TO: NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY Business Advisory Council M E M O R A N D U M Virginia D. Benjamin, Attorney at Law, Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP Bethany Dentler, Executive Director, Medina County Economic Development Corporation Steven Corso, Chapter President, Lake Effect Chapter, Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association Al DiFranco, President, Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce Scott Esterly, Director of Governmental & Community Affairs, Building Owners and Managers Kyle D. Fee, Regional Community Development Advisory, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Tony Gallo, President, Lorain County Chamber of Commerce Heidi Gartland, Vice President, Government Relations, University Hospitals Mike Hoag, Vice President for Redevelopment, WIRE-Net William Bill Koehler, CEO, TeamNeo Don Romancak, Director of Community Development, Lorain County Mary Samide, President, S.O.S. Incorporated Brian Smith, Director of Strategic Project Development, Cleveland Clinic David J. Wondolowski, Executive Secretary/Business Manager, Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council FROM: Bethany Dentler, Chair DATE: November 24, 2017 RE: Business Advisory Council Friday, December 1, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. NOACA Offices 1299 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio I look forward to seeing you on Friday, December 1 st at 9:00 a.m. at the NOACA offices.
NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY Friday, December 1, 2017, 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. NOACA Offices 1299 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL Page 1. Minutes of September 22, 2017 Meeting 1-1 2. Public Comments on Current Agenda Items Oral 3. Chair s/executive Director s Report 4. Action Items 5. Presentation/Discussion Items a. BAC Focus Areas - LRTP Overview 5-1 b. NOACA 50 th Anniversary Workshop 5-3 c. Business Outreach Network 5-5 d. Air Quality Public Outreach Update 5-7 6. Reports/Updates 7. Old Business 8. New Business 9. Adjourn Next Regular Meeting: Friday, March 23, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. NOACA Offices, 1299 Superior Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio
Agenda Item No. 1 MINUTES
Business Advisory Council Meeting September 22, 2017 NOACA Offices 1299 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 Present: See the attached attendance record. Ms. Bethany Dentler, Chair of the Business Advisory Council (BAC), convened the meeting at 9:10 a.m. Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Mr. Don Romancak to approve the minutes of the BAC meeting held on June 2, 2017. The motion was seconded by Mr. David Wondolowski. The motion passed by voice vote. Public Comments No public comments were made at this meeting. Chair s Report / Executive Director s Report No report was presented at this meeting. ACTION ITEMS No action items were presented at this meeting. PRESENTATION / DISCUSSION ITEMS Legislative Advocacy Proposals Ms. Grace Gallucci stated that the following legislative proposals were presented at the previous External Affairs Committee meeting and were being presented to the BAC for feedback. State Advocacy Proposals Mr. Mike Caputo, Capitol Partners, provided background, objectives, tactics and outcomes of the following proposals: 1. Asset Management: Urban Paving Initiative (UPI) 2. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Tax 3. Innovative Financing: Taxing Authority 4. Mobility and Livability: Paratransit 5. Water and Air Quality Ms. Virginia Benjamin asked Mr. Caputo to talk about the support or lack of support from municipalities that are currently receiving urban paving funds. Mr. Caputo said there has 7649c 1-1
been no engagement with the municipalities on the Urban Paving Program. He said he anticipates there will be some pushback if funding is moved from the communities to NOACA. Ms. Dentler asked Mr. Caputo if he knew what the arguments/benefits might be from the communities on block granting. Mr. Caputo stated that the UPI proposal would provide the platform needed to elevate the common interests of communities in the region. Ms. Dentler asked if the UPI proposal would create an opportunity for communities to have a conversation on coordination. Mr. Caputo stated that the NOACA Board will need to determine how to proceed with the UPI proposal. He noted that coordination already exists in the NOACA region, so it would just be a matter of formalizing the proposal to put NOACA in a position to offer guidance on the types of projects that are important to the region. Ms. Dentler suggested that Mr. Caputo come up with some benefits for rural areas with respect to the UPI proposal. Mr. Caputo stated that he welcomed ideas to incorporate into the legislative platform. Mr. Caputo mentioned that the UPI proposal is designed solely for the incorporated areas, so funding would not be available for townships or state roads. He stated that NOACA could develop a policy or platform to better align projects throughout the NOACA region. Mr. Romancak stated that Lorain County has some highly urbanized townships that could coordinate UPI. He suggested that NOACA take a look at how the urban paving funds are currently