Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction. Receive comments from and recognition of area public officials, community and civic leaders, and private citizens. Presentation and discussion of projects.
Receive comments from and recognition of area public officials, community and civic leaders, and private citizens. Presentation and discussion of projects.
Approval of Minutes of the September 18, 2014, regular meeting and the September 24, 2014, special meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Recognitions
Presentation: Moving El Paso Forward
2015 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) November Updates (Presentation) The UTP is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. The commission approved the 2015 UTP in August. Staff will provide an overview of the proposed November updates to the program.
2015 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) November Updates (Presentation) The UTP is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. The commission approved the 2015 UTP in August. Staff will provide an overview of the proposed November updates to the program.
Various Counties - Award federal Job Access Reverse Commute and New Freedom funds, state funds, and transportation development credits to various transit agencies (MO) The projects identified in this minute order reflect the award of remaining grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration’s §5316 Job Access Reverse Commute and §5317 New Freedom programs, and state funds to various public transportation providers for vehicles and program operations to serve low income individuals and individuals with disabilities. Transportation development credits are awarded to assist with the match of federal funds for capital projects.
El Paso County - Award federal Rural Transportation Assistance Program funds to El Paso County (MO) The award identified in this minute order to El Paso County will fund a study to determine options for continuing transit service previously funded by two programs which were repealed and realigned under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP 21).
Various Counties - Award transportation development credits to Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority and El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization (MO) This minute order awards transportation development credits to assist with the match of federal funds for capital projects and operating expenses for various public transit projects in the Corpus Christi and El Paso regions.
Item 6A Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Emergency Adoption Chapter 25 – Traffic Operations (MO) New §25.28, Traffic and Engineering Investigation Requirements for Reducing Speeds on Certain Types of Roadways (Procedures for Establishing Speed Zones) These rules create a streamlined speed zone process to allow the commission to more quickly address safety concerns by altering speed limits if the roadway or section of the roadway is less than 24 feet in width and has a crash rate greater than the statewide average for similar roadways.
Item 6B Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Final Adoption Chapter 26 - Regional Mobility Authorities (MO) Amendments to §26.2, Definitions (General Provisions), and new §26.36, Projects of Another Governmental Entity (Approval of a Transportation Project) Senate Bill 1489, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, expanded the definition of a transportation project a regional mobility authority (RMA) is authorized to acquire, plan, design, construct, maintain, repair, or operate, and authorized an RMA to enter into an agreement under which the RMA may acquire, plan, design, construct, maintain, repair, or operate a transportation project on behalf of another governmental entity in this state. Except as for a transportation project described in Transportation Code, §370.033(f)(1) and (2), the department must approve an RMA’s acquisition, planning, design, construction, maintenance, repair, or operation of a transportation project on behalf of another governmental entity. The rules implement the changes in the definition of transportation project, and prescribe the procedures by which the commission will consider approval of a transportation project.
Item 6C1 Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Proposed Adoption Chapter 9 - Contract and Grant Management (MO) Amendments to §9.3, Protest of Department Purchases under the State Purchasing and General Services Act (General) This minute order proposes the adoption of changes to the procedure for protesting purchases resulting from the title change of the Chief Procurement and Deputy Administrative Officer to Chief of Procurement & Field Support Operations.
Item 6C2 Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Chapter 21 - Right of Way (MO) Amendments to §21.602, Highway Asset to be Leased, §21.603, Methods of Awarding Leases, §21.604, Lease Agreement, and §21.606, Requests to Lease (Leasing of Highway Assets) The proposed amendments provide for additional methods of awarding leases; lease advertisement on the department website; and a centralized, internet based, lease request submission procedure. These amendments will expand the lease advertisement notice time, allow viewing of potential lease sites by a larger audience, allow the department to pair the appropriate award method with a property asset and provide a centralized and efficient procedure.
Authorize the department to initiate any necessary due diligence and enter into negotiations with the Yucca Council of Boy Scouts of America (Local El Paso Area) to lease land on the Loop 375 Border Highway Extension (MO) The Yucca Council of Boy Scouts of America has requested to lease a portion of property to construct an urban camp for disadvantaged youth in the El Paso area. The department will obtain or perform surveys, environmental assessments, and other evaluations of the property with regard to this requested use. If a lease agreement is obtained, the commission waives the fair market value requirement for social purposes.
Item 8 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.
