The Governor’s Transportation Vision 21 Task Force met in official session for a meeting at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 27, 2001 with Co-Chairpersons Sharon Megdal, Ph.D. and Martin Shultz presiding. Other members in attendance were Lisa Atkins, Malcolm Barrett, John Bivens, Robert Bulla, Tom Browning (arrived at 10:35), Paulson Chaco, Priscilla Cornelia, Joe Herrick, Valerie Manning, Diane McCarthy, Sheldon Miller, Dennis Mitchem, Richard Narcia, Kevin Olson (arrived at 10:40), Mary Peters, Ingo Radicke, Rene Redondo, Jim Shipman, Frank Thorwald and Steve Wheeler. Also present were Alan Maguire, Mary Lynne Tischer, John Carlson (arrived at 11:20), Matt Carpenter and Lisa Pendrick.
Pledge, Opening Remarks
Dr. Megdal called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m. and let the pledge of allegiance.
Dr. Megdal discussed the purpose of the meeting, to review the public input process, review a couple of points related to the preliminary recommendations and hear from the public.
Mr. Shultz thanked the Task Force members and the consultants for the substantial work that has already been completed and for the work they are going to do with respect to the public input process. He expressed confidence in the process but stated that the Task Force faces a complex issue, and they are very willing to listen to the public. He felt that this would be the most important aspect of the Task Force’s work before they make their recommendation to the Governor. He noted that he respects the right of anyone to disagree but emphasized that neither the Governor nor members of the legislature have made negative comments regarding the Task Force’s recommendation. He indicated he doesn’t expect the political leadership to embrace the recommendation until the entire public policy debate is concluded. He stressed that everyone needs to express their opinions about the next 20 years, and he hopes that the Task Force can use those opinions to create a viable recommendation.
Approval of Minutes for March 22, 2001
Mr. Bivens asked that the last paragraph on page two be changed to read: "Mr. Bivens expressed his opinion I would be wise to include Development Fees as an appropriate revenue source FOR COMMERCIAL AS WELL AS RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES."
Mr. Redondo noted that the current gas tax rate is 18 cents, not 23 cents, as referenced in the second paragraph on page two.
Action: A motion to accept the March 22, 2001 minutes, as corrected, was made, seconded and passed unanimously.
Presentation and Review of Task Force Public Input Process
Prior to the meeting, the Task Force members reviewed the materials that would be used in the public input process. Mr. Maguire then presented a summary of the materials. He discussed the open house format and how the materials would be used. He said they would be very interested in the information that would be gleaned from the surveys people would complete as they move through the open house materials. He noted the demographic components of the surveys. He expressed appreciation for the feedback provided prior to the meeting and encouraged Task Force members to look again at the materials after the meeting. He stated that a full set of the materials would be mailed to the Task Force before July 10.
Mr. Maguire explained that he is in the process of conducting two modified focus groups comprised of a diverse group from Phoenix and Tucson. Each focus group is here hours. He described the questions being asked and the ranking of the responses. He outlined how the results would help the Task Force in its final recommendation. It was explained that focus groups are another way to get public input, albeit in a more controlled format.
Mr. Maguire reviewed the public hearing schedule and stated that he would take written public comments through August 10. All public comments will be assembled and presented to the Task Force when they meet in early September. The comments will be used to move to a final recommendation by the Task Force, a draft of which is expected to be available in late September or early October. After the draft is reviewed, the final draft will be created. Mr. Maguire commended those persons responsible for creating the public input materials on a great job. He described what the final materials would look like after the Task Force has an opportunity to provide input.
Mr. Maguire explained that a consultant has been retained to achieve the public outreach goals that have been set. The consultant will coordinate with the ADOT press office to do public service announcements. Mr. Maguire would also like to see the traffic reporters publicize the public hearings. Mr. Mitchem suggested attempting to have a talk show do a feature on the issue to publicize the forums at least in the Valley. Mr. Maguire said he would do that, and he discussed the benefit of the open house format for Tucson and the rural areas of the sate.
