NOTICE OF MEETING Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Central Iowa Bicycle Pedestrian Roundtable (Roundtable)

) *************************** 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 20, 2011 Conference Room, MPO Office 420 Watson Powell Jr. Way, Des Moines, IA *************************** TENTATIVE AGENDA 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Call To Order Introductions Approval of Agenda Approval of the Roundtables August 16, 2011, Meeting Minutes.....................................Page 2 Approve the August 16, 2011, meeting minutes REPORT: Des Moines Area MPO STP Scoring Process..Page 6 Brief report and discussion concerning the MPOs STP scoring process. REPORT: Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Gaps Definition....Page 7 Brief report and discussion concerning the gaps definition for the trail system. INFORMATION: Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliances Federal Fiscal Year 2013 Transportation Enhancement Applicants .....Page 9 INFORMATION: Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program Applicants.............................Page 10 INFORMATION: Project Solicitation for FFY 2013 Transportation Appropriations and the Greater Des Moines Partnerships 2012, Washington D.C. Trip...........................................Page 11 INFORMATION: National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project Update.Page 12 INFORMATION: Bicycle and Pedestrian Related Funding Application Deadlines.....Page 13 INFORMATION: Bike and Ride Data....Page 14 Other Non-Action Items of Interest to the Committee Future Agenda Items Next Roundtable Meeting Date 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, MPO Office 420 Watson Powell Jr. Way, Des Moines, IA Adjournment

16.

Altoona Ankeny Bondurant Carlisle Clive Dallas County Des Moines DART Grimes Johnston Mitchellville Norwalk Pleasant Hill Polk City Polk County Urbandale Warren County Waukee West Des Moines Windsor Heights
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Agenda Report
MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable

September 2011 Item No. 4 ISSUE: REPORT: Approve minutes of the August 16, 2011, Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable meeting BACKGROUND: The minutes of the August 16, 2011, Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable meeting are enclosed on the following pages. RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes of the August 16, 2011, Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable meeting.

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MEETING NOTES DES MOINES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) CENTRAL IOWA BICYCLE-PEDESTRIAN ROUNDTABLE (ROUNDTABLE)

August 16, 2011 12:00 PM

City of Des Moines, St. Etienne Room Des Moines, Iowa

Roundtable Attendees Present:

Marco Alvarez, City of West Des Moines Jay Byers, Greater Des Moines Partnership Kelly Canfield, City of Clive Andrea Chase, Natural Heritage Foundation Dana Conn, Transportation Management Assoc. Heath Ellis, City of Pleasant Hill Joe Galloway, Des Moines Park Board Josh Heggen, City of Windsor Heights Jan Herke, City of Urbandale Jim Lane, City of Norwalk, Chair Loren Lown, Polk County Conservation Mindy Moore, City of Des Moines Butch Niebuhr, City of Perry John Peterson, City of Ankeny Neil Ruddy, City of Carlisle Carl Voss, Trails and Greenways Committee Vern Willey, City of Altoona

Roundtable Staff Present:

Zach Young, Associate Transportation Planner

1. Call to Order
Chair Jim Lane called the August 16, 2011, Roundtable meeting to order at 12:00 p.m., at the St. Etienne Room, Armory Building, 602 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA.

2.

Introduction
Participants introduced themselves.

3.

Approval of Agenda
Participants approved the August 16, 2011, Roundtable meeting agenda.

4.

Approval of the Roundtables June 21, 2011, Meeting Notes

Participants approved the Roundtables July 19, 2011, meeting notes.

5.

CIRTPA Trail Counter Purchase

Staff informed the Roundtable that staff sent the trail counter invoices to the CIRTPA member governments on August 15, 2011. Staff noted that all the invoices should be returned by the end of September at which time the trail counter purchase will be placed. Jan Herke asked if a checkout procedure has been established and what type of methodology would be used to analyze the data.

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Staff informed the Roundtable that they are currently working on setting up a checkout procedure. Staff noted that they would also be setting up a working group to discuss a methodology for analyzing the data collected from the counters. Discussion ensued concerning how long the counters would be left in the field and how often the counters would rotate between member governments. Staff noted that the working group would address these issues.

6.

Remaining Earmark Funds

Staff updated the Roundtable on the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) recommendation to use remaining Connect Plan earmark funds to purchase twenty infrared trail counters for MPO use.

