9:00 A.M. CONVENE MEETING 1. Meeting Guidelines Staff will provide instruction and guidance on procedures for the meeting.
Commission Opening Remarks
Consider the approval of the Minutes of the April 30, 2020, regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Contracts Consider the award or rejection of contracts for highway construction and maintenance, and construction and rehabilitation of buildings 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 Improvement and Other Transportation Facilities (MO) (see attached itemized list)
Routine Maintenance (MO) (see attached itemized list)
Construction and Rehabilitation of Buildings (MO) (see attached itemized list)
Discussion Item Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) (Presentation) Discussion regarding the development of the Texas Department of Transportation's Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Legislative Appropriations Request Staff will discuss the development of the LAR with the commission and seek direction on components of the LAR.
Annual Highway Safety Plan Consider approval of funding for the 2021 Highway Safety Plan (MO) The department develops and implements an annual Highway Safety Plan (HSP). Federal funds are allocated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and are used for traffic safety grants identified in the HSP. The HSP organizes anticipated grants into focus-oriented program areas. This minute order lists the number of grants in each program area and the allocated amounts for FY 2021.
Aviation Various Counties - Consider the award of federal funding for General Aviation Airports from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (MO) The awards identified in this minute order reflect the CARES Act allocation to all federally eligible General Aviation Airports in Texas to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.
Public Transportation Various Counties - Consider the award of federal §5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program funds to rural transit districts and intercity bus carriers. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) apportioned additional §5311 funds based on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (MO) The awards identified in this minute order reflect the allocation of FTA §5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program funds to rural transit districts and intercity bus carriers. The funds were allocated to the state based on the CARES Act to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.
Promulgation of Administrative Rules Under Title 43, Texas Administrative Code, and the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, Chapter 2001: Final Rule Adoptions Chapter 3 - Public Information Amendments to §3.11, Definitions, §3.12, Public Access, and §3.13, Waiver of Fees for Certain Copies of Official Records (Access to Official Records) (MO) Senate Bill 944, 86th Legislature, added Government Code, §552.234, relating to the methods of making written requests for public information. The rule amendments specify the proper methods of making an open records request to the department. The amendments also clarify the process by which documents relating to certain internal complaints will be provided without charge.
Promulgation of Administrative Rules (continued) Final Rule Adoptions (continued) Chapter 7 - Rail Facilities Amendments to §§7.30, 7.32-7.34, 7.38, and 7.42 (Rail Safety), and §7.105 (Railroad Grade Crossings) (MO) The amendments to the rail safety provisions are required because the Rail Safety Inspection Program has been transferred from the Traffic Safety Division to the Rail Division. The amendments to §7.105 are required to conform the rule to existing state and federal programs for rail safety projects.
Rules Review Consider the re-adoption of Title 43 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 1, Management, Chapter 5, Finance, Chapter 11, Design, Chapter 15, Financing and Construction of Transportation Projects, Chapter 21, Right of Way, and Chapter 27, Toll Projects, in accordance with Government Code, §2001.039 (MO) State law requires a state agency to review each of its rules every four years. After the review, the agency must readopt the rule, readopt the rule with amendments, or repeal the rule. The department reviews its rules on a rotating basis.
Strategic Plan Consider the adoption of the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan for submission to the Legislative Budget Board and the Office of the Governor (MO) (Presentation) The department’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan provides the mission, goals, action plans, and budget structure (objectives, strategies, and budgetary performance measures) that will direct the department over the next five years. In addition to these core components, the plan includes all of the supplemental components required by the Legislative Budget Board and the Office of the Governor, such as the HUB plan, capital improvement plan, workforce plan, survey of employee engagement report, customer service report, and an identification of redundancies and impediments. Upon commission approval, department staff will finalize the plan package according to the instructions provided by the Legislative Budget Board and the Office of the Governor for official submission of the plan to those entities by the June 1, 2020 deadline.
Design Build Contracts Tarrant County - Consider authorizing the department to issue a request for proposals to design, construct, and maintain the Southeast Connector Project, consisting of non-tolled improvements along I-20 from Forest Hill Drive to Park Springs Boulevard, I-820 from I-20 to Brentwood Stair Road, and US 287 from Bishop Street to Sublett Road, in Tarrant County; and consider approving stipulated amounts as payment for the work product of unsuccessful proposers (MO) (Presentation) On October 31, 2019, in Minute Order 115607, the commission authorized the department to issue a request for qualifications to design, construct, and maintain the Southeast Connector Project. This minute order continues the procurement process by authorizing the issuance of a request for proposals for the project and approves stipulated amounts for the payment of work product of responsive, unsuccessful proposers.
