PTAC Minutes 11/17/2020MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC TRANSIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING
November 17, 2020
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Public Transit Advisory Committee in and for
the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 3:00
P.M. in REGULAR SESSION via hybrid video/teleconference/in-person at the
Collier Area Transit Office, 8300 Radio Road, Naples FL 34104, with the
following members present:
ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Vice-Chairman: Mr. Arthur Dobberstein - Zoom
Mr. James Bennett - Zoom
Mr. Peter Berry – In person
Mr. Devon Browne - Zoom
Mr. James Caton – In person
Ms. Sonja Lee Samek - Zoom
Absent:
Chairman: Mr. John DiMarco
ALSO PRESENT:
Ms. Michelle Edwards-Arnold, Director, Public Transit and Neighborhood
Enhancement
Mr. Omar DeLeon, Public Transit Manager, Collier Area Transit
Mr. Zachary Karto, Senior Planner, Collier Area Transit
Marirka Maldonado, ParaTransit Manager, MV Transit
Ms. Brandy Otero, Associate Project Manager, Collier County
Ms. Elisabeth Schuck, Senior Associate, Tindale Oliver
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I. Call to Order
Mr. Dobberstein called the meeting to order at 3:00 P.M.
II. Roll Call
Roll call was taken, and a quorum established.
III. Approval of Agenda
A vote on approval of the meeting agenda could not be done due to a lack of an in-person
quorum.
IV. Approval of Minutes – October 20, 2020
A vote on approval of the October 20, 2020 meeting minutes could not be done due to a
lack of an in-person quorum.
V. Committee Action
a. Transit Impact Analysis Study: Collier County and Collier Area Transit (CAT),
in partnership with the Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) initiated a
Transit Impact Analysis Study to determine how Transit can best be integrated into the
Development Review process to mitigate impacts on the transit system from development
projects. The current development process requires CAT to reactively respond to impacts
of development on transit infrastructure and service; in many instances, necessitating
accommodation of the demand the development project places on the transit system,
without the financial resources to help mitigate the costs. The appropriateness of
developer contribution to the Transit infrastructure for a new development project was
also studied.
The study process considered two tracts, technical analysis and review of data
information, demographics, development patterns, comparison in operations with select
peer transit systems, as well as an in-depth study of the current Development Review
process. Secondly, engagement with Agency Staff, working closely with the Project
Advisory team, including MPO staff, CAT staff, and Collier County Transportation and
Growth Management staff, as well as senior County leadership.
The key findings of demographics and Transit reflect a high annual average growth rate
in Collier County, with growth shifting eastward. Seasonal peak ridership averages 10%
higher than non-peak, with increasing operating costs per rider, which is consistent with
state and national trends.
The key findings of Peer Review among five comparable peers reveal that CAT has the
lowest passenger trips and trips per revenue mile, the second lowest revenue hours per
capita/operating expense per capita, and the second highest trip length. Substantial
service sector economy is seen; high journey to work mode share despite relatively low
overall ridership.
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The key findings of review of the Development Review process reveal no formal system
to consider development impacts to the transit system and no transit related mitigation
required of developers. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is a defined set of
strategies aimed at maximizing traveler choices. Development is often scaled back to
avoid TDM requirements and some TDM strategies may be chosen based on cost or ease
of implementation, not necessarily effectiveness. Modification of inconsistent regulatory
language and policies on TDM implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is necessary.
There are many limitations within the County in terms of density and challenges to
provide transit in specific areas, as well as in funding of operations. The County is
currently not eligible for funding of operations via a sales tax, with a focus then on
general funds for increasing revenue for the Transit system. Developer funded mitigation
is a short-term solution, requiring eventual necessity of a new revenue source.
One potential approach studied was transit site access improvements. There is currently
no requirement for site-related transit infrastructure, as there is for sidewalks, bike lanes,
and pathways. The establishment of transit site access regulations is recommended,
proportional to the scale of development, apply to development along existing/planned
transit routes, consistent with the scale and design of typical CAT facilities and which are
similar to other site access requirements. Mr. Dobberstein inquired as to whether
accommodations in routing would add time to the route. It was noted that an “in lieu of’
payment option has been suggested if the addition of transit infrastructure directly on the
site being developed is impractical, with mutual agreement that the bus stop may be
located in close proximity. Early discussions with developers are key to incorporation of
improvements during site development.
Longer-term strategies were studied which would modify some areas into more transit
oriented development areas, with area specific redevelopment goals, districts and
corridors, and modification of the development review process accordingly.
