Call to Order
Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction.
Commissioner Opening Statements
Commissioner Opening Statements
Approval of Minutes of the September 24, 2015 regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Discussion Items 2016 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) November updates (Presentation) The UTP is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. The commission approved the 2016 UTP in August. Staff will provide an overview of the proposed November updates to the program.
Aviation Advisory Committee (Presentation) Update from the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee Created by state law, the purpose of the Aviation Advisory Committee is to advise the commission and department on aviation matters. The committee chairman will update the commission on the activities of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee.
Advisory Committee Port Authority Advisory Committee Appoint new member to the Port Authority Advisory Committee (MO) State law requires the commission to appoint a seven-member Port Authority Advisory Committee to advise the commission and the department on port issues and to provide a forum for the exchange of information between the commission, the department, and committee members representing the Texas port system. This minute order appoints a new representative from the Port of Galveston, who will replace the member from the Port of Freeport.
Aviation Various Counties - Award state grant funding for airport improvement projects at various locations (MO) 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 a. Various Counties - Award federal §5316 Job Access and Reverse Commute and §5317 New Freedom 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 and Reverse Commute and §5317 New Freedom programs 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 various agencies to assist with the match of federal funds for capital projects.
Smith County - Award transportation development credits to the City of Tyler (MO) This minute order awards transportation development credits to the Urban Transit District serving the Tyler urbanized area, for use as local match for capital projects.
Promulgation of Administrative Rules Under Title 43, Texas Administrative Code, and the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, Chapter 2001: Final Adoption Chapter 10 - Ethical Conduct by Entities Doing Business with the Department Amendments to §10.6, Conflict of Interest (General Provisions) (MO) The legislature has adopted a new revolving door law for state employees. The department is updating its rules on Ethical Conduct for Entities Doing Business with the Department to define the employment of certain former state employees who participated in the procurement or negotiation of a contract with the entity as a conflict of interest
Proposed Adoption (1) Chapter 9 - Contract and Grant Management Amendments to §9.81, Definitions, §9.83, Notice and Letter of Interest, §9.85, Evaluation, §9.87, Selection, and §9.89, Qualification Requirements for Appraisers (Contracts for Scientific, Real Estate Appraisal, Right of Way Acquisition, and Landscape Architectural Services) (MO) These amendments respond to the identified need for additional capacity in the contracting for Professional Real Estate Appraisal Services and Right of Way Professional Acquisition Provider Services in order to meet the demand for timely, cost effective and transparent delivery of right of way projects. (2) Chapter 30 - Aviation New §§30.501-30.503 (Meteorological Evaluation Towers) (MO) The new sections implement Senate Bill 505, which was enacted during the 84th Legislative Session. The proposed rules require a person who owns, operates, or erects a meteorological evaluation tower to provide notice to the department of the existence of or intent to erect such a tower and register the tower with the department.
Financial Assistance for Projects a. Accept the Quarterly Investment Report (MO) This minute order recognizes the commission's acceptance of 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.
Harris County - Authorize the Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation (corporation) to perform the functions necessary to promote and develop the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project finance plan including the issuance of private activity bonds and the loaning of any proceeds from private activity bonds issued by the corporation for the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project being developed through a comprehensive development agreement between the Texas Department of Transportation and the Blueridge Transportation Group (MO) In 2008, the commission created the Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation to assist with the development and financing of transportation facilities. On February 26, 2015, the commission conditionally awarded the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project comprehensive development agreement to the Blueridge Transportation Group, which has proposed that the corporation issue private activity bonds for a portion of the financing for the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project. Pursuant to Chapter 431, Texas Transportation Code, the corporation, at the request of the commission, can perform the functions necessary to promote and develop the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project through the issuance of private activity bonds and the loaning of private activity bond proceeds to the developer for the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project.
