Any citizen wishing to speak on an agenda item should complete and turn in a blue card to the City Clerk before that item is presented.
The Council may vote to hold an executive session for the purposes of obtaining legal advice from the City Attorney (A.R.S. §38-431.03A(3)) or to discuss and instruct the City Attorney regarding the City’s position regarding contracts that are the subject of negotiations, in pending or contemplated litigation or in settlement discussions conducted in order to avoid or resolve litigation. (A.R.S. §38-431.03A(4))
Roll Call
Members of the Mesa City Council will attend either in person or by telephone conference call
1 Presentations/Action Items:
Item 1-a 17-0395
Hear a presentation, discuss and provide direction on funding recommendations for the FY 2017/18 and prior years' available funding for
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG),
Human Services Programs.
Link > here
2 Acknowledge receipt of minutes of various boards and committees.
Item 2-a 17-0622
Transportation Advisory Board Meeting held on March 21, 2017
Link to Minutes > here. It is 7 pages
3 Information pertaining to the current Job Order Contracting projects
17-0630 Information pertaining to the current Job Order Contracting projects
Link to view Job Contracting Order contracts > here
4 Hear reports on meetings and/or conferences attended
5 Scheduling of meetings and general information
6 Convene an Executive Session.
ES-015-17
Discussion or consultation for legal advice with the City Attorney. (A.R.S. § 38-431.03A (3))
1. Procedures and grounds for, and Council role in, the imposition of discipline and/or forfeiture of office pursuant to the City of Mesa Charter.
__________________________________________________________________
3-page Report
City Council
Date: May 25, 2017
To: City Council
Through: Natalie Lewis, Deputy City Manager
Ruth Giese, Community Service Director
From: Elizabeth Morales, Housing and Community Development Director
Subject: Housing and Community Development Funding
Council District: Citywide
Purpose and Recommendation
The purpose of this report is to present the Mesa City Council with the funding recommendations for the FY2017/18 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Human Services programs. There is also prior year funding for HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) projects that is recommended to be carried over and to be included in the 17/18 funding.
As part of the preparation process of the City’s Annual Action Plan (AAP) for FY2017/18, staff is requesting that the Council review, modify, and/or approve the attached recommendations (Attachment A) for the FY2017/18 AAP so they can be included in the City’s FY2017/18 Annual Action Plan for review by the public starting May 14, 2017.
Background
The City of Mesa has participated in the federal CDBG Program for 40 years, the ESG Program for 28 years, and the HOME Program for 24 years. During this time, Mesa has been allocated over $100 million for a variety of activities including capital improvements, housing, economic development, public services, homeless assistance, emergency shelter, and neighborhood improvements. This substantial investment by the federal government has benefitted many low- to moderate-income Mesa residents, while at the same time, significantly improving their quality of life. For planning purposes, staff is assuming a similar level of CDBG, ESG, and HOME funding allocations from the federal government for these programs. If there is a FY17/18 elimination and/or reduction in one or more of these programs or their funding appropriations, staff will return to City Council to discuss an updated funding allocation, based on the reduced funding.
For FY2017/18, Mesa utilized an application process to solicit proposals from non-profit agencies, for-profit developers, and City departments for use of its annual allotment of CDBG, ESG, and HOME funds, as well as the City’s Human Services programs.
2
Proposals were reviewed by City staff for project eligibility and alignment with the City Council’s Strategic Priorities and Goals, and presented to the Housing and Community Development Advisory Board (HCDAB) where they were reviewed and formally rated on March 2 and March 7, 2017. Each funding application received ratings from each Board member, which ranged from Highly Recommend to Not Recommended. Staff reviewed the technical eligibility of the proposals and considered the Council Strategic Priorities and Goals and the HCDAB’s scoring in order to propose draft recommendations for further Council consideration and action. The process is designed to ensure the federal funding is invested in high-need eligible services and is distributed to programs that offer the highest and best returns on this investment to Mesa’s low-moderate income residents, businesses, and neighborhoods.
