BROWARD METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Thursday, March 9, 2017, 9:30 a.m. 100 West Cypress Creek Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-2112

Chair: Hollywood Commissioner Richard Blattner Vice Chair: Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Bruce Roberts Davie Councilmember Bryan Caletka District 1: Margate Commissioner Joanne Simone North Lauderdale Commissioner Jerry Graziose Tamarac Vice Mayor Debra Placko Alternate: Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky District 2: Pompano Beach Vice Mayor Charlotte Burrie Deerfield Beach Commissioner Gloria Battle Coconut Creek Mayor Mikkie Belvedere Alternates: Hillsboro Beach Commissioner Irene Kirdahy Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Vice Mayor Mark Brown District 3: [Vice Chair Roberts] Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Romney Rogers Oakland Park Mayor John Adornato Plantation Councilmember Ron Jacobs Sunrise Commissioner Lawrence Sofield Alternates: Lauderdale Lakes Commissioner Beverly Williams Wilton Manors Commissioner Tom Green District 4: [Chair Blattner] Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper Alternate: Dania Beach Vice Mayor Bill Harris District 5: [Vice Chair Caletka] Miramar Commissioner Yvette Colbourne Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis Weston Commissioner Toby Feuer Alternate: Cooper City Commissioner Lisa Mallozzi

Broward County School Board – Member Patricia Good Broward County Board of County Commissioners – Mayor Barbara Sharief Broward County Board of County Commissioners – Vice Mayor Beam Furr Broward County Board of County Commissioners – Commissioner Dale Holness Broward County Board of County Commissioners – Commissioner Tim Ryan

Others Present Gregory Stuart, Broward MPO Executive Director Michael Ronskavitz, Broward MPO Deputy Director Alan Gabriel, Broward MPO General Counsel Paul Calvaresi, Conor Campobasso, James Cromar, Carl Ema, Peter Gies, Ricardo Gutierrez, Daniel Knickelbein, Shaleese Pitterson, Chris Ryan, Buffy Sanders, Kathy Singer, Anthea Thomas and Lydia Waring, MPO Staff

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Todd Brauer, Whitehouse Group Tim Garling, Transit Division Director, Broward County Transit (BCT) Karl Kennedy, City Engineer, City of Pembroke Pines Stewart Robinson, Kimley-Horn and Associates Paul Strobis, Paratransit Manager, Broward County Transit (BCT) Bissy Vempala, City Engineer, City of Miramar Chris Walton, Transportation Director, Broward County Transit (BCT) Jamie Opperlee, Recording Secretary, Prototype, Inc.

(A copy of the sign-in sheet identifying those present is filed with the supplemental papers to the minutes of this meeting.)

A meeting of the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization was held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Board Room at 100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, .

REGULAR ITEMS (All Items Open for Public Comment)

1. Call to Order and Pledge

Chair Blattner called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

2. Approval of Minutes – February 9, 2017

Motion made by Vice Mayor Brown, seconded by Vice Chair Caletka, to approve. In an electronic roll call vote, the motion passed 25-0.

3. Approval of Agenda

Motion made by Commissioner Sofield, seconded by Vice Chair Caletka, to approve. In an electronic roll call vote, the motion passed 25-0.

4. Public Comments

None.

5. Comments from the Chair

Chair Blattner welcomed Broward County Vice Mayor Beam Furr, new member to the Board.

The Chair also noted that no Strategic Business Plan Advisory Committee meeting would be held following today’s meeting. Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization March 9, 2017 Page 3

6. Executive Director’s and Legislative Reports

Mr. Stuart reported that at the federal level, the Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill (SB) 496, repealing the MPO coordination rule, which would have combined ’s three MPOs into a single entity.

The President’s proposed federal budget targets cuts in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the State Department, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), potential cuts include the New Starts and Small Starts programs, and the Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program also has the potential of being removed. Budget cuts within USDOT could affect Modern Streetcar Full Funding Grant Agreement. Mr. Stuart emphasized the need to reach out to legislators at the federal level to ensure this funding remains in place.