Transportation Demand Management strategies were explored, which are ways
developers can have exception to concurrency in specific areas, with the goal to shift
from single occupant vehicle trips to alternative modes, shifting trips out of the peak
travel periods to reduce congestion. Post-Covid, higher telework levels will likely
continue. Best practices findings applicable to Collier County revealed that TDM
programs can be more challenging in the suburban settings than higher density urban
areas. Commuter benefit transit programs, such as personal transit pass systems are often
deeply discounted and generate increased ridership; however, do not generate additional
revenue for the transit system. Parking pricing and supply limitations were seen to
increase TDM effectiveness in the suburban context, however this concept would be
more applicable to employees required to pay for employer parking in Collier County,
where the majority of parking is free and other strategies would likely be pursued. More
robust programs will require greater staffing resources in management and
administration. Evaluation and monitoring of programs would be necessary to gauge
effectiveness over time.
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Recommendations resulting from the study include looking at implementing transit site
access requirements and refreshing the TDM program and strategies which currently
exist. Draft regulatory language was provided which requires various types of
infrastructure for development projects located on existing routes or planned routes in the
ten-year Transit Development Plan or the first five years of the Long Range
Transportation Plan. The noted requirements per the type of infrastructure were based on
the size of the development in terms of traffic generation. All construction would remain
consistent with CAT guidelines, the scale of the development, and ADA accessible.
Additionally, adjustment of the TDM strategies in the Growth Management Plan and the
Land Development Code is recommended, with creation of a tiered approach of existing
strategies, so that developers would be required to choose complementary strategies from
each tier, as opposed to choosing cheaper or easier options. Strategies for newer
technologies such as electric vehicles, charging stations, and preferential parking were
given, as well as a recommendation that park and ride spaces be provided as an option for
transit riders, including within a development if the site can support it. Language has
been provided which requires any development on an existing or planned transit route to
include at least one transit related strategy, as well as adding additional support for
bicycle facilities, on-site storage, and amenities if the development project is located near
pathways or bicycle lanes. Language also includes enhanced reporting and monitoring
requirements, as well as provided streamlined language between the Growth
Management Plan and the Land Development Code.
A recommendation was made by Mr. Caton for flexibility within the TDP to adjust the
larger strategy in response to developer choices.
Regarding impact fees, Collier County currently has a roadway impact fee, which does
not include Transit, bicycle traffic, sidewalks, etc., and has not moved to a multimodal
impact fee.
Next steps include presentation of recommendations to the CAC, TAC, and MPO Board
in December 2020. Draft language will ultimately be reviewed by the County Attorney,
who will finalize regulatory language prior to presentation to the Board of County
Commissioners.
Consensus in support of study recommendations was received from all PTAC
members in attendance.
b. 5310, 5311, 5339 Grant Applications: The 5310, 5311, and 5339 are competitive
grant applications which are submitted annually to the Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT), and which identify specific projects associated with each grant.
The grants are specific to rural areas. 5310 and 5311 have local match requirements,
utilizing either State funds, a combination of State and local funding, or just local funds.
The final submission date is December 14, 2020.
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5310: Funds are being requested for the purchase of three paratransit vehicles and
associated technology. The vehicles are approximately $83K each, utilizing FDOT
contract pricing, with 3 wheelchair capacity. All vehicles in the fleet are purchased with
grant funds, with need evaluated on a yearly basis. 5310 funding is specific to paratransit.
5311: This grant is being requested for operational expenditures associated with
providing service to rural areas, including Immokalee, Golden Gate Estates, as well as
other outlying areas of Collier County.
5339: Funds are being requested for improvements to nine bus stops in rural locations,
including adding bus shelters, benches, trash cans, bike racks, and ADA compliance.
While there is ongoing discussion with LeeTran regarding funding of regional routes,
there is currently no pursuit of grant funding in partnership with surrounding counties.
Exploration of regional/partnership grants to test new transportation technologies and
modalities is a viable option for consideration.
Consensus in support of the submission of grant applications as presented was
received from all PTAC members in attendance.
VI. Reports and Presentations
There were no additional reports and presentations.
VII. Member Comments
+It was noted by Ms. Arnold that an amendment change to the by-laws to adjust the
number of in-person quorum from 4 to 3 is under consideration, and will be discussed
with the County Attorney. Any new information related to this item will be discussed at
the next meeting.
VIII. Public Comments
There were no comments from members of the public.
IX. Next Meeting Date – December 15, 2020
X. Adjournment
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned.
Public Transit Advisory Committee
___________________________________
Arthur Dobberstein, Vice-Chairman
These minutes approved by the Committee on _________________as presented ___ or as
amended___.
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