A copy of the staff funding recommendations (Attachment A) was presented to the Community and Cultural Development (CCD) Committee on March 30 and April 13, 2017, for the CDBG, HOME, ESG, and Human Services/ABC programs. The CCD Committee approved the staff recommendations as attached.
Alternatives
Staff has identified alternatives regarding the FY2017/18 CDBG, HOME, ESG and Human Services programs:
1. Accept the funding recommendations outlined in Attachment A – Acceptance of the attached recommendations will provide a balanced mix of housing activities, economic development, public services, and assistance to non-profit agencies that will help improve the quality of life for Mesa residents and within Mesa neighborhoods. These recommendations are also consistent with the City of Mesa’s 5-year goals as outlined in the Mesa Consolidated Plan.
2. Revise the funding recommendations outlined in Attachment A – The Council could choose to revise the funding recommendations to more closely align with Council Strategic Objectives.
Fiscal Impact
For planning purposes, the City has anticipated FY2017/18 allocations by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for CDBG, HOME, and ESG funding. The allocations are based on prior year funding; however, HUD may be reducing 17/18 funding based on federal appropriations. Should full prior year funding be given, it would be as follows:
HUD Program FY2017/18 Prior Year Funds FY2017/18 Proposals Rec’d CDBG $ 3,224,529 $ 0 $ 1,970,435 HOME $ 1,002,129 $ 60,000 $ 2,603,675 ESG $ 287,998 $ 0 $ 1,575,960 Total $ 4,514,656 $ 60,000 $ 6,150,070
3
FY2017/18 Human Services program funding is expected to remain stable and is based on last year’s initial allocation amounts. Anticipated amounts are as follows:
Human Services Program FY2017/18 Allocation FY2017/18 Proposals Rec’d General Fund & ABC Contributions $ 780,000 $ 1,749,078
Coordinated With
The proposed CDBG, HOME, ESG, and Human Services programs have been reviewed with applicants, citizens, other city departments, the HCDAB, and the CCD Committee.
Final funding recommendations by Council will be included in the City’s AAP that serves as its formal application to HUD for funding of the CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs. The Plan will be available for review on May 14, 2017 and the residents of Mesa are encouraged to provide feedback during the required 30-day comment period that ends on June 13, 2017. Residents can also provide feedback during a public hearing that will occur on May 23, 2017, at 5:00 pm, Fire Station No. 201, 360 E. 1st St. The AAP will go before Council in mid to late June, and will be submitted to HUD upon approval.
These meetings meet the Citizen Participation requirements set by HUD for participation in these federal programs.
Attachment
Revised Funding Recommendation for CDBG Public Services with Options
CDBG FY 17/18 Total Available Funding $3,224,529 CDBG PS Available Funding $498,000 CDBG Non-PS Available Funding $2,726,529
Public Services (PS) Recommendation Request Non-PS Project Recommendation Request STF Case Coordination $35,000 $60,000 Rehab $650,000 $650,000 CBI Navigation $125,000 $174,732 Façade $322,500 $322,500 CBI Mobile Outreach $65,000 $65,000 NEDCO $100,000 $100,000 A New Leaf Supp Svcs $50,000 $72,500 Demolition $50,000 $50,000 Mesa Can $125,000 $175,000 Marc Community $250,000 $372,000 Marc Community $98,000 $359,428 Child Crisis $300,000 $419,000 Total * $498,000 $906,660 Save the Family $115,000 $115,000 Administration $644,906 * Public Service is over the 15% cap by $14,321 and will be updated when the ** Contingency $294,123 HUD funding award is received Total $2,726,529 $2,028,500
** Emergency Contingency held in Non Public Service activity
ESG Available Funding $287,998
Project Recommendation Request A New Leaf- Shelters $172,798 $250,000 Save the Family/IHELP RR $93,600 $200,000 Admin $21,600 $21,600 Total $287,998 $471,600
HOME Available Funding $1,002,129 Plus $60,000 Prior Year Funds
Project Recommendation Request Project
Housing - TBRA $100,000 $100,000 Community Bridges- TBRA $210,168 $220,000 ArtSpace Lofts $500,000 $500,000 Housing (CHDO Set-Aside) $150,319 $150,319 Admin $100,213 $100,213 ^ Contingency $1,429 Total $1,062,129 $1,070,532
^ Emergency Contingency held
_______________________________________________________
TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING APPROVED HELD ON March 21,
2017
Item 3. Hear a presentation and discuss an update to the Gilbert Road Light Rail Extension
Jodi Sorrell, Transit Services Director, introduced herself and Trevor Collon, Engineering Project Manager. Ms. Sorrell explained that this presentation is an update to the Gilbert Light Rail Extension, and gave an overview on the project team, tentative timelines, and future regional transit projects.
