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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20130417boardminutesMINUTES Board of Directors CAPITAL AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION April 17, 2013 12:15 p.m. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT Brian Crane, Designee for Donald "Doc" Kritzer, Callaway County Lary Benz, P.E., Cole County Jeff Hoelscher, Chairman, Cole County Eric Barron, Designee for Rick Mihalevich, Jefferson City Lary Henry, Jefferson City Janice McMillan, AICP, Jefferson City David Bange, Designee for Matt Morasch, Jefferson City Rick Prather, Jefferson City Bob Scrivner, Jefferson City* Travis Koestner, Designee for David Silvester, P.E., MoDOT Dan Bax, St. Martins *Arrived Late EX -OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT (Non -Voting) Steve Billings, MoDOT Angie Hoecker, MoDOT EX -OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT (Non -Voting) Mark Bechtel, Federal Transit Administration Michael Latuszek, Federal Highway Administration Pam Murray, Callaway County Economic Development Representative CAMPO STAFF PRESENT (Non -Voting) Sonny Sanders, Planner I Anne Stratman, Administrative Assistant Alan Morrison, Long Range Transportation Planner OTHERS PRESENT Steve Engelbrecht, MoDOT Bill Gratz, Village of Wardsville Dion Knipp, MoDOT Mark Mehmert, Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce 1. Call to order, roll call, and determination of a quorum Chairman Hoelscher called the meeting to order at 12:17 p.m. and asked Ms. Stratman to call roll. A quorum was present with 10 of 11 members or their designees present. Chairman Hoelscher welcomed Councilman Rick Prather who replaced Councilman Bob Weber. 2. Public Comment No comments were received. 3. Adoption of the agenda as printed or amended Mr. Benz moved and Mr. Henry seconded to adopt the agenda as printed. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Approval of the minutes from the meeting of March 20, 2013 Mr. Benz moved and Mr. Koestner seconded to approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting of March 20, 2013. The motion passed 9 to 0 with Mr. Hoelscher abstaining. 5. Communications from the presiding officer A. Synopsis of the March 21, 2013 Cost Share/Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes/Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization April 17, 2013 Page 2 6. Old Business A. MTP Update 1. Presentation of the Draft 2035 MTP Staff presented an overview of the 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). Mr. Morrison explained the vision of the long range plan is to "enhance regional quality of life," with the primary goal of "infrastructure support for community health and economic growth." Mr. Sanders described future locations of development, land use and regional initiatives. Mr. Scrivner arrived at 12:27 p.m. 2. Proposed schedule for public meetings and adoption Mr. Morrison announced the open house scheduled for May 2, 2013 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Jefferson City Council Chambers, and the public hearing at the CAMPO Board meeting on May 15, 2013, at which time the Board of Directors could adopt the MTP. 3. Initiate 25 day public comment period concluding on May 15, 2013 Mr. Crane moved and Mr. Benz seconded to initiate the 25 day public comment period for the MTP. The motion passed unanimously. 7. New Business A. Budget Adjustment Ms. McMillan explained an internal budget adjustment was necessary to cover increased costs in the maintenance agreement account; funds were moved from training and education. She emphasized that the adjustment does not affect the work program. 8. Other Business A. Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funds Update Mr. Knipp explained that the urbanized area is allocated $200,851 in federal STP funds on a yearly basis to the non -TMA areas of Missouri through the state DOT. He stated that the funding is allocated to the MPO area through a policy of the Highway and Transportation Commission and is based on population. Mr. Knipp explained that CAMPO's current balance is $586,856. He stated that the program is extended through federal fiscal year 2014 at which time CAMPO will receive another allocation of $200,851, resulting in a total balance is $787,708. Mr. Knipp explained that these funds appear on MoDOT's books as a large unobligated balance. Mr. Koestner explained that the federal government does not recognize the funds as "used" until there is a construction obligation. He stated that the federal government discourages holding federal funding that has not been obligated. Mr Knipp stated that the Stadium -Jefferson project was programmed in 2006 using STP funds. He inquired as to whether the City of Jefferson intended to move forward with this project or cancel it and start with a new project. He added, a supplemental agreement to the current program agreement would be necessary to move this project forward. Mr. Bange explained how the scope has gradually changed since in 2006. The original plan was to widen the exit ramp from Highway 54, continue the lane down Jefferson Street to Stadium Blvd. and then widen Stadium Blvd and tie into it at Christy Drive. He stated that while plans were drawn up, the City was hesitant to condemn right-of-way, hence the project stalled. Mr. Bange explained that an altemative design was started, but that project was put on hold until the outcome was known on funding for the new high school. Mr. Bange explained that although that outcome was not favorable, it did clarify what the future brings for that area. He stated that within the next six (6) months the City will initiate a traffic study and move into a design phase for the project. Mr. Hoelscher commented that even if Jefferson City High School eventually moves it will be several years, and inquired how that will affect the project. Mr. Bange explained that the current travel demand model indicated that if the school were to move that intersection will still be problematic. Mr. Hoelscher inquired whether this project should be a cooperative project between the City of Jefferson and Cole County. Mr. Bange explained that is a step that needs to be taken. Minutes/Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization April 17, 2013 Page 3 Mr. Gratz inquired whether this project will be needed after the Lafayette interchange is constructed. Mr. Benz explained that there will not be much of a diversion of traffic, and that traffic will still be an issue because of Trinity Lutheran and Helias High School in the vicinity. Mr. Benz explained that the whole emphasis is to remove backed -up traffic off of