Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction. Receive comments from and recognition of area public officials, community and civic leaders, and private citizens. Executive summary of Dallas and Fort Worth district overview.
Approval of Minutes of the July 31, 2014 regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Addendum Item
Discussion Potential Distribution of Proposition 1 Funds Staff will provide an update on the work of the stakeholder working group established to develop recommendations for the Texas Transportation Commission on the distribution of potential funding that may be provided by the Transportation Funding Ballot Proposition (Proposition 1).
Item 4 - Unified Transportation Program (UTP)
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Approve the 2015 UTP (MO) The UTP is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. The Project Selection Process (PSP) is approved annually and describes the funding categories and process for selecting transportation projects. This minute order approves the 2015 UTP for fiscal years 2015-2024 as well as the PSP for the 2015 UTP. In addition, this minute order serves as the commission's identification and justification of variances from certain federal distribution formulas and authorizes the proposed distribution of transportation funds through the 2015 UTP.
Item 5 - Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Approve the 2015 UTP (MO) The UTP is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. The Project Selection Process (PSP) is approved annually and describes the funding categories and process for selecting transportation projects. This minute order approves the 2015 UTP for fiscal years 2015-2024 as well as the PSP for the 2015 UTP. In addition, this minute order serves as the commission's identification and justification of variances from certain federal distribution formulas and authorizes the proposed distribution of transportation funds through the 2015 UTP.
Various Counties - Award federal and state grant funding for airport improvement projects at various locations (MO) Federal law authorizes the award of federal funding to preserve and improve the state's general aviation system. State law authorizes the award of state funding for capital improvement projects. The airports listed in Exhibit A are eligible for award of these grant funds and the department seeks approval of the awards.
Item 6B - Aviation Advisory Committee
Various Counties - Award federal and state grant funding for airport improvement projects at various locations (MO) Federal law authorizes the award of federal funding to preserve and improve the state's general aviation system. State law authorizes the award of state funding for capital improvement projects. The airports listed in Exhibit A are eligible for award of these grant funds and the department seeks approval of the awards.
Item 6C - Routine Airport Maintenance Program
Approve the Routine Airport Maintenance Program (MO) State law authorizes the award of state funding for routine airport maintenance projects. The recommended airports are eligible for award of these grant funds and AVN seeks approval of the awards.
Item 6D - Aviation Capital Improvement Program
Approve the Aviation Capital Improvement Program (MO) The department is required to prepare and update annually a multi-year aviation facilities capital improvement program. The department is seeking commission approval of this program.
Item 7A1 - Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Final Adoption Chapter 15 – Financing and Construction of Transportation Projects (MO) Amendments to §15.52, Preliminary and Construction Engineering Expenses, and §15.55, Construction Cost Participation (Federal, State, and Local Participation). This proposed rulemaking would permit additional flexibility for districts to negotiate Advance Funding Agreements by revising when special approvals must be obtained. It would also add clarity regarding the factors to be considered by districts in allowing local governments to perform work and be reimbursed for that work.
Item 7A2 - Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Final Adoption (continued) Chapter 21 - Right of Way (MO) Amendments to §21.146, Exempt Signs, §21.187, Spacing of Signs, and §21.189, Sign Height Restrictions, (Regulation of Signs Along Interstate and Primary Highways); and §21.405, Exemptions and §21.429, Spacing of Signs (Control of Signs Along Rural Roads) These amendments propose changes to rules regulating signs along roadways in the state. They include changes being made in response to public comments that were received for the sign rules proposed in January 2014 and scheduled for final adoption this month and that were beyond the scope of that rulemaking.
Item 8 - Legislative Appropriations Request
Legislative Appropriations Request Adopt the Texas Department of Transportation's Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Legislative Appropriations Request (MO) Every two years the department is required to submit a Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for the upcoming biennium to be considered by the Texas Legislature. The LAR describes the level of funding, method of finance, and FTEs associated with the department's strategies for the fiscal year 2016-2017 biennium.
Item 9 - Lease Agreement Negotiations
Authorize the department to negotiate a new Lease and Operating Agreement with the Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District (NETEX) (MO) Chapter 91.052 of the Transportation Code authorizes the department to enter into an agreement with a public entity for the operation of a rail facility or system. This minute order authorizes the department to negotiate a new Lease and Operating Agreement with NETEX for their continued used of a department owned rail facility between Greenville and Sulphur Springs.
