CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Minutes of April 24, 2013 Meeting Held at the Offices of the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC), 2 Washington Square, Union Station, Worcester ATTENDANCE: MPO Members 1. Clinton Bench, MassDOT Planning Division, designee to MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey 2. Maurice DePalo, Shrewsbury, Northeast Subregion Representative 3. Arthur Frost, MassDOT Highway Division District #3 office, designee to MassDOT Highway Division Administrator Francis DePaola 4. John Hebert, Sutton, Southeast Subregion Representative 5. Phil Joinville, Auburn, CMRPC Transportation Planning Committee, designee to CMRPC Commission Chair Otto Lies 6. Edith Morgan, Princeton, North Subregion Representative CMMPO Signatories not present: 1. Joe Borbone, Worcester DPW&P, designee to City Manager Michael O Brien 2. David Delanski, Warren, West Subregion Representative 3. Dennis Lamarche, Oxford, Southwest Subregion Representative 4. Stephen O Neil, WRTA Administrator Guests of the MPO 1. Matt Chase, VHB 2. David Elwell, Pare Corporation 3. Paul Guertin, CHA Engineering 4. Kathlyn Inman, Selectman, Town of Barre 5. John Lebeaux, Town of Princeton 6. Mike Putnam, Town of Paxton 7. Nancy Runkle, Town of Dudley 8. Jennifer Rushlow, Conservation Law Foundation 9. Jim Shuris, Town of Northbridge 10. Steven Tyler, Spencer, CMMPO Advisory Committee 11. Karin Valentine Goins, Bike and Ped Advocate MassDOT Staff 1
1. Sarah Bradbury, MassDOT Highway Division District #3 office 2. Paula Simmons, MassDOT Highway Division District #2 office 3. Ann Sullivan, MassDOT Highway Division District #3 office CMRPC Staff 1. Mary Ellen Blunt, Transportation Program Manager 2. Kevin Krasnecky, Associate Transportation Planner 3. Rich Rydant, Transportation Project Manager 4. Nicholas Burnham, Transportation Planning Assistant Agenda Item # 1 - Around-the-Room Introductions The meeting began at 4:42 PM. As requested by MPO Chair Clinton Bench, those present introduced themselves. Agenda Item # 2 Opportunity for Public Comment Clinton Bench asked project advocates to provide status updates during this time. He said that a draft listing of the FY14-17 TIP would be released for a 30 day public comment and review period at the May 8 th CMMPO meeting and could be endorsed at the June meeting. Kathlyn Inman stated that a public hearing regarding the Town Common project in Barre, project #604227 currently programmed in FY14, would be held on Thursday, April 25 th. She said the project could be advertised by next winter with construction estimated to begin this time next year. Paul Guertin of CHA Engineering provided updates on multiple projects: - Leicester, FY15, #606346 Resurfacing on Route 56: currently under design - Paxton, FY17, #607250 Resurfacing on Route 31: about to start design process - West Brookfield, FY16, #604739 Reconstruction on Routes 9/67 and School Street: design almost completed - New Braintree, FY17, #605035 Resurfacing Ravine and Hardwick Roads: design almost completed Mr. Guertin suggested moving both West Brookfield and New Braintree projects into earlier years since the project designs are nearing completion. Nancy Runkle said that a successful public hearing was held regarding Center Road in Dudley, project #605390 currently programmed in FY14. She added that the project is at 75% design completion. Steve Tyler spoke on behalf of the Millbury Route 146 Bridge over West Main Street project, which potentially could be moved off FY13 to a year yet to be determined by the CMMPO. He stated the Town wishes to see the project be selected as an option for FY14. Mr. Tyler added that 2