Regarding infrastructure, the favored plan would renovate existing roads and highways rather than construct new ones. Funding for high-speed rail projects may also be available. A delegation from the Broward MPO will visit Washington, D.C. in April 2017 to speak with White House, Senate, House, and USDOT staffs.

At the state level, SB 250 would eliminate express lanes and allow them to operate only until their tolls collected have paid off the projects’ bonds. Mr. Stuart pointed out that MPO dollars paid for the Broward portion of I-595 south to -Dade County. House Bill (HB) 139 would require local government sales surtax referenda to be held only on the date of a general election. SB 386 would establish minimum safety standards for high-speed passenger rail, which would affect All Aboard Florida/. SB 842 would authorize the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) for indemnification, which was voted upon favorably by the MPO Board at a previous meeting.

The year 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of the Broward MPO. Mr. Stuart advised that this benchmark will be celebrated in the fall, after the MPO has moved into its new offices. This move will begin at the end of March 2017. He cautioned that patience may be required while servers and other equipment are moved. The Board’s meeting space will remain at its current location through June 2017.

Mr. Stuart continued that the Broward MPO recently hosted a small business training session by USDOT, as well as a one-week grant writing workshop. Upcoming events include Let’s Go Biking!, which will be held in Pompano Beach on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 9 a.m.

Motion made by Commissioner Graziose, seconded by Vice Mayor Burrie, to add opposition to SB 596, the “Advanced Wireless Infrastructure Deployment Act” to the legislative agenda. SB 596 would prohibit FDOT and local governments from prohibiting or regulating the placement of electronic facilities such as radio antennas in public right-of- way. In an electronic roll call vote, the motion passed 25-0. Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization March 9, 2017 Page 4

Mayor Cooper requested that the motion be amended to include a requirement that public utilities work in rights-of-way be completed during evening hours, particularly in urban areas, in order to prevent traffic congestion. Chair Blattner recommended that this be a separate motion. He also asked that the legislative agenda be recirculated to the Board members including the information on pending bills.

Chair Blattner also addressed the potential loss of funding for the Wave, asking if it would be appropriate to consider a public/private partnership in case this funding is indeed withdrawn. Mr. Stuart replied that he would discuss this suggestion with Broward County and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) staffs as a possible backup position. Commissioner Rogers recommended that public/private partnerships be viewed as a parallel position, as it may not be possible to count on future federal funding.

Vice Chair Roberts requested clarification that the funding in question would be for the future expansion of the Wave, not the current stage of the project. Mr. Stuart confirmed this, explaining that ridership numbers for the projected airport/seaport expansions do not suggest federal funding is likely. Vice Chair Roberts proposed that the Board pass a Resolution requesting the consideration of public/private partnership as a parallel route.

Commissioner Holness recommended that the MPO consider supporting an alternative that would extend the Wave west along Sistrunk Boulevard and connect with Tri-Rail, where sufficient ridership is more likely. He pointed out that this could lead later on to expansion to the airport and seaport.

Commissioner Sofield recommended studying ridership numbers to determine the threshold necessary to secure federal funds for an airport/seaport Wave route expansion. Mayor Ortis and Commissioner Mallozzi emphasized the need to extend the Wave route to communities further west. Chair Blattner agreed that the MPO should draft a Resolution in support of this partnership as a parallel funding plan.

Chris Walton, representing Broward County Transit, emphasized that the system would have to generate significant revenue to attract the interest of a public/private partnership firm, and noted that fare box revenue alone would be insufficient for this purpose. He recommended that the MPO reach out to some of these firms for further discussion.

Motion made by Mayor Cooper, seconded by Vice Chair Caletka, to include in the legislative agenda in regards to the placement of utilities on rights-of-way, that this work be performed during evening hours rather than during days in high peak traffic times, particularly [in] urban areas.