Item 10 - Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Investigations
Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Investigations Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Investigations Report State law requires the commission to establish a compliance program, which must include a compliance office to oversee the program. The compliance office is responsible for acting to prevent and detect serious breaches of department policy, fraud, waste, and abuse of office, including any acts of criminal conduct within the department. The compliance office is required to provide a monthly report to the commission regarding investigations and a summary of information relating to trends and recommendations
Item 11 - Transportation Planning
Caldwell County - Concurrence with Caldwell County's funding of construction and other project development costs of projects to be advanced through the use of payments received from SH 130 Concession Company, LLC for the right to develop, finance, design, construct, operate, and maintain the SH 130 toll project from US 183 in Travis County to I-10 in Guadalupe County (MO) The department has established a separate fund to account for and track projects and project costs funded with the SH 130 payments. Previously, Minute Order 113487 dated February 28, 2013 authorized $10 million of funding to Caldwell County. This minute order authorizes the funding of projects costs in Caldwell County with those payments. The project costs to be funded were selected through a cooperative process with Caldwell County.
Item 12 - Proposition 14 Bonds
Clay County - Approval of an additional project to be funded with the proceeds of State Highway Fund revenue bonds issued under Transportation Code, Section 222.003 (MO) The commission is adding an additional safety project to the list of previously approved projects. Funds are available for this additional project due to lower than estimated bids in other approved projects.
Various Counties - Consider the approval of a regional tolling services agreement with the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) (MO) The department has negotiated a regional tolling services agreement with the NTTA for managed lane projects in NTTA’s boundaries that are not revenue bond financed or the subject of a comprehensive development agreement.
Harris County - Authorize the executive director of the department to enter into an agreement with Harris County for development of the US 290 Project, a proposed managed lane facility on US 290 from I-610 to SH 99, further development and operation of the Katy Managed Lanes Project, a managed lanes facility within the limits of I-10 from SH 6 to I-610, and potential development of the Hempstead Tollway Project (MO) In 2003, the department and Harris County (County) entered into an agreement to construct, improve, maintain, and operate a toll facility within the median of I-10 known as the Katy Managed Lanes, and in 2012 entered into a memorandum of understanding regarding proposed toll projects on US 290, SH 288, and SH 99. The proposed agreement authorized by this minute order would provide for the reallocation of resources and responsibility between the department and the County for development of the US 290 Project, further development and operation of the Katy Managed Lanes Project, and for the potential development of the Hempstead Tollway Project. The proposed agreement would reduce the County’s financial contribution to the US 290 Project in exchange for the County’s transfer of the Katy Managed Lanes to the department and waiver of its primacy rights for development of toll facilities in the US 290 and Hempstead Highway corridors.
El Paso County - Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority - Grant approval of a request from Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority for a grant in the amount of $97 million for capital costs relating to the delivery of a street car route in the City of El Paso, Texas, consisting of design and construction of a two-mile long corridor with two loops consisting of a total of 5.6 miles of single track beginning near the El Paso Business District and the International Ports of Entry on South Stanton Street and South El Paso Street, traveling north through downtown, to the University of Texas at El Paso area, the Cincinnati Entertainment District and Kem Place, design and construction of a maintenance and operation facility and the costs of acquisition and reconstruction of street cars, with funding from the Texas Mobility Fund established pursuant to Section 49-k, Article III, Texas Constitution (MO) This minute order will provide funds for an award to the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority for state participation in the costs of design and construction of a street car route in El Paso, Texas, the design and construction of an associated maintenance and operation facility and the acquisition and/or reconstruction of street cars for the route.
Item 15 - State Infrastructure Bank
Sherman County - City of Stratford - Consider granting final approval of an application from the City of Stratford (City) to borrow up to $125,000 from the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) to pay for the relocation of utility lines for the partial realignment of SH 15 from CR 7 to US 287 in Sherman County (MO) The City is requesting SIB financial assistance in the form of a loan to pay for the City’s costs of relocation of utility lines required for the partial realignment of SH 15 by the Texas Department of Transportation. The SIB loan will be secured by a pledge of ad valorem or sales tax revenues of the City.
