9:00 A.M. CONVENE MEETING
Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction.
Approval of Minutes of the July 13, 2016, special meeting, the July 27, 2016, workshop meeting, and the July 28, 2016, regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Finance Adopt the Fiscal Year 2017 Budget (MO) This minute order adopts the department’s annual budget as prescribed by the General Appropriations Act.
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Approve the 2017 UTP (MO) (Presentation) 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 2017 UTP for fiscal years 2017-2026 as well as the PSP for the 2017 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 2017 UTP.
Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Various Counties - Approve the Fiscal Year 2017-2020 STIP (MO) Federal law requires each state to prepare a multi-year program of surface transportation projects. The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is developed in cooperation with metropolitan planning organizations and with input from local entities and the public. The STIP is constrained to the anticipated federal, state, local, and private sector funds that will be available for the time period.
Legislative Appropriations Request Adopt the Texas Department of Transportation's Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Legislative Appropriations Request (MO) (Presentation) Every two years the department is required to submit a Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for the upcoming biennium to be considered by the Texas Legislature. The LAR describes the level of funding, method of finance, and FTEs associated with the department's strategies for the fiscal year 2018-2019 biennium.
Advisory Committee Appointments Border Trade Advisory Committee Appoint members to the Border Trade Advisory Committee (MO) This minute order appoints members to the Border Trade Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee, created in 2001 by the 77th Legislature, is to define and develop a strategy and make recommendations to the commission and the governor, in order to address the highest priority border trade transportation challenges.
Bicycle Advisory Committee Appoint members to the Bicycle Advisory Committee (MO) The Bicycle Advisory Committee advises the commission on bicycle issues and matters of mutual concern between the department and the bicycling community. By involving representatives of the public, including bicyclists and other interested parties, the department helps ensure effective communication with the bicycle community, and that the bicyclist's perspective will be considered in the development of departmental policies affecting bicycle use, including the design, construction, and maintenance of highways.
Aviation Advisory Committee Appoint 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 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.
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.
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.
Ector, El Paso, and Midland Counties - Award transportation development credits to the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization and the City of Odessa (MO)
Various Counties - Award federal §5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program funds to rural transit districts for FY 2016 (MO) The awards identified in this minute order reflect an allocation of federal grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration §5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program to rural transit agencies to address impacts of the 2010 Census beyond the formula-based awards previously awarded by the Texas Transportation Commission in April and June of 2016.
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).
Chapter 10 - Ethical Conduct by Entities Doing Business with the Department Amendments to §10.5, Benefit (General Provisions) (MO) The amendments remove the exception allowing entities doing business with the department to provide an ordinary working meal to a member of the commission or to a department employee.
Chapter 9 - Contract and Grant Management Amendments to §9.150, Purpose, §9.151, Definitions, §9.152, General Rules for Design-Build Contracts, §9.153, Solicitation of Proposals, and §9.155, Conflict of Interest and Ethics Policies (Design-Build Contracts) (MO) These amendments modify §§9.150-9.153 to implement changes made to Subchapter F of Chapter 223, Transportation Code by House Bill 20, 84th Legislature, 2015. Additionally, amendments to §9.155 relating to Conflict of Interest and Ethics Policies for Design-Build Contracts will align the rules in Section 9.155 concerning gifts and benefits with current department practices.
Chapter 27 - Toll Projects Amendments to §27.8, Conflict of Interest and Ethics Policy (Comprehensive Development Agreements), §27.91, Definitions, and §27.92, Financial Terms (Determination of Terms for Certain Toll Projects) (MO) These amendments modify §27.8 relating to Conflict of Interest and Ethics Policies for Comprehensive Development Agreements to align the rules in §27.8 concerning gifts and benefits with current department practices. Additionally, amendments to §27.91 and §27.92 relating to Toll Projects will align those rules with the department’s existing contracting authority.
Chapter 27 - Toll Projects Amendments to §27.83, Contracts to Operate Department Toll Projects, New §27.84, No-Cost Contracts for Services to Support the Operation of Department Toll Projects, and New §27.85, Service Charge for Payment Transactions (Operation of Department Toll Projects) (MO) The department has determined that opportunities exist for private entities to provide certain services in support of toll operations at no cost to the department. The amendments to §27.83, which describes the process for a best value procurement, clarify that the requirements of that section do not apply to no-cost contracts. New §27.84 addresses the process by which the department will provide public notice of these opportunities and enter into agreements for the specified services. New §27.85 sets the maximum amount of the service charge that may be collected from a customer for a payment transaction conducted at a location other than a department office, and describes the circumstances under which the service charge may be assessed.