Mayor Ortis noted that the State legislative session is currently in progress, and encouraged the MPO to move quickly to add this Item to the legislative agenda.

In a voice vote, the motion passed 25-0.

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7. General Counsel’s Report

Broward MPO General Counsel Alan Gabriel advised that while 27 members and alternates are present, only 25 members may vote at any given time. He encouraged all members to remain in their seats during votes, as it is otherwise difficult to maintain accurate voting counts.

8. Member Comments

Commissioner Graziose advised that a volunteer group affiliated with the Veterans Administration (VA) Clinic in Sunrise has expressed their support for expansion of BCT’s Transportation Options (TOPS) program to that facility; however, they have noted that because more people are now using this route, delays occur more often, which can create difficulties with regard to appointment times and access to transit.

Commissioner Graziose also thanked the City of Hollywood and its Code Compliance Manager, stating that a Special Magistrate hearing resulted in the citation of a Hollywood club for illegal placement of posters on public property. He recalled that the MPO Board had passed a Resolution in favor of a County Ordinance to address posters, although thus far, the requested Ordinance has not been given a high priority. He recommended that individual municipalities consider passing similar Resolutions.

Commissioner Graziose concluded that in addition to the sound walls and barriers erected by Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) along this roadway, some individual communities have chosen to put up their own walls, some of which contain advertising. He cited this as a potential danger, as it could distract drivers on the Turnpike.

Mayor Cooper advised that in Dade County, Uber serves as a “backstop” in the event of delays in their TOPS system to provide transportation for riders who have arranged for service ahead of time. She also addressed the issue of toll lanes on I-95, stating that Colorado charges a flat rate for users of toll lanes. She asserted that there must be a better way to manage Florida’s toll lanes.

Mr. Stuart advised that managed lanes in states such as Colorado and cities such as San Diego were built and operated by their MPOs, which provides them with more options. Driver skill can also be a factor in how these lanes are operated. He concluded that he would raise this issue when he next met with the FDOT District Secretary and Director of Operations.

Mayor Cooper asked if any Broward communities had applied for funds under a pilot program for transit-oriented development (TOD). Mr. Stuart replied that the City of Fort Lauderdale and SFRTA each received an award under this program. SFRTA is administering their grant through the South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC). Mayor Cooper explained that the MPO should look into leveraging existing assets along the FEC railroad. Mr. Stuart added that an update on the Tri-Rail Coastal Link is planned for the April 2017 Board meeting. Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization March 9, 2017 Page 6

Commissioner Holness also addressed BCT service to the VA Clinic, stating that 276 new riders have been registered under this program, which has generated 627 trips. Service runs approximately 94% on time. The program is exploring additional alternatives to enhance this service. He concluded by encouraging municipalities to send Resolutions on items of concern to the Board of County Commissioners, and to enact Ordinances within individual cities.

Commissioner Ryan arrived at 10:26 a.m.

Mayor Hunschofsky left the meeting at 10:26 a.m.

Commissioner Feuer asked how TOPS service is coordinated to pick up riders within the same geographical area. Paul Strobis, Paratransit Manager for BCT, explained that the program uses scheduling software to determine ride-sharing opportunities. Each driver is assigned a manifest of that day’s riders, with their pickup and drop-off locations. Most delays are traffic-related or due to customers not being ready on time for pickups. Trips are moved around to fill scheduling gaps whenever possible.

Commissioner Holness left the meeting at 10:30 a.m.

Commissioner Feuer also recommended that more town hall-style meetings be held to discuss the impact of construction projects on traffic.

Vice Mayor Brown returned to the issue of Uber subsidies, stating that subsidized Uber service could be an option to replace community bus service in towns like Lauderdale-By- The-Sea. He suggested that the County and the MPO take a broader look at how ride- sharing services could be subsidized in local communities.