Mr. Shipman asked if the two-hour open house time frame would be adequate and whether the time period of 5 to 7 p.m. would work. He asked how many persons were expected to participate and how the consultants would determine the success of the open houses. Mr. Maguire explained that the times were chosen purposely to give people an opportunity to stop by on their way home or after dinner. In his experience, these times have been effective. He expects that the open houses will run as long as 60 minutes over. He said it was difficult to project the turnout. They are using a very passive outreach approach, which is why the focus groups were performed.
Mr. Maguire verified for Ms. Manning that the survey instrument would capture the information gleaned from those who participate in the open house. He described the concept of the survey. Ms. Manning asked Ms. Peters what kind of response ADOT usually gets in terms of turnout at open houses. Ms. Peters indicated that turnout depends on how controversial a project is; therefore, it varies a lot. She confirmed that the format being used is one of the best. Mr. Shultz stated that turnout would be affected by the very fact that there is no real crisis being addressed. He noted that the open houses would be much more casual than a formal hearing. Mr. Maguire reported that he ran a similar process in Flagstaff and got ten percent of all eligible voters to participate. He was hopeful that the user-friendly format would encourage participation.
Mr. Shultz asked Mr. Maguire to generally describe what the maps will provide in terms of data. Mr. Maguire said that the maps represent the most difficult communication issue the Task Force faces. The maps will try to communicate the concept of overall definition of system needs with a balanced revenue package to meet those needs. The materials will address current conditions and future improvements with and without funding. The maps will show examples of how improvements could happen and how congestion relief will occur.
Ms. Cornelio stated that she recently conducted transportation-related public meetings in Tucson and feels that the time of day is perfect. She encouraged the consultants to advertise that the meetings are open houses and to note that refreshments will be served in the advertisements. She cautioned about the use of provocative ads. She suggested that comment forms be placed at each table. She was very impressed by the graphics for the metro areas but was concerned about the rural areas. Mr. Maguire noted that the maps would change depending on the location of the open house. Ms. Cornelio suggested adding at least something at one station on other modes of transportation.
Dr. Megdal expressed the opinion that the summer season may not be the best time of year to conduct open houses, but the time of day will be good because it is still light out.
With respect to the locations of the open houses, Mr. Chaco noted that the state goes past I-40. Mr. Maguire responded that extensive discussions took place with respect to the selection of the open house locations in Northern Arizona, and it was decided that Flagstaff, Kingman, Prescott and Show-Low would be best. Dr. Megdal noted the difficulty involved with getting to more locations.
Mr. Maguire listed the members of the team conducting the open houses.
Mr. Bivens expressed disappointment that the Task Force members were not expected to participate in the open houses. He feels this is a Task Force function, but the schedule is so tight in July participation would be difficult. He was concerned with giving the wrong impression to the public. Dr. Megdal explained that during the first set of public forums, the Task Force members were asked to attend at least one open house. She stated that it is unrealistic to expect Task Force members to travel around the state, and it is also extremely expensive. She said she was not suggesting that the Task Force was going to fund travel to all parts of the state. She encouraged members to attend when and where they can, and she asked Mr. Carpenter to poll the Task Force members to see who plans to attend each open house. Dr. Megdal referred to the 30-day comment period between July 10 and August 10 and expressed concern about whether there would be enough time to create a comprehensive report.
Mr. Thorwald emphasized that there are 40,000 square miles north of I-40 that are not being covered. He noted that the schedule completely missed Greenlee and Graham counties, and he suggested that a meeting should be held to take the Tribal governments into consideration. He stated that during the first round of public input meetings, meetings were added and changed through the organization. He asked if the consultants had contacted the rural chambers of commerce about distribution of information.
Mr. Mitchem urged Task Force members to participate in the open houses and to be given tasks to perform at the open houses. Mr. Maguire said he would be thrilled to use the Task Force in this way.
