Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction.
Commissioner Opening Comments
Legislature Comments
Approval of Minutes of the March 26, 2015 regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Discussion Items Project Update on SH 249 Extension in Grimes County (Presentation) Staff will provide an update on the SH 249 Extension in Grimes County and a presentation on the collaborative efforts between the department and Grimes County in carrying out project development activities for the SH 249 Extension.
Toll Roads Montgomery and Grimes Counties - Authorize the department to issue a request for qualifications for the development, design, construction, and maintenance of the SH 249 Extension in Montgomery and Grimes counties from FM 1774 in Pinehurst to SH 105 near Navasota, Texas (MO) Transportation Code, §223.242 authorizes the department to enter into, in each fiscal year, up to three design-build contracts for highway projects with a construction cost estimate of $50 million or more. The SH 249 Extension is a high priority for the state and meets the conditions necessary for design-build delivery. Development of the SH 249 Extension is a crucial element to responding to traffic congestion throughout the region.
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Overview of proposed May updates to the 2015 UTP (Presentation) The UTP is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. The commission approved the 2015 UTP in August 2014 and revisions to the 2015 UTP in November 2014 and February 2015. Staff will provide an overview of the proposed May updates to the program.
Comprehensive Development Agreements Nueces County - Approve the selection of the proposer who submitted the best value proposal to develop, design, construct, operate, maintain, and finance the US 181 Harbor Bridge Replacement Project in Nueces County, between US 181 at Beach Avenue and I-37, and authorize the executive director of the department to negotiate and execute a Comprehensive Development Agreement with the selected proposer (MO) (Presentation) On October 2, 2014, the department issued a request for proposals to develop, design, construct, operate, maintain, and finance, the US 181 Harbor Bridge Replacement Project in Nueces County. The US 181 Harbor Bridge Replacement Project will address structural deficiencies of the current bridge, and improve safety, connectivity, and level of service in the region. The department has completed its review and evaluation of proposals and is presenting its best value recommendation to the commission.
Aviation 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. INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.txdot.
Compliance Office Compliance Office 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.
Design-Build Agreement and Comprehensive Maintenance Agreement Various Counties - Approve the substantially final form of the design-build agreement and associated comprehensive maintenance agreement between the department and the selected best value proposer to develop, design, construct, and maintain the SH 360 Project from just south of I-20 to US 287 in Ellis, Johnson, and Tarrant counties, and authorize the executive director of the department to execute a design-build agreement, including the comprehensive maintenance agreement, with the selected proposer (MO) On February 26, 2015, the department selected a best value proposer and conditionally awarded the design-build agreement (DBA) for the SH 360 Project. The selected best value proposer employs a person who was the department’s executive director less than four years ago. In accordance with Texas Government Code §669.003, the department has notified the Legislative Budget Board that the commission will vote on entering into a contract with an entity that employs a person who was the department’s executive director in the last four years. The department is presenting the DBA and associated comprehensive maintenance agreement in its substantially final form to the commission for final approval.
Contracts 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
Contracts 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)
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.
