Minutes

Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization

May 14, 2008

Attendance:

Chester: Tom Marsh

Clinton: Willie Fritz

Deep River:

Essex:

Killingworth: Richard Cabral

Lyme: Ralph Eno

Old Lyme: Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook: Mike Pace

Westbrook: Noel Bishop

CRERPA: Bruce Edgerton

ETD:

Guests: Jeff Nelson, representing Gov. Rell, Jenny Contois,

representing Congressman Joe Courtney, Paula Ferrara,

Executive Director of the Estuary Council of Seniors

CRERPA Staff: Linda Krause, Jean Davies, 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 8:30a.m. in the CRERPA conference space, Suite B of the Marketplace, Boston Post Rd. Old Saybrook.

II. Public Comment

There were no comments from the public.

III. Minutes

Rich Cabral moved that the minutes of the April 9, 2008 meeting be approved as circulated. The motion was seconded by Ralph Eno and unanimously approved.

IV. Federal and State Programs

A. STIP Amendments

Jean Davies described the two STIP Amendments under consideration by the MPO. One involved an increase in funding for recreational trails. The other was the deletion of the North Main Street improvements in Old Saybrook. Mike Pace reported that the town was paying for the project itself, at a much lower cost than if it had used the state funds. Willie Fritz moved and Rich Cabral seconded a motion to approve the two amendments. The motion was approved unanimously.

B. Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)

Copies of the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for transportation were distributed at the previous meeting. Jean noted that the program is for two fiscal years. It is funded by federal highway and transit funds, with a state and local match. Bruce Edgerton moved and Rich Cabral seconded a motion to approve the work program, and the motion passed unanimously.

V. Estuary Transit District

ETD Chairman Rich Cabral reported that Acting Executive Director Kim Morton is doing well. It has been determined that the dial-a-ride service has been losing money and it has been necessary to reduce one route. There is a need to restructure the route system.

Chairman Pace asked how the ETD was addressing future fuel costs. He offered the ETD the option of using the town pumps for ETD buses at the town’s fuel rate. The discussion broadened to include fuel costs for town services. Selectmen shared the names of their fuel suppliers. Mike asked if CRERPA could look into the matter of joint purchasing. Linda agreed that CRERPA could research the matter. It was also noted that towns should be careful in purchasing energy from independent suppliers unless all costs were taken into account.

VI. Other matters

Jenny Contois reported that Chairman Overstar of the House Transportation Committee had visited New London and attended a forum on transportation needs in the region. Jeff Nelson reported Governor Rell has appointed a new Commissioner of DOT. Joseph Marie is an intermodal specialist, and has been working most recently in Arizona on an intermodal transportation project. Mike Pace observed that there appears to be a shortage of parking for the train station complex. Linda reported that the problem was exacerbated by the increase in employees at the call center surrounding the Mother’s Day celebration. It was agreed that parking is tight now and will become tighter with higher gasoline prices.

VII. Adjournment

CREMPO adjourned at 9:15a.m. To reassemble as the Lower Connecticut Valley Selectman’s Association

VIII. Reconvention as CREMPO

At 9:45a.m., Rich Cabral moved and Willie Fritz seconded a motion to reopen the MPO meeting to address a resolution authorizing execution of an agreement with the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The motion was approved unanimously. Rich Cabral moved and Noel Bishop seconded a motion to add action on the resolution to the CREMPO agenda. The motion passed unanimously. Rich Cabral moved and Noel Bishop seconded a motion to approve the resolution (attached to these minutes). The motion was approved unanimously.

IX. Readjournment

The MPO adjourned at 9:50a.m. so that members could visit the new offices of the Connecticut River Health District.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Krause for Timothy C. Griswold, Secretary