Minutes

Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization

September 9, 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

ETD:

Guests: Stephen Livingston, DOT Representative

Jeff Nelson, Governor’s Representation

CRERPA Staff: Linda Krause, Jean Davies, 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 July meeting was made by Rich Cabral and seconded by Noel Bishop. All were in favor.

3. Federal and State Programs

a. Integrated Regional Transportation Access Plan 2009 (Draft)

Jean briefly explained the overview of the Estuary Region and the concept of the intended plan. The plan is an addendum to the RTP to provide a strategy for non-motorized transportation to improve the coordination of transportation options within the region.

Jean further explained that applications for two grants have been requested, one regarding train station improvements and one from the Conway School of Design for a pre-engineering walkway design project.

She explained that it is important to look where there may be grant money available, and suggested we do this as a coordinated effort among the towns whereby everyone benefits. The plan works to coordinate regional access that is cost effective, purposeful, sustainable, and one that will works toward environmental justice tenets and will have excellent management practices for non motorized transportation It should provide integrated access for all modes of transportation. The ultimate goal is to link transportation hubs. It would ultimately serve as the icon for any future plans. After explaining various aspects of the plan, Jean asked the selectmen for their input prior to the October open meeting. She reiterated that the plan is a draft at this point. The Plan will be an addendum to our Regional Transportation Plan.

Linda said she was pleased with the concept of the plan and commended Jean on her effort. Linda then explained her role as a member of the Maritime Commission and how it would provide impact for our region. She asked the selectmen to keep her advised of any dredging issues so that she might apprise the commission of issues concerning the estuary region.

b. CTDEP Rec Trails Program – Application submitted $6,500 Conway School for design of walkway and concurrent application for atlas of trails.

c. Safe Routes to School—application completed for $450,000 for improvements.

d. Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Westbrook project moving forward. Old Saybrook project is done with scope. However, several items are still being addressed.

e. Rail Parking Task Force Report: Meeting held in July. Linda noted that there is huge divide between the areas East/West of New Haven. They have a big income stream for paid parking.

f. ETD: ETD is solvent. All is well and everything is running smoothly. Intended move scheduled for October to a site in Essex/Centerbrook.

g. STIP Amendments – nothing to report

h. CTDOT/CREMPO -- nothing to report

i. CT DOT Procedures, Contracts, and Resolutions – 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