Financial Assistance for Projects Dallas County - Consider authorizing the Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation (corporation) to take all actions necessary for the issuance of one or more series of bonds to refinance a portion of the I-635 Managed Lanes Project and to loan the proceeds to the LBJ Infrastructure Group (developer) to: 1) refund the outstanding corporation bonds issued to finance a portion of the project; 2) refinance the outstanding Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan of the developer with the United States Department of Transportation, which loan also financed a portion of the project; and 3) pay associated financing costs. The department may share in the gains from the refinancings in accordance with the terms of the comprehensive development agreement between the department and the developer. (MO) In 2008, the commission created the Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation (corporation) to assist with the development and financing of transportation facilities. In 2010, the corporation issued $615 million in private activity bonds to finance a portion of the I-635 Managed Lanes Project. Additionally, LBJ Infrastructure Group (developer) entered into a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan agreement to also finance the project. The developer has requested that the corporation issue bonds to refund the outstanding private activity bonds, refinance the TIFIA loan, (both for debt service savings) and pay associated financing costs. The minute order will authorize the corporation, subject to the approval of its board of directors and other conditions precedent, to issue bonds in one or more series and to loan the proceeds to the developer to refinance outstanding loans and bonds. Under the terms of the comprehensive development agreement (agreement) between the department and the developer for the project, the developer will pay to the department a percentage of the refinancing gains as specified in the agreement.
State Infrastructure Bank Brazoria County - City of West Columbia - Consider final approval of a request from the City of West Columbia for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $770,000 for a contribution to the department to pay for the costs of utility relocation necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project on SH 36 - Segment 10 in Brazoria County, Texas (MO) The City of West Columbia (City) will secure the loan with a pledge of utility revenues. The loan will be used to pay the City’s contribution to the department for costs associated with the utility relocation necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project on SH 36 - Segment 10 in Brazoria County, Texas.
Prohibition Order Various Counties - Consider issuing an order prohibiting the operation of certain motor vehicles on Texas Department of Transportation toll projects (MO) Transportation Code, Section 372.110, authorizes the commission to issue an order prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle on a department toll project if the registered owner of the vehicle has been finally determined to be a habitual violator, subject to certain notice requirements. A person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle on a toll project in violation of the order. Subsequent offenses may result in impoundment of the vehicle.
Financial Assistance for Port Access Improvement Projects Various Counties - Consider approval of participation by the state in the form of grants for the payment of a portion of the costs of constructing port access public roadway projects to various local governments (MO) This minute order will authorize the department to participate in the form of grants to pay a portion of the costs of construction of certain local government public roadway projects that provide access to ports but are not on the state highway system. Rider 38 in the General Appropriations Act, 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019, authorizes the department to provide funding in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000 in each fiscal year of the 2020-21 biennium from any available source of revenue and/or balances in the Texas Mobility Fund No. 365 for public roadway projects selected by the Port Authority Advisory Committee and approved by the commission to improve connectivity to Texas ports.
Request for Annexation Van Zandt County - Consider granting the department the authority to request the annexation of the department’s maintenance facility into the city limits of Canton, Texas (MO) The department’s maintenance facility, located just outside the city limits of Canton, is in the process of connecting to water services provided by the City of Canton (City). In order to provide these services, the City requires that the maintenance facility be annexed into the city limits, which requires a request by the property owner for such annexation. The department requests the commission’s authorization to submit a request for annexation to the City.
