Minutes of the Transportation Policy Committee Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization September 17, 2019
The meeting of the Transportation Policy Committee of the Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization was held in Room 103 at 1625 13th Street, at 8:30 a.m. on September 19, 2019.
Required notices were given to the members of the Policy Committee and the public. The following Transportation Policy Committee members were present:
TPC Members: Jeff Griffith, Chairperson, Councilman, City of Lubbock Shelia Patterson-Harris, Vice Chair, Councilwoman, City of Lubbock Jarrett Atkinson, City Manager, City of Lubbock Bill McCay, County Commissioner, Lubbock County Curtis Parrish, Lubbock County Judge Chris Mandrell, General Manager, Citibus Steve Warren, District Engineer, TxDOT, Lubbock Dr. Charles Addington, Mayor, City of Wolfforth Daniel M. Pope, Mayor, City of Lubbock
Staff/Guests: David Jones, Lubbock MPO Darrell Westmoreland, Lubbock MPO Tammy Walker, Lubbock MPO Matt Wade, Underwood Law Firm Wood Franklin, TAC Vice-Chairperson, Division Director of Public Works, City of Lubbock Kylan Francis, Director of Planning and Development TxDOT, Lubbock Theresa Drewell, Vice-Chancellor for Facilities Management, Texas Tech University Jessica McEachern, City of Lubbock, Assistant City Manager Michael Keenum, City Engineer, City of Lubbock Brianna Girardi, City of Lubbock, Business Development Director Phillip Tindall, TxDOT MPO Field Representative David Green, Parkhill, Smith and Cooper
Call to Order:
Chairperson Jeff Griffith called the Transportation Policy Committee Meeting to order at 8:33 a.m.
The Committee moved to the next item.
Acknowledgment of the Quorum by Chairperson:
Chairperson Jeff Griffith acknowledged the quorum of the Transportation Policy Committee and welcomed everyone.
The Committee moved to the next item.
Safety Procedures:
Chairperson Jeff Griffith reminded everyone to review the safety procedures.
The Committee moved to the next item.
Public comment period/Acknowledgement of Guests of the Transportation Policy Committee:
Chairperson Jeff Griffith welcomed guests, which included representatives from City of Lubbock, Lubbock County and TxDOT and local agencies.
The Committee moved to the next item.
Approval of the August 20, 2019 meeting minutes of the Transportation Policy Committee.
Chairperson Jeff Griffith asked if there were any questions, concerns or comments regarding the meeting minutes of August 20. There were none. Steve Warren made a motion to approve the August 20, 2019 meeting minutes. Curtis Parrish seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
The Committee moved to the next agenda item. Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Resolution 2019-12 to adopt Decision Lens as the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO’s) project selection tool.
David Jones stated that for the last few months, the Transportation Advisory Committee has been working hard to reach a consensus conclusion on subheadings, adult, children, definitions and weights to recommend to the Transportation Policy Committee regarding a tool that will help with project selection process with projects. He stated that the attached resolution and exhibits is that conclusion.
Steve Warren asked if the Decision Lens was just a tool to help the TAC select projects.
Kylan Francis answered yes it is just a tool and the TAC and TPC can change the projects listing depending on outside factors. That nothing is set.
Sheila Patterson-Harris just reconfirmed what Kylan Francis stated, that it is Just a tool, nothing is set and that it can be changed by many different factors.
Curtis Parrish asked what the difference was between the TAC and the TPC weight suggestions.
Kylan Francis answered that the Decision Lens is based on the TAC’s recommendations for percentages and then rounded. She stated this is the first step. We just confirmed the parents, children, definitions and weights. There is no priority list.
Jarrett Atkinson stated if I understand this correctly we have/are establishing just the parents, children, criteria weights and we answered yes/no questions., so is it fair to say that this is just a tool that the Advisory Committee will use to produce a priority list to recommend to the Policy Committee?
Kylan Francis stated Correct.
Jarrett Atkinson continued, then as the Policy Committee we can make any changes that we want, as they see it?
Kylan Francis stated yes.
There was discussion regarding the resolution and changes that should be made to the resolution. Matt Wade will make those changes and forward the Resolution for signatures.
Jarrett Atkinson made a motion to approve Resolution 2019-12 with appropriate changes that Matt Wade will make to the Resolution. Mayor Dan Pope seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
The Committee moved to the next item.
Work Session:
Conduct the annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director.
Jeff Griffith stated that the Policy Committee is now in work session. He stated that at each of the members places there is a copy of the Letter of Intent from David Jones to extend his contract for FY 2019-2020, a copy of the supplemental information for the 2018-2019 accomplishments and a copy of David Jones’ contract.
Jeff Griffith stated that he has met with David Jones in length and did a performance review regarding his position as a sub-contractor. He stated that he is satisfied with the performance that Mr. Jones has done and thanked him for the work he does.
Dan Pope asked why this evaluation wasn’t being performed as an executive session. Matt Wade replied that as an independent contractor David Jones is not a city employee so this doesn’t apply to him.
Dan Pope continued that he appreciates what Mr. Jones does and his efforts to keep us ahead on projects, that he has done an exemplary job and his pleased he is continuing and committed to another year.
Steve Warren stated that on behalf of TxDOT it is nice working with David Jones. He is always positive, and correct in the timeliness of processing all reports.
Bill McCay stated that he had been on both Committees, the Advisory and Policy and he has seen results, actions, and involvement that Mr. Jones does. He stated that Mr. Jones is always ready for all projects, is always busy working on those and that his work always shows quality.
Curtis Parrish asked about the Planning and Training. David Jones stated that he is working closely with HR on implementation of a succession plan and other required documents and will bring that result to a future Policy Committee meeting. Curtis Parrish thanked Mr. Jones for all his dedication and work and for continuing his contract for another year.
