Call to Order
Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction.
Commissioner Opening Statements
Commissioner Opening Statements
Approval of Minutes of the July 29, 2015, workshop meeting and the July 30, 2015, regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Acknowledgment of Service Recognize by resolution John F. Obr, P.E., Director of the Construction Division, for his 27 years of service to the department
Acknowledgment of Service Recognize by resolution John A. Barton, P.E., Deputy Executive Director, for his 30 years of service to the department
Grand Parkway Association Various Counties - Approve appointment of member to the Grand Parkway Association Board of Directors (MO) State Law requires transportation corporations to have a board in which the powers of the corporation reside. The commission shall appoint each director for a term not to exceed six years. This minute order approves the appointment of one member to the Grand Parkway Association Board of Directors (subject to a pending review and potential subsequent determination by the commission that the association should be dissolved within the next nine months). The members' six-year term will expire August 27, 2021.
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Approve the 2016 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 2016 UTP for fiscal years 2016-2025 as well as the PSP for the 2016 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 2016 UTP.
Advisory Committee Appointment Appoint two members to the Aviation Advisory Committee (MO) The Aviation Advisory Committee provides a direct link for general aviation users' input into the Texas Airport System through exchange of information concerning the users' view of the needs and requirements for the economic development of the aviation system. The commission appoints each member for a term not to exceed three years. This minute order approves the appointment of two members to the Aviation Advisory Committee.
Aviation 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.
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 the department seeks approval of the awards.
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.
Public Transportation Various Counties - Award transportation development credits to the City of Lubbock, El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization, and VIA Metropolitan Transit (MO) This minute order awards transportation development credits to assist with the match of federal funds for public transit capital projects in the Lubbock, El Paso, and San Antonio areas.
Galveston County - Award Surface Transportation Program - Metropolitan Mobility funds through the §5311 grant program to the City of Galveston for a transit preventative maintenance project (MO) The Houston-Galveston Area Council authorized the transfer of $500,000 in Surface Transportation Program - Metropolitan Mobility funding for a preventative maintenance project in the City of Galveston. The flexed funding will be administered under the Federal Transit Administration grant program, Formula Grants for Rural Areas (49 U.S.C. §5311).
Various Counties - Award transportation development credits for the Alamo Area Commute Solutions program to the Alamo Area Council of Governments, which is funded by the Surface Transportation Program - Metropolitan Mobility (MO) This minute order awards transportation development credits to be used as the non-federal match to federal funds to support several of the adopted metropolitan transportation plan goals and programs. The Alamo Area Commute Solutions program maintains an alert system that notifies schools, media, and the public when ozone pollution is forecast to reach unhealthy levels; provides a carpool matching service; and promotes alternatives to single occupant vehicle travel in an effort to ease traffic congestion and improve air quality.
Promulgation of Administrative Rules Under Title 43, Texas Administrative Code, and the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, Chapter 2001: Proposed Adoption Chapter 1 - Management Amendments to §1.82, §§1.85 - 1.87 (Advisory Committees) (MO) The amendments change the rules under Chapter 1 governing advisory committees to extend the sunset dates for statutory and department advisory committees from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2017.
Chapter 25 - Traffic Operations Amendments to §25.9 - Naming of Memorial Highways and Historical Routes (General) (MO) The proposed amendments update the statutory citation and provide the approval process for local entities to assign a memorial or other identifying designation to a state highway under Transportation Code §225.002. The changes outline the procedure for local entities to apply and obtain approval for naming any part of a state highway within the local entities jurisdiction.
Chapter 25 - Traffic Operations Amendments to §25.601, §25.602, and new §25.605 (Restrictions on Use of State Highways) (MO) These proposed amendments add new §25.605 and amend existing §25.601 and §25.602 to implement House Bill 3225 regarding lane restrictions for commercial motor vehicles in construction or maintenance work zones. The changes provide the procedures for TxDOT to establish lane restrictions when necessary to improve traffic safety.
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
Finance Adopt the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget (MO) This minute order adopts the department’s annual budget as prescribed by the General Appropriations Act.
Signature Authority Delegation of contract approval and signature authority (MO) Senate Bill 20 requires the commission to approve and the chair of the commission to sign contracts valued over $1 million for certain goods or services, or to delegate that approval and signature authority to the executive director. This minute order delegates approval and signature authority to the executive director for certain contracts for goods and services valued over $1 million.
