MINUTES OF THE METRO COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING

Tuesday, January 19, 1999

Council Chamber

Chair Morissette called the meeting to order at 3:42 PM.

1.  CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 1, 1998

2.  RESOLUTION NO. 99-2740, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER TO EXECUTE A PROGRAMMATIC 4(F) STATEMENT AND NEGOTIATE A RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT WITH CLACKAMAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND METRO PROPERTY

Charlie Ciecko, Director of Parks and Greenspaces, appeared before the committee to report on Resolution No. 99-2740, which would authorize the executive to proceed with two actions pertaining to the Sunnyside Road Improvement Project in Clackamas County. Both actions are required due to the proximity of Metro-acquired open space to the road project, specifically, Mount Talbot. The Sunnyside Road Improvement Project is intended to alleviate congestion in that part of the region and bring that road up to AASHTO standards. The project will affect portions of Sunnyside Road between I-205 and 172nd Avenue.

According to Mr. Ciecko, the first authorization would permit the executive officer to certify by signature that the impacts to the Mount Talbert natural areas have been assessed and found to be acceptable, with mitigation. This is a federal requirement known as a Programmatic 4(f) Statement. The executive would sign this statement with the understanding that the access impacts will be mitigated by the creation of a single-lane access at the intersection of SE 117th Avenue and Sunnyside Road. The impacts will also be mitigated by bridging rather than culverting Mount Scott Creek so as to accommodate a below grade crossing of a future Mount Scott Creek Trail, which has been identified in the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District Master Plan, the Clackamas County Comprehensive Plan, and the Metro Greenspaces Master Plan. This trail is not included in the Regional Trails Plan, which is a component of the Regional Transportation Plan. However, when that plan is up for revision, it will be proposed that the Mount Scott Creek Trail be included in that plan as well.

Mr. Ciecko said the second authorization requested would allow the executive officer to negotiate and sell approximately 3,000 square feet (150’ x 20’) to Clackamas County Transportation Department and/or ODOT for right-of-way purposes. Resolution No. 97-2539 established a policy for the granting of rights-of-way and easements for non-park uses. This resolution provides for formal review by the Regional Parks and Greenspaces Advisory Committee, the Regional Facilities Committee, and the Metro Council. In this instance the Transportation Committee is taking the place of the Regional Facilities Committee in performing the review of the proposal. The policy allows for the non-parks easements and rights-of-way when the Regional Parks and Greenspaces Department determines that the proposed use can be accommodated without significant impact to the “natural resources, cultural resources, recreational facilities, recreational opportunities, or the operation and management thereof” and that the impacts can be minimized and mitigated.

Mr. Ciecko said in accordance with this policy, department staff reviewed the proposal and developed a report, which is included as Exhibit 2 to the resolution in the meeting packet. He said staff reports this proposal can be accommodated without significant impact. The Regional Parks and Greenspaces Advisory Committee recommended approval of this item at its October 6, 1998 meeting.

A staff report to the resolution includes information presented by Mr. Ciecko, and is included as part of the meeting record.

Councilor Atherton asked whether the term “below grade trail” means going beneath the road. Mr. Ciecko confirmed this description, and said the proposal calls for a bridge rather than a culvert. In response to further questions by Councilor Atherton, Mr. Ciecko said various alternatives have been evaluated, and a final version for construction has not yet been decided. Councilor Atherton asked whether there is a policy governing who pays for the bridge. Mr. Ciecko said the cost would be incurred by the highway department. He said Clackamas County officials have not given any indication that they have a problem with this request.

Andy Cotugno, Director of Transportation Planning, commented further on the project, stating that to-date Metro has allocated $6.4 million toward the widening of Sunnyside Road from I-205 to 122nd Avenue. The county has money in the widening project as well. The county has, as part of the current step allocation process, allocated $1.4 million for this bridge. The application has come back to Metro to request the highway funds to cover the cost of the bridge. Metro is not through with the process yet, to determine what projects ought to receive allocated funds. He said there are $300 million worth of projects for the $75 million allocated. He said it is not clear who has ultimate responsibility, they have applied for the money, but it is not approved yet.

Councilor Atherton asked for an explanation of the statement that the resolution has no budget impact. Mr. Ciecko said the policy for rights-of-way and easements for non-park uses states that land cannot be sold for less than fair market value, so the negotiation process will result in an appraisal that will ensure fair market value. Since the land was acquired by bond funds, that money will go back into the pot of bond funds to purchase other open space lands.

