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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 07/13/2004 - Workshop �q 21314 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY a) kup 2034 BOARD OF DIRECTORS' WORKSHOP IM TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2004 I N j CRET CITY SECRET OFFICE -> The Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors met at 11:00 a.m. in°*aziZ9Z,�' Regional Transportation Authority Facility located at 5658 Bear Lane, Corpus Christi, Texas. Board Members Present: Mike.Rendon, Carmen Arias, Rolando Barrera, John Buckley, Anna Flores, Abel Herrero, John Longoria, Crystal Lyons, Davie Cissna RTA Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez; Beth Vidaurri; Fred Haley; Sylvia Castillo; David Seiler Public Present: Julio Garcia, Jr. - Former RTA Board Member; Laura Wallace- Federal Transit Administration liaison to RTA; Blas Uribe - Federal Transit Administration Deputy Regional Administrator; Alan Wulkan - PB Consults; Carol Scott - Kailo Communications; Bob Bramen - PB Consults Mr. Sanchez stated that this was the first major briefing to the Board on the Streetcar Project. He explained that the RTA has partnered with the City of Corpus Christi, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Port Authority of Corpus Christi, and the Downtown Management District to develop a transportation solution for the rapid growth and development in the Downtown area. Mr. Sanchez pointed out that the proposed Streetcar Project promised to increase accessibility and mobility options for Corpus Christi citizens; integrate with existing RTA transit systems; promote efficiency in transportation; and, perhaps most importantly, support the economic vitality of the area. Mr. Wulkan began his presentation by informing the Board that Corpus Christi is one of many American cities participating in a streetcar renaissance. He noted the popularity of streetcars in these cities as a way of linking special activities centers. Developers also prefer the permanency of a streetcar system to the option of simply indefinitely increasing bus service to an area. Streetcars have also consistently attracted new passengers who do not prefer bus service. Mr. Wulkan then reviewed the Federal Project Implementation Process necessary in securing federal funding for the Streetcar Project. The Process consists of a Feasibility Study; an Environmental Assessment; Preliminary Engineering; Final Design; Construction; and Operation and requires many Board decisions along the way. He stressed that Board members should be aware• that upcoming decisions do not necessarily finalize a decision to complete the project since the process is still in its preliminary stages. He assured the Board of many opportunities during the Process to decide if the RTA should move forward with the Streetcar Project. SCANNED Regional Transportation Authority • Board Of Directors Workshop Meeting Minutes July 13,2004 Mr. Wulkan explained that the RTA is currently in the second stage of the Process, Environmental Assessment. This involves the RTA documenting and reporting to the FTA the purpose and need for the Project. He cited the numerous projects in the area such as Whataburger Field, new arena, improved convention center, seawall and noted a clear parking issue. He pointed out ample parking areas available throughout the downtown and uptown areas and how a streetcar system would link these areas to the activity centers — a key componentof the plan. Mr. Wulkan also reported that the Project would encourage new development, enhance pedestrian environment, and improve accessibility to major destinations. Mr. Barrera requested a cost estimateon the Preliminary Engineering portion of the process. Mr. Wulkan estimated the cost at $1 million. Mr. Barrera asked what current services in the downtown area were costing RTA. Mr. Sanchez reported the two routes currently serving downtown operated at a cost of $100,000 each annually. Mr. Barrera then asked how that compared to projected costs for the streetcar system. Mr. Sanchez estimated those costs at $500,000 annually based on PB Consult estimates. Mr. Bramen reviewed the three route options — Water/Chaparral Route, Shoreline Route, Shoreline/Water Route— and noted none had a significant environmental impact. Rather, the key differences between the routes existed when comparing service frequency, pedestrian/passenger convenience and safety, potential to support new economic development, traffic/parking impact and impact during construction. Mr. Bramen then detailed the funding strategy for the process. The majority of the project funding, 70% - 80%, would stem from Federal commitment. Regional matching from the RTA, MPO, and Port would bring the funding to 90%. The remaining 10% would be divided as 5% from State sources and 5% from a public/private partnership. He then estimated annual operating and management costs at $530,000, which would be derived from fares, charters/special events, RTA support, interest earnings on special endowment fund, improvement district revenues, and d admission/event seat charges. Ms. Lyons asked if extensions other than the Memorial Coliseum option had been considered. Mr. Wulkan stated that a second phase would extend the line to the Coliseum and to Shoreline Hospital. Future phases could extend it along Staples Street to the Malls and possibly to TAMU-CC. Ms. Lyons inquired as to who would bear the cost for the significant amount of signalization necessary for pedestrian convenience and safety. Mr. Bramen responded that signalization costs had been budgeted and would be minimized to some extent by locating the stations at existing traffic lights. -y/-tel Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Workshop Meeting Minutes July 13,2004 Ms. Lyons questioned the ADA accessibility to the stations. Mr. Bramen responded that accessibility related costs were included in the project costs. He also stated that the stations and vehicles would