Grand Parkway Transportation Corporation Appoint director to the Grand Parkway Transportation Corporation (MO) The commission authorized the creation of the corporation and appointed three directors to the corporation’s board in March 2012 for initial terms expiring August 31, 2015. After that initial appointment, vacancies on the board have required subsequent appointments. There is now a vacancy on the board.
Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation Appoint director to the Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation (MO) The commission authorized the creation of the corporation and appointed three directors to the corporation’s board in October 2008. After that initial appointment, vacancies on the board have required subsequent appointments. There is now a vacancy on the board.
Award or reject contracts for maintenance, highway and building construction These proposed minute orders contain information concerning the receipt of bids for highway improvement contracts. The department may reschedule receipt of bids for those projects where the commission rejects all bids. Those bids accepted by the commission will result in conditional contract awards to the low bidders. Contract award conditions may involve securing funding from other sources, the contractor's ability to satisfy federal DBE subcontracting requirements, or other requirements as outlined in the project bid proposal. Highway Maintenance and Department Building Construction (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Award or reject contracts for maintenance, highway and building construction These proposed minute orders contain information concerning the receipt of bids for highway improvement contracts. The department may reschedule receipt of bids for those projects where the commission rejects all bids. Those bids accepted by the commission will result in conditional contract awards to the low bidders. Contract award conditions may involve securing funding from other sources, the contractor's ability to satisfy federal DBE subcontracting requirements, or other requirements as outlined in the project bid proposal. Highway and Transportation Enhancement Building Construction (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Item 18 - Eminent Domain Proceedings
Various Counties - Authorize the filing of condemnation proceedings to acquire real property by eminent domain for non-controlled and controlled access highways (see attached list) (MO) Commission findings, determinations, and authorizations for the state, by motion made in accordance with Senate Bill 18 (82nd Legislature), to acquire by eminent domain, upon the payment of adequate and just compensation, various ownership interests in specific parcels of real property that are needed to develop or improve both non-controlled and controlled access state highways, to include requesting the state attorney general to bring and pursue condemnation suits relating to those specific parcels of real property described in the attached itemized list.
Item 19 - Routine Minute Orders, Reports, and Appointments
a. Donations to the Department Various Districts - Consider the acknowledgment of donations made to the department to include: (a) donations in any form, including realty, personalty, money, materials, or services, which are made to the department for the purpose of carrying out its functions and duties; and (b) donations from landowners, with land adjacent to a highway that is part of the state highway system, to construct an improvement on the highway right-of-way that is directly related to improving access to or from the owner's land (See attached itemized list) (MO) The donations will ensure the safety of the traveling public. b. Right of Way Dispositions and Donations The commission must approve the sales, transfers, and exchanges of state rights of way and other real properties that are no longer needed for a state highway purpose. It must also approve, accept and acknowledge donations to the state of real property that is valued at $500 or more. (1) Anderson County - SL 256, southeast corner at Old Elkhart Road in Palestine - Consider the sale of right of way to the city of Palestine (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for a highway purpose. The city has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the city. (2) Bexar County - I-37, west side in downtown San Antonio - Consider the quitclaim of no-title land and sale of state-owned land to the city (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The city has requested the quitclaim of any interest in the no-title land that may have accrued to the state and has agreed to purchase the state-owned land. (3) Dallas County - SS 366, northwest corner at Riverfront Boulevard in Dallas - Consider the sale of right of way to the abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the abutting owner. (4) Rains County - FM 3299 at US 69 in Emory - Consider an exchange of right of way and acceptance of a donation (MO) The property owner has requested the release of a right of way easement in exchange for land needed for a highway relocation project. The value of the needed land is greater than the value of the easement, and the owner has agreed to donate the difference in value. The district recommends the exchange and acceptance of the donation. c. Finance (1) Adopt the 2015 Operating Budget (MO) This minute order adopts the department’s annual operating budget as prescribed by the General Appropriations Act. (2) Travis and Williamson Counties - Approval of the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTS) annual operating, maintenance and capital budgets (MO) This minute order approves the annual operating, maintenance and capital budgets for the CTTS which consists of SH 130, Segments 1-4, SH 45N, SH 45SE, and Loop 1 extension. Some costs of the CTTS were financed with debt obligations. The Indenture of Trust stipulates