HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.21.23 OUTBoard Minutes 1 MINUTES
2 ORANGE COUNTY OUTBOARD
3 MONDAY,AUGUST 21,2023,
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Attendance
Member Position Present
1 Michael Hughes Alternate No
2 Amy Cole Alternate Yes
3 Randy Marshall Bingham Township Yes
4 Roy Schonberg Chapel Hill Township Yes
5 Jamie Crandell Eno Township Yes
6 Joshua Mayo Alternate Yes
7 Art Menius Little River Township Yes
8 Todd Jones Alternate No
9 Natalie Ziemba Cedar Grove Township Yes
10 Gregory Woloszczuk Chapel Hill Township Yes
11 Erik Legg Cheeks Township No
A Nishith Trivedi Transportation Director Yes
B Darlene Weaver Transportation Planning Manager Yes
C Emmalea Ange Office Assistant Yes
D Jamael Wiley Transit Planning Manager No
E Vacant Business Officer No
F Katrina Wall Transit Operations Supervisor No
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6 AGENDA ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER
7 The meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m. The County Commissioners will be reviewing the changes
8 to the procedures in mid-September and once approved the quorum will change to 6.
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10 AGENDA ITEM 2: CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
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12 AGENDA ITEM 3: PUBLIC COMMENTS
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14 AGENDA ITEM 4: APPROVAL OF JUNE MINUTES
15 Several members modified the minutes' phrasing, spelling, and attendance. Additionally, there was a
16 discussion on voting and online presence. The Board of County Commissioners' legislative meetings are
17 the only ones that take place in person. Because the County believes that virtual is here to stay, it will
18 continue to be required to meet in person. TEAMS will be the virtual alternative. A video recorder or
19 acquiring more speakers for placement at various locations was proposed. Roy motioned to approve
20 the minutes with modifications; Approved by Art Menius and seconded by Roy Schonberg. All received
21 unanimous approval.
22 AGENDA ITEM 5:REGULAR AGENDA
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24 Transportation Planning Project and Sidewalk Maintenance Agreement: In order to secure funds for
25 both projects, we are now working to put together the contract and sign agreements in which the
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26 county will oversee and manage the project. Nelson Nigari was chosen for the project to design a short-
27 term transit strategy. The short-range transit plan was completed back in 2018. Nelson Nigari knows
28 the regional transit agencies, so Orange County will use them to update our short-range transit plan.
29 This will assist with our plans for an agency for the next 5-10 years; hence the short-range part will be
30 used for new things. In the past we only updated the long-range transit plan, now this will be done
31 simultaneously with the short-range transit plan. There is a cap on the projects of 250K, but Orange
32 County will probably pay 234K depending on the contract once complete. The Transportation
33 Multimodal Plan consists of a single document and a single map that contains all our transportation
34 projects, policies, and programs, including our comprehensive strategy plans, metropolitan plans, and
35 street plans. Although it was previously examined and posted on our website, we wish to update it and
36 clarify that WSP was the consultant hired to put the materials together. There shouldn't be any requests
37 for comments and suggestions during the analysis process because these are previously adopted plans
38 and documents; instead, they will do one round of public workshops after their work is finished and this
39 document is written. Upon completion of the planning stage, we can execute the contract with WSP.
40 This will lay the groundwork for Orange County to choose new initiatives and determine how things will
41 move ahead using a prioritization strategy. The project's construction will start in October 2023. The
42 strategy will give more emphasis on how to select initiatives for the foreseeable future through the
43 prioritization process. Areas that are not integrated will be the emphasis. Since Orange County's
44 concentration is on the county's rural communities, we are not stating anything about Chapel Hill,
45 Carrboro, or Hillsborough amendments, plans, or projects. This will make it easier to decide on new
46 initiatives moving forward and to have everything in one document. We are replicating the Airedale
47 undertaking that was finished in 2022. Towns will therefore play a significant role in the planning
48 process. In this preliminary draft, everyone will be able to see all projects in a single document using
49 mapping software, and collectively we will be able to establish the priority processes for all projects
50 going forward. Question: What updates to the CTP and MTP are necessary, and how can we improve
51 project competition with the state's prioritization procedure?