Eminent Domain Proceedings Various Counties - Consider the authorization of 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 with a value of $500 or more, including donations of money, materials, services, or real property, that are made to the department for the purpose of assisting the department in carrying out its functions and duties or for improving access to or from a highway on the state highway system (see attached itemized list) (MO) State statutes require the commission to acknowledge the acceptance of a gift to the department that is valued at $500 or more. By the adoption of this minute order, the commission acknowledges the receipt and acceptance of the property specified in the minute order. 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) Harris County - US 59 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting Landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (2) Haskell County - US 277 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (3) Hood County - US 377 - Consider an easement release to the underlying fee owner (MO) The district has determined that the easement is no longer needed for highway purposes. The easement may be released to the underlying fee owner. (4) Live Oak County - FM 1358 - Consider an exchange of right of way (MO) The district has determined that portions of existing right of way are no longer needed for a state highway purpose. Curtis G. Clopton and Laurie A. Clopton have entered into an Exchange Agreement, as amended, with the department whereby they would acquire the unneeded right of way and exchange certain land (Parcel 2) that is needed for a state highway purpose. Parcel 2 has been conveyed to the state by the Cloptons, and the Cloptons have been paid the difference in values. (5) Rockwall County - FM 740 - Consider the sale of right of way to a governmental entity (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The City of Heath has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the city. (6) Williamson County - I-35 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. c. Report 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. d. Central Texas Turnpike System Travis and Williamson Counties - Consider the acceptance of the annual Inspection Report for the Central Texas Turnpike System (MO) The General Engineering Consultant's annual Inspection Report relates to the 2002 Project of the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTS), a toll project composed of the SH 130 (Segments 1-4), SH 45N, Loop 1, and SH 45SE project elements, and is required under the CTTS bond indenture. This report must be submitted to the commission following each inspection and on or before the 90th day prior to the end of each fiscal year. e. State Highway 249 System Grimes and Montgomery Counties - Consider accepting the Quarterly Construction Progress Report for the State Highway 249 System (MO) Report of construction progress for the State Highway 249 System (system) from December 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020. Under provisions of the Master Trust Agreement for the system, dated February 1, 2019, the commission is required to cause the general engineering consultant to prepare a construction progress report at least quarterly and to file the report with the trustee and the commission. f. Land Acquisitions for Facilities Various Counties - Consider the grant of authority to the department to acquire real property for facilities (MO) The department is in the process of acquiring real property for the construction of new facilities. Funds for the purchase of these properties were appropriated by the 86th Legislature, General Appropriations Bill, HB 1. The department requests the commission’s authorization to enter into purchase contracts and related documents to complete the acquisition of the listed properties. g. Designation of Access Control Smith County - I-20, in the City of Lindale - Consider the designation of one location on the I-20 westbound frontage road at which access will be permitted for one proposed city street (“Avenue A”) (MO) The designation of one 112.43-foot break in the control-of-access line will allow the City of Lindale to open a street for access to and from the I-20 westbound frontage road. The district has determined that access may be permitted at the designated location. h. Speed Zones Various Counties - Consider the establishment or alteration of 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.
Item 18 - Executive Session, Open Comment, & Adjourn
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
9:00 A.M. CONVENE MEETING 1. Meeting Guidelines Staff will provide instruction and guidance on procedures for the meeting.
Commission Opening Remarks
Consider the approval of the Minutes of the April 30, 2020, regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Contracts Consider the award or rejection of contracts for highway construction and maintenance, and construction and rehabilitation of buildings 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 Improvement and Other Transportation Facilities (MO) (see attached itemized list)
Routine Maintenance (MO) (see attached itemized list)
Construction and Rehabilitation of Buildings (MO) (see attached itemized list)
Discussion Item Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) (Presentation) Discussion regarding the development of the Texas Department of Transportation's Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Legislative Appropriations Request Staff will discuss the development of the LAR with the commission and seek direction on components of the LAR.
Annual Highway Safety Plan Consider approval of funding for the 2021 Highway Safety Plan (MO) The department develops and implements an annual Highway Safety Plan (HSP). Federal funds are allocated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and are used for traffic safety grants identified in the HSP. The HSP organizes anticipated grants into focus-oriented program areas. This minute order lists the number of grants in each program area and the allocated amounts for FY 2021.
Aviation Various Counties - Consider the award of federal funding for General Aviation Airports from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (MO) The awards identified in this minute order reflect the CARES Act allocation to all federally eligible General Aviation Airports in Texas to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.
Public Transportation Various Counties - Consider the award of federal §5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program funds to rural transit districts and intercity bus carriers. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) apportioned additional §5311 funds based on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (MO) The awards identified in this minute order reflect the allocation of FTA §5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program funds to rural transit districts and intercity bus carriers. The funds were allocated to the state based on the CARES Act to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.
Promulgation of Administrative Rules Under Title 43, Texas Administrative Code, and the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, Chapter 2001: Final Rule Adoptions Chapter 3 - Public Information Amendments to §3.11, Definitions, §3.12, Public Access, and §3.13, Waiver of Fees for Certain Copies of Official Records (Access to Official Records) (MO) Senate Bill 944, 86th Legislature, added Government Code, §552.234, relating to the methods of making written requests for public information. The rule amendments specify the proper methods of making an open records request to the department. The amendments also clarify the process by which documents relating to certain internal complaints will be provided without charge.