Councilor Monroe asked about the Mt. Scott Creek trail. Mr. Ciecko answered Councilor Monroe’s questions and showed Councilor Monroe a map of the area.

Councilor Atherton will carry the resolution to full Council.

3.  OVERVIEW AND WORK SESSION ON THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN (TIP)

Mr. Cotugno gave an overview of the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Mr. Cotugno reported Metro is in the midst of “Priorities 2000,” the biennial funding allocation process that Metro undertakes jointly with ODOT. The process began last summer when the Priorities 2000 Solicitation Package was adopted, which defines criteria to be used in soliciting projects. A copy of the solicitation package was distributed to councilors and is included as part of the meeting record.

Mr. Cotugno said jurisdictions eligible to receive these funds are cities, counties, DEQ, Department of Energy, Tri-Met, Port of Portland, and Metro. Priorities 2000 deals with all of the federal funds that go through Metro’s or ODOT’s process for allocating discretionary funds. He said most money coming from the federal authorization called TEA-21 is funneled through ODOT. Money ODOT slates for modernization purposes goes through Metro’s process. The transportation commission, at the direction of the governor has committed all discretionary federal funds to maintenance and preservation of existing systems, so it is not part of Metro’s process. The only funds available are those from the $.02 gas tax that by state statute must be dedicated to modernization purposes. There is $75 million available to be awarded to projects by Metro.

Mr. Cotugno then reviewed at length a series of tables, charts, and graphs describing various program funding levels, a list of earmarked projects, and other elements of the TIP plan in great detail. These documents are included as part of the meeting record.

Mr. Cotugno commented about eligibility. There are about 25 federal funding categories, and the TIP is only a piece of the picture, however, it is the part that affects Metro most directly, as it is the primary source of Metro funds. Mr. Cotugno defined some of the key categories of funding. He said 95% of federal money falls into the following categories: CMAC funds, STP funds, bridge funds, safety funds, and interstate funds, through an established formula. These funds are channeled through an MPO such as Metro. Chair Kvistad said there are some funds that are simply passed through Metro as the MPO, over which Metro has little discretion. Metro plays a secondary role with ODOT and bridge and safety funds, and with Tri-Met and transit funds. Metro approves what they do, however, they make the decisions for funding.

Mr. Cotugno said that rather than solicit projects and allocate projects by funding category, Metro does so by functional transportation category, such as bike and ped projects, transit, TOD, TDM, or road and freight. He explained the application process; stating that solicitations in excess of the $75 million available were solicited in order to facilitate a selection process. Over $300 million in applications were received. Mr. Cotugno described the criteria and selection process, as well as the tier structure for the TIP.

Mr. Cotugno answered councilors’ questions regarding the information provided.

Chair Kvistad assured councilors that the details of the TIP and other transportation programs will continue to be reviewed in upcoming meetings, and that it was not expected new councilors would completely grasp Mr. Cotugno’s presentation in its entirety today.

The “Priorities 2000 Project Selection Schedule” was distributed to councilors. A copy of this document is included as part of the meeting record. Chair Kvistad said a decision on Priorities 2000 is due in May. Therefore, the committee needs to be brought up to speed on the issues as quickly as possible.

4.  OVERVIEW AND WORK SESSION ON THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN (RTP) FINANCE

Mr. Cotugno distributed a document entitled, “Priorities 2000--Projects Nominations Summary” a copy of which is included as part of the meeting record. He said this packet of applications will be reviewed at the next Transportation Planning Committee. He will also bring information on Transportation Oriented Development (TOD) projects to that meeting.

Councilor Atherton asked Mr. Cotugno whether he could meet with him to discuss a list of good ideas, and to determine what the disposition of those ideas might be, and what potential funding sources might be. Mr. Cotugno said this is certainly possible.

Chair Kvistad said that over the next 20 years, Metro will have about $1 billion available to it. However, Metro will need about $3.5 to $4.5 billion to break even. Furthermore, to be fully funded for all anticipated transportation projects over the next 20 years, $14 to $15 billion is needed for the statewide mix of projects. So we are able to provide only stopgap funding at this time.

Chair Kvistad said a trip to Washington, DC is planned for March 3-4 to visit with Oregon’s legislative delegation. In addition, the NARC Policy Conference is set for March 22. Mr. Cotugno said a transportation field trip to visit major traffic interchanges, the Port, and other items of interest will be scheduled.

There being no further business before the committee, Chair Kvistad adjourned the meeting at 5:12 PM.

Prepared by,

Lindsey Ray

Senior Council Assistant

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