7.

National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project

Loren Lown discussed the importance of having empirical data to back up funding requests and to justify future investment in trails. Mr. Lown noted that information coming from the MPO carries more weight with local governments than when it comes from the County Conservation Boards. Mr. Lown stated that therefore it is very important the participants in the count provide the MPO with the data collected from the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation (NBPD) project. Staff asked the Roundtable which communities are planning to participate in the NBPD project. The following communities/agencies raised their hands: Ankeny, Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, Polk County Conservation, and West Des Moines. Marco Alvarez asked if it was required to conduct both the count and the survey, and if they should be completed on the same day. Mindy Moore noted that Des Moines has selected nineteen count locations. Ms. Moore noted that Des Moines is planning to conduct both the count and the survey but ultimately it will depend on the number of volunteers they are able to recruit. Discussion ensued concerning how to recruit volunteers for the project. Chair Lane asked the Roundtable if the MPO should organize one training session for all the volunteers. Mr. Alvarez noted that because everyones availability is different it would be best if participants organize their own training. Ms. Moore agreed with Mr. Alvarez noting that Des Moines is planning to train their volunteers right before the count. Discussion ensued concerning the count times.

8.

Boswell Transportation Event Chair Lane discussed the Boswell transportation event noting that the Roundtables main concern was that Transportation Enhancements remain at their current levels in the reauthorization bill. Staff encouraged the Roundtable members to attend the event and share their concerns with Congressman Boswell.

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9.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Related Funding Application Deadlines

Staff informed the Roundtable of upcoming application deadlines pertaining to bicycle and pedestrian grants and funding.

10.

Bike-and-Ride Data
Roundtable participants reviewed the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) and CyRide bike-and-ride counts for June 2011.

11.

Other Items of Interest to the Roundtable

Carl Voss noted that one of the main comments on Des Moines application for Bicycle Friendly City status was the city was not involved in enough programs with kids specifically the Safe Routes to School program. Staff informed the Roundtable that staff has discussed increasing the MPOs involvement in the Safe Routes to School program in future years. Mr. Alvarez noted that the West Des Moines Bicycle Advisory Commission is scheduled to approve the Uniform Bicycle Ordinance (UBO) for recommendation to their council. Vern Willy noted that UBO passed a first reading at the City of Altoonas latest council meeting. Ms. Herke noted that the UBO passed its third reading at the City of Urbandales latest council meeting. Mr. Lown noted that the Polk County Conservation Board passed a policy on Power Driven Mobility Devices on their trails. Mr. Lown noted that once the policy is published it will become law on their trails and that if you do not have a policy the Department of Justice rules apply. Andrea Chase noted that the Mid-America Trail Conference would take place the first week in October in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

12. 13.

Future Agenda Items Next Roundtable Meeting Date

The next Roundtable meeting is scheduled for September 20, 2011, at noon.

IX.

Adjournment
The August 16, 2011, Roundtable meeting adjourned at 12:53 p.m.

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Agenda Report
MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable

September 2011 Item No. 5 ISSUE: REPORT: Brief report concerning the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organizations Surface Transportation Program (STP) scoring process. BACKGROUND: The MPO Executive Committee directed the MPO staff to review the MPOs STP funding process and to meet with the STP Funding Subcommittee to develop any potential revisions to the MPOs STP funding process. The MPO staff and the STP Funding Subcommittee will be reviewing the STP Guidelines, STP project eligibility, STP scoring process, and STP project selection. The MPO Executive Committee made this request in light of the elimination of appropriations and the mismatch between our priority projects and those projects awarded STP funds. This process provides an opportunity to align STP funding awards with the priorities outlined in the Horizon Year 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. The review of the MPOs STP funding process also provides an opportunity to include complete street elements as a significant factor in the STP scoring process. Revising the STP scoring process to award substantial points to projects that include complete street elements would provide an incentive to local government that does not exist under the current STP scoring process. The MPO staff notes that Chapter 7, Objective 2, Action 2.1, Benchmark 2.1.1 of the Central Iowa Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan (Connect) states: Amend the MPOs STP Guidelines and scoring criteria to award extra points for projects that include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, by Federal Fiscal Year 2015 The Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable could provide a recommendation to the MPO Executive Committee and the STP Funding Subcommittee to include complete streets as a significant factor in the STP scoring process. Included, as a supplemental item, is the MPO STP scoring process and guidelines. RECOMMENDATION: None. Report and discuss only. STAFF CONTACT: Zach Young, zyoung@dmampo.org; (515) 334-0075.