Financial Assistance for Projects Cameron County - Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority - Consider granting final approval of a request from the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority to receive financial assistance in the form of a grant of up to $6,000,000 to be used for construction of a toll facility on SH 550 from .53 mi East of Old Alice Road to .48 mi West of FM 1847 called the Gap I project (MO) The SH 550 Gap I project is a toll facility on SH 550 from .53 mi East of Old Alice Road to .48 mi West of FM 1847.
Surface Transportation Corporation Various Counties - Approve the resolution of the board of directors of the Grand Parkway Association (association) pursuant to Transportation Code, Chapter 431, to dissolve the association’s existence as a transportation corporation (MO) Texas law allows the governing body of a transportation corporation to dissolve the corporation by resolution, subject to the approval of the Texas Transportation Commission, once the purpose of the corporation has been completed. The resolution of the transportation corporation’s governing body must include a determination that all obligations of the corporation have been fully paid.
Toll Operations Dallas and Tarrant Counties - In accordance with Regional Transportation Council policy, establish additional toll rates for the I-30 Managed Lanes Project, from west of Center Street in Tarrant County to east of Sylvan Avenue in Dallas County (MO) This minute order authorizes additional toll rates for the I-30 Managed Lanes Project for the midday, overnight, and weekend hours to accommodate extended operating hours and special events. The I-30 Managed Lanes project includes one concurrent flow managed tolled lane in each direction along I-30 from west of Center Street to west of SH 161, and two reversible managed tolled lanes from west of SH 161 to east of Sylvan Avenue. The I-30 Managed Lanes Project is an all-electronic, open road tolling managed lane facility.
Audit Plan Approve the Audit Plan for Fiscal Year 2017 and determine whether adequate resources have been dedicated to the internal audit program (MO) State law requires the internal auditor to create an annual audit plan that is prepared using risk assessment techniques and that identifies the individual audits to be conducted during the year. The audit plan must be approved by the commission. In addition, the commission must review the resources dedicated to the internal audit program and determine if adequate resources exist to ensure that risks identified in the annual risk assessment are covered in a reasonable timeframe.
Audit Subcommittee Charter Approve changes to the Audit Subcommittee Charter (MO) The subcommittee was created to oversee and ensure compliance with the intent of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as to reliability and transparency in financial reporting, as well as to ensure the independence of the department’s internal audit program by providing oversight of the internal auditor and evaluating the implementation of audit recommendations. The subcommittee charter was approved by Minute Order 112196 on March 25, 2010, and was revised by Minute Order 112661 on April 28, 2011. The department's Spirit of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements were revised by Minute Order 113939, dated May 29, 2014. Those revisions have been incorporated into this charter that also includes a title change of the internal auditor to Chief Audit and Compliance Officer (from Chief Audit Executive).
Compliance Program Approve changes to the management and supervision of the Compliance Division (MO) This minute order revises the reporting relationship for the Compliance Division, which is responsible for the department’s compliance program. The minute order formalizes the current reporting structure of the Compliance Division, which is under the direct management and supervision of the Chief Audit and Compliance Officer.
Construction of Highways, Department Buildings, and Other Transportation Facilities (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Highway Maintenance (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Construction of Highways, Department Buildings, and Other Transportation Facilities Project C 25-2-198, Bexar County, IH-10 (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.