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) El Paso County - S. Resler Drive at I-10 in El Paso - 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. (2) Kaufman County - FM 598 at Quail Lane in Terrell - Consider the sale of a maintenance site to the county (MO) The district has determined that the site is no longer needed for highway purposes. The county has requested to purchase the site, and it may be sold to the county. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) b. Real Estate Dispositions and Donations (continued) (3) Lubbock County - US 62/US 82, southwest corner, University Boulevard at Santa Fe Drive in Lubbock - Consider the sale of former railroad 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) McLennan County - I-35, west side between 4th and 5th Streets in Waco - Consider the quitclaim of no-title land and sale of state-owned land to the abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The city has requested the quitclaim of the no-title land to the abutting landowner. The abutting landowner has requested to purchase the state-owned land, and it may be sold to the abutting owner. (5) Panola County - FM 1794 east of Tatum - Consider the removal from the system and sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that a segment of the highway is no longer needed as part of the highway system, and the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. Luminant Mining Company is the majority abutting landowner and has requested to purchase the land for their mining operations. Other abutting landowners have waived interest in purchasing any portion of the land, and the land may be sold to Luminant. (6) Starr County - FM 650, one mile west of US 83 - Consider the quitclaim of no-title land to the county (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. There is no record title to the land, and the county has requested that it be quitclaimed to the county. (7) Tarrant and Johnson Counties - BU 287P in Mansfield - Consider the removal of a segment of BU 287P from the system; transfer of jurisdiction, control, and maintenance to the city; transfer of real property to the city; and redesignation of segments of two highways (MO) The district and city have determined that a segment of BU 287P functions more as a city street than as a highway. The district and city have agreed that the segment should be removed from the system and that jurisdiction, control, and maintenance should be transferred to the city. The real property may be transferred to the city to remain in use for public road purposes. Segments of two highways will be redesignated as a result of the removal from the system. (8) Wichita County - US 82/US 277, northwest corner at Lawrence Road and Maplewood Avenue in Wichita Falls - Consider the exchange of drainage easements (MO) The fee owner of the property has requested the release of a portion of an existing drainage easement and has granted a new easement to the state for realignment of the drainage facility. The district has determined that the portion of the existing drainage easement is no longer needed for highway purposes and recommends the exchange. c. Reports Travis and Williamson Counties - Accept the Report of Actual Traffic and Revenue for the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTS) (MO) Report of actual traffic and revenue for the CTTS as of February 28, 2015. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) d. Finance (1) Obligation Limit Report Quarterly status report on the FY 2015 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 This report will provide the current overall obligation status, by district and metropolitan planning organization, of the FY 2015 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 2015 State Highway Fund 6 cash status 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 recognizes the commission's acceptance of the quarterly investment 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. 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 Regional Transportation Council. (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. 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.
Acknowledgement of Service Recognize by resolution Randall C. “Randy” Redmond, P.E., the Dallas-Fort Worth Strategic Projects Office Director, for his 26 years of service to the department
Open Comment Period 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. 13. Executive Session Pursuant to Government Code, Chapter 551 Section 551.071 - Consultation with and advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda Adjourn
Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction.
Commissioner Opening Comments
Legislature Comments
Approval of Minutes of the March 26, 2015 regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Discussion Items Project Update on SH 249 Extension in Grimes County (Presentation) Staff will provide an update on the SH 249 Extension in Grimes County and a presentation on the collaborative efforts between the department and Grimes County in carrying out project development activities for the SH 249 Extension.
Toll Roads Montgomery and Grimes Counties - Authorize the department to issue a request for qualifications for the development, design, construction, and maintenance of the SH 249 Extension in Montgomery and Grimes counties from FM 1774 in Pinehurst to SH 105 near Navasota, Texas (MO) Transportation Code, §223.242 authorizes the department to enter into, in each fiscal year, up to three design-build contracts for highway projects with a construction cost estimate of $50 million or more. The SH 249 Extension is a high priority for the state and meets the conditions necessary for design-build delivery. Development of the SH 249 Extension is a crucial element to responding to traffic congestion throughout the region.
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Overview of proposed May updates to the 2015 UTP (Presentation) The UTP is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. The commission approved the 2015 UTP in August 2014 and revisions to the 2015 UTP in November 2014 and February 2015. Staff will provide an overview of the proposed May updates to the program.
Comprehensive Development Agreements Nueces County - Approve the selection of the proposer who submitted the best value proposal to develop, design, construct, operate, maintain, and finance the US 181 Harbor Bridge Replacement Project in Nueces County, between US 181 at Beach Avenue and I-37, and authorize the executive director of the department to negotiate and execute a Comprehensive Development Agreement with the selected proposer (MO) (Presentation) On October 2, 2014, the department issued a request for proposals to develop, design, construct, operate, maintain, and finance, the US 181 Harbor Bridge Replacement Project in Nueces County. The US 181 Harbor Bridge Replacement Project will address structural deficiencies of the current bridge, and improve safety, connectivity, and level of service in the region. The department has completed its review and evaluation of proposals and is presenting its best value recommendation to the commission.
Aviation 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. INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.txdot.
Compliance Office Compliance Office 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.
