up of multidiscipline leaders that continue to make sure that all the agencies are captured. The majority have been very receptive and supportive. There are a few that are not. B. Amendment Number Six to the FY 2015‐2018 TIP Ms. Longpine stated that there are four parts to the TIP Amendment Six. The projects were recommended from the Local Coordinating Board for Transit’s 5310 funding process. The projects enhance elderly and disabled transportation. The projects are added categorically to the TIP. $267,000 New Freedom type projects are being programmed in the TIP. This includes funding for City Utilities projects that go above and beyond ADA. There are also vehicle purchases for local nonprofits who provide transportation for the elderly and disabled. MoDOT helps administer the funds. There is about $420,000 being programmed for vehicle purchases. Mr. Fisk made the motion to approve TIP Amendment Number Six to the FY 2015‐2018 TIP. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion was carried unanimously. C. 5310 Program of Projects Ms. Longpine stated that the Program of Projects gives the detail for the individual categories that contain the funding and relates to the actual applications received. This updated the Program of Projects that was approved in December, which includes funding from FY 2013 and FY 2014. This Program of Projects also adds in FY 2015 funding. 6 vehicles have been awarded. City Utilities was awarded a project for side walk and bus shelter improvements. In addition there was administration funding. She gave details on the projects. She stated that since the Technical Planning Committee meeting there were some changes made to reflect all of the projects that were awarded in December to make it a complete Program of Projects. There was also an additional project from another funding source that is going to be maintained as part of the POP. Mr. Fisk mentioned that these are pass through funds and for some of the projects there are matching funds. These are not projects that are funded with the Local Jurisdiction Dues, but from federal dollars. Ms. Longpine stated it is the same kind of detail that is included in the TIP, with a competitive process. The Local Coordinating Board for Transit approves the 4 Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – August 20, 2015 applications and the final approval is by the Board of Directors. Today’s action will approve the awarding of funding to the local nonprofits, City Utilities, and MoDOT. Mr. Weiler asked if more applications were received for vehicles then funding available. Ms. Longpine stated that it was really close but there were additional funds left that will be carried over. Mr. Weiler inquired if the funds will be lost or if the funding carries over to next year. Ms. Longpine stated that it had carried on and would have to be spent within 3 years. The old money gets spent first each time funding is awarded. Mr. Weiler stated that the issue was probably operating funds not necessarily capital funds. Ms. Longpine stated that the agencies try to request additional operational funds with the vehicles but only vehicles can be awarded with the projects. Mr. Weiler made the motion to approve the FTA 5310 Program of Projects. Mr. Griffith seconded and the motion carried unanimously. D. Public Participation Plan Evaluation Mr. Boley stated that periodically the OTO examines what it is doing with the public participation. He outlined what the OTO had done with the last evaluation. The OTO had a new logo, public comment address (comment@ozarkstransportation.org), 2 Facebook and Twitter campaigns, posters on City Utilities buses and terminals, and the Transportation Input Initiative Committee. The Transportation Input Initiative Committee conducted surveys, which resulted in 916 participants. The results will be used in the Long Range Transportation Plan. There were some performance measures established for this evaluation. He outlined the performance measures, such as monitoring social media, enhanced media communication, and redesigning the website. In addition there would be a transit system promotion. Staff will work with City Utilities Transit to get information to commuters about regional transit providers. Major Thoroughfare Plan Amendment Ms. Fields stated that the Major Thoroughfare Plan was being examined as part of the Long Range Transportation Plan update. The City of Springfield requested a quicker revision for the section of road for South Kansas Expressway between James River Freeway and Republic Road. The request is to reclassify it from an expressway to a primary arterial, about 1,000 feet long. The purpose is so that another driveway can be added from the Price Cutter property that would enter near the duel turn lanes that are part of Kansas Expressway right now. The main difference between the primary arterial and the expressway is reduced right‐of‐way, from 180 ft. to 110 ft. The directional median breaks are 660 ft. and full intersections are permitted closer together. Driveways are allowed at 330 ft. instead of 660 ft. The City of Springfield does enforce the Major Thoroughfare Plan, which is great when jurisdictions do that. However, the City of Springfield’s standards do not line up with the OTO standards exactly, being only 300 ft. Ms. Fields mentioned that in addition, that across Kansas there are businesses such as Subway and Arbys who might want the same accommodation for a driveway. She stated that there was history on this project since the Board of Directors had denied this request in 2011. The Federal Functional Classification was changed, because that is how the road is 5 Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – August 20, 2015 currently functioning. The volumes are just under 20,000, so it is functioning as a primary arterial. Once Kansas Expressway is extended those levels will increase. By 2035, it could be 8,000 to 10,000 higher. The OTO is recommending denial of the request. It is functioning at a pretty high volume. It is designed and developed as an expressway. There are no driveways there now. The less traffic conflicts in the area the better. The added propensity for accidents goes up with the addition of a driveway. The Technical Planning Committee also voted to deny this request. Mr. Weter inquired about the street north of Price Cutter. Ms. Fields stated it was Kingsley. Mr. Weter stated it appears that there are actually two access points off Kansas Expressway. Mr. Fisk stated that he did not want to be negative, but there was no reason to change because the volumes are going to increase in the future. It would be different if it was an existing development and the access was being taken away. Mr. Cirtin asked about the vote from the Technical Planning Committee. Ms. Fields stated it was unanimous. Mr. Smith stated that he was not at the Technical Planning Committee, but from the Public Works standpoint, there was a request for a driveway access that has been forwarded from the developer. The City of Springfield Public Works is not taking a position on it. Looking at the pros and cons, the pro is that when Kansas Expressway is extended south it will be a primary arterial. This would match the extension with James River Freeway being the breaking point. On the negative side, a driveway access this close to Republic Road would be a significant change. Mr. Bengsch inquired about what has changed since it was turned down in 2011 to make it desirable. Mr. O’Neal asked if there were any requests from the opposite side of Kansas Expressway from the other businesses. Ms. Fields stated not that staff was aware of. Mr. O’Neal inquired if the median in the middle would be eliminated. It appeared that this was simply the ability to make a right turn only into the developer’s project. Ms. Fields stated that it was a right turn out as well through two turn lanes, a through lane and possibly through a left turn lane. Mr. Smith said that the most significant movement is the right out. Mr. O’Neal asked for an update on the Kansas Expressway extension status. Mr. Artman gave an update on Greene County’s progress. Ms. Hickey stated that she drove the area every day and was not in support of the reclassification. She stated that there was already congestion and had had numerous near misses in the duel right turns already. She could not imagine another drive way there, it would create a lot of traffic congestion. Mr. Fisk made the motion to approve the proposed Major Thoroughfare Plan Amendment. Mr. Weiler seconded and the motion was denied unanimously. Mr. Cirtin stated that the OTO should send a letter to the developer informing of the denial of the reclassification. E. Major Thoroughfare Plan Ms. Longpine stated that the Long Range Transportation Plan Subcommittee had been reviewing the Major Thoroughfare Plan. This spring staff went to meet with each jurisdiction and had multiple meetings as a full committee, to review the potential changes to the Major Thoroughfare Plan. This is the goal for the transportation system in the future. 6 Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – August 20, 2015 In this case the year 2040. There were nearly 300 changes recommended. She outlined the changes. In addition there was an addition of rural collector to the design standards. The rural collector gives a 50 foot right‐of‐way and would be open ditch instead of having the curb and gutter requirement. This has been restricted to outside the tier two planning boundary in Christian County. There is also the area’s first boulevard at ZZ by the Wilson Creek National Battlefield. It is slightly larger than a principal arterial, with some additional median and landscaping. The Technical Planning Committee gave concurrence to these change. The OTO is looking for Board of Directors concurrence as well. The list will then go out to all the jurisdictions for approval by each community. Once the communities approve the Major Thoroughfare Plan and any recommended changes will be brought back to the Technical Planning Committee and Board of Directors for final approval. Mr. Fisk made the motion to concur with the Proposed Major Thoroughfare Plan Changes. Mr. Childers seconded and the motion was carried unanimously. F. Year‐End Financial Statements for 2014‐2015 Budget Year Ms. Fields stated that that Mr. Jim Krischke was not able to attend the meeting, but had reviewed the financials. The OTO auditor was in the OTO’s offices auditing these financials. No adjusting entries had been requested. She gave a summary of the OTO financial statements. The OTO was under budget at 78.4% of projected budget. The Travel Sensing Units were not purchased in the FY 2015. In addition a new FY 2016‐2019 TIP was not produced. The OTO Operating Fund Balance is healthy at $397,000. There is still the possible shutdown of the FTA Team payment system and OTO needs to be able to cash flow operations in that event or other situations. The OTO received it’s IRS Tax Status Determination as a designated Section 115. The OTO received a refund on part of the fee paid to the IRS for this designation. The refund was in the amount of $5,000. In addition, the OTO completed the close out of the OTO Great Southern Bank account and is now banking solely at US Bank. Mr. Bengsch made the motion to accept the Year‐end Financial Report. Mr. Weter seconded and the motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Cirtin added a note to the previous item on the Major Thoroughfare Plan Amendment. When the OTO writes the letter he wanted to make sure it was known it was an unanimous vote. G. Purchasing Manual Amendment Ms. Parks stated that when the manual was revised in April 2014 to match the FTA Purchasing Code, it stated that with leases under $100,000 it would be excluded from the formal bidding procedures. However, as the OTO starts to look into a possible relocation when the OTO’s lease expires, it was realized that leases over $100,000 were not excluded. It is hard to do a RFP for property listings, because it typically takes eight weeks to go through a RFP process. Listings will have changed during the eight weeks. The change to the purchasing manual would allow for open competition, but not require a formal bidding process. 