Commissioner Ryan advised that a similar issue was discussed at a recent County transportation workshop. Mr. Strobis of BCT explained that offering subsidized transportation to BCT’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Paratransit customers was one option presented at the workshop. This would remove the need for Paratransit customers to book their rides a day in advance. A subsidy of up to $15 would be offered to the customer rather than having BCT enter into an agreement with a ride-sharing or cab company. Any price over $15 would be the responsibility of the customer.

Mr. Strobis continued that BCT is not entering into contracts with Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) because they are already under contract with vendors who participate in the TOPS program. Contact would be made directly from the customer to the TNC. However, because this would make the TNC part of an overall public transit system, BCT would be responsible for ensuring quality of service, training, and other required oversight.

Commissioner Colbourne asked if BCT plans to introduce any additional routes for bus service to the west. Mr. Walton replied that there is no funding for route expansion at this time. Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization March 9, 2017 Page 7

Mayor Adornato asked if data were available for drive time reductions in managed lanes, pointing out that this was one goal of the managed lane project. He also requested data on travel time changes and the numbers of crashes before and after managed lanes were implemented. Mr. Stuart replied that MPO staff will work to gather the best available data with FDOT, although he noted that managed lanes in Broward have been in place less than one year.

Vice Mayor Furr proposed that ride-sharing services could be used to coordinate with public transit so a driver from Uber or Lyft would know when and where a bus will arrive. He noted that taxis could also be used for this purpose. Mayor Cooper cautioned that using a ride-sharing service to supplement public transit could, however, have unexpected consequences.

Commissioner Battle stated that a transportation information session is scheduled for an upcoming election day. Mr. Stuart replied that he would contact FDOT to resolve this issue.

Commissioner Mallozzi requested that data from the Colorado managed lane system, to which Mayor Cooper had referred earlier, be provided for purposes of comparison at the managed lane presentation in April.

Commissioner Feuer asked if a contract between BCT and ride-sharing services would perform background checks on drivers. Commissioner Ryan recalled that there had been significant debate on this issue at the County level, as Uber was very resistant to the original recommendation for Level 2 background checks. The County agreed to conduct Level 1 background checks, which include a national search for criminal convictions.

ACTION ITEMS (All Items Open for Public Comment)

1. MOTION TO APPROVE Revised MPO Strategic Business Plan Vision Statement, Mission Statement, and Framework

Commissioner Sharief arrived at 10:47 a.m.

Todd Brauer of the Whitehouse Group explained that the recent MPO Board retreat reviewed the Strategic Business Plan’s successes as well as lessons learned. The Board directed staff to update the MPO’s vision and mission statements using key themes raised at the retreat.

Mr. Brauer reviewed some of the questions discussed at the Board retreat, focusing particularly on what success looks like and how it is defined. The revised mission and vision statements need to be more concise and address why the MPO exists as a body and what it strives to accomplish. It must also fit into the State and federal mandates Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization March 9, 2017 Page 8 related to MPOs as well as the goals established for the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), known as Commitment 2040: move people, create jobs, and strengthen communities.

Mission statement: To collaboratively plan, prioritize, and fund delivery of diverse transportation options.

Vision statement: Our work will have measurable, positive impact by ensuring transportation projects are well-selected, funded, and delivered.

Mr. Brauer continued that after working with MPO staff, two- and five-year success moments were identified to correspond to goals that can be accomplished in the near and longer terms. Two-year success will align the Board around a prioritized list of transportation projects that will reward performance and deliver measurable value. Five- year success includes funding the Strategic Business Plan, developing a structure for its timely delivery, and ensuring the ability to objectively measure its positive impact on a number of communities.

School Board Member Good recommended reviewing the language of the two- and five- year success moments for greater clarity, suggesting a change to “the Strategic Business Plan will have been funded.”

Motion made by Vice Mayor Harris, seconded by Commissioner Battle, to approve.