Design-Build Contracts Montgomery and Grimes Counties - Authorize the department to issue a request for proposals for the development, design, construction, and maintenance of the SH 249 Extension, a new location facility from FM 1774 in Pinehurst, Texas to SH 105 near Navasota, Texas, and approve stipulated amounts as payment for the work product of unsuccessful proposers (MO) On April 30, 2015, in Minute Order 114242, the commission authorized the department to issue a request for qualifications for the development, design, construction, and maintenance of the SH 249 Extension. 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.
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. Highway Maintenance and Department Building Construction (see attached itemized list) (MO)
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. 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 Donations Various Districts - Consider for acknowledgement of the acquisition by gift/donation of required right of way accepted by the department for purposes of constructing, maintaining, widening, straightening, or extending the state highway system. (See attached itemized list) (MO) The property being donated to the department is necessary for the improvement of the state highway system. The real property to be donated is valued at more than $500. c. Real Estate Dispositions 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) Denton County - FM 3040, south side, west of Valley Parkway in Lewisville - Consider the sale of a drainage easement (MO) The district has advised that an alternate drainage plan has been implemented by the developer of the property. A portion of the existing drainage easement is no longer needed for highway purposes and may be sold to the fee owners of the property. (2) Hardeman County - SH 6, east side, old alignment at Nelson Street in Quanah - Consider the quitclaim of right of way to the county (MO) The district has determined that two tracts of right of way are no longer needed for highway purposes. The land was acquired in the county’s name, and it may be quitclaimed to the county. (3) Lubbock County - US 82 at 3rd Street in Lubbock - Consider the sale of former railroad right of way to the city of Lubbock (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. (4) McLennan County - FM 1695 in Hewitt - Consider the transfer of right of way to the city of Hewitt (MO) The district and city have agreed to the transfer of the right of way to the city to remain in use for public road purposes. The district recommends the transfer. (5) Panola County - SH 315 at West Holland Street in Carthage - Consider the sale of a drainage easement to Panola College (MO) The district has advised that an existing drainage easement across property owned by Panola College (college) is no longer needed for highway drainage purposes. The college has requested to purchase the easement, and it may be sold to the college. d. Finance 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. 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. 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.
Executive Session Pursuant to Government Code, Chapter 551 Section 551.071 - Consultation with and advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda, pending or contemplated litigation, or other legal matters.
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. ADJOURN
Call to Order
Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction.
Commissioner Opening Statements
Commissioner Opening Statements
Approval of Minutes of the July 29, 2015, workshop meeting and the July 30, 2015, regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Acknowledgment of Service Recognize by resolution John F. Obr, P.E., Director of the Construction Division, for his 27 years of service to the department
Acknowledgment of Service Recognize by resolution John A. Barton, P.E., Deputy Executive Director, for his 30 years of service to the department
Grand Parkway Association Various Counties - Approve appointment of member to the Grand Parkway Association Board of Directors (MO) State Law requires transportation corporations to have a board in which the powers of the corporation reside. The commission shall appoint each director for a term not to exceed six years. This minute order approves the appointment of one member to the Grand Parkway Association Board of Directors (subject to a pending review and potential subsequent determination by the commission that the association should be dissolved within the next nine months). The members' six-year term will expire August 27, 2021.
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Approve the 2016 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 2016 UTP for fiscal years 2016-2025 as well as the PSP for the 2016 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 2016 UTP.
Advisory Committee Appointment Appoint two members to the Aviation Advisory Committee (MO) The Aviation Advisory Committee provides a direct link for general aviation users' input into the Texas Airport System through exchange of information concerning the users' view of the needs and requirements for the economic development of the aviation system. The commission appoints each member for a term not to exceed three years. This minute order approves the appointment of two members to the Aviation Advisory Committee.
Aviation 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.
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 the department seeks approval of the awards.
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.
Public Transportation Various Counties - Award transportation development credits to the City of Lubbock, El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization, and VIA Metropolitan Transit (MO) This minute order awards transportation development credits to assist with the match of federal funds for public transit capital projects in the Lubbock, El Paso, and San Antonio areas.
Galveston County - Award Surface Transportation Program - Metropolitan Mobility funds through the §5311 grant program to the City of Galveston for a transit preventative maintenance project (MO) The Houston-Galveston Area Council authorized the transfer of $500,000 in Surface Transportation Program - Metropolitan Mobility funding for a preventative maintenance project in the City of Galveston. The flexed funding will be administered under the Federal Transit Administration grant program, Formula Grants for Rural Areas (49 U.S.C. §5311).
