FAIRFAX COUNTY TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
Meeting Summary

Regular Meeting - March 4, 2008
7:15 PM - Room 8, Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035 

TAC Members In Attendance: Chair Janyce Hedetniemi, Vice Chair Jeffrey Parnes, Mack Rhoades, Jenifer Joy Madden, Eric Thiel, Roger Hoskin, and Harry Zimmerman

Others In Attendance: County Staff: Bob Owolabi, Calvin Lam, Jay Guy, and Christy Wegener

Meeting called to Order:  at 7:30 by Chair Janyce Hedetniemi; approved the February 5, 2008 regular meeting minutes.

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Main Topics Discussed

Board Referrals:
There were no new referrals from the Board of Supervisors

Proposed Changes in Metrobus Service Plans

Christy Wegener of the FCDOT briefed the Commission on proposed conversion of Metrobus routes 12,20W and 2W to Connector service with other routes to follow in phase 2.  The Board of Supervisors acted in February 2006 to convert three routes from Metrobus to Fairfax Connector service.  This was done to improve flexibility in matching levels and type of service to demand.  Also, Connector costs per hour of service are lower than Metrobus.  The process of public comment is complete and transition of routes 12, 20 and 2W is expected by February 3009 with and increase in daily trips to 217 from 149.  Phase 2 will be implemented as resources become available.  Additional destinations and weekend service will be added.  Implementation is expected by late 2010 or early 2011.

2008 Legislative Update

Jay Guy of the FCDOT provided comments regarding the ramifications of the recent Supreme Court decision in Board v NVTA in which the taxing authority granted by the General Assembly to NVTA was overturned on Constitutional grounds.  All new transportation taxes except the County’s commercial real estate tax were voided leaving all planned projects in limbo.  The General Assembly is expected to meet in a special session later this spring to address the issue but no date had been set.

TAC Strategic Planning Session

Postponed to next meeting

Tysons Corner Area Plan Study Updates

No further updates on the Dulles Rail Project.

Other Business:

The question was raised as to why there have not been any Board Referrals lately.  The question segued into generally raising the Commission’s visibility.  Harry Zimmerman suggested that we adopt an annual workplan as a way of prioritizing our work.  Jenifer Joy Madden suggested that we have joint meetings with other Commissions such as the Environmental Quality Advisory Commission (EQAC)..

Agenda for Upcoming TAC Meetings:

• April 1, 2008: Briefing on the Outcome of Fairfax County Bicycle Route Map Public Meetings  --  Charlie Strunk
• April 1, 2008: Richmond Highway Public Transportation Initiative -- Michael Guarino, DPWES
• April 1, 2008: General Assembly Legislative Session Highlights -- Tom Biesiadny

Announcements:

• The Office of the Clerk to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors invited all members of County boards, authorities, commissions, and committees to a training session scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2008, with Maria Everett, Executive Director, VA Freedom of Information Advisory Council, as the featured presenter.

Meeting Adjourned
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.

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Upcoming Meetings/Events
Date, 2008: 7:15 pm - TAC Regular Meeting
Date, 2008: 7:15 pm - TAC Regular Meeting
Date, 2008: 7:15 pm - TAC Regular Meeting