Mr. Collon discussed some of the changes that will take place with the construction of the Gilbert Light Rail Extension, including a park-and-ride/transit center, two (2) stations at Stapley Dr and Gilbert Rd, a roundabout at Horne, and modified travel lanes along Main St.
Chairperson Troy Peterson asked for some clarification on how the vehicle gates would operate at the Horne roundabout.
Mr. Collon explained that the stop bar and gates will function like railroad gates, and will be
Page 2/7
equipped with flashing lights to re-establish yield conditions for drivers.
Vice Chairperson Kay Henry indicated her interest in the unique aspects of the Horne roundabout.
Board Member David Camp had questions regarding bike lanes, and bicyclist safety, in the roundabout.
Mr. Collon referred to Sabine Ellis, City Traffic Engineer, in regards to questions about bike lanes.
Ms. Ellis explained that bicyclists will have the option to travel through the roundabout on the roadway, or ride on the sidewalk via the provided ramps.
Mr. Collon continued the presentation, and gave an overview of the proposed Stapley Drive Station.
Board Member Vern Mathern wanted to know if public artwork was considered for the proposed stations.
Mr. Collon explained that there will be public art components at the stations, and along the alignment. They are working closely with the artists, and will provide a separate update on the art component in the future.
Board Member Louis Stephen asked if there are plans to put public restrooms along the alignment, citing complaints from business owners off Main St.
Ms. Sorrell explained that there are no plans to provide additional public restrooms along this alignment. She noted that Sycamore Station is the only station along the entire Light Rail alignment that has public restrooms, and, unfortunately, they are very difficult to maintain. At this point, the City of Mesa has no plans for additional public restrooms.
Board Member Louis Stephen indicated that he does not want the business owners along Main St to have to bear the burden of public access to restrooms.
Ms. Sorrell also shared that the City of Mesa does not provide public restrooms along bus lines.
Mr. Collon continued the presentation, and explained that Gilbert Rd will likely be the end of the line for the foreseeable future.
Chairperson Troy Peterson asked for clarification on what is meant by foreseeable future.
Ms. Sorrell explained that the Prop 400 funding will be ending in 2026; however, Valley Metro is currently conducting a feasibility study that looks at future transit projects and possible extensions.
Mr. Collon continued the presentation, and gave an overview on the proposed Gilbert Rd
Page 3/7
park-and-ride.
Board Member David Camp asked about lighting at the park-and-ride.
Mr. Collon explained that the area will be fully-lit, and include cameras, and a Valley Metro security component that will monitor the area, as well as the entire alignment.
Mr. Collon continued the presentation, and went over the tentative timeline for utility relocation, road widening, track and station installation, testing, and operation. He also briefly explained what to expect with the construction going forward, outreach, and coordination efforts.
Ms. Sorrell mentioned the Valley Metro’s business assistance program that it offers during light rail construction, and other outreach events.
Board Member Dave Bergner had questions about parking capacity at the park-and-rides, specifically when there are special events off the Light Rail alignment.
Ms. Sorrell explained that there should be enough capacity between all three park-andrides, given the likely re-distribution of vehicles from Sycamore Station and Mesa Drive to the Gilbert Rd park-and-ride, once the extension opens.