19. Routine Minute Orders and Reports a. Donations to the Department (1) 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. (2) Highway Sponsorship Donations Acknowledgment - Consider the acknowledgement of donations made to the department under the Sponsorship Acknowledgement Program. The donations under this program provide funding for highway related services and facilities such as litter removal, wildflower maintenance, Travel Information Centers, and rest areas. The donors are acknowledged with a sign located on the right of way near the facility or service sponsored. (MO) The donations will be used to provide transportation related services such as litter removal, mowing, and Wi-Fi at various rest areas. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) 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) Collin County - FM 3038 and SS 359 in McKinney - Consider the removal from the system and transfer of control, jurisdiction, and maintenance to the City of McKinney (city) and quitclaim of right of way to the city (MO) The district has determined that the highways are no longer needed as part of the system. The city has agreed to assume control, jurisdiction, and maintenance. The right of way may be quitclaimed to the city to remain in use for public road purposes. (2) Dallas County - 4202 Corn Valley Road in Grand Prairie - Consider the sale of a former maintenance site and improvements to the successful bidder (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The site was advertised for sale by sealed bid. A successful bidder was identified, and the site and improvements may be sold to the successful bidder. (3) Denton County - I-35W, west side, south of SH 114 in Fort Worth - Consider the sale of right of way to the abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the abutting owner. (4) Eastland County - US 183, east side, south of Cisco - 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. (5) Goliad County - US 183 at SH 19 - 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) Hunt County - I-30, east side, north of Centerpoint Lane in Greenville - Consider the sale of a drainage easement (MO) The district has determined that the easement is no longer needed for highway drainage purposes. The owner of the property has requested to purchase the easement, and it may be sold to the owner. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) c. Real Estate Dispositions (continued) (7) McLennan County - US 81, old Marlin Road at 11th Street in Waco - Consider the sale and quitclaim of right of way to the abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the abutting owner. d. Reports (1) Compliance Division Compliance Division report State law requires the commission to establish a compliance program, which must include a Compliance Division to oversee the program. The Compliance Division 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 Division 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 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. Finance (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. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) f. Transportation Planning Howard County - Near the City of Big Spring, designate US 87 along a new location, redesignate existing US 87 as BU 87-M, and remove the concurrent designation of US 87 with I-20 (MO) This minute order designates US 87 along a new location from the intersection of I-20 and US 87 to approximately 1.3 miles north of FM 700 on existing US 87, redesignates a segment of existing US 87 as BU 87-M from the intersection of I-20 and existing BU 87-M to approximately 1.3 miles north of FM 700, and removes the concurrent designation of US 87 with I-20 from the intersection of the proposed US 87 and I-20 to the intersection of the existing US 87 and I-20. 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. 20. 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.
9:00 A.M. CONVENE MEETING
Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction.
Approval of Minutes of the July 13, 2016, special meeting, the July 27, 2016, workshop meeting, and the July 28, 2016, regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Finance Adopt the Fiscal Year 2017 Budget (MO) This minute order adopts the department’s annual budget as prescribed by the General Appropriations Act.
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Approve the 2017 UTP (MO) (Presentation) 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 2017 UTP for fiscal years 2017-2026 as well as the PSP for the 2017 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 2017 UTP.
Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Various Counties - Approve the Fiscal Year 2017-2020 STIP (MO) Federal law requires each state to prepare a multi-year program of surface transportation projects. The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is developed in cooperation with metropolitan planning organizations and with input from local entities and the public. The STIP is constrained to the anticipated federal, state, local, and private sector funds that will be available for the time period.
Legislative Appropriations Request Adopt the Texas Department of Transportation's Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Legislative Appropriations Request (MO) (Presentation) Every two years the department is required to submit a Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for the upcoming biennium to be considered by the Texas Legislature. The LAR describes the level of funding, method of finance, and FTEs associated with the department's strategies for the fiscal year 2018-2019 biennium.
Advisory Committee Appointments Border Trade Advisory Committee Appoint members to the Border Trade Advisory Committee (MO) This minute order appoints members to the Border Trade Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee, created in 2001 by the 77th Legislature, is to define and develop a strategy and make recommendations to the commission and the governor, in order to address the highest priority border trade transportation challenges.
Bicycle Advisory Committee Appoint members to the Bicycle Advisory Committee (MO) The Bicycle Advisory Committee advises the commission on bicycle issues and matters of mutual concern between the department and the bicycling community. By involving representatives of the public, including bicyclists and other interested parties, the department helps ensure effective communication with the bicycle community, and that the bicyclist's perspective will be considered in the development of departmental policies affecting bicycle use, including the design, construction, and maintenance of highways.
Aviation Advisory Committee Appoint 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 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.
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.
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.