Various Counties - Designate SH 99 (Grand Parkway) Segment H from US 59 to US 90 East, Segment I-1from US 90 East to I-10 East, and Segment I-2B from FM 1405 to SH 146 in Chambers, Harris, Liberty, and Montgomery counties as a toll project on the state highway system; authorize the department to issue a request for proposals for the development, design, construction, and potential maintenance of Segments H, I-1 and all or part of Segment I-2 of SH 99; and approve a stipulated amount as payment for the work product of unsuccessful proposers (MO) The department has received environmental clearance for Segments H, I-1, I-2A, and I-2B. This minute order designates Segments H, I-1, and I-2B as a toll project on the state highway system. On December 13, 2007, in Minute Order 111167, the commission authorized the department to designate Segment I-2A from I-10 to Fisher Road as a toll project on the state highway system. On June 26, 2014, in Minute Order 113979, the commission authorized the department to issue a request for qualifications for the development, design, construction, and potential maintenance of the SH 99 Grand Parkway Segments H, I-1, and all or part of I-2. This minute order continues the procurement process by authorizing the issuance of a request for proposals for the project, and approves a stipulated amount for the payment of work product of responsive, unsuccessful proposers.
Jefferson County - Texas Department of Transportation v. Direct Advertising, Inc. - Consider action on proposal for decision by administrative law judge concerning cancellation of an outdoor advertising permit, final order (MO) The executive director issued an order that canceled Outdoor Advertising Permit No. 20860 located near the intersection of 25th Street and State Highway 73 in Groves, Texas. The State Office of Administrative Hearings recommends that the permit be canceled.
Item 11 Texas Mobility Fund Obligations
Approve a Tenth Supplemental Resolution authorizing the issuance of new money and refunding obligations of the Texas Mobility Fund in one or more series; approve documents relating to the issuance of such obligations and the refunding of certain outstanding Texas Mobility Fund revenue bonds, including official statements, purchase contracts, and escrow agreements; designate certain department officials to take all action necessary to deliver the bonds; and approve an application to the Texas Bond Review Board, if necessary, for authority to issue such obligations (MO) This action provides final authorization for the chief financial officer and other designated department officials to move forward with the issuance and delivery of Texas Mobility Fund obligations in one or more series for new money and refunding purposes, as authorized under Article III, Section 49-k of the Texas Constitution, Chapter 201 Subchapter M, of the Texas Transportation Code and Chapters 1207 and 1371 of the Texas Government Code. Any series of refunding obligations must achieve a net present value debt service savings of at least 3% of the bonds refunded, provide for the refinancing of variable rate bonds, or both.
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. a. 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. b. Highway and Transportation Enhancement Building Construction (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Item 13 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 itemized 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 14 Routine Minute Orders and Reports
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. Real Estate 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) Bell County - FM 2410 at Mountain Lion Drive in Harker Heights - Consider the sale and quitclaim 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 state-owned land, and it may be sold to the abutting landowner. The city has requested that the no-title land be quitclaimed to the abutting landowner. 2) Caldwell County - SH 130 at US 183 north of Lockhart - Consider the transfer of mitigation site and maintenance funds to Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust (GBRT) (MO) The district has advised that the land was acquired in order to mitigate adverse environmental impacts of highway construction and is not further needed for highway purposes. The district proposes to transfer the site along with a one-time payment to GBRT to maintain the site as a wetlands area. The site may be transferred to the GBRT, subject to the approval of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. (3) Dallas County - SH 180, W. Davis Street from SH 12 east to I-35E in Dallas - Consider the removal from the system, transfer of control, jurisdiction, and maintenance to the city, and quitclaim of right of way to the city (MO) The district and city have determined that this segment of highway functions more as a city street than as a highway. The district and city agree that the highway should be removed from the system and that control, jurisdiction, and maintenance should be transferred to the city. The real property may be quitclaimed to the city to remain in use for public road purposes. (4) Dallas County - I-635 at US 75 and Churchill Road in Dallas – Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land. Other abutting owners have waived interest in purchasing the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (5) El Paso County - SL 375 adjacent to Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks near S. Park Street - 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, UPRR, is undertaking a track extension. UPRR has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the abutting landowner. (6) El Paso County - I-10 at SH 20 (Mesa Street) in El Paso - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and another abutting owner has waived interest in purchasing it. The land may be sold to the requester. (7) McLennan County - US 81, west side, on the north side of the Brazos River in Waco - Consider the release of a right of way easement (MO) The district has determined that the easement is no longer needed for highway purposes. The property owner has requested to purchase the easement, and it may be sold to the owner. (8) McLennan County - I-35 from Martin Luther King Blvd. to S BU 77 - Consider the acknowledgement of a donation