Board Member Dave Bergner asked if the City of Mesa has seen any increases in Light Rail ridership.
Ms. Sorrell explained that there has been a slight increase in Light Rail ridership year-overyear, which has helped to balance-out the overall downward trend of public transit ridership. This fiscal year, Mesa is on track to have over two million riders on its Light Rail alignment.
Board Member Louis Stephen asked if other public transportation options would decrease with the introduction of the Gilbert Light Rail extension.
Ms. Sorrell explained that there will always be an underlying bus system; however, certain routes could be on longer intervals. Bus systems help to maintain Light Rail ridership, so, the City of Mesa has no plans to eliminate routes at this time.
Board Member Vern Mathern asked if there were any plans to extend the Light Rail further east, past Gilbert Rd.
Ms. Sorrell explained that there have been no formal discussions, and future extensions would be dependent on future Prop funding. Chairperson Troy Peterson thanked staff for the presentation.
EXCERPT FROM ITEM 4
Board Member Ron Wilson had questions regarding the $81 million for design and construction, and $36 million in right-of-way.
Board Member Michael Book asked if there were any efforts for advanced purchases of right-of-way.
Mr. Zubi explained that advanced right-of-way purchases are an important component to the project, and one of staff’s goals for the project.
Chairperson Troy Peterson had questions about regional funding and its effects on this project.
Mr. Guderian explained that funding decisions are happening as we speak, and that the City of Mesa’s goal is to utilize regional funding over City of Mesa funding.
Board Member Dave Bergner had a question regarding future traffic volumes in the area.
Mr. Guderian indicated that traffic counts were part of the study but could not recall specific data
Chairperson Troy Peterson asked if the City of Mesa is planning to complete Signal Butte Rd from Williams Field Rd up to Pecos Rd.
Mr. Guderian confirmed that when the interim condition goes in, the City will build the section of Signal Butte Rd from Williams Field Rd to Pecos Rd in order to provide this northsouth connection to SR 24.
Board Member David Camp noted that this is a regional issue.
Mr. Guderian agreed that this is a regional issue. .
The Council may vote to hold an executive session for the purposes of obtaining legal advice from the City Attorney (A.R.S. §38-431.03A(3)) or to discuss and instruct the City Attorney regarding the City’s position regarding contracts that are the subject of negotiations, in pending or contemplated litigation or in settlement discussions conducted in order to avoid or resolve litigation. (A.R.S. §38-431.03A(4))
Roll Call
Members of the Mesa City Council will attend either in person or by telephone conference call
1 Presentations/Action Items:
Item 1-a 17-0395
Hear a presentation, discuss and provide direction on funding recommendations for the FY 2017/18 and prior years' available funding for
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG),
Human Services Programs.
Link > here
2 Acknowledge receipt of minutes of various boards and committees.
Item 2-a 17-0622
Transportation Advisory Board Meeting held on March 21, 2017
Link to Minutes > here. It is 7 pages
3 Information pertaining to the current Job Order Contracting projects
17-0630 Information pertaining to the current Job Order Contracting projects
Link to view Job Contracting Order contracts > here
4 Hear reports on meetings and/or conferences attended
5 Scheduling of meetings and general information
6 Convene an Executive Session.
ES-015-17
Discussion or consultation for legal advice with the City Attorney. (A.R.S. § 38-431.03A (3))
1. Procedures and grounds for, and Council role in, the imposition of discipline and/or forfeiture of office pursuant to the City of Mesa Charter.
__________________________________________________________________
3-page Report
City Council
Date: May 25, 2017
To: City Council
Through: Natalie Lewis, Deputy City Manager
Ruth Giese, Community Service Director
From: Elizabeth Morales, Housing and Community Development Director
Subject: Housing and Community Development Funding
Council District: Citywide
Purpose and Recommendation
The purpose of this report is to present the Mesa City Council with the funding recommendations for the FY2017/18 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Human Services programs. There is also prior year funding for HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) projects that is recommended to be carried over and to be included in the 17/18 funding.