Commissioner Rogers suggested adding a “tagline” to the mission and vision statements that would add the phrase “We move people, create jobs, and strengthen communities.” He offered the addition of this tagline as an amendment to the motion. Chair Blattner advised that this should be considered separately from the motion currently on the floor.

In an electronic roll call vote, the motion passed 25-0.

The Board agreed by consensus to adopt the recommended tagline as well.

NON-ACTION ITEMS (All Items Open for Public Comment)

1. Complete Streets Master Plan Update

Ricardo Gutierrez of MPO staff provided a presentation on the Complete Streets Master Plan update, which was identified as a high priority under the initial Strategic Business Plan. The Complete Streets Initiative is a program that advances Complete Streets concepts and provides technical resources and assistance to local governments. Kimley- Horn and Associates is the consultant selected to assist with the initiative, including developing this Master Plan.

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Mr. Gutierrez stated that recent and upcoming activities related to the Complete Streets Initiative include:  The Safe Streets Summit  Let’s Go Biking!/Let’s Go Walking! events  Walking audits to identify issues and/or deficiencies  Bike suitability map identifying existing bicycle facilities and rating roadways based on interaction with traffic

In 2012, the MPO approved funding for stand-alone bicycle and pedestrian improvements for the first time. Mr. Gutierrez explained that the MPO’s intent was to create a network of these facilities. Addressing gaps in this network was also the intent of the TIGER grant projects. The Complete Streets and Other Localized Initiatives Program (CSLIP) is intended to fund local needs that provide access to regional roadways. He concluded that Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding from the last five years also addresses regional and local connections.

Stewart Robertson, representing Kimley-Horn and Associates, stated that the purpose of the Complete Streets Master Plan is to guide the MPO’s future investment in Complete Streets improvements by developing a prioritized list of projects, based on data-driven technical analysis as well as input from transportation stakeholders and the public. The approach to the plan will be to leverage and expand upon existing momentum developed as part of the MPO’s mobility program.

Mr. Robertson emphasized the importance of coordination for this Master Plan, stating that a project advisory committee will be created to gain input from the Broward MPO’s transportation partners. There will also be coordination related to projects that help reallocate roadway space for bicycle/pedestrian improvements. The Master Plan will develop a comprehensive inventory of potential projects and analyze their impacts on the overall transportation network.

Mr. Robertson continued that project development will be a data-driven process, including gap analysis as well as an examination of existing corridor conditions. Project prioritization will be another important component of the Master Plan, and prioritization criteria consistent with the goals and objectives established in the LRTP are being developed. The intent is for the Master Plan to identify and develop facilities that not only address land uses surrounding roadways, but provide better space for all forms of transportation.

The team is currently developing a public outreach strategy, including public workshops, a website to disseminate information that offers a platform for public comment, social media, instant polling, and other avenues through which information may be gathered. Now that data collection and analysis are mostly complete, the Master Plan project may move into its next phase, which includes the identification of needs and outreach to the public.

Commissioner Simone commented that some of the proposed changes appear to be unsafe, with little room separating vehicles from cyclists. She cited an example from Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization March 9, 2017 Page 10

Colombia in which congested streets were transformed into pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly roadways. Mr. Robertson confirmed that this proposed solution created a series of separated bike lanes. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has recently released a separated bike lane planning and design guide, which may be used for guidance as these lanes are being considered.

Commissioner Battle emphasized the importance of seeking input from citizens on Complete Streets projects, citing a local lane elimination project on which she has received many comments from residents. She recommended holding more than one public forum, including follow-up meetings.

Mayor Cooper asked if safe turning lanes for bicycles can be established at pedestrian crosswalks. Mr. Robertson replied that this strategy is called a “bike box” and provides space for cyclists to queue at the front of travel lanes, resulting in greater separation of cyclists from cars. Commissioner Graziose pointed out, however, that many drivers do not seem to understand the purpose of this device. He emphasized the need for greater driver/cyclist education.