of land for a highway improvement project (MO) The property being donated to the department is necessary for the improvement of IH 35. The real property to be donated is valued at more than $500. (9) Shelby County - US 84, north side, east of FM 2787 - 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 landowner. (10) Tarrant County - I-30 at FM 157 (Collins Street) in Arlington - Consider the sale of a maintenance site to the city of Arlington (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The city has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the city. c. Finance (1) Obligation Limit Report Quarterly status report on the FY 2014 Obligation Limit, the actual obligations utilized through the current month, proposed remaining highway maintenance and construction contract letting for the fiscal year and an update on motor fuel tax receipts (Report) This report will provide the current overall obligation status, by district and metropolitan planning organization, of the FY 2014 Obligation Limit and will also provide the anticipated effect on the obligation limit of remaining proposed highway maintenance and construction letting. The report will also provide an update on motor fuel tax receipts, including estimated versus actual receipts fiscal year to date, and any potential impact on letting volume. (2) Quarterly report on FY 2014 State Highway Fund 6 cash status (Report) This report updates the commission on the year-to-date cash balance and activity of Fund 6. The report will include original projections and actual revenues/inflows and expenditures/outflows on a cash basis. (3) Accept the Quarterly Investment Report (MO) This minute order accepts the quarterly investment report for investments of funds relating to financing of the Central Texas Turnpike System and held by the Bank of New York Mellon, acting as trustee. d. Designation of Access Control (1) Bexar County - US 281, approximately 350 feet south of Jones Maltsberger Road - Consider the designation of a location on the highway at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of a 100-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 southbound frontage road. The district has determined that access may be permitted at the designated location. (2) Dallas County - I-30, east of Beltline Road - Consider the designation of one location on the frontage road at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of one 40.06-foot break in the control-of-access line will allow the abutting landowner to open one 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. e. Transportation Planning (1) Various Counties - Concurrence with the Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments' funding of construction and other project development costs of projects to be advanced through the use of payments received from the North Texas Tollway Authority for the right to develop, finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the SH 121 toll project from Business SH 121 in Denton County to US 75 in Collin County (MO) The department has established a separate fund to account for and track projects and project costs funded with the SH 121 payments. This minute order authorizes the funding of additional projects costs with those payments. The project costs to be funded were selected through a cooperative process with the RTC. (2) Various Counties - Concurrence with the Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments' funding of construction and other project development costs of projects to be advanced through the use of payments received from the North Texas Tollway Authority for the right to develop, finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the SH 161 toll project from I-20 to SH 183 in Dallas County (MO) The department has established a separate fund to account for and track projects and project costs funded with the SH 161 payments. This minute order authorizes the funding of additional projects costs with those payments. The project costs to be funded were selected through a cooperative process with the RTC. f. Annual Toll Rate Adjustments (1) Travis and Williamson Counties - Accept the annual escalated toll rates for the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTS), as calculated on each toll escalation determination date (MO) This minute order accepts the annual escalated toll rates for the CTTS, consisting of the SH 130, SH 45N, Loop 1, and SH 45SE project elements, replacing the current rate tables previously set by the commission with toll rate tables that escalate the toll rates on January 1, 2015 based on the annual toll rate escalation percentage. (2) Harris, Montgomery, and Chambers Counties - Accept the annual escalated toll rates for portions of SH 99 (Grand Parkway) consisting of the tolled portion of Segment D in Harris County, and Segments E, F-1, F-2, G, and I-2 (MO) This minute order accepts the annual escalated toll rates for six segments of Grand Parkway, the tolled portion of Segment D in Harris County, and Segment E, Segment F-1, Segment F-2, and Segment G in Harris and Montgomery counties, and Segment I-2 in Chambers County, replacing the current rate tables previously set by the commission with toll rate tables that escalate the toll rates on January 1, 2015 based on the annual toll rate escalation percentage. g. Environmental Review Cameron County - Authorize acquisition of a conservation easement on or fee simple title to approximately 0.90 acre of land for compensatory mitigation purposes (MO) This acquisition is needed to comply with a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit authorizing a highway re-alignment project in Cameron County. 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.
At the conclusion of all other agenda items, the commission will allow an open comment period, not to exceed one hour, to receive public comment on any other matter that is under the jurisdiction of the department. No action will be taken. Each speaker will be allowed a maximum of three minutes. Speakers must be signed up prior to the beginning of the open comment period. ADJOURN
Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction. Receive comments from and recognition of area public officials, community and civic leaders, and private citizens. Presentation and discussion of projects.