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53
54 Sidewalk Maintenance Agreement
This process was started by NCDOT, and Orange
County shortly thereafter followed. We are
1Pe,n Nid°°T A working with the town of Hillsborough because
Sidewalkk Arno
m they have agreed to install sidewalks on both
"r' ,oaq sides of the bridge. You'll find a bridge on NC 86
close to NC10, near the SHEETS and Home Depot,
Wu�wmanRd '�� going south of the SHEETS and Home Depot you
will cross the railroad tracks over the road. There
m�
Waller Clark Dr— is potential to extend the walkway north of the
�
(SR2206) Home Depot and Arby's involving further
conversations with NCDOT and staff project
t> managers. Arby's will build a sidewalk, and Home
67 Depot currently has one. Additionally, because of the doughnut hole, DOT is willing to build sidewalks
68 on county-owned lots that are not under the jurisdiction of the town. Therefore, DOT will design,
69 engineer, and aid in maintaining sidewalks. The agreement in the packet therefore pertains to those 4
70 small parcels for 4000 feet of sidewalk, the majority of which will be on NC 86's west side from the
71 bridge to the development and a small portion on its east side. The county will be responsible for
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72 maintaining the sidewalk, and for more detail, we are using the State and NCDOT maintenance
73 agreement center template. The walkway would be under the management of AMES, and Orange
74 County Transportation would cover the cost of upkeep. This is Orange County's first agreement, which is
75 a noteworthy accomplishment. The objective is now to eventually pursue a vantage point on Orange
76 Grove Road. The state will construct the new bridge given that it is not a STIP or SPOT project, and
77 Orange County will be responsible for some of the maintenance. Question: Will there be a crossing for
78 this area? There is a bus shelter in the area. The TAS has recommended the approval of the BOCC, and
79 a recommendation should be made to the board. Michael Hughes and Erik Legg submitted the proposal
80 for approval. Erik via email and Michael via Zoom with Darlene and Nish. 2028 is the anticipated
81 completion year. The sidewalk will come after the bridge.
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83 Motioned: Nish made a motion to recommend the Transportation Planning Project and the Sidewalk
84 Maintenance Agreement; Approved by Art Menius and seconded by Amy Cole. All were approved
85 unanimously.
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87 The train station will be close to Interstate 85, not in the Hampton area. It will be on the left side of
88 Collins Ridge, close to Orange Grove Road. Because the engineering of this bridge is constructed as
89 though there will be a second track running beneath it, it will stretch further north and south. With
90 multi-tracks, the focus is mainly on increasing the rail port's capacity. There are locations along the
91 corridor where they have been realigned, but this time with improved horizontal alignment, allowing the
92 trains to travel more quickly if they are approaching on the AM Track from the north to the east.
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94 AGENDA ITEM 6:STAFF REPORT/UPDATES
95 The updating process is going to begin with DCMPO. The DCMPO is working on a consultant to finish the
96 project and has it safe-wrapped, safe streets for all. When the DCMPO completes its work, Orange
97 County will be among two safe streets for all programs.
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99 Chuck Edwards provided the updates for NCDOT projects.
100 Complete sheets:
101
102 Schools:
103 The vicinity of Orange Grove Road and the two nearby schools (Cedar Ridge High School & Elementary
104 School). Question: How can we get the kids safely to and from school? The children are currently
105 walking to the schools along Orange Brook Road and across the bike overpass. Because children and
106 pedestrians have been struck numerous times, we are aware that it is unsafe. Additionally, someone
107 has frequently run into the house to the right at the intersection of Oakdale and Orange Grove Road.
108 Although we are appreciative of the fencing that was put up to serve as barriers, there is still the need
109 for temporary solutions for the kids who walk to and from school. Please provide some potential
110 solutions to us. The white plastic ballers were suggested as a temporary solution because they may be
111 placed on the white line across the overpass and provide some type of visible contrast between where
112 cars are traveling and where the students are walking. Even though the school day and the speed limit
113 have been reduced, drivers continue to drive at high speeds. The second idea is to temporarily open up
114 access at the intersection of Oakdale and Orange Grove Road by installing a temporary stop light so that
115 we can determine if a light is needed and whether the light should be timed so that during school hours
116 the overpass would permit travel in one direction during a given time. This temporary measure would
117 be installed on the north side with time constraints permitting motorists to only pass in one direction at
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118 a time. This will provide the students with some more room when there are vehicles traveling back and
119 forth simultaneously. Questions: This is a short-term solution, but what about creating a maintenance
120 agreement and building sidewalks to make them safe permanently?The overpass is not actually
121 designed for pedestrians, which brings us to our next point. Since they are extending 1-40, we need a
122 space for pedestrian crossings on the overpass. Is it possible that the bridge might be updated as part of
123 the adjustment?