Travis County - Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority - Consider granting final approval of applications from the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) to receive a State Infrastructure Bank loan of up to $30,000,000 and a State Highway Fund loan of up to $30,000,000, to be used for construction of US 183 South - Bergstrom Expressway (MO) The US 183 South - Bergstrom Expressway is approximately 8 miles in length and would include three new tolled lanes and two to three improved non-tolled general purpose lanes in each direction between US 290 and SH 71 with direct connectors at US 183 and SH 71, and improvements on SH 71 adjacent to US 183. The project also includes a proposed sidewalk and shared-use path within the right of way adjacent to the roadway and an outside bike lane.
State Infrastructure Bank Hidalgo County - Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority - Consider preliminary approval of a request from the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $42,210,000 to pay for costs of constructing Segments 1, 2, and the Border Safety Inspection Facility Connector (part of Segment 3) of the SH 365 project (MO) The SH 365 project includes three segments of construction of both toll and non-toll improvements from FM 396 (Anzalduas Highway) to US 281 (Military Highway) for a project length of 15.2 miles. Segments 1 and 2 are for construction of toll road improvements from FM 396 (Anzalduas Highway) to US 281 (Military Highway). Segment 3, which constitutes US 281 and the Border Safety Inspection Facility Connector (BSIF), is a non-toll improvement from 0.45 miles East of Spur 600 (Cage Boulevard) to FM 2557 (Stewart Road), and from Spur 29 (S Veterans Drive) to US 281 (Military Highway) below the San Juan Road overpass.
Nueces County - Nueces County - Consider preliminary approval of a request from Nueces County for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $12,000,000 to pay for the county’s cost participation in the Harbor Bridge Project (MO) The SIB loan will be secured by a pledge of property taxes. The Project includes the construction of the New Harbor Bridge and portions of US Highway 181 (US 181), Interstate Highway 37 (I-37), Crosstown Expressway (SH 286), the connection of Upper and Lower Broadway Street to I-37 and the demolition of the existing Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi, Texas.
San Patricio County - San Patricio County - Consider preliminary approval of a request from San Patricio County for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $12,000,000 to pay for the county’s cost participation in the Harbor Bridge Project (MO) The SIB loan will be secured by a pledge of property taxes. The Project includes the construction of the New Harbor Bridge and portions of US Highway 181 (US 181), Interstate Highway 37 (I-37), Crosstown Expressway (SH 286), the connection of Upper and Lower Broadway Street to I-37 and the demolition of the existing Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi, Texas.
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)
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 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) Bexar County - SL 368, Ausway Lane at Broadway in Alamo Heights - Consider the quitclaim of right of way to Bexar County (county) (MO) The district has determined that four tracts of land are no longer needed for highway purposes. The land was used for highway purposes on SH 2, now designated as SL 368, and there is no record title in the state’s name. Two tracts were acquired in the county’s name, and any interest accrued by the state may be quitclaimed to the county. Two tracts were part of a platted subdivision in the city. The city has no interest in acquiring these two tracts. The county has requested all four tracts, and they may be quitclaimed to the county. (2) Brazos County - BS 6-R (Texas Avenue) in Bryan - Consider the sale of the old Bryan District headquarters site to the city of Bryan (MO) The district has determined that the site is no longer needed for highway purposes. The city has requested to purchase the site. Other local governmental entities have declined interest, and it may be sold to the city. (3) Collin County - US 380, east of SH 289 in Prosper - Consider the sale of a right of way easement to the owner of the fee in the property (MO) The easement was used as a borrow pit, and the district has determined that the easement is no longer needed for a highway purpose. The owner of the property has requested to purchase the easement, and it may be sold to the owner. (4) Fort Bend County - FM 1463 at Corbitt Road - 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. Another abutting owner has waived interest in acquiring any of the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (5) Hidalgo County - US 83, northwest corner at Mile 6 Road in Weslaco - 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. (6) Hopkins County - FM 3389, west side, south of County Road 1100 - Consider the sale of a drainage easement to the owners of the fee in the property (MO) The district has determined that the easement is no longer needed for a highway purpose. The owners of the property have requested to purchase the easement, and it may be sold to the owners. (7) Johnson County - US 67, east of Eastern Street in Keene - Consider the sale of right of way to Keene Independent School District (Keene ISD) (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. Keene ISD is the abutting landowner and has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the abutting owner. c. 