Chris Mandrell stated that Citibus relies on the MPO for planning. He stated with the MPO’s help they always pass FTA’s evaluations and audit reviews every time and the partnership with the MPO is phenomenal. It is a definite welcome partnership.
Dr. Charles Addington stated that he concurs with all the previous statements from the other Policy Committee members and he thanked Mr. Jones for an excelling job and committing to another year.
Steve Warren stated that over the years he has worked with many Executive Directors and that it could be worse. Dan Pope replied “You should make greeting cards”. Everyone laughed.
Jarrett Atkinson stated Thank you for what you do.
Mr. Jones thanked everyone for their positive comments.
Jeff Griffith concluded the work session and moved the Policy Committee into regular session.
Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Resolution 2019-13 authorizing a one year extension of the Professional Services Agreement for the Executive Director.
Jeff Griffith stated that as previously stated the Letter of Intent from Mr. David Jones to extend his contract for another year is at each of their places. He asked if there were any questions for further discussion.
There were none.
Curtis Parrish made a motion that the Transportation Policy Committee of the LMPO direct and extend the contract of Mr. Houston David Jones for one year dated October 2019 to September 2020. Sheila Patterson-Harris seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
The Committee moved to the next item.
Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Resolution 2019-04 authorized the Fourteenth Amendment of Contract to the Professional Services Agreement regarding a compensation adjustment for the Executive Director.
Jeff Griffith stated that a copy of the contract was at each of the Policy Committees members seat.
Dan Pope asked if the compensation package was in line with the 2.5% increase for employees. David Jones asked yes.
There was no further discussion.
Steve Warren made a motion to approve Resolution 2019-14 authorizing the Fourteenth Amendment of Contract and Compensation adjustment for the Executive Director. Dr. Charles Addington seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
The Committee moved to the next item.
Reports:
Status report on the 2020 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) TxDOT Annual Cash Flow Forecast Key District projects 2021/2024 TIP schedule
David Jones stated that the 2020 UTP was approved by the Commission on August 29, 2019. The Committee discussed Categories 2, 4, 7, 9 and 12.
Kylan Francis stated that the Texas Commission has supported the Committee’s efforts by adding Cat 12 funding in the amount of $33,540,000 to the Loop 88, 3D segment.
Dan Pope stated this is exciting news and is a legacy for the transportation for Lubbock.
There was discussion about a media event regarding the extra funding and the MPO will take lead on this working with the PIO office for the event.
David Jones discussed the timeline regarding the upcoming call for projects for the 2021/2024 TIP and that there is an available $27.9 million for those projects.
National Association of Homebuilders report on smaller housing.
David Jones reported that the American Housing Industry is changing course on neighborhoods and communities over time by providing different choices in housing. He stated that housing options are with smaller lots and smaller houses and that many cities are allowing the construction of multiple living units on individual lots which approaches different zoning reform. There is no parking spaces on these smaller lot homes so there are no parking requirements in the land use.
Newark Airport sets screening record.
David Jones reported that Newark, NJ has set a screening record of 80,596 passengers and crew members at their airport. The previous record was 79,467 set the day before at the same airport. He also stated that the Newark airport is also one of the slowest with wait times.
TSA reports airports with the best and worst TSA wait times.
David Jones stated that Newark Liberty International is one of the slowest TSA wait times ranking at an average of 23.1 minute. Other airports in slowest TSA wait times are George Bush Intercontinental, Miami International, Baltimore-Washington and McCarran International. David Jones also reported that the fastest TSA wait times go to Salt Lake City International with an average of 9.1 minutes, Washington Dulles International airport reported a wait time of 10.5 minutes.
Report on why Global Entry applications are taking so long.
David Jones reported that some of the reason for Global Entry applications taking so long is because of the government shut down a while back. The web site reports it could take up to 100 days to process the applications.
Terminal E, DFW Airport improvements.
David Jones stated that Whataburger is now at DFW airport.
Allstate’s Safest Driving Cities.
David Jones reported that Allstate has ranked America’s safest driving cities. He reported that Boise, ID is the safest with one collision every 10.57 years and the average number of years between collisions for Boise drivers is 13.65. He stated that other cities amount the top five are Brownsville and Laredo Texas, Fort Collins, CO and Madison, WI.
David Jones stated that the worse cities are Worcester and Boston MA and Glendale CA.
National League of Cities advocating for congestion pricing.
David Jones reported that the National League of Cities is encouraging congestion charging pricing for road-user charge system or variable rate fee charged to vehicles that drive in a specified area or zone within a city.
San Antonio has hired a new Pedestrian Mobility Officer.
David Jones stated that San Antonio has hired a Pedestrian Mobility Officer responsible for pedestrian planning and mobility as well as developing a Pedestrian Master Plan and that his name is Timothy Hayes, P.E.
Minute Order regarding Ports to Plains corridor study and Minute Order regarding Ports to Plains Advisory Committee.
David Jones discussed the minute orders regarding Ports to Plains corridor study and the Committee members for the Advisory Committee for Ports to Plains. The Ports to Plains Advisory Committee will meet on October 1st at the Arbor Inn and Suites in Lubbock, TX.
Better Roads, Safer Roads magazine.
David Jones stated that a separate email attachment of the Better Roads, Safer Roads magazine was sent to the Policy Committee members and it has some very insightful information.
Monthly Financial Report.
David Jones stated that the MPO is at 59.93% of the overall expenses.
Jeff Griffith mentioned that at each of the Policy Committee members seat is a copy of the upcoming FY 2020 schedule of meeting dates for the TAC and the TPC.
Jeff Griffith adjourned the meeting of the Transportation Policy Committee at 9:23 a.m.