124
125 Chuck's reply: To find out if the outboard was familiar with the updated schools' studies, which were the
126 municipal school and transportation assistant unit study, which looked at the motor vehicle traffic for
127 the schools and after the pandemic looked at the pedestrian crossings. Both studies were completed
128 about ten years ago. The studies provided some recommendations that were largely in line with the
129 original and identified opportunities for improvement. NCDOT implemented as many achievements as
130 possible, by adjusting the speed limit on Orange Grove Road and enhancing the school zone markings
131 and signage, and the previously mentioned pedestrian fence was completed. It was decided to install a
132 signal in the area of Oakdale. Finding funding and a funding source are the challenges at hand. To
133 qualify for funding under the SPOT Mobility program requires an acceptable score. Given that
134 discretionary funding, which works with elected officials, might hasten that forward, it is urgent that we
135 have those discussions with them. Our division engineer has this on his agenda and is actively seeking
136 funds for it, but they haven't yet succeeded. However, it has been identified.
137
138 The one-way pattern is a new suggestion. To see if something like that would be feasible and effective,
139 we can research enhanced traffic control devices, such as markers. In the 933-city project's interstate
140 line, the bridge's construction was not included. We need to identify and verify because at the moment
141 we are uncertain or unaware if that can be included. The bridge, sidewalk work, and other long-term
142 projects would all be submitted through SPOT 7.0 as a single project.
143
144 Nish: One proposal, titled "Orange Grove Road Improvement," is being submitted by Orange County.
145 Consideration to widen Orange Grove Road in order to create turn lanes and make it a highway project.
146 The establishment of the bike pad is an incidental benefit of the road to increase safety and mobility
147 during peak hours, as caused by heavy traffic and the new development around Hillsborough. The bike
148 pad is a component of the highway project, involving complete streets. We're submitting a SPOT 7.0,
149 and we'll see how it scores. We feel it will score well, but we'll see how it goes and keep pursuing it.
150 Local matches are the subject of a different initiative; however, we are not currently advocating for this
151 currently.
152
153 SPOT Mobility's importance was addressed, as well as how much local investment is required for it to
154 score well. Brian Thomas should be contacted because he is an expert on scoring and cost benefits. In
155 addition, the SPOT Program is reviewed at the state level, and the funding it receives is determined by
156 how well it scores. It is, however, on the list. Question: Why would it not receive a good score
157 compared to other projects based on criteria? More information on the score considerations, as well as
158 the discretionary money, will be released. Please note that your local officials strongly support it.
159
160 SPOT Mobility's purpose is to provide funding for small projects that will reduce traffic congestion and
161 vehicular delay times. SPOT Mobility Projects are currently capped at 750k. It can be combined with
162 other funding sources, such as discretionary and other funds to make the project larger.
163
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164 Another funding source is the SPOT Safety Program, which provides a continuous and systematic process
165 that identifies reviews, and addresses specific traffic safety concerns. It has limited funding capped at
166 400K. Overall, the amount of investment is extremely modest. Because of this, competition offers the
167 best value across state lines. It generates staff decision-making, which is subject to a predetermined
168 standard. Therefore, the financing sources for discretionary funds would require assistance from House
169 and Senate elected officials. Question: So how should we proceed?
170
171 Two bus stops at Orange Grove Path will be funded as part of the Orange County Bus Stop. Question: Is
172 the mobility funding for accessibility to make locations accessible to those who require mobility? In
173 order to improve the county bus stops, Orange County Transportation and the Orange County School
174 District would need to collaborate. NCDOT has 88 compliances and design guidelines for bus stops. DOT
175 funding for transit support comes from SPOT; 90% of the revenue is made up of highway funds, and 10%
176 is made up of non-highway revenues- (statewide region and division-wide); which means that there are
177 very few sources available. State grants are given to the county. Question: Should we use those grants
178 and state funds, for capital projects or for operations? We can switch back and forth between the two.
179 The stops that require improvement will be identified by the short-term transportation plan, and we
180 may work with Go Triangle, our partners, and local organizations to make the necessary improvements.