Chair Blattner observed that the terms “road diet” and “lane elimination” have become toxic in the eyes of the public, and recommended using terms such as “roadway restructuring” instead. He added that he and Mr. Stuart plan to meet with FDOT to discuss a recent decision that they will not permit Complete Streets projects to be supplemented by local contributions, which severely limits the MPO’s ability to construct Complete Streets projects.

Mayor Adornato noted that residents of Oakland Park were originally in favor of that City’s TIGER grant plan; however, once residents became aware that the project would include a lane reduction, many began to question it instead. Their primary concern appears to be the intersections at Powerline Road, , and I-95. He emphasized the need to improve these intersections.

2. Revisions to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017/18 Multimodal Surface Transportation Priorities List

Mr. Ronskavitz explained that this Item will come back to the Board at the April 2017 meeting as an Action Item. It is presented today as a request for feedback on the updated Multimodal Transportation Priorities List. Each year, this list is used to prioritize funding for projects from the LRTP. When it was presented to the Board in September 2016, the Board approved the list as presented but directed MPO staff to reevaluate the list, incorporate requests regarding projects from the cities of Miramar and Pembroke Pines, and present it again.

Mr. Ronskavitz continued that the MPO staff determined some projects were already funded and programmed in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), so these were removed from the Priorities List. They have reached out to affected municipalities to ensure they were aware the projects had been removed. MPO staff then reevaluated the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization March 9, 2017 Page 11

Priorities List and revised projects based on research. He noted that some changes relate to the projects from Miramar and Pembroke Pines. Based on the resolutions received from these municipalities one project was removed from the list and one new project was added to the list. The projects in Miramar were grouped together based on location. Based on the resolution received from the Town of Hillsboro Beach and the availability of state funds, a second new project was also added to the list.

Mr. Ronskavitz added that MPO staff’s research also determined there is an imbalance between the types of funds available and the types of projects for which these funds may be used. The recommendations from MPO staff take this imbalance into account, as they seek to make recommendations that use available funding sources. He concluded that if the Priorities List is adopted at the April meeting, the MPO will be able to meet its upcoming summer deadlines. The Action Item brought back at that meeting will have incorporated the feedback gathered today and will direct staff to make the appropriate LRTP amendments as well.

Mayor Ortis thanked Mayor Sharief and all the County Commissioners for their assistance with the Pembroke Pines and Miramar projects. Karl Kennedy, City Engineer for the City of Pembroke Pines, and Bissy Vempala, City Engineer for the City of Miramar, confirmed that they collaborated to consolidate multiple projects on the Priorities List that were located along Pembroke Road. They also thanked MPO staff for their assistance.

Mayor Ortis also emphasized the importance of completing an overpass project that will connect to US-27. This will help relieve congestion on both Pines Boulevard and Miramar Parkway.

Commissioner Feuer requested that copies of the Priorities List for review in advance of the April meeting. Commissioner Colbourne added that the western side of Miramar also needs relief from traffic congestion.

Vice Chair Caletka stated that at the Executive Committee meeting held the previous week, it was determined that there were excess funds remaining in the surtax. The Executive Committee decided that members representing municipalities would receive a letter from the MPO listing options of what each community may do with these funds.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

1. Broward MPO Outeach & Events – January / February 2017

2. Speak Up Broward Quarterly Update – January-March 2017

3. The Broward MPO and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) plan to jointly perform an interim roadway functional class assessment, with special emphasis placed upon public roads not currently eligible for federal aid funds from FHWA for disaster recovery and other purposes. Municipalities Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization March 9, 2017 Page 12

interested in participating in the interim assessment, please visit: http://browardmpo.org/index.php/federal-functional-classification

4. March is Florida Bike Month – Let’s Go Biking! Event – March 19, 2017

5. Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Meeting: March 23, 2017 at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Four Auditorium

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 12:07 p.m.

NEXT MEETING: April 13, 2017