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 (Report) 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 (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) 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 the Grand Parkway tolled portion of Segment D in Harris County, and Segments E, F-1, F-2, G, and I-2, replacing the current rate tables previously set by the commission with toll rate tables that escalate the toll rates on January 1, 2016 based on the annual toll rate escalation percentage. (4) 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, 2016 based on the annual toll rate escalation percentage. d. Reports (1) 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. (2) Travis and Hays Counties - Report of Environmental Review of Project - Accept public hearing report for State Highway 45 Southwest (MO) As required by Transportation Code §201.811(b) and 43 TAC §2.107(e)(2), this report lists the number of positive, negative, and neutral public comments received at a public hearing held for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the State Highway 45 Southwest project in Travis and Hays counties (CSJ's 1200-06-004 & 1200-07-001). e. Transportation Planning Bexar County - Amend Minute Order 114169, which removed a portion of State Loop 345 from the state highway system and transferred jurisdiction, control and maintenance to the city of San Antonio, to correct the exhibit map (MO) This minute order amends Minute Order 114169 by correcting the exhibit map to reflect the removal of State Loop 345 from the Balcones Heights city limit south to I-10, a distance of approximately 2.7 miles. f. Designation of Access Control (1) Bexar County - SS 422, approximately 1400 feet south of I-35 - Consider the designation of two locations on the highway at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of two 40-foot breaks in the control-of-access line will allow the abutting landowner to open two proposed driveway locations for access to SS 422. The district has determined that access may be permitted at the designated locations. (2) Dallas County - I-20, near Houston School Road in Lancaster - Consider the designation of one location on the eastbound frontage road at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of one 30-foot break in the control-of-access line will allow the abutting landowner to open one proposed driveway location for “IN-BOUND” only access from the eastbound frontage road. The district has determined that access may be permitted at the designated location. g. 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 a. Section 551.071 - Consultation with and advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda, pending or contemplated litigation, or other legal matters. b. Section 551.074 - Deliberate on the search for a new executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation
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 September 24, 2015 regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Discussion Items 2016 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) November updates (Presentation) The UTP is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. The commission approved the 2016 UTP in August. Staff will provide an overview of the proposed November updates to the program.
Aviation Advisory Committee (Presentation) Update from the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee Created by state law, the purpose of the Aviation Advisory Committee is to advise the commission and department on aviation matters. The committee chairman will update the commission on the activities of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee.
Advisory Committee Port Authority Advisory Committee Appoint new member to the Port Authority Advisory Committee (MO) State law requires the commission to appoint a seven-member Port Authority Advisory Committee to advise the commission and the department on port issues and to provide a forum for the exchange of information between the commission, the department, and committee members representing the Texas port system. This minute order appoints a new representative from the Port of Galveston, who will replace the member from the Port of Freeport.
Aviation Various Counties - Award state grant funding for airport improvement projects at various locations (MO) 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 a. Various Counties - Award federal §5316 Job Access and Reverse Commute and §5317 New Freedom 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 and Reverse Commute and §5317 New Freedom programs 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 various agencies to assist with the match of federal funds for capital projects.
Smith County - Award transportation development credits to the City of Tyler (MO) This minute order awards transportation development credits to the Urban Transit District serving the Tyler urbanized area, for use as local match for capital projects.
