Minutes

Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization

                                                       January 9, 2008

 

Attendance:

Chester:                       Tom Marsh                                                                                                        

Clinton:                       Willie Fritz

Deep River:                

Essex:                          Phil Miller

Killingworth:               Richard Cabral

Lyme:                           

Old Lyme:                   Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook:             Mike Pace, Bill Peace

Westbrook:                  Noel Bishop

CRERPA:                    Bruce Edgerton                                                                                                                           

ETD:                           John Forbis, Doris Sanstrom 

Guests:                         ECSI Executive Director Paula Ferrara, Kasey Faraci of

                                     ConnDOT, Charles Stannard, Hartford Courant, Wally

                                     Schiffendecker, Tom Metzner, DEP, Paul Nonnemecher,

                                     CRRA            , Jeff Nelson representing Gov. Jodi Rell, Ellen Paul,

                                     Representing Cong. Joe Courtney                                                                                       

CRERPA Staff:            Linda Krause, Jean Davies, Janice Ehle-Meyer, Wini Olson          

 

 

I.                               The meeting of the Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization was called to order by Chairman Mike Pace at 9:26 AM in Room B of the M. Monica Eggert Senior Center on Main Street in Old Saybrook., during an intermission of the meeting of the LCVSA.

 

II.                There were no comments from the public.

 

III.             Minutes

            Willie Fritz moved that the minutes from the December 12, 2007 meeting be approved as circulated. The, motion was seconded by Noel Bishop and unanimously approved.

 

IV.             Federal and State Programs

           

A. STIP Amendments

            Jean Davies referred to the STIP amendment summary supplied by Kasey Faraci.

            Jean explained that the DOT is changing computer systems. The new one does include explanations. The proposed amendment includes rapid response bridge repair, pavement enhancement and an increase in the estimated cost of rumble strips.

            Willie Fritz moved that the STIP amendments be approved as presented. The motion was seconded by Phil Miller.

            Bill Peace noted that these are all maintenance issues. He asked if they are being paid for by bonded money. They are. He rested his case.

            The motion was unanimously approved.

B. Project Review

            Jean announced that Chester has backed out of the anticipated Main Street project. Old Saybrook is in the process of backing out of its North Main Street project. The problem is how small town projects are processed. The time that it takes and the additional administrative fees force costs to escalate.  Bill Peace asserted that something is terribly wrong. Maintenance is being bonded.  A maze has been created that is impossible to get through. It took two years to get approval for the Mud Creek project. With cash in hand, the North Main Street project could be completed for about $200,000. DOT now estimates about $700,000. By the time it is approved it is anticipated that it would be $1,400,000.

DOT staff is not to blame. They are helpful. The management decisions are cumbersome.

         Richard Cabral commented that with enough harassment, the small towns just go away, one by one.

         Jean Davies commented that it is the culture of the DOT.

         Jeff Nelson asked if COST is taking this up. He suggested that COST would be more effective than just “a few MPOs”.

          Bill Peace noted that Selectmen are elected for two year terms. He does not want to spend his whole term struggling with this project. He warned that a recession is approaching. The governor should be concerned about getting people to work.

            Jeff urged the MPO to lay a foundation. The Governor cannot personally change the institutional inertia of DOT.

            It was agreed that Jean will work with Bill Peace to write a letter on behalf of the MPO. Ralph and Dick will be asked to bring it up with COST. Jeff will take the problem to the Governor.

C. REPT

            Jean has recently been elected Vice-Chairman of the Regional Emergency Planning Team. She meets with them in Hartford.

D. Town Project Status

            It was agreed that that subject has been covered.

E.          Jean announced that a previously certified document  must be re-dated.  CREMPO dated it accurately as of May 9, 2007. A later date has been requested.

            Willie Fritz moved that the Secretary be authorized to correct the date as requested. The motion was seconded by Phil Miller and unanimously approved.

 

E. Year of Expenditure Dollars

            The State of Connecticut and the MPO must complete year of expenditure estimates with cost increases factored in. FHWA requires recertification with updated dollar amounts.

            Chairman asked if the 3% should be compounded.

            Tom Marsh moved that the request be rejected to assert a “culture of dissention”.

            Chairman Pace asked for a motion to table the matter. Willie Fritz moved to table the motion. The motion to table was approved.

 

V.                Other Transportation Matters

A.    Boat Infrastructure Grant

            Mike Pace reported that he read that $12,500,000     of grant money is available to create docking space for transient, non- trailer able boats. He suggested that it would appropriate for the Lower Connecticut River. Linda Krause asked Jean Davies to look into the matter.

            Phil Miller asked if funds are available for boat launches.

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:57 AM.

 

  

              Respectfully submitted,

 

       Timothy C. Griswold, Secretary