METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

MINUTES OF July 20, 2006

MEMBERS PRESENT: Don Bailey, Asel Kennedy, Janice Goodwin, Bob Bell, Ron Justice, Frank Scafella, Joe Statler, Barbara Parsons

MEMBERS ABSENT: Allen Sharp, John Pyles, Bob Roberts, Patty Lewis

MPO DIRECTOR: Chet Parsons

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

PUBLIC COMMENT:

DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT:

STATE DOT REPORT: Don Bailey reported on changes and updates

LOCAL DOT REPORT: Don Williams advised that:

1. The Shepherdstown alternative route for truck traffic was done by making minor modifications and upgrading an existing road;

2. DOH has obtained additional funds for litter control and brush cutting. They are behind on maintaining the secondary routes because some equipment is down. There is a priority list for mowing. Mr. Spencer’s concern will be taken to the DOH.

3. Regarding South University Avenue, Mr. Spencer’s information will be passed on to the DOH traffic engineers;

4. Communication had been received from Mr. Spencer regarding plantings on South University Avenue. Trees are not permissible because the plantings get too large and reduce visibility.

5. Bob Bell again expressed concern regarding the turn lane on Patteson Drive between Baldwin and Tacoma. People are getting into the turn lane too early and people can’t turn. Mr. Williams advised the lane is properly marked and it is more of a law enforcement issued, but he will take a look at it.

TAC/CAC: (No sub-committee reports for June)

JULY TAC: Review beginning for the Alternative Assessment Summary. All MPO members will review the ratings (see page 7 in July’s packet) and return to Chet to forward to URS. CAC will be reviewing this week and the MPO will review before any public hearings.

CAC: Ratings for the Alternative Assessment Summary were reviewed and project financing was discussed.

TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE: The tables show the latest ratings for the Transportation Plan and shows each project that made it into the ratings. Criteria used were social, environmental, and local support for the project. Chet asked the MPO Board to review and look for things that may be rated incorrectly. Costs are based on rough estimates but are being tweaked. TAC/CAC discussed whether or not if the weight of one criterion was more important than any other. Once feedback is received, all information will be turned over to URS. A draft will, hopefully, be completed in September or October.

Bob Bell asked why no discussion regarding Grumbine Island had been brought before the MPO. Chet and Ron Justice advised that there had been a few meetings that Chet attended. The engineers decided that there was not enough turning radii and that as a reroute, the issue is dead. The plans included a turning lane that would work and that is why the issue didn’t come before the MPO. The newspaper over expanded their reports of the issue.

MPO MEMBERSHIP: Frank Scafella moved to approve Barbara Parsons as the BOE’s replacement for Mike Kelly. Bob Bell seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Ron Justice recently met with Congressman Mollohan. He expressed an interest in attending the next MPO meeting. Chet will arrange his visit.

GIS INFORMATIONAL MEETING:

A report was received from WVU GIS Technical Center advising of their suggestions and different ways to save costs. At least twenty agencies have expressed a strong interest in the formation of a county wide GIS system. In order to have this happen, it is essential that the Assessor’s office be included. They have been asked to attend this evening’s MPO meeting but Assessor Pyles advised he had a commitment and could not attend. MPO Board members requested that Chet contact the Assessor, once again, to get a firm date that he can attend a meeting. Ron Kyle advised the first attempt made at GIS was in the mid-90’s but couldn’t get enough cooperation. Would really like to sell the idea now.

Frank Scafella moved to adjourn. Bob Bell seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.