Promulgation of Administrative Rules Under Title 43, Texas Administrative Code, and the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, Chapter 2001: Final Adoption Chapter 10 - Ethical Conduct by Entities Doing Business with the Department Amendments to §10.6, Conflict of Interest (General Provisions) (MO) The legislature has adopted a new revolving door law for state employees. The department is updating its rules on Ethical Conduct for Entities Doing Business with the Department to define the employment of certain former state employees who participated in the procurement or negotiation of a contract with the entity as a conflict of interest
Proposed Adoption (1) Chapter 9 - Contract and Grant Management Amendments to §9.81, Definitions, §9.83, Notice and Letter of Interest, §9.85, Evaluation, §9.87, Selection, and §9.89, Qualification Requirements for Appraisers (Contracts for Scientific, Real Estate Appraisal, Right of Way Acquisition, and Landscape Architectural Services) (MO) These amendments respond to the identified need for additional capacity in the contracting for Professional Real Estate Appraisal Services and Right of Way Professional Acquisition Provider Services in order to meet the demand for timely, cost effective and transparent delivery of right of way projects. (2) Chapter 30 - Aviation New §§30.501-30.503 (Meteorological Evaluation Towers) (MO) The new sections implement Senate Bill 505, which was enacted during the 84th Legislative Session. The proposed rules require a person who owns, operates, or erects a meteorological evaluation tower to provide notice to the department of the existence of or intent to erect such a tower and register the tower with the department.
Financial Assistance for Projects a. Accept the Quarterly Investment Report (MO) This minute order recognizes the commission's acceptance of 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.
Harris County - Authorize the Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation (corporation) to perform the functions necessary to promote and develop the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project finance plan including the issuance of private activity bonds and the loaning of any proceeds from private activity bonds issued by the corporation for the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project being developed through a comprehensive development agreement between the Texas Department of Transportation and the Blueridge Transportation Group (MO) In 2008, the commission created the Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation to assist with the development and financing of transportation facilities. On February 26, 2015, the commission conditionally awarded the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project comprehensive development agreement to the Blueridge Transportation Group, which has proposed that the corporation issue private activity bonds for a portion of the financing for the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project. Pursuant to Chapter 431, Texas Transportation Code, the corporation, at the request of the commission, can perform the functions necessary to promote and develop the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project through the issuance of private activity bonds and the loaning of private activity bond proceeds to the developer for the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project.
Travis County - Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority - Consider granting final approval of applications from the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) to receive a State Infrastructure Bank loan of up to $30,000,000 and a State Highway Fund loan of up to $30,000,000, to be used for construction of US 183 South - Bergstrom Expressway (MO) The US 183 South - Bergstrom Expressway is approximately 8 miles in length and would include three new tolled lanes and two to three improved non-tolled general purpose lanes in each direction between US 290 and SH 71 with direct connectors at US 183 and SH 71, and improvements on SH 71 adjacent to US 183. The project also includes a proposed sidewalk and shared-use path within the right of way adjacent to the roadway and an outside bike lane.
State Infrastructure Bank Hidalgo County - Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority - Consider preliminary approval of a request from the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $42,210,000 to pay for costs of constructing Segments 1, 2, and the Border Safety Inspection Facility Connector (part of Segment 3) of the SH 365 project (MO) The SH 365 project includes three segments of construction of both toll and non-toll improvements from FM 396 (Anzalduas Highway) to US 281 (Military Highway) for a project length of 15.2 miles. Segments 1 and 2 are for construction of toll road improvements from FM 396 (Anzalduas Highway) to US 281 (Military Highway). Segment 3, which constitutes US 281 and the Border Safety Inspection Facility Connector (BSIF), is a non-toll improvement from 0.45 miles East of Spur 600 (Cage Boulevard) to FM 2557 (Stewart Road), and from Spur 29 (S Veterans Drive) to US 281 (Military Highway) below the San Juan Road overpass.
Nueces County - Nueces County - Consider preliminary approval of a request from Nueces County for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $12,000,000 to pay for the county’s cost participation in the Harbor Bridge Project (MO) The SIB loan will be secured by a pledge of property taxes. The Project includes the construction of the New Harbor Bridge and portions of US Highway 181 (US 181), Interstate Highway 37 (I-37), Crosstown Expressway (SH 286), the connection of Upper and Lower Broadway Street to I-37 and the demolition of the existing Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi, Texas.
San Patricio County - San Patricio County - Consider preliminary approval of a request from San Patricio County for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $12,000,000 to pay for the county’s cost participation in the Harbor Bridge Project (MO) The SIB loan will be secured by a pledge of property taxes. The Project includes the construction of the New Harbor Bridge and portions of US Highway 181 (US 181), Interstate Highway 37 (I-37), Crosstown Expressway (SH 286), the connection of Upper and Lower Broadway Street to I-37 and the demolition of the existing Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi, Texas.