7 Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – August 20, 2015 III. Mr. Smith made the motion to approve the Purchasing Manual Amendment. Mr. Fisk seconded and the motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Fisk inquired if the change was three properties or three different agents. He was not sure if one agent was competitive. Ms. Fields stated that there are real estate multi listings, and most agents have access to those lists. It would not preclude other agents, since the OTO has actually used several in this case. But at a minimum the OTO needs to look at three properties. The agents are commissioned based and do a lot of work. The use of more than one agent would not be mandated but not ruled out. The OTO could use as many agents as the Executive Committee and Board of Directors would like. Other Business A. Board of Directors Member Announcements Mr. Cirtin announced that Mr. Harold Bengsch had decided to run for reelection next year. Mr. Weiler announced the Springfield Branson National Airport had announced new Charlotte service on American Airlines beginning in November. There will be now 5 hubs, with about 25 flights out daily, for a total of 11 destinations. The airport is having a record year, with close to 900,000 projected to be in and out of the facility. Mr. Weiler also thanked Ms. Fields and the OTO for the help in obtaining a MoDOT grant in the amount of $500,000. The grant will help with the federally mandated upgrade at the US Customs office at the Springfield Branson National Airport. The US Customs office assists with the foreign trade zone that is made up of 23 counties. All bonded freight in the area via truck and rail also comes through the U.S. Customs office. The project is set to go to City of Springfield Council next Monday and hopefully the project will begin first part of next year. Ms. Smith handed out a survey from the City of Springfield. He announced that the City of Springfield had the one‐eight cent tax and the quarter cent capital improvement tax up for renewal in 2016. The survey was for the public to give input on projects and programs that would be considered in the renewal. The survey was not open to just residents but anyone who used the City of Springfield transportation system. There were 750 people who had taken the survey with a goal of over a 1,000. Mr. Weter stated that there is a willing candidate for the Christian County Citizen at Large position. It will be voted on at an upcoming Commission meeting. Mr. Cirtin asked if it was the first time the two taxes appeared on the same ballot. Mr. Smith stated it was. B. Transportation Issues For Board of Directors Member Review None. C. Articles for Board of Directors Member Information 8 Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – August 20, 2015 IV. Ms. Fields mentioned that one of the articles graphics did not print. The article is discussing the return on the federal sales tax. For every $1.00, Missouri gets $1.06 back. That is still a good deal. Mr. Weter mentioned that the Riverside Bride is now closed. It could be a permanent closure, it is still unknown. Adjourn meeting. Mr. Fisk made the motion to adjourn at 1:09. Mr. Weiler seconded and the meeting was adjourned. 9 Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – August 20, 2015 TAB 2 Public Comment gathered since last Board of Directors meeting 9/1/2015 at 11:17 a.m. Brandon McCoy Phone call Comment: Left a message about the status of the Rideshare program. He would like to promote the program on the Missouri State campus. Response: After discussion with Sara and Natasha called him back to say Ozarks Commute website will remain open till the end of the year and will be reevaluated at that time. Also informed him that the portal for MSU is up and running. 9/3/2015 at 7:47 a.m. Linda Jacobs Phone call Comment: She said she looked in the phone book for transportation and found our number and wanted to know what services we offered between Republic and Springfield. Response: I informed her that we do not offer any transit services but referred her to OATS and CU Transit once she was in Springfield. 9/23/2015 at 11:55 a.m. Chris Stueve Map It Comment: West Bypass (US 160) needs right turn lanes at Mt Vernon Street. Response: Posted to Map It. 9/23/2015 at 12:35 p.m. Chris Stueve Map It Comment: Route MM between I-44 and US 60 needs to be expanded to three lanes due to a significantly increased volume of large truck traffic to/from the Brookline Business Park, McLane Company distribution center, and Magellan gasoline distribution terminal. Response: Posted to Map It. 9/23/2015 at 4:04 p.m. No name given Phone call Comment: A woman called who is looking to buy 10 acres east of Nicholas Road in Christian County. Called to ask about proposed roads south between Springfield and Nixa, including FF extension. Asked about time frame also. I explained new proposed MTP shows connection to Nicholas, County is funding design right now with construction in phases later for KS. County is stopping before the bridge. Response: I suggested she look at Greene County Assessor website to review where they own ROW – she did ask if it is going by Stone Meadows. I also suggested she talk to Travis at Nixa Planning about any plans for a route east of Nicholas. 9/31/2015 at 4:36 p.m. Drew Behrens Map It Comment: This section of Elm Street is high in foot traffic along with cars. There are zero crosswalks connecting both sides of the street and is very hard to look left and right before crossing due to on-street parking. Response: Posted to Map It. TAB 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA 10/15/2015; ITEM II.A. Christian County Citizen Representative Ozarks Transportation Organization (Springfield, MO Area MPO) AGENDA DESCRIPTION: In April 2015 an amendment was approved to the bylaws to add an additional citizen representative from Christian County. The Christian County Commission has nominated Elise Crain to serve in that capacity on the OTO Board of Directors. The Board of Directors must make the official appointment. Bylaws: Section 6.1: Membership A. Board of Directors – Voting Members (provided entities listed below have joined the organization and are current in dues): 1. Two (2) Greene County Commissioner(s) 2. Three (3) Springfield City Council Member(s) 3. One (1) City Utilities Board Member 4. One (1) Springfield‐Branson Regional Airport Board Member 5. Four (4) Citizen At‐Large Representatives Preference shall be given to citizens with transportation knowledge. One (1) Member Nominated by the Board of Directors and Appointed by the MPO Two (2) Members Nominated by Springfield and Appointed by the MPO One (1) Member Nominated by the Christian County Commission and Appointed by the MPO. The Cities of Ozark and Nixa may submit candidates to the Christian County Commission for consideration. 6. One (1) Elected Official from the City of Republic 7. One (1) Elected Official from the City of Ozark 8. One (1) Elected Official from Christian County 9. One (1) Elected Official from the City of Nixa 10. One (1) Elected Official from the City of Willard 11. One (1) Elected Official from the City of Strafford 12. One (1) Elected Official from the City of Battlefield BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED: That a member of the Board of Directors makes the following motion: “Move to appoint Elise Crain as the Christian County nominated citizen at‐large representative.” TAB 4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA 10/15/2015; ITEM II.B. Amendment Number Seven to the FY 2015‐2018 Transportation Improvement Program Ozarks Transportation Organization (Springfield, MO Area MPO) AGENDA DESCRIPTION: There is one item included as part of Amendment Number Seven to the FY 2015‐2018 Transportation Improvement Program. The City of Springfield has asked to add STP‐Urban funding to the Commercial Street Streetscape project, which has been awarded Transportation Enhancement funding. The project has been expanded to include roadway and intersection improvements. STP‐Urban funding is proposed to be utilized. 1. *Update* Commercial Street Streetscape Phase 5 (EN1305) Updated to add $459,587 in STP‐Urban and reduce to $170,000 of local funding to complete streetscape improvements on Commercial Street between Benton and Washington and intersection improvements at Washington for a programmed total of $850,000, up from $400,000. The funding shown in Fiscal Year 2015 was also moved to Fiscal Year 2016. Construction is expected to start in the Spring. TECHNICAL PLANNING COMMITTEE ACTION TAKEN: The Technical Planning Committee approved the following motion: “Move to recommend that the Board of Directors approve Amendment 7 to the FY 2015‐2018 Transportation Improvement Program.” Since the Technical Planning Committee’s meeting, the funding was adjusted to increase STP‐Urban, so the project would have an 80 percent federal share. This potential change was discussed at the Technical Planning Committee meeting, but the numbers were not known at that time. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED: That a member of the Board of Directors make one of the following motions: “Move to approve Amendment 7 to the FY 2015‐2018 Transportation Improvement Program.” OR “Move to approve Amendment 7 to the FY 2015‐2018 TIP with the following changes…” Transportation Improvement Program - FY 2015-2018 Project Detail by Section and Project Number with Map D) Bicycle & Pedestrian Section AL TIP # EN1305 COMMERCIAL STREET STREETSCAPE PHASE 5 Route Commercial Street From Benton Avenue To Washington Avenue Location/Agency Federal Agency Responsible Agency City of Springfield Federal Funding Category TE MoDOT Funding Category None AC Year of Conv. STIP # Source Federal Local Phase CON CON FY2015 $220,413 $179,587 $400,000 FY2016 $0 $0 $0 FY2017 $0 $0 $0 FY2018 $0 $0 $0 Total $220,413 $179,587 $400,000 O R IG Fund Code FHWA (TE) LOCAL Totals IN Project Description Streetscape improvements along the north and south sides of Commercial Street from Benton Avenue to Washington, including an overlay on Commercial Street. Notes Source of Local Funds: City of Springfield 1/4-cent Capital Improvement Program D-1 Prior Cost Future Cost Total Cost $0 $0 $400,000 FY 2015-2018 Amendment 5 USDOT Approved 7/8/2015 Transportation Improvement Program - FY 2015-2018 Project Detail by Section and Project Number with Map D) Bicycle & Pedestrian Section PO SE D TIP # EN1305 COMMERCIAL STREET STREETSCAPE PHASE 5 Route Commercial Street From Benton Avenue To Washington Avenue Location/Agency City of Springfield Federal Agency FHWA Responsible Agency City of Springfield Federal Funding Category TE MoDOT Funding Category None AC Year of Conv. STIP # Project Description Streetscape improvements along the north and south sides of Commercial Street from Benton Avenue to Washington, including an overlay on Commercial Street and intersection improvements at Washington. Source Federal Federal Local Phase CON CON CON FY2015 $0 $0 $0 $0 FY2016 $459,587 $220,413 $170,000 $850,000 FY2017 $0 $0 $0 $0 FY2018 $0 $0 $0 $0 Total $459,587 $220,413 $170,000 $850,000 PR O Fund Code FHWA (STP-U) FHWA (TE) LOCAL Totals Notes Source of Local Funds: City of Springfield 1/4-cent Capital Improvement Program D-1 Prior Cost Future Cost Total Cost $0 $0 $850,000 FY 2015-2018 Amendment 7 Request 9/2/2015 FINANCIAL SUMMARY Bicycle & Pedestrian YEARLY SUMMARY PROJECT FHWA (STP) FHWA (STP-U) FHWA (TE) FHWA (TAP) Local LOCAL State MoDOT MoDOT-AC TOTAL FY 2015 EN1302 EN1305 EN1306 EN1307 EN1401 EN1502 EN1503 EN1504 EN1505 EN1506 EN1507 EN1508 EN1509 EN1510 EN1511 EN1512 EN1513 EN1514 EN1515 MO1309 SP1412 SP1414 SUBTOTAL $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $69,000 $69,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $48,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $9,791 $44,102 $0 $0 $0 $0 $101,893 $0 $0 $320,000 $200,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $175,000 $695,000 $240,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $122,966 $141,635 $40,034 $250,000 $192,680 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $160,000 $133,080 $0 $0 $240,000 $0 $0 $0 $2,030,395 $60,000 $0 $80,000 $50,000 $12,000 $0 $30,742 $35,409 $10,009 $141,176 $48,170 $179,000 $280,000 $62,500 $40,000 $33,270 $2,448 $11,026 $110,000 $0 $0 $30,000 $1,155,750 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $194,800 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $5,000 $118,600 $31,000 $349,400 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $779,200 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $20,000 $474,400 $0 $1,273,600 $300,000 $0 $400,000 $250,000 $60,000 $974,000 $153,708 $177,044 $50,043 $391,176 $240,850 $429,000 $530,000 $312,500 $200,000 $166,350 $12,239 $55,128 $350,000 $25,000 $593,000 $305,000 $5,675,038 FY 2016 EN1305 EN1513 EN1514 EN1601 MO1309 SUBTOTAL $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $459,587 $68,839 $310,055 $31,200 $0 $869,681 $220,413 $0 $0 $192,000 $0 $412,413 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $170,000 $17,210 $77,514 $0 $0 $264,724 $0 $0 $0 $55,800 $5,000 $60,800 $0 $0 $0 $0 $20,000 $20,000 $850,000 $86,049 $387,569 $279,000 $25,000 $1,627,618 FY 2017 MO1309 SUBTOTAL $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $5,000 $5,000 $20,000 $20,000 $25,000 $25,000 FY 2018 MO1309 SUBTOTAL $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $5,000 $5,000 $20,000 $20,000 $25,000 $25,000 $69,000 $971,574 $1,107,413 $2,030,395 $1,420,474 $420,200 $1,333,600 $7,352,656 GRAND TOTAL Ozarks Transportation Organization G-1 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program FINANCIAL CONSTRAINT Bicycle & Pedestrian STP PRIOR YEAR Balance FY 2015 Funds Anticipated Funds Programmed Running Balance FY 2016 Funds Anticipated Funds Programmed Running Balance FY 2017 Funds Anticipated Funds Programmed Running Balance FY 2018 Funds Anticipated Funds Programmed Running Balance $ STP-U - $ TE - $ TAP - $837,863 Local $ MoDOT - $ - MoDOT-AC $ - TOTAL $837,863 $69,000 $48,000 $695,000 $1,199,376 $1,155,750 $349,400 $1,273,600 $4,790,126 ($69,000.00) ($48,000.00) ($695,000.00) ($2,030,395.00) ($1,155,750.00) ($349,400.00) ($1,273,600.00) ($5,621,145.00) $0 $0 $0 $6,844 $0 $0 $0 $6,844 $ $ - $869,681 $412,413 ($869,681) ($412,413.00) $ $0 $0 $0 $ $ - $ $ $0 $ $ Ozarks Transportation Organization - $ $ $0 $0 $ $ - $ $ $0 - $ $0 - $ $0 $0 $ 264,724.00 $ (264,724.00) $6,844 $0 $612,826 $ $ $619,670 - $612,826 $ $ $1,232,496 - G-2 $60,800 ($60,800.00) $0 $20,000 $1,627,618 ($20,000.00) ($1,627,618.00) $0 $6,844 $0 $5,000 ($5,000.00) $0 $20,000 ($20,000.00) $0 $637,826 ($25,000.00) $619,670 $0 $5,000 ($5,000.00) $0 $20,000 ($20,000.00) $0 $637,826 ($25,000.00) $1,232,496 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program declining revenues from the Highway Trust Fund, as well as MoDOT’s declining ability to match federal funds, due to a decrease in projected state revenue. This table does not include OTO sub-allocated federal funding, such as STP-Urban, BRM, or Enhancement. Transit funding includes all formula funding distributed to the Springfield, MO area for FTA Sections 5307, 5310, and 5339 funding. Table G.1 Roadway Funding Transit Funding 2015 $27,240,000 $3,026,518 2016 $25,680,000 $3,026,518 2017 $8,750,000 $3,026,518 2018 $8,090,000 $3,026,518 The Ozarks Transportation Organization maintains fund balances for STP-Urban, On-System Bridge (BRM), and Transportation Alternative Program funds, making projections based on funding received in prior years, as well as funding allocations in the federal transportation bill. A three percent inflation rate has been used to forecast revenues and expenditures. OTO has accumulated balances in these funds from prior years. The TIP financial element is consistent with the OTO Long Range Transportation Plan, Journey 2035. FEDERAL SUB-ALLOCATED REVENUE The Ozarks Transportation Organization is responsible for selecting projects within three federal revenue categories. This means that OTO is responsible for project selection, programming, reasonable progress, and the maintenance of fund balances for STP-Urban, On-System Bridge (BRM), and Transportation Alternative Program funding categories. These fund balances are shown below. OTO has been receiving sub-allocated funding since 2003. The funds which have accumulated “except for Transit” since then are referred to as “Carryover Balance” below. OTO has elected to maintain a healthy reserve of suballocated STP-Urban funding in order to be able to fund larger regionally significant projects, hence the larger carryover balance shown. Table G.2 STP-Urban/Small Urban Carryover Balance through FY2014 Anticipated Allocation FY2015 Anticipated Allocation FY2016 Anticipated Allocation FY2017 Anticipated Allocation FY2018 Programmed through FY2018 Estimated Carryover Balance Through FY 2018 $23,213,240 $5,410,663 $5,414,570 $4,599,063 $4,599,063 ($15,919,902) $27,316,427 Table G.3 On-System Bridge (BRM) Carryover Balance through FY2014 Anticipated Allocation FY2015 Anticipated Allocation FY2016 Anticipated Allocation FY2017 Anticipated Allocation FY2018 Programmed through FY2018 Estimated Carryover Balance Through FY 2018 $1,542,036 $338,170 $338,170 $338,170 $338,170 ($1,189,657) $1,705,059 Ozarks Transportation Organization G-ii 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program REVENUE An explanation of revenue sources that provide for the operation and maintenance of the transportation system as well as the capital improvements to the transportation system may be found in the preceding pages under explanation of fiscal constraint. The following table highlights the ability of OTO jurisdictions to deliver local projects as shown in the project pages. Table G.9 Revenue City of Battlefield Total Available Revenue FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 $232,024.00 $232,024.00 $232,024.00 $232,024.00 Estimated Operations and Maintenance Expenditures Estimated TIP Project Expenditures ($3,731.00) ($3,806.00) ($3,882.00) ($3,960.00) ($13,474.00) ($94,724.00) $0.00 $0.00 Amount Available for Local Projects $214,819.00 $133,494.00 $228,142.00 $228,064.00 $1,724,056.00 $1,724.056.00 $1,724.056.00 $1,724.056.00 ($25,424.00) ($25,932.00) ($26,451.00) ($26,980.00) ($1,558,651.00) ($326,750.00) $0.00 $0.00 $510,244.00 $1,371,374.00 $1,697,605.00 $1,697,076.00 Total Available Revenue $640,830.00 $640,830.00 $640,830.00 $640,830.00 Estimated Operations and Maintenance Expenditures Estimated TIP Project Expenditures ($60,512.00) ($61,722.00) ($62,956.00) ($64,215.00) ($72,460.00) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Amount Available for Local Projects $507,858.00 $579,108.00 $577,874.00 $576,615.00 $1,670,475.00 $1,670,475.00 $1,670,475.00 $1,670,475.00 City of Nixa Total Available Revenue (prior reserves included) Estimated Operations and Maintenance Expenditures Estimated TIP Project Expenditures Amount Available for Local Projects City of Ozark City of Republic Total Available Revenue Estimated Operations and Maintenance Expenditures Estimated TIP Project Expenditures ($36,355.00) ($37,082.00) ($37,824.00) ($38,580.00) ($153,176.00) ($50,280.00) ($496,128.00) $0.00 Amount Available for Local Projects $1,480,944.00 $1,583,113.00 $1,136,523.00 $1,631,895.00 Total Available Revenue $21,305,118.00 $21,305,118.00 $21,305,118.00 $21,305,118.00 Estimated Operations and Maintenance Expenditures Estimated TIP Project Expenditures ($2,325,881.00) ($2,372,399.00) ($2,419,847.00) ($2,468,244.00) ($742,984.00) ($1,263,525.00) ($271,823.00) ($1,179,000.00) Amount Available for Local Projects $18,236,253.00 $17,669,194.00 $18,613,448.00 $17,657,874.00 City of Springfield Continued on next page… Ozarks Transportation Organization G-ix 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program Table G.9 Revenue FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 Total Available Revenue Estimated Operations and Maintenance Expenditures $100,297.00 $100,297.00 $100,297.00 $100,297.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Estimated TIP Project Expenditures ($72,500.00) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Amount Available for Local Projects $27,797.00 $100,297.00 $100,297.00 $100,297.00 City of Strafford City of Willard Total Available Revenue Estimated Operations and Maintenance Expenditures $467,355.00 $467,355.00 $467,355.00 $467,355.00 ($13,948.00) ($14,227.00) ($14,512.00) ($14,802.00) Estimated TIP Project Expenditures ($13,739.00) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Amount Available for Local Projects $439,668.00 $453,128.00 $452,843.00 $452,553.00 $1,541,779.00 $1,541,779.00 $1,541,779.00 $1,541,779.00 ($40,163.00) ($40,966.00) ($41,785.00) ($42,621.00) Estimated TIP Project Expenditures ($1,557,044.00) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Amount Available for Local Projects $1,501,616.00 $1,500,813.00 $1,499,994.00 $1,499,158.00 $21,647,886.00 ($106,796.00) $21,647,886.00 ($108,932.00) $21,647,886.00 ($111,111.00) $21,647,886.00 ($113,333.00) Estimated TIP Project Expenditures ($916,200.00) ($380,000) $0.00 $0.00 Amount Available for Local Projects $20,624,890.00 $21,158,954.00 $21,536,775.00 $21,534,553.00 Christian County Total Available Revenue Estimated Operations and Maintenance Expenditures Greene County Total Available Revenue Estimated Operations and Maintenance Expenditures Ozarks Transportation Organization G-x 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program TAB 5 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA 10/15/2015; ITEM II.C. Transportation Plan 2040 Vision and Goals Ozarks Transportation Organization (Springfield, MO Area MPO) AGENDA DESCRIPTION: Staff is in the process of updating the Long Range Transportation Plan. The OTO LRTP Subcommittee has been meeting to update the Plan. To date, the LRTP Subcommittee has reviewed and recommended changes to the Major Thoroughfare Plan and changes to the Roadway Design Standards, as well as reviewing public input. Most recently, they have drafted a vision and goals to guide further plan development. These were derived from the goals in the prior plan, the planning factors contained in the surface transportation legislation, and public input. Action items for the Plan will appear with these goals and will serve as a strategic plan for OTO planning activities until the next LRTP update. The draft vision and goals are included in this agenda packet. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED: Informational Only. No Action Requested. Vision An excellent transportation system supporting the success of the OTO Region Goals 1. Support the economic vitality of the region 2. Encourage productive land use through consistency between planned growth, economic development patterns and transportation improvements 3. Increase the Safety and Security of the Transportation System for all users 4. Increase accessibility and mobility for all transportation modes 5. Improve connections within and between all modes of transportation 6. Encourage efficient system management and operations 7. Preserve the existing transportation system and monitor system performance 8. Maximize Resources by promoting partnerships, collaboration and good planning principles 9. Actively seek reliable and stable transportation funding 10. Provide education and advocacy for transportation 11. Protect and Enhance the Environment when planning for transportation improvements 12. Support the efficient movement of goods TAB 6 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA 10/15/2015; ITEM II.D. OTO 2016 DBE PROGRAM GOAL Ozarks Transportation Organization (Springfield, MO Area MPO) AGENDA DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program is designed to assist small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including minorities and women, in participating in contracting opportunities created by DOT financial assistance programs. The program also helps small non‐minority owned business participate in contracting opportunities. The three major DOT operating administrations involved in the DBE Program are the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Among other things, DBE regulations require recipients of USDOT financial assistance to establish goals for the participation of disadvantaged entrepreneurs. OTO is required by the USDOT to have a DBE Program because it is a FHWA/FTA recipient that receives federal planning funds and will award prime contracts. OTO’s DBE calculation: OTO proposed 2016 DBE Goal – 0% OTO current 2015 DBE Goal – 0% As a requirement to receive and expend federal funds for third party contracts, USDOT requires OTO to establish a DBE goal based on methods established by USDOT. The DBE Program relates to efforts that support OTO’s non‐discrimination requirements under Title VI. There were no Title VI complaints for OTO in 2014. A public comment period was held from September 15 through October 14, 2014 for the OTO 2016 DBE goal. TECHNICAL PLANNING COMMITTEE ACTION TAKEN: At its September 16, 2015 meeting, the Technical Planning Committee recommended that the Board of Directors approve the proposed OTO 2016 DBE Program Goal. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED: That a member of the Board Directors makes one of the following motions: “Move to accept the OTO 2016 DBE Program Goal as proposed.” OR “Move to return to staff the OTO 2016 DBE Program Goal with the following modifications…..” DBE Goal Methodology OTO submits its overall goal to USDOT annually beginning with the base year 2015. In accordance with Federal Regulations CFR 49§26.45, OTO employees a two‐step process to calculate its DBE Program Goal. OTO 2016 DBE GOAL = 0% Step 1 Involves determining a “base figure” for the relative availability of DBEs in the area. The base figure is a percentage calculated as the ratio of available DBEs. The data sources used to derive available DBEs is as follows: 1. “Available DBEs” is derived from the total number of certified DBEs in the Missouri Regional Certification Committee (MRCC)1 DBE directory with the North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Codes of 23 ‐ Construction; 54 ‐ Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; and 42 ‐ Wholesale Trade for the (5) counties within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Step one Formula: Appendix D indicates there are 10 companies listed in the MRCC Directory within the Springfield MSA. 2. “All available” companies is derived from the total number of companies with the NAICS codes above found in the Census Bureau’s County Business Patterns (CBP) database in the five (5) counties within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Appendix D indicates there are 2645 businesses listed in the US Census. = .003780 Step 2 The second step involves examining available evidence to determine what adjustment, if any is needed to the base figure in order to arrive at the overall goal that reflects as accurately as possible the DBE participation OTO would expect in the absence of discrimination. A. Proposed OTO 2016 Goal B. OTO 2015 Goal (A X B)/2 = Goal Adjustment 1 MRCC – regional certification committee is the Missouri “one stop” DBE certification group. The Committee (MoDOT, KCMO, KCATA< Metro and Lambert Airport St. Louis, EWGCC, and MARC) is the statewide DBE certification certifiers. If certified by one of these agencies your certification is good throughout MO. To determine what types of adjustments, if any are needed to the base figure, additional sources of evidence was examined: 1. The current capacity of DBEs to perform work in OTO’s DOT‐assisted contracting program, as measured by the volume of work DBEs have performed in recent years. 2. Reviewed the last three (2) year bi‐annual reports (years 2013 through 2014) of DBE participation (0%) reported to FTA. Last 2 Years Goal Achieved Goal 2014 0% ‐ goal set by MoDOT 0% 2015 0% ‐ OTO 2015 Goal 0% To calculate the DBE goal, OTO averaged the base figure calculation 0% was averaged with the median of the volume of work DBEs performed in recent years (0%) thus providing the average of the two measures. There were no adjustments needed since OTO’s 2015 goal was 0%. APPENDIX D – OVERALL 2016 DBE GOAL 49 CFR §26.45 OTO uses the two step process outlined in 49 CFR §26.45. OTO utilizes the MRCC Directory to establish the base figure in step one. The MSA area includes Christian, Dallas, Greene, Polk and Webster counties. STEP ONE – DBE Calculation Step one Formula: OTO Step one: Formula: 0.003780 = rounds to 0 = Goal of 0 Number of DBE business in the MSA* NAICS Primary Business Catergory Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5 Total DBE NAICS** NAICS** NAICS** NAICS** NAICS** Activity by Companies in Code NAICS MSA Company 1 23 Construction 238110 237310 2 Company 2 23 Construction 237310 561730 238110 238990 237990 5 Company 3 23 Construction 237310 561730 2 Company 4 23 Construction 236220 541310 2 Company 5 54 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 541219 1 Company 6 54 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 541370 541330 2 Company 7 54 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 541990 484220 2 Company 8 541611 711510 237310 3 54 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Company 9 54 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 541310 1 Company 10 42 Wholesale Trade 423310 424690 425120 238330 238340 5 Total Activity by types 10 8 3 2 2 25 *MSA includes: Christian, Dallas, Green, Polk and Webster County http://contribute.modot.mo.gov/business/contractor_resources/External_Civil_Rights/mrcc.htm **NAICS Type is the specific line of business a company conducts in an industry. For example NAICS Code 23 is Construction. Company 1 located in the Springfield MSA specializes in two different types of construction: #238110 ‐ Poured Concrete Foundation and structure Contractors & #237310 ‐ Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction. Number of Business identified by NAICS Code in the MSA NAICS Total Establishments in Code Primary Business Catergory the MSA 23 Construction 984 54 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 1070 42 Wholesale Trade 591 Total 2645 * NAICS Indicates 2,645 established Small Businesses by relevant sectors. http://censtats.census.gov/ STEP TWO – Review for Needed Adjustments Step two involves examining available evidence determining what adjustments to the base figure are needed, if any. OTO utilizes the MRCC database. No adjustments needed. OTO’s 2015 goal was 0. OTO records and takes into consideration the DBE activities performed in DOT assisted contracts. No DBE activities performed in the DOT assisted contracts so additional consideration required for 2016. No adjustments needed. TAB 7 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA 10/15/2015; ITEM II.E. Rideshare Program Ozarks Transportation Organization (Springfield, MO Area MPO) AGENDA DESCRIPTION: In 2008 a web‐based carpool matching program was purchased through Rideshark. This program may be found at www.ozarkscommute.com. In 2012, FHWA ruled that OTO could not use Federal Planning funds to run a rideshare program. The City of Springfield offered a solution in which $10,000 annually in STP‐Urban funds off the top would be used before any sub allocation to jurisdictions and be transferred to the City of Springfield. The City of Springfield would pay RideShark for the ride matching service and promote the service at community events. A usage report is attached for review. There are eight employer portals that are active. The employers include the City of Springfield, Greene County, City Utilities, Mercy, Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College, Drury and Associated Electric Coop. Due to an oversight by the City of Springfield and failure to bill by the vendor, Rideshark was not paid for 2014 and 2015. After negotiation the total 2 year price has been reduced from $15,600 to $12,675. However, the City of Springfield is not able to pay for invoices that occurred in the past. The OTO budget must be amended to pay this invoice and a request is being made later in the agenda. An agreement has been reached to reimburse OTO for these expenses at a later date via the data plan service needs of the travel time sensing units. The City of Springfield has requested a review of the program by the OTO and a decision on if the program should be continued. TECHNICAL PLANNING COMMITTEE ACTION TAKEN: At its September 16, 2015 meeting, the Technical Planning Committee unanimously recommended to the OTO Board of Directors that the Rideshare Program be continued. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED: That a member of the Board of Directors makes one of the following motions: “Move to continue the Rideshare Program and associated annual $10,000 STP‐Urban transfer.” Or “Move to discontinue the Rideshare Program associated annual $10,000 STP‐Urban transfer..” OzarksCommute.com ‐ Ozarks Monday, June 29, 2015 Query Name Result Number Of Users Creating Account Time Frame 23 Past 182 Days Number Of Users Logging In 239 Past 182 Days Number Of Find Match Requests 123 Past 182 Days Number Of Distinct Users Searching For Matches 123 Past 182 Days Average Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.00 Past 182 Days Min Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.00 Past 182 Days Max Number Of Matches Found Per Search 5.00 Past 182 Days 60.00 Past 182 Days 2.87 Past 182 Days Number Of Commuting Partner Email Requests Sent 4 Past 182 Days Number Of Auto Match Notifications Sent 0 Past 182 Days Number Of Carpool Invitation Emails Sent 0 Past 182 Days Number Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Percentage Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match OzarksCommute.com ‐ Ozarks Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Query Name Result Number Of Users Creating Account 89 Past 365 Days 300 Past 365 Days Number Of Find Match Requests 87 Past 365 Days Number Of Distinct Users Searching For Matches 87 Past 365 Days Average Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.00 Past 365 Days Min Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.00 Past 365 Days Max Number Of Matches Found Per Search 6.00 Past 365 Days 59.00 Past 365 Days 2.99 Past 365 Days Number Of Commuting Partner Email Requests Sent 8 Past 365 Days Number Of Auto Match Notifications Sent 0 Past 365 Days Number Of Carpool Invitation Emails Sent 0 Past 365 Days Number Of Users Logging In Number Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Percentage Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Time Frame OzarksCommute.com ‐ Ozarks Tuesday, December 31, 2013 Query Name Result Time Frame Number Of Users Creating Account 230 Past 365 Days Number Of Users Logging In 406 Past 365 Days Number Of Find Match Requests 482 Past 365 Days Number Of Distinct Users Searching For Matches 118 Past 365 Days Average Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.96 Past 365 Days Min Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.00 Past 365 Days Max Number Of Matches Found Per Search 8.00 Past 365 Days Number Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match 66 Past 365 Days Percentage Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match 55.93 % Past 365 Days Number Of Commuting Partner Email Requests Sent 23 Past 365 Days Number Of Auto Match Notifications Sent 0 Past 365 Days Number Of Carpool Invitation Emails Sent 0 Past 365 Days OzarksCommute.com ‐ Ozarks Monday, December 31, 2012 Query Name Result Number Of Users Creating Account 114 Past 365 Days Number Of Users Logging In 283 Past 365 Days Number Of Find Match Requests 271 Past 365 Days 62 Past 365 Days Average Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.61 Past 365 Days Min Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.00 Past 365 Days Max Number Of Matches Found Per Search 4.00 Past 365 Days 29 Past 365 Days 46.77 % Past 365 Days 14 Past 365 Days Number Of Auto Match Notifications Sent 0 Past 365 Days Number Of Carpool Invitation Emails Sent 0 Past 365 Days Number Of Distinct Users Searching For Matches Number Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Percentage Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Number Of Commuting Partner Email Requests Sent Time Frame OzarksCommute.com – Ozarks Saturday, December 31, 2011 Query Name Result Time Frame Number Of Users Creating Account 136 Past 365 Days Number Of Users Logging In 264 Past 365 Days Number Of Find Match Requests 311 Past 365 Days 90 Past 365 Days Average Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.55 Past 365 Days Min Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.00 Past 365 Days Max Number Of Matches Found Per Search 7.00 Past 365 Days 53 Past 365 Days 58.89 % Past 365 Days 12 Past 365 Days Number Of Auto Match Notifications Sent 2 Past 365 Days Number Of Carpool Invitation Emails Sent 0 Past 365 Days Number Of Distinct Users Searching For Matches Number Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Percentage Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Number Of Commuting Partner Email Requests Sent OzarksCommute.com – Ozarks Friday, December 31, 2010 Query Name Result Number Of Users Creating Account 91 Past 365 Days Number Of Users Logging In 236 Past 365 Days Number Of Find Match Requests 174 Past 365 Days 60 Past 365 Days Average Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.98 Past 365 Days Min Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.00 Past 365 Days Max Number Of Matches Found Per Search 7.00 Past 365 Days 31 Past 365 Days 51.67 % Past 365 Days Number Of Commuting Partner Email Requests Sent 7 Past 365 Days Number Of Auto Match Notifications Sent 0 Past 365 Days Number Of Carpool Invitation Emails Sent 0 Past 365 Days Number Of Distinct Users Searching For Matches Number Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Percentage Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Time Frame OzarksCommute.com – Ozarks Thursday, December 31, 2009 Query Name Result Time Frame Number Of Users Creating Account 125 Past 365 Day Number Of Users Logging In 162 Past 365 Day Number Of Find Match Requests 328 Past 365 Day 75 Past 365 Day Average Number Of Matches Found Per Search 1.99 Past 365 Day Min Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.00 Past 365 Day Max Number Of Matches Found Per Search 8.00 Past 365 Day 29 Past 365 Day 38.67 % Past 365 Day Number Of Commuting Partner Email Requests Sent 6 Past 365 Day Number Of Auto Match Notifications Sent 0 Past 365 Day Number Of Carpool Invitation Emails Sent 0 Past 365 Day Number Of Carpool Invitations Accepted 0 Past 365 Day Number Of Carpool Invitations Accepted 0 Past 365 Day 795 Past 365 Day Number Of Distinct Users Searching For Matches Number Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Percentage Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Number Of Map Point Requests Consumed OzarksCommute.com – Ozarks Wednesday, December 31, 2008 Query Name Result Number Of Users Creating Account 40 Past 60 Days Number Of Users Logging In 40 Past 60 Days 250 Past 60 Days 17 Past 60 Days Average Number Of Matches Found Per Search 1.92 Past 60 Days Min Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.00 Past 60 Days Max Number Of Matches Found Per Search 5.00 Past 60 Days 6 Past 60 Days 35.29 % Past 60 Days 0 Past 60 Days 320 Past 60 Days Number Of Find Match Requests Number Of Distinct Users Searching For Matches Number Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Percentage Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Number Of Commuting Partner Email Requests Sent Number Of Map Point Requests Consumed Time Frame Since Inception Monday, June 29, 2015 Number Of Users Creating Account 814 Past 2431 Days Number Of Users Logging In 821 Past 2431 Days Number Of Find Match Requests 2026 Past 2431 Days Number Of Distinct Users Searching For Matches 2026 Past 2431 Days Average Number Of Matches Found Per Search 1.00 Past 2431 Days Min Number Of Matches Found Per Search 0.00 Past 2431 Days Max Number Of Matches Found Per Search 8.00 Past 2431 Days 1,093.00 Past 2431 Days 52.22 Past 2431 Days 74 Past 2431 Days Number Of Auto Match Notifications Sent 2 Past 2431 Days Number Of Carpool Invitation Emails Sent 0 Past 2431 Days Number Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Percentage Of Searching Users Who Did Not Find A Single Match Number Of Commuting Partner Email Requests Sent TAB 8 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA 10/15/2015; ITEM II.F. OPERATIONAL BUDGET AMENDMENT Ozarks Transportation Organization (Springfield, MO Area MPO) AGENDA DESCRIPTION: OTO has a Unified Planning Work Program budget, which serves as the grant budget and an operational budget that is the audited budget. Items which are not eligible for federal reimbursement appear on the operational budget only. Other than the few non‐eligible items, the in‐kind match and the planning activities of other partner organizations, the budgets contain the same items. This request is to amend the operational budget. The amendment request is for two purposes. 1) $12,675 is requested to be added to the budget in order to pay for carpool matching services at ozarkscommute.com that were used by the community and by OTO staff for calendar years 2014 and 2015. This is not being added to the UPWP budget because it is not eligible for reimbursement and will be paid with local funds provided through dues assessment. 2) $21,555 is being added to align with the recently approved UPWP amendment that provides funding for the OTO office relocation. The resulting amendment will be an increase in total OTO expenditures of $34,230. One additional item to note is the balance from June 30, 2016 has been increased to accurately reflect the fiscal year‐end balance resulting in an estimated ending operating fund balance increase to $440,945. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED: That a member of the Board of Directors makes the following motion: “Move to approve the OTO Operational Budget Amendment.” OR “Move to return the request to the Executive Committee to consider the following…” OTO Operational Budget DRAFT FY 2016 July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 Operating Fund Balance 12/31/2014 $295,462.27 Balance 6/30/2015 $397,781.93 Budgeted Amount FY 2016 Total Amount Budgeted FY 2016 Amended Budget Total Amended Budget ESTIMATED REVENUES Cost Category Ozarks Transportation Organization Revenue Consolidated FHWA/FTA PL Funds Local Jurisdiction Match Funds Total Ozarks Transportation Organization Revenue $714,708 $131,306 $731,952 $131,306 $846,014 TOTAL REVENUE $863,258 $846,014 $863,258 ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES Cost Category Personnel Salaries Payroll Tax Retirement Health & Dental Insurance Employee Family Insurance Contribution * Mobile Data Plans Payroll Services Total Personnel Budgeted Amount FY 2016 Total Amount Budgeted FY 2016 $298,360.59 $21,899.70 $40,978.25 $41,347 ($8,081) $2,700 $2,800 Amended Budget FY 2016 $298,360.59 $21,899.70 $40,978.25 $41,347.00 ($8,081) $2,700.00 $2,800.00 $400,004 Building Building Lease/Utilities Utilities Office Cleaning Parking Total Building $52,641 $3,000 $1,440 Commodities Office Supplies/Furniture OTO Promotional Items (not included in UPWP) Publications Public Input Promotional Items $57,081 $10,000 $2,000 $550 $6,000 $400,004 $62,696 $2,000 $3,000 $1,440 $69,136 $13,000 $2,000 $550 $6,000 $18,550 Total Commodities $21,550 Information Technology Computer Upgrades/Equipment Replacement/Repair Data Backup/Storage $6,000 $3,300 $6,000 $3,300 GIS Licenses $7,250 $7,250 IT Maintenance Contract Software Webhosting Total Information Technology $9,000 $3,000 $2,000 $9,000 $3,000 $2,000 1 Total Amended Budget $30,550 $30,550 ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES Continued Cost Category Insurance Board of Directors Insurance Errors & Ommissions Liability Insurance Workers Comp Total Insurance DRAFT Budgeted Amount FY 2016 $3,100 $3,100 $1,300 $1,400 Operating Bank Fees (not included in UPWP) Copy Machine Lease Education/Training/Travel Food/Meeting Expense Legal/Bid Notices Staff Mileage Reimbursement Postage/Postal Services Printing/Mapping Services Dues/Memberships Public Input Event Registrations Telephone/Internet Total Operating Services Aerial Photos Audit Professional Services (Legal & Accounting) TIP Tool Maintenance Travel Time Collection Units Travel Time Runs and Data Collection Travel Model Consultant Rideshare (not included in UPWP) Total Services TOTAL OTO Expenditures Total Amount Budgeted FY 2016 $8,900 Amended Budget FY 2016 $3,100 $3,100 1300 1400 $480 $3,000 $25,000 $6,000 $480 $3,000 $25,000 $6,000 $10,000 $3,300 $5,000 $25,000 $8,000 $2,500 $4,000 $10,000 $3,300 $5,000 $25,000 $8,000 $2,500 $5,500 $92,280 $40,000 $4,900 $12,000 $9,600 $80,000 $12,000 $20,000 Total Amended Budget FY 2016 $8,900 $93,780 $40,000 $4,900 $17,000 $9,600 $80,000 $12,000 $20,000 $12,675 $178,500 $785,865 $196,175 $820,095 Estimated Net Increase in Operating Fund Balance $60,149 $43,163 Estimated Ending Operating Fund Balance 6/30/2016 $355,611 $440,945 * Employee Family Insurance Contribution Witholding is debited to the health insurance account. 