Minutes

Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization

July 8, 2009

 

Attendance:

Chester:                       Tom Marsh                  

Clinton:                      

Deep River:                 Dick Smith

Essex:                          Phil Miller

Killingworth:               Richard Cabral

Lyme:                         

Old Lyme:                   Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook:            Mike Pace

Westbrook:                 Noel Bishop

CRERPA                   

ETD:                           Joe Comerford, ETD Executive Director

Guests:                        Stephen Livingston, DOT Representative

                                    Marilyn Giuliano, Representative

                                    Jeff Nelson, Governor’s Representation                                

                                   Paula Ferrara, ECSI, Executive Director       

CRERPA Staff:          Linda Krause, 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 8:40 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 June meeting was made by Phil Miller and seconded by Noel Bishop.  All were in favor.

 

3. Federal and State Programs

             a. Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding:

                        Linda asked if any of the towns had sent in submittals. Noel said Westbrook had.  The towns need to submit their projects directly to DOT, with a copy of that submission to CRERPA. 

                        Linda mentioned that 23 people have left the OPM, Intergovernmental Relations Division, and that Dick Van Ausdall has quietly retired. A list of CONNDOT retirees was distributed.

            Noel Bishop said he had submitted the McVeigh Road project and DOT has promised to do an inspection.

            Steve doesn’t know if/when there be another restructuring within the DOT.  Jim Redeker will be assuming double duty responsibilities in the interim, serving as the head of the planning unit.

            Marilyn said she was interested in helping the Selectmen with DOT projects

            b. Safe Routes to School:

            The Essex Safe Routes to School Plan was distributed. Phil is applying for grant money and discussed the goals of the intended plan.  He indicated that 450 surveys were mailed, and the Town received over 200 replies.  It’s anticipated that $150,000 to $500,000 would be needed to complete the Plan.

            Motion to accept the Safe Route for Schools Plan was made by Noel Bishop, seconded by Tim Griswold. All were in favor.

            c. Rail Parking Task Force Report:

                        Linda, Janice and Bill Peace went to the first meeting of the Rail Parking Task Force on the 7th of July. Linda said the parking problems in the Eastern and Western areas of the State differ dramatically.  Bill Peace believes that the parking at the stations should be free.  However, commuters West of New Haven must have a paid permit to park. The Southwestern Connecticut planning region has 19 train stations, and we here on the Shoreline have three.

                        Linda explained the complexity of the Old Saybrook site.  Now that the Middletown bus route is in place, bus commuters park their cars in the rail lot as well.

                        Our representatives for the task force are Bill Peace, Willie Fritz and Jean Davies.

            d. STIP Amendments: 

                         Hybrid Buses:  Stephen Livingston reported that TIGGER has $100,000,000 in discretionary grants. It offers grants to transit agencies for capital projects. TIGGER is specifically designed for hybrid buses.  The only eligible recipients are public transportation agencies.  DOT is looking to get this amendment passed, and the end result will be cleaner, more efficient buses.  The money will be used to replace old buses.

                        Mike made the motion to accept the TIP amendment based on environmental justice considerations; seconded by Rich Cabral.  All were in favor.

                        Mike made to motion to add to the agenda an additional amendment for Statewide Project 0170-2877 - Pavement Preservation (Crack Sealing and Filling).  Phil Miller seconded. All were in favor.

            e. ETD Update:

                        Joe Comerford discussed the stimulus project award.  $50,000 will go toward improvement of the ETD web site, $50,000 for signage and shelters.  Joe distributed several ideas for shelter configurations.  Mike requested that the shelters remain free from advertising and uncluttered.  Sites for the proposed shelters are being discussed with the respective towns.

                        Further, two 20-passenger buses will be purchased as well as $75,000 earmarked for software for the dial-a-ride program.  The software will enable ETD to have much better control over its overall operation.

                        Joe distributed “Ride all you want and Save” posters.  Passes will go on sale Monday, July 20th, at the ETD office and cost $45.00 a month which are good for unlimited on-route shuttle rides.

                        Title 3 Grant for Seniors has been received, and the funding was cut in half for ETD. Joe does not anticipate any fare change in the foreseeable future however.

                        Joe further reported that ETD is moving to the industrial park located directly behind Saybrook Junction.  He said there would be room to train the drivers at the new site as well as to accommodate additional buses.

            f. CTDOT/CREMPO Correspondence:  A list of CONNDOT retirees was previously distributed.

            g. CTDOT Procedures, Contracts and Resolution: Nothing to report

 

5. Motion to Adjourn:

            A Motion to adjourn was made by Dick Smith and seconded by Rich Cabral.  All were in favor.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Pat Anthony, Clerk