that the commission will adopt annual budgets by August 31 of the preceding fiscal year. d. Advisory Committee Re-appointment Appoint members to the Border Trade Advisory Committee (MO) Created by state law, the purpose of the Border Trade Advisory Committee is to assist in defining and developing a strategy and making recommendations for addressing the highest priority border trade transportation challenges. Committee members are appointed to staggered three-year terms. This minute order approves the appointment of 6 members to the committee. e. Debt Management (1) Annual review and approval of the investment policy and investment strategies applicable to all funds of the commission not otherwise required to be invested by the comptroller (MO) This minute order approves the department’s investment policy and investment strategies. The Public Funds Investment Act requires the commission to review the investment policy and investment strategies on an annual basis, and to approve by order any modifications to the investment policy and investment strategies. (2) Annual review of debt management policy and derivative management policy for financing programs of the department (MO) This minute order approves the debt management policy which establishes parameters for the commission's financing programs considering acceptable levels of risk, minimizing interest costs and optimizing future flexibility with consideration to achieving and maintaining the best possible credit ratings. Additionally, this minute order approves the derivative management policy which establishes responsibilities, objectives and guidelines for use of derivatives such as interest rate swaps and similar products to efficiently and prudently manage the commission's asset/liability profile. f. Designation of Access Control Harris County - I-10, approximately 750 feet east of Westgreen Boulevard - Consider the designation of a location on the highway at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of a 62.99-foot break in the control-of-access line will allow the abutting landowner to open a proposed driveway location for access to and from the westbound frontage road. The district has determined that access may be permitted at the designated location. g. Transportation Planning Hidalgo County - Approve the transfer of Border Colonias Access Program funds from previously selected colonia projects to other eligible colonia projects (MO) The Border Colonias Access Program rules allow a county to use unexpended funds from a project on any other commission-selected county colonia project. Hidalgo County (county) has requested approval to transfer the remaining portion of the funds previously awarded to the county to other eligible colonia projects. h. Speed Zones Various Counties - Establish or alter regulatory and construction speed zones on various sections of highways in the state (MO) This minute order establishes or alters regulatory and construction speed zones on various sections of highways in the state.
Open Session Items Adjourn Meeting
Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction. Receive comments from and recognition of area public officials, community and civic leaders, and private citizens. Executive summary of Dallas and Fort Worth district overview.
Approval of Minutes of the July 31, 2014 regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Addendum Item
Discussion Potential Distribution of Proposition 1 Funds Staff will provide an update on the work of the stakeholder working group established to develop recommendations for the Texas Transportation Commission on the distribution of potential funding that may be provided by the Transportation Funding Ballot Proposition (Proposition 1).
Item 4 - Unified Transportation Program (UTP)
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Approve the 2015 UTP (MO) The UTP is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. The Project Selection Process (PSP) is approved annually and describes the funding categories and process for selecting transportation projects. This minute order approves the 2015 UTP for fiscal years 2015-2024 as well as the PSP for the 2015 UTP. In addition, this minute order serves as the commission's identification and justification of variances from certain federal distribution formulas and authorizes the proposed distribution of transportation funds through the 2015 UTP.
Item 5 - Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Approve the 2015 UTP (MO) The UTP is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. The Project Selection Process (PSP) is approved annually and describes the funding categories and process for selecting transportation projects. This minute order approves the 2015 UTP for fiscal years 2015-2024 as well as the PSP for the 2015 UTP. In addition, this minute order serves as the commission's identification and justification of variances from certain federal distribution formulas and authorizes the proposed distribution of transportation funds through the 2015 UTP.
Various Counties - Award federal and state grant funding for airport improvement projects at various locations (MO) Federal law authorizes the award of federal funding to preserve and improve the state's general aviation system. State law authorizes the award of state funding for capital improvement projects. The airports listed in Exhibit A are eligible for award of these grant funds and the department seeks approval of the awards.
Item 6B - Aviation Advisory Committee
Various Counties - Award federal and state grant funding for airport improvement projects at various locations (MO) Federal law authorizes the award of federal funding to preserve and improve the state's general aviation system. State law authorizes the award of state funding for capital improvement projects. The airports listed in Exhibit A are eligible for award of these grant funds and the department seeks approval of the awards.
