MINUTES OF THE METRO COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING

Tuesday, July 21, 1998

Metro Council Chamber

Members Present:  Ed Washington (Chair) Susan McLain (Vice Chair)

Members Absent:  Jon Kvistad  

Chair Washington called the meeting to order at 3:34 PM.

1.  INTRODUCTIONS

None.

2.  CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF JULY 7, 1998

3.  RESOLUTION NO. 98-2674, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING THE LOCALLY PREFERRED STRATEGY FOR THE SOUTH/NORTH LIGHT RAIL PROJECT

Richard Brandman, Principal Program Manager, Metro Transportation Department, said the adoption of the Locally Preferred Strategy (LPS) and the Land Use Final Order (LUFO) represents the culmination of six years of work to determine where light rail will expand in this area. He said the LPS is the federal term for the recommended alignment and the terminus; the LUFO responds to state statutes concerning Metro’s land-use authority with this project. The second resolution, that on the LUFO, will not be accompanied by a public hearing today.

Mr. Brandman reminded the committee of the many informational updates that have been presented in recent months on this process. He said the resolution on the LPS has the unanimous approval of the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT). The approval covers an alignment for the full light rail project, from the Clackamas Town Center through Milwaukie, Southeast Portland, downtown Portland, North Portland, and into Vancouver, Washington. The project would be constructed in three stages and take some 12 years to complete.

He said an expert review panel has reviewed the data and fully support for the validity of the data. He noted that the public involvement process has been one of the most extensive for a project of this size. He said numerous committees have recommended the project as presented in the LPS.

Councilor McLain thanked the staff for the quality of the information they have provided and especially for arranging the tour of the light rail. She said the tour was extremely important in furthering her understanding of how the alignment fits into particular neighborhoods. She said she appreciated the passion the staff has shown for this project, which is the only way projects of this scope get completed.

Chair Washington said he appreciates the project more as time passes. He said he would support the resolution. He also expressed his appreciation for everyone’s hard work.

Mr. Brandman thanked the entire staff who had worked on the documents and on the public meetings associated with this enormous undertaking.

No carrier was assigned at the time of this meeting.

4.  RESOLUTION NO. 98-2673, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING A LAND USE FINAL ORDER DECIDING THE LIGHT RAIL ROUTE, STATION LOTS AND MAINTENANCE FACILITIES AND THE HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING THEIR LOCATIONS, FOR THE SOUTH/NORTH LIGHT RAIL PROJECT

Chair Washington read a notice to the public, making it clear that for testimony on the LUFO to be included in the public record, it would need to be presented orally before the full Council at the public hearing on July 23, or in writing before the close of that meeting. He made it clear that anyone could comment on the subject at this committee meeting, but those comments would not be part of the official public record. He read twice the process whereby a citizen could provide testimony for the record on the LUFO. (The text of this notice, read in its entirety at the meeting, is attached to the meeting record.)

Mr. Brandman introduced Leon Skiles, Manager, High-Capacity Transit Planning, and Mark Greenfield, Project Attorney. Mr. Skiles summarized the purpose of the resolution, which is to adopt the LUFO. The LUFO is identical to the application adopted by the Tri-Met Board of Directors. Adopting the resolution also adopts the “Findings of Fact,” included as Exhibit C to the resolution.

He said the LUFO establishes the area within which the South/North light rail facilities can be built. Those facilities include the route, the stations, the park-an-ride lots, the maintenance facilities, transit centers, and any related highway improvements. The LUFO defines those terms, identifies their locations in words, and illustrates their boundaries on maps. Using a map of the Eliot Stations as an example, he showed how those boundaries are shown on the maps. He explained that if the boundaries need to be changed later, the change must be approved both by the Tri-Met Board of Directors and the Metro Council, and the LUFO thus amended.

Chair Washington asked about the differences in the size of the boundaries shown on the map. Mr. Skiles explained that the larger area to which he referred represents a transit station. Also, if the precise design for a facility was not known, then the boundaries are shown large enough to accommodate various design possibilities. That way, the design engineers do not have to be constantly seeking amendments to the LUFO for minor changes.

The findings have been reviewed and accepted by planners from Metro, Tri-Met, and the local jurisdictions. A few technical updates of the findings will be made available at the full Council meeting on Thursday. The LUFO is consistent with the LPS just adopted. It is a LUFO for the entire Oregon portion of the project, reflecting the LPS from the Clackamas Town Center to the Oregon/Washington border. Where the alignments are known for certain, the boundaries are tight. The maps also indicate areas of uncertainty or where there is a known need for further study. A few areas have been identified as special study areas, and concurrent approval will be needed from the Tri-Met Board and the Metro Council to determine the route in those areas.

Mr. Skiles acknowledged Mr. Greenfield’s key role in producing the LUFO and the role of Michael Morrissey, Council Analyst, in facilitating good communication between the Transportation staff and the Council. Mr. Greenfield acknowledged the high quality of work produced by Mr. Skiles and his staff and their timeliness in responding to his demands.

Chair Washington invited members of the public to comment on the resolution.

Councilor McLain commented on the high level of detail in the maps. Mr. Skiles said the reason is because House Bill 3475 provides that no amendment to the LUFO is needed if the activity falls within the boundaries shown on the maps, but an amendment is needed if it falls without. The more detailed the map, the easier it is to see whether an amendment is needed.

Councilor McLain said it is important to emphasize that the system will not truly be complete until the light rail is built all the way to Vancouver.

No carrier was assigned at the time of this meeting.

Chair Washington said a resolution not on the agenda would be introduced by Councilor McLain.

5.  RESOLUTION NO. 98-2684, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUPPORTING A RECOMMENDATION THAT THE SOUTH/NORTH LIGHT RAIL BOND MEASURE BE RE-REFERRED TO VOTERS

Councilor McLain explained that this resolution was put forth by Councilor Morissette, who was unable to attend the meeting today. (A copy of the resolution is attached to the meeting record.) Chair Washington asked Daniel Cooper, Metro General Counsel, whether any special action was needed in order for the committee to consider this resolution. Mr. Cooper said no, not at the committee level.

Councilor Mclain said that this resolution does what she believes is necessary. She recommended passing this forward. She said she believes Metro should seek voter approval again. Chair Washington said this resolution simply reinforces and supports the decision by Tri-Met’s Board of Directors to obtain voter approval.

Councilor Morissette will carry the resolution to a meeting of the full Council.

6.  COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

There being no further business before the Committee, Chair Washington adjourned the meeting at 4:07 PM.

Prepared by,

Pat Emmerson

Council Assistant

ATTACHMENTS TO THE PUBLIC RECORD FOR THE MEETING OF JULY 21, 1998

The following have been included as part of the official public record.