Ector, El Paso, and Midland Counties - Award transportation development credits to the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization and the City of Odessa (MO)
Various Counties - Award federal §5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program funds to rural transit districts for FY 2016 (MO) The awards identified in this minute order reflect an allocation of federal grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration §5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program to rural transit agencies to address impacts of the 2010 Census beyond the formula-based awards previously awarded by the Texas Transportation Commission in April and June of 2016.
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).
Chapter 10 - Ethical Conduct by Entities Doing Business with the Department Amendments to §10.5, Benefit (General Provisions) (MO) The amendments remove the exception allowing entities doing business with the department to provide an ordinary working meal to a member of the commission or to a department employee.
Chapter 9 - Contract and Grant Management Amendments to §9.150, Purpose, §9.151, Definitions, §9.152, General Rules for Design-Build Contracts, §9.153, Solicitation of Proposals, and §9.155, Conflict of Interest and Ethics Policies (Design-Build Contracts) (MO) These amendments modify §§9.150-9.153 to implement changes made to Subchapter F of Chapter 223, Transportation Code by House Bill 20, 84th Legislature, 2015. Additionally, amendments to §9.155 relating to Conflict of Interest and Ethics Policies for Design-Build Contracts will align the rules in Section 9.155 concerning gifts and benefits with current department practices.
Chapter 27 - Toll Projects Amendments to §27.8, Conflict of Interest and Ethics Policy (Comprehensive Development Agreements), §27.91, Definitions, and §27.92, Financial Terms (Determination of Terms for Certain Toll Projects) (MO) These amendments modify §27.8 relating to Conflict of Interest and Ethics Policies for Comprehensive Development Agreements to align the rules in §27.8 concerning gifts and benefits with current department practices. Additionally, amendments to §27.91 and §27.92 relating to Toll Projects will align those rules with the department’s existing contracting authority.
Chapter 27 - Toll Projects Amendments to §27.83, Contracts to Operate Department Toll Projects, New §27.84, No-Cost Contracts for Services to Support the Operation of Department Toll Projects, and New §27.85, Service Charge for Payment Transactions (Operation of Department Toll Projects) (MO) The department has determined that opportunities exist for private entities to provide certain services in support of toll operations at no cost to the department. The amendments to §27.83, which describes the process for a best value procurement, clarify that the requirements of that section do not apply to no-cost contracts. New §27.84 addresses the process by which the department will provide public notice of these opportunities and enter into agreements for the specified services. New §27.85 sets the maximum amount of the service charge that may be collected from a customer for a payment transaction conducted at a location other than a department office, and describes the circumstances under which the service charge may be assessed.
Financial Assistance for Projects Cameron County - Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority - Consider granting final approval of a request from the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority to receive financial assistance in the form of a grant of up to $6,000,000 to be used for construction of a toll facility on SH 550 from .53 mi East of Old Alice Road to .48 mi West of FM 1847 called the Gap I project (MO) The SH 550 Gap I project is a toll facility on SH 550 from .53 mi East of Old Alice Road to .48 mi West of FM 1847.
Surface Transportation Corporation Various Counties - Approve the resolution of the board of directors of the Grand Parkway Association (association) pursuant to Transportation Code, Chapter 431, to dissolve the association’s existence as a transportation corporation (MO) Texas law allows the governing body of a transportation corporation to dissolve the corporation by resolution, subject to the approval of the Texas Transportation Commission, once the purpose of the corporation has been completed. The resolution of the transportation corporation’s governing body must include a determination that all obligations of the corporation have been fully paid.
Toll Operations Dallas and Tarrant Counties - In accordance with Regional Transportation Council policy, establish additional toll rates for the I-30 Managed Lanes Project, from west of Center Street in Tarrant County to east of Sylvan Avenue in Dallas County (MO) This minute order authorizes additional toll rates for the I-30 Managed Lanes Project for the midday, overnight, and weekend hours to accommodate extended operating hours and special events. The I-30 Managed Lanes project includes one concurrent flow managed tolled lane in each direction along I-30 from west of Center Street to west of SH 161, and two reversible managed tolled lanes from west of SH 161 to east of Sylvan Avenue. The I-30 Managed Lanes Project is an all-electronic, open road tolling managed lane facility.