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Agenda Report
MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable

September 2011 Item No. 6 ISSUE: REPORT: Brief report concerning the use of terminology to describe the Central Iowa Trails System. BACKGROUND: The MPO staff notes that there has been some confusion over the terminology used to describe the Central Iowa Trails System. Currently, the regional trail system consists of five categoriesExisting, programmed, planned, proposed, and gaps: Existingcompleted bicycle facilities; Programmedfuture bicycle facilities that have received funding; Plannedbicycle facilities that are on a plan but have no funding; and, Proposedlong-range proposals for bicycle facilities.

The fifth category is gaps. Gaps, as defined for the exercise undertaken this summer, are missing sections between two existing facilities that are not identified under the other categories. The MPO staff notes that the purpose of this exercise was not to prioritize gap sections but rather to provide member governments with information on where they can improve facility connectivity during future bicycle and pedestrian planning. The Horizon Year 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) defines gaps to include trail segments listed as Planned and Programmed. The 2035 MTP is the official document and local governments should refer to this document when applying for grants. The MPO staff requests that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable discuss if staff should revise how trail segments are defined. Included, immediately following, is the MPO Horizon Year 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Gaps map. RECOMMENDATION: None. Report and discuss only. STAFF CONTACT: Zach Young, zyoung@dmampo.org; (515) 334-0075.

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MPO HY 2035 MTP

DES M O INES AREA
METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

FIGURE 5.16 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Gaps

Legend
Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Existing Facility Facility Gap MPA Boundary

POLK

Inset

Des Moines CBD

DALLAS

JASPER

0.25 0.5 Miles

MADISON
0 FY 2012 1.25 Des 2.5Moines Area 5 Metropolitan Planning Organization
Miles

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WA R RE N

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Agenda Report
MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable

September 2011 Item No. 7 ISSUE: INFORMATION: The Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliances Federal Fiscal Year 2013 Transportation Enhancement Applicants. BACKGROUND: The CIRTPA staff received five Federal Fiscal Year 2013 Surface Transportation Program Transportation Enhancement letters of intent, from the following applicants: Historic Preservation Category Marion County Signage for historic sites, $2,000;

Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities Category Jasper County Phase 2 of the Monroe to Prairie City trail, $182,935; City of Knoxville Phase 3 of trail work between Gordon Drive and Roche Street, $396,588; City of Newton Phase 8 of the Newton Community-Wide Hike/Bike Trail, $168,000; City of Nevada and Story County Indian Creek Greenbelt Trail Story County Extension Project, $100,000;

On September 16, 2011, the CIRTPA staff sent FFY 2013 STP TE applications to the eligible project sponsors. Staff notes that the FFY 2013 STP TE applications are due to the CIRTPA office by 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 18, 2011. RECOMMENDATION: None. Report and discussion only. STAFF CONTACT: Zach Young, zyoung@dmampo.org; (515) 334-0075.

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Agenda Report
MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable

September 2011 Item No. 8 ISSUE: INFORMATION: The Federal Fiscal Year 2012 Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) Applicants. BACKGROUND: The MPO staff received seven Federal Fiscal Year 2012 Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program applications. Three of the projects include bicycle and pedestrian improvement. The projects are as follows: Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) operating support for extended mid-day service to Altoona, $250,434; DART operating support to expand hours of service on Route #11, $63,617; Des Moines bicycle facility installation on Grand Avenue, Locust Street, 5th Avenue, Ingersoll, High Street, Cottage Grove, Walnut Street, SW 6th Street, and SW 7th Street, $240,000;

The MPO Policy is scheduled to approve a formal resolution for these projects at which time the MPO staff will forward the applications to the Iowa Department of Transportation before the October 1, 2011 deadline. RECOMMENDATION: None. Report and discussion only. STAFF CONTACT: Zach Young, zyoung@dmampo.org; (515) 334-0075.