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)
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 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) Bexar County - SL 368, Ausway Lane at Broadway in Alamo Heights - Consider the quitclaim of right of way to Bexar County (county) (MO) The district has determined that four tracts of land are no longer needed for highway purposes. The land was used for highway purposes on SH 2, now designated as SL 368, and there is no record title in the state’s name. Two tracts were acquired in the county’s name, and any interest accrued by the state may be quitclaimed to the county. Two tracts were part of a platted subdivision in the city. The city has no interest in acquiring these two tracts. The county has requested all four tracts, and they may be quitclaimed to the county. (2) Brazos County - BS 6-R (Texas Avenue) in Bryan - Consider the sale of the old Bryan District headquarters site to the city of Bryan (MO) The district has determined that the site is no longer needed for highway purposes. The city has requested to purchase the site. Other local governmental entities have declined interest, and it may be sold to the city. (3) Collin County - US 380, east of SH 289 in Prosper - Consider the sale of a right of way easement to the owner of the fee in the property (MO) The easement was used as a borrow pit, and the district has determined that the easement is no longer needed for a highway purpose. The owner of the property has requested to purchase the easement, and it may be sold to the owner. (4) Fort Bend County - FM 1463 at Corbitt Road - 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. Another abutting owner has waived interest in acquiring any of the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (5) Hidalgo County - US 83, northwest corner at Mile 6 Road in Weslaco - 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. (6) Hopkins County - FM 3389, west side, south of County Road 1100 - Consider the sale of a drainage easement to the owners of the fee in the property (MO) The district has determined that the easement is no longer needed for a highway purpose. The owners of the property have requested to purchase the easement, and it may be sold to the owners. (7) Johnson County - US 67, east of Eastern Street in Keene - Consider the sale of right of way to Keene Independent School District (Keene ISD) (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. Keene ISD is the abutting landowner and has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the abutting owner. c. 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 (Report) 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 (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) 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 the Grand Parkway tolled portion of Segment D in Harris County, and Segments E, F-1, F-2, G, and I-2, replacing the current rate tables previously set by the commission with toll rate tables that escalate the toll rates on January 1, 2016 based on the annual toll rate escalation percentage. (4) 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, 2016 based on the annual toll rate escalation percentage. d. Reports (1) 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. (2) Travis and Hays Counties - Report of Environmental Review of Project - Accept public hearing report for State Highway 45 Southwest (MO) As required by Transportation Code §201.811(b) and 43 TAC §2.107(e)(2), this report lists the number of positive, negative, and neutral public comments received at a public hearing held for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the State Highway 45 Southwest project in Travis and Hays counties (CSJ's 1200-06-004 & 1200-07-001). e. Transportation Planning Bexar County - Amend Minute Order 114169, which removed a portion of State Loop 345 from the state highway system and transferred jurisdiction, control and maintenance to the city of San Antonio, to correct the exhibit map (MO) This minute order amends Minute Order 114169 by correcting the exhibit map to reflect the removal of State Loop 345 from the Balcones Heights city limit south to I-10, a distance of approximately 2.7 miles. f. Designation of Access Control (1) Bexar County - SS 422, approximately 1400 feet south of I-35 - Consider the designation of two locations on the highway at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of two 40-foot breaks in the control-of-access line will allow the abutting landowner to open two proposed driveway locations for access to SS 422. The district has determined that access may be permitted at the designated locations. (2) Dallas County - I-20, near Houston School Road in Lancaster - Consider the designation of one location on the eastbound frontage road at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of one 30-foot break in the control-of-access line will allow the abutting landowner to open one proposed driveway location for “IN-BOUND” only access from the eastbound frontage road. The district has determined that access may be permitted at the designated location. g. 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 a. Section 551.071 - Consultation with and advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda, pending or contemplated litigation, or other legal matters. b. Section 551.074 - Deliberate on the search for a new executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation
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