Audit Plan Approve the Audit Plan for Fiscal Year 2017 and determine whether adequate resources have been dedicated to the internal audit program (MO) State law requires the internal auditor to create an annual audit plan that is prepared using risk assessment techniques and that identifies the individual audits to be conducted during the year. The audit plan must be approved by the commission. In addition, the commission must review the resources dedicated to the internal audit program and determine if adequate resources exist to ensure that risks identified in the annual risk assessment are covered in a reasonable timeframe.
Audit Subcommittee Charter Approve changes to the Audit Subcommittee Charter (MO) The subcommittee was created to oversee and ensure compliance with the intent of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as to reliability and transparency in financial reporting, as well as to ensure the independence of the department’s internal audit program by providing oversight of the internal auditor and evaluating the implementation of audit recommendations. The subcommittee charter was approved by Minute Order 112196 on March 25, 2010, and was revised by Minute Order 112661 on April 28, 2011. The department's Spirit of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements were revised by Minute Order 113939, dated May 29, 2014. Those revisions have been incorporated into this charter that also includes a title change of the internal auditor to Chief Audit and Compliance Officer (from Chief Audit Executive).
Compliance Program Approve changes to the management and supervision of the Compliance Division (MO) This minute order revises the reporting relationship for the Compliance Division, which is responsible for the department’s compliance program. The minute order formalizes the current reporting structure of the Compliance Division, which is under the direct management and supervision of the Chief Audit and Compliance Officer.
Construction of Highways, Department Buildings, and Other Transportation Facilities (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Highway Maintenance (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Construction of Highways, Department Buildings, and Other Transportation Facilities Project C 25-2-198, Bexar County, IH-10 (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.
19. Routine Minute Orders and Reports a. Donations to the Department (1) 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. (2) Highway Sponsorship Donations Acknowledgment - Consider the acknowledgement of donations made to the department under the Sponsorship Acknowledgement Program. The donations under this program provide funding for highway related services and facilities such as litter removal, wildflower maintenance, Travel Information Centers, and rest areas. The donors are acknowledged with a sign located on the right of way near the facility or service sponsored. (MO) The donations will be used to provide transportation related services such as litter removal, mowing, and Wi-Fi at various rest areas. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) 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) Collin County - FM 3038 and SS 359 in McKinney - Consider the removal from the system and transfer of control, jurisdiction, and maintenance to the City of McKinney (city) and quitclaim of right of way to the city (MO) The district has determined that the highways are no longer needed as part of the system. The city has agreed to assume control, jurisdiction, and maintenance. The right of way may be quitclaimed to the city to remain in use for public road purposes. (2) Dallas County - 4202 Corn Valley Road in Grand Prairie - Consider the sale of a former maintenance site and improvements to the successful bidder (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The site was advertised for sale by sealed bid. A successful bidder was identified, and the site and improvements may be sold to the successful bidder. (3) Denton County - I-35W, west side, south of SH 114 in Fort Worth - Consider the sale of right of way to the abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the abutting owner. (4) Eastland County - US 183, east side, south of Cisco - 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. (5) Goliad County - US 183 at SH 19 - 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) Hunt County - I-30, east side, north of Centerpoint Lane in Greenville - Consider the sale of a drainage easement (MO) The district has determined that the easement is no longer needed for highway drainage purposes. The owner of the property has requested to purchase the easement, and it may be sold to the owner. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) c. Real Estate Dispositions (continued) (7) McLennan County - US 81, old Marlin Road at 11th Street in Waco - Consider the sale and quitclaim of right of way to the abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the abutting owner. d. Reports (1) Compliance Division Compliance Division report State law requires the commission to establish a compliance program, which must include a Compliance Division to oversee the program. The Compliance Division 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 Division 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 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. Finance (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. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) f. Transportation Planning Howard County - Near the City of Big Spring, designate US 87 along a new location, redesignate existing US 87 as BU 87-M, and remove the concurrent designation of US 87 with I-20 (MO) This minute order designates US 87 along a new location from the intersection of I-20 and US 87 to approximately 1.3 miles north of FM 700 on existing US 87, redesignates a segment of existing US 87 as BU 87-M from the intersection of I-20 and existing BU 87-M to approximately 1.3 miles north of FM 700, and removes the concurrent designation of US 87 with I-20 from the intersection of the proposed US 87 and I-20 to the intersection of the existing US 87 and I-20. 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. 20. 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.