Receive comments from and recognition of area public officials, community and civic leaders, and private citizens. Presentation and discussion of projects.
Approval of Minutes of the September 18, 2014, regular meeting and the September 24, 2014, special meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Recognitions
Presentation: Moving El Paso Forward
2015 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) November Updates (Presentation) The UTP is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. The commission approved the 2015 UTP in August. Staff will provide an overview of the proposed November updates to the program.
2015 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) November Updates (Presentation) The UTP is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. The commission approved the 2015 UTP in August. Staff will provide an overview of the proposed November updates to the program.
Various Counties - Award federal Job Access Reverse Commute and New Freedom funds, state funds, and transportation development credits to various transit agencies (MO) The projects identified in this minute order reflect the award of remaining grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration’s §5316 Job Access Reverse Commute and §5317 New Freedom programs, and state funds to various public transportation providers for vehicles and program operations to serve low income individuals and individuals with disabilities. Transportation development credits are awarded to assist with the match of federal funds for capital projects.
El Paso County - Award federal Rural Transportation Assistance Program funds to El Paso County (MO) The award identified in this minute order to El Paso County will fund a study to determine options for continuing transit service previously funded by two programs which were repealed and realigned under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP 21).
Various Counties - Award transportation development credits to Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority and El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization (MO) This minute order awards transportation development credits to assist with the match of federal funds for capital projects and operating expenses for various public transit projects in the Corpus Christi and El Paso regions.
Item 6A Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Emergency Adoption Chapter 25 – Traffic Operations (MO) New §25.28, Traffic and Engineering Investigation Requirements for Reducing Speeds on Certain Types of Roadways (Procedures for Establishing Speed Zones) These rules create a streamlined speed zone process to allow the commission to more quickly address safety concerns by altering speed limits if the roadway or section of the roadway is less than 24 feet in width and has a crash rate greater than the statewide average for similar roadways.
Item 6B Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Final Adoption Chapter 26 - Regional Mobility Authorities (MO) Amendments to §26.2, Definitions (General Provisions), and new §26.36, Projects of Another Governmental Entity (Approval of a Transportation Project) Senate Bill 1489, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, expanded the definition of a transportation project a regional mobility authority (RMA) is authorized to acquire, plan, design, construct, maintain, repair, or operate, and authorized an RMA to enter into an agreement under which the RMA may acquire, plan, design, construct, maintain, repair, or operate a transportation project on behalf of another governmental entity in this state. Except as for a transportation project described in Transportation Code, §370.033(f)(1) and (2), the department must approve an RMA’s acquisition, planning, design, construction, maintenance, repair, or operation of a transportation project on behalf of another governmental entity. The rules implement the changes in the definition of transportation project, and prescribe the procedures by which the commission will consider approval of a transportation project.
Item 6C1 Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Proposed Adoption Chapter 9 - Contract and Grant Management (MO) Amendments to §9.3, Protest of Department Purchases under the State Purchasing and General Services Act (General) This minute order proposes the adoption of changes to the procedure for protesting purchases resulting from the title change of the Chief Procurement and Deputy Administrative Officer to Chief of Procurement & Field Support Operations.
Item 6C2 Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Chapter 21 - Right of Way (MO) Amendments to §21.602, Highway Asset to be Leased, §21.603, Methods of Awarding Leases, §21.604, Lease Agreement, and §21.606, Requests to Lease (Leasing of Highway Assets) The proposed amendments provide for additional methods of awarding leases; lease advertisement on the department website; and a centralized, internet based, lease request submission procedure. These amendments will expand the lease advertisement notice time, allow viewing of potential lease sites by a larger audience, allow the department to pair the appropriate award method with a property asset and provide a centralized and efficient procedure.
Authorize the department to initiate any necessary due diligence and enter into negotiations with the Yucca Council of Boy Scouts of America (Local El Paso Area) to lease land on the Loop 375 Border Highway Extension (MO) The Yucca Council of Boy Scouts of America has requested to lease a portion of property to construct an urban camp for disadvantaged youth in the El Paso area. The department will obtain or perform surveys, environmental assessments, and other evaluations of the property with regard to this requested use. If a lease agreement is obtained, the commission waives the fair market value requirement for social purposes.
Item 8 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.
