Minutes
Connecticut
River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization
June
10, 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: Joe Cumerford, ETD
Executive Director
Guests: Stephen Livingston, DOT Representative
Lawrence
Grosso, Veolia Environmental Services
Jenny
Contois, Cong. Courtney’s Representative
CRERPA Staff: Linda
Krause, Jean Davies, Margot Burns, Janice Ehle-Meyer, Pat Anthony
Call to Order:
The meeting of the Connecticut
River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization was called to order by Chairman
Mike Pace at 9:16 a.m. in the CRERPA Conference Space, Old Saybrook
CT
1. Public Involvement Period:
There were no comments from the public.
2. Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve minutes of May meeting was made by Richard Cabral and seconded by Noel Bishop. All were in favor.
3. Federal and State Programs
a. Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding:
Jean Davies reported that she had attended a meeting
called by Congressman Courtney to discuss transportation stimulus
projects. In attendance were Courtney
staffer Jenny Contois, representatives from the four RPOs in Congressional
District 2, and staff from CONNDOT and FHA.
Jenny noted that the purpose of the meeting was to bring CONNDOT and FHA
together in an attempt to expedite ARRA projects. It was observed that DOT seems to be somewhat
rigid on its requirements for projects, beyond what FHA requires.
DOT
was urged to “triage smaller projects” using different approaches, such as
using the State vendor in place program or regional administration of
projects. The DOT has yet responded to
these suggestions.
Jean
stated that the towns need to submit their projects directly to DOT, with a
copy of that submission to CRERPA. Jenny
observed that over 300 DOT veterans are retiring this year, and she is certain
that this will affect DOT activities.
Those present discussed the cost escalation that occurs when the project
is reviewed by DOT.
b. Stip Amendments
Jean presented the three STIP amendments from DOT. The first project, a corridor study in Essex, was described by Phil Miller.
The second project concerning recreational trails was described by Jean, who noted that a portion of the STIP project was located in Old Lyme.
The third project was funding for replacement of transit buses with hybrids. Those present questioned how this project was different from last month’s amendment, which sounded very similar.
Stephen Livingston DOT Field Coordinator, was present and offered to call his office to obtain more information on the project.
Cabral moved and Bishop seconded a motion to approve the STIP amendment for the Essex corridor study. The motion was approved unanimously.
Eno moved and Cabral seconded a motion to approve the STIP amendment concerning recreational trails (as listed on the MPO agenda). The motion was unanimously approved.
It was noted that the new buses would cost $166,000 more than the delta buses. Hybrids would require docking stations, which would mean an additional expense.
Action was deferred on the purchase of hybrid buses, awaiting Livingston’s completion of the call to the DOT field Coordination Unit.
Upon his return from talking with DOT, Steve suggested that a representative from DOT, who is conversant with the process, attend the next MPO meeting. The selectmen agreed that this would be best. Steve will forward the representative’s name to Jean prior to the meeting next month.
c. REPT: Nothing to report
d. ETD: Joe Cumerford reported that the Middletown route is a success. ETD has received phone calls and numerous hits on their web page concerning the new route. The overall response has been excellent. The cost is $1.25 each way, $12.50 weekly. Riders have been parking at the train station and then taking the bus to Middletown.
Joe said the New Freedom Initiative is well supported, and he should have a decision in July/August.
The Governor’s proposed fare increase is 40%. Therefore, fares could increase from $1.25 to $1.75 each way. The senior fare would also be affected by the proposed increase. Asking the towns for more money is not an option.
e. CTDOT/CREMPO Correspondence
North/South Bikeway: Kathy Connolly, Conway School of Landscape Design, has expressed a keen interest to create a design plan for the N/S bikeway going along valley railroad. A grant funded cost of $6,500 for a preliminary design for the project has been suggested. Jean asked the selectmen if they wanted her to pursue this issue with Kathy. Jean suggested several other funding areas to the selectmen.
Diversion Route Planning: Jean distributed email correspondence between Stephen Livingston and herself regarding the Rte 154 Bridge and the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry. Redirection of traffic was a key issue especially during times of bridge closures. The suggestion was made to create additional hours for the Hadlyme ferry during the tourist season. The selectmen said that the ferry should not be an alternative to alleviating the traffic problem; however, during the peak tourist season extending Friday hours might be a consideration.
f. CTDOT Procedures, Contract and Resolutions – None
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