project #606207 in Spencer, currently programmed for FY16, is at 25% design and a public hearing is yet to be scheduled. John Lebeaux advocated for the Route 140 reconstruction project in the East Princeton Village to be a candidate for FY17. He said the project is the highest priority in Town and referred to its priority listing that was identified in the Route 140 Corridor Profile Study conducted by CMRPC and MRPC. Agenda Item # 3 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 2014 2017 TIP Development Workshop o Potential Future Year Projects Selected Using Worksheet Format Rich Rydant presented the annual development schedule for the FY14-17 TIP and highlighted the important dates of the May 8 th CMMPO meeting, the May 22 nd FY14-17 TIP public meeting, and the June 12 th CMMPO meeting. He reviewed a handout that listed possible candidates to be selected for the FY14-17 TIP and Arthur Frost provided another copy of the project listing to show increased project costs due to utility relocation fees. Mr. Frost stated that MassDOT has a program in place that will reimburse utility companies half the costs of relocation fees if companies follow a schedule and program protocol. Mr. Rydant briefly discussed correspondence the CMMPO received from member communities and project supporters to advocate for project selection. Mary Ellen Blunt reviewed the FY14-17 Transit TIP proposal that was compiled by the WRTA. She said the WRTA seeks to fund transit with capital funding and are allowed to utilize such funding for preventative maintenance and ADA paratransit service. She added that the WRTA recently completed a six-year bus replacement plan and would be focusing their efforts on computer technologies, shelter and signage enhancements, construction of a maintenance facility, and the new Hub at Union Station. Rich Rydant stated that the Proposed Amendment #3 to the FY13-16 TIP has yet to be accepted and endorsement will be considered at the May 8 th meeting. The FY13 project worksheet displayed to the audience reflected what would be affected if the amendment were endorsed. Jenny Rushlow asked for clarification about the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) impacts column, if the numbers shown were qualitative or quantitative. Mr. Rydant answered that zeros listed under GHG impacts were mostly repaving projects and Ms. Blunt added that the number depends on if a project is capacity enhancing and projects with a zero GHG impact have no new lane miles added. Four different options were discussed for project selection in FY14 as follows: 3
Option A: - #605964, Millbury, Rt. 146 at West Main Roundabout, $2.015 million - #605390, Dudley, Center Road, $3.062 million - #605055, Worcester, Rt. 70 (Lincoln St.) Phase II, $2.363 million (CMAQ) - #605055, Worcester, Rt. 70 (Lincoln St.) Phase II, $5.067 million (HSIP) - #604227, Barre, Routes 122/32/62 Town Common, $2.339 million This option left $1.124 million of the $15.970 million total regional target available. Both CMAQ ($4.127 million) and HSIP ($1.194 million) targets were met. Option B: - #605964 Millbury, #605390 Dudley, #604227 Barre, listed under Option A - #605559, Warren, Rt. 67/Rt. 19 Town Center, $1.768 million - #606485, Millbury/Sutton, Route 146 Median Barrier Replacement, $5.140 million This option left $1.646 million of the $15.970 million total regional target available. Neither CMAQ nor HSIP targets were met. Option C: - #605964 Millbury, #605390 Dudley, #605559 Warren, #605055 Worcester, and #604227 Barre This option would cost $16.614 million, exceeding the $15.970 million total regional target available by $644,000. Both CMAQ and HSIP targets were met. Option D: - #605964 Millbury, #605390 Dudley, #605055 Worcester - #606485 Millbury and Sutton, phasing the $5.140 million into two parts: $3.063 million in FY14 and $2.080 million in FY15 This option left $400,000 of the $15.970 million total regional target available. Both CMAQ and HSIP targets were met. Paula Simmons said that MassDOT D2 determined that Barre and Warren may not be ready for FY14.A discussion took place between MassDOT staff and CMRPC staff about concerns for project readiness and to be mindful selecting projects that will be ready in FY14 and to make sure selected options include CMAQ and HSIP targets. Mary Ellen Blunt reviewed Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding, which is new under MAP-21. She said the funding is small and must be attached to a community project to expand bicycle and pedestrian access. She explained that it is a competitive bid process and in 4
