CAMPO approves $207,500 Parametrix contract for RTP and human-services plan updates; public raises transit-access concerns

The Carson Area Metropolitan Planning Organization approved a contract Feb. 12 with Parametrix, Inc. for up to $207,500 to provide staff-support services for CAMPO's Unified Planning Work Program. The contract (no. 2530288) covers updates to the regional transportation plan and the JACC Coordinated Human Services Plan, with both documents expected to be completed by January 2026.

Kelly Norman, Senior Transportation Planner, said CAMPO released a request for qualifications on Oct. 22, 2024, with responses due Nov. 19, 2024, and that Parametrix was the single respondent deemed qualified. "The scope consists of an update to the CAMPO 2050 RTP and an update to the JACC Coordinated Human Services Plan with assistance from Parametrix," Norman told the board, and staff placed those schedules in the packet.

Several members asked whether the scope represented core planning work that could be done in-house. Chris Martinovich, Transportation Manager, described the combined RTP and human-services plan update as a "heavy lift" occurring the same year and said the engagement was likely a one-off to handle concurrent deliverables and required public outreach. "So I think it's generally a one-off is my thought process here," Martinovich said.

Members also sought clarity on prioritization. Staff said CAMPO must consider projects from Carson City, Douglas County and Lyon County and will review existing prioritization processes including Carson City's pavement management plan and NDOT guidance to develop a regional prioritization approach.

Public commenters raised transit-access concerns tied to the planning work. DD Foremaster of the Rural Center for Independent Living asked for a bus stop closer to her office near the Dream Center and Advocates to End Domestic Violence, saying the nearest stop is "about a mile away" and difficult for clients with disabilities to reach. Foremaster also said the "little yellow" disabled transit passes are hard for residents to obtain because applicants are often asked for award letters to prove eligibility.

Transportation Manager Chris Martinovich said yellow disabled passes are available at the Carson City Treasurer's office and at the Jump Around Carson administration office; he said the senior center does not issue those passes (only a free senior bus pass). Staff also noted a planned TIP amendment and changes in available planning funds that may allow $60,000 to $70,000 more in the next fiscal year for planning activities.

A member moved to approve the contract as presented; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote. The meeting record shows no recorded opposition. Parametrix's work will include data collection, public outreach and review of best practices to support a comprehensive update; staff said it will retain responsibility for much of the in-house writing and final decisions.