181 This needs to be included in the revision of the short-term transit strategy. DOT has incorporated its
182 mobility section and is currently operating. They have altered their organizational structure; formerly,
183 the bike pad and public transit were two distinct divisions, but now they are one division. Since the
184 system safety discussion has been going on for 20-30 years with little to no progress, we shouldn't wait
185 until someone tragically dies or suffers significant injuries before taking any action. In addition to
186 addressing the issues, SPOT Safety DOT is examining the severity, frequency, and crashes and how to
187 make corrections in these situations. In essence, SPOT funding is not available for projects like adding
188 pedestrian amenities to already-existing bridges, demolishing and repairing existing bridges, or creating
189 new pedestrian bridges; instead, funding may be available through the STIP process. SPOTS may be
190 used, for instance, at Oakdale for the signal, and may be considered throughout that process. Cars are
191 impacted by the signal; pedestrians are not. Orange County has data showing that the rate of serious
192 injuries is rising, not falling. Due to driving habits, the rates are now greater in both post-COVID and pre-
193 COVID, at least in certain areas. Infrastructure modifications will not alter driving habits.
194
195 A circular parent driveway surrounding the elementary school is being proposed. Question: Is this a
196 county, state, or school board undertaking? In order to do this, examining the internal and external
197 traffic operations at both schools was necessary. The regular parent pick-up and drop-off traffic on the
198 public road at both schools is an issue. The fact that the road cannot serve as a parking lot is one of the
199 first things that has to be corrected. The study offers suggestions to the school system for how to
200 enhance queuing, which was significant at both schools and improve the loading and unloading
201 procedure. The school must decide whether to act on them or not. The department might think about
202 assisting with this through the SPOT Mobility Process, but there are limited funds and many requests for
203 them on a statewide basis. Nevertheless, it is something to be considered along with the understanding
204 that it would be competing with other needs throughout the state.
205
206 For new schools or schools that are expanding, the laws differ slightly. This status was amended in 2017
207 to state that NCDOT would assess the efficiency and safety of the traffic flow around these kinds of
208 schools and determine what changes were necessary. They are examining both internal and external
209 traffic operations, but if NCDOT determines that an external modification is necessary in order to
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210 regulate safety at the entry points, we will pay for the improvement. This is taken directly from the
211 funds for the SPOT Mobility process. The school system will be 100% in charge of internal operations,
212 including providing accommodation for every student, therefore the school is accountable for the
213 modifications. The school's bus-serving areas, such as the bus driveway and bus parking lot, will be
214 maintained by the DOT. However, if there is construction involved with those, we would provide up to
215 $25,000 in reimbursement, which is a pittance in today's terms.
216
217 If there are shoulder drop-offs close to the pavement's edge, DOT provides and maintains shoulder
218 upkeep. We are required to fix 2 inches, which is usually the maximum. Question: What steps are taken
219 to enhance shoulder drop-offs? Resurfacing initiatives are the best approach to deal with this. Our 5-
220 year resurfacing plan, HMIP (Highway Maintenance Improvement Program), is a dynamic plan that may
221 alter depending on the demand or the amount of funds that are available. With resurfacing funds, we
222 put paved shoulders in some locations to sustain upkeep rather than enhance the system. We are
223 cautious about how much money is spent on maintaining as opposed to widening roads. Questions: Is
224 anyone assessing the road's longevity when we do a gravel shoulder versus a widening to determine if
225 the asphalt would last longer if we removed all the gravel off the side and reduced the pivot? Chuck was
226 not informed of any completed engineering studies; therefore, is it feasible? We must follow
227 environmental standards even with the resurfacing process. Therefore, if the soil is significantly
228 disturbed, we must deal with erosion control measures and jurisdictional permits and make every effort
229 to prevent them. Along these roads, we employ aggregate build-back pillars. In areas where we can
230 save money, we employ a blend of soil and aggregate. Question: Is permeable asphalt being used by
231 DOT? We use on 1-95, a drainage force. Water filters down via the asphalt's drainage force, and then
232 runs to the side. Driving down 1-85 after a downpour, you may have noticed that the lanes are dry and
233 there are wet drops of water on the shoulders. That water has subsided and stopped flowing.
234
235 Question: What standards apply to guard rails? On new roadways for projects, we install guard rails as
236 warranted and design needs based on fixed objects or field scoping. It wasn't created by us; it was
237 something we inherited. Questions: What conditions must the warrant meet? Is it possible to put a
238 guardrail rail there without needing a warrant, and if so, do we have enough to finish the project? How
239 long would it take to finish, and what is the background of the problems? The manual on uniform traffic
240 control devices is a national publication. They do use conventional on-color pavement in a variety of
241 hues; this is new. For instance, bicyclists should ride on green pavement. The markings are reflective by
242 design.
243
244 AGENDA ITEM 7:ADJOURNMENT
245 The OUTBoard meeting was adjourned.
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