future years of the TIP, the CMMPO could solicit stand-alone projects. Arthur Frost added that Dudley and Barre could apply for TAP funding for their respective projects. Clinton Bench questioned if project #606485, Route 146 Median Barrier Replacement in Millbury and Sutton, could be segmented into two phases. Arthur Frost replied that it could be segmented and explained that the project would replace the median barrier from the Blackstone Valley Shoppes in Millbury to the intersection of Route 146 and Boston Road in Sutton. Four different options were discussed for project selection in FY15 as follows: Option A: - #605559, Warren, Rt. 67/Rt. 19 Town Center, $1.768 million - #604864, Westborough, Route 9 and Lyman Street, $2.105 million (CMAQ) - #604864, Westborough, Route 9 and Lyman Street, $2.645 million (HSIP) - #606686, Warren, Route 67 Town and Village Centers, $1.622 million - #606346, Leicester, Route 56, $2.023 million - #606347, Sturbridge, Route 20 between I-84 and Rt. 49, $3.440 million This option would cost $13.603 million, exceeding the $13.208 million total regional target available by $394,000. The CMAQ target ($3.133 million) was not met, but the HSIP target ($928,433) was satisfied. Option B: - #606686 Warren, and #606347 Sturbridge listed under Option A - #605055, Worcester, Rt. 70 (Lincoln St.) Phase II, $2.363 million (CMAQ) - #605055, Worcester, Rt. 70 (Lincoln St.) Phase II, $5.067 million (HSIP) This option left $717,000 of the $13.208 million total regional target available. The CMAQ Option C: - #604864 Westborough, and #606347 Sturbridge listed under Option A - #606485, Millbury and Sutton, Route 146, $5.140 million This option would cost $13.330 million, exceeding the $13.208 million total regional target available by $121,000. The CMAQ Option D: - #605559 Warren, #604864 Westborough, #606686 Warren - #604227, Barre, Routes 122/32/62 Town Common, $2.339 million 5
- #606485 Millbury and Sutton, phasing the $5.140 million into two parts: $3.063 million in FY14 and $2.080 million in FY15 This option left $650,000 of the $13.208 million total regional target available. The CMAQ Rich Rydant asked if both Warren projects could be ready for FY15 or should be programmed for two separate years. Paula Simmons replied that project #606686, Resurfacing Route 67 town and village centers, will be designed in-house by MassDOT D2 staff and both could be ready for FY15. Mary Ellen Blunt questioned if both projects are geographically close together and will they be constructed at different times of the year to lessen the burden to residents. Ms. Simmons said that MassDOT will work with the contractors to configure a schedule. Paul Guertin stated that Leicester could be ready for FY14 but would need to check with the Town and MassDOT so both parties feel confident with the project design. A discussion took place amongst MassDOT and CMRPC Staff about selecting Leicester as an option, due to the project not being listed currently. Another discussion ensued about Leicester and project eligibility for TAP funding because the project is adjacent to Leicester High School. Four different options were discussed for project selection in FY16 as follows: Option A: - #606485, Millbury/Sutton, Route 146 Median Barrier Replacement, $5.140 million - #603486, Brookfield, Route 148 (Fiskdale Road), $2.587 million - #604739, West Brookfield, Routes 9/67 and School Street, $1.310 million - #606207, Spencer, Route 9 (Main Street) Downtown, $2.262 million (CMAQ) - #606207, Spencer, Route 9 (Main Street) Downtown, $2.375 million (HSIP) This option left $341,000 of the $14.015 million total regional target available. The CMAQ target ($3,012,943) was not met, but the HSIP target ($892,724) was satisfied. Option B: - #604864, Westborough, Route 9 and Lyman Street, $2.105 million (CMAQ) - #604864, Westborough, Route 9 and Lyman Street, $2.645 million (HSIP) - #606346, Leicester, Route 56, $2.023 million - #602740, Shrewsbury, Main Street, $5.999 million This option left $1.243 million of the $14.015 million total regional target available. The CMAQ 6
