GREATER MORGANTOWN MPO

Minutes of January 17, 2006



MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Byrne, Frank Scafella, Ron Justice, Joe Statler, Don Bailey, Bob Bell, Bob Roberts, Allen Sharp


MEMBERS ABSENT: Patty Lewis, Asel Kennedy, Barbara Parsons, John Pyles


MPO DIRECTOR: Chet Parsons


Ron Justice called the January meeting to order at 7:00 PM


The minutes of December 2006 were approved as submitted.



PUBLIC COMMENT:


BILL RICE: Advised the Policy Board that the West Run Planning District Advisory Committee has authored a letter to the Monongalia County Planning Commission asking that growing traffic problems in the West Run area be addressed. The letter asks the Planning Commission to contact the County Commission, DOH and MPO to see how growth could possibly be curtailed in that area.


DON SPENCER: Would like to know what the width of the corridor for Beechurst Avenue will be. Rights of way dollars could be saved if the entire planning for this project was done now.



DIRECTOR’S REPORT:


  1. Correspondence received from Irv Schuetzner expressing concerns dealing with the new school at Chaplain Hill road and the problems the buses are experiencing;

  2. Correspondence received from the County Commission advising that $28,000 has been set aside for the county’s portion of a more detailed study of the Falling Run Corridor. Commitments have already been received from WVU and the City of Morgantown;

  3. Sent letter to Senator Byrd asking that federal matching funds be made available for any local funds that may be received;

  4. Chet and Bob Roberts met on December 6 to discuss the problems at Beechurst Avenue. Suggested that if traffic modeling will allow, review the situation with URS to see if it can be done. Don Williams also advised that some ideas may be more complex and labor intensive than others, and did put together 5 or 6 scenarios that may work. May look into a popular idea that started in New York City and has become very successful called “Don’t Block The Box”. (information contained in the packets for review) This project could be implemented fairly quickly. The idea will be taken to City Council to possibly budget more officers and/or Auxiliary Officers.



SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT: Bob Bell reported a beginning balance of $10,364.68 for the month of January. Expenditures and deposits totaling $7,937.76 leaves a balance of $10,935.57. Bill Byrne moved to approve the report. Frank Scafella seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.



DOT REPORT:


STATE – DON BAILEY: Reviewed and discussed ongoing projects.


LOCAL – DON WILLIAMS: West Run projects moving very quickly. Developers required to have commercial permits that require updates to lights, roads, etc., but only in the areas they are developing. And while those developers may be adding more traffic from Stewartstown to Easton, the safety of that roadway will improve.


Discussed what the MPO could do to help manage development in West Run. Mr. Williams advised it might be prudent to model this area. Chet and Don will try to arrange a meeting with Mr. Amtire sometime in February. Bob Roberts can arrange for a bus so anyone wishing to go may do so.


DOH is in the process of putting together a 25-year plan that should parallel with the MPO’s.



COMMITTEE REPORTS: None



NEW BUSINESS:


AUDITING FIRM: Frank Scafella moved to approve Teatrick and Bartlett as the auditing firm for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. Bill Byrne seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.



ADDITIONAL POLICY BOARD MEMBER:


Ron Justice read Resolution 2007-03 allowing for an additional seat on the MPO Policy Board. Frank Scafella moved to add the additional Policy Board seat for one member of WVU. Bill Byrne seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.



URS STATUS REPORT:


Included in packet for review. The final plan should be completed by the end of January. Will be presented at the February meeting.



MEETING WITH SENATOR BYRD:


Ron Justice advised that the meeting with Senator Byrd and his staff was very positive. The 2007 appropriations have been eliminated, which includes the road at the airport. It is hoped the earmarks will be restored for 2008. The Senator spoke positively of our plan. The information will also be sent to the Congressman’s staff.


Chet will arrange for a meeting in Charleston with DOH Commissioner Maddox at the end of January. Any MPO member wishing to attend may do so.


Bill Byrne moved to adjourn. Frank Scafella seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.