In response to a question by Mr. Shipman, Dr. Megdal said that there are no final dates with respect to the Task Force’s recommendation to the governor. She discussed the activity of the Task Force for the remainder of the year. It looks like work could extend until early December. She said she has no desire to miss the 2001 deadline provided in the Executive Order. She felt that the hard work of the Task Force would be done immediately after the public input process, and she believed this would take two meetings. Mr. Maguire suggested that the final report would be developed in a two-phase process: two meetings to consider the public input, which would lead into broad direction; and two meetings to perform the review and edit functions. A new meeting schedule was provided to Task Force members.
Discussion and Possible Modification of Preliminary Recommendations
Dr. Megdal summarized the discussion that had taken place with regard to specific wording for the Preliminary Recommendation on the suggested State Transportation Board expertise language.
Ms. Cornelio suggested the addition of bicycle and pedestrian needs to the list.
Mr. Bivens was bothered by the language telling the Governor he/she "shall." Mr. Shultz clarified that the word "shall" does not bind the decision but calls for consideration. Mr. Carlson stated that the Governor and the Boards and Commissions staff do consider this type of language, and it does tend to help in the selection process. He felt the Governor would be supportive of the language.
Mr. Narcia stated that this issue is very important to the Native American community. He said that the language is better but still lacks specificity, and he was not sure it meets the Native American tribal needs. He asked that the language be massaged in consideration of a letter he had written. Mr. Shultz commented that the tribal representatives understand the Task Force has made an effort to understand their needs. He trusted through the public process that the tribal interests would be considered.
Mr. Radicke suggested that "statewide" be added to "local, regional and tribal transportation issues."
Revised language: In appointing members of the State Transportation Board, the Governor shall consider individuals with a wide variety of relevant experience, including knowledge of roadways, mass transit services, aviation, freight movement, BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN NEEDS, and local, regional, STATEWIDE, and tribal transportation issues.
Action: A motion to adopt the language as amended by Ms. Cornelio and Mr. Radicke was made, seconded and passed unanimously.
The group discussed the suggested Preliminary Recommendation language concerning abandoned rail lines. Mr. Mitchem felt that the words "should consider enacting" made it too weak and recommended that the word consider be stricken. Mr. Shultz commented that the Task Force would receive testimony on the issue, and Dr. Megdal reserved the right to come back and address the language again after testimony is received.
Revised language: ADOT should continue to use existing programs, including the federal "rails to trails" program, the federal "land banking" program, land exchanges, and other programs to preserve rail rights of way, which would otherwise be abandoned, for future transportation purposes. The Arizona Legislature SHOULD ENACT legislation that would establish a lower property tax classification for rail rights of way that are not currently needed for serve, but that are preserved for future transportation purposes.
Action: A motion to adopt the language as amended by Mr. Mitchem was made, seconded and passed unanimously.
Call to the Public
Mr. Joe Ryan, a resident of Sun City West, asked that his five-page written commentary be made part of the record.
Mr. Steve Brown, Deputy Public Transportation Director, City of Phoenix, expressed disappointment with the lack of attention to public transit projects. He called for the Task Force’s support for continuation of the transit tax past 2005, expressed appreciation for ADOT’s commitment to multi-modal forms of transportation and stated that the Transit 2000 plan was essentially what the City of Phoenix could afford. He indicated he could not support the philosophy that little investment in transit is required, because transit carries so few passengers. He offered to provide a project list to staff.
Ms. Cheryl Banta, Transportation Planner, Pinal County, requested that an open house be added in the CAAG region, as they are feeling urban pressures, and none were scheduled. Referring to the Task Force recommendation for the creation of regional transportation districts, she commented that the last thing needed is another layer of government. She suggested that there is nothing wrong with the current system. Finally, she stated that removing the county representative from the State Transportation Board would urbanize the board.
Mr. Arthur Jacobs, a resident of Tempe, spoke on the issue of public involvement in the process. He was disappointed that the public input portion of the meeting was left to the end. He was hopeful that the Task Force would embrace public input and listen to what is happening with regard to transportation around the country. He suggested that the consultants and Task Force need to know who is filling out the forms at the upcoming open houses and make sure they are in fact the public. He was opposed to the divide and conquer format suggested for the open houses. He said he would like to see the Task Force members at the public hearings and suggested adding a meeting in Window Rock. Dr. Megdal assured Mr. Jacobs that the Task Force is very sincere about wanting the public’s input on what they want and don’t want.
