Minutes

Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization

June 11, 2008

Attendance:

Chester: Tom Marsh

Clinton:

Deep River:

Essex: Phil Miller

Killingworth: Richard Cabral

Lyme: Ralph Eno

Old Lyme: Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook: Mike Pace

Westbrook: Noel Bishop

ETD: Kim Morton, Acting Executive Director

Helyna Famiglietti, Financial Administrator

Guests: Jeff Nelson, representing Gov. Rell,

Ellen Paul, representing Congressman Joe Courtney,

Paula Ferrara, Executive Director, Estuary Council of Seniors

Charlie Stannard, Reporter, TheCourant

Bill Peace, Selectman, Old Saybrook

CRERPA Staff: Linda Krause, Jean Davies, Margot Burns, Janice Ehle-Meyer

I. Call to Order

The meeting of the Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization was called to order by Chairman Mike Pace at 8:35 a.m. in the CRERPA conference space, Suite B, of the Marketplace, Boston Post Rd. Old Saybrook.

I. Public Involvement Period:

There were not comments from public.

II. Planning Projects: (Added to Original Agenda)

Estuary Region Integrated Transportation Alternatives

Jean Davies and Margot Burns, CRERPA Planners, Presenters

Citizens are looking for alternative modes of transportation. CRERPA has been researching intermodal transportation for several years. The recent rise in fuel prices has created new attention to forms of transportation other than cars.

Bus: Schedules, Routes, Destinations were discussed concerning obtainable alternatives. CRERPA is working with the ETD to seek more cost effective routes and schedules.

Janice, Jean, Margot are working on user survey. This survey should be available at the end of June-mid July and will be published in area EVENTS magazines, web page, area newspapers. Results will be reviewed and implemented.

Bicycle: Recreational and Commuter biking was discussed. Rockfall Institute is conducting seminars on bike routing. Bike safety and parking were addressed.
Pedestrian Access: Sidewalk plans promote accessibility for all CRERPA staff will meet with planners in Old Saybrook, Westbrook and Clinton regarding sidewalk access to transportation.
Rail: Pricing, schedules, parking, expansion. (Shoreline East, Amtrak, Valley Rail) were discussed. The Saybrook Train Station and issues of overflow parking discussed. Alternate routes to the station were discussed.

Margot presented a 3-D model of Old Saybrook station that she had created. 3-D affords an interesting perspective on the parking layout and what enhancements should be considered. DOT tries to be responsive to the needs; however, they have few people on staff in the Rail Dept. They are concerned about the resolution of long-term transportation issues.

Mike Pace stated that Selectmen William Peace is involved with DOT on the issue.

Bill Peace: Transportation depends on access. DOT has a 5 year plan. Transportation is a regional issue, not just rail. Ridership is up. There will be no significant improvements made on I-95for the next decade or more. Parking garages do not make sense. The Junction is part of a lease with Amtrak. Bill said he feels we have a window of 6 months to improve transportation issues.

Long term projects: Neither Old Lyme nor Lyme has a railroad station at this point. A few more stations are needed. More scheduled trips to Boston would be another consideration. Purchase of nearby acreage for additional parking was discussed.

Mike Pace said that Old Saybrook is not going to be the collector of problems. We need to provide other locations. We must look at the big picture. Old Saybrook is congested and land poor.. The whole concept of transportation is changing – motor scooters, bikes, motorcycles are being used more.

We might want to look at job exchanges. An equitable job exchange program might be a consideration. In the future, water transportation may be an option.

Marketing Idea for bus usage: A raffle was held at a local middle school, and one of the prizes was 2 free tickets on the bus. If the tickets are used, then we may use this as a model for future marketing.

Linda Krause said that, in the short term, we can tweak schedules, find some parking spaces, and disseminate information – things we can “patch” to keep the system working in the near future. The transit district is an important component. It’s a delicate balance to meet the needs of everyone.

Jeff Nelson, Governor Rell’s office, said the new Commissioner at DOT will focus on alternative transportation issues.

Kim Morton, Acting Executive Director, ETD: She is working on schedules, marketing, and developing a new web site. She is planning for the future. Kim also noted is that ETD has lease space for 8 buses at T.he Junction; however, the transit company has 13 buses. Therefore, parking the buses is a problem, but Kim is looking into several options for resolution to the problem.

III. Minutes

Rich Cabral made the motion to accept the minutes of May ’08. Phil Miller seconded. All were in favor

IV. Federal and State Programs:

a. STIP Amendments

1. 511 Traveler Information System Development

2-4 CTDOT Camera Distribution System Funding for 2008-2009

A discussion ensued regarding the amendments. Ralph Eno moved and Rich Cabral seconded a motion to approve the STIP amendments. All except Pace and Marsh were in favor.

b. CTDOT Procedures: Jean Davies presented a new resolution needed for the safe route to schools program. The purpose of the resolution is to accept funds for the safe routes to school.

Ralph Eno moved to accept as presented. Rich Cabral seconded. All were in favor.

Motion to adjourn was made by Mike Pace, seconded by Rich Cabral. Motion unanimously approved. Meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Pat Anthony, Clerk