being used to determine where growth will occur to help retain businesses. He advised BAC members that the UPI concept will not go anywhere without buy in from the municipalities. Mr. Romancak asked if the CNG Tax and water/air quality proposals would compete against each other. Mr. Caputo stated that alignment already exists between the initiatives and the water/air quality proposal provides a direct effort that can be used to engage the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA), and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) in conversations as opposed to a legislative strategy such as the CNG proposal. Ms. Benjamin stated that both the OAQDA and the Ohio Water Quality Development Authority (OWQDA) should be included in the proposals. Mr. Brett Barkley asked if the UPI proposal would involve NOACA managing and distributing the block grant funding to municipalities through a competitive process. Mr. Caputo stated that the block grant funding for UPI has not yet been addressed. He noted that funding could be allocated to NOACA and then distributed to the municipalities. 7649c 1-2
Mr. Barkley asked if NOACA built out a regional data infrastructure for traffic signals that would help improve coordination. He also asked if data infrastructure already exist for each municipality. Mr. Hayes provided information on NOACA s Signal Timing Optimization Program (STOP) and the Transportation Asset Management Program (TAMP). Ms. Gallucci mentioned that NOACA s work over the past several years has been data driven. Mr. Barkley asked if the paratransit initiative would be contingent upon changes made at the federal level in terms of block granting Medicaid dollars. Mr. Caputo stated that a framework is already in place to enhance the paratransit program. He said there has been some discussion at the federal level about allowing block granting at the state level. He noted that a concept or policy could be adopted under the existing infrastructure or under a block grant structure. Ms. Dentler asked if the current proposal in the Ohio Legislature goes beyond new taxes on CNG vehicles that would make the traditional gas tax more variable. Mr. Caputo said there is nothing stated in Senate Bill 113 that changes the existing gas tax rate or explains how the tax would be levied. Mr. Caputo noted that the proposed CNG tax would capture revenue from vehicles that do not use traditional fuel. Mr. Scott Easterly asked if the money raised by the new taxing authority would be used by NOACA or Cuyahoga County. Mr. Caputo said the taxing authority would be for all counties in the NOACA region. Mr. Barkley asked if other MPOs have established a taxing authority similar to the one being proposed to NOACA. Mr. Caputo said not to his knowledge, but noted that there are a number of counties in Ohio that have special taxing authorities. Ms. Gallucci said some states have variations of taxing authorities for road construction. Ms. Benjamin asked how the public transportation funding issue is being addressed. Mr. Caputo stated that members of his firm have been working closely with Senator Matt Dolan on the public transportation funding issue and have been active participants in a number of public transportation initiatives in Columbus. Mr. Caputo stated that the purpose of today s presentation is to provide the Committee with new concepts that could be utilized by NOACA. Mr. Caputo welcomed suggestions from BAC members. Mr. Romancak suggested that income tax be dropped from the proposed taxing authorities since townships cannot assess it and are not equipped to collect it. Federal Advocacy Proposals Mr. Tim Cosgrove, Squire Patton Boggs, reviewed NOACA s priorities as well as goals to set and tactics to use to obtain funding from the following sources: Surface Transportation Block Grant suballocations Federal finance opportunities Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program 7649c 1-3
TIGER Grant Program INFRA Grant Program Technology grant opportunities Mr. Barkley asked Mr. Cosgrove to provide information on the Smart Cities Initiative. Mr. Cosgrove stated that Cleveland State University (CSU) and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) received a small grant from the Cleveland Foundation to look at how technology is used for transportation in the region. He noted that the two universities are currently working on another proposal to look at a long-term strategy for the Smart Cities Initiative. Air Quality Public Outreach Ms. Beverly Burtzlaff stated that the Markey Group was awarded the Air Quality Public Outreach contract to develop a strategy that will guide the implementation of NOACA s Regional Strategic Plan and help bring the region into compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Ms. Burtzlaff stated that the Markey Group held a kickoff meeting in July to discuss the work that will be done over the next year. Ms. Burtzlaff noted that the consultant is responsible for the following tasks: Defining NOACA s air quality role and mission Researching best practices Defining strategic imperatives Defining target audiences and key messages Defining how to deliver messages/action steps Creating tools to measure success Ms. Burtzlaff stated that the next steps will involve the consultant doing the following: Completing