Promulgation of Administrative Rules (continued) Final Rule Adoptions (continued) Chapter 7 - Rail Facilities Amendments to §§7.30, 7.32-7.34, 7.38, and 7.42 (Rail Safety), and §7.105 (Railroad Grade Crossings) (MO) The amendments to the rail safety provisions are required because the Rail Safety Inspection Program has been transferred from the Traffic Safety Division to the Rail Division. The amendments to §7.105 are required to conform the rule to existing state and federal programs for rail safety projects.
Rules Review Consider the re-adoption of Title 43 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 1, Management, Chapter 5, Finance, Chapter 11, Design, Chapter 15, Financing and Construction of Transportation Projects, Chapter 21, Right of Way, and Chapter 27, Toll Projects, in accordance with Government Code, §2001.039 (MO) State law requires a state agency to review each of its rules every four years. After the review, the agency must readopt the rule, readopt the rule with amendments, or repeal the rule. The department reviews its rules on a rotating basis.
Strategic Plan Consider the adoption of the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan for submission to the Legislative Budget Board and the Office of the Governor (MO) (Presentation) The department’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan provides the mission, goals, action plans, and budget structure (objectives, strategies, and budgetary performance measures) that will direct the department over the next five years. In addition to these core components, the plan includes all of the supplemental components required by the Legislative Budget Board and the Office of the Governor, such as the HUB plan, capital improvement plan, workforce plan, survey of employee engagement report, customer service report, and an identification of redundancies and impediments. Upon commission approval, department staff will finalize the plan package according to the instructions provided by the Legislative Budget Board and the Office of the Governor for official submission of the plan to those entities by the June 1, 2020 deadline.
Design Build Contracts Tarrant County - Consider authorizing the department to issue a request for proposals to design, construct, and maintain the Southeast Connector Project, consisting of non-tolled improvements along I-20 from Forest Hill Drive to Park Springs Boulevard, I-820 from I-20 to Brentwood Stair Road, and US 287 from Bishop Street to Sublett Road, in Tarrant County; and consider approving stipulated amounts as payment for the work product of unsuccessful proposers (MO) (Presentation) On October 31, 2019, in Minute Order 115607, the commission authorized the department to issue a request for qualifications to design, construct, and maintain the Southeast Connector Project. This minute order continues the procurement process by authorizing the issuance of a request for proposals for the project and approves stipulated amounts for the payment of work product of responsive, unsuccessful proposers.
Financial Assistance for Projects Dallas County - Consider authorizing the Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation (corporation) to take all actions necessary for the issuance of one or more series of bonds to refinance a portion of the I-635 Managed Lanes Project and to loan the proceeds to the LBJ Infrastructure Group (developer) to: 1) refund the outstanding corporation bonds issued to finance a portion of the project; 2) refinance the outstanding Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan of the developer with the United States Department of Transportation, which loan also financed a portion of the project; and 3) pay associated financing costs. The department may share in the gains from the refinancings in accordance with the terms of the comprehensive development agreement between the department and the developer. (MO) In 2008, the commission created the Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporation (corporation) to assist with the development and financing of transportation facilities. In 2010, the corporation issued $615 million in private activity bonds to finance a portion of the I-635 Managed Lanes Project. Additionally, LBJ Infrastructure Group (developer) entered into a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan agreement to also finance the project. The developer has requested that the corporation issue bonds to refund the outstanding private activity bonds, refinance the TIFIA loan, (both for debt service savings) and pay associated financing costs. The minute order will authorize the corporation, subject to the approval of its board of directors and other conditions precedent, to issue bonds in one or more series and to loan the proceeds to the developer to refinance outstanding loans and bonds. Under the terms of the comprehensive development agreement (agreement) between the department and the developer for the project, the developer will pay to the department a percentage of the refinancing gains as specified in the agreement.
State Infrastructure Bank Brazoria County - City of West Columbia - Consider final approval of a request from the City of West Columbia for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $770,000 for a contribution to the department to pay for the costs of utility relocation necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project on SH 36 - Segment 10 in Brazoria County, Texas (MO) The City of West Columbia (City) will secure the loan with a pledge of utility revenues. The loan will be used to pay the City’s contribution to the department for costs associated with the utility relocation necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project on SH 36 - Segment 10 in Brazoria County, Texas.
Prohibition Order Various Counties - Consider issuing an order prohibiting the operation of certain motor vehicles on Texas Department of Transportation toll projects (MO) Transportation Code, Section 372.110, authorizes the commission to issue an order prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle on a department toll project if the registered owner of the vehicle has been finally determined to be a habitual violator, subject to certain notice requirements. A person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle on a toll project in violation of the order. Subsequent offenses may result in impoundment of the vehicle.
