Minutes

Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization

June 9, 2010

Attendance:

Chester:                       Tom Marsh

Clinton:                       -------------

Deep River:                 -------------

Essex:                          Phil Miller

Killingworth:               Cathy Iino

Lyme:                          -------------

Old Lyme:                   Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook:             Mike Pace

Westbrook:                 -------------                                                                                                             

Guests:                        Bill Peace, Old Saybrook Selectman

                                    Joe Comerford, ETD Executive Director

                                    Jeff  Nelson, Governor Rell’s Representative                       

                                    Stephen Livingston, DOT      

                                    Paula Ferrara, Estuary Council of Seniors

                                   

CRERPA Staff:           Linda Krause, Jean Davies, Torrance Downes

 

1.  Call to Order: Chairman Mike Pace convened the meeting at 8:43 in the CRERPA Conference Room in Old Saybrook CT.

 

2.  Minutes: Phil Miller made the motion to accept the May minutes, seconded by Tim Griswold.  All members were in favor.

 

3.  Federal and State Programs:    Bill Peace asked if the money for town paving or operational expenses was being bonded.  He said that bonding for capital improvements is one thing but bonding for operational expenses is another issue.  He spoke of supporting routine maintenance ie. inspections but questioned the priorities.  Steve Livingston said that he would look into that.

 

  1. Estuary Transit District Update

1.  Joe Comerford talked about the 2nd round of stimulus money that he has received.  He received $400,000 for 3 buses, furniture, computers and a supervisor’s vehicle.  He has also gotten a CMac grant.  This will be for two buses to become hybrid and to have the supervisor’s vehicle become a hybrid; this doubles the price of the vehicles.  Maintenance of the hybrids does not seem to be a problem as the mechanic is knowledgeable and eager to learn more.

2. Joe said that the new software is up and running and ETD is now able to program time and the location of the buses to improve the scheduling of the fixed routes.

3. Online portal is coming and it will allow customers to schedule trips themselves and receive text messages to know when buses are about 5 minutes away for a pickup.

4.  Riverside route will soon be expanding its hours from 6:40 am to 6:50 pm

5.  In a trade magazine Joe will be recognized for his hard work as a Transit Director under 40.  Ralph Eno will be recognized for his work with securing a municipal grant for funding.

6.  Jean Davies asked for responses on making a future route connecting Middletown down Rte 81 to Clinton.  This will be part of the proposed Transportation Plan.

A request was made to tie in Madison and Haddam more and to possibly get more routes to Vinyl, Xavier, and Mercy schools. 

 

b.      Marine-Bridge Study:

Torrance Downes explained what is happening with the boat counting that is being done at the three movable bridges between Old Saybrook to New London.  The study will take place from Memorial Day to Labor Day and 7 counters have been hired.  It is progressing well.

 

c.       Regional Transportation Plan – nothing

 

  1. Plans, Procedures, Contracts, and Resolutions

 

Action Item – Replacement Great Brook Bridge Chester – see attached  - Site work 1 year, closure Sept – Oct 2011

 

1.      STIP Amendments – A motion was made in reference to Bill Peace’s statement about the issue of bonding for capital improvements verses operational expenses.  Phil Miller seconded. Tom March opposed the bonding with the notes from Bill Peace to support the inspections and questioned the priorities.  All others were in favor.

 

Other Transportation Business

  1. Administrative Action/Amendment/Notification Process – CTDOT (See attached)

 

  1. Mike Pace had a blight complaint concerning Valley Railroad and Thomaston Railroad.  He has not heard from DEP and may be enforcing a fine if necessary.

 

5. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn was made at 9:30 a.m. by Tom Marsh, seconded by Tim Griswold.  All were in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Janice Ehle/Meyer