the market research and summarizing the work that needs to be done Gathering public input to develop the mission statement and test ideas Designing strategies aimed at the public, schools and colleges, hospitals, and employers Developing a detailed action plan for NOACA staff Creating a detailed communications strategy Ms. Burtzlaff mentioned that the consultant is currently seeking feedback from NOACA s Air Quality Subcommittee and advisory councils. The consultant will develop small focus groups and set up interviews with advisory council volunteers and chairpersons. Ms. Burtzlaff asked members to let her know if they would be interested in participating in the focus group meetings. Ms. Gallucci stated that dates and focus group meeting materials will be sent out to all BAC members. Mr. Barkley mentioned that the City of Columbus initiated an innovative program in partnership with the business community and MORPC. He noted that the program provides employees with free transit passes. He asked if NOACA has considered providing incentives for its Air Quality Program. 7649c 1-4
Ms. Gallucci stated that incentive programs already exist in Cleveland, such as the U- Pass program offered by CWRU and CSU; a special transit pass program offered by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District; and the Commuter Advantage program offered by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA). Ms. Gallucci mentioned that the initiative that was done in Columbus was part of a pilot program. Mr. Barkley stated that he was under the impression that Columbus implemented a 2-year program based on the success of that pilot. Ms. Gallucci stated that the Columbus business community has not yet raised the full amount needed for the 2-year program. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Stakeholder Outreach Ms. Kelley Britt provided an overview of the TOD Plan. She reviewed the two phases of the TOD Plan: Phase 1 consisted of three tasks: 1) The development of the TOD scorecard and typologies; 2) The design of a regional TOD program; and 3) The development of an Age in Place Strategy. Phase 2 consisted of the development of an implementation plan for three pilot sites (West Boulevard/Cudell Station, East 116 th Street/Shaker Boulevard Station, and the Slavic Village/Broadway Corridor) that were identified in Phase 1. Phase 2 of the plan also included a market analysis and a strategy for public engagement. Ms. Britt mentioned that the consultant, AECOM, presented the final product to NOACA staff and Board, the TOD Working Group, and other stakeholders. Ms. Britt stated that Cudell CDC hosted a neighborhood meeting to present information on the TOD project and highlighted the proposed plans for the West Boulevard Rapid Station (pilot site). Ms. Britt stated that NOACA staff reached out to LOCUS, which is a national coalition of real estate developers and investors that advocate for sustainable, equitable, walkable development in America s metropolitan areas and hosts workshops and summits around the country. Ms. Britt mentioned that NOACA s role is to promote the three TOD pilot areas; to be the facilitator of education and information; to collect data; and to own and operate the TOD tool. Ms. Britt stated that NOACA staff will continue working with community stakeholders and other groups to implement the TOD as well as provide technical assistance to communities in the region that are interested in exploring TOD opportunities. Ms. Benjamin suggested that NOACA staff reach out to the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Ms. Dentler asked who will be in charge of continuing the activities related to the TOD. Ms. Gallucci said the local jurisdictions will be responsible for the activities and NOACA will provide support to those communities. Ms. Gallucci mentioned that Ms. Britt is available to provide additional information on the TOD. Reports/Updates No reports/updates were presented at this meeting. 7649c 1-5
Old Business No old business was discussed at this meeting. New Business No new business was discussed this meeting. Adjournment Ms. Dentler announced that the next BAC meeting will be held at NOACA offices on December 1, 2017. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m. 7649c 1-6
2017 Business Advisory Council Attendance Record MEETING DATES 3/3/17 6/2/17 9/22/17 12/1/17 Vince Adamus Brett Barkley X X X Virginia D. Benjamin Steve Corso X X Bethany Dentler X X X Al DiFranco X Scott Esterly X X X Anthony Gallo X X Heidi Gartland Mike Hoag X William Bill Koehler Christine Nelson - Alternate A A Donald Romancak X X X Mary Samide X Brian Smith X X David J. Wondolowski X X TOTAL MEMBERS ATTEND: 8 9 8 X=Member present A=Alternate 1-7
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Agenda Item No. 2 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Agenda Item No. 3 CHAIR/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR S REPORT
Agenda Item No. 4 ACTION ITEMS
Agenda Item No. 5 PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS
NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: NOACA Business Advisory Council Grace Gallucci, Executive Director DATE: November 24, 2017 RE: BAC Focus Areas LRTP Overview ACTION REQUESTED No action is requested at this time. This item is for information and discussion only. BACKGROUND/INFORMATION The NOACA Board approved the NOACA Long Range Transportation Plan at the June 2017 meeting. The Business Advisory Council assisted the LRTP public engagement process which vetted the concerns of the business community through several events prior to the approval of the plan. The LRTP represents the work agenda for NOACA s transportation planning and programming efforts. Therefore, the LRTP also helps guide agenda development for NOACA committees, subcommittees and councils. NOACA staff will present an overview of the work items contained in the LRTP for consideration as opportunities for engagement and outreach with various stakeholders by the Business Advisory Council as part of its 2018 agenda. FINANCIAL IMPACT There is no financial impact related to this presentation CONCLUSION/NEXT STEPS Based on feedback from the advisory council members, NOACA staff will work with the External Affairs Committee to finalize a working agenda for the Council for 2018. GG/mh/7650c 5-1
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NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: NOACA Business Advisory Council Grace Gallucci, Executive Director DATE: November 24, 2017 RE: NOACA 50 th Anniversary Workshop ACTION REQUESTED No action is requested at this time. This item is for information and discussion only. BACKGROUND/INFORMATION 2018 will mark the 50 th year of NOACA s existence as the regional transportation planning authority for Northeast Ohio. To mark the occasion and consider the significance of the milestone, NOACA staff is planning a series of activities to highlight, educate and engage stakeholders throughout Northeast Ohio. This anniversary is a significant outreach opportunity which NOACA staff hopes to leverage as a means to draw new stakeholders into transportation planning discussion. NOACA staff will conduct a short workshop to explain the planning for the 50 th Anniversary. Council members will be surveyed for their feedback on draft ideas to promote the 50 th Anniversary activities to stakeholders in the business community. FINANCIAL IMPACT There is no financial impact related to this presentation CONCLUSION/NEXT STEPS NOACA staff will use feedback from the Council discussion to inform the planning of 50 th Anniversary activities. GG/as/7651c 5-3
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NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: NOACA Business Advisory Council Grace Gallucci, Executive Director DATE: November 24, 2017 RE: Business Outreach Network ACTION REQUESTED No action is requested at this time. This item is for information and discussion only. BACKGROUND/INFORMATION NOACA employs a variety of information and engagement channels that are useful to communicate and inform stakeholders to transportation planning projects and the deliberations and decisions involved in forming projects and policy. However, NOACA has not fully developed such a network for engagement of business community stakeholders to vet transportation projects in the Region. NOACA staff will seek to engage the assistance of the Business Advisory Council in forming a network of business community interests that can be utilized to vet regionally significant transportation projects from the perspective of regional business interests. Staff will ask for the advice of the Council on the structure of a network, the composition of business interests and potentially seek names of organizations to approach. FINANCIAL IMPACT There is no financial impact related to this presentation CONCLUSION/NEXT STEPS NOACA staff will use feedback from the Council discussion to better form a business community outreach network. GG/mh/7652c 5-5
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NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: NOACA Business Advisory Council Grace Gallucci, Executive Director DATE: November 24, 2017 RE: NOACA Air Quality Public Outreach Update ACTION REQUESTED No action is requested at this time. This item is for information and discussion only. BACKGROUND/INFORMATION At the September 2017 meeting, NOACA staff provided an overview of planning efforts underway to develop an Air Quality Outreach campaign for Northeast Ohio. The planning efforts are intended to inform and engage the business community on air quality priorities and to promote actions that work toward environmental quality goals defined in NOACA strategic planning documents. NOACA engaged the services of a communication consultant to facilitate the development of outreach activities. The consultant will be available to present the status of their work and to explore ideas and opportunities to effectively engage interests in the business community on outreach in support of air quality goals and the most effective ways to engage the attention and interests of important business community stakeholders. FINANCIAL IMPACT There is no financial impact related to this presentation. CONCLUSION/NEXT STEPS NOACA staff will continue to directly work with the Business Advisory Council to plan and conduct outreach and engagement activities for air quality efforts to the business community in the NOACA region. GG/mh/7653c 5-7
Agenda Item No. 6 REPORTS/UPDATES
Agenda Item No. 7 OLD BUSINESS
Agenda Item No. 8 NEW BUSINESS
Agenda Item No. 9 ADJOURN