Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Coordinating Committee met June 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Members Present: Frank Beal (Chair, CMAP Board), Sheri Cohen (Human and Community Development Committee), Mike Montgomery (CMAP Board), Sean Wiedel (Environment Committee), Mark VanKerkhoff (Land Use & Housing Committee), Rick Reinbold (CMAP Board), Diane Williams (CMAP Board), Rocco Zucchero (Transportation Committee)
Staff Present:
Stephane Phifer (Staff Liaison), and CMAP staff Jesse Elam, Stephanie Levine, Tony Manno, Austen Edwards, Anthony Cefali, Tina Smith, Maggie Jarr, and Sherry Kane
Others Present: Sis Killen and Maria Choca Urban (Cook County DOTH), Mike Klemens (Lake County Council) and Tom Rickert (KaneKendall Council)
1.0 Call to Order
The chair, Frank Beal, called the meeting to order at approximately 8:04 a.m.
2.0 Agenda Changes and Announcements
None.
3.0 Approval of Minutes
A motion to approve the minutes of the Coordinating Committee meeting of April 10, 2019, as presented, made by Diane Williams was seconded by Rocco Zucchero, and with all in favor, carried.
4.0 South Cook County Mobility Study
Coordinating Committee Chair Frank Beal introduced Sis Killen, Assistant Superintendent- Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, and the South Cook County Mobility Study, which was an outgrowth of a Local Technical Assistance (LTA) grant.
Sis Killen presented an overview of the Study and reported that the first module covering the entire county used FTA’s STOPS model to look at where transit is needed, trends in Metra and Pace ridership, and the limitations of current operations. Killen reviewed the market analysis scenario modeling results and the eight (8) associated scenarios: changes to Metra fares and transfers, including implementation of a flat fare on Metra Electric District (MED) and Rock Island District (RID), free transfers on MED and RID, and flat fares and free transfers on MED and RID; all day frequent service on MED and RID; Red Line extension to 130th Street; Red Line extension to MED at 95th Street CSU; NICTD station at 130th/Altgeld Gardens; Green Line extension to MED at 63rd Street/Obama Presidential Center; link MED to O’Hare via frequent through service; and, I-294 flex lane express bus service. From the study results, Cook County has developed a Fair Pilot Program with implementation covering a three-year period. Transit system coordination, as well as coordination with others will be key. Two Metra town hall meetings, one which took place in Harvey only the night before, are scheduled.
Discussion and questions of the committee included the following: would a Pace reduction in ridership increase the number of trains needed; if CTA and Pace ridership both decline, how would the change [in revenue] be made up; what is the launch date; are all on board with the adjusted fare structure; is implementation possible with existing infrastructure; comments on how innovative the pilot will be; how would changes in ridership (revenue sharing) be handled; if the County would underwrite the [three year] pilot so none of the transit agencies would lose out on revenue; how to work with the Ventra system (Metra/CTA—free transfer); looking to Seattle as an example of transit collaboration on capping fares, splitting revenues proportionately, backstopping, and bus stop restructuring; may see less revenue in the area of gas tax, but this is not a reason not to advance the pilot; mobility in the Ventra card; how would housing and economic development be affected; and, finally TOD implications.
5.0 2019 Call for Projects Approach
Deputy Executive Director for Planning Stephane Phifer introduced this topic and reported that the LTA program presented in March resulted in a number of ideas that would help to increase outreach on the next call for projects. Phifer asked that the committee keep the following two questions in mind: (1) what promotion strategies would you suggest to make CMAP’s outreach efforts more successful, and (2) what additional selection criterial should be considered when evaluating project applications.
CMAP staff Tony Manno presented on the 2019 Call for Projects Approach, including background of the previous call, reporting on the partnership of CMAP and the RTA, the timing of the call, extensive outreach by way of workshops in each County, municipal survey results, and an informational meeting with community groups & nonprofits. Responding to feedback from the committee, Manno went on to describe the outreach planned for the FY 2021 Call for Projects that will include five regional and one downtown event (scheduled for October 10) and described the goals of the outreach. Manno invited Board and committee chairs to have a role in the events, which might include a panel discussion, a resource fair from CMAP and its partners, and opportunities to network and begin to apply to the call.
Phifer described the planning program’s rebranding efforts currently in the works and reported that FY 2020’s work will likely see more than 44 community plans developed, as well as evaluation criteria and strategies for project selection.
Discussion and feedback raised by the committee included: touting the successes already achieved by the program; highlight of the great plans and projects, especially those that have led to capital improvements and other implementation; reiteration that previous planning efforts do not preclude communities from applying for additional LTA assistance; a request to find a way to present current projects; expansion of outreach to those applicants that have not been selected to strengthen the application; a request to focus on successful projects that have had a regional impact; incorporation of inclusive growth where applicable and appropriate; highlight those project that encourage or inspire similar planning efforts in other parts of the region; focus on health equity; covering the three plan principles in greater detail; and examine the new capital bill for earmarks to help build upon other available funding (i.e., funding to IDNR, OSLAD grants, etc.).
6.0 Working Committee Updates
The new Committee Update Newsletter was showcased, and the Chairs of the Transportation and ENR committees reported the following topics were considered at recent meetings. Recently staff gave a presentation on the Port District LTA project, and topics of interest of the committee include active transportation links to the Riverdale and Altgeld Gardens neighborhoods. Transportation Committee activity included a presentation on an ongoing LTA program with McHenry County and its Council of Government developing a coordinated investment study, as well as air quality conformity, and toll credits, as IDOT is advancing 15-20 projects using toll credits as the state match. The Land Use and Housing Chair reported that staff is doing a great job with the committee and will reduce the number of agenda items to better facilitate engagement [of members]. Human and Community Development Committee is scheduled to meet next in August; the previous meeting, held at Google headquarters, focused on a family independence initiative. CMAP’s internal committee summary was also distributed, and members are again encouraged to bring topics to the Coordinating Committee.
7.0 Agency Announcements
Committee Chair Frank Beal announced that the CMAP Board will name its new Executive Director later in the morning. Outgoing Executive Director Joe Szabo thanked the committee for its work and support of the working committees.
8.0 Other Business
There was no other business before the committee
9.0 Public Comment
There were no comments from the public.
10.0 Next Meeting
The coordinating committee will meet next on July 17, 2019, highlighting CMAP’s Embedded Staff Program (ESP) project planning underway in two communities with work scheduled to begin in August.
11.0 Adjournment
At 9:14 a.m., a motion to adjourn by Sheri Cohen was seconded by Mark VanKerkhoff. All in favor, the motion carried.
https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/documents/10180/977407/DRAFTMinutes06-19-2019.pdf/1cd71dad-9afb-abd2-33ca-4aaa2cc44013
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