As part of the preparation process of the City’s Annual Action Plan (AAP) for FY2017/18, staff is requesting that the Council review, modify, and/or approve the attached recommendations (Attachment A) for the FY2017/18 AAP so they can be included in the City’s FY2017/18 Annual Action Plan for review by the public starting May 14, 2017.
Background
The City of Mesa has participated in the federal CDBG Program for 40 years, the ESG Program for 28 years, and the HOME Program for 24 years. During this time, Mesa has been allocated over $100 million for a variety of activities including capital improvements, housing, economic development, public services, homeless assistance, emergency shelter, and neighborhood improvements. This substantial investment by the federal government has benefitted many low- to moderate-income Mesa residents, while at the same time, significantly improving their quality of life. For planning purposes, staff is assuming a similar level of CDBG, ESG, and HOME funding allocations from the federal government for these programs. If there is a FY17/18 elimination and/or reduction in one or more of these programs or their funding appropriations, staff will return to City Council to discuss an updated funding allocation, based on the reduced funding.
For FY2017/18, Mesa utilized an application process to solicit proposals from non-profit agencies, for-profit developers, and City departments for use of its annual allotment of CDBG, ESG, and HOME funds, as well as the City’s Human Services programs.
2
Proposals were reviewed by City staff for project eligibility and alignment with the City Council’s Strategic Priorities and Goals, and presented to the Housing and Community Development Advisory Board (HCDAB) where they were reviewed and formally rated on March 2 and March 7, 2017. Each funding application received ratings from each Board member, which ranged from Highly Recommend to Not Recommended. Staff reviewed the technical eligibility of the proposals and considered the Council Strategic Priorities and Goals and the HCDAB’s scoring in order to propose draft recommendations for further Council consideration and action. The process is designed to ensure the federal funding is invested in high-need eligible services and is distributed to programs that offer the highest and best returns on this investment to Mesa’s low-moderate income residents, businesses, and neighborhoods.
A copy of the staff funding recommendations (Attachment A) was presented to the Community and Cultural Development (CCD) Committee on March 30 and April 13, 2017, for the CDBG, HOME, ESG, and Human Services/ABC programs. The CCD Committee approved the staff recommendations as attached.
Alternatives
Staff has identified alternatives regarding the FY2017/18 CDBG, HOME, ESG and Human Services programs:
1. Accept the funding recommendations outlined in Attachment A – Acceptance of the attached recommendations will provide a balanced mix of housing activities, economic development, public services, and assistance to non-profit agencies that will help improve the quality of life for Mesa residents and within Mesa neighborhoods. These recommendations are also consistent with the City of Mesa’s 5-year goals as outlined in the Mesa Consolidated Plan.
2. Revise the funding recommendations outlined in Attachment A – The Council could choose to revise the funding recommendations to more closely align with Council Strategic Objectives.
Fiscal Impact
For planning purposes, the City has anticipated FY2017/18 allocations by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for CDBG, HOME, and ESG funding. The allocations are based on prior year funding; however, HUD may be reducing 17/18 funding based on federal appropriations. Should full prior year funding be given, it would be as follows:
HUD Program FY2017/18 Prior Year Funds FY2017/18 Proposals Rec’d CDBG $ 3,224,529 $ 0 $ 1,970,435 HOME $ 1,002,129 $ 60,000 $ 2,603,675 ESG $ 287,998 $ 0 $ 1,575,960 Total $ 4,514,656 $ 60,000 $ 6,150,070
3
FY2017/18 Human Services program funding is expected to remain stable and is based on last year’s initial allocation amounts. Anticipated amounts are as follows:
Human Services Program FY2017/18 Allocation FY2017/18 Proposals Rec’d General Fund & ABC Contributions $ 780,000 $ 1,749,078
Coordinated With
The proposed CDBG, HOME, ESG, and Human Services programs have been reviewed with applicants, citizens, other city departments, the HCDAB, and the CCD Committee.