Item 6C - Routine Airport Maintenance Program
Approve the Routine Airport Maintenance Program (MO) State law authorizes the award of state funding for routine airport maintenance projects. The recommended airports are eligible for award of these grant funds and AVN seeks approval of the awards.
Item 6D - Aviation Capital Improvement Program
Approve the Aviation Capital Improvement Program (MO) The department is required to prepare and update annually a multi-year aviation facilities capital improvement program. The department is seeking commission approval of this program.
Item 7A1 - Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Final Adoption Chapter 15 – Financing and Construction of Transportation Projects (MO) Amendments to §15.52, Preliminary and Construction Engineering Expenses, and §15.55, Construction Cost Participation (Federal, State, and Local Participation). This proposed rulemaking would permit additional flexibility for districts to negotiate Advance Funding Agreements by revising when special approvals must be obtained. It would also add clarity regarding the factors to be considered by districts in allowing local governments to perform work and be reimbursed for that work.
Item 7A2 - Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Final Adoption (continued) Chapter 21 - Right of Way (MO) Amendments to §21.146, Exempt Signs, §21.187, Spacing of Signs, and §21.189, Sign Height Restrictions, (Regulation of Signs Along Interstate and Primary Highways); and §21.405, Exemptions and §21.429, Spacing of Signs (Control of Signs Along Rural Roads) These amendments propose changes to rules regulating signs along roadways in the state. They include changes being made in response to public comments that were received for the sign rules proposed in January 2014 and scheduled for final adoption this month and that were beyond the scope of that rulemaking.
Item 8 - Legislative Appropriations Request
Legislative Appropriations Request Adopt the Texas Department of Transportation's Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Legislative Appropriations Request (MO) Every two years the department is required to submit a Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for the upcoming biennium to be considered by the Texas Legislature. The LAR describes the level of funding, method of finance, and FTEs associated with the department's strategies for the fiscal year 2016-2017 biennium.
Item 9 - Lease Agreement Negotiations
Authorize the department to negotiate a new Lease and Operating Agreement with the Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District (NETEX) (MO) Chapter 91.052 of the Transportation Code authorizes the department to enter into an agreement with a public entity for the operation of a rail facility or system. This minute order authorizes the department to negotiate a new Lease and Operating Agreement with NETEX for their continued used of a department owned rail facility between Greenville and Sulphur Springs.
Item 10 - Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Investigations
Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Investigations Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Investigations Report State law requires the commission to establish a compliance program, which must include a compliance office to oversee the program. The compliance office is responsible for acting to prevent and detect serious breaches of department policy, fraud, waste, and abuse of office, including any acts of criminal conduct within the department. The compliance office is required to provide a monthly report to the commission regarding investigations and a summary of information relating to trends and recommendations
Item 11 - Transportation Planning
Caldwell County - Concurrence with Caldwell County's funding of construction and other project development costs of projects to be advanced through the use of payments received from SH 130 Concession Company, LLC for the right to develop, finance, design, construct, operate, and maintain the SH 130 toll project from US 183 in Travis County to I-10 in Guadalupe County (MO) The department has established a separate fund to account for and track projects and project costs funded with the SH 130 payments. Previously, Minute Order 113487 dated February 28, 2013 authorized $10 million of funding to Caldwell County. This minute order authorizes the funding of projects costs in Caldwell County with those payments. The project costs to be funded were selected through a cooperative process with Caldwell County.
Item 12 - Proposition 14 Bonds
Clay County - Approval of an additional project to be funded with the proceeds of State Highway Fund revenue bonds issued under Transportation Code, Section 222.003 (MO) The commission is adding an additional safety project to the list of previously approved projects. Funds are available for this additional project due to lower than estimated bids in other approved projects.
Various Counties - Consider the approval of a regional tolling services agreement with the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) (MO) The department has negotiated a regional tolling services agreement with the NTTA for managed lane projects in NTTA’s boundaries that are not revenue bond financed or the subject of a comprehensive development agreement.
