TPO Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) · Jan. 22, 2026
Meeting date: Jan. 22, 2026Summarized 2026-09-01 17:17
# Polk County TPO Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) — January 22, 2026
**Location:** FDOT District One Conference Center, Bartow. Called to order 9:30 a.m. by Chair Tess Schwartz; quorum confirmed. Adjourned 11:04 a.m. (motion by Chuck Barmby).
## Votes Taken — All Passed Unanimously / Without Dissent
| Item | Motion / Second | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Approval of Dec. 4, 2025 minutes | Carlie Flagler / Chuck Barmby | Carried without dissent |
| Election of Officers — Bob Wiegers nominated **Tess Schwartz as Chair** and **Carlie Flagler as Vice Chair** | Bob Wiegers / Chuck Barmby | Carried unanimously |
| TPO Resolution 2026-02 adopting Safety Performance Targets (goal of zero fatalities) | Chuck Barmby / Marissa Barmby | Carried unanimously |
| Amendment to FY 2025/26–2029/30 TIP for LAMTD FTA Section 5339 Capital (maintenance building rehabilitation) | James Philips / Carlie Flagler | Carried unanimously |
| Draft Planning Tasks for FY 2026/27–2027/28 UPWP, **amended to include the connection of the trails** | James Philips / Carlie Flagler | Carried unanimously |
No split votes, dissents, or item withdrawals were recorded.
## Dollar Amounts
- **UPWP funding:** FY 2024/25–2025/26 totaled **$4.37 million**; FY 2026/27–2027/28 projected at **$2.73 million** — a reduction of roughly $1.64 million between cycles, as reported by Executive Director Ryan Kordek.
- No dollar figure was stated in the minutes for the LAMTD FTA Section 5339 TIP amendment.
## Notable Discussion Points
**Safety targets (Item 6a):** Marissa Barmby asked whether Resolution 2026-02 would go to the BOCC; Kordek clarified it will be submitted to FDOT and then to the TPO Board for approval.
**Vision Zero / Safe Streets for All (Item 6b):** Moe Lavasani (AECOM) reported traffic data analysis has identified the top five corridors, three currently under review; meetings scheduled for February, March and April, with workshops in summer and November. Chuck Barmby asked about crash and fatality rates on Kathleen Road and about funding for quick-response improvements; Kordek "confirmed funding is available" and encouraged city participation in workshops using TSMU funds. No dollar amount was attached to that funding statement.
**UPWP scope (Item 8):** Tasks include preparation for the four-year Federal Certification Review scheduled for Fall 2027, potential High-Speed Rail service in Polk County, access needs tied to the SunRail PD&E, the Vision Zero Action Plan, Best Foot Forward, and a major update to the Public Participation Plan. Chuck Barmby raised connectivity to the Fort Fraser Trail, which was then folded into the approving motion.
**Central Polk Parkway East ACE/PD&E (Item 9, presentation only):** Florida Turnpike staff (Jazlyn Georges, Andrew Vasquez) reviewed outreach from April 2024 through December 2025 for the US 27 to US 17/92 corridor, environmental constraints including State and Federal conservation lands, nearby residential development, and a wildlife corridor in the Cypress area. Two corridors remain under consideration. Minutes note "a lengthy discussion followed."
**Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element (Item 10, presentation only):** Chanda Bennett (Polk County Land Development) requested comments by **February 6**. As part of the legislative review, "the team is considering replacing the term 'complete streets' with 'context sensitive.'" A lengthy discussion followed.
**Priority projects (Item 11):** Applications open; submission deadline **March 31**. Marissa Barmby noted LAP certification is required; Kordek said FDOT prefers all applicants be LAP certified but municipalities may contact Polk TPO for assistance. On whether Citrus Connection is eligible, Kordek said an additional level of approval may be required.
No committee member comments were offered. Next meeting: March 19, 2026, FDOT Conference Center, Bartow.