Final funding recommendations by Council will be included in the City’s AAP that serves as its formal application to HUD for funding of the CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs. The Plan will be available for review on May 14, 2017 and the residents of Mesa are encouraged to provide feedback during the required 30-day comment period that ends on June 13, 2017. Residents can also provide feedback during a public hearing that will occur on May 23, 2017, at 5:00 pm, Fire Station No. 201, 360 E. 1st St. The AAP will go before Council in mid to late June, and will be submitted to HUD upon approval.
These meetings meet the Citizen Participation requirements set by HUD for participation in these federal programs.
Attachment
Revised Funding Recommendation for CDBG Public Services with Options
CDBG FY 17/18 Total Available Funding $3,224,529 CDBG PS Available Funding $498,000 CDBG Non-PS Available Funding $2,726,529
Public Services (PS) Recommendation Request Non-PS Project Recommendation Request STF Case Coordination $35,000 $60,000 Rehab $650,000 $650,000 CBI Navigation $125,000 $174,732 Façade $322,500 $322,500 CBI Mobile Outreach $65,000 $65,000 NEDCO $100,000 $100,000 A New Leaf Supp Svcs $50,000 $72,500 Demolition $50,000 $50,000 Mesa Can $125,000 $175,000 Marc Community $250,000 $372,000 Marc Community $98,000 $359,428 Child Crisis $300,000 $419,000 Total * $498,000 $906,660 Save the Family $115,000 $115,000 Administration $644,906 * Public Service is over the 15% cap by $14,321 and will be updated when the ** Contingency $294,123 HUD funding award is received Total $2,726,529 $2,028,500
** Emergency Contingency held in Non Public Service activity
ESG Available Funding $287,998
Project Recommendation Request A New Leaf- Shelters $172,798 $250,000 Save the Family/IHELP RR $93,600 $200,000 Admin $21,600 $21,600 Total $287,998 $471,600
HOME Available Funding $1,002,129 Plus $60,000 Prior Year Funds
Project Recommendation Request Project
Housing - TBRA $100,000 $100,000 Community Bridges- TBRA $210,168 $220,000 ArtSpace Lofts $500,000 $500,000 Housing (CHDO Set-Aside) $150,319 $150,319 Admin $100,213 $100,213 ^ Contingency $1,429 Total $1,062,129 $1,070,532
^ Emergency Contingency held
_______________________________________________________
TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING APPROVED HELD ON March 21,
2017
Item 3. Hear a presentation and discuss an update to the Gilbert Road Light Rail Extension
Jodi Sorrell, Transit Services Director, introduced herself and Trevor Collon, Engineering Project Manager. Ms. Sorrell explained that this presentation is an update to the Gilbert Light Rail Extension, and gave an overview on the project team, tentative timelines, and future regional transit projects.
Mr. Collon discussed some of the changes that will take place with the construction of the Gilbert Light Rail Extension, including a park-and-ride/transit center, two (2) stations at Stapley Dr and Gilbert Rd, a roundabout at Horne, and modified travel lanes along Main St.
Chairperson Troy Peterson asked for some clarification on how the vehicle gates would operate at the Horne roundabout.
Mr. Collon explained that the stop bar and gates will function like railroad gates, and will be
Page 2/7
equipped with flashing lights to re-establish yield conditions for drivers.
Vice Chairperson Kay Henry indicated her interest in the unique aspects of the Horne roundabout.
Board Member David Camp had questions regarding bike lanes, and bicyclist safety, in the roundabout.
Mr. Collon referred to Sabine Ellis, City Traffic Engineer, in regards to questions about bike lanes.
Ms. Ellis explained that bicyclists will have the option to travel through the roundabout on the roadway, or ride on the sidewalk via the provided ramps.
Mr. Collon continued the presentation, and gave an overview of the proposed Stapley Drive Station.
Board Member Vern Mathern wanted to know if public artwork was considered for the proposed stations.
Mr. Collon explained that there will be public art components at the stations, and along the alignment. They are working closely with the artists, and will provide a separate update on the art component in the future.