Financial Assistance for Port Access Improvement Projects Various Counties - Consider approval of participation by the state in the form of grants for the payment of a portion of the costs of constructing port access public roadway projects to various local governments (MO) This minute order will authorize the department to participate in the form of grants to pay a portion of the costs of construction of certain local government public roadway projects that provide access to ports but are not on the state highway system. Rider 38 in the General Appropriations Act, 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019, authorizes the department to provide funding in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000 in each fiscal year of the 2020-21 biennium from any available source of revenue and/or balances in the Texas Mobility Fund No. 365 for public roadway projects selected by the Port Authority Advisory Committee and approved by the commission to improve connectivity to Texas ports.
Request for Annexation Van Zandt County - Consider granting the department the authority to request the annexation of the department’s maintenance facility into the city limits of Canton, Texas (MO) The department’s maintenance facility, located just outside the city limits of Canton, is in the process of connecting to water services provided by the City of Canton (City). In order to provide these services, the City requires that the maintenance facility be annexed into the city limits, which requires a request by the property owner for such annexation. The department requests the commission’s authorization to submit a request for annexation to the City.
Eminent Domain Proceedings Various Counties - Consider the authorization of 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 with a value of $500 or more, including donations of money, materials, services, or real property, that are made to the department for the purpose of assisting the department in carrying out its functions and duties or for improving access to or from a highway on the state highway system (see attached itemized list) (MO) State statutes require the commission to acknowledge the acceptance of a gift to the department that is valued at $500 or more. By the adoption of this minute order, the commission acknowledges the receipt and acceptance of the property specified in the minute order. 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) Harris County - US 59 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting Landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (2) Haskell County - US 277 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (3) Hood County - US 377 - Consider an easement release to the underlying fee owner (MO) The district has determined that the easement is no longer needed for highway purposes. The easement may be released to the underlying fee owner. (4) Live Oak County - FM 1358 - Consider an exchange of right of way (MO) The district has determined that portions of existing right of way are no longer needed for a state highway purpose. Curtis G. Clopton and Laurie A. Clopton have entered into an Exchange Agreement, as amended, with the department whereby they would acquire the unneeded right of way and exchange certain land (Parcel 2) that is needed for a state highway purpose. Parcel 2 has been conveyed to the state by the Cloptons, and the Cloptons have been paid the difference in values. (5) Rockwall County - FM 740 - Consider the sale of right of way to a governmental entity (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The City of Heath has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the city. (6) Williamson County - I-35 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. c. Report 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. d. Central Texas Turnpike System Travis and Williamson Counties - Consider the acceptance of the annual Inspection Report for the Central Texas Turnpike System (MO) The General Engineering Consultant's annual Inspection Report relates to the 2002 Project of the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTS), a toll project composed of the SH 130 (Segments 1-4), SH 45N, Loop 1, and SH 45SE project elements, and is required under the CTTS bond indenture. This report must be submitted to the commission following each inspection and on or before the 90th day prior to the end of each fiscal year. e. State Highway 249 System Grimes and Montgomery Counties - Consider accepting the Quarterly Construction Progress Report for the State Highway 249 System (MO) Report of construction progress for the State Highway 249 System (system) from December 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020. Under provisions of the Master Trust Agreement for the system, dated February 1, 2019, the commission is required to cause the general engineering consultant to prepare a construction progress report at least quarterly and to file the report with the trustee and the commission. f. Land Acquisitions for Facilities Various Counties - Consider the grant of authority to the department to acquire real property for facilities (MO) The department is in the process of acquiring real property for the construction of new facilities. Funds for the purchase of these properties were appropriated by the 86th Legislature, General Appropriations Bill, HB 1. The department requests the commission’s authorization to enter into purchase contracts and related documents to complete the acquisition of the listed properties. g. Designation of Access Control Smith County - I-20, in the City of Lindale - Consider the designation of one location on the I-20 westbound frontage road at which access will be permitted for one proposed city street (“Avenue A”) (MO) The designation of one 112.43-foot break in the control-of-access line will allow the City of Lindale to open a street for access to and from the I-20 westbound frontage road. The district has determined that access may be permitted at the designated location. h. Speed Zones Various Counties - Consider the establishment or alteration of 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.
Item 18 - Executive Session, Open Comment, & Adjourn
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