2 TAB 9 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA 10/20/2015; ITEM II.G. OTO Appointment of a Nominating Committee Ozarks Transportation Organization (Springfield, MO Area MPO) AGENDA DESCRIPTION: Pursuant to OTO By‐Laws, the OTO Board of Directors shall elect the OTO Officer positions and the Executive Committee positions for the 2016 OTO Board of Directors. A nominating committee is needed to select a slate of candidates to be presented at the December meeting. Please find below a listing of the current officers. Position 2015 Officers Jurisdiction Chairman Ken McClure City of Springfield Vice‐Chairman Bob Cirtin Greene County Secretary J. Howard Fisk Citizen At‐Large Treasurer Jim Krischke City of Republic Past‐Chairman Ray Weter Christian County Executive Committee Brian Bingle City of Nixa Executive Committee Steve Childers City of Ozark The by‐laws outline an adopted chair rotation between Springfield, Greene County and Christian County. The rotation is reflected below. Position 2016 Officers Jurisdiction Chairman Bob Cirtin Greene County Vice‐Chairman Ray Weter Christian County Secretary ____________ _____________ Treasurer ____________ _____________ Past‐Chairman Ken McClure City of Springfield _____________ Executive Committee ____________ Executive Committee ____________ _____________ Anyone interested in serving can contact the Executive Director who will pass the information on to the nominating committee. The Executive Director will also ask the existing Officers and Executive Committee members if they are interested in continuing to serve. The nominating committee will likely meet via email with the list of those interested and compile a list of candidates. The appointments will be made at the December Board meeting for the 2016 OTO Board of Directors. BYLAWS: Section 6.1: Membership A. Board of Directors – Voting Members (provided entities listed below have joined the organization and are current in dues): 1. Two (2) Greene County Commissioner(s) 2. Three (3) Springfield City Council Member(s) 3. One (1) City Utilities Board Member 4. One (1) Springfield‐Branson Regional Airport Board Member 5. Three (3) Citizen At‐Large Representatives One (1) Member Nominated by the Board of Directors and Appointed by the MPO Two (2) Members Nominated by Springfield and Appointed by the MPO 6. One (1) Elected Official from the City of Republic 7. One (1) Elected Official from the City of Ozark 8. One (1) Elected Official from Christian County 9. One (1) Elected Official from the City of Nixa 10. One (1) Elected Official from the City of Willard 11. One (1) Elected Official from the City of Strafford 12. One (1) Elected Official from the City of Battlefield Section 6.4: Officers A. The Board of Directors shall elect a representative from their membership to serve as Chairman at their initial meeting. The Chairman shall serve a one (1) year term to expire the first meeting of the calendar year following the first full‐year of the position. Thereafter, each one (1) year term shall commence at the first meeting of the calendar year and end at the first meeting of the following calendar year. There must be a majority of the voting members present to vote on the Chairman position. The Chairman shall follow the adopted rotation schedule between Springfield, Greene County and Christian County as approved by the Board of Directors on December 18, 2003. Following expiration of the one‐year term, the Chairman shall become the immediate past‐Chair and will continue in that capacity as an officer of the Board. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTION REQUESTED: That a member of the Board of Directors makes the following motion: “Move to appoint the following three Board members to the OTO Board nominating committee to make nominations for the Board officers” 1. _______________________________ 2. _______________________________ 3. _______________________________ TAB 10 10/5/2015 AASHTO Journal - October 2, 2015 - Tax Reform Remains Possible Funding Source for HTF AASHTO Journal Search Go FOLLOW US ON: HOME AASHTO HOME DAILY TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION STATE DOT JOURNAL TV AASHTO JOURNAL UPDATE DAILY TRANSPORTATION UPDATE NEWS SUBSCRIBE NEWS RELEASES TRANSPORTATION TV Print Story Tax Reform Remains Possible Funding Source for HTF AASHTO Journal The likely successor to outgoing House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said that passing a highway bill is among his top priorities. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-California) said on the TV program Morning Joe that "The fundamental change I'm going to make as Speaker, we're going to get the highway bill done." The current surface transportation authorization expires Oct. 29, meaning the House has limited time to tackle a bill. Most experts believe that Congress will pass a short-term extension of the current authorization to give the House more time to develop its bill. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has not yet scheduled a hearing to markup draft legislation. The Senate in June passed a six-year bill known as the DRIVE Act. However, the Senate bill only included enough funding, $275 billion, to pay for three years of programs. When challenged on whether his statements about passing a highway bill were simply political rhetoric, McCarthy said, "If we pass a highway bill with tax reform at the same time, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, the likely next Speaker of the House, says the House will consider a transportation bill in October. Photo courtesy Cong. McCarthy Flickr. that's policy. That changes the inversion process. That means more money comes back to America." He went on to add, "That puts a six-year highway bill onto the floor and starts moving and building roads that we need in American infrastructure." McCarthy said the House's six-year transportation bill would not increase the federal gas tax. Instead, funding would come from restructuring the tax code. He added that the House bill would include program reforms to speed project delivery and reduces federal environmental regulations. "We're going to find a bill done next month that is a six-year highway bill," McCarthy said. Meanwhile, House and Senate negotiations over a proposed international tax overhaul continued as legislators http://www.aashtojournal.org/Pages/100215Funding.aspx 1/2 10/5/2015 AASHTO Journal - October 2, 2015 - Tax Reform Remains Possible Funding Source for HTF acknowledged disagreements over potential revenue amounts that could be used to fund a transportation bill. CQ and Bloomberg both reported that Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York) was asking for more funding that the bipartisan panel was likely to accept, leaving observers pessimistic that international tax reform could provide enough support for a six-year transportation bill. The House and Senate were able to agree on a short-term plan for the federal budget Sept. 30 that avoided a government shutdown. The legislation funds the government through Dec. 11. The full interview with McCarthy is available here, https://youtu.be/21nSB_wCWOE. Questions regarding this article may be directed to editor@aashtojournal.org. October 02, 2015 About AASHTO • Legal Information • Privacy Policy • Copyright Notice © American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. 444 N Capitol St. NW - Suite 249 - Washington, DC 20001 http://www.aashtojournal.org/Pages/100215Funding.aspx 2/2 10/5/2015 Local News Releases MoDO T Hom e Home | Cont act Us | Em ail/ Te x t Updat e s Travelers Business Search News & Information Road Work Major Projects Programs Services Safety HOME >> SOUTHWEST >> NEWS AND INFORMATION >> LOCAL NEWS RELEASES Careers Contact Us District Map Local New s Releases Southwest District Office 417.895.7600 October 02, 2015 09:57 AM Battl ef i el d Road/ Route 65 I nter change P r oject F I NAL U pdate & Thank Y ou -- October 2, 2015 Th e w ork to replace th e Battlefield Road bridge over Rou te 6 5 , con vert th e in terch an ge to a divergin g diam on d an d add a traffic sign al at Battlefield Road an d W oodstock Aven u e is com pleted. Alth ou gh , you m igh t see som e clean u p w ork arou n d th e project. J u st a n ote to say th an k you for you r patien ce as th is very com plex project w as com pleted U NDER traffic. W e appreciate you r safe drivin g as you n avigated traffic sh ifts, closed lan es, closed roads, closed ram ps an d a sea of oran ge con es. W e also w ou ld like to th an k Hartm an Con stru ction , th e prim e con tractor, for com pletin g th e project on tim e. W e h ope you fin d th e im provem en ts h ave greatly im proved safety an d traffic flow at a very bu sy in tersection ! Traveler I n form ation Traveler Map Ozarks Traffic Text Alerts - Sign Up! W ork Sch edu led: Qu ick L in ks General cleanup work and removal of orange cones and barricade boards Y ou r L ocal Area En gin eer Traffic I m pacts: Report a Road Con cern The new traffic signal at Woodstock Avenue and Battlefield Road will remain in the flash mode until Wednesday, October 7, when it will be placed into full operation Short-term lane closings to allow equipment to enter and leave work areas Project Freeway: U.S. 60 Rogersville ( W eath er or con stru ction delays cou ld alter th e w ork sch edu le.) Y ou r L ocal MoDOT P roject Su m m ary: Replace Battlefield Road bridge over Route 65 one-half at a time Convert interchange to a Diverging Diamond configuration Build northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes on Route 65 to connect Sunshine Street and Battlefield Road ramps Install new traffic signal at Battlefield Road and Woodstock Avenue Get your local district information. Project information with live camera view Prime Contractor: Hartman and Company, Inc., Springfield Total Project Cost: $12.5 million Partnership Project: City of Springfield, Greene County, Ozarks Transportation Organization, Jack Henry & Associates, Justice Jewelers and McLean Enterprises, Inc. To learn more about MoDOT's direction and funding shortfalls, subscribe to View from the Chair. Follow MoDOT's Sou th w est District: Facebook: MoDOT.Sou th w est Tw itter: MoDOT_ Sou th w est Google+: +MoDOT/ Sou th w est District Li nks to r el ated i nf or mati on: Battlefield Road/Route 65 Interchange Project Abou t U s How Do I ... Who We Are Obtain a drivers license Our Mission, Values and Tangible Results Adopt a section of highway Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission View construction projects Annual Reports Request a highway map Con tact U s Missouri Department of Transportation Central Office 105 W. Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, MO 65102 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) 1-866-831-6277 (Motor Carrier Services) http://www.modot.org/southwest/news_and_information/District8Release.shtml?action=displaySSI&newsId=203878 1/2 Other Transportation Services Multimodal Operations & Motor Carrier Services MoDOT’s mission includes responsibility for other modes of transportation such as rail, river, air and public transportation. In these areas, most of MoDOT’s funding comes from federal sources or from state funds that must be appropriated by the Legislature from general revenue because the State Road Fund revenues are constitutionally required to be spent on roads and bridges. n n n n n n n Aviation – Missouri has 125 public-use airports and 35 business-capable airports. Railroads – Missouri has 4,822 miles of mainline railroad track. Kansas City and St. Louis are the nation’s second- and third-largest freight rail hubs. Waterways – Missouri has 1,050 miles of navigable rivers and 14 public river ports, including St. Louis that is the 3rd largest inland port in the U.S. Public Transit – More than 70 million public transit trips are made by Missourians per year. Some form of public transportation exists in all 114 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis. Freight Development – Missouri is ideally suited to become a national freight leader due to its extensive transportation network and central U.S. location. Trucks, planes, barges and trains in Missouri move 1 billion tons of freight each year valued at $1.2 trillion. Bicycle & Pedestrian – MoDOT has approximately 600 miles of shared-use paths on the state system, and works with planning partners to create transportation facilities that accommodate non-motorized travel. Motor Carrier Services - Motor Carrier Services helps commercial motor carriers get the information, credentials and permits they need to conduct business in Missouri. MCS also enforces safety and economic regulations, making the highway a more fair and safe workplace. Safety Since 2005, traffic fatalities on Missouri roadways have fallen to the lowest totals since the late 1940s. Through research and analysis of traffic crash data, MoDOT’s Traffic and Highway Safety Division develops programs that address high-risk driver behaviors such as impaired driving, failure to use safety belts and child safety seats, speeding and distracted driving. MoDOT works with safety advocates across the state to implement Missouri’s Blueprint to Save More Lives. The aim of the blueprint is to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and reach a goal of 700 or fewer by 2016, with the ultimate goal of zero. Traffic Crash Fatalities, 2006-2014 1200 Meet MoDOT September 2015 Committed to Transportation The Missouri Department of Transportation is committed to providing the public with a safe and modern transportation system. MoDOT designs, builds and maintains roads and bridges and works to improve airports, river ports, railroads, public transit systems and pedestrian and bicycle travel. The agency also administers motor carrier and highway safety programs. Interim Director – Roberta Broeker Chief Engineer – Ed Hassinger Chief Counsel – Rich Tiemeyer Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission is a six-member, bipartisan board that governs the Missouri Department of Transportation. Commission members are appointed for six-year terms by the governor and are confirmed by the Missouri Senate. No more than three commission members may be of the same political party. The commission appoints the MoDOT director and the secretary to the commission. The director is responsible for appointing or hiring all other employees. Chair – Stephen Miller, Kansas City Vice Chair – Joe Carmichael, Springfield Commissioner – Mary Nelson, St. Louis Commissioner – Gregg Smith, Clinton Commissioner – Tom Waters, Jr., Orrick Commissioner – Michael Pace, West Plains 1096 992 900 960 878 821 826 786 766 757 600 Commission Secretary – Pamela Harlan 300 Highways and Bridges MoDOT plans, designs, constructs and maintains 33,895 miles of highways and 10,376 bridges – the nation’s seventh largest state highway system, with more miles than Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas’ systems combined. Missouri also has more major river bridges, 53, than any other state. Missouri ranks 47th nationally in revenue per mile, primarily because the state’s large system is funded with one of the lowest fuel taxes in the country. Missouri’s revenue per mile is $51,203. By contrast, New Jersey’s revenue per mile of $1,677,140 ranks first. 0 As part of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, MoDOT assists in strategic implementation of safety measures in the areas of education, enforcement, engineering and emergency medical services to reduce the number of fatal and disabling injury accidents on Missouri roadways. 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 136 £ ¤ Contacting MoDOT 29 ¨ § ¦ WORTH KNOX DEKALB BUCHANAN 169 LINN MACON SHELBY MARION CLINTON MONROE 65 £ ¤ MARSHALL HOWARD SALINE LAFAYETTE COOPER CALLAWAY JOHNSON ST. CHARLES North St. Louis PETTIS CASS BENTON BATES ST. CLAIR OSAGE MORGAN HICKORY MILLER MARIES FRANKLIN JEFFERSON CAMDEN CRAWFORD PHELPS VERNON PULASKI IRON DALLAS LACLEDE DADE TEXAS JASPER LAWRENCE CARTER HOWELL MCDONALD STONE TANEY OZARK ¨ § ¦ RIPLEY OREGON LEBANON MONETT 49 ¨ § ¦ NEOSHO 59 S T 71 £ ¤ 86 S T 37 S T 76 S T 63 £ ¤ 76 S T 13 S T 61 £ ¤ 32 S T 32 S T PERRYVILLE 51 S T B C STODDARD BUTLER PEMISCOT DUNKLIN 61 £ ¤ AB B C BRANSON 160 £ ¤ CAPE GIRARDEAU SCOTT CITY 57 ¨ § ¦ S T 5 S T 160 £ ¤ 19 S T POPLAR BLUFF 21 S T 105 S T £ ¤ 142 T S 21 S T DEXTER 80 S T 60 £ ¤ 53 S T 160 67 £ ¤ 8,180 Miles SPRINGFIELD CARTHAGE 91 S T 25 160 £ ¤ 63 £ ¤ PERRYVILLE 55 ¨ § ¦ 51 T S 67 £ ¤ 19 S T WEST PLAINS FARMINGTON SALEM CAPE GIRARDEAU 49 S T S T 181 T S CC LEBANON BOLIVAR 21 S T 60 £ ¤ 5 S T PARK HILLS FORT LEONARD WOOD 72 S T 19 FORSYTH DE SOTO NEVADA FARMINGTON SIKESTON 65 £ ¤ 465 T S SULLIVAN ROLLA 34 S T 14 S T 248 T S 72 S T CEDAR HILL ST. CLAIR 67 £ ¤ 49 S T 19 S T ST. LOUIS WASHINGTON JEFFERSON CITY ELDON CLINTON DE SOTO 17 T S 60 £ ¤ 265 T S 32 S T WHITEMAN AFB SEDALIA PARK HILLS 49 S T SALEM 5 S T 47 S T 8 S T 19 S T 72 S T WARRENSBURG HARRISONVILLE UNION 21 T S 44 ¨ § ¦ FORT LEONARD WOOD MARSHFIELD 413 T S CLAIR 68 S T 32 S T S T AURORA 19 T S WARRENTON ST. LOUIS 55 ¨ § ¦ ROLLA 17 S T 64 S T 44 ¨ § ¦ 44 28 T S £ ¤ 65 £ ¤ SPRINGFIELD 30 S T ST. SULLIVAN 42 S T ¨ § ¦ SCOTT CITY MARSHFIELD AURORA SIKESTON JOPLIN POPLAR BLUFF MONETT MALDEN 53 S T 53 S T 25 T S BRANSON 55 ¨ § ¦ 155 ¨ § ¦ 164 T S WEST PLAINS MALDEN 62 £ ¤ KENNETT 412 £ ¤ DEXTER NEOSHO FORSYTH SCOTT CHRISTIAN DOUGLAS BARRY CAPE GIRARDEAU WAYNE SHANNON NEWTON 37 S T S T 28 63 £ ¤ 5 T S 39 JOPLIN 60 £ ¤ REYNOLDS WEBSTER WRIGHT T S 249 S T S T PERRY ST. FRANCOIS 52 S T BOLIVAR CEDAR HILL TROY FULTON 141 UNION 7 S T CARTHAGE 171 WASHINGTON COLUMBIA PLEASANT HILL 270 170 ¨ § ¦ 44 § ¨ ¦ T S 47 S T 100 T S BOONVILLE 67 £ ¤ 370 S T 364 T S 364 T S 64 141 ¨ § ¦ T S 70 ¨ § ¦ 50 £ ¤ 54 32 S T ODESSA KANSAS CITY 47 S T 19 S T 54 £ ¤ JEFFERSON CITY 7 S T 160 £ ¤ 171 S T DENT 50 £ ¤ ELDON 13 S T 39 S T 19 T S WARRENTON 52 S T 83 S T 54 £ ¤ 49 § ¨ ¦ STE. GENEVIEVE MADISON GREENE NEVADA 59 CEDAR POLK St. Louis City Southwest St. Louis MONITEAU HENRY 65 £ ¤ 82 S T MEXICO MARSHALL TROY 70 ¨ § ¦ FULTON WHITEMAN AFB 52 S T BOWLING GREEN RICHMOND £ ¤ 40 £ ¤ CLINTON 52 T S LINCOLN WARREN EXCELSIOR SPRINGS 61 £ ¤ 79 S T 5 S T 52 S T BOWLING GREEN MEXICO 240 5 S T T S COLUMBIA BOONVILLE 7 S T BOONE JACKSON 22 S T 63 SEDALIA 49 ¨ § ¦ HANNIBAL MACON MOBERLY KEARNEY 54 £ ¤ 240 5 S T T S 41 T S ODESSA AUDRAIN COLE For more information, contact: 1-888-ASK MoDOT (275-6636) www.modot.org 24 £ ¤ 2 S T PIKE BARTON 573.225.3574 573.421.0373 417.252.1816 10 S T 70 ¨ § ¦ 19 S T 5 S T RICHMOND CHILLICOTHE ST. JOSEPH 79 S T 24 £ ¤ EXCELSIOR SPRINGS 69 £ ¤ 291 S T CAMERON HANNIBAL 15 T S MOBERLY 50 £ ¤ 291 S T 13 PLEASANT S T 58 HILL T S 58 291 S T T S WARRENSBURG HARRISONVILLE RALLS RANDOLPH CHARITON CARROLL RAY 24 £ ¤ 36 £ ¤ 36 £ ¤ 13 S T 435 470 ¨ § ¦ ¨ § ¦ KANSAS CITY CALDWELL LIVINGSTON CLAY 417.766.3238 417.529.4120 417.895.7685 417.829.8036 435 § ¨ ¦ £ ¤ LEWIS GRAPHICS Darin Hamelink Beth Schaller Andy Mueller Laurel McKean 92 S T ADAIR GRUNDY MISSISSIPPI Brian Okenfuss David Wyman Chris Rutledge Southwest 35 ¨ § ¦ KEARNEY TRENTON MACON 5 S T DAVIESS PLATTE 573.301.4202 660.281.1295 573.346.3053 29 ¨ § ¦ S T 6 5 T S 36 £ ¤ 65 £ ¤ 169 £ ¤ T S ANDREW NEW MADRID Southeast 314.453.1799 314.340.4356 314.453.1879 636.240.7393 314.453.5021 Preston Kramer Mike Schupp Bob Lynch SULLIVAN HOLT BOLLINGER Michelle Voegele Karen Yeomans Lisa Kuntz Jim Wright Judy Wagner Central GENTRY 660.651.1955 660.349.0892 636.528.3164 WASHINGTON St. Louis 660.886.9733 816.622.0500 816.645.6090 Amy Crawford Brian Haeffner Erik Maninga 45 S T CHILLICOTHE 36 £ ¤ 116 MONTGOMERY Mike McGrath Matthew Killion Shelie Daniel Northeast CLARK £ ¤ KIRKSVILLE 61 £ ¤ 6 S T 63 6 S T 6 T S CAMERON ST. JOSEPH 59 £ ¤ SCHUYLER GASCONADE Kansas City 816.262.1797 816.271.6938 PUTNAM MERCER HARRISON NODAWAY 6 T S 27 S T 15 S T TRENTON 31 T S 59 £ ¤ 229 ¨ § ¦ S T KIRKSVILLE 6 6 S T 169 £ ¤ SCOTLAND 5 S T 35 ¨ § ¦ 159 £ ¤ 136 £ ¤ MARYVILLE 136 £ ¤ 65 £ ¤ 136 £ ¤ 15 S T 5 S T 136 £ ¤ 169 £ ¤ MARYVILLE ATCHISON Tonya Lohman Mike Rinehart 148 S T 136 £ ¤ 71 £ ¤ Area Engineers Supplementary Highway System Primary Highway System For more information, go to www.savemolives.com 59 £ ¤ Northwest Asst. Chief Engineer – Kathy Harvey CARUTHERSVILLE 25,715 Miles KENNETT CARUTHERSVILLE Maintenance and Traffic Management Missouri Lags Behind It requires $485 million per year just to keep Missouri’s transportation system in the condition it is in today. That includes keeping highways, bridges, roadsides and rest areas in good condition, striping, snow removal, mowing, litter removal and traffic management. Missouri has a lower fuel tax rate than almost any of its neighbors. Yet it has a larger state-maintained highway system than all of them. Average annual maintenance costs for some of these activities include: Snow Removal - $45 million (with 177,000 tons of salt used per winter) Mowing – $22.8 million Gasoline 31.0 Diesel 32.5 Miles 8,893 Gasoline 26.3 Diesel 26.3 Miles 9,948 Litter Removal – $5.7 million Signals – Traditional traffic signals cost between $100,000 to $150,000 to install, and about $4,100 a year to maintain. Gasoline 19.0* Diesel 21.5* Miles 15,986 Gasoline 24.0 Diesel 26.0 Miles 10,298 Signs –Between 80,000-100,000 signs are needed each year to replace existing signs that are worn out or damaged. These signs are produced by private sign fabricators contracted to provide sign manufacturing services for MoDOT maintenance operations. There are approximately 800,000 signs on the state highway system. Costs for these signs vary because they come in many shapes and sizes, but the average stop sign costs $400 to make and install. Gasoline 17.0 Diesel 17.0 Miles 33,887 Gasoline 30.9** Diesel 27.9** 27,620 Miles Funding Federal Funding Gasoline 17.0 Diesel 14.0 Miles 12,265 Gasoline 20.0 Diesel 17.0 Miles 13,899 Gasoline 21.5 Diesel 22.5 Miles 16,411 The largest source of Missouri’s transportation revenue is from the federal