Board Member Louis Stephen asked if there are plans to put public restrooms along the alignment, citing complaints from business owners off Main St.
Ms. Sorrell explained that there are no plans to provide additional public restrooms along this alignment. She noted that Sycamore Station is the only station along the entire Light Rail alignment that has public restrooms, and, unfortunately, they are very difficult to maintain. At this point, the City of Mesa has no plans for additional public restrooms.
Board Member Louis Stephen indicated that he does not want the business owners along Main St to have to bear the burden of public access to restrooms.
Ms. Sorrell also shared that the City of Mesa does not provide public restrooms along bus lines.
Mr. Collon continued the presentation, and explained that Gilbert Rd will likely be the end of the line for the foreseeable future.
Chairperson Troy Peterson asked for clarification on what is meant by foreseeable future.
Ms. Sorrell explained that the Prop 400 funding will be ending in 2026; however, Valley Metro is currently conducting a feasibility study that looks at future transit projects and possible extensions.
Mr. Collon continued the presentation, and gave an overview on the proposed Gilbert Rd
Page 3/7
park-and-ride.
Board Member David Camp asked about lighting at the park-and-ride.
Mr. Collon explained that the area will be fully-lit, and include cameras, and a Valley Metro security component that will monitor the area, as well as the entire alignment.
Mr. Collon continued the presentation, and went over the tentative timeline for utility relocation, road widening, track and station installation, testing, and operation. He also briefly explained what to expect with the construction going forward, outreach, and coordination efforts.
Ms. Sorrell mentioned the Valley Metro’s business assistance program that it offers during light rail construction, and other outreach events.
Board Member Dave Bergner had questions about parking capacity at the park-and-rides, specifically when there are special events off the Light Rail alignment.
Ms. Sorrell explained that there should be enough capacity between all three park-andrides, given the likely re-distribution of vehicles from Sycamore Station and Mesa Drive to the Gilbert Rd park-and-ride, once the extension opens.
Board Member Dave Bergner asked if the City of Mesa has seen any increases in Light Rail ridership.
Ms. Sorrell explained that there has been a slight increase in Light Rail ridership year-overyear, which has helped to balance-out the overall downward trend of public transit ridership. This fiscal year, Mesa is on track to have over two million riders on its Light Rail alignment.
Board Member Louis Stephen asked if other public transportation options would decrease with the introduction of the Gilbert Light Rail extension.
Ms. Sorrell explained that there will always be an underlying bus system; however, certain routes could be on longer intervals. Bus systems help to maintain Light Rail ridership, so, the City of Mesa has no plans to eliminate routes at this time.
Board Member Vern Mathern asked if there were any plans to extend the Light Rail further east, past Gilbert Rd.
Ms. Sorrell explained that there have been no formal discussions, and future extensions would be dependent on future Prop funding. Chairperson Troy Peterson thanked staff for the presentation.
EXCERPT FROM ITEM 4
Board Member Ron Wilson had questions regarding the $81 million for design and construction, and $36 million in right-of-way.
Board Member Michael Book asked if there were any efforts for advanced purchases of right-of-way.
Mr. Zubi explained that advanced right-of-way purchases are an important component to the project, and one of staff’s goals for the project.
Chairperson Troy Peterson had questions about regional funding and its effects on this project.
Mr. Guderian explained that funding decisions are happening as we speak, and that the City of Mesa’s goal is to utilize regional funding over City of Mesa funding.
Board Member Dave Bergner had a question regarding future traffic volumes in the area.
Mr. Guderian indicated that traffic counts were part of the study but could not recall specific data
Chairperson Troy Peterson asked if the City of Mesa is planning to complete Signal Butte Rd from Williams Field Rd up to Pecos Rd.
Mr. Guderian confirmed that when the interim condition goes in, the City will build the section of Signal Butte Rd from Williams Field Rd to Pecos Rd in order to provide this northsouth connection to SR 24.
Board Member David Camp noted that this is a regional issue.
Mr. Guderian agreed that this is a regional issue. .
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