Mr. Rich Bank, a resident of Tempe, spoke in support of Mr. Jacobs’ concerns with the open house formats. He called for alternative opinions of the public to be seriously considered by the professionals. He suggested that public input should not consist of a survey exercise. He stated that the public overwhelmingly wants rapid transit. He suggested the Task Force look at how the state got to where it is now and noted the problems with transportation elections in Phoenix and Tucson. He concluded by stating that the state needs to build an efficient system, and the design proposed doesn’t meet that objective.
Mr. Don Herp, Deputy Street Transportation Director, City of Phoenix, noted that a major part of Valley travel is accommodated on Phoenix streets. He mentioned the cost of congestion to citizens and the increase in congestion since 1990. Phoenix has 140 miles of unimproved arterial streets and relies on HURF for making those improvements. They are only able to do nine miles per year, and the system is aging. There are insufficient maintenance funds, and capacity improvements are necessary on the central city freeway. He stated that there are $1.7 billion in unfunded needs and submitted a list of projects critical to meeting travel demands through 2020. Mr. Herp pledged to work with the Task Force to develop a program of funding to meet the state’s transportation needs.
Chuck Williams, Maricopa County Department of Transportation, discussed the work of the Task Force over the last two years and encouraged continued discussions. He indicated that McDOT held a series of stakeholder forms and heard two things: there is a transportation problem, and accountability needs to be at the local level. He said he has a white paper from the forms, which he will share.
Mr. Josh Richardson, Public Works Director, Bullhead City, requested that an open house be conducted in his area. He noted the difficulty citizens have in reaching Kingman from Bullhead City and Parker. He also suggested the utilization of videotaping to conduct the open houses and hosting mini open houses in other rural areas of the state.
Mr. Brent Billingsley, Transportation Director, CAAG, invited the Task Force to the CAAG region. He noted that the Task Force has been extended several invitations to meet in that region to give the citizens an opportunity to voice their concerns. He offered to provide a meeting room, staffing and refreshments if the Task Force were to come to Globe.
Mr. Blue Crowley, a citizen of Phoenix, called for more substantial attention to bicycle and pedestrian modes of transportation. He did not understand why more open houses could not be scheduled. He suggested an open forum at the end of those meetings. He was concerned that the planning and MAG documents do not gel and with the comments of Mayor Rimsza at a recent MAG meeting. He would like to see heavy rail as part of the equation along the spine of Arizona. He referred to a July 3 MAG meeting and noted that they are not doing the outreach they should be. Mr. Crowley listed a number of transportation planning documents and suggested that they do not blend in terms of dates and figures. He called for the creation of an elected body that does represent the region, feeling that MAG is too parochial and is dominated by Phoenix.
Mr. Ron Gawlitta, a resident of Phoenix, offered to provide copies of a document that addresses an alternative transportation system to the Task Force for their review. He stated that quality of life is the issue that brings people to the Valley and also drives them away. An adequate transportation system provides quality of life. He was opposed to the light rail system and encouraged the Task Force to recommend that the necessary parties re-think this issue. He stated that he sits on CTOC and hears a common question at their community meetings, that being "Why didn’t we do it right the first time?" Mr. Gawlitta recommended an elevated rapid transit system along the freeway corridor throughout the Valley. He suggested there may be federal funding available for this type of system.
Mr. Alan White, a resident of Phoenix, commented that he is involved with the formation of a private group to purchase the Union Pacific rights-of-way. He noted that this is one opportunity to use the underutilized present assets of the state.
Mr. Thorwald encouraged the Task Force leadership to think about adding other meetings and utilizing a form of a nonbonding poll.
Dr. Megdal thanked everyone for their comments. She stated her belief that everyone heard and understood the comments and will consider them. She noted the budget issues that have to be considered in terms of adding additional meetings.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
MARTIN SHULTZ, Co-Chairperson
SHARON MEDGAL, Co-Chairperson