Various Counties - Designate SH 99 (Grand Parkway) Segment H from US 59 to US 90 East, Segment I-1from US 90 East to I-10 East, and Segment I-2B from FM 1405 to SH 146 in Chambers, Harris, Liberty, and Montgomery counties as a toll project on the state highway system; authorize the department to issue a request for proposals for the development, design, construction, and potential maintenance of Segments H, I-1 and all or part of Segment I-2 of SH 99; and approve a stipulated amount as payment for the work product of unsuccessful proposers (MO) The department has received environmental clearance for Segments H, I-1, I-2A, and I-2B. This minute order designates Segments H, I-1, and I-2B as a toll project on the state highway system. On December 13, 2007, in Minute Order 111167, the commission authorized the department to designate Segment I-2A from I-10 to Fisher Road as a toll project on the state highway system. On June 26, 2014, in Minute Order 113979, the commission authorized the department to issue a request for qualifications for the development, design, construction, and potential maintenance of the SH 99 Grand Parkway Segments H, I-1, and all or part of I-2. This minute order continues the procurement process by authorizing the issuance of a request for proposals for the project, and approves a stipulated amount for the payment of work product of responsive, unsuccessful proposers.
Jefferson County - Texas Department of Transportation v. Direct Advertising, Inc. - Consider action on proposal for decision by administrative law judge concerning cancellation of an outdoor advertising permit, final order (MO) The executive director issued an order that canceled Outdoor Advertising Permit No. 20860 located near the intersection of 25th Street and State Highway 73 in Groves, Texas. The State Office of Administrative Hearings recommends that the permit be canceled.
Item 11 Texas Mobility Fund Obligations
Approve a Tenth Supplemental Resolution authorizing the issuance of new money and refunding obligations of the Texas Mobility Fund in one or more series; approve documents relating to the issuance of such obligations and the refunding of certain outstanding Texas Mobility Fund revenue bonds, including official statements, purchase contracts, and escrow agreements; designate certain department officials to take all action necessary to deliver the bonds; and approve an application to the Texas Bond Review Board, if necessary, for authority to issue such obligations (MO) This action provides final authorization for the chief financial officer and other designated department officials to move forward with the issuance and delivery of Texas Mobility Fund obligations in one or more series for new money and refunding purposes, as authorized under Article III, Section 49-k of the Texas Constitution, Chapter 201 Subchapter M, of the Texas Transportation Code and Chapters 1207 and 1371 of the Texas Government Code. Any series of refunding obligations must achieve a net present value debt service savings of at least 3% of the bonds refunded, provide for the refinancing of variable rate bonds, or both.
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. a. 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. b. Highway and Transportation Enhancement Building Construction (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Item 13 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 itemized 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 14 Routine Minute Orders and Reports
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. Real Estate 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) Bell County - FM 2410 at Mountain Lion Drive in Harker Heights - Consider the sale and quitclaim 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 state-owned land, and it may be sold to the abutting landowner. The city has requested that the no-title land be quitclaimed to the abutting landowner. 2) Caldwell County - SH 130 at US 183 north of Lockhart - Consider the transfer of mitigation site and maintenance funds to Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust (GBRT) (MO) The district has advised that the land was acquired in order to mitigate adverse environmental impacts of highway construction and is not further needed for highway purposes. The district proposes to transfer the site along with a one-time payment to GBRT to maintain the site as a wetlands area. The site may be transferred to the GBRT, subject to the approval of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. (3) Dallas County - SH 180, W. Davis Street from SH 12 east to I-35E in Dallas - Consider the removal from the system, transfer of control, jurisdiction, and maintenance to the city, and quitclaim of right of way to the city (MO) The district and city have determined that this segment of highway functions more as a city street than as a highway. The district and city agree that the highway should be removed from the system and that control, jurisdiction, and maintenance should be transferred to the city. The real property may be quitclaimed to the city to remain in use for public road purposes. (4) Dallas County - I-635 at US 75 and Churchill Road in Dallas – Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land. Other abutting owners have waived interest in purchasing the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (5) El Paso County - SL 375 adjacent to Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks near S. Park Street - 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, UPRR, is undertaking a track extension. UPRR has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the abutting landowner. (6) El Paso County - I-10 at SH 20 (Mesa Street) in El Paso - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and another abutting owner has waived interest in purchasing it. The land may be sold to the requester. (7) McLennan County - US 81, west side, on the north side of the Brazos River in Waco - Consider the release of a right of way easement (MO) The district has determined that the easement is no longer needed for highway purposes. The property owner has requested to purchase the easement, and it may be sold to the