Minutes

Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization

May 13, 2009

 

Attendance:

Chester:                       Tom Marsh                  

Clinton:                       Willie Fritz

Deep River:                 Dick Smith

Essex:                          Phil Miller

Killingworth:               Richard Cabral

Lyme:                         Ralph Eno

Old Lyme:                   Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook:            Mike Pace

Westbrook:                 Noel Bishop

CRERPA                    Bruce Edgerton, Board Member

ETD:                          

Guests:                        Carla Iezzi, DOT Representative, Stephen Livingston, DOT Representative

                                    Jeff Parker, DOT Deputy Commissioner

                                    Phil Scarrozzo, Accountability Officer, CTDOT

                                    Ted Szymanski, Report Coordinator, CTDOT

                                    Rich Jankovich, Project Manager, CTDOT

                                    Bill Peace, Old Saybrook Selectman                         

                                    Jeff Nelson, Governor Rell’s Representative                                    

                                   Jenny Contois, Cong. Courtney’s Representative                             

                                              

CRERPA Staff:           Linda Krause, Jean Davies, Pat Anthony

 Call to Order:

1.         The meeting of the Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization was called to order by Chairman Mike Pace at 8:30 a.m. in the CRERPA Conference Space, Old Saybrook, CT

 

2. Approval of Minutes:  Motion to approve minutes of April meeting was made by Richard Cabral and seconded by Tom Marsh.  All were in favor.

 

3. Federal and State Programs: Roll call was made and attendees representing CTDOT introduced themselves. Commissioner Marie asked that representatives from DOT attend this meeting to discuss the status of the ARRA and to answer any questions the selectmen may have concerning this program.

             b. Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding:

                        Jean briefly reviewed the history of proposed projects and distributed a spreadsheet identifying scope and cost of the projects. There would be approximate $1million to spend.  CONNDOT suggested a $3million projection for the project.  A discussion ensured regarding the disparity of costs.

            Bill Peace suggested that DOT is “missing the boat” concerning the intention of the projects.  Clearly, according to Bill, the funds should be allocated to put people to work ASAP, and the projects should be completed efficiently and inexpensively. He suggested that if the towns were given the money, people would be put to work. There is no need to be micro managed by DOT bureaucracy.

            Phil Scarrozzo, Accountability Officer at CONNDOT, endeavored to explain that usage of Federal money is extremely complex.  If this were State money, things would be handled differently.  However it’s imperative to follow the Federal guidelines when accessing ARRA funding.

            Ted Szymanski, Report Coordinator, attempted to explain the process and what percentage gets allocated to the towns.  He said that the DOT received a massive list of projects; unfortunately, upon review, many were not shovel ready.  He said that the State met with the RPOs previously to make certain they understood the process.

            A Federal Aid Agreement is necessary in order to get funding. 1511 certification was also reviewed.  The agreement process is complicated and labor intensive.

            Rick Jankovich, Project Manager, said that DOT must adhere to Title 23 agreements.  However, he said he would try to work with the selectmen on any projects.  He said there is a web site the selectmen can use to better understand the issues.

            The consensus of the selectmen was that the entire issue lacks common sense. They asked what “real” dollars the town might expect, and they believe these dollars should be used for employment.

            Jean asked that the selectmen prioritize their funding projects, and the selectmen asked if the “shovel ready” projects previously submitted must be resubmitted. It was noted that engineering costs for the projects is not going to be reimbursed.  The selectmen contended that it’s unreasonable and unacceptable to pay three times more for their intended projects.

            Linda made note of the 10% State administration cost for the state as well as the disparity of the cost for asphalt the State is charging. Why are their figures so much higher?  She suggested that the discrepancy concerning the cost of materials be addressed and explained. She said that the RPA does not have any money to hire an engineer for the towns for any of the intended projects.

            Jean addressed issues about TIP and asked if money can be “flipped flopped”.  Unit price sidewalk projects was suggested by selectmen, but DOT personnel vetoed this suggestion.  It was noted that there is something wrong with the funding process. The quagmire of dealing with the State was discussed at length.

            b. STIP Amendments

                        1. Upgrade buses to hybrid – new project - $16Million project

                        2. Statewide bus replacements – reduction of $10million   

                        3. Installation of epoxy pavement markings & interstate lines – New                                      Project

            Motion to accept STIP amendments as presented was made by Phil Miller and seconded by Rich Cabral.  Tom Marsh was not in favor.  All others were in favor.

            c. Federal Transportation Reauthorization:

            1. Train Station, Old Saybrook:  Jean noted we received notification from Cong. Courtney office regarding this funding request.  Jenny said all requests are being handled through their D.C. office.

             Jean explained that this project includes Amtrak, Shoreline East, ETD, and Centrix Management, who lease the building.  There are several areas of concern; for example, the septic system is inadequate, there are flooding and drainage issues, parking should be expanded and pedestrian paths installed and bike paths and rack accommodations.  Traffic flow at the site is poor. The overall goal would be to bring this site to a regional transportation hub.  Funding source would be 80% of Federal funding, and it is important to bring Centrix and Amtrak to the table.

                        A second project was discussed, enhancing bike routes in phases for North-South bikeway in conjunction with Valley Railroad.  There are viable options for bikeways along the tracks with proper setbacks.  Some of the parking issues could be eliminated, and new bike racks installed at the train station.

            Tom Marsh made the motion to accept all plans as presented; the motion was seconded by Joel Bishop.  All were in favor.

 

            d. REPT:  Committee voted to fund $150,000 for planning and coordinating GIS system for DEMHS.

            e. ETD:  Joe Cumerford continues to do an outstanding job.  LOCHSTEP is funding the Middletown route, and Joe has submitted request for additional hours. 

            f. CTDOT Procedures, Contracts & Resolutions:  Transportation study agreement forwarded to Essex for approval.

            Carla Iezzi of CTDOT said that they have requested a copy of the agreement between Amtrak and Centrix concerning the responsibility of repair of the train parking lot.  She said that Stephen Livingston is new the CONNDOT representative for the Lower CT Valley.

 

            The motion to adjourn was made at 10:30 by Mike Pace and seconded by Rich Cabral.  All were in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Pat Anthony, Clerk