Option C: - #602740 Shrewsbury, #604739 West Brookfield, #606207 Spencer listed under Option A - #603251, Worcester, Holden St/Shore Dr/Drummond Ave, $600,000 of the $1.6 million total project cost o This project is listed in the Statewide CMAQ program. Arthur Frost stated that the CMMPO could be asked to fund a portion of the cost, estimating the $600,000 regional responsibility, and would seek more information about the project. This option left $1.469 million of the $14.015 million total regional target available. The CMAQ Option D: - #602740 Shrewsbury, #606207 Spencer - #606347, Sturbridge, Route 20 between I-84 and Rt. 49, $3.440 million This option would cost $14.076 million, exceeding the $14.015 million total regional target available by $61,000. The CMAQ Moe DePalo questioned if the regional CMAQ target had increased in future years from the current year and if CMAQ funds could be used for sidewalks. He said that Main Street in Shrewsbury has sidewalks and wondered if the project could be CMAQ eligible if the funding went to sidewalk rehabilitation and construction. Steve Tyler wondered if the CMMPO should be considering options that do not leave as much funding available as the current options propose. Arthur Frost said that $1 to $2 million projects have many opportunities for funding in the FY14-17 TIP and suggested to project advocates to review potential projects. Four different options were discussed for project selection in FY17 as follows: Option A: - #602740, Shrewsbury, Main Street, $5.999 million - #601368, Worcester, Route 122 (Grafton Street), $3.100 million (CMAQ) - #601368, Worcester, Route 122 (Grafton Street), $3.000 million (HSIP) This option left $1.377 million of the $13.476 million total regional target available. Both CMAQ ($2.897 million) and HSIP ($858,388) targets were met. Option B: - #603486, Brookfield, Route 148 (Fiskdale Road), $2.587 million - #604739, West Brookfield, Routes 9/67 and School Street, $1.310 million 7
- #606207, Spencer, Route 9 (Main Street) Downtown, $2.262 million (CMAQ) - #606207, Spencer, Route 9 (Main Street) Downtown, $2.375 million (HSIP) - #606206, Oxford, Charlton St from Main St to Dudley Rd, $4.000 million This option left $942,000 of the $13.476 million total regional target available. The CMAQ Option C: - #603486 Brookfield, #606286 Oxford listed under Option B - #606440, Princeton, Route 140, $3.440 million - #604948, Uxbridge, Route 122, $3.000 million o This project has a total cost of $9.174 million and needs to be segmented into FY17 and FY18. An estimate of $3 million of CMAQ funding was provided for purposes of project selection. This option left $449,000 of the $13.476 million total regional target available. The CMAQ target was met, but the HSIP target was not satisfied. Option D: - #603486 Brookfield, #604739 West Brookfield, #601368 Worcester and #606440 Princeton This option left $39,000 of the $13.476 million total regional target available. Both CMAQ and HSIP targets were met. Rich Rydant provided updates on project options for FY17 that could be selected in FY18: - #606125 Upton: project is costly ($8.165 million) and needs to be segmented - #605377 Millbury: McCracken Road has yet to be added to the Federal-Aid system - #607250 Paxton: has not progressed as far as Princeton - #604498 Uxbridge: project is costly ($9.174 million) and needs to be segmented o Arthur Frost added that the project is at 25% design and a design public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, April 25 th. Agenda Item # 4 Important Dates TIP Environmental Consultation Session Wednesday, May 1 st at 10:00 AM Public Meeting: Proposed Amendment #3 to the FY13-16 TIP Wednesday, May 1 st at 5:00 PM Due Date for Submittal of Community Project Status Updates Tuesday, May 7 th by 4:30 PM CMMPO Meeting Wednesday, May 8 th at 4:30 PM Agenda Item #5 Adjournment The meeting of the CMMPO adjourned at 7:23 PM. 8