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Agenda Report
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September 2011 Item No. 9 ISSUE: INFORMATION: Project solicitation for the Federal Fiscal Year 2013 Transportation Appropriations and the Greater Des Moines Partnerships 2012, Washington D.C. trip. BACKGROUND: The MPO staff is now accepting letters of intent for project that will apply for Federal Fiscal Year 2013 transportation appropriations funding. The letters of intent should include the project name, project sponsor(s), a short project description, total project cost, and funding request amount. If your community/agency is requesting more than one project, please rank your projects by priority. The projects submitted must be of regional significance and must be consistent with the MPOs Horizon Year 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. The MPO staff notes that submitting a letter of intent does not guarantee the projects inclusion in the Greater Des Moines Partnerships Policy Book or award of congressional funding. The letters of intent are due to the MPO office by 4:30 p.m. on Friday October 21, 2011. RECOMMENDATION: None. Report and discussion only. STAFF CONTACT: Zach Young, zyoung@dmampo.org; (515) 334-0075.

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Agenda Report
MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable

September 2011 Item No. 10 ISSUE: INFORMATION: Brief update concerning the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project. BACKGROUND: The MPO staff requests that the communities that participated in the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project provide report back to the Roundtable on the results. RECOMMENDATION: None. Report and discussion only. STAFF CONTACT: Zach Young, zyoung@dmampo.org; (515) 334-0075.

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Agenda Report
MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable

September 2011 Item No. 11 ISSUE: INFORMATION: Brief update concerning bicycle and pedestrian related funding application deadlines. BACKGROUND: The MPO staff notes that the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is accepting Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2011 applications for the following funding programs: Statewide Transportation Enhancements: Applications for Statewide TE are located at the DOTs Transportation Enhancements Program website: http://www.iowadot.gov/systems_planning/trans_enhance.htm. The MPO staff notes that Statewide TE applications are due to the Iowa DOT Office of Systems Planning by October 1, 2011.

Iowa Federal Recreational Trails Program: Applications for this program are located at the DOTs Federal and State Recreational Trails Program website: http://www.iowadot.gov/systems_planning/fedstate_rectrails.htm. The MPO staff notes that Federal Recreational Trails applications are due to the Iowa DOT Office of Systems Planning by October 1, 2011. Safe Routes to School Program: Applications for the Safe Routes to School program are located at the DOTs Safe Routes to School Program website: http://www.iowadot.gov/saferoutes/. The MPO staff notes that Safe Routes to School applications are due to the Iowa DOT Office of Systems Planning by October 1, 2011.

The MPO staff notes that applications for MPO Transportation Enhancement funds are due to the MPO office by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2011. The CIRTPA staff notes that letters of intent for RPA-11 Transportation Enhancement funds were due to the CIRTPA office by September 9, 2011. The applications for RPA-11 Transportation Enhancement funds are due to the CIRTPA office by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2011. RECOMMENDATION: None. Report and discuss only. STAFF CONTACT: Zach Young, zyoung@dmampo.org; (515) 334-0075.

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Agenda Report
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September 2011 Item No. 12 INFORMATION: INFORMATION: Brief report concerning bike and ride data for central Iowa. BACKGROUND: Below are the most recent Bike & Ride Counts for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) and CyRide (Ames):

TABLE 1. DART Bike & Ride User Counts per Month by Year
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER TOTAL 2005 485 321 99 905 2006 334 425 553 771 1,240 1,718 1,803 2,077 1,898 1,623 1,255 1,064 14,761 2007 717 378 833 1,256 1,934 2,632 2,823 3,202 2,823 5,873 2,282 701 25,454 2008 718 623 1,183 1,904 2,739 3,297 3,968 6,636 3,844 3,797 2,248 701 31,658 2009 521 973 1,935 2,792 3,454 4,228 4,446 4,385 4,156 N/A 2,367 910 30,167 2010 341 356 N/A 2,902 3,333 3,828 4,174 4,425 3,945 3,862 2,623 1,316 31,105 2011 636 868 2,252 3,075 3,884 4,646 5,046 5,692

Source: DART

TABLE 2. CyRide Bike & Ride User Counts per Month by Year
2008 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER TOTAL Source: CyRide 2009 17 38 54 53 189 284 336 429 401 289 139 53 2,282 2010 22 63 232 322 248 335 482 582 576 507 293 146 3,808 2011 134 160 297 376 426 512 552

87 169 79 36 370

134

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