owner. (8) McLennan County - I-35 from Martin Luther King Blvd. to S BU 77 - Consider the acknowledgement of a donation of land for a highway improvement project (MO) The property being donated to the department is necessary for the improvement of IH 35. The real property to be donated is valued at more than $500. (9) Shelby County - US 84, north side, east of FM 2787 - 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 landowner. (10) Tarrant County - I-30 at FM 157 (Collins Street) in Arlington - Consider the sale of a maintenance site to the city of Arlington (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The city has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the city. c. Finance (1) Obligation Limit Report Quarterly status report on the FY 2014 Obligation Limit, the actual obligations utilized through the current month, proposed remaining highway maintenance and construction contract letting for the fiscal year and an update on motor fuel tax receipts (Report) This report will provide the current overall obligation status, by district and metropolitan planning organization, of the FY 2014 Obligation Limit and will also provide the anticipated effect on the obligation limit of remaining proposed highway maintenance and construction letting. The report will also provide an update on motor fuel tax receipts, including estimated versus actual receipts fiscal year to date, and any potential impact on letting volume. (2) Quarterly report on FY 2014 State Highway Fund 6 cash status (Report) This report updates the commission on the year-to-date cash balance and activity of Fund 6. The report will include original projections and actual revenues/inflows and expenditures/outflows on a cash basis. (3) Accept the Quarterly Investment Report (MO) This minute order accepts the quarterly investment report for investments of funds relating to financing of the Central Texas Turnpike System and held by the Bank of New York Mellon, acting as trustee. d. Designation of Access Control (1) Bexar County - US 281, approximately 350 feet south of Jones Maltsberger Road - Consider the designation of a location on the highway at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of a 100-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 southbound frontage road. The district has determined that access may be permitted at the designated location. (2) Dallas County - I-30, east of Beltline Road - Consider the designation of one location on the frontage road at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of one 40.06-foot break in the control-of-access line will allow the abutting landowner to open one 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. e. Transportation Planning (1) Various Counties - Concurrence with the Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments' funding of construction and other project development costs of projects to be advanced through the use of payments received from the North Texas Tollway Authority for the right to develop, finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the SH 121 toll project from Business SH 121 in Denton County to US 75 in Collin County (MO) The department has established a separate fund to account for and track projects and project costs funded with the SH 121 payments. This minute order authorizes the funding of additional projects costs with those payments. The project costs to be funded were selected through a cooperative process with the RTC. (2) Various Counties - Concurrence with the Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments' funding of construction and other project development costs of projects to be advanced through the use of payments received from the North Texas Tollway Authority for the right to develop, finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the SH 161 toll project from I-20 to SH 183 in Dallas County (MO) The department has established a separate fund to account for and track projects and project costs funded with the SH 161 payments. This minute order authorizes the funding of additional projects costs with those payments. The project costs to be funded were selected through a cooperative process with the RTC. f. Annual Toll Rate Adjustments (1) Travis and Williamson Counties - Accept the annual escalated toll rates for the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTS), as calculated on each toll escalation determination date (MO) This minute order accepts the annual escalated toll rates for the CTTS, consisting of the SH 130, SH 45N, Loop 1, and SH 45SE project elements, replacing the current rate tables previously set by the commission with toll rate tables that escalate the toll rates on January 1, 2015 based on the annual toll rate escalation percentage. (2) Harris, Montgomery, and Chambers Counties - Accept the annual escalated toll rates for portions of SH 99 (Grand Parkway) consisting of the tolled portion of Segment D in Harris County, and Segments E, F-1, F-2, G, and I-2 (MO) This minute order accepts the annual escalated toll rates for six segments of Grand Parkway, the tolled portion of Segment D in Harris County, and Segment E, Segment F-1, Segment F-2, and Segment G in Harris and Montgomery counties, and Segment I-2 in Chambers County, replacing the current rate tables previously set by the commission with toll rate tables that escalate the toll rates on January 1, 2015 based on the annual toll rate escalation percentage. g. Environmental Review Cameron County - Authorize acquisition of a conservation easement on or fee simple title to approximately 0.90 acre of land for compensatory mitigation purposes (MO) This acquisition is needed to comply with a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit authorizing a highway re-alignment project in Cameron County. 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.
At the conclusion of all other agenda items, the commission will allow an open comment period, not to exceed one hour, to receive public comment on any other matter that is under the jurisdiction of the department. No action will be taken. Each speaker will be allowed a maximum of three minutes. Speakers must be signed up prior to the beginning of the open comment period. ADJOURN