Highway 54. Mr. Morrison inquired whether STP funds might be lost. Mr. Knipp explained that CAMPO is not in danger of losing funds at this time. He explained MoDOT's lapsing funds policy, in which an accrual of six (6) years' worth of balances would be necessary before MoDOT would take steps to rescind the money. Mr. Knipp explained that MoDOT would like for the Jefferson and Stadium project to move forward. Furthermore, Mr. Knipp stated that MoDOT wants to show a good use of these federal dollars without this large balance sitting on the books. Mr. Knipp commented that if the City is not going to move forward with this project then perhaps funds could be used elsewhere. Mr. Crane recalled a similar discussion in August of 2011, at which time the Board directed this project move forward for right-of-way acquisition. He commented that we have already given direction once so if something has changed than we need to give new direction and either call for projects or see if the City of Jefferson is willing to move this project forward. Mr. Crane inquired whether this project is scheduled in any capital improvement plan for the City. Mr. Bange explained that this project is scheduled for construction in 2015. Mr. Crane moved and Mr. Bax seconded to make the balance of $787,708.45 available and call for new projects. Discussion: Mr. Scrivner commented that this money would be well used on this particular intersection that needs upgrading and has needed upgrading for a very long time. Mr. Crane said this motion would not inhibit the City from bringing this project forward again. Mr. Bange replied if the money is continually shifting in and out there is no way to plan. Mr. Hoelscher inquired whether Mr. Crane's motion intended to take away the $185,000 that was previously allocated toward this project. Mr. Crane explained that there was discussion today that the City was not sure about the right-of-way portion of the project. He stated that we need to move forward at some point in time. Mr. Crane commented that he sees value in the Jefferson and Stadium project for Holts Summit residents and thinks it is a good project for the region. Ms. McMillan commented that CAMPO is not in danger of losing this money. She said she would prefer to know what the total project is going to entail before making a decision to allocate the funds elsewhere, especially since the Board selected this as a priority project. Mr. Hoelscher asked Mr. Crane whether he wanted information on the total project costs are since there is a motion on the table. Mr. Crane responded that he would like to vote on the motion. Mr. Benz commented that he drives through that area in the mornings and he would like to see the project moved forward. He stated that a decision needs to be made whether condemnation is required to acquire right-of-way. Mr. Benz commented that we are fortunate that there has not been a serious accident in this location. Mr. Koestner explained that MoDOT generally abstains from voting on specific projects. He encouraged CAMPO to look at the entire balance and move forward. Mr. Scrivner requested clarification on the amount of funds available. Mr. Knipp explained that at the time $185,000 was allocated to Jefferson City, but future allocations can be used for projects. Mr. Knipp explained that at the time, there were continuing resolutions under the prior transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU. He stated that since that time of continuing resolutions and passage of MAP -21 there Minutes(Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization April 17, 2013 Page 4 have been two more allocations totaling $400,000. Mr. Knipp explained we can plan for one more allocation of $200,000 for federal fiscal year 2014. He stated beyond that it is uncertain because MAP -21 will also expire, but there could also be continuing resolutions under MAP -21. Mr. Knipp reiterated his concern that the Stadium -Jefferson project was programmed in 2006 and there has been little activity since that time; and MoDOT is expected to move projects forward. Ms. McMillan suggested the funds were allocated to a project, not to a specific element. Mr. Benz stated that the minutes reflect that the money is to be used for right-of-way acquisition. Mr. Bange explained that at that time it was not known if there would be future allocations. He stated that at that time the funds were planned to be used for acquiring right-of-way because it was unknown if there would be be future allocations. Mr. Bange commented that this project has regional significance and is still a high priority. Mr. Benz stated that according to the minutes the only thing we can use these funds on is right-of-way. 14e Mr. Crane said that it has been seven years so let's move the project forward. He stated that if we are not going to spend the money on this project let's spend it on something else. Vote: The motion failed to pass on a vote of 5-5-1 with the following votes: Aye: Bange, Bax, Benz, Crane, Hoelscher Nay: Barron, Henry, McMillan, Prather, Scrivner Abstain: Koestner Ms. McMillan moved and Mr. Crane seconded to discuss this topic at the June 19, 2013 meeting. Discussion: Ms. McMillan explained that at the activities have already been planned for the May 15 meeting, and suggested this topic be considered in June. Ms. McMillan further suggested that if the Board wants to call for projects, there should be ample notice given so that everyone has a chance to collect good information for presentation to the Board, for example, to have a call for projects in late summer or early fall. Mr. Koestner explained this is a statewide issue to make sure funds are used and improvements are made. He suggested setting specific dates for call for projects and a method for your priority lists. Mr. Scrivner relayed his concern that while the money had not been used, and the project had not moved forward, he was glad for the delay because the project had become more extensive than what was envisioned initially. He said the delay means that there could possibly be a better solution. Vote: After additional, discussion, the motion passed unanimously. 9. Upcoming Events A. Reception for the 10 Year Anniversary of the Capital Area MPO Ms. McMillan announced that a reception will be held to honor current and past members and officers of CAMPO immediately following the Board of Directors meeting on May 15, 2013. 8. Next Meeting Date - Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 12:15 p.m. in the Boone/Bancroft Room #200. 9. Adjournment Mr. Benz moved and Mr. Henry seconded to adjourn the meeting at 1:36 p.m. Res e�tfully S�ubmitte Anne Stratman, Administrative Assistant