Harris County - Authorize the executive director of the department to enter into an agreement with Harris County for development of the US 290 Project, a proposed managed lane facility on US 290 from I-610 to SH 99, further development and operation of the Katy Managed Lanes Project, a managed lanes facility within the limits of I-10 from SH 6 to I-610, and potential development of the Hempstead Tollway Project (MO) In 2003, the department and Harris County (County) entered into an agreement to construct, improve, maintain, and operate a toll facility within the median of I-10 known as the Katy Managed Lanes, and in 2012 entered into a memorandum of understanding regarding proposed toll projects on US 290, SH 288, and SH 99. The proposed agreement authorized by this minute order would provide for the reallocation of resources and responsibility between the department and the County for development of the US 290 Project, further development and operation of the Katy Managed Lanes Project, and for the potential development of the Hempstead Tollway Project. The proposed agreement would reduce the County’s financial contribution to the US 290 Project in exchange for the County’s transfer of the Katy Managed Lanes to the department and waiver of its primacy rights for development of toll facilities in the US 290 and Hempstead Highway corridors.
El Paso County - Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority - Grant approval of a request from Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority for a grant in the amount of $97 million for capital costs relating to the delivery of a street car route in the City of El Paso, Texas, consisting of design and construction of a two-mile long corridor with two loops consisting of a total of 5.6 miles of single track beginning near the El Paso Business District and the International Ports of Entry on South Stanton Street and South El Paso Street, traveling north through downtown, to the University of Texas at El Paso area, the Cincinnati Entertainment District and Kem Place, design and construction of a maintenance and operation facility and the costs of acquisition and reconstruction of street cars, with funding from the Texas Mobility Fund established pursuant to Section 49-k, Article III, Texas Constitution (MO) This minute order will provide funds for an award to the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority for state participation in the costs of design and construction of a street car route in El Paso, Texas, the design and construction of an associated maintenance and operation facility and the acquisition and/or reconstruction of street cars for the route.
Item 15 - State Infrastructure Bank
Sherman County - City of Stratford - Consider granting final approval of an application from the City of Stratford (City) to borrow up to $125,000 from the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) to pay for the relocation of utility lines for the partial realignment of SH 15 from CR 7 to US 287 in Sherman County (MO) The City is requesting SIB financial assistance in the form of a loan to pay for the City’s costs of relocation of utility lines required for the partial realignment of SH 15 by the Texas Department of Transportation. The SIB loan will be secured by a pledge of ad valorem or sales tax revenues of the City.
Grand Parkway Transportation Corporation Appoint director to the Grand Parkway Transportation Corporation (MO) The commission authorized the creation of the corporation and appointed three directors to the corporation’s board in March 2012 for initial terms expiring August 31, 2015. After that initial appointment, vacancies on the board have required subsequent appointments. There is now a vacancy on the board.
Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation Appoint director to the Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation (MO) The commission authorized the creation of the corporation and appointed three directors to the corporation’s board in October 2008. After that initial appointment, vacancies on the board have required subsequent appointments. There is now a vacancy on the board.
Award or reject contracts for maintenance, highway and building construction These proposed minute orders contain information concerning the receipt of bids for highway improvement contracts. The department may reschedule receipt of bids for those projects where the commission rejects all bids. Those bids accepted by the commission will result in conditional contract awards to the low bidders. Contract award conditions may involve securing funding from other sources, the contractor's ability to satisfy federal DBE subcontracting requirements, or other requirements as outlined in the project bid proposal. Highway Maintenance and Department Building Construction (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Award or reject contracts for maintenance, highway and building construction These proposed minute orders contain information concerning the receipt of bids for highway improvement contracts. The department may reschedule receipt of bids for those projects where the commission rejects all bids. Those bids accepted by the commission will result in conditional contract awards to the low bidders. Contract award conditions may involve securing funding from other sources, the contractor's ability to satisfy federal DBE subcontracting requirements, or other requirements as outlined in the project bid proposal. Highway and Transportation Enhancement Building Construction (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Item 18 - Eminent Domain Proceedings
Various Counties - Authorize the filing of condemnation proceedings to acquire real property by eminent domain for non-controlled and controlled access highways (see attached list) (MO) Commission findings, determinations, and authorizations for the state, by motion made in accordance with Senate Bill 18 (82nd Legislature), to acquire by eminent domain, upon the payment of adequate and just compensation, various ownership interests in specific parcels of real property that are needed to develop or improve both non-controlled and controlled access state highways, to include requesting the state attorney general to bring and pursue condemnation suits relating to those specific parcels of real property described in the attached itemized list.