government. That is primarily derived from Missouri’s share of the nation’s 18.4-cent per gallon tax on gasoline and 24.4-cent per gallon tax on diesel fuel. It also includes various highway user fees and other grants. The federal fuel tax last changed in 1993. State Funding *Does not include local sales tax varying from 13-22 cents per gallon. **Variable tax based on average wholesale price, adjusted quarterly. MoDOT also receives revenues from state sources. The largest source of state revenue is from the state’s 17-cent per gallon fuel tax. MoDOT also receives a 9-cent per gallon tax on aviation fuel and a share of vehicle and driver licensing fees, as well as sales and use taxes on motor vehicle purchases and leases. Fuel tax, license fees and motor vehicle sales tax revenue may only be used on the state’s roads and bridges, per the Missouri Constitution. Current Fuel Tax Rates Gasoline and diesel fuel tax rates are shown in Cents Per Gallon. Miles are shown in center line miles of the state maintained highway system. How Much Does it Cost? Construction The average construction costs of a roadway or bridge can fluctuate greatly depending on a number of factors. Roadway construction costs vary due to the type (interstate vs. state route), terrain and number of interchanges and bridges in a project. Bridge construction costs are dependent on the type of bridge and the requirements at the location of the bridge. The charts shown here outline typical, average costs to build or maintain a Missouri highway or bridge. Average Costs to Build or Maintain Missouri Highways Cost to Resurface (per lane mile)* Major Highway $157,000 Interstate $180,000 Cost for New Construction (per mile)** Two-Lane Highway $1.8 million Four-Lane Highway $4.6 million Average Costs to Build or Maintain Missouri Bridges Cost to Rehabilitate Minor Bridge $325,000 Major Bridge $15 million Cost to Replace Minor Bridge Major Bridge $655,000 $10 -$250 million In the last 10 years, MoDOT completed 4,606 projects worth $12.2 billion, 6.3 percent under budget. Last year, 71 percent of MoDOT’s construction projects finished on time or ahead of schedule. * Not including shoulders. Includes pavement, traffic control, permanent pavement marking, rumble strips, pavement repair, guardrail and signage. ** Includes grading, drainage, pavement, bridge and all incidental costs. The primary funding source for Missouri’s transportation system is fuel taxes. Federal and state revenues are shown in the chart below. Missouri’s fuel tax rate is among the lowest of its neighboring states, most of which also benefit from other types of funding not available here. Missouri’s fuel tax rate was last increased by the Missouri General Assembly in 1992, when it was incrementally raised over four years to 17 cents per gallon. Breakdown of $2.1 Billion Fiscal Year 2014 Revenues (Dollars in millions) Breakdown of $2.2 Billion Fiscal Year 2014 Expenditures (Dollars in millions) 10/5/2015 Press Release: U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $1 Million in Emergency Relief for Roads and Bridges Damaged by Flooding in Missouri, ... U.S. Department of Transportation Feder al Highway Administr ation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 202-366-4000 Br iefing Room Subscribe to FHWA Press Releases FHWA 65-15 Thursday, October 1, 2015 Contact: Nancy Singer (202) 366-0660 U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $1 Million in Emergency Relief for Roads and Bridges Damaged by Flooding in Missouri WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced the immediate availability of $1 million in federal emergency relief funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to help repair roads and bridges damaged by flooding throughout Missouri. “Emergency relief funding will make immediate repairs possible so drivers throughout the state can resume their travel,” said Secretary Foxx. “People in Missouri should know that the federal government is working to get the highways and bridges that they rely upon back up and running again.” Missouri experienced severe storms and flooding in 76 counties—resulting in the closure of hundreds of roadway sections. Bridges throughout the state are damaged from landslides, erosion and scouring. Culverts are washed out. “We know how difficult it is to carry out a daily routine when travel links are broken,” said FHWA Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “Restoring these critical connections is important to the community.” http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa1565.cfm 1/2 10/5/2015 Press Release: U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $1 Million in Emergency Relief for Roads and Bridges Damaged by Flooding in Missouri, ... Missouri will use the $1 million provided today to help repair bridges as the state continues to assess the damage estimated to reach more than $6.5 million. The FHWA's Emergency Relief program provides funding for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events. # # # FHWA Press Releases Page posted on October 1, 2015. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa1565.cfm 2/2 State seeks more drivers for mileage tax test By Hillary Borrud Capital Bureau Published: October 4, 2015 8:04PM The state had hoped to recruit 5,000 drivers to a pilot program testing a pay-by-the-mile alternative to the gas tax. Instead, only 900 signed up and most are in urban areas in Western Oregon. SALEM — A state pilot program launched in July to charge Oregon drivers based on the amount they drive has roughly 900 participants, mostly in the Portland metropolitan area. Officials had hoped to enroll up to 5,000 people in the pay-by-the-mile program, the first of its kind in the nation. Participants sign up with one of three private vendors, then install an electronic device that enables the company to track mileage and collect fees. Buy this photo “I think we all need to get more (participants) in because the more we have, the better the data,” said Vicki Berger, chair of a task force overseeing the effort. Oregon Department of Transportation employees told the task force this week they are working on strategies to sign up more people. Although more than 200 people enrolled in Multnomah County, the participation numbers for many counties remain in the single digits and several counties east of the Cascades have no participants. Tom Fuller, a spokesman for ODOT, said the agency is using various strategies to encourage more people to participate. For example, the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division now provides information about the program when people renew their licenses and registration. “We’re working on creating more partnerships, working to get fleets into the test drive,” Fuller told the task force. Fuller said the agency also wants to sign up people with underrepresented types of vehicles and from more areas of the state, “for example to reach more eastern Oregonians.” Oregon faces a long-term transportation funding dilemma, because state and federal gas taxes currently provide about Oregon faces a long-term transportation funding dilemma, because state and federal gas taxes currently provide about half the money for bridge, highway and other transportation projects. As people purchase more fuel efficient vehicles, state officials expect gas tax revenue will decline in the future. “When you realize that ... vehicles on the road are going to use less and less fuel and our funding is dependent on fuel taxes, the pressure to find something different is pretty high,” said ODOT spokeswoman Michelle Godfrey. “Costs of construction have increased dramatically, so the money we do get in gas tax, even though it’s flat, is basically half of what we need.” The department has been searching since 2001 for other options to charge people for using Oregon’s roads and highways, and lawmakers authorized the pilot project in a 2013 law. It was originally supposed to cost $2.8 million, according to a budget report for the legislation that authorized the program, Senate Bill 810. The budget has since increased to $8.1 million through the end of this year and the state could spend a total of $12.7 million by mid-2017, although Godfrey said ODOT expects the project to come in under that budget. The state could incur additional costs in the future because the pilot will continue indefinitely until lawmakers decide whether to make it mandatory. One problem with a pay-by-the-mile road fee is that it is more expensive to administer than the gas tax. ODOT officials suggested during the task force meeting that one way to address this might be to use the mileage fee to replace not only the gas tax but also license, vehicle registration and other fees, which carry higher administrative costs. State Rep. John Davis, R-Wilsonville, said he appreciated the suggestion because otherwise, he would be skeptical of the road user fee given the high administrative costs. Critics of the pilot have said it benefits drivers of low-mpg vehicles that produce more pollution and penalizes drivers of more fuel-efficient vehicles, and lawmakers including state Sen. Betsy Johnson, D-Scappoose, have raised concerns about the cost and other aspects of the program. In July, the Willamette Week newspaper reported that legislators questioned ODOT officials’ decisions to send Jim Whitty, manager of the agency’s Office of Innovative Partnerships and Alternative Funding, on more than 100 trips over the last decade including to Washington, D.C., Brussels, London, Barcelona, Singapore and Australia. The state paid $65,000 of Whitty’s travel costs, with the remainder picked up by conference sponsors who were not identified in the newspaper article. At the task force meeting in Salem this week, Whitty announced he plans to resign from the agency at the end of this year. “I’m an innovator and there comes a point where the program becomes more governmental,” Whitty said after the meeting. “We’ve reached that point. My services are not as needed at this stage going forward.” The state still needs someone to manage the office, however, and Whitty said ODOT will recruit for the position. “I don’t know where I’ll be working, what I’ll be doing,” Whitty said. However, California could soon be looking for people to help start a similar road user fee project. The state is preparing to launch a pay-by-the-mile pilot program in July 2016 that could build on Oregon’s work and even use the same private vendors who are administering the Oregon program, Whitty told the task force. “All the bugs will be worked out by July 2016,” Whitty said, referring to the vendors’ technology. “So they’ll use ours.” Whitty did not rule out that he might work on the California program. “We’ll see,” Whitty said. Meanwhile, Oregon will once again send a representative to Australia to meet with government officials who are working to create a similar program. This time, it will be Berger, the task force chair and a former Republican state representative from Salem. “It’s torture, you know,” Berger said jokingly during the task force meeting. Godfrey said the state will not pay for Berger’s trip, but it was unclear who will. “Funds are being assembled by a number of private organizations that are sending her, and the state is not contributing anything to it,” Godfrey said. “I don’t know if she’s going in an official capacity.”