be ADA accessible. Noting that one of the proposed routes travels down Water Street, Mr. Herrero pointed out the chronic drainage problems experienced in that area and asked if the City had been contacted on their plans to alleviate the problems. Mr. Bramen explained that if the City can do the work before Streetcar system construction and establish a link to the Streetcar system, it could be counted as local share towards the project. Mr. Herrero askedif the City or any other local entity had plans to relocate parking or add a parking garage in an effort to alleviate the downtown parking problem. Mr. Bramen stated that the City has no plans to build a garage north of 1-37. Mr. Herrero noted that 25% of proposed operating costs would be covered by fares. He asked how the estimates were based. Mr. Bramen responded that RTA contributions were based on estimated savings from eliminating one trolley bus route and reducing service on another. Mr. Barrera pointed out that estimated proposed daily streetcar ridership averages 1,600 passenger trips. He requested information on current boardings in the downtown area per day. Mr. Seiler stated that Routes 75 and 79 average 800 passenger trips per day, not including special events. Mr. Barrera noted that the estimate doubled current ridership patterns and reminded staff to stress conservative estimates in future streetcar presentations. Mr. Barrera asked if the RTA tracked ridership.for special events such as conferences and conventions. Mr. Haley stated that the RTA currently only tracks for.large events such as BayFest, Buccaneer Days, and Beach to Bay. He stated that tracking for other events could be added. Mr. Cissna asked how often the Streetcar would run daily. Mr. Bramen estimated between 15 and 30 minutes depending on weekday' and weekend service and the presence of any special events. Mr. Cissna asked how the $530,000 operating budget was developed and if it included replacement and major capital replacement costs. Mr. Bramen explained that they used the experiences of other transit agencies with streetcar systems. They included normal operating expenses, including labor, materials and supplies, and services. Mr. Cissna asked if the Downtown Management District had agreed to close lanes on Water Street during construction and if they had agreed to an allocation to assist in the system's operation. Mr. Bramen stated that the DMD did pass a resolution supporting the Water Street/Chaparral Street alignment and to help secure funds. They were not asked to make any funding commitments. Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Workshop Meeting Minutes July 13,2004 Mr. Longoria stated he had several comments and questions that did not require a response at this time, but were for the record and a later response. He first noted that the proposed Shoreline route appears to conflict with the City's Bayfront Plan. He also suggested securing Port and MPO funding as soon as possible. Mr. Longoria stated public support should be significant, exceeding 60%, for the success of the program. He asked if a referendum should be considered. He suggested gathering support from the small cities served by the RTA so that their Board appointees are not placed in a "bad position." Mr. Longoria requested a "decision tree" so that everyone can be aware of all the players involved in this process. Mr. Barrera asked if funding sources had been identified for the estimated $1 million Preliminary Engineering cost. Mr. Sanchez stated the RTA has a $500,000 FHWA earmark. In addition, RTA also has $2 million in a general capitalreserve fund. Some of those funds are expected to go towards the streetcar project and could be used for the Preliminary Engineering cost. Mr. Rendon asked if the Port had committed to housing the maintenance facility at their property near the Ortiz Center at the end of the route. Mr. Bramen reported that the Port had identified several properties as potential sites, but a final decision has not been made. He added that the Port was very willing to work with the RTA on the project. Mr. Rendon inquired as to the possibility of any of the Port industries providing a 20% match. Mr. Wulkan stated it was too early to request such matching. Ms. Scott provided an overview of public outreach activities. She reported that a website outlining project information was launched in early March, with a web based survey launched in May. Brochures have been distributed to downtown office buildings. Rack cards have been distributed in 30 locations. RTA staff has spoken at 30 presentations to area businesses, local governments, and civic organizations. Mr. Wulkan reviewed the input of the project's partners. The Downtown Management District Resolution supports the concept of an enhanced public transit system, including, but not limited to, the possible use of a streetcar that connects downtown activity centers. The DMD states that the expression of support for the project should not be interpreted as a commitment of their future financial support for the project. The DMD also strongly supports the Water/Chaparral Route and opposes the Shoreline Route. He noted the City Council's resolution was similar, with the exception of stating no preference for a particular route, opposing the use of tax increment finance district or hotel occupancy taxes, and opposing development of a trolley system on Shoreline Blvd. south of 1-37. Mr. Wulkan requested Board decisions on preferred routes, funding approach, and coordination with Bayfront Plan within the next 30 days in order to coordinate with the City's upcoming bond issue. He stressed the importance of coordination between the Regional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Workshop Meeting Minutes July 13,2004 project partners — RTA, City of Corpus Christi, Port Authority, and MPO — as critical to the success of funding approval from FTA. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. GGc�-crti. �%rte en Arias Board Secretary Date