Various Counties - Award transportation development credits for the Alamo Area Commute Solutions program to the Alamo Area Council of Governments, which is funded by the Surface Transportation Program - Metropolitan Mobility (MO) This minute order awards transportation development credits to be used as the non-federal match to federal funds to support several of the adopted metropolitan transportation plan goals and programs. The Alamo Area Commute Solutions program maintains an alert system that notifies schools, media, and the public when ozone pollution is forecast to reach unhealthy levels; provides a carpool matching service; and promotes alternatives to single occupant vehicle travel in an effort to ease traffic congestion and improve air quality.
Promulgation of Administrative Rules Under Title 43, Texas Administrative Code, and the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, Chapter 2001: Proposed Adoption Chapter 1 - Management Amendments to §1.82, §§1.85 - 1.87 (Advisory Committees) (MO) The amendments change the rules under Chapter 1 governing advisory committees to extend the sunset dates for statutory and department advisory committees from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2017.
Chapter 25 - Traffic Operations Amendments to §25.9 - Naming of Memorial Highways and Historical Routes (General) (MO) The proposed amendments update the statutory citation and provide the approval process for local entities to assign a memorial or other identifying designation to a state highway under Transportation Code §225.002. The changes outline the procedure for local entities to apply and obtain approval for naming any part of a state highway within the local entities jurisdiction.
Chapter 25 - Traffic Operations Amendments to §25.601, §25.602, and new §25.605 (Restrictions on Use of State Highways) (MO) These proposed amendments add new §25.605 and amend existing §25.601 and §25.602 to implement House Bill 3225 regarding lane restrictions for commercial motor vehicles in construction or maintenance work zones. The changes provide the procedures for TxDOT to establish lane restrictions when necessary to improve traffic safety.
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
Finance Adopt the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget (MO) This minute order adopts the department’s annual budget as prescribed by the General Appropriations Act.
Signature Authority Delegation of contract approval and signature authority (MO) Senate Bill 20 requires the commission to approve and the chair of the commission to sign contracts valued over $1 million for certain goods or services, or to delegate that approval and signature authority to the executive director. This minute order delegates approval and signature authority to the executive director for certain contracts for goods and services valued over $1 million.
Design-Build Contracts Montgomery and Grimes Counties - Authorize the department to issue a request for proposals for the development, design, construction, and maintenance of the SH 249 Extension, a new location facility from FM 1774 in Pinehurst, Texas to SH 105 near Navasota, Texas, and approve stipulated amounts as payment for the work product of unsuccessful proposers (MO) On April 30, 2015, in Minute Order 114242, the commission authorized the department to issue a request for qualifications for the development, design, construction, and maintenance of the SH 249 Extension. 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.
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. Highway Maintenance and Department Building Construction (see attached itemized list) (MO)
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. 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 Donations Various Districts - Consider for acknowledgement of the acquisition by gift/donation of required right of way accepted by the department for purposes of constructing, maintaining, widening, straightening, or extending the state highway system. (See attached itemized list) (MO) The property being donated to the department is necessary for the improvement of the state highway system. The real property to be donated is valued at more than $500. c. Real Estate Dispositions 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) Denton County - FM 3040, south side, west of Valley Parkway in Lewisville - Consider the sale of a drainage easement (MO) The district has advised that an alternate drainage plan has been implemented by the developer of the property. A portion of the existing drainage easement is no longer needed for highway purposes and may be sold to the fee owners of the property. (2) Hardeman County - SH 6, east side, old alignment at Nelson Street in Quanah - Consider the quitclaim of right of way to the county (MO) The district has determined that two tracts of right of way are no longer needed for highway purposes. The land was acquired in the county’s name, and it may be quitclaimed to the county. (3) Lubbock County - US 82 at 3rd Street in Lubbock - Consider the sale of former railroad right of way to the city of Lubbock (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. (4) McLennan County - FM 1695 in Hewitt - Consider the transfer of right of way to the city of Hewitt (MO) The district and city have agreed to the transfer of the right of way to the city to remain in use for public road purposes. The district recommends the transfer. (5) Panola County - SH 315 at West Holland Street in Carthage - Consider the sale of a drainage easement to Panola College (MO) The district has advised that an existing drainage easement across property owned by Panola College (college) is no longer needed for highway drainage purposes. The college has requested to purchase the easement, and it may be sold to the college. d. Finance 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. 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. 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.
Executive Session Pursuant to Government Code, Chapter 551 Section 551.071 - Consultation with and advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda, pending or contemplated litigation, or other legal matters.
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. ADJOURN