Item 19 - Routine Minute Orders, Reports, and Appointments
a. Donations to the Department Various Districts - Consider the acknowledgment of donations made to the department to include: (a) donations in any form, including realty, personalty, money, materials, or services, which are made to the department for the purpose of carrying out its functions and duties; and (b) donations from landowners, with land adjacent to a highway that is part of the state highway system, to construct an improvement on the highway right-of-way that is directly related to improving access to or from the owner's land (See attached itemized list) (MO) The donations will ensure the safety of the traveling public. b. Right of Way Dispositions and Donations The commission must approve the sales, transfers, and exchanges of state rights of way and other real properties that are no longer needed for a state highway purpose. It must also approve, accept and acknowledge donations to the state of real property that is valued at $500 or more. (1) Anderson County - SL 256, southeast corner at Old Elkhart Road in Palestine - Consider the sale of right of way to the city of Palestine (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for a highway purpose. The city has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the city. (2) Bexar County - I-37, west side in downtown San Antonio - Consider the quitclaim of no-title land and sale of state-owned land to the city (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The city has requested the quitclaim of any interest in the no-title land that may have accrued to the state and has agreed to purchase the state-owned land. (3) Dallas County - SS 366, northwest corner at Riverfront Boulevard in Dallas - Consider the sale of right of way to the abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the abutting owner. (4) Rains County - FM 3299 at US 69 in Emory - Consider an exchange of right of way and acceptance of a donation (MO) The property owner has requested the release of a right of way easement in exchange for land needed for a highway relocation project. The value of the needed land is greater than the value of the easement, and the owner has agreed to donate the difference in value. The district recommends the exchange and acceptance of the donation. c. Finance (1) Adopt the 2015 Operating Budget (MO) This minute order adopts the department’s annual operating budget as prescribed by the General Appropriations Act. (2) Travis and Williamson Counties - Approval of the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTS) annual operating, maintenance and capital budgets (MO) This minute order approves the annual operating, maintenance and capital budgets for the CTTS which consists of SH 130, Segments 1-4, SH 45N, SH 45SE, and Loop 1 extension. Some costs of the CTTS were financed with debt obligations. The Indenture of Trust stipulates that the commission will adopt annual budgets by August 31 of the preceding fiscal year. d. Advisory Committee Re-appointment Appoint members to the Border Trade Advisory Committee (MO) Created by state law, the purpose of the Border Trade Advisory Committee is to assist in defining and developing a strategy and making recommendations for addressing the highest priority border trade transportation challenges. Committee members are appointed to staggered three-year terms. This minute order approves the appointment of 6 members to the committee. e. Debt Management (1) Annual review and approval of the investment policy and investment strategies applicable to all funds of the commission not otherwise required to be invested by the comptroller (MO) This minute order approves the department’s investment policy and investment strategies. The Public Funds Investment Act requires the commission to review the investment policy and investment strategies on an annual basis, and to approve by order any modifications to the investment policy and investment strategies. (2) Annual review of debt management policy and derivative management policy for financing programs of the department (MO) This minute order approves the debt management policy which establishes parameters for the commission's financing programs considering acceptable levels of risk, minimizing interest costs and optimizing future flexibility with consideration to achieving and maintaining the best possible credit ratings. Additionally, this minute order approves the derivative management policy which establishes responsibilities, objectives and guidelines for use of derivatives such as interest rate swaps and similar products to efficiently and prudently manage the commission's asset/liability profile. f. Designation of Access Control Harris County - I-10, approximately 750 feet east of Westgreen Boulevard - Consider the designation of a location on the highway at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of a 62.99-foot break in the control-of-access line will allow the abutting landowner to open a proposed driveway location for access to and from the westbound frontage road. The district has determined that access may be permitted at the designated location. g. Transportation Planning Hidalgo County - Approve the transfer of Border Colonias Access Program funds from previously selected colonia projects to other eligible colonia projects (MO) The Border Colonias Access Program rules allow a county to use unexpended funds from a project on any other commission-selected county colonia project. Hidalgo County (county) has requested approval to transfer the remaining portion of the funds previously awarded to the county to other eligible colonia projects. h. Speed Zones Various Counties - Establish or alter regulatory and construction speed zones on various sections of highways in the state (MO) This minute order establishes or alters regulatory and construction speed zones on various sections of highways in the state.
Open Session Items Adjourn Meeting