Design-Build Agreement and Comprehensive Maintenance Agreement Various Counties - Approve the substantially final form of the design-build agreement and associated comprehensive maintenance agreement between the department and the selected best value proposer to develop, design, construct, and maintain the SH 360 Project from just south of I-20 to US 287 in Ellis, Johnson, and Tarrant counties, and authorize the executive director of the department to execute a design-build agreement, including the comprehensive maintenance agreement, with the selected proposer (MO) On February 26, 2015, the department selected a best value proposer and conditionally awarded the design-build agreement (DBA) for the SH 360 Project. The selected best value proposer employs a person who was the department’s executive director less than four years ago. In accordance with Texas Government Code §669.003, the department has notified the Legislative Budget Board that the commission will vote on entering into a contract with an entity that employs a person who was the department’s executive director in the last four years. The department is presenting the DBA and associated comprehensive maintenance agreement in its substantially final form to the commission for final approval.
Contracts 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
Contracts 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)
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.
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) El Paso County - S. Resler Drive at I-10 in El Paso - 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. (2) Kaufman County - FM 598 at Quail Lane in Terrell - Consider the sale of a maintenance site to the county (MO) The district has determined that the site is no longer needed for highway purposes. The county has requested to purchase the site, and it may be sold to the county. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) b. Real Estate Dispositions and Donations (continued) (3) Lubbock County - US 62/US 82, southwest corner, University Boulevard at Santa Fe Drive in Lubbock - Consider the sale of former railroad 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) McLennan County - I-35, west side between 4th and 5th Streets in Waco - Consider the quitclaim of no-title land and sale of state-owned land to the abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The city has requested the quitclaim of the no-title land to the abutting landowner. The abutting landowner has requested to purchase the state-owned land, and it may be sold to the abutting owner. (5) Panola County - FM 1794 east of Tatum - Consider the removal from the system and sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that a segment of the highway is no longer needed as part of the highway system, and the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. Luminant Mining Company is the majority abutting landowner and has requested to purchase the land for their mining operations. Other abutting landowners have waived interest in purchasing any portion of the land, and the land may be sold to Luminant. (6) Starr County - FM 650, one mile west of US 83 - Consider the quitclaim of no-title land to the county (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. There is no record title to the land, and the county has requested that it be quitclaimed to the county. (7) Tarrant and Johnson Counties - BU 287P in Mansfield - Consider the removal of a segment of BU 287P from the system; transfer of jurisdiction, control, and maintenance to the city; transfer of real property to the city; and redesignation of segments of two highways (MO) The district and city have determined that a segment of BU 287P functions more as a city street than as a highway. The district and city have agreed that the segment should be removed from the system and that jurisdiction, control, and maintenance should be transferred to the city. The real property may be transferred to the city to remain in use for public road purposes. Segments of two highways will be redesignated as a result of the removal from the system. (8) Wichita County - US 82/US 277, northwest corner at Lawrence Road and Maplewood Avenue in Wichita Falls - Consider the exchange of drainage easements (MO) The fee owner of the property has requested the release of a portion of an existing drainage easement and has granted a new easement to the state for realignment of the drainage facility. The district has determined that the portion of the existing drainage easement is no longer needed for highway purposes and recommends the exchange. c. Reports Travis and Williamson Counties - Accept the Report of Actual Traffic and Revenue for the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTS) (MO) Report of actual traffic and revenue for the CTTS as of February 28, 2015. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) d. Finance (1) Obligation Limit Report Quarterly status report on the FY 2015 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 This report will provide the current overall obligation status, by district and metropolitan planning organization, of the FY 2015 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 2015 State Highway Fund 6 cash status 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 recognizes the commission's acceptance of the quarterly investment 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. 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 Regional Transportation Council. (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. 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.
Acknowledgement of Service Recognize by resolution Randall C. “Randy” Redmond, P.E., the Dallas-Fort Worth Strategic Projects Office Director, for his 26 years of service to the department
Open Comment Period 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. 13. Executive Session Pursuant to Government Code, Chapter 551 Section 551.071 - Consultation with and advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda Adjourn