Minutes

Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization

January 13, 2010

 

Attendance:

Chester:                       Tom Marsh                 

Clinton:                        Willie Fritz

Deep River:                 Dick Smith

Essex:                          Phil Miller

Killingworth:                 Cathy Iino

Lyme:                          Ralph Eno

Old Lyme:                    Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook:             Mike Pace

Westbrook:                 Noel Bishop

CRERPA:                      Linda Krause, Jean Davies, Torrance Downes, Pat Anthony

ETD:                            Joseph Comerford, Executive Director

                                    Richard Cabral, Killingworth

Guests:                        Stephen Livingston, CONNDOT          

                                  Rep. Jamie Spallone, Jeff Nelson, Gov. Rell’s liaison

                                                                                   

Call to Order: The meeting of the Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization was called to order by Chairman Mike Pace at 11:15 a.m. in the CRERPA Conference Space, Old Saybrook CT.

 

1.  Public Comment Session – Regional Transportation Improvement Program 2010.              There were no speakers.

 

2. Adoption of Meeting Minutes – November. Phil Miller made the motion to adopt the minutes of the November meeting.  Tom Marsh seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

3. Federal and State Programs:

            Federal and State Programs:

            a. STIP Amendments.  Three amendments were presented.  Motion was made by Tom Marsh to take the STIP amendment vote as a whole unit.  The motion was seconded by Noel Bishop.  The members of the MPO voted unanimously to approve the motion.             – Next vote – to approve 3 STIP amendments.

            b. Jean reviewed the IRTAP guidance document, noting that it was originally presented as a standalone document.  She indicated that the Regional Transportation Plan was going to be revised this year for adoption in early 2011.

            She asked if the MPO would consider the IRTAP as the basis construction of the 2011 RTP.  This would mean that the 2011 RTP would become a transportation plan that integrated land use, environment, and economy with all modes of transportation, including bikeways, trails, and heritage corridors.

            Mike Pace noted that the original 2007 RTP was adopted and was a basic document that provided the fundamentals of transportation components in the region.  Mr. Miller noted that several town board members had favorable reviews of the IRTAP.  The board unanimously agreed to use the 2011 RTP format.

            As a follow up, Jean asked for the Board to sanction the creation of a 2011 RTP subcommittee comprised of the four town planners and potentially Ann Brown from Old Lyme.  CRERPA could represent the small towns until sufficient interest in the process was raised in those communities, then someone from those towns could join in as needed.

            The primary purpose of the committee was to help form the process for including town plans, help CRERPA liaison with town land use commissions, chambers of commerce, selectmen and public works, and to provide feedback as the RTP is written.

            Tom Marsh made the motion to accept the RTP format; Mike Pace seconded.  All were in favor.

            It was noted that Brian O’Connor, representing the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, asked to speak at the next MPO meeting to answer any questions concerning the TIGGER Grant application to improve the Valley Railroad line from Old Saybrook to Middletown to accommodate freight service.  He asked that he visit with the selectmen in February.  There was discussion on whether he would meet with the CRVCEO or with the LCVSA/MPO.  The Board suggested inviting him to both venues.

            c. CTDOT: Steve Livingston reported that there is an RPO Coordination meeting on the 26th.  The agenda is tentative but will include startup of the UPWP process.       

             Tom Maziarz is the new Bureau Chief of Policy and Planning for CTDOT. 

 

  5. Other transportation Business

                       a. ETD:  Joe Comerford, Executive Director, said that new stimulus money has become available.  He has therefore submitted a new list, and is hopeful of receiving $65,000 in additional funding.  He is awaiting approval for the installation of the shelters.

                       The mid-shore express is doing very well, and a stop at Middlesex Community College has been added.  Niantic shuttle is still on schedule, but ridership would increase with more timely access to New London. It now takes 3 hours for a 20-minute trip, and Joe said he would like to see a direct route to New London added to the schedule.  

 

6. Adjournment

                        Motion to adjourn was made by Tom Marsh and Noel Bishop seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Pat Anthony, Clerk